By Jonas Terrado - Manila Bulletin - July 5, 2008
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) gets going this weekend, promising another exciting season. Home to many of the country’s top players, the UAAP unveils a mix of old and new talents ready to make an impact in the league’s 71st season. Here are some of the players to watch:
Jervy Cruz (UST) — The main concern of last year’s Most Valuable Player is if he would again win the said plum or will he lead the Growling Tigers to the title once more. If he could be healthy for the rest of the season after an injury he suffered in the recent PBL tournament. But once in top form, Cruz will certainly have another strong season.
Noy Baclao (Ateneo) — Late last season, Baclao showed impressive performances during the Blue Eagles’ derailed run to the UAAP title. The former West Negros College (now West Negros University) standout expects to contribute more this season, with the focus more on defense as will be the main fronts in a tall Ateneo squad.
Mike Gamboa (UP) — Gamboa led the Fighting Maroons in scoring during their winless campaign a year ago and is expected, along with Woody Co, Migs de Asis, and Martin Reyes, to lead UP. Now on his sophomore year, the former Ateneo junior standout is expected to fully show his wares. But to lead the Maroons to greater heights, Gamboa must be consistent.
Peejay Barua (La Salle) — This could probably be Barua’s breakout season. With Cholo Villanueva’s departure, he now takes the role left by the now-Green Archers assistant coach. His play on both ends of the court in the pre-season tournaments has earned him raves from both sides, a sign of things to come in the coming wars.
Pari Llagas (UE) — With Mark Borboran and Kelvin Gregorio leaving the Red Warriors, it leaves Llagas as the main frontcourt player in UE’s hope for another crack at the finals. While he may be small in forward standards, Llagas has made some bully work during the summer, even making some strong efforts against the likes of San Beda’s Sam Ekwe and Ateneo’s Rabah Al-Hussaini.
JR Cawaling (FEU) — Will the reigning Rookie of the Year be in a so-called sophomore jinx? If that won’t be the case, Cawaling is primed to have a much bigger role with the Tamaraws. His versatility at the forward spot will certainly help -- thanks to his outside shooting while slowly developing his play at the post.
Jonathan Jahnke (NU) — With the departures of Jonathan Fernandez and Cyrus Malagueno, Jahnke now becomes the main man for the Bulldogs at the guard spot. Although there are some inconsistencies with his game, Jahnke has made solid efforts during the preseason and looks to put stability for NU.
Jerick Canada (Adamson) — Canada was honored in the Mythical Five of the Fil-Oil tournament and the sophomore point guard has benefited well from returning head coach Leo Austria’s system. Aside from his ball handling chores, he could also create some offense for himself. Canada would get even bigger minutes if he plays a consistent year for the rebuilding Falcons.
LA Revilla (La Salle) — With TY Tang’s departure, the point guard duties has been left to Simon Atkins and to Revilla. But this former San Beda Red Cub made decent strides in the preseason tournaments but will have to settle as Atkins’ backup for the meantime. Like a rookie, the southpaw Revilla will experience some inconsitencies but will also get some watchful eye from head coach Franz Pumaren.
Paul Lee (UE) — Lee is another Red Warrior who could stand out for head coach Dindo Pumaren in season 71. The second-year guard put up a shooting display in the offseason tilts, most notably in the Fil-Oil Flying V tournament, when he buried six triples against the Red Lions to help UE snare the championship. Consistency, though, is an issue as well, as seen in their tune-up matches.
Ryan Buenafe (Ateneo) — The most-sought after juniors’ standout from San Sebastian picked the Loyola-based school as his way to ply his trade into the collegiate ranks. But based on Buenafe’s performance, he is good as advertised with his offensive production. However, like a freshman, he has to work on getting his teammates involved and also on playing defense.
Jeric Fortuna (UST) — After leading De La Salle Zobel to the UAAP juniors’ title, Fortuna now moves on with the Espana-based dribblers. Although he is expected to battle for Japs Cuan’s backup with Jackson Wong, Fortuna will be slowly be developed as a project for the meantime.
John Alisbo (FEU) — Alisbo put up decent efforts during the summer tilts with his steady play. However, he is still expected to play backup to starter Mark Barroca and third stringer Ron Cabagnot. Still, if Barroca suddently puts up on-and-off games, Alisbo could suddenly rose up to the starting spot.
Kevin Batac (NU) — Another considered project this year, Batac will play as backup for Jahnke at the point but the 16-year old former Bullpup came into the collegiate ranks having led NU to a surprising final four run and even put runner-up Ateneo to the limit. Batac, who was named into the juniors’ Mythical Five last year, will be slowly developed in Manny Dandan’s rotation.
Mike Galinato (Adamson) — Aside from Canada, Austria also has high hopes for Galinato, who after made stops with San Beda and De La Salle, will finally play his first UAAP game this time for the Falcons. He is expected to play well for the Falcons although the pressure will be on him and Allan Santos to take over for the departed Roel Hugnatan.
Magi Sison (UP) — It was a double-duty for Sison during the summer as not only he suited up for the Fighting Maroons in the Nike and Fil-Oil tournaments, but also with San Mig Coffee in the PBL. While playing limited minutes for the Coffee Kings, Sison will benefit from his experience while being the main pivot man for State U. He also made stellar efforts during the pre-season.
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