UAAP Season 73 Opens with a Bang

WORDS BY JAEMARK TORDECILLA
PHOTOS BY RYAN ONG

July 12, 2010 | 9392 views

Thumbs down to UAAP announcer Eric Tipan, who covered the game between Adamson and NU on Sunday. In the middle of the third quarter, he screamed, “This is insanely good basketball!” This was a game wherein the Bulldogs turned the ball over a whopping 31 times.

In no way, shape, or form could any of it be considered good. It was barely even basketball. (Of course, I’m the idiot who watched the whole game from tip off until the final buzzer.)

Thumbs up to Lester Alvarez and Jeric Cañada, two Adamson point guards who’ve been thriving under the guidance of another point guard, Coach Leo Austria. What a huge luxury in a league to have two solid court generals in a league almost everyone runs and presses.

Thumbs up to Kokoy Hermosisima, a gamer who would draw more attention if he weren’t playing for the NU Bulldogs. He’s jacking up the shots now, which is probably a smart thing, because next year it’ll be all about Ray Parks for the team.

Thumbs down to JR Cawaling, who was expected to lead the FEU Tamaraws after spending the past year with the Smart Gilas national team. Maybe he misses being teammates with Chris Tiu, and looking into the Tiu’s deep brown eyes during practice. Ok, maybe not, but do you have a better explanation?

Thumbs up to RR Garcia of FEU, who was the most impressive player of the UAAP opening weekend. You almost forget the fact that he’s name reminds people of either an FHM cover girl. His performance makes FEU fans forget about the very ugly situation last season with Mark Barroca. Not bad for a sophome who only turned 20.

Thumbs up to Nico Salva, Ryan Buenafe, and Arthur dela Cruz, who give the Ateneo Blue Eagles the most exciting wingmen in the UAAP. Special mention goes to Buenafe, who is in the best shape of his life. He looks like he gave up Cello’s doughnuts in the offseason.

Thumbs down to the Ateneo backcourt. Why don’t they have any point guards? Isn’t this going to be a problem when they play a team that presses full-court, like La Salle?

Thumbs up to the UAAP courtside reporters. Every UAAP fan looks forward to bits of wisdom from the sideline delivered by the likes of Jessica Mendoza and Riki Flores. For fans of awful teams like UP, it’s just about the only thing they could look forward to during the games.