5 players who have stepped-up in UAAP 77 #UAAP77
By Yanzi Eco
October 20, 2014
Stars come and go, especially in college hoops. But in every star who graduates (or leave the team before actually graduating,) there would always be somebody who would replace them. It might be a rookie, a role player, or a bench player who has been the coach’s wildcard pick with the hope of getting quality minutes from them.
This list is about those guys. Guys who hasn’t been the top choice during end-game situations, or those who are always left out during the past seasons, or in some cases, the guys who were seen with potentials but has yet to break free until this season.
This may not be the top list, but if you think this list is missing somebody, please feel free to comment and let us know.
Here they are:
5. BONG GALANZA, UE Red Warriors
Last Season: 2.9 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.4 APG
He may not be the most celebrated player in the team but the Red Warriors team captain is one of the main reasons why UE had quite a good run this year.
Bong has been deadly from point blank range and has become UE’s go-to-scorer since Roi Sumang has missed and saw limited minutes during some games in the 2nd round due to disciplinary actions as he improved his averaged to 12.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 24 shots made from the arc.
4. MAC BELO, FEU Tamaraws
Last Season: 8.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 APG
Probably a lot of people didn’t even recognize this guy prior to this season. For the past 2 years, Mac has been a back-up forward in FEU’s loaded roster especially with guys like Carl Cruz, Bringas brothers, and Russel Escoto being on the team in the past seasons.
This season, the North Cotabato native has been headlining the Tamaraws as he finally found his place in the roster. Though coming off the bench in some games, Belo has always been a huge impact for the Tams this year.
The FEU team captain has averaged a total of 16.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per outing making him one of the top candidates for the MVP award and eventually making the Mythical Five.
3. JETH TROY ROSARIO, NU Bulldogs
Last Season: 3.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 0.2 APG
After riding the Bulldogs bench in the past seasons, the former RP Youth Team member finally got his minutes this season. Rosario has been one of the foundations of National U’s frontline this year posting up big numbers and quality minutes.
Playing in his final year in the UAAP, he proved doubters wrong and posted 11 points and 8.7 rebounds per ball game earning this year’s Most Improved Player award.
2. MIKE TOLOMIA, FEU Tamaraws
Last Season: 8.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.5 APG
In the past 3 seasons, Mike’s name has always been third next to former MVPs RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo on FEU’s list of elite guards.
In a lineup stacked with stars with the same position as him, the former Baby Tamaraw would find himself playing in limited minutes.
This year, the former RP Youth Team court general finally got the chip off his shoulder as he bannered the Tamaraws to a #2 finish in the eliminations and a finals appearance.
He’s one of the most consistent and efficient players in coach Nash Racela’s rotation with 15.3 points and 3.3 assists a ballgame.
1. KIEFER RAVENA, Ateneo Blue Eagles
Last Season: 12.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.5 APG
He isn’t MVP for nothing. Kiefer has dominated game after game this season posting career numbers and delivering especially in clutch situations.
Coming from an injury last season, ‘The Phenom’ made his presence felt this season with his explosive game and leadership. With guys like Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva, and Ryan Buenafe graduating in the past seasons, Kiefer has assumed the role of being the main man of the Blue Eagles and eventually the whole league after being named this year’s Most Valuable Player.
The former Blue Eaglet has set the record for the highest efficiency rating ever recorded since 2003 with 77.6 statistical points after averaging a league-best 21.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists this season.
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