The Green Archers will once again prove that there is no bad luck with the number 13.
With the new UAAP season to start a week from now, La Salle recently announced their lean, 13-man line-up. The team has some recent history of not maximizing the allowable number of roster spots set by the league which is at 16. We are not really sure as to the reason behind this decision but let us not forget back in 2013, they also had the same short player rotation but still went on to win the championship.
The DLSU Green Archers' roster for #UAAPSeason81 #ArrowsUp pic.twitter.com/75QpApJuwe
— GoArchers (@GoArchers) September 1, 2018
There are only 7 returning players from last year’s squad that finished runner-up. Here are those that have left:
Ben Mbala – Could have still played for one more season but due to the uncertainties on eligibility rule changes, he decided to play professionally overseas. Turns out to be a good decision for him.
Abu Tratter – Already exhausted his playing years and is currently part of the national men’s basketball training pool.
Ricci Rivero – Transferred to UP and will play next year after doing residency.
Prince Rivero – Currently playing for the Mandaluyong El Tigre in the MPBL
Brent Paraiso – Transferred to UST and will play next year after doing residency.
Ramil Tero – Transferred to San Sebastian.
Joshua Gonzalez – Currently playing for the Marikina Shoe Masters in the MPBL and reportedly still continuing his studies at DLSU.
No longer around as well is head coach Aldin Ayo who moved to UST after two seasons with the team.
Holdovers are Kib Montalbo, Andrei Caracut, Jollo Go, Aljun Melecio, Justine Baltazar, Leonard Santillan and Gabe Capacio. New faces are 6’8 Taane Samuel from New Zealand, 6’9 Filipino-Australian Brandon Bates, 6’4 Miguel Corteza from Bacolod Tay Tung, 6’3 Joaqui Manuel from Ateneo de Manila High School and 5’11 Encho Serrano who last played for the Adamson Baby Falcons. Returning to the squad after a one-year absence is Mark Dyke.
Head coach is Louie Gonzalez, to be assisted by Glenn Capacio, Siot Tanquingcen and Anton Altamirano.