Ateneo, La Salle tackle separate foes in Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup

De La Salle University tips off its Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup campaign tomorrow, Saturday, April 13, at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan with an eye towards the big prize in October.

The Green Archers, who made a triumphant return into the UAAP Final Four last season after missing out the previous year, are back with key reinforcements for the new collegiate hoops campaign. They tangle with UAAP-tournament favorite UST at 4pm.

Kirel Brahndon “Kib” Montalbo will make his debut with La Salle that is sans LA Revilla, who is still recovering from a foot operation. Montalbo will join Mark Jayven Tallo in backing up Thomas Torres at the point guard position.

La Salle official David Dichupa disclosed that shooting guard Luigi de la Paz is also on the road to recovery following an operation for a dislocated shoulder.

“They can join the drills but are not cleared for games,” said Dichupa. “Hopefully, they will be able to play by the end of the tournament and in time for the UAAP.”

Other newcomers expected to provide support in the Green Archers’ drive to a championship are Fil-Americans Jason Andrew Perkins (Minnesota) and Matthew Salem (Florida), and shooting guard Michael Haruna (New Jersey). Coming up from the juniors ranks is La Salle Greenhills standout two-guard Robert Bolick.

Aside from Revilla, missing from the Archers’ lineup from last season are Jed Manguera, Jovet Mendoza, Joshua Webb and Alfonzo Gotladera. Mendoza and Webb have graduated. Manguera is currently recuperating from an ankle injury.

La Salle’s longtime rival, Ateneo, will take on Cebu champion Southwestern University in the nightcap, at 6p.m. The Blue Eagles, five-time UAAP defending champions, will parade forward Christopher Newsome (from Rio Rancho in Texas), blue chip recruit Jerie Pingoy from FEU-FERN, guards Christopher Gavia (from Holy Child School in Davao) and Earl Murphy (from Southville International School), and power forward Vince Tolentino (from Vancouver College).

The opening ceremony is at 1p.m. followed by San Beda going against NU at 2p.m. The guest of honor is Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Ricardo Garcia and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Renauld "Sonny" Barrios.

The Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup is presented by Hanes and Vulcaseal/Bostick. The collegiate basketball tournament is co-presented by Master Facial Wash, Starmobile, Meralco, and San Mig Coffee. Sponsors include DHL, Nature’s Spring, Reyes BBQ, Banco De Oro, and Bayo. Minor sponsors include Molten, Brother’s Burger, San Marino, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Bacchus Energy Drink.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets 470-2222. Television coverage is live on Saturdays over ABS-CBN Studio 23.