TWO weeks in and it seems like the early season surprises are standing out.
Ateneo, University of Santo Tomas, and National University have gained early leadership, catching everyone by surprise especially those anticipating a repeat of last year.
But that may still be premature as we’re still at the early goings of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
READ: UAAP Best Five: Collins Akowe a man among boys in opening weekend
With that, Spin.ph is here to select Week 2’s Best Five:
Collins Akowe (UST)
20 points (8-15 FG), 19 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, W vs La Salle
Akowe continues to be all gas, no brakes as he once again dominated the paint for UST.
If you thought his debut versus UP was impressive, the Nigerian beast’s performance against a taller La Salle team made more believers to root for the Espana side, allowing him to cop the first Collegiate Press Corps Player of the Week nod this season.
That Akowe improved his free throw shooting, this time going 4-of-5 from the charity stripe, only shows how much he can still improve in his first year.
And that should only mean bad things for those still on UST’s pathway.
Kymani Ladi (Ateneo)
18 points (2-5 3PT), 10 rebounds, W vs UE; 14 points (2-5 3PT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, W vs Adamson
By this point, fans already know what Ladi brings to the table.
And so far, the one-and-done stud has showed a lot in his arsenal, leading Ateneo in scoring and rebounding through three games.
The thing, though, is that coach Tab Baldwin isn’t satisfied yet, telling his newest prized recruit that defenses now will be smarter in collapsing on him and he should focus more in sharing the rock.
It’s really sounding like the Blue Eagles have got their Filipino version of a Jayson Tatum.
Jolo Manansala (NU)
13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, W vs FEU
All eyes remain on Jake Figueroa, which only allows Manansala to thrive working in the shadows.
That doesn’t mean that we’re not paying attention, with the senior forward also displaying a much needed consistency for NU.
His outing against FEU was emblematic of that as he played the role of the stabilizer to help the Bulldogs stay undefeated.
If Manansala continues to play this way, don’t expect him to stay in the back for any longer.
Nic Cabanero (UST)
27 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, W vs La Salle
Nic is still gonna Nic, and UST has already accepted that for better or for worse.
Luckily, it has all been on the up for Cabanero as he unfurled a tournament-best 27 points which coincided with the Growling Tigers finally snapping a 16-game losing skid against the Green Archers.
Putting his national team stint to good use, the senior swingman’s confidence is evident as he has been unstoppable when he attacks the rim.
The only Achilles heel for him so far? He’s been 0-for-8 from downtown this season.
Forthsky Padrigao (UST)
12 points (2-9 3PT), 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, W vs La Salle
Forget about the suspension: Padrigao is here to stay for UST.
Though his teammates did a good job weathering his absence in the first game, the graduating court general still showed what he can do for the Growling Tigers, calmly controlling the tempo and kept his team disciplined before ambushing the Green Archers in the second half.
Forthsky dishing out nine dimes is just another day in the office, but what the opposition should watch out for is his improved on-ball defense as he nabbed three steals in this game against La Salle.
And oh, did we forget? It seems like the offensive struggles he’s had in the preseason are problems no more.
Second Best Five:
Omar John (NU) – 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, W vs FEU
Precious Momowei (UE) – 9 points, 18 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, L vs Ateneo; 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 blocks, L vs UP
Amiel Acido (UST) – 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, W vs La Salle
Jaden Lazo (Ateneo) – 1 point, 1 rebound, W vs UE; 15 points (3-5 3PT), 2 assists, 3 steals, W vs Adamson
Rey Remogat (UP) – 0 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, L vs Adamson; 21 points (6-13 3PT), 7 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, W vs UE
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