Ateneo begins its drive for a three-peat today when it faces Adamson at the start of UAAP men’s basketball on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game is at 4 p.m. with the Blue Eagles out to start their title-retention bid on a winning note against a team that lost its key players on graduation.
Also looking for auspicious starts are last year’s runner-up University of the Philippines which battles dangerous Far Eastern University at 12:30 p.m. and University of the East which collides with University of Santo Tomas at 10:30 p.m.
The UAAP management decided to have three matches per playing date instead of two in order to speed up so as not to run conflict with the country’s preparations for the SEA Games.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin knows the pressure that comes along being labeled as the team to beat.
Months before today’s opening, Baldwin challenged his boys not to be overconfident.
“Knowing that each opponent is gonna come at us really hard, I don’t think we’re gonna get any days off when it comes to games,” said Baldwin.
Baldwin added hurdling the first task at hand is crucial in their campaign.
“We just want to focus on them (Adamson) for now,” Baldwin said.
Two-time Finals Most Valuable Player Thirdy Ravena and Rookie of the Year Ange Kouame will banner the Blue Eagles along with skipper Mike Nieto and twin brother Matt, and Isaac Go.
A retooled Adamson side, meanwhile, will be seen this season as it seeks to eclipse last season’s Final Four finish.
The Falcons finished second after the two-round elims last year, but fell short of booking a finals ticket after yielding to UP in the semis.
Jerrick Ahanmisi anchors Adamson with the exit of former skipper Sean Manganti as he teams up with a mix of mainstays and talented rookies that include NCAA juniors Mythical Five member Aaron Fermin, who came from Arellano.
In the other matchup, UP hopes to get another shot at the crown after a successful season last year where it barged into the finals for the first time in 32 years.
Fans anticipate the thrilling debut of Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero for the Maroons as they go up against last season’s Final Four contenter FEU, which also banks on young bloods after losing six veterans.
UST and UE, meanwhile, also seek to open their campaign on a high note.
The Tigers finished last season at sixth with a 5-9 card while the Warriors were at the bottom at 1-13.
Meantime, Bong Tan Jr. will be calling the shots for the Warriors.
He will replace Joe Silva, who reportedly stepped down due to brewing animosity between him and Tan’s alter ego.
(Kristel Satumbaga)