By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) already released Season 85 men’s basketball’s full playing schedule set to kick off this October 1, 2022.
UAAP fans, get ready to support your schools and shout with pride as the defending champions University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons will be taking on the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers for the first game of the season.
After melting down and giving up their double-digit lead in the last three minutes of the UAAP Season 84 semifinals against the Fighting Maroons, the stacked and improved Green Archers are seeking to exact revenge and are ready to contend for the title once again.
Led by athletic big man Michael Phillips, former Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix superstar Mark Nonoy, Evan Nelle, and scoring machine Deschon Winston, the Green Archers are approaching Season 85 with confidence especially after upsetting the star-studded Marinerong Pilipino during the 2022 PBA D-League grand finals.
Also reinforcing the Green Archers this season is Gilas Pilipinas’ young cadet and former UAAP juniors’ stalwart Kevin Quiambao.
Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons are seeking a back-to-back UAAP championship title and will still be led by Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, Malick Diouf, JD Cagulangan, and Harold Alarcon.
Despite the loss of team captain and superstar Ricci Rivero from the active roster, head coach Goldwyn Monteverde is still ecstatic with his team as several new faces will be boosting the squad.
Injured star shooting guard CJ Cansino is also making his way back while undergoing his rehabilitation and already targeted the middle of the season as his ideal return date.
After the UP-DLSU clash in the first game of October 1, the UST Growling Tigers will be testing the resilient Adamson Soaring Falcons in the second game of the doubleheader.
Another a must-see game on the calendar is the UAAP finals rematch between the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles and the UP Fighting Maroons scheduled to take place on October 16.
