Tamaraws, Eagles have big edge in talent, experience

MANILA, Philippines - To UAAP watchers, the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Far Eastern U Tams are the top contenders and the rest all dark horses in the 2010 UAAP season unfolding today at the Araneta Coliseum.

Pundits say the Eagles and the Tams simply have richer talents, making them a cinch to make the Final Four.

The other teams are given equal chances of making the semifinals before eventually settling for third and fourth places in the tourney where the Eagles will set out to chase a third straight crown.

FEU is considered the top seed with its solid lineup while Ateneo is the second seed for its championship experience.

Former UP Maroons Ryan Gregorio and Bo Perasol, and former UP Junior Maroon Allan Gregorio picked the Tams and the Eagles as top bets with the Maroons and the Warriors ranking next.

Arwind Santos, a former UAAP MVP with FEU, has no doubt in his mind his school would be champ again, with UST, Adamson and National U joining the Tams in the Top Four.

Former UST mainstay Alfrancis Chua agrees FEU and Ateneo are the top bets with Adamson and NU completing his Final Four forecast.

Virgil Villavicencio, a former La Salle player and coach, pointed to FEU, Ateneo and Adamson as the top three with the fourth place a toss up among UP, UE and UST.

Former UST juniors coach Charlie Dy also has FEU, Ateneo and Adamson as top three favorites with La Salle, NU and UP his choices to contend for the last slot in the semis.

Former La Salle star Macmac Cardona said it’s anybody’s game.

“FEU has the best talent and Ateneo has the championship experience although the absence of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Noy Baclao and Jai Reyes will be hard to fill,” said Gregorio.

“UE has the best point guard in Paul Lee while UP is finally expected to make it to the Final Four with Mike Silungan likely to bring the team to the next level,” Gregorio added.

The Warriors marched their way back to the finals last year but settled for second place, not having enough arsenal to match up with the talent-laden Eagles.

They had a good run last season, but signs are not encouraging this time around with Pari Llagas and Elmer Espiritu no longer around.

Two other members of last year’s starting unit – Val Acuña and Rudy Lingganay – will not be returning as well for the Lawrence Chongson-coached squad.

The Tams are expected to make a big improvement with a solid cast placing second behind the San Sebastian Stags in the recent Fil-Oil Flying V Collegiate Invitational tourney.