San Juan: Adamson University will kick off its title defense on Sunday against Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 boys’ basketball tournament at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
According to Philippines News Agency, the game is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. The Baby Falcons, who previously clinched their first championship in 31 years by defeating the National University (NU) – Nazareth School Bullpups, are ready for the new season. With key players Tebol Garcia, Vince Reyes, JC Bonzalida, and Gene Carillo having advanced to the collegiate level, Adamson will now rely on Finals Most Valuable Player Mark Esperanza, alongside Earl Medina and Allen Perez.
Adamson coach Mike Fermin emphasized the team’s approach, stating, “The mindset now is no longer about defending the title because that’s over. They’re thinking about the games. To defend the title, we have to be consistent first. Our approach is one game at a time.”
FEU-D enters the tournament with notable players Cabs Cabonillas and Marc Burgos, who have both represented the national youth team, Batang Gilas. Fermin acknowledges the competitive nature of FEU, saying, “For me, FEU is one of the title contenders. You cannot underestimate all the teams. But if there’s a team that will always make you nervous, it is FEU. Right from the start, you need to be focused right away.”
Denok Miranda, who has taken over as FEU-Diliman coach from Allan Albano, is aware of the formidable task ahead. “Of course, they’re the defending champions. We had a short preparation. Their culture is there and they’re still difficult opponents,” Miranda stated. Miranda is also the head of FEU’s basketball operations.
The tournament will also feature NU against University of Santo Tomas at 10 a.m., Ateneo versus University of the East at 12 noon, and De La Salle-Zobel facing University of the Philippines Integrated School at 2 p.m. This tournament also serves as a qualifier for the National Basketball Training Center national finals.
