Things to love about this year’s college hoops
by rick olivares
The University of the East Red Warriors pep squad playing the Atlanta Braves’ “War Chant” that is more popularly known as “The Tomahawk Chop.”
Despite being an avid New York Yankee fan, I’ve always thought that “The Chop” was one of the coolest chants in all of sports. It’s the sort that gives me Goosebumps.
San Sebastian College’s Calvin Abueva toying with every defense that has been put up against him. But the best match up in the tournament thus far – with JRU’s Marvin Hayes. Abueva has practically put the fear of the defending champs on opposing front lines but against Hayes, although the Beast came away with the win and the better stats, it was obvious that he had respect for Hayes the former two-time NCAA Mythical Five selection.
Their stat line:
Abueva: 24 minutes 16 pts 15 rebounds 2 assists 4 steals
Hayes: 26 minutes 16 points 7 rebounds 1 steal 1 block
For a while there, the National University Bulldogs were the top defensive team in the UAAP. How’s that for newfound respect? Their only blowout loss this year was to the defending champion Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles. And they are looking like last year’s Adamson Falcons who lost a bunch of games via the last few minutes.
The last World Cup in South Africa saw its highly touted stars disappear under the bright lights and leave without so much as a whimper when their stint was done. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, England’s Wayne Rooney, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, and Italy’s Fabio Canavarro all exited rather ingloriously after being mostly invisible.
But nature abhors a vacuum and new stars stepped into the breach such as Germany’s Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil, the Netherland’s Wesley Sneijder, Uruguay’s Diego Forlan, and Spain’s David Villa to name a few.
In the UAAP, we’re seeing the same weight of expectations bog down pre-season favorites University of the Philippines, University of the East, and defending champion Ateneo de Manila.
Not exactly blazing great guns are UP’s Mike Silungan, Ateneo’s Eric Salamat, and UE’s Paul Lee.
Stepping up – Ateneo’s Kirk Long, La Salle’s Samuel Marata, UST’s Chris Camus, San Beda’ s Garvo Lanete, and to a certain extent, UE’s Ken Acibar.
For the second straight year, the best big man on the College of Saint Benilde Blazers – is the man calling the shots – Richard del Rosario.
To name a few second (or third) generation basketball stars in Jeric Teng (UST), Art dela Cruz Jr. (Ateneo), Joshua Webb (La Salle), and Sam Marata (La Salle).
The proliferation of former Philippine Basketball Association players as coaches in college hoops:
UAAP – Norman Black (Ateneo), Glenn Capacio (FEU), Dindo Pumaren (La Salle), Leo Austria (Adamson), Boyet Fernandez (UP), and Pido Jarencio (UST).
NCAA – Ato Agustin (San Sebastian), Frankie Lim (San Beda), Vergel Meneses (JRU), Leo Isaac (Arellano), Chito Victolero (Mapua), and Richard del Rosario (CSB).
And there are assistant coaches Jerry Codinera (UP), Jing Ruiz (Adamson), Richard Ticzon (FEU), Tonichi Yturri (La Salle), and Ed Cordero (San Beda).
UAAP Commissioner Ato Badolato not being one to shy away from telling off erring referees.
The college leagues looking more and more like the pro loop with African imports, Fil-Ams, intense recruiting wars, pro-style offenses and defenses, and former pro players on the sidelines.
Speaking of imports – the most impressive so far have been JRU’s Joe Etame and NU’s Emmanuel Mbe. Smooth operators with a deft touch around the basket.
Watching JRU’s unheralded players like Raycon Kabigting, Nate Matute, and Mark and John Lopez stepping up.
UST’s Pido Jarencio having the last laugh that his Growling Tigers are performing way better than anyone figured. Said the loquacious coach during (who IMHO has reclaimed the title of best interview from UE’s Lawrence Chongson this season) the press conference opening, “Swerte number eight at kulay dilaw sa taong ito ha!”
His Tigers are (as of this writing) leading the league in three-point attempts and conversions – 122 attempts and 50 made for 41%.
The Letran Knights, despite being scoring-challenged, playing the full forty minutes with the same frenetic fury from start to finish no matter what the result is.
The San Beda Red Lions making basketball look so easy.
When National University breaks from their huddle, Joseph Eriobu leads them in a chant of “Respect… Bulldogs.”
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