The Philippines’ premier collegiate basketball tournament is in full swing, as the UAAP Season 86 tipped off last September 30. Branded with the aptly named slogan of “Fueling the Future”, the UAAP is constantly seen as a stepping stone to professional basketball for many of these aspiring athletes. In recent times, in fact, we have even seen these collegiate players accept offers overseas and make the jump to a much tougher professional league abroad.
In celebration of 2nd Opinion’s 9th anniversary, we’re releasing a series of various listicles. So, without further ado, here are 9 UAAP players this Season 86 to look out for to fuel the future:
Rey Remogat
Having played sparingly the majority of last season, Rey Remogat got his chance to prove himself in the last few games of that season, even producing a career-high output of 24 points in an OT win against a much more favored DLSU team.
Even from shockingly being only a walk-in aspirant last Season 85, the former Baby Tamaraw has picked up where he left off into this current season. Coming off of his impressive 21 & 10 double-double during UE’s opening game, Rey Remogat has not only proven that he belongs on the UE squad, but amongst the UAAP’s brightest stars, as well.
With the departure of integral cogs in coach Jack Santiago’s roster last season in Luis Villegas, the Paranada brothers, Harvey Pagsanjan, CJ Payawal and Gani Stevens, look to Rey Remogat to lead his team and take on the difficult task of filling in those shoes head-on.
Jerom Lastimosa
Jerom’s in the house! Watch ya mouth!
Jerom Lastimosa is the only Adamson athlete in history to have his jersey retired. That feat alone is already a massive indication of the type of talent that this guy has, as well as his significance within the entire Adamson community.
What I like most about Jerom Lastimosa is that he wasn’t necessarily highly recruited nor did he come out swinging when he first started his UAAP career; we have seen exponential growth in each of his seasons that make him the caliber of guard that he is.
Coming off an excellent Season 85 in which he averaged 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists, Jerom Lastimosa received a Gilas call-up during the SEA Games (where he won Gold) and was even offered by overseas teams to play professionally, though he nobly and humbly declined, noting 2 utmost things he wants to achieve during his final season with the Falcons: earning a diploma and bringing a championship to Adamson.
Unfortunately, an injury during practice a few weeks before the season will keep him out for presumably the first round. Though, if there’s one thing that we learned from Jerom Lastimosa is that everytime he returns, he comes back a better version of himself and is ready to deliver.
Kai Ballungay
Despite last year being his first season in the UAAP, Kai Ballungay proved to play a crucial role in Ateneo’s season, and, ultimately, the championship. The versatile, high-flying Blue Eagle contributed solid averages of 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds, especially considering it being his first year in the league.
With a big, gaping hole left in the eagles’ nest with the departures of Ange Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, BJ Andrade and Forthsky Padrigao, not only will Kai Ballungay be expected to produce even better numbers, but to also be a leader for this young and relatively inexperienced squad even at only his second year.
During one of the preseason tournaments, Kai Ballungay won MVP during AsiaBasket, which is a great sign of him embracing that leadership role under coach Tab. Coming off an electric 18 & 16 double-double during Ateneo’s comeback win against their most heated rivals, which saw him throw down multiple posterizing dunks, look to Kai Ballungay to lead Ateneo’s title defense during a rather “underdog” season for the blue and white.
Kevin Quiambao
Even before making his UAAP debut for the Green Archers last Season 85, Kevin Quiambao already made a name for himself with the NU Bullpups program, and then later bursting onto the scene for an impressive Gilas stint which saw the skillful and elegant big man drop some nasty, nasty dimes.
Proving that these flashes were no fluke, “KQ” ended up bringing home the Rookie of the Year trophy last season, which saw him post extremely well-rounded stats of 11.2 points, 6 assists and 4.8 rebounds.
Despite a spectacular rookie campaign individually, DLSU’s season was underwhelming given the talent and subsequent aspirations they had, leading Kevin Quiambao to post a cryptic “See you next season maybe.” message on social media after barely missing the coveted Final Four.
Kevin Quiambao still vowed to return to Taft even with rumors looming regarding professional offers to play overseas, even winning the PBA D-League MVP during preseason tournaments.
With a player of his caliber, it would be no surprise to see more of these professional offers keep on coming. So, if Season 86 proves to be Kevin Quiambao’s final collegiate playing year, you can fully expect him to go out with a bang.
Xyrus Torres
Xyrus Torres is perhaps the greatest shooter currently in the UAAP; whether catch-and-shoot, coming off staggered screens or off-the-dribble pull-ups, the homegrown FEU talent is a lethal shooter.
Unfortunately, a slow start for him individually and for FEU as a team last Season 85 saw them start their campaign with 5 straight Ls before regaining their bearings and ending the season on a relatively positive note.
Now, with coach Denok Miranda taking the reins over Olsen Racela, expect the former Gilas U19 prospect to continue his torrid marksmanship while also stepping up as a leader for the Tamaraws during this bounce-back season of theirs.
Steve Nash Enriquez
I mean, the man is named after a 2x NBA MVP, 8x NBA All-Star and perhaps one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game. Not much to live up to, right?
Well, Steve Nash Enriquez, likewise to that of his namesake, has been enthralling UAAP fans with his no-look dimes, consistent shooting and his long, flowy hair.
After being overshadowed in the Juniors’ program by fellow NU Bullpup standouts in Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, Gerry Abadiano and Harold Alarcon whom have all left the doghouse to play for other universities, the Seniors’ NU squad looks to Steve Nash Enriquez to take the wheel and lead their team further than just the Final Four.
Malick Diouf
Malick Diouf already made a name for himself when he played for CEU, consequently leading to his recruitment with the Fighting Maroons in a much more competitive league. Not only did the Senegalese prove that he belonged in the UAAP in only his first year during Season 84, but he exploded for monster performances that saw him take home both the season MVP and the championship for Diliman, as well.
With the departure of UP superstar and fellow big man Carl Tamayo for the pro leagues, there is a huge hole to fill in UP’s frontcourt. Add onto the fact that Ateneo reclaimed the crown from UP and moved it back across Katipunan last Season 85, we’re all eager to see what Malick Diouf’s “revenge tour” will turn out as.
Nic Cabañero
In a rather disappointing campaign for the Growling Tigers last Season 85, Nic Cabañero was the lone bright spot for España, putting up impressive numbers and scorching scoring outputs. The only caveat, however, was that people viewed these performances as “empty stats” as they did not result in wins for UST.
With all the talent and promise Nic Cabañero possesses, the King Tiger taking a huge leap this Season 86 should be no surprise. Now, with a renowned coach retaking the UST helm, we can fully expect coach Pido Jarencio to better mold Nic Cabañero as an overall player, ultimately turning those huge individual performances into Ws.
Joaqui Manuel
During an impressive rookie season way back in 2019 which saw the former Stallion-turned-Blue-Eaglet regularly feature in the starting 5 for the Green Archers, Joaqui Manuel was able to showcase his skills of being a versatile, high IQ and serviceable wing, proving that his value is way more than what merely shows up on the statsheet.
Unfortunately, the following years’ drastic changes in both the roster and coaching staff saw his once consistent minutes dwindle, consequently affecting his overall productivity as well.
Early into this new season, however, you can already tell Joaqui Manuel has a newfound confidence and swagger to his game. This has resulted in games where he has (re)showcased the plethora of skill sets he possesses: hard-nosed defending, underrated vision, reliable shooting (with the Melo-esque 3 to the dome celebration) and an integral team player.
Now in his fifth and final year, along with being under the tutelage of a new, well-respected coach in Topex Robinson, Joaqui Manuel is in the best position to regain his position as one of DLSU’s top archers.
