By: Francis Deungria

UAAP Season 87 has begun with all the teams beginning to put their cards on the table. The hands have been dealt, all bets are off, now it’s time for first impressions and give our assessments based on these categories:

What’s obvious?

After the first game of the season, Kevin Quiambao is still the King Archer for La Salle and should continue to lead this team as a contender for the championship. Their frontcourt rotation is deep with Michael Phillips, Henry Agunanne and Raven Gonzales all sharing minutes at the four and five spot. Meanwhile EJ Gollena and JC Macalalag fill the team out well providing space with their outside shooting while CJ Austria and EJ Abadam adds depth to an already stacked wing rotation. 

Their problem though has been their lineup at the guard spot. While Lian Ramiro has been a great floor spacer with his outside shot, the Green Archers still lack a point guard to set up the offense in crucial moments. Kevin Quiambao has been the one stepping up to this role in clutch situations but someone will have to step up soon. This is why Joshua David and Andrei Dungo will also be crucial to La Salle’s success.

What’s the expectation?

As they are right now, it still looks probable that they will defend their UAAP crown, because their wings and frontcourt depth is still unmatched, with only the UP Fighting Maroons even coming close to being their threat so far. But expect more close games against unlikely teams and an upset or two because their back court might be given more than they can handle by more experienced competition.

The best case scenario

The Green Archers won’t have an Evan Nelle caliber point guard right away, but David, Ramiro, and Dungo just might improve enough to be solid enough pieces on the offensive end to complement their clear cut MVP Kevin Quiambao. If at least one of them steps up, La Salle’s back to back championship aspirations will improve drastically. 

Projection

Reaching the finals is the expectation for this squad, even with their guard depth problems. Their wings and frontcourt are still arguably the best in the UAAP, as shown in their preseason where they went toe to toe with professional teams.