And the Green Archers, according to coach Dindo Pumaren, have more to show this year with their young guns still in top form and the recruits expected to make a quick impact.

“Our players have vastly improved and we hope to have a better run this year,” said Pumaren.

The Archers, a surprise UAAP semifinalist last season, kick off their summer tuneup in the 2011 FilOil-Flying V Preseason Premier Cup starting on April 9.

“The players that we have are talented and we just need to keep improving as we go along,” said Pumaren.

Overlooked last year with its rookie-laden lineup, La Salle advanced to the UAAP Final Four with a young roster led by Joseph Marata, Yutien Andrada, Almond Vosotros, Jarelan Tampus, Joshua Webb, Papot Paredes, Maui Villanueva and Simon Atkins.

Norbert Torres, a 6-foot-5 Filipino-Canadian who suited up for the national youth team, leads the La Salle rookies along with former San Beda high school standouts Dan Sara and Ponso Gotladera.

St. Benilde coach Richard Del Rosario similarly thinks his Blazers showed just a glimpse of their potential in the NCAA last season.

The Blazers only finished seventh last year, but unveiled a promising talent in guard Carlo Lastimosa, the nephew of former PBA star Jojo Lastimosa who copped the 2010 NCAA Rookie of the Year plum.

“It’s about meeting our potential this year,” said Del Rosario.

The Blazers will also rely on Mark de Guzman, Tim McCoy, Rafael Nayve, Luis Sinco, Jan Tan and Robbie Manalac.

“Last year we showed glimpses of what we can do as a team,” said Del Rosario.

The premier summer league will pit 17 varsity squads led by three-time UAAP champion Ateneo and NCAA titlist San Beda. Tickets are available at SM Ticket outlets at 470-2222.

Jasmine Payo, Phil. Daily Inquirer