THESE bunch of University of the Philippines (UP)-Jam Liner Maroons are playing in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Aspirants Cup for only one reason—to gain experience and toughen up for the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season.
So far, they have produced encouraging results. They opened their campaign with a 90-85 comeback win against former UAAP champion BDO-National University, which was followed by an equally impressive 102-86 victory against a seasoned Tanduay Rhum team.
“The guys are not yet playing to their full potential. But I thought they have already perfected our defense,” UP-JAM Liner Coach Bert de la Rosa observed.
Well, the Maroons better makes sure they come with their A game on Thursday when they face the CaféFrance Bakers, the league’s reigning Foundation Cup champions.
Game time is 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena. It follows the 2 o’clock encounter between tail-enders Mindanao (0-2) and Tanduay Rhum (0-2).
After two lopsided victories, CaféFrance Coach Egay Macaraya expects his troops to encounter rough sailing against the Maroons, who are loaded in every positions.
“They have good shooters, they defend well and they have size. I think they will be a good test for us,” Macaraya said.
Among the Maroons, Paul Desiderio is the most consistent offensively, averaging 20 points a game. His shooting accuracy should come in handy against the Bakers, who generate their offense from their pressure defense that held opponents to 75 points.
UP-Jam Liner and CaféFrance are tied for second place with idle Phoenix Petroleum-FEU with 2-0 cards behind solo leader Caida Tiles (3-0).