Archers, Blazers on target

MANILA, Philippines - Sister teams De La Salle University and College of St. Benilde bring their acts to the 2011 Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup, and each one is looking forward to a fruitful campaign, with an eye towards getting to a higher level in their respective leagues.

The Green Archers, who made the UAAP Final Four last year, boast of a rich winning tradition not only in the UAAP, but also in the Filoil Flying V tournament, having won the first two editions of the country’s premier pre-season league (2006-2007).

So it’s really not surprising if the Archers, with second-year coach Dindo Pumaren at the helm, contend for yet another title in the two-month long tournament presented by Mighty Bond Extreme Elastoseal in cooperaton with ABS-CBN Sports, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and major backers Hanes, Cobra Energy Drink, Molten, San Marino, TMS Ship Agency, BDO, Oxican, Gatorade, RCBC, Bacchus Energy Drink and RX 93-9.

After all, the Archers have emerged as a big threat with last year’s mainstays Simon Atkins, Joshua Webb and Maui Villanueva and rising stars Sam Marata, Luigi dela Paz, Yutien, Almon Vosotros, Papot Pareds, Jarelan Tampus and Nico Elorde gaining enough experience and toughness from last year’s cage wars.

‘’Our players are vastly improving and we hope to have a better run this year.

“The players that we have are talented and we just need to keep improving as we go along for us to be able advance to where we want to get,’’ said Pumaren.

La Salle is also not wanting in blue-chip rookies, having acquired capable newbies in Dan Sara, Ponso Gotladera and Norbert Torres to complete the mix. But perhaps the team’s biggest motivation is the fact that De La Salle U is celebrating its 100th year as an educational institution. This alone could propel the players to play harder, and strive for excellence in every game.

College of St. Benilde, La Salle’s sister school and neighbor across Taft Avenue, is likewise in a self-proclaimed mission of finally breaking into the elite cast in the NCAA.

Last season, the Blazers surprised basketball fans with a vastly-improved performance, while still missing the Final Four.

Carlo Lastimosa, voted as Rookie of the Year, and Mark de Guzman mostly carried the fight for the Blazers and they are back this season to lead a talented crew that also include Tim McCoy, Robbie Manalac, Luis Sinco, Jan Tan and Rafael Nayve.

The 2011 Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Premier Cup kicks off on April 9. Tickets will be available via SM Ticket at 470-2222.