Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Like most teams, the De La Salle Green Archers are heading into the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season with a youthful lineup.
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But it is not much of an issue for La Salle coach Juno Sauler, who still has arsenal with Jeron Teng, Jason Perkins, and Thomas Torres at his disposal.
“It’s a very young team compared to last year. All of the rookies are raring to prove they can compete in the college level,” said the stoic coach of his squad, which will parade nine newbies in Season 78.
“It’s a rookie-laden team, but we have Thomas, Jeron, and Jason,” he said. “They’ve been showing great leadership so far. We’re hoping the rookies can mature and play like like veterans during the season.”
He added, “Jeron’s all-around game has been improving. His jump shot, his passing skills, and his defense have really improved. Jason has also improved his outside shooting and has been very consistent.”
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The 2013 league champions also lost an imposing presence inside the paint with the departure of Arnold Van Opstal due to an injured foot.
To add to the Green Archers’ woes, Cameroonian big man Ben Mbala was forced to delay his UAAP debut after getting caught playing in a provincial tournament last December.
But again, Sauler has that covered.
“Our big men now are doing very well,” he said.
In fact, the absence of the two prized cagers “didn’t really had a negative effect on the mindset of the team.”
“That happens naman every year. Once the lineup is out, the players are just focused on the task at hand. We can’t do anything about it,” Sauler said. “We have no control over that. What we have control of is our attitude going into the season.”
Still, even with a rookie-laden roster, La Salle is considered as a contender.
Asked which is the team to beat this season, Sauler said, “all the teams are. We have to beat every team.”
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