De La Salle Green Archers Men's Basketball Team
The De La Salle Green Archers men's basketball team, also known as the DLSU Green Archers or simply the Archers, is one of the most popular and successful teams in Philippine collegiate basketball. The team represents De La Salle University (DLSU) in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the premier collegiate sports league in the country.
History
The De La Salle Green Archers have a rich history in Philippine collegiate basketball. The team was founded in 1911 and has since then become one of the most successful programs in the UAAP. The DLSU basketball program has produced some of the best players in Philippine basketball history, including Renren Ritualo, Jeron Teng, and Ben Mbala.
The Archers have won a total of nine UAAP men's basketball championships and numerous other titles in various tournaments. The team's most recent UAAP championship came in 2016, under the guidance of then-head coach Aldin Ayo. The Archers also won the championship in 2013, 2007, 2006, 2001, 2000, 1998, 1990, and 1989. The team has also produced a number of King Archers, the title given to the UAAP's Most Valuable Player award.
Players
The De La Salle Green Archers have produced some of the best basketball players in the Philippines. These players have played key roles in the team's success over the years.
Jeron Teng is arguably one of the best players to have suited up for the Green Archers. The son of former PBA player Alvin Teng, Jeron led the Archers to their UAAP championship in 2013 and was named the UAAP Most Valuable Player in 2015. Another standout player is Ben Mbala, a Cameroonian import who dominated the UAAP during his stint with the Archers. Mbala was named the UAAP Most Valuable Player in both 2016 and 2017.
Other notable players include Renren Ritualo, a deadly perimeter shooter who helped the Archers win championships in 2000 and 2001, and Dindo Pumaren, a former UAAP MVP and coach of the team.
Coaches
The De La Salle Green Archers have had a number of successful coaches throughout its history. One of the most notable is Franz Pumaren, who led the team to its first UAAP championship in 1989. Pumaren also coached the team to championships in 1990 and 1998.
Aldin Ayo is another successful coach who guided the Archers to their most recent championship in 2016. Ayo, known for his "mayhem" system of aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, was also the coach of the Letran Knights when they won the NCAA championship in 2015. He is currently the head coach of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
Impact on Philippine Basketball
The De La Salle Green Archers have had a significant impact on Philippine basketball. The team's success and popularity have helped raise the profile of Philippine collegiate basketball and have inspired a new generation of players to take up the sport.
The team's style of play has also had an impact on Philippine basketball. The "mayhem" system popularized by Aldin Ayo has been adopted by several other collegiate and professional teams in the country. The Archers' success has also led to increased interest in UAAP basketball, with games often drawing sellout crowds and generating intense rivalries between schools.
Conclusion
The De La Salle Green Archers men's basketball team is a powerhouse in Philippine collegiate basketball. The team has a rich history of success, producing some of the best players and coaches in Philippine basketball. The Archers' impact on Philippine basketball cannot be overstated, with their success and popularity helping to raise the profile of the sport in the country.