Lady Falcons set to spread wings in UAAP 87
Date Posted: September 9, 2024 at 04:49 PM
The Adamson Lady Falcons Women’s Basketball Team is gearing up for another campaign in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), with their first match slated this September 8 against Far Eastern University.
Unlike other programs that have been staples in national and international training and tournaments, the San Marcelino-based squad remained relatively quiet about its build-up for UAAP 87.
However, in an interview with Adamson News, Head Coach Ryan Monteclaro assured about the Women’s Basketball Team.
“All is well,” he said.
TEACHING, LEARNING, APPLYING
Monteclaro expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and growth as they head into the new season, explaining the steps they took to prepare for UAAP 87.
“It was more about how the team will apply the things we’re trying to teach them,” Monteclaro said.
“We’re optimistic with how the players respond to the training, and while there will be ups and downs, I believe they’re going to be ready.”
Monteclaro also revealed that the Lady Falcons have spent the off-season focusing heavily on developing individual skills, explaining that this preparation aimed to sharpen the players’ abilities ahead of the new season.
“The whole off-season, we worked on building individual skills,” he shared.
“It’s really about skill-building for us; day by day, we can see glimpses of what we can show this season, and I’m pretty positive about the possible outcome,” Monteclaro added, also sharing that the team also participated in various tune-up games and tournaments, including one where they finished in third place.
ON TO THE NEXT
The graduation of UAAP 86 skipper Rose Ann Dampios is a significant change for the Lady Falcons this season, but Monteclaro remains optimistic.
Rather than relying on individual star power, the team has embraced a more collective approach, focusing on team dynamics and strategy.
“We’ve worked on creating a balanced team game,” he said. “Every player knows their role, and that will be crucial as we face the competition.”
Monteclaro also emphasized leadership by committee this season. While Kemi Adeshina has taken on the role of captain, the youthful AdU mentor said the team is fostering leadership across the board.
“Anyone can be co-captain,” he remarked. “We selected Kemi to take on a bigger responsibility this year, but every player has the potential to lead.”
Another critical factor in the Lady Falcons' performance this season is the return of familiar faces, notably Novie Ornopia and Elaine Alaba.
Ornopia, a backup for star player Kemi Adeshina in Season 85, had to sit out last season due to injury but is now back in action, adding depth and experience to the team.
On the other hand, Alaba was temporarily relegated to Team B but made the most of her time in development, which led her to a Mythical Five selection in one of their off-season tournaments.
Monteclaro spoke highly of both players, whose return to the main roster has given the team a renewed sense of strength.
“We have some familiar faces coming in, and they’re ready to contribute,” he said.
He also praised Adeshina for her leadership, noting her efficiency on the defensive end last year and her willingness to focus on team achievements rather than personal accolades.
“She didn’t care about individual awards, only team success,” Monteclaro added.
As the Lady Falcons enter another season, the former King Falcon also admitted he knows their challenges.
Despite the absence of key players like UP’s Favour Ohno, other teams have recruited top-tier talent, including Fil-foreign athletes, making the competition fierce.
However, Monteclaro remains confident that the Lady Falcons can rise to the challenge.
“Maybe we can pull off some upsets this year and make it to the Final Four, who knows.”
