14 October 2018
By Angelli Ojastro
Now that UAAP season 81 men’s basketball first round is over and bound to begin the second, we created a list for you who particularly stood out because of their plays, buzzer beater shots or simply because they shined more than anyone else.
Alvin Pasaol – University of the East
First on our list University of the East Red Warriors’ super star, Alvin Pasaol. This may not have been a shock to people but Pasaol is giving more than what he is ask to do inside the court. Remember the UE-La Salle game? Even the commentators were saying that it might be Alvin’s lowest career-point game, but fortunately, it wasn’t. Oh well, we should expect nothing less from Alvin Pasaol.
Justine Baltazar – De La Salle University
Next on our list is Justine Baltazar of De La Salle Green Archers’ Justine Baltazar. After Ben Mbala left the team, Baltazar was the big man holding the fort for the Men in Green. He definitely showed the UAAP crowd that he deserve to shine even with big names such as, Aljun Melecio, Kib Montalbo, and Andrei Caracut on the team.
Dave and Shaun Ildefonso – National University
Following Baltazar is NU Bulldogs’ rising hard court duo, Dave and Shaun Ildefonso. They immediately gave a bang to this year’s season opener as they shocked UST in their first game. However, even with the tremendous performance given by the two, Coach Jamike Jarin is convinced that they can still do more.
Bright Akhuetie – University of the Philippines
Our next one is not a shocker as well, UP Maroons’ newest big man on the line up, Bright Akhuetie. After standing out in NCAA, it is only befitting that he do the same in UAAP. Akhuetie was a huge addition to the team and just like the Ildefonso brother mentioned above, he still yet to achieve his peak. So, we better watch for UP’s upcoming games, right?
Matt Nieto – Ateneo De Manila University
Coming up next on our list is the eagle-eyed guard of Ateneo, Matt Nieto. This young Baldwin protégé has proven that he can be counted in the court especially at crunch time. This textbook sniper can definitely work his way around his huge defenders and easily make it rain in the rainbow country. He is definitely a player to watch out for!
Wendel Comboy – Far Eastern University
Even with star player Arvin Tolentino on the team, FEU Tamaraws’ Wendel Comboy should be included in this list as he consistently showed a powerful performance throughout the first round. His low-key moves on the made him stood out because it may have less theatrics from the eyes of the crowd but at least, he always make it count.
CJ Cansino – University of the Santo Tomas
UST Growling Tigers indeed found a pot of gold from their rookie sensation, CJ Cansino. Despite being a new to the big boys league, he showed no holds barred and continuously to give the UST crowd and the rest of the UAAP followers a show.
Sean Manganti – Adamson University
Last but not the least is Sean Manganti from Adamson Falcons. As one of the veterans in the team, people should expect nothing less from Manganti. However, with the quite season he had last year, people were taken aback from his performance during the first round. If you are a Falcons’ fan, the game between Adu and UP is still fresh for you as this guy emerged as a hero because of his winning shot. It could’ve been a loss to Adamson but thanks to Manganti, they remain to be undefeated that time before they lost to FEU.
Do you agree with our list? Let us know what you think!
Follow the writer on Twitter: @thegreatangelli
