Green Archers final roster revealed – Tampus, Dela Paz out

MANILA, Philippines – From 2009-2012, the De La Salle University Green Archers and Ateneo Blue Eagles faced each other nine times, eight of which resulted in losses for Taft-based squad.

DLSU’s lone win during that stretch – which coincided with Ateneo’s five-peat – took place in 2010, when Dindo Pumaren, now with the UE Red Warriors, was still coaching the team.

Many Lasallians remember the win as a comeback bid, with Samuel Marata – who would later on transfer to University of the Philippines – nailing a pair of three-pointers down the stretch to propel La Salle past its nemesis. But Oda Tampus, who at that time was a freshman, also played a role as he spearheaded the Green Archers’ rally with energy and numerous fastbreak baskets to trim the Blue Eagles’ lead.

That same season, Luigi Dela Paz, a mainstay with the La Salle program since his high school days, became a fan-favorite of the team with his three-point shooting skills.

Fast forward to four years later, and both guys are no longer in the roster.

Staying true to his system by sticking with just 14 guys, DLSU head coach Juno Sauler recently submitted his final line-up for the upcoming UAAP season without the names of Dela Paz and Tampus.

Sources close to the team indicate that contributions by the two players regressed over the past few years to a point where La Salle believed it could receive more from its rookies and younger players.

Abu Tratter and Julian Sargent, both of whom showed impressive athleticism and potential in the 2014 FilOil preseason tournament, are two of the incoming freshmen. Another is Prince Rivero, who was one of the highest scoring high school basketball players in the country last season and also showed offensive potential during the preseason tilt. 

The shocking add is Terrence Mustre, whom some thought would sit out a year before suiting up for La Salle’s Team A. Also included and returning from a torn ACL is Yutien Andrada, who is in his final year of eligibility.

Robert Bolick and Kib Montalbo, second-year players out of La Salle Greenhills and St. John’s Institute, respectively, received two of the final slots, while Dela Paz and Tampus were dropped.

Some of the obvious returns for the team include Jeron Teng, Almond Vosotros, Arnold Van Opstal, Norbert Torres, Jason Perkins, Matt Salem, and Thomas Torres.

Former RP National Youth member Daryl Pascual, a 6-foot-4 forward, transferred to La Salle over the summer after originally committing to San Beda. However, he did not crack this season’s roster.

Here’s the complete line-up of the 2014 De La Salle Green Archers:

Abu Tratter (rookie)

Almond Vosotros (final year)

Arnold Van Opstal (fourth year)

Jason Perkins (second year)

Jeron Teng (third year)

Julian Sargent (rookie)

Kib Montalbo (second year)

Matt Salem (second year)

Norbert Torres (fourth year but final year of eligibility)

Prince Rivero (rookie)

Robert Bolick (second year)

Terrence Mustre (rookie)

Thomas Torres (third year)

Yutien Andrada (fifth year)

– Rappler.com