Archers determined to stay on top

MANILA, Philippines — It’s reigning champion La Salle against everybody else.

From being the “hunter” last season, the Green Archers become the “hunted” and they’re ready to take the punches and scratches from everyone in the UAAP kingdom when the 87th Season unfurls this weekend at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Marching into the battlefield as the undisputed heavy favorites, head coach Topex Robinson promised their readiness – and willingness – to earn their way to the top anew with a mantra as if they’re not on the summit already.

“Season 86 is history and nobody could take it away from us. We’ve won that season but we’re not the champions anymore,” Robinson said during the pre-season press conference yesterday at the Novotel Manila in Cubao.

“What we want to focus on is how to be champions again and it’s something that we’ve prepared for and something na excited kaming lahat.”

In Season 86, La Salle pulled off a great comeback to frustrate UP, 2-1, and regain the UAAP throne after a seven-year drought.

Gilas Pilipinas forward Kevin Quiambao led that run en route to the Season MVP and Finals MVP plums as Robinson also captured his first collegiate championship after coaching stints with San Sebastian and Lyceum in the NCAA.

Although La Salle lost some of its core including Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy, it still boasts a formidable unit with Quiambao and Mike Philips as holdovers.