MANILA, Philippines—Power forward Arvie Bringas will not see action for an already undersized De La Salle University squad in this season’s UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
Academic deficiencies sidelined the 6-foot-4 Bringas, just a year after the Green Archers won the recruitment wars over the former juniors star.
“Of course, he’s a big loss,” said new La Salle coach Dindo Pumaren Tuesday. “He’s not eligible this year due to academic problems. But we’re hoping that our rookies will mature in time for the season.”
LA Revilla also won’t suit up for the second straight season since the flashy guard was diagnosed with diabetes weeks before last year’s action tipped off.
“His doctors still didn’t clear him to play,” said Pumaren, who took over from his multi-titled elder brother Franz.
Season 73 host La Salle, fielding a young crew led by Joshua Webb, takes on the University of the Philippines in the July 10 opener at 2 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Last year’s runner-up University of the East and University of Santo Tomas tangle at 4 p.m.
Ateneo de Manila University kicks off its bid for a third straight championship on July 11 against pre-season pick Far Eastern University at 4 p.m. also at the Big Dome.
Adamson University battles a retooled National University at 2 p.m.
Pumaren said the Archers aim to bank on their speed minus Bringas, the 2008 NCAA juniors Finals MVP who helped San Sebastian College clinch four straight titles.
“We still have a young team; almost half are rookies fresh from high school,” said Pumaren. “But the rookies provide the team with energy. We’re also quicker this year.”
The Archers only wound up sixth with a 5-9 record last year to miss out on the Final Four for the first time under Franz’s watch.
Bringas’ younger brother Mark Anthony, meanwhile, will see action with the Tamaraws this season.
Jasmine Payo, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Subject: Archers To Miss Bringas Power 
Wed Jun 30, 2010 6:50 am
