Championship Preview or NAH?

It can never be too early and you can never get enough of it when you realized that the most loaded teams in The DUB League Volume 4.0 will face off against each other in Week 1. Will this matchup give us a preview of the things to come in the playoffs?

Much had been said about Juan Gutierrez, Angelo Dela Cruz, and Arvin Dela Cruz as the LORDS of the RINGS (See the plurality of it). Between the three, they have a combined 5 championship rings with them. Thus, the team name is called “Lord of the Rings”. But, if you have Ronnie Tallud, Yoneo Gamalinda, Jingson Morales, Neil Bagalso, and Robin Tallud completing the team, you kinda know that they will be running everyone down this season. Dave Go and Nilo Concepcion completes the team as the veterans.

On the other hand, Aaron Cua will try to win his second championship ring with his band of brothers in Michael Humphrey, Frankie and Devan Mesa, Raymund Escarlan, Richard Osay, CJ Pineda, and Ads Acuna. This team is no joke too. With workhorses Aaron and CJ Pineda running the break, they will test the LOTR and the rest of the league on how fast they can catch up. Humph will be a focal point on half court while Frankie will dominate anyone on the paint. Mark Anorico and big man Roman Blas will try to complete the team.

All of these things looked good on paper. But, who will prevail? Can any other team in the league knock either of these two down?

Too many questions and so few answers for now.

Real Underdogs vs LUCKY Bastards

The Big Chili are the real underdogs this season among the 8 teams. They chose friends during the draft and this proved to be costly for them as they miss out on elite players. In the end, they got what they wanted – a chance to be legends along side their buddies. Not many players can say that. And I am rooting for them to win the championship and ride the “banana boat” after the season is over.

On the other hand, Swoosh Bros are probably the luckiest team so far in terms of post draft moves. Their stroke of genius showed when they got Rodfil Camacho from the Thundercats for Matea Mandabon – who they got from Neil Bagalso trade with Soju Bombers. They also have Mico Mercado, Aldwin Brotonel, and Chris Bonabon from the draft who will be instrumental in this run and will form a strong front court with James Bandolon.

Just like the Chili’s, JR Sunga made sure to pick his cousin Ken Sunga. We will probably know how this play out once the season kicks in. Veterans Oliver Poblete, Jun Centeno, Ahwin Adricula.

The Big Chili will be flanked by Bombi Toves who will have his debut being the face of the team with his bros Mitchell Salas, GJ Eva, and John Dahan. Veterans Jun Gustilo, Gerry Areja and newcomer Orlando Mortel will help man the team. Guards Gerald and CK Arcilla will bring in the heat on the fast break.

On paper, The Big Chilis are the underdogs while Swoosh Bros have everything it needs to make a run this season.

But, what did they say about the Golden State Warriors in 2008 when they beat the top seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs? Do you remember how the Detroit Pistons beat the LA Lakers in the Championship?

 

The HANGOVER GAME

Both teams have players who like the party the night before the games. The SOJU Bombers and the Gym Rats boasts party animals in the fold and yet, they are highly functional during game days. What could be their secret?

As of this writing both captains are already laying down ground rules. I believe if I read correctly is that they are planning to go out together Friday night and they will all play Saturday morning. Good luck with that.

All kidding aside, Cy Real and Renz Villanueva finally left the ‘Cats and became the Rats this season. 😀 I don’t know how this comes in nicely but I guess the team name is meant to be – GYM RATS. They will be flanked by Mohammed Karim who had been awfully quiet and invisible the past couple of months. Veterans Conrad Wolfe and PJ Dacones – who came back after many years of hiatus will be keeping these party animals in line. Gerard Itao, the Bisdak Triggerman, has shown that he has the range and accuracy from beyond the arc in pickup games. JA Along was personally requested to join by Cy Real and he had shown that he has the game that can fit in nicely with Cy Real and Renz.

Joel Recinto, Victor Dungca, and Jun Rey Cabarrubias will complete the team. No scouting report from these players so far so you better start taking notes.

The “Green Light Team” SOJU Bombers, special thanks to Gabby Cordova for introducing me to this drink, perhaps describes the main protagonists of the team. Gabe Gaw, the 6’3″ giant, his buddy Dillon Pineda, #1 Overall pick for Volume 4.0, Cyrel Legaspi, and Andrei Malacapay will be leading a team of senior citizens this season. You cannot discount this old grumpy guys because of their age because Steven San Nicolas, Philip Autencio and Eric Natividad can light it up from beyond the arc while Cupid Musa plays defense like a maniac. Of course, you cannot forget about Lego. He does not do much except get some friendly calls from the referees and muscle the table to give him stats. (Just Kidding)

The team will also feature Aiden Oham who currently is 6’0″ youngin. No scouting report yet except that he is Kean’s younger brother.

Tip off will be on March 23, 2024 @1030AM – Harry Stone Recreation Center.

not Your average kuyas; THUNDERCATS RESURRECTED

The Average Kuyas will be debuting this season led by Volume 2.0 #1 overall pick Cris Dapon vs Thundercats who resurrected their original name after playing as Kuya Cats for two seasons in this season’s opener.

Scouting report says that the ‘Cats will be featuring a young team with Rodje Villa, Kean Oham, Phoenix Galing, Matea Mandabon, and Ace Jhon Sicam – all still in high school mentored by veterans Gil Mandabon, Lito Matildo, James Griffith, Dennis Villa, Tito Galing, and Paolo Olea.

Rodje, Phoenix, and Matea had been playing in this league for a while and the other teams already have a few things in store for them. However, the arrival of Kean Oham and Ace Sicam may provide some headaches from opposing team. Ace is a newcomer from the Philippines boasting a towering 6’0″ – which is already tall for Filipino Standards can play perimeter and midrange. Meanwhile, Kean is an athletic guard who can set the court on fire in an instant. Not to build Kean too much, but he is our baby Lebron in Harry Stone the last time we saw him – 2 years ago.

Do not get deceived by The Average Kuyas demeanor and team name. They are not your average Kuyas – maybe because they are now ANGKOLS. Cris Dapon picked a team that were mostly new players and not much scouting data is available. Jordan Rey is a 6’0″ behemoth who can run the court, play in the post, and bang bodies around. Roy Lor is both a perimeter threat and a big guard. Melchor Dupale getting his shooting legs back had been setting TBU and NTBC on fire lately with his timely 3 pointers. Mark Regondola is your 5’11” cyclist who runs the court like he was on a bike and plays both in the paint and in perimeter.

Jawo Feniquito and Kenz Jacob provides a solid shooting guard presence for the Kuyas and may be their Trump cards this season.

Not much had been known about newcomers Gerard Nicasio and Marvin Francisco. We will try to find out as the season progress.

Tip off is March 23, 2024 @ 0930AM – Harry Stone Recreation Center