Editor’s Note: Every week, SPIN.ph will pick the five best performers per position in the ongoing UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
JUST when we thought we got a good idea on how the Final Four will play out, the landscape once again shifted.
The second week of the second round, albeit just having two playdates, complicated the status quo and has now endangered the positioning of some of those at the top half while resuscitating the flailing lifeline for those at the bottom.
One thing's for sure, though: La Salle has already clinched the first ticket to the big dance, which means there are three more spots to go.
But before we do, let’s take a look at this week’s best performers.
Guard: Jorick Bautista (FEU)
17 points (3/7 3PT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal vs NU
Bautista continues to shine for Far Eastern University, once again leading the pack to the victory for its first win streak of the season.
By now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the former Gilas Pilipinas Youth bet is the one carrying the torch for the Tamaraws, earning him the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week award.
And if he continues to play like this, don’t just expect the growth to be expedited in Morayta, also be on the lookout as they might just make that brave push in crashing the Final Four picture.
Guard: Joshua David (La Salle)
3 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals vs UST; 11 points (3/4 3PT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal vs Adamson
Much question has been placed on whether La Salle has already solved its point guard problem.
David, in his own little ways, believes that he can fill that gaping hole.
Knowing that the spotlight will always shine on his fancied teammates Kevin Quiambao and Michael Phillips, the former La Salle Greenhills stud has been a steadying force in the Green Archers’ backcourt – and a big reason why the Taft side is the hottest team to date with six straight victories.
Forward: Kevin Quiambao (La Salle)
29 points (4/6 3PT), 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal vs UST; 17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists vs Adamson
Speaking of Quiambao, we might just very well award him the Season MVP honors once again.
Bouncing back from a lethargic showing last week, the Gilas Pilipinas standout responded with a career-best showing, uncorking 29 points as he saved La Salle from an upset axe against UST.
Like we said in weeks’ past, we may just ice this spot for KQ moving forward with how stupendous he has been playing in this title retention bid.
Forward: Andrew Bongo (Ateneo)
14 points (3/6 3PT), 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist vs UST
All eyes may be on Ateneo’s bluechip rookies Jared Bahay and Kristian Porter, but don’t you forget about the sophomores.
Bongo has been a consistent contributor for the Blue Eagles in this campaign, showcasing his lethal outside shooting stroke which has made the Katipunan side a dangerous draw in the second round.
With Ateneo stringing back-to-back wins for the first time this season, foes are now starting to notice the blue-and-white once again and Bongo is certainly one of those coach Tab Baldwin can thank for.
Center: Mo Konateh (FEU)
22 points, (9/14 FG), 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks vs NU
The Gambian center continued to impress for FEU, this time proving that he can also be a dependable option on offense.
Without much resistance against NU, Konateh feasted down low on his way to a career-best 22-point showing.
Expect more from him as FEU aims to pull off more upsets for the remainder of its schedule.
6th Man: Nic Cabanero (UST)
23 points (10/13 FG), 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals vs La Salle; 18 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal vs Ateneo
Cabanero’s case is undeniable even with University of Santo Tomas getting in this recent funk where it has now lost its last three games, the last two of which both being close games.
But despite these struggles, count on the fourth-year scorer to keep the fight going for the Growling Tigers even if he has to come off the bench.
As they say, it doesn’t matter how you start but rather how you finish.
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