UAAP Season 86 can’t come any faster.
A new year means a new hope for all eight UAAP teams. With Season 86 still months away, teams still have plenty of time to get ready. But what exactly must be their goal come Season 86?
Ateneo: Defend the crown
The goal is simple for the Blue Eagles — defending the crown. With Ange Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, and BJ Andrade all graduating from the team, new players will have to step up. But that doesn’t seem to be a problem for Ateneo. Already waiting in the wings are Mason Amos, Joseph Obasa, and possibly Francis 'LeBron' Lopez.
With another stacked roster for the Blue Eagles, and with Coach Tab Baldwin still mentoring the team, it’s almost certain that Ateneo are the favorites for Season 86.
UP: Take back the crown
If the goal for Ateneo is to go back-to-back, then UP’s should be to prevent that from happening — a payback for what they suffered at the hands of the Blue Eagles in Season 85. Had it not been for a poor first half in Game 3 of the Finals, the Fighting Maroons might still be UAAP champions, but this is no longer the time to dwell on the past.
UP still has a bright Season 86 ahead of them. With CJ Cansino ready to play once more, and add to that their new reinforcements like Chicco Briones, Reyland Torres, and Janjan Felicilda, the Fighting Maroons wil be raring to go.
NU: Find a go-to guy
NU’s defense in Season 85 was elite. Their offense wasn’t bad either. But it just feels like that come clutch situations, NU isn’t able to find someone to take over for them. This upcoming season, NU could look at John Figueroa or even Kean Baclaan to do the heavy duties in the 4th quarter.
NU has always been a solid team, but can they finally get over the hump and reach the Finals next season? That we’ll have to find out.
Adamson: Find a new leader
While Jerom Lastimosa technically has one more playing year, I think most believe that he will go pro. Should that time come, Adamson will have to find a new leader in the team. The first names that come to mind are AP Manlapaz or Cedrick Manzano.
The San Marcelino squad definitely has its eyes set for another Final Four run.
La Salle: Play first, talk later
It was a disappointing Season 85 to say the least for La Salle. Many obviously assumed they would be one of the teams competing for the championship, but they didn't even reach the Final Four.
Recall that point guard Evan Nelle even made statements prior to the start of the season on their confidence about winning the title. Maybe La Salle’s goal for Season 86 — aside from keeping their players healthy — is to let their game talk first. But then again, it’s La Salle. That’s the kind of basketball they’ve always been known for and we love it.
UE: Give the keys to Rey Remogat
In UE’s final two games, rookie Rey Remogat immediately shot himself as one of the players to watch come Season 86. A lot is already expected of Remogat next season, but if UE decides to give him the keys on offense, we could see crazy games from him.
FEU: Adjust to new coach
It’s rebuilding mode for the FEU Tamaraws. Former head coach Olsen Racela decided it was time to pass on the mantle to another tactician who could hopefully lead the Tamaraws back to their glory days. That next tactician is still unknown, and if FEU wants to get back to the Final Four or even the Finals, then they will have to adjust quickly with their new coach.
UST: Convince Nic Cabañero to stay
First on the agenda for the Growling Tigers has to be keeping Nic Cabañero in España. Multiple reports say some teams abroad are interested to snap up the services of the talented 19-year-old guard. But should Cabañero decide to stay, UST must find enough talent to put around him.
After a 1-13 record in Season 85, the loud and proud Thomasians are ready to cheer for any improvement in the win column by Cabañero and the Growling Tigers.