Tamaraws, Knights seek redemption

MANILA, Philippines -  With an intact roster, Far Eastern U hopes to atone for its string of misfortunes last year, including a pair of runner-up finishes in the UAAP and the Filoil Flying V tournament.

‘’We still have the core of our team in the last three years so we remain strong,” said Bert Flores, who took over the coaching reins from Glenn Capacio, who quit last year due to health reasons, in Filipino.

“We will do our best to win again that’s why we really have to have solid preparation,” said Flores, who served as team consultant for FEU for the last five years.

With the prolific RR Garcia, Reil Cervantes, JR Cawaling, Jens Knuttel and Pipo Noundou leading the team, FEU is tipped to figure prominently this year, starting with the 2011 Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup firing off April 9 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Backstopping the Tams are last year’s Rookie of the Year Terrence Romeo, Mark Bringas, Carl Cruz, Chris Exciminiano and Gryanne Mendoza.

Backing up Flores on the bench are ex-pros and former star Tamaraws Johnny Abarrientos and Vic Pablo and Richie Ticzon.

Flores, who also has a pair of talented rookies in Russell Escoto and Cris Tolomia, said the team is hungry for title. 

Like FEU, Letran vowed to come back strong this year.

Once regarded as among the top squads in the NCAA, the Knights’ performance dipped in the last two seasons.

Coach Louie Alas will lean on the likes of Kevin Alas and Jam Cortes with support to come from Franz Dysam, Aloy Taplah, Victor Espiritu, Jonathan Belorio, Alberto Rodil and Andrei Pantin and rookies Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal, who are both coming from the school’s junior program.

‘’Just like last year, we are not that strong on paper but we’ll try to maximize what we have and hopefully will be able to tap a couple of players who can help us,’’ Alas said. “But for sure, we will go out there fighting.”

But FEU and Letran will be facing a formidable field that includes Ateneo, La Salle, San Beda, San Sebastian and UST, which is making its first stint in the Filoil league.

The Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup is presented by Mighty Bond Xtreme and Elastoseal and backed by Filoil, Flying V, Hanes, Smart, TMS Ship Agencies, Inc., Cobra Energy Drink, BDO, Molten, RCBC, Bayo, Bacchus Energy Drink, Gatorade, Sife Pilipinas, Standard Chartered Bank and RX 93.1

Tickets will be available at SM Tickets at 470-2222.