Reinforced Archers still UAAP 80 title favorites

MANILA, Philippines — You know what is frightening about this La Salle squad? They are even hungrier. For a defending championship squad? Surely you jest.

No. Not at all.

First and foremost, the Green Archers restocked, and that always brings up questions on chemistry and who-will-stand-up concerns and challenges. After all, they are replacing some standouts in Jeron Teng, Jason Perkins and Thomas Torres, who were vital cogs in the mean green machine.

Now the new additions aren’t slouches. Santi Santillan, who came by way of National University, has shown flashes of a big-time player. His rapid development has even displaced Abu Tratter from his starting spot. He can shoot from the outside and operate inside. His length allows him to grab crucial boards. And you do not want to give La Salle second chances because they will make you pay.

Joshua Gonzales was an up and coming player with the University of the East and he was in Derrick Pumaren’s rotation. He does a lot of the dirty work and can score on you if you do not respect him. Along with Santillan, he adds a lot of toughness and physicality to this team.

And there’s Gabe Capacio, the former Ateneo Blue Eaglet (who is a balik-La Salle player having been from De La Salle Zobel too), who has shown that he can thrive rather silently.

Second, they were denied in the preseason (defending their Filoil Flying V Premier Cup crown) so they have had their ups and downs, not to mention knocks. They know it isn’t easy as they are somewhat vulnerable this year.

However, make no mistake. They remain the prohibitive favorites to annex another title.  

Ben Mbala’s presence assures that La Salle will be a favorite. What hasn’t been said about his game-changing presence? Further to that, he’s added a 3-point shot to his arsenal of moves. While that may take him out of the paint, you must remember he has speed and is quick to recover go for the offensive board.

And he’s going to have plenty of help inside with Prince Rivero, Santillan, Tratter, Justine Baltazar, and Joshua Gonzales.

In case teams have good shaded lane defense, then have to worry about the deadeye shooting of Aljun Melecio and Andrei Caracut. Kib Montalbo can be clutch too.

Montalbo is a crucial part of head coach Aldin Ayo’s tactics. He lives and breathes Ayo’s game plan. He can be physical and his offense won’t suffer for it. Don’t be surprised if the ball goes down to him in the clutch (what options they have in Mbala and Melecio).

That perimeter defense better be working as well because you now have to watch out for Ricci Rivero, who has gained so much more experience in the preseason. His ability to get to the rim and finish the fast break will have teams worried because he can drop those passes to a waiting Mbala (not to mention the others).

Any weaknesses? Not much, but if one can keep the game close, they have a chance. We’ve seen that happen a lot in the preseason. But they have had weeks to adjust and iron out those kinks.

When people wonder that La Salle didn’t look the same in the preseason, that is because they didn’t have Prince Rivero and Montalbo for long stretches. With them back in harness, Ayo will have a full complement of studs and big game players.

They’ll book one finals seat. Now who is going to take it from them?