Why La Salle won't win the Men's Crown this year...

[Spectator]

The De La Salle University Green Archers won't take the UAAP Men's Basketball crown this year. In fact, they won't even make it to the finals. And here's why...

Last year's championship team boasted of a first five lineup composed of the following: Allado, Aldeguer, Ritualo, Orfrecio and Uy. Technically, the core of that five remains intact with the first three still playing for La Salle. Orfrecio and Uy have moved on and have been replaced by Jose and Zamora. Now, I don't have anything against Jose or Zamora, but neither seems to filling in well for the posts vacated by Orfrecio and Uy. Jose is a pesky defender all right, but unlike Orfrecio, he is not quite a reliable offensive weapon especially in the endgame. I remember last year when the team won the championship, Orfrecio made two crucial baskets in the final minutes which greatly helped La Salle's cause. Is Jose capable of similar feats? He may be, but he sure isn't showing any signs of it right now.

Zamora's inclusion in the starting five remains a complete mystery to me. He may be a veteran all right, but again, he doesn't have the firepower that Uy contributed to the team last year. He doesn't really possess an explosive game and despite his big bulk, he hasn't asserted himself inside the lane. William Wilson has been performing better, in my opinion. Even the rookie Ramos has been more impressive than Zamora.

Now on to the so-called Big 3. Both Allado and Aldeguer seem uninspired, while Ritualo's on-again, off-again game has gotten the better of him. The trio has not performed well in La Salle's big games against UST and Ateneo. Burnout, maybe?

But the bench is another story. La Salle has probably one of the weakest benches in the league. There are several untested rookies, led by the highly touted BJ Manalo. The first round is almost concluding, yet this "prize-catch" has not really proven anything. His much-publicized transfer to La Salle has given Ateneo a much better reason to beat La Salle. That's just what they did. Now he must be thinking: Should I have stayed in Ateneo? Meanwhile, the second stringers such as Cuan and Castro just aren't the type to start pouring in the points.

And so what the Green Archers are left with is a team that has been a big disappointment to those die-hard fans still reeling from last year's victory. At the beginning of the season, the Archers were supposed to be the team to beat. With all the build-up surrounding DLSU's title defense, no one has been paying attention to UST, who still hasn't suffered a loss in the first round. The FEU team stands second, with its only loss coming in that very close opening day game against UST. This early, I'm making a fearless forecast: FEU and UST will meet in the finals come September. And La Salle? They will have to content themselves with the fact that despite the hype surrounding Ateneo's team this year, both green and blue teams will sit side by side as spectators come championship day.

Last Word: Before those Lasallites start shooting their arrows at me; let me tell you firsthand...I am a Lasallian.

[Jacob]

Medyo disappointing nga ang DLSU. Considering they have PBL veterans and last year's MVP on their roster. Pero I still believe they're one of the top contenders along with UST and FEU.

I am pretty impressed with FEU. Lagi silang nasa Top 3 ng UAAP kahit madalas silang iwanan ng mga players nila for the pro leagues. Lagi silang may nakukuhang kapalit. From Andy de Guzman to Johnny Abarrientos and Vic Pablo, to Nestor Echano and Arnold Padaong to Jose Francisco to Ronald Magtulis to Edwin Bacani lagi silang nakakapag-field ng competitive at very athletic teams.

To all La Sallians/La Sallites: Buti nga kayo championship ang hinahabol niyo, kami sa UP makapasok lang sa Final Four malabo pa.

[Trinjy]

Jacob's right. We, at UP, are aiming for a final four slot. Doon lang, sobrang saya na siguro namin.

[archerguy]

Winning isn't everything...what matters is the support that you give to your alma mater. Having the crown is just an added incentive. It's really no big deal whether La Salle wins or loses this year...or if they ever get to the finals...I think heeding the call of the ANIMO is far better than winning without any support at all. And besides, La Salle has been appearing in the UAAP championship rounds for almost a decade now...so it would be great to see a new team entering the championship. Win or lose, La Salle is BEST! Animo La Salle!!!

[REKTIKANO]

I agree with the views of spectator. Don't forget about the loss of Allen Patrimonio. I have noticed the pass few years he was the one who topscored or did the most damage for LaSalle against Ateneo. The key for LaSalle this year is really Ren-ren Ritualo. If he cannot make those outside and open jumpers, the big guys inside like Don and company will really have a hardtime. I have even seen him missed 10 feet open jumpshots this year which he used to make the past 2 seasons. For Don and Dino, I think nakasama yung championship ng Welcoat sa kanila. I've heard that after winning the PBL championships, Welcoat threw parties left and right. And by being selected to the PBL mythical team along with Ritualo, in my opinion, they have become so overconfident. We really cannot win(not only against Ateneo) if Don will only score 6 points, Ren-ren 7 points and Dino 5 points (their scores against Ateneo). The bench has weaken considerably. Remember Zamora, Jose and Patrimonio came off the bench last year. This year LaSalle can only rely on BJ, Ramos and Wilson and to a certain extent Cuan. But I still think kaya pa yan but the only difference is we need a lot of luck and hardwork this year. Animo LASALLE !!!

[seven]

I agree with spectator. Last year, La Salle really had a deep bench. They had a strong frontline to begin with, tapos yung second-stringers, malulupit din. That explained why they won the championship. But I think its different this year. Sana they made a better scouting job by looking for players na makakapalit doon sa mga nawala. Like Mr. Orfrecio. He was like the unheralded MVP for La Salle. If the other players like Don, Dino and Ren-ren wouldn't deliver, Cali's like a spark of light, I mean bigla na lang merong Cali na magre-rescue and give points to DLSU. Same goes for Mr. Uy. As for the new recruits, well baka syempre they still have the rookie jitters. We'll just have to wait and see. Kasi as I see it, kaya dehins masyado nabibigyan ng playing time yung mga rookies, hindi pa sila pwedeng isugal ni Coach Pumaren knowing that his players are not as dependable as his cast last year.

As for UST, I think every year they seem to get new players na talagang nagde-deliver because talagang binibigyan nila ng kumpiyansa and playing time yung mga rookies to show their stuff . And another thing, dehins nawawala yung kumpiyansa nung mga lumang players and they seem to be more confident each year. FEU does the same thing. Their rookies have playing time to show their ware. Siguro, its because of the doing of their coaches.

Isang edge din siguro ang coaching experience. Well, Mr. Pumaren is not as "young" as Mr. del Rosario and Mr. Gavieres, diba?

[Wolfpac]

hula ko lang.. (maybe b'cuz it don't rain no green)

[The Saint]

The problem with La Sallites is their pride in the alma mater depends on the outcome of the championship games. Parang inamin niyo na na it's only in basketball that we get to prove our leadership and not in wisdom anymore. Hey, start showing the world that to be a La Sallite is more than you can ever be. So what if La Salle doesn't reach the finals...at least produce a thunder and show of force.

Cheering of the future...text messaging!
LaSalle-calls La Sallite's phone saying #$^%%
UST-sends text saying "call me"

ANIMO LA SALLE!

[gDAWAL]

RAMOS WILL BECOME A BETTER PLAYER THAN ALLADO. HE JUST NEEDS TO LIFT WEIGHTS MORE.

AS FOR LA SALLE NOT WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR, YOU'RE RIGHT, THEY WON'T.

WHY?

SIMPLE, UST WILL.

[don]

Maybe wishful thinking dahil Lasallista ako, but I think that La Salle will overcome initial weaknesses and still bag the big one. But a lot of valid points were made. Malaking kawalan sina Uy, Patrimonio, at lalo na si Orfrecio.

At sa UST naman, hindi pa ba kayo nananawa sa titulo? Dami na, ah. Kami naman.

[fReAk]

yup... la salle wont win this time.

okay Ramos is good, not to mention bj manalo <;--- he to is an atenean, but i think this yrs final will be ust vs admu... not ust vs dlsu y? la lang trip ko lang

[The Mighty Archer]

I don't know, I know the Archers are struggling this year, but they still are in the fight, even if they fall to 3rd in the standings, they can still fight. It looks dim to repeat but as the saying goes, "Never underestimate the heart of a champion". So there.

[anne06]

La Salle has a good team, in fact, they're jampacked with good players. But we have to consider here, a few factors -- the othere teams have vastly improved, especially Ateneo. They are now under the reknowned coaching of Joe Lipa. Remember, he brought the Maroons to the championships way back in think 1986? So i guess, it would not be too hard for him to do that again.
Another factor is UST is really getting on with their performance. It's a known fact though that they're good.
Lastly, the DLSU team has knida lost some players. Although, there's still Ritualo, Aldeguer and Allado to bring glory to the team. And of course the unbelievable camaraderie of the team counts as well.
God bless La Salle team!

[brownstone54]

I don'think we will win the crown this year for several reasons:

1.We don't have a deep bench. When Don, Dino and Ren-Ren are in the court, Coach Franz has no one as good as these three to tap to replace them. We may have BJ, Mon and Ronald but that won't suffice. It's not that I'm underestimating what the other guys can do but let's face it, the other players are not that good.

2. Players don't play with all their heart. They are getting complacent as time goes by. Yes we are the defending champion but that's not reason enough not to put the heart in the game. The players tend to play it cool but end up losers.

3. Some players are puro porma. I don't want to mention names but some of them are trying hard to be stars. Believe me, I see the guys everyday and meron silang asta! Mayabang yung iba wala namang ginagawa!

4. There are better teams this year. Ateneo may be the rival school but I guess this is their year. They may not bring home the crown but the Eagles is one team to watch out for. They went to Korea for training last summer and they were able to play against PBA ballclubs during the off-season.

These are only the reasons I can think of for now. The La Salle team is not as strong as before when Dom, Allen and Cali were still playing. We will be lucky if we'll have back-to-back championship but I doubt it. The players should keep their acts together before it's too late!

[Spectator]

To some extent, overconfidence and complacency have been the Archers' main faults this season. The win against FEU last week has not yet increased my diminishing hopes that they will defend the title. I have yet to see a game where I was truly impressed with the way the team played.

[anfernee]

I don't think we can write off La Salle at this point. Come on guys! It's just the end of the first round and La Salle, despite the disappointments, is tied for 2nd spot! There's still a whole 2nd round to go. I think this team will have a show of force in the next round and show to everyone what somebody posted above: 'the heart of a champion'. :)

[alcogel]

dlsu winning the crown depends i guess with their 2nd round matches against ust, feu and admu. if they'll be able to win all three games, a 2nd championship is in the cards. but of course, it is easier said than done. good luck dlsu!
sana admu vs dlsu sa finals!
:)

[This message has been edited by alcogel (edited 08-14-1999).]

[clawed_out]

simple, cause UST's back!

[fReAk]

yup UST is back... with a vengeance and fire in their eyes!!!

[seven]

UST's not just back...

hindi lang madamot ang tigers, pinatikim lang nila ng championship and feu and la salle. yun lang.

pipol, this is just a tigers' opinion, ok?

no hard feelings ha... :D

[basho]

You know, I really don't know what's going to happen this season. For all we know, NU or Adamsons might suddenly have a winning sweep of the second half, so maybe we shouldn't check La Salle of the list just like that. Sure, Ateneo beat us. So did UST. But instead of a death sentence, maybe it should serve as a wake-up call to the players, reminding them that we are defending champions, and that this title goes beyond being just the best. Anyway, even if we have to give up a title we fought seven years to get, I'm sure the players and fans will know that Lasallians are and always will be champions in their own right.

[archerguy]

All I can say is.....

>;>;>;===ANIMO LA SALLE!!!==>;>;
GREEN WHITE FIGHT!
DERECHO LA SALLE!!
GO, GO, LA SALLE!!

[jocelle]

kasi, sabi ng friend ko na friend ni Vincent(San Diego) kapag naglaro na siya, La Salle will win the crown (eh, hindi naman siya binibigyan ng playing time)
Attention: Coach Franz, give him a chance naman to prove himself (daw)

[shauie]

I agree with everyone. La Salle won't win this year. Why? Because I don't want them to. Nothing personal, you people. I mean I have a lot of friends from La Salle but I have had it up to here with arrogant people who think that they're better than everyone else. I think that's why the La Sallites lose... because of their boastful and arrogant comrades. Especially those who have the nerve to broadcast it on air! Ever heard of Karma, Mr. Luigi Trillo? Yes, you! I think that it's people like you who make your team lose!!! Did any of you watch the Ateneo-UST game at the Ateneo gym? God! He kept making all these disparaging remarks about the Ateneo gym. Granted, the gym WAS leaky... but he didn't have to keep pointing it out! Don't get me wrong, I'm not an Atenean bursting with rightful indignation, it's just that this isn't the first time that I've heard Mr. Trillo say something like this (FAR FROM IT!) and not just against Ateneo but against every school that La Salle goes up against. I just think that people in the broadcast business shouldn't procalim their prejudice. It makes them ineffective when their views are colored the way Mr. Trillo's is... Grrr!!! It just makes me so mad! I guess this is a case of like father like son, huh? I know a comment like that is something that most people would find flattering, but dont get me wrong Mr. Joaquin and Luigi Trillo... I meant that as an insult.

[basho]

shauie:
Not out of disrespect, but I really don't think you should put down an entire school based on the comments of one man. I have nothing against Ateneo, cuz I feel both Ateneo and Lasalle won't be the same w/o their rivalry, but I've heard some pretty arrogant things from Ateneans about Lasalle. I'd rather not say these things, but the point is both sides have some pretty mean things to say to each other. It's not just Lasalle. Peace.

[fReAk]

thats simple... cause UST or ADMU will!!!

[lia_allado]

hey, wats the fuzz all about?! La Salle will surely win, believe me.
we really dont have the defenders we used to have last year alright, but hey, the big 3 is still there... still there to scare the other teams...
cut it out!

[sauman]

LIA, you're daydreaming again...you're dreaming an impossible dream...

La Salle won't win because they're AIRHEADS.....

[basho]

to dream an impossible dream is better than not to have dreamed at all. we may be airheads, but at least we have the guts to admit that our team is losing. getting all the championships in the world will never make you a true person. a true person is a champion in his/her own right, and Lasallians have always been true champions. So if we lose, fine. Better still if we win. But I would rather die than give up dreaming, because it is only in a dream that one can be a champion.

[clawed_out]

lia, if i were you, itago mo na lang sa sarili mo yang comments mo... it would definitely hurt other lasallites (yung mga hindi kasing loud & proud mo).... well godbless on your team.

[archerguy]

Keep the Lasallian spirit burning LIA!!! Never mind the negative comments of others. Do you notice how wild they react whenever die-hard fans like us express our feelings for La Salle? Funny right? They just can't distinguish betwen a clean, sincere expression and an insulting one. Never mind them....maybe they're the ones who really get HURT because of their INSECURITIES. And remember LIA, there's nothing wrong in dreaming....especially the impossible. We Lasallians have a tradition of excellence...sabi nga ng Student Council, "Believe, ACHIEVE!" Remember this famous line: "Don't aim for the roof, aim for the STARS! Because if you fall, you still have the roof to fall on."

>;>;>;===ANIMO LA SALLE!!!==>;>;
GREEN WHITE FIGHT!
GO, GO, LA SALLE!
DERECHO LA SALLE!

[CJ]

everybody seems to be a bit HARD when it comes to us LASALLIANS...i dont see any reason at all why you guys should pick on us. afterall, we're just supporting our school and our team. i mean, if you guys dont have the same school spirit as LA SALLE has, it would be so much better if you just keep your mouths shut (im sorry for the word!).

and if you guys wont be narrowheaded...you could see that DLSU is still in 2nd place. IT IS STILL ANYBODY'S GAME! remember, the GREEN ARCHERS wont just give the championship crown up...they would definitely defend it!!!

and to LIA, ARCHERGUY, all LASALLIANS ...keep the faith! i admire you all for sticking to our school and team no matter what...


ANIMO LA SALLE!!!


...christian ACHIEVERS for GOD and COUNTRY

[This message has been edited by CJ (edited 08-21-1999).]

[This message has been edited by CJ (edited 08-21-1999).]

[^^X^^]

Talent-wise, i still think that La Salle is the best team in the UAAP. But right now they lack motivation. If they can show some heart in the 2nd round, i think they'll get their 2nd crown

[anne]

To Don:

I agree with Seven. Well, siyempre hindi pa kami nagsasawa sa titulo namin. Kahit anong mangyari kami parin ang panalo. Yan ang paraan para dumami ang supporters ng USTE.

simply because the TIGERS are the winners. For me, UST is the best team there ever is.

[MiSTeRYoSA]

Hello! Seems like everyone's getting personal here. Hey guys! It is just a game. The keys here are sportsmanship and respect. Whether DLSU will win or not, guess we should be thankful whatever happens. At least we gave it a try. Whoever wins this time, they really worked hard for it. So even it's Ateneo, UST, UP, Adamson, NU, FEU....they deserve it. Hey fellow Lasallians, we had it last year and I'm pretty sure that there's a reason why we won't be able to have it this year. But if it's God's will, then let it be.

Relax and enjoy your college life!!

>;>;>;>;>;---------A N I M O L A S A L L E --->;>;>;

[[noreaga]]

well, well...i guess lasalle is not the best team there is right now but they surely have the guts to play with those other squatter teams and they always give their best in all their games... if only BJ MANALO was given the chance to score some points maybe we could win... not because he's an atenean doesn't mean he's not as good as the other players... why the hell did the coaching staff get him if they were not gonna let him play afterall...damn!!!

anyhow, we may not win this year but we surely can win next year...but let's keep our hopes up coz the battle is not yet over...

LASALLE may still win!!!

[the_13th^apostle]

The only thing which can make La Salle win this years crown is the fact that "anything is possible"...which means they most probably will not retain their title. Aside from the reasons that SPECTATOR posted...another is that their game has definitely been read by the other coaches. All they do is trap full court. They rely to much on their defense. Yeah sure, "D" is as important as the "O"..but still,it's the points which determine the winner. They definitely don't have much offensive weapons,and if I was wrong about that..than the thing is that they don't know how to use it.

Now, if your asking why they won it last yr. with the same game plan as this yr's ,they probably did coz it was the MBA's first yr..a lot of players from the other teams were blinded by offers in the new league which cost their sudden absence in their respective alma mater's UAAP teams(This proves that Lasallians are not blinded by offers..or is it because they've got their own in school?!?). La Salle stayed in tact. But this yr...UAAP teams have adjusted and have started building around new players. (PERFECT example=UST)

And finally, I would like to add one last significant reason which may sound stupid...but still..TRUE! Yes, I do respect BJ Manalo's decision of tranfering from one alma mater to another, but he does have to pay, doesn't he? I mean do you actually think turning against your alma mater would bring you glory?? Ever heard of karma? Because of his decision,his whole team will have to suffer. Maybe in a year or two BJ and La Salle will win that crown...make that 2 or 3..better yet..4 or 5..why? Coz the Blue eagles are looking good....so as for BJ Manalo..his a great player,except that he made a wrong choice.

Oh yeah I forget, just like SPECTATOR I also am a LASALLIAN....and I do believe that anything's possible.Right, BJ??

[Shawn]

Definitely! DLSU won't win this time. Okay, Allado, their big man is still there... but he is La Salle's main weapon inside. Ramos and Zamora should add a little muscle inside. UST and ADMU had the ceilings when it comes to height and talent. How about this line up of UST:

Center: Gilbert Lao
PF: Marvin Ortiguerra
SF: Melchor Latoreno
PG: Nino Gelig
OG: Emerson Oreta
* What a 1st 5!!!*

For ADMU:
Center:Enrico Villanueva
PF:Ryan Pamintuan
SF:Wesley Gonzalez
PG:Paul Tan-chi
OG:Rainer Sison
* Can well match UST...*

For La Salle:
Center: Allado... as usual
PF:Ramos
SF:Alvin Castro
PG: Dino Aldeguer... as usual
OG: Ren-ren Ritualo... nothing has change!!!

Oh well, UST and ADMU will be on the finals!!!

[rickee2_99]

The fact that for the past six(6) years(since 1994) the De La Salle Green Archers have
ALWAYS been in the Finals even if some of the other teams were definitely stronger is proof of the inherent fighting spirit of the Green Archers.

So win or lose, we can expect the same this year for the Green Archers. ANIMO LA SALLE!

[archerguy]

We proved you all wrong!
That's all!

>;>;>;===Animo La Salle!!!==>;>;
GREEN WHITE FIGHT!
DERECHO LA SALLE!!
GO, GO, LA SALLE!!

[bitoyski]

yeah lasalle won the championship all right... mvp.. don allado... very emotional game three... yup we give u guys from TAFT the credit... *FINE*

but i think one evident reason why la salle always ends up pretty well is the fact that they always attract, recruit, and even steal the topnotch players to play for them. . .
yeah i know that it's one's choice to study there and play there .. and i do know for a fact that there is no such rule for RECRUITMENT procedures and limits. . .

but i do think that it's too much of a thing to grab most of the standouts from all over the country and even abroad just to beef up your already strong lineup and leave other schools with less talent.... in fact most of these players attracted from the other schools have been brought up by their former alma maters...

i rest my case... do u think it's fair for other schools that la salle gets all the big boys?!?!?!

[Bac_Attack]

bitoyski:
have u ever heard of vitiated consent (in business law)?in entering a contract, an individual's decision will always be upheld as long as his consent was not influenced by factors such as force, drugs, etc. Question is, did la salle ever drug a player just to force him into playing for the green archers? has la salle ever imposed a death threat to the family of a prized cager if he should decide not to play for la salle?
Players opt to play for la salle since its basketball program is one of the best, if not THE BEST in the land. it is an opportunity for a player to get a good education, hone his skills, and at the same time, a great chance for him to experience the glory of a championship.
La Salle has never forced players to play for them. We've never grabbed, nor have we stolen talented players, as you accuse us of. THEY OPTED TO PLAY FOR US!and who can blame them?!?it's not the money, the cars, which people "claim" (unfoundedly) la salle has been giving them . . ..it's the opportunity.i rest my case.

P.S. It's funny how people just can't seem to move on after a disappointing season ey?False accusations here, PROTESTS there, EXCUSES EVERYWHERE!Is that the one big fight they so proudly cheer? LAME.

[MATZMAN]

none o' the people, who posted here earlier substantive reasons why la salle wouldnt win this year, didnt say anything after la salle won it. no ironies there if you're lookin for one. even Al Mendoza, the Philippine Daily Inquirer sports editor make false claims. when he's wronged by fate, he acknowledges it. so where are these people?

la salle won the men's crown this year, my congratulations to them.

[nantot!]

Well, we'll have to see 'till the next UAAP seasons starts coz we all know that La Salle has pretty good recruiting. Who knows, they might come up with a surprise player next year, or be able to pirate another player from Ateneo. They've got a pretty good backcourt with Ritualo, Manalo and Cuan, but with the departure of Allado, it will be a big mismatch for them when going up against tall teams like Ateneo. My choice for next years championship would be Ateneo, without any biases, being an Atenean. Enrico would blossom with the help of PBL exposure, just as Allado did. Also, Ateneo will retain most of its key players. But again, who really knows? I also think UST will be another favorite for next season. For me, they are the most exciting team to watch, thanks to Gelig and Baguio. Peace out.