AMONG all the Beatles, I liked George Harrison best. He was described as “The Quiet Beatle,” and compared to the more flamboyant songwriting duo of Lennon and McCartney, Harrison felt content to make melodies in the background. And yet, he was the ultimate guitarist whose art came alive in fancy finger moves, jazzy chords and intricate melody.
In the game of basketball, I kinda gravitate as well to the workhorses and unsung heroes who don’t generally get the shrieks or the applause from the gallery. Not that I don’t like the stars at all—I do! I do!—but I doff my hat to those guys who get the job done without fanfare or hype. Doesn’t matter if they come in as starting five or role player with a specific task to execute, if only for a few seconds.
They do what they’re told, they stick to their guns, they go the extra mile. In the National Basketball Association I would pick Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics as this type of guy. Or Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. Or Patrick Beverly of the Los Angeles Clippers. Words used to describe them? “Scrappy,” “intense,” “pesky,” “pure hustle,” “bulldog,” “junkyard dog” and “wrecking ball.”
So natch, I’ve been scouting the different benches for these types of players in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82, looking out for the hardest workers, the coolest operators, the most earnest competitors. And this is what I found.
1. Adamson University
Simon Camacho. He’s ready from the get-go. He doesn’t mind being tagged as the bad guy. He’s a staunch defender, a bruiser, a fierce rebounder. He never gives up.
Jerom Lastimosa. He’s ultra-high energy. He’s daring. He’s sneaky. He’s not afraid to dive, pursue his prey. Or shoot with his life on the line. He’s so cool!
2. Ateneo de Manila
Gian Mamuyac. His built is deceptive because his defense is hefty. He provides the spark for the team and thrives on drives. He is well-known even for non-UAAP watchers for blocking Steph Curry’s three-pointer in 2016. He knows he has a job to do and he does it. To perfection.
Isaac Go. Fondly called George, and known as The Gentle Giant, his cover is his seeming tameness. Yet, the damage he does is inconceivable sometimes. He is efficient, precise, deadly accurate. George never sleeps.
3. De La Salle University
Andrei Caracut. He always lies in wait. Plotting, scheming, finally, acting. He ambushes the opponent when least expected. Then he puts on a show of stealth, speed and sniping. He wins games. And breaks hearts.
Justine Baltazar. His best asset is being in the right place at the right time. Then he does his quiet work by intimidating in the paint, just by his mere presence. Frustrating the opponent is his game.
4. Far Eastern University
Barkley Ebonia. He’s as blue collar as blue collar can get, not afraid to get into a skirmish or go where angels fear to tread. He’s a tenacious rebounder and scavenger. He’s the classic junkyard dog.
Alec Stockton. He’s a tamaraw, no doubt. He charges, attacks, and is not afraid to get down and dirty. He is hyper and pesky. And if you let him get under your skin, he wins!
5. National University
Chino Mosqueda. The adjective “relentless” was made for him. He has eyes only for his man and he won’t let him go, no matter what. His hands get in your face, his other hand steals the ball. He is his generation’s Defense Minister. There’s no escape.
Enzo Joson. This scrappy playmaker never takes no for an answer. He’ll be behind you, ahead of you, beside you and probably, over you if you both dive for a loose ball. His defense is legend and his bark is as bad as his bite. He can will his team to win, if fate cooperates.
6. University of the East
Neil Tolentino. A guy with a chip on his shoulder can be dangerous. Remember John Wick? This former NU Bullpup and almost Green Archer has much to prove about his game for the Red Warriors and shows what stuff he’s made of with tenacious defense, go for broke rebounding and overall hustle. He’s the real deal.
Adama Diakhite. The 6-foot-9 Senegalese big man is a formidable inside presence that both intimidates and frustrates. He is quick on the take, alert for rebounds and loose balls. Not afraid to take chances or scavenge for points, he is what UE has been missing from their game for a long, long time.
7. University of the Philippines
Jaydee Tungcab. Always willing to do the dirty work and whatever it takes, this transferee from Adamson behaves like a Scout Ranger on a mission when let loose into the fray. He hunts down his man, like a panther on the prowl, sticking like leech and nullifying opponent points. And then he swishes a quick three. Deadly!
Noah Webb. Coming from injury, this guy is back 100 percent and is as conditioned as a well-oiled RoboCop. As a result, he grabs rebounds, chases loose balls, defends and protects and chips in crucial baskets. His energy is contagious; he’s intense. He’s all over till it’s over.
8. University of Santo Tomas
Zac Huang. Mr. Offensive Rebound. Mr. Putback. That’s how Zachary Huang makes a living. He’s the ultimate coachable player, the coach’s most obedient and on point piece. He provides the steady play to UST’s mayhem. A precious gem he is.
Mark Nonoy. This 2019 NBTC All-Star Game standout is being compared to Jayson Castro early in his playing career. He has drive, he has hustle, he reads the floor like a veteran court general. And he’s just a rookie! He’s Mr. Do Everything and Anything on court. Probably the most ferocious Tiger of all.