FEU to field fresh roster in Filoil cagefest
MANILA, Philippines – Reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern University will parade practically a brand new team when it clashes with San Sebastian Wednesday in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Tams, who beat the Santo Tomas Tigers to claim the UAAP crown last year, will play minus Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, Russel Escoto, Roger Pogoy and Francis Tamsi in their 1:30 p.m. duel with the Stags, who will brandish their new coach Egay Macaraya.
Expected to step up for the Morayta-based dribblers are Monbert Arong, Ron Dennison, Richard Escoto, Achi Inigo, Joel Lee Yu, Prince Orizu, Raymar Hose and Joel Allen Trinidad along with Fil-Norweigan Ken and Steve Holmqvist.
"We lost some key players so we have to double our efforts to fill those voids," said FEU coach Nash Racela.
University of the Philippines will showcase its newly appointed coach Bo Perasol, who was officially appointed just a few days ago in time for its 3:15 p.m. encounter with a Bright Akhuetie-led Perpetual Help.
Interestingly, the Altas will have their own coaching staff composed of former player Nigerian Nic Omorogbe, lawyer Barry Neil Tobias and school owner Antonio Tamayo.
Jio Jalalon and the Arellano U Chiefs tackle the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals at 11:15 a.m. while the Mapua Cardinals, led by reigning NCAA Rookie MVP Allwell Oraeme, tangle with the Lyceum Phl U Pirates at 9:30 a.m.
Completing the heavy-game offering is the game pitting National U against College of St. Benilde at 5 p.m.
Interestingly, NU has recruited three strong players in JV Gallego, Matt Salem and Matthew Aquino.
Gallego, a rookie out of Chiang Kai Shek, was supposed to debut last year but was shelved the whole year due to academic problems, while Salem transferred from La Salle.
The 6-7 Aquino, son of former PBA star Marlou, had undergone residency for one whole year after he left Adamson and should be a key part of the rotation of NU mentor Eric Altamirano.
"We're excited of the talents we have this year," said Altamirano.
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