UAAP 81 Preview: Adamson Falcons still a Final Four contender

UAAP Season 80 record and finish: (9-5; semifinals)
Losses: Tyrus Hill, Kurt Lojera, Nikko Paranda, Robbie Manalang, Terence Mustre, Dawn Ochea, Leo Frias
Additions: CJ Catapusan, Egie Boy Mojica, Vince Magbuhos, Jerom Lastimosa, Jed Colonia, Ivan Maata

You cannot but help feel for the Adamson Soaring Falcons, whose manpower buildup of the previous years, where they brought in a bumper crop of Fil-Ams to backstop local talent, were supposed to seriously challenge for a title. This is the year where many of those players would have soaked in all that experience and really contend for a title. But disenchantment for a variety of reasons saw some leave for other schools or return to their hometowns. 

It isn’t that they are out of the running. Far from it. Franz Pumaren has always been a solid recruiter. And he has brought in some replacement killers and in my opinion, this is might be a better team.

The Replacement Killers

Of those who are no longer with the team, Manalang averaged 9.7 points, Lojera 4.9, and Hill 4.4 points per game.

So this team needs to find those 18-plus points. 

Sean Manganti will pick up some of that slack. So will Jerrick Ahanmisi. But of the newcomers to this team, I figure Vince Magbuhos and Jerom Lastimosa to plug in with serious minutes and contributions. Egie Mojica is another player in the mold of Magbuhos — athletic, tough and can shoot. But unlike Magbuhos who seems more confident, for Mojica, he’s still getting the hang of it. But this kid is good.

Jed Colonia is a rookie out of Ateneo de Cebu and they will help this team. 

Magbuhos has a tremendous upside. He is athletic, brave, and well, as it is said in the vernacular, “buo yung loob.” He could even be the surprise package for Adamson. Consistency though is important and well, showing up in the UAAP. We have seen players have promising preseasons but wilt under the UAAP spotlight. 

Lastimosa has shown that he run the point for this team. With Jerie Pingoy recovering from nagging injuries during the summer and pre-season, when Lastimosa was in, the play stabilized. Jonathan Espeleta is more of a shooting guard than a natural point. Jed Colonia is young and learning the ropes, but he has shown flashes during the pre-season. But this kid is good. 

Sean Manganti should step up

Coming into Season 80, Rob Manalang was the guy who carried the Falcons the previous year. But as Manalang’s gunsights were off tangent, it became Jerrick Ahanmisi who would carry the cudgels for Adamson. This year, I figure it will be Sean Manganti who will take it to the next level.

For one, it’s the final year for Sean Manganti (and Jerie Pingoy). You know they want to give a good account of themselves before heading for the PBA Draft. Manganti has really lifted his game since the summer leagues. With Jerrick Ahanmisi marked by opposing teams, Manganti has taken advantage of this. He has improved in his overall play – assisting teammates, attacking the basket more, and making hustle plays. And he has also done it on the defensive end coming up with steals and huge blocks. 

Watch out for him.

The Papi Sarr factor

Make no mistake, this is a deep and talented team. Maybe even better. Yes, do not snicker. They are good. But there are a lot of “ifs.” 

If they can put it all together. 

If they can play consistently.

But all those ifs will be for naught if Papi Sarr cannot be an impact player. I have opined that Papi Sarr has to make this team better. And he needs to stay on the floor if Adamson wants a chance to win games. He can be tough some games and invisible in others. But when he is on his game, he is unstoppable. 

If Papi can stay in the game really late and have an impact, teams better watch out.

But Papi will have help from the up and coming Simon Camacho who is getting better with every year. His stellar showing during the D-League and summer leagues should help his confidence. 

And lastly, can this team handle the pressure?

Not only the pressure of the games but their head coach, Franz Pumaren. Coach Franz is a multi-titled coach in the pros and the collegiate ranks. But he is demanding and the question is if players can handle that. Some have wilted under that while others have thrived. If this team can, they will be okay. 

Adamson has finished fourth and third place in Pumaren’s first two years. It stands to reason that they would like to move up higher and win a championship. 

Definitely a Final Four contender. How far they go will depend on all the points raised above.