The season starts in a couple of days, and teams are surely preparing hard for the grand chase to the Championship. The parity for the league this year is practically unheard of, with nearly every team being contenders not only for a Final Four spot, but also for the championship.
For my preview and predictions for each team, I will predict the team's standing (meaning the place that they will be in), and the different developments that I expect to see from the team as the season rolls on. I will also list down the key players for the team's run to the Final Four, and the players who we should watch out for developmental wise (rookies and bench players fall under this category).
The next team that we will be analyzing is the much hyped UE Red Warriors.
The next team that we will be analyzing is the much hyped UE Red Warriors.
UE Red Warriors
Season 75 Record: 3 - 11
Head Coach: Boyzie Zamar
Lingering Question: Are they for real?
Preseason Analysis:
To say that this was an eventful preseason for the UE Red Warriors is actually an understatement. Finally, after being the cellar dwellers in the UAAP after the departure of Paul Lee, Elmer Espiritu and Pari Llagas, they are back into contention. Not only are they back into contention for a Final Four slot, but they are also back into contention for a title. With the acquisition of a monster in Charles Mammie, plus the added depth of the Red Warriors, they proved to be real contenders this past preseason. The back ups of UE started to play more consistently, and Roi Sumang has proved once and for all that he is the best point guard in the UAAP. He has emerged as the unquestionable leader of this team, and he has shown not only his scoring prowess, but also his ability to set up his team mates.
Season 76 Predictions:
It's actually tough to predict the UE Red Warriors, because they're kind of in the same place as the NU Bulldogs were last year. Hyped to succeed after a dominating preseason tournament, the Bulldogs didn't live up to expectations come the UAAP Season, barely making it to the Final Four (you can thank the UAAP Board for that). They're just like NU last year; They have a star emerging not only as a scoring demon but also as a playmaker (Roi Sumang for UE, Ray Parks for NU), a front line upgraded after the addition of an import (Javier - Mammie for UE, Mbe - Betayene or Rosario for NU), and several back ups producing great numbers to help the team's cause.
To say that this was an eventful preseason for the UE Red Warriors is actually an understatement. Finally, after being the cellar dwellers in the UAAP after the departure of Paul Lee, Elmer Espiritu and Pari Llagas, they are back into contention. Not only are they back into contention for a Final Four slot, but they are also back into contention for a title. With the acquisition of a monster in Charles Mammie, plus the added depth of the Red Warriors, they proved to be real contenders this past preseason. The back ups of UE started to play more consistently, and Roi Sumang has proved once and for all that he is the best point guard in the UAAP. He has emerged as the unquestionable leader of this team, and he has shown not only his scoring prowess, but also his ability to set up his team mates.
Season 76 Predictions:
It's actually tough to predict the UE Red Warriors, because they're kind of in the same place as the NU Bulldogs were last year. Hyped to succeed after a dominating preseason tournament, the Bulldogs didn't live up to expectations come the UAAP Season, barely making it to the Final Four (you can thank the UAAP Board for that). They're just like NU last year; They have a star emerging not only as a scoring demon but also as a playmaker (Roi Sumang for UE, Ray Parks for NU), a front line upgraded after the addition of an import (Javier - Mammie for UE, Mbe - Betayene or Rosario for NU), and several back ups producing great numbers to help the team's cause.
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| Charles Mammie will be tasked to lead UE's front court this year. Who's your Mammie? (credits to broigonzalesnow.blogspot.com) |
In short, nothing is sure for the UE Red Warriors. I think though that UE will be checked come the UAAP season. Roi Sumang will be checked, and defenses will focus on him so much that they make it a priority to trap him, not only so that his scoring options will lessen, but also so he'll have a harder time looking for open team mates. Charles Mammie has shown to have quite a temper, so opposing big men may actually use some pinoy gulang to try to tick off the 6'7 behemoth. The pressure of achieving may prove to be too much for this young UE team, especially since practically all of them lack exposure in the more pressure packed parts of the tournament. They won't perform according to expectations, but I expect to be strong contenders for a Final Four slot. Are they sure of a Final Four slot? Nope. Nobody is, for that matter.
Key players:
As stated above, Mammie and Roi Sumang will lead UE's charge for the season, with Mammie leading the front court and Sumang leading the back court. Helping the two is clutch big man Chris Javier, who could play 4 while Mammie players the 5 position. Adi Santos will also provide ample support in the front court, plus the presence of veterans JR Sumido and Lord Casajeros will make UE an even deeper and deadlier team.
Players to watch out for this season:
The first player that we should watch out for is arguably the best recruit UE got this year. UE got to cop Mario Bonleon from this year's recruiting class. Bonleon is a product of the La Salle Greenhills system, having to be the focal point of their offense for his final year in LSGH. He's definitely quite the scorer, even leading the Youth Team in scoring for the 2012 version of the FIBA Asia U - 18 Tournament. He averaged an impressive 14.3 points for the said tournament. He won't get too much playing time this year because of Roi Sumang, but expect him to show flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity to do so.
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| Can he surprise all of us this year? (credits to slamonline.ph) |
Another player who should be on our watch is Gino Jumao - as, a product of the San Sebastian high school program. You may wonder, who is he? Well, let's just say he was the Kevin Ferrer to Baser Amer during Season 86 of the NCAA. He was a super scorer who had a knack for taking over games. Gino was originally supposed to go to FEU, but he eventually ended up transferring to the Recto based squad. He served his one year residency last year, and now he is set to play for the Red Warriors. Many predicted him to be part of a big three of sorts, along with Javier and Sumang. Sadly, Charles Mammie took his spot. How will he respond to that? Well, I certainly do hope that he responds with a vengeance.
Place by the end of the season: 3rd place (Final Four)
Just like NU last year. Did I purposely put them in the same place as NU? Nope, just turned out UE ended up as 3rd in my rankings, and I'm not even kidding. Why 3rd? Well, as I said, it's the experience and pressure factor. It might be too much for these young 'uns to over come. None of them have any significant playoff experience, so how will they react during tough teams in the season, most specifically the final push? But, can they push the team that they will be against in the Final Four to a do or die match? They can. I definitely think they can. Who's the team? I'll keep it a secret for now.
Like UP though, will their younger players eventually develop for the future? Heck yes. All eyes on Bonleon and Jumao - as.
The next team that will be analyzed is the Adamson Soaring Falcons
UPDATE: Mario Bonleon has withdrew from the team. Reasons as to why are currently unknown.
UPDATE: Mario Bonleon has withdrew from the team. Reasons as to why are currently unknown.
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