UE to defend Filoil crown, step closer to ECJ trophy

MANILA, Philippines - When the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup tips off Wednesday at the San Juan Arena, the University of the East Red Warriors open the college season in an unfamiliar role – that of defending champions.

The Red Warriors know that a pre-season title doesn’t automatically mean the UAAP wars are a done deal. In the seven previous stagings, only two summer champions have gone on to win their respective collegiate league titles – La Salle in 2007 and Ateneo in 2011 in the UAAP.

Also, they will be parading a new head coach in Derek Pumaren, their fourth head coach in the last four seasons and will be without former mainstays Adrian Santos, Ralf Olivares, JM Noble, and Jai Flores who have all used up their playing eligibility.

Pumaren will count on fourth year point guard and scoring sensation Roi Sumang, forward Gino Jumao-as, and center Charles Mammie to lead their campaign.

Also at stake is, at least for UE – aside from defending their title -- is moving one step closer to bringing home the Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Perpetual Trophy that goes to the first college team to win three consecutive Filoil crowns. The trophy was named in honor of the businessman-sportsman who has supported and championed so many national, professional, and amateur teams.