By el Amigo
MANILA — The UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament starts Sunday with three games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, highlighted by a pair of Final Four rematches from last season.
Defending champion De La Salle University meets National University at 2:30 p.m., while University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas collide in the 6 p.m. main game.
La Salle enters the season with another championship in sight, hoping to win consecutive titles for the first time since its four straight crowns from 1998 to 2001.
Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, Earl Abadam and JC Macalalag are among the Green Archers playing their final UAAP season. Cortez, whose father Mike was a member of La Salle’s four-peat team, is seeking a championship finish of his own.
Coach Topex Robinson said the defending champions are prepared for the pressure that comes with their status.
NU will provide an immediate test. The Bulldogs topped the standings last season but fell twice to La Salle in the Final Four.
With Jake Figueroa gone, NU will look to PJ Palacielo, Reinhard Jumamoy and Paul Francisco for production. Mo Diassana is also back after recovering from an ACL injury that kept him out for two years.
UP will then face a UST team coming off a promising preseason.
The Maroons lost several familiar faces but remain formidable behind Noy Remogat, Gani Stevens, Jacob Bayla and Nigerian Francis Nnoruka. New additions Veejay Pre and James Payosing should strengthen the lineup.
UST, which lost Nic Cabañero, will rely on Collins Akowe, Amiel Acido, Gelo Crisostomo and Mark Llemit. Kristian Porter is also set for his UAAP debut.
At noon, Far Eastern University takes on Adamson University in another game with major implications.
The Tamaraws have missed the Final Four for four consecutive seasons and are determined to end that drought. MVP Janrey Pasaol returns, while Cabs Cabonilas, last season’s high school MVP, joins the roster.
Adamson will be led by Mathew Montebon, Manu Anabo, Matty Erolon, Ray Allen Torres, Earl Medina and Nigerian Precious Jonah following the departure of Ced Manzano.
Ateneo and UE begin their respective campaigns Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
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