DLSU tests UB in ‘Champs’ opener

The ultimate collegiate basketball tournament in the land, the competition that will decide truly the No. 1 among all title-holders — Champions League 2002 — comes off the wraps today at the Makati Coliseum.

De La Salle, a leading power in the UAAP, battles University of Baguio at 1 p.m., while University of Santo Tomas takes on University of Manila at 3.

La Salle assistant coach Jack Santiago said the Green Archers are looking forward to the tournament and are anxious to see how they will match up agaisnt the traditional strengths from the provinces.

"We know little about UB so we’ll probably do most of our scouting in the first half," said Santiago during the league’s organizational meeting. "Any necessary adjustments will have to be done during the break. Coach Franz also plans to give our younger players more exposure."

Danny Soria of UB, acknowledges that La Salle’s experience and depth put the Cardinals at a disadvantage.

"We’re just happy to be here, at the chance to play a high-caliber Manila team like La Salle," said Soria. "Basta huwag lang matambakan."

The elimination, quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are all knockout affairs, with only the championship, supported by Petron, San Miguel Corporation, Adidas, Hapee and PLDT, given a longer best-of-three series.

In the same game, the UST Growling Tigers should find their hands full warding off the UM Hawks.

"Kami na-scout nila samantalang sila, di namin kilala ang players kaya advantage agad yun para sa kanila," said UST assistant coach Eusebio ‘Boy’ Ong.

"At sigurado namang malakas ang UM dahil champion sila sa liga nila, e."

Ato Tolentino, the UM coach disgrees.

"Mas beterano sila dahil wala akong mga PBL players," said Tolentino. "Sa height lamang din sila. Pero sa bilis at outside shooting, siguro halos parehas lang kami. Doon na lang sa laro magkakapaan yan."

La Salle, initially, had sought a postponement of its opening game following the death of one of its reserve players, 6-5 Miguelito Gozum, the other day.

The Green Archers, led by their athletic moderator Ramoncito Campos, reconsidered, however, after organizers explained to them that the tournament’s tight schedule permits practically no leeway for such adjustments.