Source: Manila Bulletin
UAAP and NCAA champions Ateneo and San Sebastian start their final preparations for their respective leagues when they battle separate rivals Saturday at the start of the 2010 Filoil Flying V Invitational Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
The Blue Eagles, who won a back-to-back UAAP titles last season, take on the San Beda Red Lions in the curtain-raiser at 2 p.m. while the Stags face Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in the last game of a triple-header at 6 p.m.
Rebuilding teams La Salle Green Archers and Letran Knights, on the other hand, collide in the second match at 4 p.m.
The first game and second matches will be seen live on channel Studio 23.
The opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. with tournament organizers paying tribute to legendary high school coach Ato Badolato, who steered San Beda to 16 NCAA juniors title before retiring last year.
Without Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and Jai Reyes, Blue Eagles coach Norman Black is expected to extensively use his new players to give them experience before the 73rd UAAP season opens in July.
Ateneo will be led by lefty guard Eric Salamat, former Rookie of the Year Ryan Buenafe and Nico Salva while the newcomers are Art dela Cruz, JP Erram and Jason Escueta.
The Red Lions will still be powered by American Sudan Daniel, Garvo Lanete, Borgie Hermida and Jake Pascual, but they added some fresh faces in Fil-Aussie brothers Anthony and David Semerad and another new standout in Kyle Pascual.
Save for NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino, who has already finished his playing years, the San Sebastian will use the core of its champion team – Calvin Abueva, Pamboy Raymundo, Gilbert Bulawan and Ronald Pascual.
The Heavy Bombers, on the other hand, will see the debut of their new coach in former PBA MVP Vergel Meneses, but will also miss the services of reigning NCAA MVP John Wilson and James Sena, who already finished their playing years.
La Salle, with new coach Dindo Pumaren at the helm, is set to parade a number of blue-chip dribblers from the high school ranks against the Louie Alas-mentored Knights, who will enter the tourney without top scorers RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra after they finished their playing years.
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