The FEU Tamaraws debut in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, notably without reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre.
From the get-go, Chris Gavina knew he had his work cut out for him in University of the East.
Tasked to bring the Red Warriors back to relevancy, the onus was clear for the Fil-Am mentor: that he had to change the culture if he wants to be successful in this endeavor.
Sean Chambers, on the other hand, feels lucky that a bumper crop of homegrown stars were at his disposal in Far Eastern University.
What he did not expect, however, was that his biggest star would depart the Tamaraws' lair in the buildup for this upcoming season.
Now, both UE and FEU brace for new beginnings as they start their campaigns at the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Thursday. Game time is at 12:00 p.m.
Precious Momowei is back in the saddle for the Red Warriors and is poised to lead the charge together with holdovers Wello Lingolingo and John Abate.
Meanwhile, Jorick Bautista will banner the Tamaraws together with Janrey Pasaol and Mo Konateh as they start their life without Veejay Pre.
Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao will also make their debuts as University of Santo Tomas plays National University at 4:00 p.m. in the premier preseason tournament which has PlayTime Cares, Filoil, EcoOil, Hanes, Bostik El Heneral, Jiang Nan Hotpot, Lamtex, Smart, and Puso Pilipinas as major sponsors, and Harbor Star, Wallem, Akari, BDO, Tela.com Athletics, Nature’s Spring, Reyes Barbecue, and Brothers Burger as minor sponsors.
Ato Barba and the Lyceum of the Philippines University kick us off at 10:00 a.m. against Clint Escamis and reigning NCAA champion Mapua, while Allen Liwag and College of St. Benilde seek early group leadership against Arellano at 2:00 p.m.