-
Season 87 First Impressions: UP Fighting Maroons
By: Karl Batungbacal
UAAP Season 87 has begun with all the teams beginning to put their cards on the table. The hands have been dealt, all bets are off, now it’s time for first impressions and give our assessments based on these categories:
What’s obvious?
The UP Fighting Maroons might not have CJ Cansino and Malick Diouf entering Season 87, but the team’s core is still very much intact — everything the team needs to reclaim the crown.
On opening day, UP shook off an uncharacteristically slow start to go on their vaunted third-quarter run, which led to the 77-61 victory over Katipunan rival Ateneo.
What’s the expectation?
Considering everything, the Fighting Maroons should be able to ride their vaunted chemistry all the way to locking in a top-two finish.
JD Cagulangan and reigning Rookie of the Year Francis Lopez shouldered the burden of leading their side to victory by going for 17 and 14 points each, precisely what the UP faithful expect them to do throughout the elimination round.
Guard play remains the Fighting Maroons’ biggest strength, with Cagulangan and Lopez’s electric athleticism being supported by a plug-and-play corps of Terrence Fortea, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda, and team captain Gerry Abadiano.
The best-case scenario
The Fighting Maroons is a team poised to make a commanding climb to the top of the standings like they have done in recent years.
Their journey to the top will depend mightily on how new additions Jacob Bayla, Dikachi Udodo, Quentin Millora-Brown, and former UE Red Warriors big man Gani Stevens will be able to cover for Cansino and Diouf’s losses.
Projection
UP will not be exempt from the Finals this year. Many have projected their return to the final stage of the tournament and their first game showed that those projections are warranted.
Once there the question then becomes how coach Goldwyn Monteverde can get the most out of his new pieces while keeping his veterans and top contributors fresh for the late-season push.
-
Season 87 First Impressions: Ateneo Blue Eagles
By: Karl Batungbacal
UAAP Season 87 has begun with all the teams beginning to put their cards on the table. The hands have been dealt, all bets are off, now it’s time for first impressions and give our assessments based on these categories:
What’s obvious?
Jared Bahay is as good as advertised, given how he gave the Blue Eagles a decent shot at making a comeback, thanks to his playmaking and timely shots. How Bahay performs the rest of the way will correlate significantly with Ateneo’s success this season.
Thanks to their surprising scrappiness on defense, the Blue Eagles had a decent shot at getting the opening-day upset over the UP Fighting Maroons. But that shot faded away the more the Blue Eagles missed shots (especially at the free throw line).
What’s the expectation?
The Ateneo Blue Eagles entered Season 87 with a tumultuous offseason due to the losses of Mason Amos, Kai Ballungay, Jared Brown, Gab Gomez, and Raffy Celis.
However, it is not all doom and gloom for the 12-time UAAP champions.
Another name to watch is Waki Espina, who showed no fear in attacking the rim and had enough confidence to take threes in rhythm. The DLSZ standout is bound to improve as the season continues, with him taking cues from the games of co-captains Sean Quitevis and Chris Koon.
Meanwhile, Joshua Lazaro and Ian Espinosa are poised to fill the roles of Ballungay and Brown, respectively, should their performances on opening day against the Fighting Maroons hold up the rest of the way.
The best-case scenario:
Despite facing their tallest mountain in the Tab Baldwin era, the Loyola Heights squad is a sleeping monster that could mess around and eventually end up in the Final Four.
Projection:
If new additions Victor Balogun, Femi Edu, and Kristian Porter find their groove quickly, the Blue Eagles could make a late-season charge and turn their fates around just like what they did in Season 79.
-
Running out the clock on Student-Athlete Transfers
By: Atty. Toby Pavon
“Everything which is not forbidden is allowed”
This is the legal maxim on which the UAAP board is (most probably) resting its justification for the new transfer rules intended to be implemented in the following seasons.
In its press briefing, the UAAP released the following statement:
“The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has officially approved a revised rule on eligibility for student-athletes transferring from one member school to another at the collegiate level.
This development was announced by UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag and the league’s Board of Managing Directors during the Season 87 press conference held at the Novotel on Wednesday.
Under the new regulation, student-athletes who transfer between UAAP member schools will still be required to sit out one year, as before. However, the revised rule will now deduct two years from their eligibility.
The new rule will be effective starting the 2024-25 school year and will be applicable across all collegiate sports.
“The UAAP, as a collegial body, decided that any transfer made after the academic year 2023-2024 will not only incur the usual residency requirement but will now be charged with an additional eligibility year, making it a total of two years,” said Atty. Saguisag.
He further clarified, “In simpler terms, the residency period will remain the same but only the playing years of the transferee will be affected.”
This change means that a UAAP freshman who transfers to a different member school will have only two remaining playing years at their new university while a sophomore will only have a year remaining to play for his or her new school if he or she decides to transfer.”Further statements made during the press conference provided that the UAAP Board is ready to defend the new rule if argued by the senate.
There might be a need to argue this rule because of the existence of the Student-Athlete Protection Act or R.A. No. 10676.
Under this law, athletic associations have been prohibited from imposing excessively onerous residency rules on student-athlete transferees which hamper their ability to develop their talent. It is the effect of this law that has empowered and emboldened student-athletes in seeking opportunities in their “dream schools”.
However, recent developments have seen schools and fans alike crying foul of what may be perceived as an abuse of this law. UE’s star player Rey Remogat sent shockwaves across the league when he announced his transfer to UP. More recently, Mason Amos decided he’d rather be green than blue, switching from Ateneo to storied rival De La Salle.
Schools have been powerless to stop their student-athletes from transferring, a matter that is actually desirable considering the rights and well-being of the student-athlete should be the paramount consideration of these amateur athletic associations. But allegations of “poaching” continue to be hurdled from one school to another, giving rise to the issue of fairness and balance.
Top athletes from “smaller” schools have been allegedly lured away, enticed to transfer to “bigger” schools by alleged offers of undisclosed amounts and benefits. This alleged trend of schools recruiting the best players of other schools, gives an advantage to the schools with the deepest pockets that can offer the most benefits to the most top talents. The whole enterprise running counter to the spirit of amateurism that the UAAP is supposedly trying to keep.
Aside from this, the ease by which student-athletes can transfer has disrupted the athletics programs of some schools, leaving coaches to have to regain ground lost when a student-athlete they’ve helped develop opts to leave.
In an attempt to put a stop to this transferring trend, the UAAP’s new rule seeks to exploit a blind spot in the law by instead of imposing additional residency years, penalizing the student-athlete by shortening their overall eligibility.
With regard to residency rules and preventing student-athletes from transferring, the Student Athlete Protection Act has this to say:
“Section 4. Residency of Student-Athletes. – Without prejudice to the respective rules of athletic associations on student-athletes who are foreign imports, the following rules on residency shall be applied:
(a) Residency requirement shall not be imposed on a student-athlete who is a high school graduate enrolling in a college or university;
(b) Residency requirement shall likewise not be imposed on a high school student-athlete transferring from one high school to another high school: Provided, That, to address the issue of piracy, a maximum of one (1) year residency may be imposed by an athletic association on a high school student-athlete who transfers from one member school to another;
(c) In the case of a tertiary student-athlete transferring from one college or university to another, a maximum of one (1) year residency may be imposed by an athletic association before a student-athlete could participate and represent a school in any athletic competition; and
(d) The residency rules mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall likewise apply to a Filipino student-athlete from other countries enrolling in a school in the Philippines.
No school, or its representative, shall be authorized to perform the following acts on a student-athlete on the sole reason of his/her transfer to another school:
(1) File an administrative charge for possible violation of school rules and regulations;
(2) Require the payment of tuition and other miscellaneous fees covered by the scholarship granted, including monies given and the cash equivalent of non-monetary benefits received;
(3) Refuse to issue or delay the release of grades and school records, clearance, or transfer eligibility;
(4) Give incomplete grades in subjects in which the student-athlete is exempted by virtue of being a student-athlete; and
(5) Impose other forms of punishment.”
The UAAP cleared the bar on the first paragraph of Section 4 when it maintained that only 1 year of residency would be required. Clear as day, that requirement is lawful. It is in hurdling the second paragraph that the UAAP had to be more creative.
Let’s be clear, docking a playing year for the sole reason of wanting to transfer schools is a punishment on a student-athlete.
All the prohibitions regarding imposing of a punishment on a transferring student-athlete are imposed against “schools” or “its representatives”. “Its representatives” usually means their alumni associations, boosters, backers, sponsors and the like. Nothing in the provision states that an athletic association cannot impose the same punishments on a student-athlete.
In enacting this new rule, the league has in effect decided collectively to punish student-athletes who transfer, instead of the individual schools doing the punishing. This becomes an act of the league instead of the act of the school.
There is also an argument to be made that this is still the act of the schools since the athletic association is comprised of the said schools and it is the administrators of the schools that decided upon the new rule, hence they are still responsible for the punishment being imposed.
In any case, the UAAP is (most probably) relying on the fact that the Student-Athlete Protection Act does not explicitly prohibit them from imposing the back-ended punishment on transferring athletes, to legally defend this new rule.
While it’s true that a law like this should be interpreted in a way that brings life to the spirit of the law, which would prevent athletic associations from imposing punishments on transferring student-athletes on behalf of their member schools, the fact that it is penal in nature against the schools and athletics association means that a verba legis interpretation is required.
“The time-honored principle is that penal statutes are construed strictly against the State and liberally in favor of the accused.” People vs. Luzviminda Valdez, G.R. No. 216007-09, December 8, 2015
It is but normal for an athletics association to address the concerns of their member schools. In so addressing those concerns, as in this case, it is once again the student-athletes that are left to carry the burden of their schools’ interests. “Play for us, or else.”
-
Analyzing the Goodbye to Bahay
By: Eriko Dela Cruz
2024 is almost a week old yet the New Year fireworks are still going off in the college basketball offseason.
The biggest and brightest of the fireworks are going off around Jared Bahay, the number one high school player according to the National Basketball Training Camp (NBTC) who has reportedly withdrawn his commitment from the UP Fighting Maroons. Right after winning his second straight title in the CESAFI Juniors with the Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, rumors began sprouting out from the woodworks that the graduating guard may not be keen on continuing with his commitment to Diliman after all. It did not help that Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin was there watching.
How good is Jared Bahay exactly? So good that the former Fighting Maroons head coach and current program director Bo Perasol felt the need to release a statement about the situation. In a league where transfers and changes of heart happen often and to anyone, even to the best of stars with nary a quote, Jared Bahay got what could be seen as the college basketball equivalent of a breakup message from UP.
Here, we’re going to dissect the statement to analyze the possible undertones tucked between the line.
In the last 2 years, the UPMBT and Jared Bahay have developed a special relationship.
Jared committed to the UP Fighting Maroons in March of 2023. That was less than a year ago. While it’s possible that the Fighting Maroons have been grooming their relationship with the high schooler long before announcing his commitment, why is there a need to say this? To pressure the kid into thinking he owes the University something? To make the University he ends up playing for look like a home-wrecker of sorts? Tearing apart this special months-long relations. It could have started with a statement of fact but starting with an appeal to emotion is not a good look here.
We envisioned a common future with Jared handling the reigns of a championship-caliber team. We believe in his immense talent and his capacity to lead.
Jared is the number one high school player in the country, standing out even among his peers at Batang Gilas. Any team he plays for would get a steady point guard who can shoot from anywhere, has tremendous court vision, and has leadership skills on tap.
Not all things go according to plan. Although we have remained steadfast in our commitment to Jared, outside forces have intervened for him to have a change of heart.
Another statement that shades Jared and his future University. An appeal to emotion that paints the UP Fighting Maroons as victims in this situation who got spurned, where there should be no victims in the first place. It’s college basketball. It’s not that serious. Furthermore, while we are on the topic of OUTSIDE forces, Jared is from ATENEO DE CEBU. Unless this is part of the UP system, or UP is under the Ateneo system, it’s the UP Fighting Maroons who are the outside forces trying to take Jared Bahay in.
It is with a heavy heart that we respect his decision.
As anyone should. Moving on…
A man should be at liberty to choose his own destiny.
This is something that all people should realize, regardless of university or league. No one is indebted to any institution that they study at and play for. That has been the case since, and that is how it should be in the future. The Student-athlete Protection law passed by Senator Pia Cayetano should be enough proof of this. The law applies to everyone, including the good senator’s alma mater which is a supposed bastion of Honor and Excellence.
We wish him well and are looking forward to exciting matchups in the Battle of Katipunan.
Now this is what rubs me, the author the wrong way. This last part, they have taken away Jared’s and his family’s capability of being the first to announce where he continue his basketball journey. Wherever he decides to go should come from HIM, not from third parties. And in the event that Jared goes anywhere else not named Ateneo, it becomes very erroneous at best.
Overall, it is in my opinion a statement designed to absolve the UP Fighting Maroons and make the other side (Jared and the University he plans to join) look quite bad. Knowing that this came from a University official and not a fan is even more concerning.
-
HumbleBola’s Best 25 Players Under 25
By: Francis De Ungria
Philippine basketball has had a ton of young talent come through in recent years. It is only fitting that we take an in-depth look at the young buds, some of whom are plying their trade overseas, while others opting to grow their roots on Philippine soil.
The list will rank Filipino basketball players who are under 25 years old and are currently playing in any professional or amateur league. While stats and accolades received throughout the year are considered, the list will more look to answer how well can a player contribute winning to a professional team in the near future and to what level of professional basketball they could possibly reach. Another factor considered is what they can contribute to the national team.
All players born in the year 1999 and later who have played in the PBA, UAAP and NCAA are automatically eligible for the list. Players playing in international leagues will only be eligible for the list if they can play for the national team without naturalization. So this means notable overage players like Evan Nelle and Dwight Ramos as well as former UAAP player Ange Kouame will not be included in the list.
*Stats are gathered as of December 29, 2023
*Heights are estimated from various sources
Honorable Mentions:
LJ Gonzales
Adrian Nocum
Jomel Puno
25. Gian Mamuyac
Height: 6’2
Age: 24
Team: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (PBA)
Stats:
2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup: 10.3 pts, 2.9 ast, 1.1 stl, 22.2 min
2023 PBA Governors’ Cup: 10.0 pts, 1.8 ast, 0.7 stl, 19.7 min
2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup: 8.1 pts, 2.1 ast, 0.7 stl, 17.1 min
Gian Mamuyac has settled into becoming a rotation player for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the past three conferences. As a two-way guard, Gian Mamuyac has always been a premium on defense, although his scoring averages dipped throughout the year, he is still a solid catch and shoot player who can space the floor and create his own opportunities when given the chance.
24. Miguel Oczon
Height: 6’0
Age: 24
Team: Ulsan Hyundai (KBL)
Stats:
NCAA Season 99: 13.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.2 stl, 0.5 blk, 31.2 % 3P (6.7 3PA)
The Benilde sharpshooter has upped his scoring production in his final NCAA season. Although they failed to reach the finals again, he still led Benilde to a third-place finish. The 6’0 guard is one of the better shooters in the country and should instantly improve a team’s spacing at the professional level. But at his height in Korea, he will be forced to play the point. Will he step up and also carry some facilitating load on offense?
23. Cedrick Manzano
Height: 6’7
Age: 20
Team: Adamson Soaring Falcons (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 8.1 pts, 6.5 reb, 0.7 blk, 19.9 min
Cedrick Manzano has maintained his offensive production in year-three of playing in the UAAP. While some of his stats have regressed, he is still one of the best bigs in the UAAP on both ends on the floor as Adamson’s second highest scorer and best rebounder. One of the more interesting aspects of his game is his under-development three-point shooting and playmaking. From zero three-point attempts in Season 85, he has attempted 13 this season and made three of them (23% 3P). He also upped his assist averages from 0.9 per game last season to 1.5 this season.
22. Chris Koon
Height: 6’4
Age: 22
Team: Ateneo Blue Eagles (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 9.6 pts, 5.8 reb, 2.9 ast, 0.7 stl, 27.1 min
Chris Koon has ramped up his production this season as one of the veterans for Ateneo. While his shooting efficiency leaves a lot to be desired (50.5% true shooting to 42.7%), he is still an elite two-way wing in the UAAP. Although he is being regularly deployed as a wing, he is a versatile defender who can comfortably defend most guards and forwards in the UAAP. As he plays out his final playing year next season, international teams should definitely watch out for his development. It also helps that with his height, he has the guard skills to convert into a guard in the near future.
21. Kean Baclaan
Height: 5’7
Age: 20
Team: NU Bulldogs (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 10.6 pts, 4.4 reb, 4.7 ast, 0.9 stl, 24.8 min
With an increase in offensive responsibility, Kean Baclaan has not shied away as he upped his scoring from 8.4 per game to 10.6 while also improving his true shooting from 38.8% last season to 42.0% this season. While his three-point shooting is still an area of concern, there is no doubt that the 20-year old guard’s offensive impact can rival that of the other top point guards in the UAAP. One thing to note that might hinder him in the professional level is his height which makes him a liability on defense. But if there is one thing to learn from SJ Belangel and RJ Abarrientos who are having a productive career in Japan and Korea, you have to be a great passer and a crazy good shooter. Kean is the former, but not yet the latter.
20. Clint Escamis
Height: 5’11
Age: 22
Team: Mapua Cardinals (NCAA)
Stats:
NCAA Season 99: 16.4 pts, 6.0 reb, 4.1 ast, 3.4 stl
Accolades:
NCAA Season 99 MVP
NCAA Season 99 Rookie of the Year
NCAA Season 99 Mythical Five
NCAA Season 99 All-Defensive Team
NCAA Season 99 Steals Leader
The NCAA Rookie-MVP led Mapua to the finals after losing to Letran in Season 97. Despite the finals loss to San Beda, Escamis has proven that he is right there on the top of the discussion as one of the best collegiate guards in the Philippines. The next question for him right now is if he can replicate this production next season especially with tougher competition in the NCAA, if he does, then international basketball will be a realistic option for him sooner than later.
19. Will Gozum
Height: 6’5
Age: 24
Team: Benilde Blazers (NCAA)
Stats:
NCAA Season 99: 12.3 pts, 6.2 reb, 0.5 stl, 1.2 blk
The 6’5 big had another productive season leading Benilde to a third-place finish. Will Gozum will be an interesting case once he moves up to the pros. He is an undersized big but has the agility and shooting that can serve him well as a PF. But he doesn’t have enough agility and shooting to make him a full-time forward internationally. That’s why for now, his realistic ceiling might be a future PBA star. But if he continues his rapid development as a forward, then he might elevate his status as a possible national team prospect and match the likes of Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, and Mason Amos.
18. Justin Arana
Height: 6’7
Age: 24
Team: Converge FiberXers (PBA)
Stats:
2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup: 11.0 pts, 7.7 reb, 1.4 blk, 24.9 min
2023 PBA Governors’ Cup: 10.3 pts, 6.9 reb, 1.1 blk, 26.0 min
2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup: 13.0 pts, 6.1 reb, 0.7 blk, 22.6 min
Accolades:
2023 PBA Rookie of the Year
2023 PBA All-Rookie Team
Justin Arana has cemented himself as part of the Converge FiberXers core after just three conferences. He has stepped up from averaging 11 points in his first conference to now 13 points per game. But we had him this low in the ranking because he might be the player here who has already reached his peaked. He still has a lot of areas that he can improve upon but in terms of his ceiling, he might be a PBA star at best, which is still not bad.
17. Jake Figueroa
Height: 6’3
Age: 20
Team: NU Bulldogs (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 12.1 pts, 6.8 reb, 1.5 stl, 0.5 blk, 28.8 min
Jake Figueroa has transformed into one of the best wings in the UAAP. What is impressive is that he started out as an undersized PF during his high school days, but has steadily improved his shooting over the years (shot 13.0% from three last season to 30.0% this season). At age 20, he is already a borderline UAAP superstar and I would not be surprised if he takes another leap, catching the attention of international teams sooner than later.
16. CJ Cansino
Height: 6’3
Age: 24
Team: UP Fighting Maroons (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 12.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.7 stl, 0.5 blk, 37.0% 3P (5.6 3PA), 19.3 min
CJ Cansino had a solid final playing year in the UAAP. His development has been interesting as he started as a forward who is an excellent downhill finisher and has developed into a well-rounded wing who can score on three levels. With his current style of play, he should be able to play as a wing in the PBA with the makings of a star. But in terms of his ceiling, he is a player capable of playing internationally, but this will depend on if consistently make his three-point shots and how he can elevate his guard skills enough to be a capable guard at that level.
15. Jacob Cortez
Height: 5’10
Age: 21
Team: San Beda Red Lions (NCAA)
Stats:
NCAA Season 99: 15.2 pts, 3.7 reb, 3.6 ast, 1.2 stl, 31.5% 3P (6.7 3PA)
Accolades:
NCAA Season 99 Champion
If you haven’t seen him play, you’re missing out. Jacob Cortez is without a doubt the best point guard in the NCAA this season and should be right there in the discussion of elite PGs in college basketball. Cortez is a crazy good scorer, but what separates him from most guards in the Philippines is how well he can navigate through traffic and dissect whatever defensive coverages teams throw at him. The player he is right now could make an impact on an international team, but his possible move to the UAAP may serve him well and may raise his stock as he goes against taller and more athletic defenses.
14. Dave Ildefonso
Height: 6’2
Age: 23
Team: Suwon KT Sonicboom (KBL)
Stats:
2022-23 KBL: 5.1 pts, 29.5% 3P (2.1 3PA), 16.6 min
2023-24 KBL: 4.4 pts, 35.6% 3P (2.0 3PA), 10.1 min
Dave Ildefonso has had a subpar performance so far in his KBL career. One positive note though is his improvement in three-point shooting from 29.5% last season to 35.6% so far this season. But with how he played in the UAAP and Batang Gilas in the past, he still remains as one of the elite wings in the Philippines. In his second season in the KBL, he needs to take a leap sooner than later if he wants to continue his international career.
13. Rey Remogat
Height: 5’10
Age: 20
Team: UE Red Warriors (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 16.5 pts, 6.4 reb, 7.9 ast, 2.0 stl, 0.6 blk, 36.6% 3P (7.2 3PA), 34.5 min
Accolades:
UAAP Season 86 Mythical Five
UAAP Season 86 Assists Leader
The UAAP assist leader and 3rd highest scorer continued his stellar performance from last season and has since elevated himself into the discussion of the best point guards in college basketball. What makes Remogat impressive is how consistent he is shooting the three-pointer despite the high volume and difficulty of his shots. The question now for him is if he can replicate this type of production next season knowing that teams have a full offseason to scheme for him. If he can, then he might be heading to Korea and Japan soon.
12. Nic Cabañero
Height: 6’3
Age: 20
Team: UST Growling Tigers (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 16.8 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.4 ast, 1.1 stl, 32.7 min
Accolades:
UAAP Season 86 Scoring Leader
The 6’3 guard has again led all players in scoring in the UAAP. While his scoring efficiency dropped (true shooting went from 45.9% last season to 43.0% this season), he improved in taking care of the ball (3.5 turnovers per game last season to 2.7 this season) while still maintaining a similar number of assists per game. While he may not be as good a shooter (25.37% from three) and the playmaking chops might still be a bit lacking, he should still provide good value as a combo guard when he decides to play overseas as a tall guard. But Nic, at just 20, still has a lot of time to improve his shooting and polish his decision making and guard skills. His ceiling should be a national team prospect and a good player at the international level.
11. Juan Gomez De Liaño
Height: 6’1
Age: 24
Team: Seoul SK Knights (UAAP)
Stats:
2022-23 Lithuania LKL: 3.0 pts, 5.2 min
2023-24 KBL: 5.3 pts, 36.8% 3P (1.7 3PA), 11.1 min
The journeyman has had some ups and downs in his international career so far, but make no mistake, he is still one of the elite guards in the country. His athleticism is rare for a player his size in the Philippines and based on his UAAP career, he should still be one of the best shooters in the country. While his minutes are still sparse in the KBL, he should get better as what the eye test suggests. The player as he is now should be a national team prospect, but with more reps internationally, he might reach Abarrientos and Belangel’s level.
10. Kai Ballungay
Height: 6’7
Age: 21
Team: Ateneo Blue Eagles (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 11.6 pts, 8.0 reb, 2.3 ast, 0.8 stl, 26.5 min
Kai Ballungay had a productive year in his final season as he increased his scoring from 10.3 points per game last season to 11.6 this season. There are worrying signs of efficiency though (true shooting went down from 62.3% last season to 52.3% this season) but he is still an elite forward who can play the three or four positions internationally. If his shooting reverts back to his Season 85 numbers, he should be a shoo-in as an Asian import in overseas leagues.
9. Mason Amos
Height: 6’7
Age: 19
Team: Ateneo Blue Eagles (UAAP)
Stats:
2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: 6.5 pts, 60.0% 3P (2.0 3PA), 6.7 min
UAAP Season 86: 8.9 pts, 3.4 reb, 42.9% 3P (4.2 3PA), 15.8 min
The 19 year old has finally put himself in the radar of the national team with his recent Batang Gilas stint and national team debut during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Despite the limited minutes with Ateneo, Amos still had a decent production where he shot an efficient 42.9% from three on high volume which bodes well as he continues his development in the UAAP. There are areas of his game that got exposed which might explain his limited minutes in his debut season but make no mistake, expect him to take a leap next season with increased opportunities and more responsibility on offense.
8. Michael Phillips
Height: 6’8
Age: 21
Team: De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 8.5 pts, 8.6 reb, 1.6 stl, 1.0 blk, 20.2 min
The 6’8 athletic big has been a walking mismatch ever since he stepped foot on the UAAP court. You put a stronger big on him? He can blow by them with his agility. You put a quicker big on him? He can bully them with his strength and elevate with his explosiveness. He should be able to play at an import-like level in the PBA, but with his potential, he could go on to be a star at the international level. Although at 6’8, he is a bit undersized as a big and doesn’t have enough skills as of now to play at the forward positions in that big a stage. There are still encouraging signs though as he attempted just one three-pointer last season and has increased it to 18 this season, hitting five of them (27.8%). If he does continue to play in the UAAP, expect him to get better with his shot and add more dimension to his game.
7. Francis Lopez
Height: 6’6
Age: 20
Team: UP Fighting Maroons (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 9.0 pts, 6.3 reb, 2.9 ast, 1.3 stl, 0.8 blk, 21.7 min
Accolades:
UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year
Francis “Lebron” Lopez has completed his first full season in the UAAP finishing as the runner-up and notching the Rookie of the Year award. While the numbers may not show it, he proved that he was one of the best forwards in the country as the eye test suggests. He was always known for his athleticism but playing as a four for UP, he had playmaking flashes playing as a trail big at times which made him a mismatch against smaller and slower forwards in the UAAP. There are still concerns with his shooting (50.3% true shooting and 27.5% on three-pointers) but he seems to be on the right path to develop as a good wing player the national team badly needs. His development will be exciting to see with a full offseason to work on.
6. Kevin Quiambao
Height: 6’5
Age: 21
Team: De La Salle Green Archers (UAAP)
Stats:
UAAP Season 86: 16.7 pts, 10.9 reb, 6.0 ast, 2.0 stl, 0.9 blk, 36.0% 3P (6.4 3PA), 28.7 min
Accolades:
UAAP Season 86 Most Valuable Player
UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP
UAAP Season 86 Mythical Five
The best player in college basketball right now had a very productive season finishing second highest in scoring, third highest in rebounds and third highest in assists in the UAAP. One of the important things to note is how he improved his three-point shooting from 19.2% on 3.6 attempts per game last season to 36.0% on 6.4 attempts per game this season which was a huge increase in both volume and efficiency. A lot of this can be attributed to how he was utilized this season as a trail big and a post hub where the offense went through him in most La Salle possessions. After committing for another season in La Salle despite receiving international offers, it will be interesting to see if he can replicate this type of production with an objectively weaker La Salle team after the departure of their key guards.
5. Carl Tamayo
Height: 6’7
Age: 22
Team: Ryukyu Golden Kings (B-League)
Stats:
2022-23 B-League: 2.5 pts, 1.3 reb, 7.8 min
2023-24 B-League: 3.6 pts, 2.8 reb, 13.3 min
Entering his second season in the Japanese B-League, Carl Tamayo has had an underwhelming stint so far. He had some encouraging signs where he put up 15 points and 5 rebounds in his first game this season but has been downhill since then. Despite the poor production, he is still the best national team prospect by far at the four and has made a leap since he made the move to play overseas basketball. His development as he continues to grind some playing time in Japan will be something to watch out for. We should also expect to see him suit up for the national team more in the near future.
4. SJ Belangel
Height: 5’10
Age: 24
Team: Daegu KOGAS Pegasus (KBL)
Stats:
2022-23 KBL: 7.0 pts, 2.0 ast, 0.8 stl, 27.9% 3P (2.9 3PA), 18.8 min
2023-24 KBL: 13.7 pts, 3.5 ast, 0.9 stl, 40.0% 3P (4.2 3PA), 30.0 min
The 24 year old has finally broken out this KBL season and looks like his best version in year-two in the KBL. With an increase in production in points and assists, he also had an increase in shooting efficiency (27.9% on 2.9 attempts per game to 40.0% on 4.2 attempts per game from three). He should serve as a good example for undersized point guards in the Philippines if they want to be successful in making an impact overseas, a player who can not only shoot the lights out, but also has the IQ to consistently make good reads and find his spots on the floor. A possible starting point guard for Gilas in the near future?
3. RJ Abarrientos
Height: 5’11
Age: 24
Team: Shinshu Brave Warriors (B-League)
Stats:
2022-23 KBL: 13.3 pts, 4.8 ast, 1.3 stl, 34.4% 3P (7.7 3PA), 29.1 min
2023-24 B-League: 9.0 pts, 2.6 ast, 0.7 stl, 36.4% 3P (5.4 3PA), 15.2 min
Accolades:
2023 KBL Rookie of the Year
2023 KBL All-Rookie Team
2023 All-KBL Team Honorable Mention
RJ Abarrientos skyrocketed into Korean basketball stardom quickly in his first season, winning Rookie of the Year honors and was also a candidate for All-KBL teams. After moving to Japan this season, he had a huge decrease in minutes which affected his overall production but his efficiency remained the same. Despite this, he is without a doubt the best point guard in the Philippines under the age of 25 and is a sure candidate for Gilas point guard duties in the next tournaments. Just like his fellow friend SJ Belangel, he is another example for point guards in the Philippines to replicate, but what separates him from most though is how well he makes difficult shots from almost anywhere on the floor (watch some of his highlights and you will know).
2. Kai Sotto
Height: 7’3
Age: 21
Team: Yokohama B-Corsairs (B-League)
Stats:
2022-23 NBL Australia: 6.9 pts 4.5 reb, 0.8 blk, 12.9 min
2022-23 B-League: 8.9 pts, 6.1 reb, 1.3 blk, 19.1 min
2023 FIBA World Cup: 6.0 pts, 4.0 reb, 0.8 blk, 14.2 min
The Filipino wunderkind had a solid year as he went from the NBL to the B-League and then showcased his talent in the 2023 FIBA World Cup where he played solid minutes as a backup center for the national team. While many would have expected more production from him, he is still without a doubt a generational talent in the Philippines and should continue his development as he recovers from recurring injuries that plagued him throughout the year.
1. AJ Edu
Height: 6’10
Age: 23
Team: Toyama Grouses (B-League)
2022-23 NCAA D1: 2.8 pts, 2.9 reb, 0.8 blk, 12.3 min
2023 FIBA World Cup: 8.2 pts, 8.6 reb, 1.2 blk, 29.6 min
2023-24 B-League: 13.1 pts, 8.8 reb, 0.6 blk, 29.2 min
What a difference a year makes for a player’s career trajectory. Before his FIBA World Cup stint his future seemed humble as he was plagued with injuries for most of his developmental years, but after a good run in the FIBA World Cup, he quickly became one of Asia’s rising stars. As of writing, he has been an integral part of the Toyama Grouses core earning huge minutes and is having good production, so far averaging double-digits in scoring and 2nd most rebounds in his team. With the B-League being a tough league to get playing time from our young guns, seeing AJ Edu easing into it in just his first year shows how much talent and potential this player really has, and ranking him number one should be just as fitting.
About Us
Data-driven takes about basketball and everything around it.
Follow Me On
Subscribe To My Newsletter
Subscribe for new travel stories and exclusive content.
Humblebola 