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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider CEU, Diliman College early favorites as UCBL returns with fifth season

CEU, Diliman College early favorites as UCBL returns with fifth season

Published Nov 7, 2022 10:46 am

CEU and Diliman College will have the biggest targets on their backs when the PG Flex Linoleum – Universities and Colleges Basketball League begins its fifth season on Thursday, Nov. 10, after it was put on hold for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coaches, officials and guests, led by UCBL President Franklin Evidente and PG Flex Linoleum owner Nelson Guevarra (seated 3rd and 4th from left) flash No. 5 during the press launching of the 5th PG Flex Linoleum-UCBL Monday at the H2O Hotel in Manila. Also shown (seated from left) are Carmelo Navarro, Tournament Director Horacio Lim and Col. Bong Nebrija.

The head coaches of the participating teams Olivarez College, University of Batangas, LPU-Batangas, PCU-Dasmarinas and new participant Guang Ming College all agreed that the two schools will be the top dogs in the tournament presented by VESPA and sponsored by Cafe France, Maruyama Tarpaulin, Gerry’s Grill, Aprilia SR GT, Dr. Edwards Sterilized Drinking Water and Fontactiv Complete Adult Nutrition Milk.

UB coach Arnold Contorno believed that the two teams emerged as the early favorites in the tournament given the cohesion of their respective crews despite the short preparation time.

“Ang team to beat, kinoconsider ko talaga yung defending champion and then siguro CEU kasi ang CEU maganda ang exposure nila, dito naman sa (Diliman College) beterano na ito eh,” said Contorno during the press launch on Monday, Nov. 7 at the H2o Hotel in Manila.

Diliman head coach Rensy Bajar, meanwhile, sees everyone as a threat and that they have to eventually beat the rest of the field if they wish to complete their three-peat bid.

“Halos lahat kasi kailangan talaga lahat pagdaanan mo iyan eh ayan yung nakikita kong malaking challenge to us this coming season but we will try our best to play hard,” said Bajar.

Scorpions new tactician Chico Manabat, for his part, welcomed the challenge as he hopes to steer his team to their second title especially after an eventful pre-season that saw them participate in the PBA D-League and in the UCBL Invitational Tournament last August.

Also eager to get over the hump this brand new season are the Season 4 bridesmaid finishers Olivarez College under new coach Stephen Mopera while coach Danilo Acero of LPU-Batangas, coach Juanito Belandres of PCU-Dasmarinas and coach Moriah Gingerich of Guang Ming all eye a stellar campaign for their young squads.

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