UAAP 81 Preview: DLSU Green Archers still solid despite key losses

Season 80 record: 14-4 finalist
Losses: Ben Mbala, Ricci Rivero, Prince Rivero, Abu Tratter, Brent Paraiso, Ramil Tero, Joshua Gonzales
Additions: Brandon Bates, Miggy Corteza, Joaqui Manuel, Taane Samuel, Encho Serrano
Returning Player: Mark Dyke

How do you call this – rebuilding? I’m not sure. This team should be even better if they still had the Rivero brothers and Paraiso, but that falling out owing to a variety of reasons has to tell on the chances of the DLSU Green Archers. 

Or not.

This is still a darn good team. There were questions heading into the summer leagues about how La Salle will approximate the loss of Ben Mbala’s stats. After two months, the Cameroonian was forgotten as the new team gave a lot of La Salle faithful something to cheer about and be optimistic. 

Let’s count the ways.

That is one talented and frightening frontline

We saw in the preseason how this team with all their newcomers kicked major butt with a share-the-wealth policy. We saw how Justine Baltazar finally showed what he could do with major minutes. When he was playing for the NU Bullpups in high school, he was just a tall kid. Now, there’s a lot that he can do. He’s even got a decent midrange shot. 

Baltazar’s rapid improvement will give La Salle an awesome frontline with the addition of Kiwi Taane Samuel and Fil-Aussie Brandon Bates, who are not only active in and around the basket but also have a good nose for the ball. They can pass and shoot as well and that will open up the lane for them. I like Samuel because he plays with a fire. He barks on defense and yaps at opponents. And if you aren’t ready, he’s going to dunk on you.

And it doesn’t end there. There’s the talented Leonard Santillan, who should really have a breakout year and be named to the Gilas cadets pool when he is done after this season.

Their three-guard rotation has to be one of the league’s best

Aljun Melecio, Andrei Caracut and Kib Montalbo. Not only can they score from deep but if you play them close, they will blow past for a lay-up or a drop pass. The three are arguably the best at their positions.

That burst of inspiration called Kib Montalbo

I have always thought that this kid is going to be one of the best. I love his mania for defense. He is cat quick, smart and can hurt you in a variety of ways. In my opinion, this team will play in his likeness — feisty and relentless. His health though is of prime concern as through the past years, he has been knocked out for a variety of reasons. If healthy, watch out for Montalbo, who is definitely motivated for this season.

A new coach and a new system

We have to congratulate Louie Gonzales on getting his first head coaching position. During the summer, it was obvious that he had his own ideas. La Salle was really fun to watch. They played faster and played total team ball. Gonzales and his top staff (that also saw the return of Siot Tanquincen to the bench) paid close attention to assists among others. They have the players to step up and take the big shot. But the system allowed other including newcomer Miggy Corteza to contribute.

I like also the addition of former Ateneo Blue Eaglet Joaqui Manuel, who plays with a lot of fire and is smart. That brings the total of two former Eaglets now in Taft with the other being Gabe Capacio, who was a teammate of Thirdy Ravena, Aaron Black and the Nieto twins in the juniors division. Given the opportunity, Capacio will be able to hit that outside shot.

And if Encho Serrano can quickly adapt to the college game, boy watch out.

That 13-man lineup 

The last time they fielded a 13-man roster was in Season 76 where they won the title. Will lightning strike twice?

Whether this is some lucky number thing or not, Coach Louie says that that this is what they want and all they will play. 

You can bet these guys will go all out to reclaim the crown.