Tamaraws loom team to beat in 73rd UAAP

MANILA, Philippines - With a near-intact roster headed by Smart Gilas Pilipinas mainstays and a talented rookie, Far Eastern U looms as the team to beat when the 73rd season of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament is fired off July 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ateneo remains a contender for a third straight crown but without former MVP Rabeh Al Hussaini and two other vital cogs of the back-to-back champion team, the Eagles will be hard-pressed to complete a dream three-peat.

The Tams will boost their own drive for a title since completing a three-peat five years ago on a team built around Smart Gilas veterans Aldrech Ramos and JR Cawaling and holdovers RR Garcia, Jens Knuttel, Reil Cervantes, Paul Sanga, Cameroonian Pipo Nuondou and Christopher Exciminiano.

Focus will also be on rookie Terrence Romeo, who once burned the hoops with an 83-point explosion in a UAAP high school game as a Junior Tam.

But FEU mentor Glen Capacio opted to downplay the Tams’ chances.

“We’re not that strong but we can compete with the best collegiate team. We’ll prepare as hard as we can to win that elusive crown,” Capacio said.

Only playmaker Mark Barroca, also with Smart Gilas, isn’t returning for the Tams this year.

The Eagles, in contrast, have lost Al Hussaini, Noy Baclao and Jai Reyes to graduation and Chris Sumalinog to season-ending knee injury.

“FEU has an intact team, they’re going to be tough this year,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black, whose wards recently won the 16th Fr. Martin Cup crown.

“It’s going to be difficult for us because Rabeh is a very, very good player. Of course, Noy Baclao is also valuable,” said Black.

It will actually be an early test of strength as FEU and Ateneo clash at 4 p.m. in the new season’s second playdate on July 12 preceding the 2 p.m. duel between University of the Philippins and National U, also at the Big Dome.

University of Santo Tomas and Adamson tangle at 2 p.m. while La Salle and UE collide at 4 p.m. in the inaugurals.

UE coach Lawrence Chongson and La Salle mentor Dindo Pumaren also believe FEU and Ateneo will be the teams to beat this season.

“They’re both formidable. FEU has good import (Noundou) and Smart Gilas players in their roster while Ateneo has a future Hall of Fame coach (Black) and strong alumni support,” said Chongson.