UAAP Season 76 Pre-Opening Power Rankings

Yes, yes, we’re bound to disagree about most, if not all, of the following things, but just bear with me, okay? This is one of the most fun things to do when the college basketball wars commence. We all get to play expert and move around these schools as if they’re notches on the corkboard. Maybe at some point we might even make sense, or (shudder!) actually agree on something. J

Greatness never ends.
(image from SMTickets.com)

In lieu of a proper team-by-team preview, I am presenting, the initial – pre-opening weekend – UAAP Season 76 Power Rankings.

School/Team in Column A and three (3), yes JUST THREE, “reasons why” in Column B.

After the opening weekend, I plan to come out with team-by-team “impressions and projections.” Why didn’t I write UAAP previews this year? Because I’ve been swamped by FIBA Asia stuff that’s why. (Not to mention the day job!)

1. NU Bulldogs	-Alfred Aroga will be better than Henri Betayene was last year. -Alfred Aroga will be better than Emmanuel Mbe was last year. -Ray Parks will be better than Alfred Aroga. Alfred Aroga is one of the new  big men in town. (image from Filoil Flying V Sports)
2. UST Growling Tigers	-Finals experience from Season 75. -With Fortuna out, at least three more shot attempts will go Teng’s way (okay, that MIGHT not always be a good thing). -Karim Abdul will get out of summer hibernation. Can Jeric Teng lead the Tigers back to the Finals? (image from Filoil Flying V Sports)
3. Ateneo Blue Eagles	-Perasol’s system should maximize the deep guard roster of the Loyolans. -Kiefer Ravena might be Season 76 MVP. -There’s a big blue donut hole in Katipunan. Big things are expected from high-flyer Chris Newsome. (image from Filoil Flying V Sports)
4. UE Red Warriors	-Great momentum because of an amazing preseason title run. -Coach Boysie Zamar is the right coach for this group. -Roi Sumang should be the best point guard in college right now (no disrespect, Mr. Amer). Roi Sumang should blossom into a bona fide superstar this season. (image from Filoil Flying V Sports)
5. DLSU Green Archers	-The Thomas Torres-LA Revilla PG combo should be awesome. -Jason Perkins will be a Mythical Five candidate. -I think Jeron Teng will try to do too much in a good number of games. Jason Perkins and Norbert Torres make for an imposing frontline. (image from Jan Dizon/Inboundpass.com)
6. FEU Tamaraws	-Nash Racela should breathe some fresh life into this program. -That Romeo-Garcia bromance will never work. -No Bringas boys and no Escoto means a mighty thin frontcourt. Terrence Romeo hopes to put the Tams back in the Final Four. (image from Jan Dizon/Inboundpass.com)
7. Adamson Soaring Falcons	-Jericho Cruz should be a Mythical Five candidate. -Ingrid Sewa + Rodney Brondial = maybe (physically) the toughest frontline in the league. -Bench depth and consistency are big issues. Can Ingrid Sewa fill the void left by Eric Camson? (image from Jan Dizon/Inboundpass.com)
8. UP Fighting Maroons	-Chris Ball should put up eye-popping numbers. -Ricky Dandan is such an awesome coach who will do everything he can to optimize his roster. -Not much to optimize in this roster, though. Will Sam Marata's return light a fire in the Maroons? (image from Jan Dizon/Inboundpass.com)