CHAMPIONSHIP will always be the goal for all eight teams coming into UAAP Season 88.
Yet as much as they’ve already figured out who their top players are, they still need those players who can take them to the next level – those who can turn their respective outfits from good to great.
SPIN.ph takes a closer look at the players who we believe will be the biggest difference-makers for their squads in this upcoming campaign.
Steve Nash Enriquez - NATIONAL U Bulldogs
We’ve known for years how crafty this Cebuano guard is, but for National U to get back in contention, Steve Nash Enriquez has to get back to his old ways.
Yes, the offensive vacuum last year saw the 5-foot-9 playmaker deviate from his playmaking ways and take a larger chunk of the shooting chores and really, it’s understandable.
But his average of 6.07 points on 34-percent field goal shooting suggested he wasn't quite ready, and him posting 0.11 less assists from the year prior was a cause of concern for the Bulldogs faithful that coincided with their slide from the standings.
The good news is that Enriquez heard all of those loud and clear, and was back to flashing dazzling dimes in the preseason, while also establishing himself as an elite on-ball defender – one that bodes well for the gritty system of coach Jeff Napa.
Terrence Fortea - UP Fighting Maroons
Hard to believe, but Terrence Fortea has never averaged double-figures in scoring in the last two seasons.
May it be from the University of the Philippines’ embarrassment of riches to unfortunate injuries, the San Juan native has been caged as of late that we’ve only seen glimpses of the killer scorer that he was back in high school.
Expect that to change this year with Fortea counted on to take a bigger load with this being his final playing year.
And if he can recapture the touch that he had back in Season 85, when he shot a booming 41-percent clip from threes? Well, it’s a safe bet that the Fighting Maroons will repeat.
Matty Erolon - ADAMSON Soaring Falcons
Since being relegated to Adamson’s Team B two seasons back, Matty Erolon has made sure he’d never ever take a backseat again.
The Dumaguete-born gunslinger has seen a steady incline in contribution in the past two campaigns and this year promises to be his breakout, as he looks to bump up his numbers from 6.4 points on 33-percent shooting from distance.
Erolon displayed that in the Soaring Falcons’ preseason where he easily figured among the best shooters – if not among the best scorers in the collegiate ranks today. And if he can sustain all that, he will be a big reason for the San Marcelino's flight this year.
Jedric Daa - FEU Tamaraws
Much of the discussion for Far Eastern University has been about who will step up in the fallout of Veejay 'Pre-xit.'
But don’t forget, there’s another Baby Tamaraw ready to seize his opportunity in Jedric Daa.
The second-generation stud has been solid for the Morayta crew in the offseason, flashing much determination ahead of his second year, as he’s counted on as a key piece by injecting energy on both ends of the court.
Only norming 2.71 points and 1.71 rebounds in his freshman year, Daa is poised for a bigger leap in terms of his numbers, as he promises to not be plagued by the dreaded sophomore slump.
Mark Llemit - UST Growling Tigers
University of Santo Tomas has enjoyed the gradual maturity of Mark Llemit, as the homegrown star has proven to be a key piece of the rotation for his first two years in the seniors.
But good just won’t cut it this time out, and with the Growling Tigers dreaming of grander goals in a season where they serve as hosts, it’s imperative for the Tagum City native to hike up his numbers even further.
Posting 3.3 points and 2.6 rebounds last season, the third-year swingman must find a way to take his game to another level, as he’ll be counted on as a key sparkplug off the bench not just on offense but more importantly, on defense.
Llemit has been very active building his confidence in the offseason with his panalay exploits, one that black-and-gold will be counting on when the season rolls on.
Shawn Tuano - ATENEO Blue Eagles
Shawn Tuano came out of nowhere and was the second-best scorer for Ateneo last season, putting up 9.5 points in 19 minutes of action.
But the Fil-Am winger will not surprise the opposition anymore, as he will be a key rotation piece for the Blue Eagles, especially with the 6-foot-3 forward’s size being a big plus in his favor.
What he can improve on, however, is his shooting, as he only mustered a measly 16-percent from rainbow country. Bet on Tuano to be better when it comes to lighting it up from deep.
JC Macalalag - LA SALLE Green Archers
In a stacked La Salle squad, JC Macalalag worked his way to the starting lineup last season and promised to keep his grip of his spot this year.
Making up for his lean frame with his length, the Lumban, Laguna native has been a silent operator for the Green Archers from the wings - and the Taft team is looking forward to the continuation of that in this redemption tour.
Macalalag is just one of those few players who have really bought into coach Topex Robinson’s selfless approach, owning up to his role to do the dirty work on defense while still getting his licks on offense.
Yes, all eyes will be on Mike Phillips and the green-and-white's new boys, but count on Macalalag and those on the fringes to keep that ship stable.
Nico Mulingtapang - UE Red Warriors
University of the East adding two point guards in its roster should light a fire under Nico Mulingtapang.
With one-and-done Drayton Caoile and freshman Mariano Tanedo coming in, the Quezon-born point guard must find a way to prove himself as the future of this Red Warriors squad and bump up his numbers of 1.73 points and 1.7 boards from a forgettable rookie year.
Of course, it comes with the territory that Mulingtapang will once again take a backseat and come off the bench this year, but with this leeway being given to him, it’s a prime chance for him to show what he’s really made of with lesser pressure compared to being thrust into the spotlight as Recto's main court general.
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