THE La Salle Green Archers will still be contenders for the title in season 87 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball crown.
The Green Archers will miss graduating players like their top point guard Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, Francis Escandor and Joaqui Manuel.
But despite their absence, experienced team members are still around, expected to make the coming season a memorable experience.
“All four of them are veterans. They are very experienced. It’s a bit of a hole. But nevertheless, the remaining guys are equally experienced. I know they will step up to the plate,” said Green Archers’ team manager and Philippine Athletics Track and Field chief Terry Capistrano.
Without the four, Capistrano believes that the remaining veterans, Kevin Quiambao, Michael Philips and Jonel Policarpio will become the next players, who can provide leadership.
“They’re not exactly veterans. I expect them to perform even better,” said Capistrano.
The team manager said that at the start of 2023, it was really a challenging time forming the squad with Topex Robinson coming in as coach, replacing Derrick Pumaren.
And Robinson had a short period time of eight months to get the Green Archers ready for season 86.
“He did a pretty good job in preparing the team. And the finals was a classic. It could have gone either way,” added Capistrano.
What made Robinson’s job better was when he decided to become a student, taking AB Sports Management. This helped him communicate with members of the team well.
Robinson also drew the support of his assistants Caloy Garcia, Mon Jose, Oliver Bunyi, Gian Nazario and JB Sison
“Since day one, I knew what they could bring in. They really made my job fulfilling and easy because whatever happens, somebody’s behind me,” said Robinson in earlier interviews.