Push Admin

UAAP Season 79 Preview: De La Salle Green Archers

Article (news)

Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/news-special1/sports/8/31/ben-mbala.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Ben Mbala (23) has made La Salle the overwhelming favorite to win the UAAP championship. Richard Esguerra, <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/uaap/basketball/photos">ABS-CBN Sports</a></div></figcaption></figure></div><div>MANILA, Philippines – Make no mistake – it is championship or bust for the De La Salle University Green Archers in the 79th season of the UAAP.</div>Season 78 record: 6-8Season 78 summary: La Salle missed the playoffs for only the third time in the UAAP&#x27;s Final Four Era in Season 78, a culmination of an up-and-down year that saw them end the first round on a strong note, only to sputter in the second round.The Green Archers were 4-3 after the first round, a respectable slate. But they managed to win only two games the rest of the way, with a 74-75 loss to the unheralded Adamson University Falcons dealing a huge blow to their Final Four hopes.A win over University of the Philippines kept them in contention, but they were dismissed by eventual champions Far Eastern University in their final game of the elimination round.<div>READ: <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/05/06/archers-shoot-red-warriors-back-back-wins-11182">Archers shoot down Red Warriors for back-to-back wins</a></div>Key losses: Coach Juno Sauler, Josh TorralbaKey additions: Coach Aldin Ayo, Ben Mbala, Aljun Melecio, Ricci RiveroKey returnees: Jeron Teng, Thomas TorresProjection: Anything short of a championship will be a massive disappointment for the De La Salle Green Archers in Season 79. They feature arguably one of the strongest line-ups the league has seen in recent seasons, anchored by powerful big man Ben Mbala and perennial MVP contender Jeron Teng.Add new coach Aldin Ayo and his &quot;mayhem&quot; style of basketball, and one of the best recruiting classes in recent memory, and La Salle is expected not just to win, but to win in spectacular fashion.The Green Archers showed what they were capable of in the preseason, when they thoroughly dominated the FilOil tournament, winning every game by an average margin of more than 15 points. Mbala was especially dominant, averaging a double-double and proving himself to be a force on both ends.Teng, a former Rookie of the Year and Finals MVP, seemed to flourish in Ayo&#x27;s aggressive, trapping system of defense, while other veterans like Abu Tratter and Thomas Torres, and rookies like Aljun Melecio, seemed to grow in confidence every game.The pressure is squarely on La Salle this season, and they definitely have a massive bulls&#x27; eye on their backs. It will be interesting to see how the Green Archers deal not just with their UAAP opponents, but from the burden of expectation that they are sure to feel.What they said: &quot;It&#x27;s normal to have this kind of pressure, and I think we like it because it shows what our team can really do. We&#x27;ll prepare for it na lang. Kami, ready lang, and like what we always tell each other – it&#x27;s not about our opponents, but how we&#x27;re gonna play.&quot; – Jeron TengFirst opponent: Far Eastern University, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Arena.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Make no mistake – it is championship or bust for the De La Salle University Green Archers in the 79th season of the UAAP.

Make no mistake – it is championship or bust for the De La Salle University Green Archers in the 79th season of the UAAP.

UAAP Season 79 Preview: De La Salle Green Archers

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

UAAP Season 79 Preview: De La Salle Green Archers

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 31, 2016 06:34 AM PHT

Read More:

UAAP

UAAP Season 78

De La Salle Green Archers

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.