NU Bulldogs to field 17-man FilOil roster

MANILA, Philippines – The National University Bulldogs are going to field a 17-man line-up for the 2015 Hanes FilOil Flying V Premier Cup, head coach Eric Altamirano confirmed to Rappler on Tuesday, April 21.

The defending UAAP champions will be led by mainstays from last year’s title team: reigning Finals MVP Alfred Aroga, starting point guard Gelo Alolino, defensive stalwart Pao Javelona and other key role players such as Rev Diputado, Rodolfo Alejandro, Reden Celda, Jeff Javillonar, and Kyle Neypes.

Ralph Tansingco and Al Salim are also going to be in action for NU.

NU fans will get to watch new faces wearing the Bulldogs uniform when the FilOil tourney opens on Saturday, April 25. That includes Chiang Kai Shek standout JV Gallego, San Beda High School’s Nico Abatayo, Hope Christian’s Tzaddy Rangel, Senegal product Issa Gaye, Cebu-native Rendell Sinining, Reggie Morido, and Ron Lastimosa.

The Bulldogs will lead Group A of the tournament’s eliminations along with the Adamson Soaring Falcons, FEU Tamaraws, JRU Heavy Bombers, UPHSD Altas, Letran Knights, CSB Blazers, EAC Generals, and Cebu-based USJR Jaguars.

Group B will have the San Beda Red Lions, DLSU Green Archers, Mapua Cardinals, Lyceum Pirates, UE Red Warriors, UP Fighting Maroons, UST Growling Tigers, NAASCU-based CEU Scorpions, and SWU Cobras, who’s from Cebu.

Each team will face the teams in their group in a single-round robin eliminations. The 4 from each group with the best records will then advance to the playoffs of the tournament. The finals will take place on June 14, Sunday.

NU is coming into the tournament with momentum, having just recently won the first ever Philippine-Australian Goodwill Basketball Invitationals held in Manila.

NU won the tournament with a 4-1 record against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, San Sebastian Stags, Arellano Chiefs, Perth Sharks, and Sydney Amigos. – Rappler.com