Back to Reign: Green Archers Take Their Stand in Season 88

Championships are not just won — they are defended, sustained, and lived. The crown may have slipped away last season, but the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers are hungrier than ever. With a new season waiting for them, their hunger is not about revenge, but about redemption, brotherhood, and about the legacy they continue to build for the Green and White.

Now, as the UAAP Season 88 campaign dawns, the Green Archers return not as a team chasing what was lost, but as one reforged in defeat. The battles of the past have shaped the Green Archers into a tougher, smarter team. Season 88 isn’t just about reclaiming a lost crown — it’s about showing once more what La Salle basketball is built on: excellence, resilience, and a fire that won’t burn out.

With Michael “Mike” Phillips leading the way and a brotherhood that allows every player to be their true self, the team steps into the new season with renewed purpose. Season 87 — from the highs of defending their title to the heartbreak of the Finals — was a test of resilience, a lesson in growth, and a reminder that greatness isn’t defined by a single outcome but by the ability to rise again.

Reflecting on that journey, Mike said, “I think that one of the biggest reasons for our growth was the failure that we experienced. When failure comes, it really shines a light on everything. It showed us we had a lot of ugly spots, a lot of things we haven’t dealt with yet. So we’re just grateful to God that we were able to go through those things, because it really made us refine what we have right now.”

After Season 87, the Green Archers returned to the court with heads held high. They showed early that their hunger for victory isn’t just talk — it’s built into every game, every possession, every play. They claimed the crown at the AsiaBasket 2025 College Campus Tour, tested themselves against top international competition in the World University Basketball Series in Japan, and later competed in the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup, where they swept the eliminations with a perfect record before falling in the semifinals. Each of these campaigns sharpened their skills, strengthened their resolve, and fueled their momentum as they set their sights on reclaiming the UAAP crown in Season 88.

Looking back on their preseason run, Mike pointed to one word that stood out: adaptability. “We were so used to sticking to what works for us, we were scared to step out of our comfort zones and try new things. But when we got to Japan, everyone had a different style of playing, a different set of players,” he shared. For him, the chance to face international competition — unlike the familiar opponents they see in local tournaments — gave the team an opportunity to learn, adjust, and put themselves out there in ways they hadn’t before.

Anchoring by Experience and Fueled by Fresh Faces

With the preseason behind them, the stakes of Season 88 are clear. The Green Archers are not only chasing redemption but also proving that their foundation is strong enough to carry them forward. And at the heart of that pursuit is leadership — the veterans who have carried the banner through triumphs and heartbreak, and the newcomers now tasked with writing the next chapter of La Salle basketball.

Following the departure of Kevin Quiambao and Joshua David, the Green Archers turn to captain Mike, co-captain Earl Abadam, and seasoned teammates JC Macalalag, EJ Gollena, and Bright Nwankwo to set the tone. Not just as mentors, but as battle-tested competitors ready to push the team to every ounce of its potential.

This veteran core now stands as La Salle’s foundation, steering the team into Season 88. Mike reflects on how his perspective on leadership has evolved: he learned that leading isn’t just about directing others, but about serving the team and giving everyone a voice. “A true leader goes in front of the team and leads them to where they’re going, not just boss them around,” he said.

Earl, meanwhile, emphasizes leading by example, showing consistency both on and off the court. “I just try to be an example every day—at practice, in the dorms, at any team events,” he explained. “It’s about seeing the best in everything and instilling that mindset in the team.” Together, Mike and Earl provide a balance of guidance, faith, and steady leadership that the team can rely on.

That sense of humility carries into the way they welcome the newest Archers. When asked about the team’s newcomers, Mike couldn’t help but smile. “I think the rookies are fun, they give me so much energy! Ang kulit nila, ang saya nila, but at the same time, they’re very coachable. Honestly, they make me feel like a rookie again. I think it’s a blessing to have these kinds of guys as a senior and as a captain,” he shared.

The energy comes from a deep pool of additions this year: transferees Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, Luis Pablo, Kean Baclaan, and Dominic Sarmiento bring experience and skill from their previous stops, while the rookie class — Lebron Jhames Daep, Gian Gomez, Guillian Quines, Denzel Dagdag, Michael Cortez, and Ram Sharma — infuses the squad with youthful hunger and fresh potential.

Setting Sights on Season 88

With experienced leaders at the helm and a group of newcomers eager to make their mark, the Green Archers step into Season 88 as a team reshaped by guidance and energy.

Preparation extends beyond shooting drills and playbooks. Central to the Green Archers’ readiness is a rigorous strength and conditioning program led by Miguel Aytona, which builds endurance and resilience. Mike explained how much it contributes to the team’s edge: “Our entire strength and conditioning program is so dedicated. Everything is calculated, we learn what it really means to take care of your body and be tactical in your approach. Over the last two to three years, we’ve been through trial and error — what works for us and what doesn’t. It unlocked a new level of dedication. They’re the reason we were able to win a championship in 86 and extend it to a game three in 87, because they built us up to be able to withstand everything.”

By investing in their physical foundation, the Green Archers ensure that when the season begins, they are ready to execute at full capacity: physically strong, and primed to compete at the highest level.

With their bodies primed and endurance tested, the Green Archers now turn their focus to the mental and cultural side of the game. Strength and conditioning may set the stage, but it’s trust, leadership, and shared purpose that will define how they perform under pressure.

“The biggest challenge we have is limiting the outside noise and not letting that affect our inner culture,” Mike explained. “The expectations for this team are really high, and I know it can put so much pressure on our guys, especially the rookies. I think letting that pressure get to us can lead to things like trying to win the game by ourselves rather than work as a team. We have to really put our trust fully in one another. We have to surrender everyone’s ego.”

For the Green Archers, every practice, every game, and every challenge is an opportunity to reinforce trust, unity, and the kind of teamwork that turns potential into results. As Coach Topex Robinson often reminds them, winning is just a byproduct of what they’re doing. The true focus is on inspiring others and building a brotherhood that lasts beyond the court.

Mike and Earl take that mindset a step further, emphasizing faith, leadership, and resilience. But make no mistake — the Green Archers aren’t just playing with heart — they play to win, to compete at the highest level, and to test themselves against anyone who steps on the court with them. Mike highlighted the team’s larger purpose: “We play to inspire. We don’t just want to win games or championships; we also want to represent La Salle and inspire the next generation.” Earl adds that their growth off the court has carried over into their play: “We treat others with respect and approach every day with a grateful mindset — and that translates when we play. When things get tough, me and Mike will be there to guide and support them.”

With lessons learned, veterans leading the way, and new talent adding energy, the Green Archers enter Season 88 ready to define their identity. Strengthened by past setbacks, guided by faith, and fueled by a mix of experience and fresh potential, they are prepared to face every challenge head-on.

Every game will test their resilience, every opponent will demand their best, and every moment on the court will reflect the spirit that drives them. This is their time to rise, to inspire, and to write another chapter in the history of La Salle basketball.

The crown awaits its return to Taft, and the Green Archers will bring it home.

Catch the Green Archers as they answer the crown’s call, beginning their Season 88 campaign this Saturday, September 20, against the Adamson Soaring Falcons (AdU) at 4:30 PM in the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav). Their Round 1 schedule are as follows:

DLSU vs. AdU — September 20, 4:30PM
DLSU vs. UST — September 27, 4:30PM
DLSU vs. FEU — October 1, 2:00PM
DLSU vs. Ateneo — October 5, 4:30PM
DLSU vs. NU — October 12, 2:00PM
DLSU vs. UP — October 19, 4:30PM

Source:
DLSU Sports

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