I am now up and about. Finally. Since my unfortunate accident, I have learned to value the small things we all used to take for granted—you know, like going to the bathroom unaided, taking off to Gateway to catch a movie whenever I felt like it, or even buying my own stuff at the grocery. It’s funny now, but I was almost moved to tears when I was able to take my first full-body bath after two-and-a-half weeks of doing the “naspu-naspu” stuff for invalids. Ah, freedom.

Actually, I was already well enough to have caught the Ateneo-De La Salle game at the Fil-Oil tiff in San Juan, which by the way was won by the Green Archers after forcing overtime behind rookie Hyram Bagatsing’s surprisingly clutch shooting in the absence of veteran gunner JV Casio. At the time, my bandages have yet to come off, but it felt really good to be able to walk considerably longer distances with neither limp nor hesitation in my stride as I commuted to the Arena and back home. The net outcome: a sunny, even cheerful post-game disposition in the aftermath of an Ateneo loss to its archrival.

I am a realist, though, and I’m fully aware this chill, blissed-out state will most certainly give way to a heightened sense of anxiety and rush as Opening Day for the 71st season of the UAAP draws near. Here are some random insights:

The defending champs will still be the team to beat, not because they got the blue-chip rookies to succeed the departed Tyrone Tang, Cholo Villanueva, and all their titled vets, but because they were able to fully integrate their newbies into the Pumaren flow of things. Cause for concern, though, is the rash of injuries and ailments that sidelined not a few Green Archers this preseason, most notably Casio. Expect them, though, to peak at the right time, like they always do.

Adamson looms to make a strong bid this season with the welcome return of coach Leo Austria, the man responsible for steering the Falcons to a Final Four finish in 2006. There’s no telling how good they are on paper, but under Austria, what’s been apparent is their ability to prepare and adjust to just about each and every opponent in their sked. Sure, they may get outpointed, but they’re never outcoached.

UST is another major headache for the simple reason that Season 70 MVP Jervy Cruz is back. His impact can be seen in the way UAAP coaches are scouring hither and yon for “Jervy stoppers.” Moreover, the Tigers are feared for its slew of tall, athletic wingmen that have the ability to spread the defense. It’s not funny when they unleash their 6’5 greyhounds who can shoot outside, slash the interior, block shots, pick off passes, and finish fastbreaks. With a team like this, you just let them play.

As far as Ateneo is concerned, Blue Eagle head coach Norman Black has an ideal mix of returning veterans and young guns in his roster. However, it remains to be seen how soon the new individual parts become key components of a greater whole. Rookies Ryan Buenafe and Nico Salva, for instance, have been impressive but come crunchtime, it’s still Chris Tiu who carries the team on his back. Ateneo’s halfcourt defense continues to be its biggest strength; nevertheless, problems arise in their defensive recovery especially when playing zone, which may lead to putbacks and offensive boards by its opponents. Finding the right chemistry continues to be elusive for the Blue Eagles.

Speaking of chemistry, I’m so glad that I am already off my antibiotic medication.