Rival coaches say the De La Salle Green Archers are the favorites to win the UAAP Season 79 men's basketball title.
The Adamson Falcons, University of the East Red Warriors, and defending champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws are also named as contenders.
La Salle coach Aldin Ayo, meanwhile, says the expectations can bring the best out of his team. – Rappler.com
Four days before its opening ceremonies, the UAAP holds its press conference for the upcoming season.
Members of each university's basketball team are present.
The general consensus? La Salle may win the title.
Each coach is asked which team is the favorite to win the Season 79 basketball championship.
Everyone, except new Green Archers head coach, Aldin Ayo, gives the same answer.
SANDY ARESPACOCHAGA, COACH, ATENEO BLUE EAGLES: I agree with Coach Nash. It's the Green Archers.
Ayo names defending champion FEU as his title favorite and also mentions Adamson and NU as contenders.
He explains how the high expectations can be a good thing for the Green Archers.
ALDIN AYO, COACH, DLSU GREEN ARCHERS: For me, every time you get pressure, it opens up opportunities. Pressure also motivates us.
The coaches are also asked which teams they consider as dark horses in the tournament.
Adamson and UE, coached by Franz and Derrick Pumaren, respectively, get the most selections.
ALDIN AYO, COACH, DLSU GREEN ARCHERS: UE because of their system. They rely on effort and they trap a lot and the players all have heart. So, they're the dark horse for me.
NASH RACELA, COACH, FEU TAMARAWS: I'll go for Adamson. They have a good coach and a good import and a good group of recruits.
There is also playful back-and-forth between the coaches of rivals DLSU and FEU.
Both Ayo and Racela pick the opposing coach's team as the opponent they most look forward to facing.
ALDIN AYO, COACH, DLSU GREEN ARCHERS: I pick FEU because we weren't able to finish our tune-up game.
NASH RACELA, COACH, FEU TAMARAWS: I'm excited to play every team in the UAAP and more so DLSU so we can finish the game.
Looks like the heat is on a few days before the UAAP begins its new season.
The UAAP opening ceremonies take place at the campus of host school UST Saturday.
A day later, the men's basketball tournament begins.
Naveen Ganglani, Rappler, Manila.