BARELY 12 days since Season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) began, collegiate basketball whizzes have already picked out the most impressive players per team.
Their choices are pretty obvious, based on the first salvos of the eight teams out of the starting block. Easy picks were team veterans out to carry the torch handed to them by their senior teammates who have since passed into another plane of basketball existence. Early stunners were the “big reveals”—surprise packages unwrapped on opening day that made jaws drop. Thankfully, each team has a champion that can be relied upon. Although some teams have more of the good stuff than others.
Who were these impressive heroes worthy of TV fans’ and campus adulation?
Adamson University. The Soaring Falcons painted the heavens Adamson Blue on opening day with their new find, Jerrick Ahanmisi. This guy’s guns are loaded from the perimeter and beyond, and that sweet-shooting arm was what he exploded right in the face of the UP Fighting Maroons on Day 1. Together with court general Rob Manalang, this Falcons pair can run circles around any opponent and take Adamson to places it’s never been before. Add to that the skills and wiles of Rob Mustre (formerly of De La Salle), and Adamson is a complete, resurgent package this year, thanks to the new era initiated by their new coach, Franz Pumaren.
Ateneo de Manila University. Hands-down, pundits pick Aaron Black as the spirit of the Blue Eagles this season. He lives up to his father’s eminent name, showing a variety of moves, a deft hand, furious feet and eagle eyes. All over the place and always ready to take responsibility, he is the new go-to guy for the eagles, barring a bad day. Equally impressive is the Other Ravena—Thirdy, who can play both ends of the floor, scintillate beneath the basket and become all dash and power, the obvious recipient of his father Bong’s marvelous genes.
De La Salle University. That Ben Mbala is the phenom and hands-down (beautiful) monster of the season is a given. That the Green Archers have all the goodies—all Class A players from top to bottom—is likewise accepted. But just to mention one other player that continues to make La Salle the team that others dare dream to defeat, that can only be Jeron Teng (as usual), who continues to go about his business whether he is propped up by excellent teammates or not. Other exponents of awesomeness : Kib Montalbo, Abu Tratter.
Far Eastern University. With their Big Three gone (Tolomia, Belo and Pogoy), guess who’s left to carry on the defense of the crown? Pundits pick Reymar Jose who takes care of the scores, the rebounds and provides the steady, calming hand in this new-look Tamaraw herd. Jose is all heart, although his cool, unflappable demeanor hides it from view. Another holdover, Ron Dennison is the team’s sparkplug and wily guard. Monbert Arong, big man Richard Escoto and the fleet-footed Axel Iñigo impressed, as well.
National University. He’s slimmer this year, but quicker, and no less overpowering. Alfred Aroga still carries the Bulldogs on his shoulders and takes charge on both ends of the playing court. Matt Salem, another transferee from La Salle, boosts NU’s game with his versatility and basketball IQ. Rev Diputado has found his groove with his new teammates and can flick the switch to “kill” if he wants to, care of his unstoppable three-point bombs.
University of the East. Always high energy, always indefatigable, always high spirited and stingy on defense, the Red Warriors are still playing All-Filipino this year and loving it. They are also picked to be the dark horse this season—as they have been most seasons. And who do they go to when the going gets tough? Their chieftain: Paul Varilla, and their fiercest warrior, Bonbon Batiller. They still have RR De Leon too to launch those Scud missiles. They’re in good hands, as always.
University of the Philippines. Currently occupying the last rung of the UAAP ladder, the UP Fighting Maroons are in the best position to make this season’s theme their fighting mantra. Dare To Dream. And all things will be given them besides. Their main man, who seems to be doing it all and never giving up until the final buzzer, is Paul Desiderio. The former University of the Visayas Green Lancer and Batang Gilas wants his teammates to fight just as hard. Pundits say Noah Webb, grandson of the original hard-court spitfire Freddie Webb, and Drew Harris are heeding that call to arms.
University of Santo Tomas. This is Louie Vigil’s team now. And he has continued to give the UST faithful reason to believe the crown can come back to España. Aren’t the Tigers as good as they are lucky? Renzo Subido impressed everyone with his performance in the game against UE last Saturday, September 10. It’s a long season and the Growling Tigers will continue to evolve and grow. Never, never count the Tigers out. They always pull out a pet bunny out of their hat.