UAAP 81 Preview: Overhauled UST Tigers can flourish under Ayo

UAAP Season 80 record: 1-13
Key losses: Jordan Sta. Ana, Jeepy Faundo, Regie Basibas, Wendell De Guzman, Carlos Escalambre, Jorem Soriano, Jon Macasaet, Cristian Garcia, Justin Arana, Marvin Romero, Godwin Kwawukumey, Leon Lorenzana.
New additions: Tobi Agustin, Dave Ando, Ira Bataller, Nathaniel Cosejo, JM Lagumen, Germy Mahinay, Joshua Marcos, Ken Zamora
Returning players: Renzo Subido, Mario Bonleon

Talk about a near total overhaul. Only four players were in a UST uniform last season — Steve Akomo, Enrique Caunan, Zach Huang and Marvin Lee. 

Say what you want about UST, but they upgraded their team even in new coach Aldin Ayo’s first year.

How so?

Akomo will have help in the stratospheric Dave Ando (out of the University of San Jose Recoletos Baby Jaguars) and Germy Mahinay. Ando doesn’t really need plays called for him. He knows how to move without the ball. When he was playing in Cesafi, he didn’t get instant baskets, but was good with grabbing a bunch of offensive boards before making a putback. On the other hand, I didn’t find Mahinay too impressive when he was with San Beda, where he didn’t do too well in his last two seasons. But during the summer while playing for Lyceum, he showed better moves and a better touch. He wasn’t going to be lined up right away, and Lyceum’s loss is UST’s gain.

Now, is Akomo in shape? Under Ayo, I am sure he is.

What I like is how this team played at a frenetic pace that really is like that of Ayo’s old team in Letran. No, not the Mayhem team in La Salle, but one closer to the Knights. 

During the summer leagues, without Akomo, Ando and Mahinay, they were a bomb squad. A conscience-less team that fired away with abandon. With their bigs in place, it would be interesting to see how they have integrated all the new parts.

But let’s take a look at their heavy artillery.

First, there is the return of Renzo Subido, who has gotten better after playing against better competition in the PBA D-League. While he’s become an even better shooter, it is his confidence and strength that makes him a player to watch. 

Transferee Ken Zamora out of Arellano has become such an important piece to this team with his spunk, hustle, and shooting. If you ask me, he will define this team because of the first two reasons I pointed out.

And there’s Marvin Lee, who has never met a shot he doesn’t like.

This is a team you cannot give an open 3-point try. Because they feed on these runs.

And speaking of bombers, there’s UST Tiger Cubs standout CJ Cansino, who will grow a lot in his first year as he will be given the playing time.

Other key players will be Zach Huang and Enrique Caunan. If their summer performances are any indication, both are going to be huge parts for their team. Huang has displayed the promise he showed while playing at Ateneo de Cebu. He has become a competitor inside the shaded lane. He can play either wing spots while Caunan, a selfless player will provide bonus points but mucho extra possessions and a lot of heart.

I like the recruitment of Joshua Marcos out of La Salle Greenhills, but he struggled in the preseason because of the tougher competition. But make no mistake, this kid has talent. He will grow into it if given a chance.

The question mark here is Mario Bonleon. Another kid with talent coming out of LSGH (after being recruited out of the provinces years before). He has been perennially feuding and finding his place. If he can put points on the board and not torpedo this team with his off-court concerns, Ayo will have a tough team.

If this team can stay in the game for more than a half of basketball, they’ll be tough to beat.