The Green Archers are playing their best basketball in years. If their summer league performance is any indication, we just might see this team contend in the coming UAAP season.
Starting this season, we shall be doing a weekly power rank on all players. For a dry run, let us rank them based on their performance in the recently-concluded Fil-Oil Flying V Preseason.
1. Norbert Torres – 11.7ppg, 10.3rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5bpg, 47.7 FG%
In just 7 months, Norbert evolved from being a perimeter-based big man into a solid post-up presence in the paint. Using his size and quickness inside, he is starting to become the team’s focal point on both ends of the floor. It is also interesting to point out that he never attempted a three in the preseason, settling instead for mid-range jumpers closer to the basket.
2. Jeron Teng – 10.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 73.6 FT%
He is certainly living up to expectations with his impressive performance in the preseason. The type of player that can create his own shots, cut through the defense and take it strong to the rim is what the team lacked in recent years. While some may question his shot selection, no one is going to question his toughness, desire and willingness to take the big shots. His rebounding average and being among the team leaders in blocks proves that he is not all-offense.
3. LA Revilla – 9.7ppg, 4.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.4spg
Being a veteran that he is, LA remains to be the more steady and consistent playmaker in the team. He came up big against Ateneo and San Beda, hitting a couple of crucial shots down the stretch. His presence and leadership is something the Archers will need if they are to make a serious run this season.
4. Almond Vosotros – 9.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.1apg
From his timely hits from the perimeter to his explosiveness off a power dribble, Almond appears to be much more effective at the 2-guard spot. His best game in the preseason was against UE where he scored 25 points and was 5 of 8 beyond the arc.
5. Yutien Andrada – 5.9ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.4bpg
After sustaining an ACL injury in the second round of last season, “Tayshaun” is back in doing what he does best – blocking shots and scoring off drop passes underneath. His 62.9% clip from the field is no surprise as he seems to know where to position himself on the floor for an assist.
6. Mark Tallo – 5.6ppg, 3.1apg
He solidifies the backcourt with his great court vision and passing ability. He does have a great deal of street ball in him and his nifty assists are such a joy to watch. Just keep down the turnovers and he’ll be alright.
7. Jovet Mendoza – 4.9ppg, 5.6rpg
Jovet’s value to the team is not measured by points, but rather by his hustle on the boards and his effort on defense.
8. Joshua Webb – 4.3ppg, 2.1rpg
You can count on him to bring a lot of intensity and energy every game since this is his last year playing for La Salle. Though his stats don’t show it, we all know he remains to be a capable scorer who thrives in open court situations. He will rotate with Jeron in the small forward spot.
9. Jed Manguera – 2.9ppg, 1.7rpg
He has done a fantastic job hounding the opposing team’s scorers. If there is someone in this team that has the potential to be a true lockdown defender, he’s got to be the one. Expect him to be back in the UAAP roster.
10. Papot Paredes – 3ppg, 2.4rpg
His best performance in the preseason was against UST when he scored 12 points and was 6 of 7 from the field.
11. Alfonzo Gotladera – 1.8ppg, 1.7rpg
Maybe it’s too early to label him as the team’s enforcer but one thing is certain though, he brings toughness in the frontline. He and Papot are expected to improve further under Jun Limpot’s tutelage.
12. Luigi dela Paz 4.8ppg
Unfortunately he was not able to see much action because of a shoulder injury. He did put up good numbers in the games that he played.
13-17. In no particular order: Jarelan Tampus, Thomas Torres, Aiki Herrera, Gabriel and Martin Reyes
In fairness to them, they gave a good account of themselves with the limited playing time. For instance, Gabby had a nice block on the fastbreak against ADMU and Thomas seems to have a knack in getting under the opposing point guard’s skin with his aggressive but honest defense. All these guys are also part of the Father Martin’s Cup roster that reached the quarterfinals.
Full Stats
