5-on-5: UAAP Vs. NCAA

Post by Mike Abasolo of Inhoundpass

It’s roughly easy to assemble a 10 or 8 collegiate basketball all-star cast. But if you narrow down your selection to just 5 of the best players from both leagues this season, run a 5 on 5 simulation in your head, tickle your college hoops fantasy for a moment then have a glimpse on a plausible dream match-up?

My NCAA Starting Five:

1.Point Guard – Kevin Alas, Letran Knights. A combo guard that can create and score at will. . Went down with an injury during the preseason but had a marvelous performance against the Golden Stags on NCAA Opening Day with 31-points and a 41% field goal percentage.

2.Shooting Guard – Josan Nimes, Mapua Cardinals. 12.9 points during the preseason. Had a 13 point performance in 35 minutes of action in their opening loss against JRU.  Can create, attack and score.  The trigger of the Cardinals’ offensive attack.

3.Small Forward – Carlo Lastimosa, College Of St. Benilde Blazers. An average defender, but if you need instant offense, a player that can run the break, finish and probably go to the free throw line, this is the guy you bet on. His average of 13 points per game with a 41% shooting clip from the field during the preseason is enough to warrant any coach’s attention.

4.Power Forward – Calvin Abueva, San Sebastian Golden Stags. Better known as “The Beast”.  There is no one like him in any league and he’s arguably the most feared player in his position.

He is the preseason’s 2nd leading scorer at 19.5 points per game and 6th in rebounding with 10.9 per game. He is so tough to contain and has a real nose for the ball. Has quietly polished his jump shot and has made some occasional 3-pointers, shutting him down will be difficult.5

5.Center – Ola Adeogun, San Beda Red Lions. By far, perhaps the most skillful foreign player to set foot in Philippine Collegiate Basketball. Also a physical specimen though not as intimidating as his predecessor – Sam Ekwe, he’s armed with a quiet 10 points and 10.8 rebounds per game during the preseason, his 6’8 presence in the shaded area is still a force to reckon with.

My UAAP Starting Five:

1.Center – Greg Slaughter, Ateneo Blue Eagles. From 13.5 points and 9.3 rebounds in UAAP Season 74 to 18 points and 10 rebounds per game during the preseason. Numbers that translate  Armageddon for teams that will compete against the defending champions in Season 75. He is the anchor.  The pillar of strength on both ends for the Blue Eagles. Has improved thru the years since his days with the UV Green Lancers. Tough and resilient. Another dominant season awaits for Slaughter.

2.Power Forward – Norbert Torres, De La Salle Green Archers.  A natural Power Forward. Has a nice midrange touch. Has great hands. 11 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes per game during the preseason for the Green Archers. Can he take them to the promise land? His ultimate test awaits.

3.Small Forward – Bobby Ray Parks, NU Bulldogs. UAAP Season 74′s scoring leader at 20-points per game. During the preseason, he ranked 3rd at 18.5 points per game. A clutch player in the making. The Bulldogs’ ultimate go-to-guy and the most dangerous player in the league. At crunch time, you’ll see the ball in his hands almost all the time.  If you need to go to the free throw line, just dial Bobby Ray.

4.Shooting Guard – Keifer Ravena, Ateneo Blue Eagles.  He had a momentous rookie year – 13 points and 4 assists per game.

His numbers has slipped during the preseason, shooting a meager 27% from the field, far below expectations. Some coaches say they’ve figured him out.  That he’s become predictable. Players have noticed his tendencies. I reckon he’ll figure this thing out. Deception is his main weapon. He ain’t the phenom for nothing. This kid has great instincts and he’s smart.

5.Point Guard – RR Garcia, FEU Tamaraws.  In my view, Garcia is still the best point guard in the league. He led his team in scoring last season at 16 per game, and still is at 13.8 and 4 assists per game during the preseason. He is the undisputed leader of the Tamaraws. Their fortunes rests on how well he plays this season.