Adamson Soaring Falcons: Jerie Pingoy
What happened when we last saw him in the UAAP? Averaging 3.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists for Ateneo de Manila University in Season 78.
Jerie Pingoy's UAAP basketball journey, which started in Far Eastern University (FEU) and took him to Ateneo, has now brought him to Adamson University and the Soaring Falcons.
He was solid for Adamson in their preseason tournaments, but Pingoy – who still displayed his shooting touch and court vision for the Soaring Falcons in the summer – will need to be more than just "solid" if he hopes to gain major minutes in their crowded backcourt.
Aside from Pingoy, coach Franz Pumaren still has Rob Manalang and Jerrick Ahanmisi – the guards who helped the Falcons make the Final 4 in Season 79. Players like Nico Paranada and even Terrence Mustre will also vie for playing time along with Pingoy
Ateneo Blue Eagles: Isaac Go
What happened when we last saw him in the UAAP? Helping Ateneo advance to the UAAP Season 79 Finals and winning Most Improved Player honors.
Isaac Go was a revelation for Ateneo in Season 79, especially in the second round after an injury to G-Boy Babilonia thrust him into the limelight. He responded by increasing his production and helping the Blue Eagles reel off six straight wins.
Go is expected to carry an even bigger load in Season 80, as he and Chibueze Ikeh stand as the only true centers in Ateneo's line-up.
De La Salle Green Archers: Ricci Rivero
What happened when we last saw him in the UAAP? Wowing crowds with his athleticism while averaging 5.5 points and 1.0 rebounds per game for the Green Archers.
That Ricci Rivero could slash into the lane, rise for acrobatic lay-ups, and soar for slam dunks was nothing new -- and he lived up to those expectations in Season 79.
But the younger Rivero only averaged 7.2 minutes per game last year, and his playing time is sure to rise in Season 80 as La Salle adjusts to the absence of Jeron Teng. He got off to a strong start in the preseason, as he made it to the Mythical Five of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.
Far Eastern University Tamaraws: Arvin Tolentino
What happened when we last saw him in the UAAP? Averaging only 10.7 minutes per game in his sophomore season for Ateneo in Season 78, after winning Rookie of the Year honors the previous year.
One of the seven players who exited the Ateneo basketball program ahead of Season 79, Arvin Tolentino found his way to FEU, where he will team up with another former Blue Eagle -- Hubert Cani -- try and push the Tamaraws back to the top.
Tolentino's talent has never been in question, but if he can put up a consistent effort – especially on the defensive end – he will prove to be a massive weapon for new FEU coach Olsen Racela.
National University Bulldogs: Issa Gaye
What happened when we last saw him in the UAAP? Waiting patiently in NU's Team B.
Issa Gaye waited a long time before making his UAAP debut, as he was playing behind one of the most celebrated foreign student-athletes in the league in Alfred Aroga.
The long-limbed center from Senegal is ready to make his mark now, and should serve as the anchor of NU's hyper-aggressive defense under new coach Jamike Jarin.
University of the East Red Warriors: Alvin Pasaol
What happened when we last saw him in the UAAP? Averaging 11 points per game on 31.1% shooting for a UE team that finished tied for the worst record in the league.
Alvin Pasaol is a natural scorer, and he will get his touches and his minutes for UE this year after playing behind guys like Renz Palma, Paul Varilla, and even Bonbon Batiller last season.
This time around, however, Pasaol has been established as UE's leader, and coach Derrick Pumaren is banking on him to lead the way as the Red Warriors try to finally live up to their long-simmering potential.
University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons: Juan Gomez de Liano
What happened when we last saw him in the UAAP? Winning MVP honors in the juniors division.
The second of the Gomez de Liano brothers to move up to the UP seniors team after starring for UP Integrated School in high school, "Juan Swish" is expected to inject a dose of excitement into a promising Fighting Maroons squad.
Players like Paul Desiderio, Noah Webb, Diego Dario, and older brother Javi are all expected to produce for UP, but if Juan can come in and immediately make an impact, then the Fighting Maroons should be able to build on their Cinderella campaign from Season 79 and be a true contender in the UAAP.
University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers: Marvin Lee
What happened when we last saw him in the UAAP? Averaging 7.9 points for a UST team that won only three games in Season 79.
Entering his third season in the UAAP, Marvin Lee has suddenly been thrust into the role of UST's leader, as some of their veterans – Renzo Subido and Embons Bonleon, in particular – bid the team goodbye in unexpected fashion.
Lee will be the first and best scoring option for UST, but unless he gets enough help from their new guys – including Cameroonian reinforcement Steve Akomo – the Growling Tigers may disappoint once again in Season 80.
