18 September 2018
By Niel Victor Masoy
Steph Curry opened it, Ompong, unfortunately, ended it. Nonetheless, the first week of the UAAP Season 81 Men’s basketball surely didn’t disappoint. From the opening festivities, thrilling games, up to the players’ performances – the fans were definitely given a show.
Speaking of players’ performances, UAAP fans did witness impressive ones from the opening week of action. And before the tournament ushers into its second week on Wednesday, BurnSports.Ph came up with a list of impressive performances/ stat lines from some impressive players in the opening week (Sept 8. Sept. 9, Sept. 12) here at the ‘Burning Stats’.
These stat lines, in more ways than one, were impressive. Okay, enough with that word. Without further ado, here are the Burning Stats from the UAAP Men’s basketball first week:
1. Juan Gomez De Liano – 16 pts (67% FG, 60% 3FG), 7 rebs, 6 asts, 2 TOs, +25 in 31.5 mins in UP’s 87-58 win over UE (Sept. 8, Saturday)
After an outstanding play last season that got him the Rookie of the Year award, JGDL is definitely picking up where he left off. On the very first game of Season 81, the lefty point guard led the UP Fighting Maroons in their rout of the UE Red Warriors, 87-58.
De Liano did it all. He scored at will, hitting six of his nine shots, including three of his five long bombs for a 16-point output. He was like a maestro, conducting UP’s offense with aplomb, finding his teammates to finish with six assists. He hauled down seven boards too and most importantly a +25 for his team whenever he’s on the floor.
What a way to start his season.
2. Bright Akhuetie – 15 pts (55% FG), 18 rebs, 3 blks, 2 asts, 3 TOs, +27 in 30.17 mins in UP’s 87-58 win over UE (Sept. 8, Saturday)
Akhuetie had just served his one-year residency after transferring from Perpetual Altas to UP Fighting Maroons, but it appeared that he never miss a beat, at all.
The Nigerian big man definitely lived up to the hyped as he put up a dominating debut in the UAAP, dropping a 15-point, 18-rebound, three-block performance against the hapless UE Red Warriors.
He was superb for UP especially on the rebounding department. His teammates shot with more confidence knowing he’s going to be there to clean up the mess. And he was there, collecting 18 rebounds, seven of which were offensive ones. The 6-foot-8 center was also a +27 in 30.17 minutes for UP.
Bright shone bright, indeed.
3. Paul Desiderio – 12 pts (28% FG, 13% 3FG), 10 rebs, 3 stls, 1 ast, 1 TO, +23 in 29 mins in UP’s 87-58 win over UE (Sept. 8, Saturday)
While Paul Desiderio struggled with his shot, he was still able to contribute for UP on the other facets of the game. He grabbed 10 rebounds (six of which were offensive ones) dished out three assists, and had a steal for a +23 for the Katipunan-based squad.
That’s what great players do.
4. Dave Ildefonso – 19 pts (42% FG, 33% 3FG), 7 rebs, 3 asts, 1 blk, 1 stl, 1 TO, +12 in 29 mins in NU’s 75-70 win over UST (Sept. 8, Saturday)
After a solid FIBA Asia U-18 Championship stint, Dave Ildefonso continued his fine play in his rookie debut at the college level in the UAAP against UST.
The 6-foot-3 wing man played like a star, pouring in 19 points on a variety of ways. He drove and finished around the basket. He hit outside shots. He also showed his post-up game when he put fellow rookie CJ Casino deep underneath the basket and finished gracefully with a left-handed layup. The move was very reminiscent of his father Danny Ildefonso during his heydays.
Dave also added seven boards, three assists, one block, and one steal against only one turnover for a +12 for NU in 29 minutes of play.
Raise the roof, Dave, raise the roof.
5. Shaun Ildefonso – 10 pts (50 FG%), 11 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls, 3 TOs, +7 in 29.67 mins in NU’s 75-70 win over UST (Sept. 8, Saturday)
Shaun Ildefonso’s performance wasn’t as impressive as his younger brother’s but his double-double stat line of 10 points and 11 rebounds deserves to be on this list.
He scored all of his points in the third, grabbed more rebounds, and was more efficient from the field than Dave. Shaun also added two assists and two steals for a +7 for NU in 29.67 minutes of burn.
6. Issa Gaye – 6 pts (100% FG), 3 rebounds, 1 ast, 1 stl, 8 blks, +20 in 24.67 mins in NU’s 75-70 win over UST (Sept. 8, Saturday)
Gaye’s stat line is not really eye-popping. But one glaring stat that put him in this list was his eight blocks against UST. EIGHT. Basic math would tell you that he saved NU 16 big points. Think about that. While most people talk about the Ildefonso brothers, NU’s win would have not been possible without him.
The last player who denied eight shots before Gaye was Alfred Aroga, an NU Bulldog as well. He did it against Ateneo back in 2014.
Moreover, Gaye shot perfect from the field (3-of-3) and had three rebounds plus one assist and a steal in just 24.67 minutes for a +20 for NU. That’s the highest for the team with Dave Ildefonso came a far second with just +12.
Just imagine if the 6-foot-10 Senegalese played more minutes, man.
7. CJ Cansino – 20 pts (33% FG, 33% 3FG), 10 rebs, 1 ast, 1 blk, 2 TOs, -15 in 31.17 mins in UST’s 75-70 loss to NU
It’s ironic that CJ Casino made this list considering he shot poorly from the field (5-of-15) and was -15 for UST in their loss to the NU Bulldogs.
But the last year’s Juniors MVP came through in the fourth quarter of that game and led the Tigers’ rally that just came up short. He scored 10 of his 20 points in the final canto and had 10 rebounds in the game. Cansino also notched an assist and a block for his team.
And if you look at the way he moved in his very first game in the college ranks, you can say that the rookie is a star in the making for UST. By the way, his 20-point game is the highest scoring output for a freshman since Jeron Teng scored 15 points in his debut with La Salle back in season 75.
8. Steve Akomo – 12 pts (50% FG), 14 rebs, 1 ast, 1 blk, 2 TOS, -6 in 27.83 mins in UST’s 75-70 loss to the NU Bulldogs (Sept. 8, Saturday)
The Cameroonian center was a -6 for UST against NU but that doesn’t take a way the fact that he played splendidly.
He notched a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds. He was quite through three quarters but just like his teammate Cansino, Akomo came to life in the fourth and scored 10 of his 12 points there. Also, nine of his 14 boards were offensive ones and the 6-foot-8 center tallied an assist and a block in 27.83 minutes for the España-based squad.
9. Santi Santillan – 19 pts (57% FG, 60% 3FG), 10 rebs, 2 asts, 1 blk, 2 TOs, -2 in 25.83 mins in La Salle’s 68-61 loss to FEU (Sept. 9, Sunday)
If there’s one positive that the new-look La Salle can take from their season opening loss against FEU last Sunday, it has to be the play of Santi Santillan.
The Cebuano had a stellar performance for La Salle, dropping 19 points, 10 rebs, two assists, and a block in a little less than 26 minutes of play.
Advance metrics had him -2 but Santillan was still efficient as he shot 8-of-14 from the field including 3-of-5 from deep. If you look at the post-game stats closely, Santillan was easily the best player of that game. It’s just that La Salle lost to FEU for the first time in three years.
With the departure of Ben Mbala and the Archer’s newly recruit Kiwi big man Taane Samuel reportedly out for two months due to a foot injury, the 6-foot-5 workhorse has to work harder now but he is, for sure, up to the task.
10. Matt Nieto – 21 pts (42% FG, 17% 3FG), 4 rebs, 1 ast, 2 stls, +12 in 26.5 mins in ADMU’s 74-70 loss to the AdU (Sept. 9, Sunday)
The defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles suffered a stunning loss in their season opener against Adamson but not without them fighting up until the final buzzer.
Matt Nieto led that fightback as he scored 12 of his 21 points in the final canto to keep Ateneo in step with the ferocious Falcons. The former Batang Gilas standout courageously attack the basket and was successful in drawing fouls. Overall, Nieto shot 10-of-12 from the charity stripe.
He also had four rebounds, one assist, and two steals against zero turnovers for a +12 in 26.5 minutes of play for Ateneo. Without his fine play, Ateneo would have been dealt a beatdown as most Eagles played in a subpar level including Angelo Kouame who only had one point in the loss. Raffy Verano played well, though, scoring 10 points, eight boards, and one steal for a +2 in 17 minutes.
11. Jerrick Ahanmisi – 23 pts (47% FG, 40% 3FG), 4 rebs, 1 ast, 1 TO, +2 in 31.83 mins in Adamson’s 74-70 win over Ateneo (Sept. 9, Sunday)
It’s no surprise that Jerick Ahanmisi’s stat line made this list. The third-year swingman gave the Falcons the fire power it needed to soar higher than the Eagles. He churned out 23 points – the highest offensive output in the opening weekend.
Ahanmisi was simply amazing, even hitting a half court shot to give Adamson a 40-39 lead by the end of the first half. He also came through in the clutch, finishing a crucial layup to push Adamson up by two points 70-68 with 1:09 remaining in the game.
The Fil-Nigerian had also four rebounds and an assist for a +2 in 31.83 minutes of play for Adamson.
12. Vince Magbuhos – 10 pts (80% FG), 10 rebounds, 1 stl, 2 TOs, -5 in 25.50 mins in Adamson’s win over Ateneo (Sept. 9, Sunday)
While most of the talks were focused on Jerrick Ahanmisi, Adamson’s win over Ateneo would have not been possible if not for the efforts of Vince Magbuhos.
If Ahanmisi was responsible for the razzle-dazzle, Magbuhos was there for the dirty work. The rookie collected 10 boards and had a steal. He was also efficient, shooting 4-of-5 from the field for a 10-point outing.
Way to go rook.
13. Prince Orizu – 25 pts (85% FG), 15 rebs, 3 blks, 2 TOs, +6 in 29.17 mins in FEU’s 76-74 loss to UST (Sept. 12, Wednesday)
Orizu played like a man amongst boys in the FEU’s narrow loss to UST, and even that might be an understatement.
The Nigerian big man wreaked havoc inside as no UST Tiger stood a chance against him. He scored 25 points on a very efficient 11-of-13 from the field. Orizu had 15 boards (nine of which were offensive ones), three blocks, and one steal for a +6 in a little over 29 minutes of play for FEU.
Prince Orizu? King Orizu definitely came to play.
14. Hubert Cani – 15 pts (50% FG), 7 rebs, 4 asts, 2 TOs, +6 in 29.33 mins in FEU’s 76-74 loss to UST (Sept. 12, Wednesday)
Let’s just say that Orizu played like Batman for FEU in their loss against UST and Hubert Cani was kind of like his Robin.
Cani backstopped Orizu as he had 15 points including seven in the final canto, seven boards, and four assists, for a +6 in almost the same number of minutes as Orizu. So yah, he was the Robin that Batman needed.
15. Steve Akomo – 10 pts (57% FG), 8 rebs, 1 blk, 3 TOs, -12 in 19.5 mins in UST’s 76-74 win over FEU (Sept. 12, Wednesday)
It’s ironic for Akomo’s stat line to make this list considering that advance metrics had him -12 in UST’s win over FEU but it still made sense.
In a limited playing time, Akomo was actually efficient. He scored 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, and blocked one shot in almost 20 minutes of play. The Cameroonian’s three turnovers might be the reason why he was -12 but still, he played pretty well.
16. Juan Gomez De Liano – 29 pts (63% FG, 57% 3FG), 6 rebs, 2 asts, 1 stl, 6 TOs, -11 in 35.33 mins in UP’s 87-79 loss to Ateneo (Sept. 12, Wednesday)
Forget about his -11 rating and 6 TOs, JGDL is definitely a super star in the making. The sophomore scored 29 points against the school who passed up on him in high school in an efficient 12-of-19 shooting from the field including 4-of-7 from downtown.
It seemed like every basket he made was a highlight. His stepback jumpshot from the right elbow in the second quarter was perfectly executed so much so it sent two Ateneo defenders in Matt Nieto and Thirdy Ravena stumbling to the floor. Man, it was mesmerizing.
More than the highlights, he carried UP to keep in pace with Ateneo in the final canto as he scored 11 of his 29 points there.
His -11 rating was most likely the result of his six turnovers but churning out that many errors came with the territory of being aggressive and playing all but four minutes of the game.
Everything but the win for Juan.
17. Paul Desiderio – 15 pts (54%), 6 rebs, 6 asts, 3 TOs, -4 in 31.50 minutes in UP’s 87-79 loss to Ateneo (Sept. 12, Wednesday)
After a so-so performance in their season opening rout of UE, Desiderio redeemed himself against Ateneo as he notched 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field. He also contributed in other ways as he tallied six assists and six rebounds in the loss. Good bounce back game for ‘atin ‘to’.
18. Bright Akhuetie – 8 pts (40% FG), 11 rebs, 9 asts, 2 stls, -6 in 33.83 mins in UP’s 87-79 loss to Ateneo (Sept. 12, Wednesday)
While the fans and the media men might have wished of a more aggressive Akhuetie offensively, that doesn’t take away the fact that the Nigerian big man was solid for UP against Ateneo.
Akhuetie was two points and a dime shy of a triple-double, pouring in eight points, nine assists, and 11 boards for the Diliman-based squad. Perhaps, JGDL’s 29-point outburst and Desiderio’s bounce back game would have not been possible if not for the ‘facilitator’ version of Akhuetie.
19. Thirdy Ravena – 17 pts (40% FG), 11 rebs, 4 asts, 1 blk, 2 TOs, +4 in 27.17 mins in Ateneo’s 87-79 win over UP (Sept. 12, Wednesday)
If not for the gallant effort of Thirdy Ravena, Ateneo would have lost to the tough-fighting UP squad, really. The athletic swingman was all over the place for Ateneo, dropping 17 points (seven in the fourth), 11 boards, and a block for a +4 in 27 minutes of high-level basketball.
Ravena was fired up as evident by his emphatic put back dunk almost halfway through the second quarter. Man.
20. Angelo Kouame – 14 pts (50% FG), 9 rebs, 5 blks, 3 TOs, +5 in 23.50 mins in Ateneo’s 87-79 win over UP (Sept. 12, Wednesday)
After a rough outing in his UAAP debut against Adamson, Angelo Kouame had a dominating bounce back game for Ateneo.
The Ivorian big man scored 14 points, grabbed nine boards, and blocked five shots for a +5 in almost 24 minutes of play. He was also aggressively looking for his shots that resulted to him drawing fouls and making six of his eight free throws.
It was kind of like Kouame vented all of his frustrations in his game against Adamson to UP. Smashing.
*All stats from Pong Ducanes
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