Art Dela Cruz going back to San Beda is confirmed. He's practicing with them already.
There were rumors going around that Buenafe wanted to go back to Baste for a "fresh" start. But he's still in the ateneo atending to his classes.
The problem with Buenafe is, he's a genius at basketball but has never developed the work ethic to truly develop his full potential. Compared to Nico Salva who is a workhorse, we can see his development to a very good forward and if not one of the best in the UAAP for his generation.
Also, I wouldn't worry about Ateneo's game against ADU. Admu always starts the season slow and arguably Adamson is quite good with a very underrated coach. We'll start seeing fluidity on the offensive plays and cohesiveness on defense.
I'm just gonna relax and watch how the season unfolds. I'm only gonna push the panic button if ateneo gets 3 losses already in the first round. but until then, i'm just gonna enjoy the ride.
Salamat, Buenafe, Dela Cruz. Three players who are not afraid to shoot. Three players who are not afraid to drive into the painted area. Three players who can post-up. Three players who are not afraid to go head-to-head and toe-to-toe with the opposing player. These are not minor losses, these are big losses.
Salva has a decent outside shot. But he's not that good a post-up player nor does he have an explosive first step which will allow him to leave his guard behind. He doesn't even have the heft to overpower those who guard him. What he has is the "yabang" and self-confidence to do good.
Kirk Long has his days but not on a steady basis. Chua is good offensively but is not intimidating defensively. Monfort will not back down from anybody. The other players have been contented in the roles they play. And with the entry of Slaughter and Ravena, they might even be more contented playing second-fiddle to them.
Their real test probably would come from FEU's in-your-face defense and La Salle's pesky full-court press.
Ateneo may be a contender but definitely not a shoo-in!