The days are now being tallied for the most awaited collegiate tournament in the country, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men's Basketball. After garnering a bronze medal last season, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws are looking forward to seizing the golden crown once again.

In the search for the ace of the team, the Cebu native Ron Marvis Dennison is one of the players who stood out in the 3rd place run last year. Playing his last year under jersey number 7, he is now being expected to pilot the charge of the Tamaraws in the upcoming competition.

"For this year, lalo na sa akin na mag-graduate na, naglaan ako ng extra time ko at hard work para mag-improve (For this year, most especially for me as a graduating player, I put extra time and hard work to improve)," Dennison shared about his preparation for the upcoming season.

The 6’1” shooting guard of FEU is recognized in the league as the "Glue Guy" of the Tamaraws for his remarkable performance – diving for loose balls, taking charges and being a pest on defense just for a chance to bag the title.

The veteran has played four years wearing green-and-gold jersey and has experienced two finals series in season 77 and 78 of the UAAP. He also has been selected by the M-Builders with the 42nd overall pick of the 2014 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Developmental League draft.

His resume as a basketball player proves that an experienced guy like him serves not just a leader but also as one of the motivators to the team.

"Kung ano 'yung napagdaanan ko sa apat na taon ko [dito] iyon 'yung binabahagi ko sa kanila lalo na 'yung mga natutunan ko sa FEU (What I experienced for the past four years [here in FEU], that's what I keep on sharing to them – most especially the things that I learned)," Dennison shared.

He then added, “Prove ko rin sa sarili ko na as a leader sa team eh matulungan ko ‘yung teammates ko lalo na ‘yung mga bago (I must also prove to myself, that as a leader in a team, I must be able to help my teammates especially to the new ones).”

Last season's campaign for a back-to-back championship title was a good show of perseverance, hard work, and braveness, but the lack of veterans is a big question for the FEU as they try to conquer again the precious title for the upcoming collegiate league.

"Kaya naman [manalo] kung pagtrabahuan at pagsikapan naming lahat. Hindi mo rin naman masasabi kung ano 'yung mangyayari sa team (We can win if we're all going to work hard and strive for it. You can never tell what will happen to the team)," Dennison quoted.

The savvy Cebuano averaged 3.6 points per game, 3.5 boards per game,1.5 assists per game and 1.5 steals per game throughout the 79th season of the league. His statistics may be low for some but his presence in the court proves that he is definitely one of the players that the Tams can rely on and will be a huge help too for the team on offense and defense.

Now that this season is set in the green-and-gold lair, Dennison is now pumped and ready to lead the charge of his team in the upcoming tournament against the seven competing universities.

Non-stop training and preparations are being done on the grounds of the Morayta-based cagers in order to match the people’s expectations. For now, Dennison and the rest of the FEU Men’s Basketball Team need the support of the FEU Community in order for them to gain confidence at capturing the championship in the upcoming UAAP Season.

“Sa FEU community, suportahan nila kami this season, na nandyan sila para sa amin. Laban lang! (To FEU community, please support us this coming season — who are always there for us. Just fight!)," Dennison quoted.