Several new faces are set to enter the DLSU Green Archers' lineup for UAAP Season 87.
All eyes will be on De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
The Green Archers are looking to defend their UAAP crown and become the first team since Ateneo de Manila University to win back-to-back titles.
But the road to the championship will be difficult for the Topex Robinson-led La Salle, especially after losing several of its key players in last season’s title run.
Fortunately for DLSU, success followed them in the preseason after winning the PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup and the Pinoy Liga Cup.
La Salle also just missed out on winning the 17th Filoil EcoOil ECJ Preseason Cup after losing to the University of the Philippines in the finals.
Using a wide array of players in all the preseason tilts, Robinsons admitted that the Green Archers have yet to decide on their final roster for Season 87.
“I guess we still haven't decided on our final lineup, so this is the best opportunity to see all our new guys,” Robinson told reporters during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night.
“We lost six players from last season, so pretty much half of the team is new, so I guess playing in those preseason tournaments pretty much gives us an idea sa coaching staff who will make it into our final 16 [roster],” he added.
Robinson, hailed the CPC’s UAAP Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year, so far liked what he’s seen from some La Salle recruits. Those include rookie Green Archer Andre Dungo and one-and-done Fil-Am guard Lian Ramiro.
“We did a lot of experimenting and really liked what we saw in our young players, like Doy Dungo. He's really a revelation,” said Robinson.
“We're excited to have our one-and-done in Lian Ramiro, who kinda showed us a bit of leadership with what we had for the short time na nakasama namin siya. So the few months that we're gonna have is gonna be something that we are gonna get excited about,” he added.
Defending the title will always be difficult for any team, but Robinson and the rest of the Green Archers are readying themselves for what they expect will be an exciting Season 87.
“We're excited for what the season lies for us. It's gonna be something that we really want it to be in this situation, but it's gonna be challenging sa amin. I guess we're excited for Season 87,” said Robinson.