UST LOST what could have been a 15th consecutive UAAP general championship—would have been its 40th over all—to De La Salle University last season. Was it a temporary setback for the proud Tigers? Or are the Archers for real?
Here is the Varsitarian’s fearless forecast on UST’s chances in the new season.
BADMINTON
Male Shuttlers
Last year: Fourth Place
Prediction: Fifth Place
With the exit of veterans Salvador Capunan and RJ Ormilla, head coach Noli Cajefe sees a tough outing for the Male Shuttlers this season, but the elder Cajefe expects Benjude Cajefe to lead the team, which will parade two rookies.
John Edgard Reyes and John Mark Sotea will join Cajefe, John Paul Pantig and Patrick Magnaye as they hope to reclaim lost luster for UST, which last won the championship in Season 73.
Coach Cajefe said his wards must improve if they want to be a Final Four contender, especially against primary threats Ateneo and La Salle.
“First, we need to develop our consistency and a new ‘Class A’ for doubles dahil nga nawala yung dalawa (Capunan and Ormilla),” he said. “Kailangan mabuo talaga ‘yung confidence and chemistry nila.”
Female Shuttlers
Last year: Fourth Place
Prediction: Fifth Place
With lone rookie Maria Vizmonte, the Female Shuttlers will field an almost intact lineup this season, to be led by national team mainstay Ana Patricia Barredo.
Much like their male counterparts, the Female Shuttlers need to be more consistent with their game and show no intimidation when playing against “superior” opponents.
“Sa badminton kasi may tinatawag na ‘superiority’ kapag national team [player] ang kalaban. Kapag regular player ka, nasa mindset na kaagad na hindi kaya, so dapat talaga lalaban nang mabuti, dapat walang pinipili para magkaroon ng chance,” he said.
Cajefe added that if they manage to beat at least one of top four contenders Ateneo, La Salle, University of the Philippines and University of the East, and with proper training, the Final Four will be well within their reach.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa players na dapat sa training pa lang, isipin na nila na UAAP na kasi kapag dumating na talaga ang laban, ready sila.”
BASKETBALL
Tigers
Last year: Second place
Prediction: Finals appearance
For a squad with a battle-tested roster, a championship isn’t far-fetched.
Despite the departure of point guard Jeric Fortuna, who has exhausted his playing years, coach Pido Jarencio believes 2013 Millennium Basketball League Most Valuable Player Eduardo Daquioag and hotshot Clark Bautista could step up.
Big man Karim Abdul, forward Aljon Mariano and team captain Jeric Teng are expected to lead the Growling Tigers this year, proving their capacity with a combined 42.68 points and 23.06 rebounds per outing last season.
FIBA U-18 delegate and forward Kent Lao and guards Edcor Marata and Jamil Sheriff are set to make their comebacks after being out for a year due to academic reasons.
A much-improved Kevin Ferrer and Paulo Pe will also fortify the wingmen positions, with rookies Jon Macasaet, Bryan So and Jeepy Faundo adding height and defense to the 16-man UST roster.
“This season’s lineup is cohesive enough and definitely a taller one,” Jarencio said.
Tiger Cubs
Last year: Third Place
Prediction: Final Four
The Tiger Cubs lost triple threat Prince Martin, Alvin Ungria and Nicko Bahia to graduation, along with key players James Abuyen, Alvin Baetiong, Martin Garcia, Charles Lavarias and Vaughn Soriano who also moved to college ranks.
“We are left with a very young team (14 to 16 years old), but the players are very promising,” coach Allan Ascue said.
Vince Dela Serna, Eric Marcelo, Earl Miquiabas, Enzo Montes, Ivan Reyes, Adolf Salinas and Kim Santos will bolster the Cubs’ Season 76 campaign, joining incumbent players Rean Berdijo, Klein Borje, Ice Dandan, Tristan Laman, Ronald Mayor and Patrick Ramirez.
“It’s going to be a tough test for the boys, but they are really blending well because of their experience in different pre-season tournaments,” Ascue said. “Our main goal is to enter the Final Four, [that we] secure any of the top two spots for us to get a twice-to-beat advantage.”
Tigresses
Last year: Sixth place
Prediction: Final Four
After placing third in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup, an intact Tigresses squad is now ready to avenge its disappointing finish last UAAP season.
They will once again lean on veterans Maica Cortes, who usually posts double-double performances, and Lore Rivera, who can lead the Tigresses’ backcourt, while the perimeter shooting of Janine Ong and team captain Marian Mejia should keep the defenders guessing.
If the Tigresses, who play run-and-gun offense, could improve their defensive breaks, presses and playmaking, they are well on their way to beating stronger teams like Far Eastern University and De La Salle University or even making it to the finals.
“It’s up to the Tigresses. If they will give their full heart and desire, we can beat [the other teams]. We will work hard, step by step, for the Final Four,” coach Chris Cantonjos said.
JUDO
Tiger Judokas
Last year: Champion
Prediction: Second Place
As the Tiger Judokas bid farewell to UAAP gold medalist Brian Llamas, silver medalists John Herrera and Harvey Navarro and veterans Stephen Que and Nash Tagle, a “three-peat” might be difficult to achieve.
Team captain and gold medalist Jon Rodriguez and veteran Al Rolan Llamas will lead the squad in defending their title this year. Silver medalists Lucky Flores and Adrian Mercado will complete this season’s lineup.
Rookies Renzo Cazenas and Rapahel Lim have the unenviable task of filling in the shoes of five key players, but coach Steve Esteban remains confident in his wards.
“They are promising and I know they can fill in the holes left by our players who have graduated,” he said. “I am confident in my team. I know they can enter this year’s Final Four again.”
Lady Judokas
Last year: Champion
Prediction: Final Four
The Lady Judokas’ drive for a fourth straight title will rely on a fresh team including11 rookies.
Rhodea Mae Bayas, Alexis Belen, Katrina Bernardino, Sarrah Enriquez, Trina Esguerra, Tracy Jean Honorio, Khrizzie Pabulayan, Kimberly Pantoja, Shaine Pineda and Lorelei Tolentino will be part of this year’s lineup after Most Valuable Player and gold medalist Jewel de Castro, Diane Villalobos and Setsuko Ando have all exhausted their playing years.
“The team will be undergoing many adjustments for the rookies to catch up,” coach Gerald Arce said. “The newcomers know how to play the sport, but not everything can be taught to them by training alone. They still need experience for them to be great in this league.”
Silver medalist and team captain Jyniene Honorio will be leading the Lady Judokas this season, along with last season’s Rookie of the Year Sueko Kinjho, Janet Alhido, Michaela Billones, Bai Aminah Lucman, Princess Lucman and Ednorly San Andres.
“The team’s performance in the off-season tournaments is commendable. They are fighting, and the passion for the sport is there,” Arce said.
TAEKWONDO
Tiger Jins
Last year: Champion
Prediction: Champion
Paulo Darilag and Dane Pio de Roda will no longer suit up for the Tiger Jins, but the squad remains the strongest championship contender this season as they try to extend their winning streak to three.“They (Tiger Jins) had their time and they matured. I expect my team to get all four titles,” said coach Dindo Simpao, who added that Poomsae is now a recognized sport in the UAAP.
Simpao considers De La Salle University as their toughest competitor this season.
Lady Jins
Last year: Second place
Prediction: Champion
Losing Jade Zafra and Alexis Amarillo to graduation, the Lady Jins will have to double their efforts if they are to avenge their loss to De La Salle University in last year’s championship.
“‘Whoever wants it (championship) the most would get it’ are coach Dindo’s usual words to motivate us,” team captain Faye Eranzo said
