MANILA, Philippines — Paborito pa rin ang defending champion University of the Philippines at Ateneo de Manila University sa UAAP Season 85 men’s basketbal tournament na sasambulat sa Sabado sa Mall of Asia Arena sa Pasay City.
Ito ang paniniwala ng karamihan sa mga coaches sa liga.
Subalit handa ang iba pang koponan na maglatag ng magandang laban lalo pa’t matinding preparasyon ang pinagdaanan ng lahat ng teams sa season na ito.
“At least ang players namin, well-prepared sila coming to battle talaga,” ani National University head coach Jeff Napa.
Intact din ang De La Salle University at sinabi ni Green Archers head coach Derick Pumaren na mas maganda ang preparasyon ng kanilang tropa ngayon kumpara noong nakaraang season.
“I think we’re more prepared this time, not like the bubble tournament where we only had less than a month to get ready,” ani Pumaren.
Handa na ang lahat para sa engrandeng pagbubukas ng liga.
Matapos ang dalawang taong pagkagipit dahil sa pandemya, masisilayan na ng lubos ang pagbabalik ng lahat ng sports sa season na ito.
“Now, we are back and full of life. For the past two years, it’s not just the UAAP that was affected. The entire world was affected,” ani UAAP Season 85 President Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM ng Adamson University.
Nangunguna sa listahan ang men’s basketball na hahataw sa Sabado habang aariba rin ang kabuuang 60 events mula sa 21 iba’t ibang sporting events.
Unang maglalaro ang season host Adamson University at University of Santo Tomas sa alas-2 ng hapon kasunod ang salpukan ng defending champion University of the Philippines at De La Salle University sa alas-4 ng hapon.
“We are excited that collegiate sports is fully back with women’s basketball opening our festivities this weekend. We are grateful to Cignal as it will air the women’s basketball games during weekends on the Varsity Channel,” sambit ni UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag Jr.
Sa Oktubre 2, masisilayan naman ang bakbakan ng National University at University of the East sa alas-2 at ng Far Eastern University at Ateneo de Manila University sa alas-4.