Kings Of The Court

MANILA, Philippines - It’s that time of the year again when college fans go crazy about basketball. With Season 73 of the UAAP just underway and last year’s stars now gone, a lot of new faces are taking centerstage and new stars are born. Let’s take a look at some of the players who we should keep an eye on this year:

Adamson University

Eric Camson

As a rookie, he got a break towards the end of last season and started producing for Coach Leo Austria. A power forward with a good outside shooting touch, Camson can put points on the board in an instant. His only problem was his inexperience, and he committed a lot of rookie mistakes that cost his team. With a season under his belt, expect him to play smarter and to be Adamson’s main scoring threat off the bench.

Lester Alvarez

What the Falcons lacked in previous years was a go-to-guy who can make the right decisions down the stretch in tight games. Lester Alvarez could be that guy for them. He has the skills and the confidence to make big shots and he’s showed this in stretches last year, although inconsistenty. His performance will play a big role in how far Adamson can go this season.

Ateneo De Manila University

Nico Salva

With Rabeh Al-Husseini now gone from the team, the Blue Eagles will need a new option on the post. Salva provides a solution to their problem. He is big and strong to match up with the power forwards of the opposing teams, while quick and versatile enough to match up with their wingmen. He will be one of the team’s main offensive weapons and will carry a big share of the scoring load together with Eric Salamat.

Ryan Buenafe

After joining the starting lineup en route to a Rookie of the Year Award during his first UAAP season, Ryan Buenafe was relegated to playing with the second unit in his sophomore year, but he played a vital role in facilitating the offense and holding the fort while the starters were resting. While many people thought he was out of shape last year, he certainly is in good shape this year and is looking to have an even better season. With Nico Salva moving to the starting unit, it looks like Buenafe will have to carry the scoring load for the second unit.

University of Santo Tomas

Jeric Teng

With Dylan Ababou and Khasim Mirza now gone, Jeric Teng will have no choice but to carry the scoring load for the Tigers. Only a sophomore, his body is already built like a grown man. He is strong for a wingman and, starting now can easily outmuscle his opponents or shoot over them. He is going to be their main man for years to come.

Clark Bautista

A streaky shooter who can knock down threes from just about anywhere, Bautista has struggled at times, especially with his ball handling and defense. He’s been quite inconsistent in the previous seasons, but after working really hard on his game in the off-season, he now looks like a whole different person. His confidence is soaring and his shooting is better than ever. Look for him to help Jeric Teng in the scoring category.

University of the East

Paul Lee

Paul Lee, along with Eric Salamat, has emerged as one of the top guards of this league. The heart and soul of the Red Warriors does it all for them. He scores from both inside and outside, rebounds the ball, creates plays for his teammates, plays tough defense; there just isn’t any weakness for this guy. He will be a legitimate MVP candidate this season.

James Martinez

After missing last season with an ACL injury, James Martinez is back and looks to be in tip-top shape. His leadership and outside shooting will be something that the Warriors will desperately need for them to make it to the final four again, especially as a relatively young team that lost last year’s core players.

National University

Joseph Hermosisima

Although just a rookie last year, he was one of the scoring leaders of his team. This year, he will play an even bigger role and will continue to put up good. A trigger-happy lefty who shoots superbly from long distance, Hermosisima can also finish around the basket. He will be their go-to guy on offense, as NU looks to improve on their record and possibly make it to the Final Four.

Emmanuel Mbe

One of the top recruits of NU, Mbe is a 6’7” center whom NU will rely on very heavily to be a presence down under on both offense and defense. He is very athletic and rebounds very well. He will be one of the main guys of NU, which has a very young team with much room for growth.

De La Salle University

Samuel Marata

The former MVP of the UAAP Juniors division, Marata is arguably the best outside shooter of La Salle. Despite not starting games, he usually provides his team with a lot of quality minutes and can be counted on to take the big shots for his team.

Luigi De La Paz

Although just a rookie, his demeanor on the court makes him seem like a veteran. Always cool and composed, he can play both guard positions. He probably will not put up big numbers, but he will be a big contributor to this team — indeed, a star in the making.

Far Eastern University

JR Cawaling

Another former Rookie of the Year Awardee, JR Cawaling hasn’t been playing at the level that has been expected of him. Despite being one of the most skilled players in the league, he can’t seem to fit in Coach Glenn Capacio’s system. If the Tamaraws are to take it to the next level and win a championship, JR will have to play much better than his 0-point, 13-minute performance against Ateneo.

RR Garcia

Only a sophomore, this guy is very composed and is argucibly the best point guard in the whole league. He is a great facilitator for their offense; a very good three-point shooter who can also beat you off the dribble and take it strong to the hoop.

University of the Philippines

Woody Co

The former Rookie of the Year has emerged as UP’s leader and star player. Despite being an undersized forward, he makes up with strength and quickness. He can muscle his way through to the hoop or shoot from the outside. He poses a lot of problems to the big men of opposing teams. He is poised to have another big year will hopefully lead his team to the Final Four for the first time in his career.

Mike Silungan

One of the most talked about new players in the league, the kid from Chicago has been creating buzz and hasn’t disappointed so far. A pure scorer who can shoot the ball from way behind the arc and can also slash to the hoop, Silungan will contend for the scoring title this season.

Charles Tiu, Philippine Star