Humblebola

By: Atty. Toby Pavon

UAAP Season 88 hosted by University of Santo Tomas emphasizes the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action”. In this preview series, HumbleBola will feature how the teams have moved to strengthen their chances of gaining victory and the hope that these actions bring.

Action starts: September 20, 2025

After several seasons of forcefully inserting themselves in the discussions of top contenders, the Adamson Soaring Falcons have made their mark and carved out a place for themselves among the top teams of the UAAP.

Coming off a stellar pre-season with five tournament championships, the Soaring Falcons were a picture of consistency despite losing some key players. Without Joshua Yerro, John Arthur Calisay, Mario Barasi and Eli Ramos, who graduated, and Royce Mantua who made the leap to the professional ranks, in the lineup, the Soaring Falcons relied on a mix of established players and up-and-comers learning new roles to earn their non-UAAP gold. But they are not resting on their laurels by any means, because Coach Nash Racela is well aware that they did not compete with many UAAP teams, and that the UAAP tournament has a different level of competition.

The pre-season tournaments show that the Soaring Falcons are able to continue their signature blue-collar style of basketball, locking down on defense while methodically working their way to points on offense. Cedrick Manzano will continue to be the focal point of the team, manning the paint on both ends. At the perimeter, Matty Erolon will need to embrace a bigger leadership role as the primary ballhandler, while Monty Montebon serves as the offensive spark that will become the upper limit of the teams’ offensive potential.

Consistency comes not only from recruitment, but its own player development, with Baby Falcon Earl Medina moving up to the senior ranks, he will be a welcome addition to the arsenal of shooters in the roster. AJ Fransman will be a player to look out for, already showing flashes of brilliance in the previous years.

Building on the successes and defeats of years past, the Soaring Falcons’ campaign to stay in the Final Four and make their first Finals appearance looks like a feasible one. The foundations have been laid, the system is set and the door is wide open for the Soaring Falcons to end a championship drought that has seen two Aquino and now two Marcos presidencies.

Hopes: As Monty Montebon said, “We can make it to the championship”

Prediction: Championship