With 13 teams in the league (which nearly doubles that of the PBL), this 3-month stint will force college ballers to bring out their A-game earlier than expected, playing a few games to train for the upcoming 74th Season of the UAAP. But then, this is not just another summer training camp, for they have to face up against college league alumni and mainstay amateur league players.
In featuring the following PBADL teams, it would be noteworthy to look at the incoming UAAP Season 74 players and coaches and see how their participation in the PBDL can help them gear up for July.
1.Blackwater Elite
Former Barako Bull and present Arellano University Chiefs coach Leo Isaac will be one of those who will take the reins for this Ever Bilena-sponsored team. It has UP Fighting Maroon Joshua Saret, who obviously needs a lot of exposure in order to make it big next season, considering that, despite having his own share of the limelight during high school, did not become a productive member of the UP basketball team.
2.Freego Jeans
To put it short, it's just an upgrade of the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, and rest assured, they will be taking this league seriously. Coach Leo Austria might find this as an opportunity to experiment with various plays that they can use in the UAAP.
Falcons Janus Lozada, Alex Nuyles, Jan Colina, Jerick Canada, Eric Camson, Roider Cabrera, and Lester Alvarez will be the Austria's main pieces for this league, joined by other Falcons Jeff Olalia and alumnus Mike Galinato. If Adamson wants to stay in the Final Four next year, then they definitely have to fill in the holes that they had last year in terms of defense.
3.Nlex Road Warriors
Former Fighting Maroons coach Boyet Fernandez could have another opportunity to prove himself as he will be the one to lead this team, and in fact he can redeem himself by having some noteworthy talents at his disposal.
Former Blue Eagle Eric Salamat is just one of them, and knowing the way he plays, he might just fit in Fernandez' offensive system that concentrates on swingmen. The Red Lions' Ogie Menor, the SSC-R Stags' Calvin Abueva and UP Fighting Maroons' Woody Co will go with him while they wait for the upcoming PBA draft.
4.PC Gilmore Wizard
It's quite unusual that the Gilmore group of PC manufacturers would form a team, but why not accept them if we want an expanded league? CSB Blazers coach Richard del Rosario will be the one who will be in charge of the team, and he will have a few significant players which include Mapua Cardinals Allan Mangahas and Mike Parala.
5.Pharex Naproxen Sodium Bidang Generix
This former PBL team will have its steering wheels held by coach Gian Carlo Tan, and he has a lot of former UAAP ballers, which include NU Bulldog Edwin Asoro, UST Growling Tigers Aljon Mariano and Chester Taylor, FEU Tamaraw Marlon Adolfo, and DLSU Green Archer James Mangahas.
6.RnW Pacific Pipes
Finally, former Aces player Topex Robinson got hold of the job that he wants from the very start, and he was duly rewarded with a big win last Saturday against PC Gilmore. But then, this team could have been stronger if Blue Eagle Ryan Buenafe will play. Unfortunately, He has to concentrate on his studies so that he can play for the Season 74. Besides, Coach Norman Black would rather have the Blue Eagles participate in other summer competitions where they can play as a team.
7.Cafe France
Former La Salle Green Archer and Pop Cola coach Mon Jose will have to lead this team that features former Bulldog Jewel Ponferada among others.
8.Cebuana Lhuiller Gems
Ex-Adamson coach Luigi Trillo will have a mix of UAAP and NCAA alumni at his disposal, which includes Kelvin Gregorio (UE), Allein Maliksi (UST), Ben Fernandez (FEU) and Hyram Bagatsing (DLSU). He also has current Letran Knight Kevin Alas to back them up.
9.Cobra Energy Drink
Former UE Coach Lawrence Chongson turns to a new page in his coaching career by leaving the UAAP altogether and take over this former PBL franchise. And as always, he has former Red Warrior Paul Lee, who will be the main man on his offensive sets. Other fresh grads playing with him will be Paul Sanga of the FEU Tamaraws, Melvin Baloran, and Kokoy Hermosisima, both from the NU Bulldogs. Significant in their roster would be Ken Acibar, who will serve as the main man of the Red Warriors for Season 74.
10.FCA Cultivators
Chiang Kai Shek aspirants and Air21 assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco takes a step forward as he will try to handle a PBA-DL team that is composed of those who play in minor leagues. Too bad he won't handle someone who will suit up for UAAP's Season 74.
11.Max Bond Superglue Sumos
Entering his last contract year as Growling Tigers head coach, Pido Jarencio has to prove that he can take his boys to greater heights after his UST Tigers dropped to the 6th spot last year. This D-League might be the opportunity for Tigers Jeric Teng, Chris Camus, Melo Afuang, Clark Bautista, Jeric Fortuna, and Aljon Mariano to up their game down the stretch. Fortunately, a few tips and pointers from UAAP alumni Jun Cabatu (DLSU), Roel Hugnatan (AdU), Rudy Lingganay (UE), Mark Benitez (DLSU), Japs Cuan (UST), and Reil Cervantes (FEU - opted out of his final year to enter the PBA draft) can help.
12.Maynilad Water Dragons
This D-League team might not stay for long as it could be given a slot in the pros in the coming years (thus, a whole roster change or probably a whole new team if basketball mogul MVP would prefer to also have a D-League team). But for the moment, it has to play alongside all the D-League amateur teams and would be headed by Red Lions coach Frankie Lim. Joining him in this stint are his boys the Semerad twins (Dave and Anthony), Jake Pascual, Garvo Lanete, and Sudan Daniel.
13.Junior Powerade Tigers
The new Fighting Maroons coach Ricky Dandan has to show that he can carry a team out of a 0-14 hole last year. But first, he has to deal with a D-League team that can promise good results come July. He has Maroons Alvin Padilla, Miggy Manego, Moriah Gingerich, Mark Juruena, and Kevin Wong, and joining them would be alumnus Mike Gamboa.
Credits to Bleacher's Brew and Chinoy Hoops Fan for this large chunk of info.
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