Paolo S. Mariano, Wednesday, August 10, 2011.
The stars came to shine last week as the league’s marquee players led their respective teams to all-important victories as the first round nears its conclusion. It is during these crucial moments that big-time players show their worth, and five guys from last week’s schedule proved that they can deliver. Honorable mention, however, also goes to supporting, even under-appreciated, players like UE’s Biboy Enguio, UST’s Chris Camus, and Adamson’s Janus Lozada for churning out commendable performances.
1. Kiefer Ravena (Ateneo) – 18.5 PPG, 7 RPG, 4 APG (Ave. in wins over UST and FEU)
Returnee
Ravena flew the highest among all the players last week as he put up back-to-back all-around numbers. He spearheaded Ateneo’s fast-paced attack against UST last Thursday and then out-played the prolific FEU backcourt in their first round sweep last Sunday. The two-time UAAP Juniors Finals MVP is like a Swiss army knife with his complete and versatile set of tools. He combines his fundamentals with a flashy feel for the game and he rarely commits errors. If he keeps this up, it’s not too far-fetched for him to bag the MVP and Rookie of the Year honors.
2. Lester Alvarez (Adamson) – 18 PPG, 5 3FG, 3 RPG (Win over La Salle)
Newcomer
Alvarez has quietly put up a strong campaign this season with a game grounded on consistency. He, however, made a lot of noise against La Salle last Saturday, especially from the three-point area as he dropped five long-range bombs to up his league-leading total to 14. When the Green Archers threatened to return down the stretch, Alvarez steadied Adamson with his leadership and composure. The former Letran Squire outplayed L.A. Revilla by a mile and strengthened his case for a Mythical Five consideration. Never sleep on Alvarez. He’ll make you pay in huge sums.
3. Greg Slaughter (Ateneo) – 10.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 2.5 BPG (Ave. in wins over UST and FEU)
Last week: No. 1
After two straight weeks at the top spot, Slaughter dropped two spots this time around, no thanks mainly to his lackluster six-point game versus UST. Still, his presence in the shaded lane alone is enough for Ateneo to rack up win after win. He came back strong in their win over FEU with 15 points and 11 rebounds for his third double-double in four games. The Smart-Gilas mainstay is having problems with highly physical defenders but he’ll learn to deal with them as the season. progresses. All doubts on whether he can play in a fast league like the UAAP are now forgotten.
4. Paul Zamar (UE) – 20 PPG, 46.7FG%, 5 RPG (Win over NU)
Newcomer
The league’s feel-good story last week starred Zamar as he finally led UE to its first win of the season. Clearly, the most consistent Red Warrior, the graduating guard registered a season-high 20 points as he kept the team in step with NU all throughout the game. He also played decent defense against Ray Parks and encouraged his team when he was on the bench. Being one of the most experienced players, not only in UE but in the entire league, Zamar knows that it only takes one win to turn things around. Could this be the start of a second round blast? The answer awaits.
5. Jeric Fortuna (UST) – 17 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.5 APG (Ave. in loss to Ateneo and win over UP)
Returnee
Fortuna makes a comeback in the list with a strong two-game showing last week. Despite bowing to Ateneo, he made good account of himself with 18 points, including nine straight points in the final minutes to keep the Growling Tigers afloat. He then dropped 16 markers against UP last Sunday to break their three-game skid. The former La Salle-Zobel standout also showed that he can help on the rebounding end with a career-high 10 caroms versus the Fighting Maroons. UST has a strong chance of making it to the Final Four, due largely to Fortuna’s play.