UAAP First Games I

AdU vs. UP
The Falcons have an intact line-up this year compared to the Maroons. Most of Adamson's players extensively improved and was proven more after placing second to DLSU in the Fr. Martin's Cup during the off-season. These guys from San Marcelino nearly made it to the final four last year had not they lost the game against the Archers for the fourth position. Coach Trillo's team is definitely an improved team. The Maroons on the other hand, lost JR Reyes who undeniably played a vital role for the Maroons. There's nothing wrong in desiring to win the first game knowing it's a competition against the fifth placer of last year's season. But I do not know what to conclude after we lost the game against the Falcons. Are the players just not good enough or was it an issue again of placing wrong players at crucial times? Some players are sometimes overlooked just like what happened to Nestor David last year. Coach Vergara didn't give him enough playing time because he was too focused on Marvin Cruz as he expected the rookie last year to play the way he did during his junior years. I didn't like what Coach Vergara said which was quoted in a certain newspaper, "Siguro makakaganda na rin yung wala sila, (Bornancin and Reyes) kasi makaka-step up na 'yung ibang players. Wala na kasing star player sa team." I don't think it was appropriate to even say mas mabuti na wala sila. Please! Lets us give some respect to these two guys. They didn't scored zero.

UP lost the game big time. But compliments to Josant Cervantes and Toti Almeda for standing up for the team.



FEU vs. UE
How would a team feel if half of their veteran players are gone and they're about to face the defending UAAP champs and the big winner of the recently concluded PBL? It was indeed a great challenge for the Warriors after facing the Tamaraws on their first game, which was held this afternoon. FEU is still fresh from grabbing the PBL title while UE is still trying to blend together since most players are new and they have a new coach, Dindo Pumaren. It's up to their remaining veterans KG Canaleta, Paolo Hubalde and JR Masbang to lead the team to the final four.