Strong fifth realistic goal for Bulldogs this year

Winning the Fr. Martin Cup last summer must’ve served notice of National University’s strength in this year’s UAAP basketball tournament. But coach Rico Perez doesn’t want his wards to fall into a false sense of security and instead chose to be realistic of their chances.

"Strong fifth," said Perez, a second year coach for the Bulldogs, regarding his team’s target this season. "And I’m really being realistic about our chances because Ateneo, La Salle, FEU and UE are expected to be there on top."

Truly, the defending champion Blue Eagles and perennial contenders Archers, the Tams and the Warriors are given that much respect owing to their solid and talent-laden rosters. But that doesn’t mean the UST Tigers, the UP Maroons, the Adamson Falcons and the Bulldogs would be willing prey to the powerhouse teams.

In fact, Perez, for all his candor and pragmatism, remains hopeful that the Bulldogs will hurdle some barriers along the way and redeem themselves from their forgettable last-place finish last year.

"People don’t really expect us to make it big this year. We have the smallest line-up among eight teams. So when we won over La Salle in the Fr. Martin Cup finals, teams are now starting to respect us," Perez said.

"But we’ll only think of that (Final Four) if we’re one or two games away from making the cut," he added.

This year, Perez, member of NU’s coaching staff then headed by Manny Dandan when the Bulldogs stunned everyone with a Final Four appearance two years ago, is pinning his hopes on his veterans.

"We’ve been together for almost eight months now and that togetherness will be a crucial factor for us this year," said Perez.

"Mas preparado talaga kami this season compared to last year. But of course, our veterans will play the main role," added Perez, referring to skipper Rey Mendoza, Froilan Baguion, Bryan Tolentino, Dave Catamora, Ronnie Cajayon and vastly improved Alex Miclat.

While most rivals are considering the Blue Eagles as the team to beat, Perez picks FEU and UE to clash for this year’s title and thinks the Tamaraws will eventually win the crown.

"FEU because of its size, quickness and PBL experience. UE because of its quickness and the Warriors have been playing together after last season," said Perez. "Malakas din ang Ateneo kaya lang after winning the title last year watak-watak na sila."

And La Salle?

"La Salle has a winning tradition so I expect them to go at it again kaya lang si coach Franz (Pumaren) mismo nagsabi, walo ang rookies nila," said Perez, whose first coaching stint was with the La Salle Greenies in the NCAA from 1998 to 2001.

For Perez, however, the biggest battle will be fought down under.

"Ang 5, 6, 7, 8 teams mahigpit ang labanan niyan dahil bukod sa marami kaming rookies, lahat kami may gustong patunayan."