In fact, the defending champions have struggled in the early going of the 69th season that saw them drop their first three assignments, including a setback to the league’s perennial whipping team National U, to find themselves in the cellar.
Sure, the Tams, who beat the La Salle Archers in last year’s finale, were never the same again after the likes of PBA-bound Arwind Santos and Mark Isip have graduated and the team starts to rebuild behind a core of younger players.
But losing their top players shouldn’t be an excuse.
"Our team is playing like carabaos instead of tamaraws," said Anton Montinola, the Morayta-based school’s board representative. "We must defend our championship with honor, having a new team is not a valid excuse for lack of teamwork and fighting spirit."
Montinola also denied reports that Bert Flores, who steered the school to last year’s title on his first coaching job, is on the way out.
"No it’s not true, our coaching staff works hard. But there should be a change of attitude and work ethic," said Montinola.
Aside from Santos and Isip, the Tams have also lost RJ Rizada, Eder Saldua and Alelu Flores, who all helped them win the crown last season.
Jonas Villanueva and Jeff Chan have been dishing out steady games but the same could not be said on veterans Francis Barcellano, Benedict Fernandez, Roser Mangahas and Marlon Adolfo.
Barcellano should dominate with his size, heft and experience but has been given minimal minutes by Flores while Fernandez and Adolfo have been inconsistent.
Mangahas sustained an injury in an overtime loss to pre-season favorite University of the East and have since missed two straight games.
Despite a 0-3 mark, Flores remains hopeful of their title-retention bid.
"I keep telling the boys to remain positive and work harder," said Flores.
The Tams, however, would need more than positive thinking and hard work when they take on the Ateneo Eagles, currently atop the heap with a 3-0 (win-loss) slate, tomorrow.