THERE won’t be any shortage of talent in UAAP Season 87, but there'll be several players who’d be more motivated entering the men’s basketball tournament as they come in with a huge chip on their shoulders.
Whether it be proving that they can lead their team or just simply proving that they’ve changed and grown as a person, these players – one way or another – will come in a little more hyped up when the premier collegiate sporting tournament kicks off on September 7.
Here, SPIN.ph lists the players with the most to prove for each team.
Harold Alarcon - UP Fighting Maroons
While the University of the Philippines still boasts of one of the most stacked rosters in the league, losing a player of CJ Cansino’s caliber is never easy.
This is where Harold Alarcon comes in.
Alarcon’s always been steady over the past few years for the Fighting Maroons, but whether he’s built for a bountiful career after his UAAP days will hinge on just how well he’d fill the big gap left behind by their their beloved captain.
Fellow veterans JD Cagulangan and Gerry Abadiano have had their moments in UP’s resurgence, now it’s time for Alarcon to get his.
Cholo Añonuevo - FEU Tamaraws
At first glance, Cholo Añonuevo has all the potential to be a collegiate basketball superstar.
At 6-foot-5, he's one of the bigger wings in the entire league. He can put the ball on the floor, create his own shots, spot up for threes, and electrify fans with his high-flying skills once he gets a runway.
So why aren’t we talking about Añonuevo more? Well, it’s the thin, but sometimes impenetrable line between potential and greatness – consistency.
With coach Sean Chambers high on the do-it-all forward, Añonuevo gets his chance to shine for an FEU squad that’s dreaming big this year. With a young core, expect the talented lefty to get his spots and if he finds his stride, he’ll come out of this season as one of the most tantalizing talents.
Jack Cruz-Dumont - UE Red Warriors
With the explosive Rey Remogat having moved to UP, pressure falls on Jack Cruz-Dumont to step up for UE and backstop the brilliant Precious Momowei who’s expected to lead the Red Warriors this year.
And based on his preseason performances, the 6-3 Fil-Canadian seems like he’s up to the task.
He was solid for the red and white in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup where they claimed the final quarterfinals spot in the UAAP bracket. Still, he knows that it doesn't mean anything if he can’t translate that strong showing come the UAAP.
Joshua David - LA SALLE Green Archers
Joshua David was one of the most coveted guards out of the brilliant LSGH program on his way up, but the pandemic pushed back his debut before a devastating ACL injury took him out for a lengthy period.
He returned last year and had some solid games for La Salle, but with guys like Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy still at point, that season was pretty much his warm-up for this year.
Because this season, a lot will fall on David’s shoulder, particularly on leading the Green Archers who'll have a big target on their backs as they gear for a repeat run.
Will David be the stabilizing presence that coach Topex Robinson expects him to be? We’ll find out soon enough.
Reinhard Jumamoy - NATIONAL U Bulldogs
There’s no questioning the talent of former UAAP Juniors MVP Reinhard Jumamoy. He’s the ultimate guard – capably and confidently creating shots for himself and others. He can hit threes to stretch the floor or attack and draw defenders around him.
Playing behind Kean Baclaan and Steve Nash Enriquez in his rookie year for National U, Jumamoy didn’t get big minutes consistently. But when he was on the court, he showed glimpses of what he can do.
With Baclaan now moving to La Salle, minutes will open up for the spitfire guard as he and Enriquez form one of the quickest backcourts in the league.
And with Enriquez now in his last two years of eligibility, there’s no better time to prove whose team the Bulldogs will be for years to come.
Chris Koon - ATENEO Blue Eagles
When Chris Koon was recruited from California back in 2020, there was plenty of optimism from the Ateneo camp, as they were essentially adding a versatile 6-4 guard who can do plenty of things on the court.
While he’s shown flashes of just that, he’s gonna have to take it up a notch this season especially with the not so favorable outlook for the Blue Eagles.
And when we say take it up a notch, we mean he really has to make a leap and be the player Ateneo envisioned him to be when they first got him onboard. For as long as Koon’s showing out, the blue and white will always have a fighting chance.
Mathew Montebon - ADAMSON Soaring Falcons
With Jerom Lastimosa moving onto the pros, Adamson will be looking at Mathew Montebon to be their lead guard - and he’s out to prove that he’s fit for primetime.
Montebon actually had his dress rehearsal last season, as with Lastimosa mostly sitting out, it was the Fil-Am guard who took the big shots for the Soaring Falcons – including a game-winning three against UE which gave them a shot at making the semifinals.
With a more definite role this time around, Montebon will get his minutes, touches, and shots. Now, it’s up to him to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke.
Forthsky Padrigao - UST Growling Tigers
As a UAAP champion, Mythical Team member, and one of the best guards in the league the last time he played for Ateneo, what’s left for Forthsky Padrigao to prove?
Well, it’s his exploits off the court that continue to haunt him to this day.
Marred by personal issues and academic deficiencies, Padrigao vows to make the most of his second chance in UST as the Growling Tigers welcomed him with open arms.
There’s no questioning Padrigao’s skills. He’ll be one of the best guards in the league when he finally dons the black and gold in an official UAAP game. What he needs to prove is that the UST community made the right decision by being better off the court.
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