Tams sans stars clash with Stags

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning UAAP champion Far Eastern University parades a virtual brand new team when it opens its campaign in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup against San Sebastian College at The Arena in San Juan City today.

The Tams, who beat the University of Santo Tomas Tigers to claim the UAAP crown last year, will be without Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, Russel Escoto, Roger Pogoy and Francis Tamsi when they go up against the Stags at 1:30 p.m.

Expected to step up for the Morayta-based squad 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 effort to fill the void,” said FEU coach Nash Racela.

University of the Philippines, meanwhile, sets out against Perpetual Help at 3:15 p.m. with new coach Bo Perasol, the former Ateneo coach who takes over from former mentor Rensy Bajar.

Interestingly, the Bright Akhuetie-led Altas will also 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, on the other hand, take on 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 five-game bill is the National U-College of St. Benilde clash at 5 p.m.

The Bulldogs have recruited three strong players in JV Gallego, Matt Salem and Matthew Aquino as they step up their buildup for the UAAP wars.

Gallego, a rookie out of Chiang Kai Shek, was supposed to debut last year but failed to suit up due to academic problems, while Salem transferred from La Salle.

The 6-7 Aquino, son of former PBA star Marlou, has completed his residency requirements after leaving Adamson and should be a key part of NU mentor Eric Altamirano’s rotation.

“We’re excited of the talents we have this year,” said Altamirano.