As we end our coverage of this year’s UAAP Basketball season, here is our final power rankings for each player in the team.
1. Jeron Teng – Jeron proved that he deserved his pre-season reputation as the prized rookie this year, leading the team in scoring with 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. His outstanding performance won him a rare double award as Rookie of the Year and a Member of the Mythical Five
2. Almond Vosotros – Almond struggled at the start, but hit his stride in the middle of the season to emerge as the Archers’ foremost threat from the long court. His ability to play both guard positions gave our coaches a lot of flexibility, and made small ball a potent weapon of the team. Almond averaged 21.8 minutes, 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2 assists.
3. Norbert Torres – Norbert had a good scoring first game but struggled for a few games after that. His inside presence and formidable defense kept opponents out of the lane and helped the Archers regain their traditional position as the best defensive and rebounding team. Norbert averaged 9.3 points and an equal number of rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 blocks.
4. Yutien Andrada – Yutien suffered through injuries and missed a couple of games, and when he returned, he took a while to get back to game shape. Yutien contributed on both ends, scoring on his patented undergoal stabs, tending the boards, and blocking shots. Like Norbert, Yutien tallied an equal number of points and rebounds, 6.2 to go with 1.8 blocks per game.
5. Jovet Mendoza – Jovet played his role of inside banger to the hilt, holding his own against bigger and taller opponents while contributing 5.1 points and 4.1 rebounds a game. His contributions went beyond the stats, as he bumped opposing bigs out of position, set bone crunching picks, and went after every loose ball within reach.
6. Arnold Van Opstal – AVO’s lack of pre-season exposure told on him in the early games, but more minutes saw him regain his game sense. The coaches’ confidence in him was apparent in his role as a starter throughout the season, and AVO normed 5 points and 5.4 rebounds. His energy helped spark his teammates in crucial games.
7. Thomas Torres – Thomas was the revelation of the team. Not expected to see many minutes while playing behind LA, Almond, and Mac Tallo, he inherited many of LA’s minutes when LA went down with various injuries. An archetypal pass-first point guard, Thomas’ heady quarterbacking and willingness to shoot when required saw him earn the first-string pg role. His gutsy defending and exemplary display of sportsmanship quickly made him a fan favorite.
8. LA Revilla – When healthy, LA ranks as one of the best, if not the best point guard of the league. However, health issues, in particular, a balky ankle limited his game time and he was never able to return to full health. LA still averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 boards, and 2.8 assists despite playing hurt.
9. Jed Manguera – Once known as a shooter, Jed sacrificed his offense to concentrate on defending against the opponents’ best scorer, and he did a good job against scorers from other schools line Ravena, Garcia, and Romeo. Jed’s contributions cannot be seen in his stats, but more in the absence of stats of the players he guarded. Despite his lack of numbers, Jed averaged 15.1 minutes in 15 games, a testament to the trust placed by our coaches in his ability to contribute by subtraction.
10. Jarelan Tampus – Oda had an on-and-off season, finding some difficulty in adapting to the system of first-year Coach Gee and his assistants. His ability to score in bunches was evident against Ateneo, and he unveiled a defensive ability as well. Oda averaged just over 9 minutes and a basket in 10 games.
11. Joshua Webb – Joshua played his final season as a role player, fielded in whenever the coaches needed an explosive, physical player who could change the game though an infusion of energetic play. Joshua played in all 16 games, and his never-say-die attitude and unquenchable enthusiasm served as an inspiration to his younger teammates.
12. Mac Tallo – More used to an open game, Mac struggled to learn the structured system implemented by Coach Gee. Still, he showed flashes of his ability as a combo guard, excelling in a fast-paced game, and unveiled a defensive side when he matched up with Romeo early in the season. After a year with the system, Mac should be a force to reckon with next season.
13. Luigi De La Paz – Luigi suffered through health issues this season and was limited to just 5 games, averaging 4 points and 1.8 assists. Normally a deadshot from beyond the arc. Luigi never achieved tiptop game shape.
14. Papot Paredes – Playing behind the imposing frontliners in Norbert, AVO, and Yutien, Papot was fielded in sparingly, seeing action for 6.3 minutes in 6 games, yet managing to pull down 2.3 boards.
15. Ponso Gotladera – Unfortunately, Ponso is a bit undersized compared to his mates playing the forward position, so he only got to play in 5 games, averaging just 3.6 minutes. Still, his rugged defense and willingness to bang against bigger and taller opponents made him an asset off the bench.
16. Gabby Reyes – Rookie Gabby saw action for a total of 3 minutes in just 1 game. However, he made the most of his time when he sank a perfectly executed jumper coming off a screen expressly called for him to get open. Gabby has an accurate long range shot, and with a bit more seasoning, he will be counted on to contribute.
