What to Expect from the DLSU Men's Basketball Team This Season

As I settle into my courtside seat at the Mall of Asia Arena, the familiar scent of polished hardwood and nervous anticipation takes me back to twenty seasons covering UAAP basketball. This year feels different though—there’s an electric tension around the DLSU Green Archers that reminds me of their 2016 championship run. Having witnessed seven coaching changes and three championship droughts during my career, I’ve developed a sixth sense for when a team is genuinely special versus when they’re just riding preseason hype. And let me tell you—this DLSU squad has that unmistakable scent of something brewing.

The departure of team captain Evan Nelle left many wondering who would fill the leadership vacuum. But what I’ve observed during their preseason games suggests they’ve developed something more valuable than a single star player—they’ve cultivated what coaches call "distributed leadership." Mike Phillips has evolved from just being a rebound machine to becoming the defensive quarterback, while CJ Austria has quietly become the clutch shooter they desperately needed last season. Their preseason statistics tell an interesting story—they’re averaging 18.5 assists per game compared to last season’s 14.2, suggesting better ball movement and trust. Defensively, they’re holding opponents to 41% shooting from two-point range, down from 47% this time last year. These aren’t just numbers—they’re evidence of a cultural shift.

What truly excites me about this team isn’t just their improved statistics or their 8-2 preseason record. It’s their mental toughness—something I haven’t seen from a DLSU team since the Ben Mbala era. During their closed-door scrimmages that I was privileged to observe, there were multiple moments where they could have folded under pressure. Down 15 against a tough Adamson lineup in the third quarter, I watched them methodically chip away at the lead without panic, eventually winning by six. That composure comes from their coaching staff, particularly from head coach Topex Robinson, who has instilled what he calls "joyful resilience" in these young men.

Now, when we talk about leadership and consistency, there’s one player who embodies exactly what to expect from the DLSU Men's Basketball Team this season—and that’s team veteran Raven Crisostomo. Having followed his career since his high school days at Nazareth School of National University, I’ve always been impressed by his basketball IQ, but what’s remarkable is his growth as a communicator. What’s not going to be different, however, is how Crisostomo handles himself when it comes to the media. I’ve interviewed him after both crushing losses and emotional victories, and he’s always measured, thoughtful, and refuses to throw teammates under the bus even when he’s clearly frustrated. That consistency in character matters more than people realize—it creates stability in the locker room and sets the tone for how younger players conduct themselves.

The Green Archers’ offensive system has undergone what I’d describe as an "evolutionary revolution." They’re still running many of the same sets from last season, but the execution is crisper, the decision-making quicker. What fascinates me is their increased use of what analytics folks call "early offense"—they’re pushing the ball before defenses can set up, resulting in easier baskets. During their preseason game against UP, they scored 24 fast break points compared to UP’s 12. That’s not accidental—that’s strategic. Their three-point shooting has improved from 28% last season to 35% in preseason, which might not sound dramatic but actually represents about two additional made threes per game—enough to change outcomes in close contests.

From my perspective, the biggest question isn’t about talent—they have plenty. It’s about sustainability. Can they maintain this level of intensity through the grueling 14-game elimination round? Having covered championship teams, I’ve noticed they all share one trait—they find ways to win even when they’re not playing their best basketball. The 2023 Green Archers often lost those games. The early evidence suggests this year’s team might be different. Their comeback win against UE last week, where they trailed by 12 with six minutes remaining, showed a mental fortitude that championship contenders possess.

I had a fascinating conversation with former DLSU legend and now basketball analyst Renren Ritualo last week, and he pointed out something I hadn’t considered. "What makes this team dangerous," he told me over coffee, "is their versatility. They can win playing at different tempos. Last year, they were essentially a one-speed team—they needed to run to be effective. Now, they can grind out half-court possessions when necessary." That observation aligns with what I’ve seen—they’re averaging 12.4 points per game in what statisticians classify as "slow-paced" possessions, up from just 7.8 last season.

As the season tips off this weekend, my prediction is that DLSU will finish with a 11-3 record and secure twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. They have the depth, the coaching, and perhaps most importantly, the chemistry to make a serious championship run. The Green Archers have been building toward this moment for three seasons now, and what I’ve seen suggests they’re ready to take that final step. For the first time in several years, I’m genuinely excited about DLSU basketball—not just hopeful, but genuinely convinced they have what it takes to hang banner number tenth in Taft Avenue.