2020-21 College Hoops Blue Chippers

2020-21 College Hoops Blue Chippers

by Rick Olivares

I was invited last Saturday evening on Benny Benitez’ show Bull by the Horn where we discussed college ball and in particular, my choices for the top incoming players for the next NCAA and UAAP seasons. When it happens just to be precise because we all know this raging pandemic that has placed everything up in the air.

Here are the 10 players I mentioned.

Dwight Ramos (Ateneo Blue Eagles).

If this 6’5” California native fill in the shoes of Thirdy Ravena in the three-spot (although I know they are trying to move him in another position); if he can assert himself and take some big time shots, he will give Tab Baldwin’s side a much needed closer to with Angelo Kouame and SJ Belangel. 

Mac Guadana (Lyceum Pirates)

That the LPU Pirates were able to keep Guadana and JP Barba is huge for their program. Not many of their high school stars move up to their senior squad. This shows continuity more so after their former center Erlan Umpad went to EAC. Guadana is in the mold of a CJ Perez where he can do everything from offense and defense, facilitating, taking the big shot, and making great reads on the court. You also have to like his being emotionless about the game. He just plays the game.

Kevin Quiambao (La Salle Green Archers)

A massive pick up for this squad that is hungry and seeking a return to glory. Quiambao gives La Salle size and with a terrific game inside the paint. He can score inside, stick the short range shot, play defense, and pass that rock. He played alongside Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano with NU, but if you paid attention, it was him bringing home the individual trophies and accolades.

Add to that list Benjamin and Michael Phillips, that is one huge frontline that La Salle has.

Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano & RC Calimag (UP Fighting Maroons)

Talk about an aggressive build up. Their addition to Bo Perasol’s arsenal means they will not only have a deep and talented team this coming season, but will ensure their competitiveness for the next several seasons. 

Carl will split time at the four and five and open up the lane for their centers as he can hit the outside shot. Abadiano and Calimag are also big shot players. The former gives UP a rock solid starter of a point guard while the latter gives UP a player who can drive to the hoop or stick that outside shot.

RJ Abarrientos (FEU Tamaraws)

His addition will greatly ease the pressure on LJ Gonzales. RJ can bring up the ball, shoot, penetrate, and more importantly, create. More than that, his ascendance continues the great program they have had in place for a while now with their high school stars moving up to the senior ranks. 

Off hand, they will have LJ, Royce Alforque, Brandrey Bienes, Xyrus Torres, Daniel Celzo, and now RJ.

Clint Escamis (UE Red Warriors)

Another of those do-it-all players in the mold of Guadana and Abarrientos. And this guy is tough. Try to knock him down he will hit right back while not changing his facial expression.

A blue chip recruit for UE. 

Justine Sanchez (San Bed Red Lions)

In the last 10 years, San Beda has paraded that sleek fighter jet of a swingman in Rome dela Rosa, Garvo Lanete, Jayvee Mocon, and Clint Doliguez. Justine Sanchez will inherit that. It will be on him to learn the ropes as quick as he can. But when he does, he will be a multi-faceted player just like those who paved the way. And you have to like that San Beda was able to bring up a lot of their Red Cubs in Sanchez, Yukien Andrada, and Rhayyan Amsali.

I’d say the biggest winners in this recruiting wars heading into next season are UP, La Salle, and Lyceum (by virtue of being able to keep two key players) while the biggest loser is National University. We can elaborate that for another time.