UAAP Rookie Watch Week 3: Ateneo's Arvin Tolentino still pacing rookie class

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UAAP Rookie Watch Week 3

by rick olivares

Let’s sum up the past week, La Salle looks to have arrested its early season skid by taking down erstwhile undefeated National University and University of the East to even its slate to 2-2.

The NU Bulldogs came back from that disappoint two-point defeat to La Salle to hand Ateneo its first loss in four matches. They now own a three-match win streak against the Blue Eagles in UAAP play (including the two from Season 76). This was their second biggest win of the young tournament after taking out UST in the season opener.

And as always here, we’re taking a look at the contributions of the rookies to their respective squads.

Arvin Tolentino (Ateneo de Manila University - 1 win and 1 loss)

29.3 minutes: 18.5 points (5/16 from 3FGs  31% + 7/102FGs + 70% 8/8FTs 100% ) 8.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 2.5 turnovers.

Jay Javelosa (Ateneo de Manila University – 1 win and 1 loss)

5.67 minutes: 2 points (1/2 2FG = 50%), and 1 block.

Dario (University of the Philippines - 2 losses)

11.8 minutes: 3.0 points (3/10 2FGs 30%), 1.0 assists, and 1.5 turnovers.

Rev Diputado (National University – 1 win and 1 loss)

17.6 minutes: 7.0 points (1/2 3FGs 50% + 5/7 2FGs 71% + 1/2 FTs 50%), 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.5 turnovers.

Prince Rivero (De La Salle University - 2 wins)

11.5 minutes: 5.0 points (4/6 2FGs 66% + 2/2 FTs 100%), 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 1.5 turnovers.

Henri Subido (University of Santo Tomas 1 win)

21.7 minutes: 2 points (0/3 3FGs + 0/2  2FGs + 2/2 FTs 100%), 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 3.0 Turnovers.

Jessie Pedrosa (Adamson University – 1 loss)

18.5 minutes: 10 points  (0/3 3FGs + 2/4 2FGs 50% + 6/6 FTs 100%), 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2 Turnovers.

Joseph Nalos (Adamson University – 1 loss)

19.0 minutes: 9 points (1/1 3FGs 100% +  2/6 2FGs 33% + 2/2 FTs 100%),  2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals.

Ivan Villanueva (Adamson University – 1 loss)

29.17 minutes: 5.0 points (0/3 3FGs + 2/9 2FGs 22% + ½ FTs 50%), 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 Turnovers.

The A-Train (Tolentino) and Villanueva played the most minutes but it was the former who put up better stats. However, it is my observation that he can do less with his three-point shooting and work on taking shots closer to the rim as it shows his field goal percentage is better).

Tolentino is in the Top 10 for individual statistics, total field goals and free throws made, offensive rebounds, blocks, and fouls!

Villanueva again struggled against a taller line-up (La Salle). But he’ll learn and get better.

Subido didn’t do too well in those long minutes but gotta give the kid some slack as he joined UST late in the summer.

Who should get more playing time? In my opinion and not just stats-wise but also on potential -- Prince Rivero, Jay Javelosa, and Rev Diputado.

If we were to award a UAAP Rookie Player of the Week, for the second time in three weeks, this will go to Arvin Tolentino (as Ivan Villanueva will take the honors for Week One).