Power Rankings: June 23-27

By Paolo Mariano Posted Jul 29th 2014

The stars came out to play last week as the UAAP was replete with heart-stopping finishes. There’s nothing like watching young players take on the challenge of making a game-winning play or a vital defensive stop. You see future pro stars or national team mainstays evolve right in front of your eyes. After a pair of Ateneo boys ruled the last edition of the Power Rankings, it’s the turn of two La Salle forwards this time, giving the defending champions the much-needed sigh of relief with back-to-back victories. Honorable mention goes to Glenn Khobuntin, Mac Belo, and Roi Sumang.   

1. Jeron Teng – La Salle

Wins vs. NU and UE: 13.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.5 APG

Newcomer

A 0-2 start doesn’t deter a competitive guy like Teng, who powered the Green Archers to back-to-back wins last week. He may not have top-scored in their nail-biting win over NU but he had his fingerprints all over the game. He made a stronger statement against UE, scoring a game-high 18 points on top of six rebounds, and four assists. More importantly, he made baskets and found teammates during the game’s most crucial stretches. He’s almost unstoppable when he’s attacking the basket in full steam.

2. Norbert Torres – La Salle

Wins vs. NU and UE: 13.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 3.0 APG

Newcomer

Providing consistent support for the reigning Finals MVP is the veteran Torres. He put up double-double numbers in their pair of wins, taking advantage of his strength and muscle in the paint. He did this while going up against the likes of Alfred Aroga, Charles Mammie, and Moustapha Arafat. That’s no joke at all. The Canada native also made key shots during La Salle’s comeback versus the Red Warriors. Even when he’s not scoring, he’s a significant asset for the defending champs with his rebounding.

3. Troy Rosario – NU

Loss vs. La Salle and win vs. Ateneo: 13.0 PPG, 55.0% FGs, 8.0 RPG

Newcomer

Bring out the gifts and balloons because Rosario is having his impending breakout party. Last week, he came up huge for NU once again with his steady presence, especially on offense. His athleticism, dexterity, and ability to hit midrange shots make him a match-up problem for other big men. La Salle’s tall frontline and Ateneo’s lesser experienced pivot guys had trouble keeping in step with him. The Bulldogs have hardly felt the absence of Emmanuel Mbe with the laudable showing of the former RTU star.      

4. Mike Tolomia – FEU

Win vs. UP: 18 Pts, 4 Reb, 3 Ast

Returnee

Making his return on the Power Rankings is FEU’s electrifying guard. He set the tempo early on for the Tamaraws against UP, scoring 10 points in the first quarter on a perfect four-of-four shooting from the field, including two three-pointers. His aggressiveness quickly rubbed off on his teammates, setting up the convincing win. For the third straight game, the former FEU-FERN go-to-guy finished with double digits in scoring, something that comes quite effortlessly for him. He’s truly developed into one of the league’s elite guys.

5. Arvin Tolentino – Ateneo

Win vs. UP and loss vs. NU: 18.5 PPG, 2.5 3FGM, 8.5 RPG

Newcomer

At 18 years old, Tolentino already has one of the more polished games among the UAAP big men today. He has done nothing but exceed expectations for the Blue Eagles with his offensive awareness. He has put up double-digit points in all of their games, including a career-high 20 against UP. He has also shown that his touch from long distance is no fluke, hitting five three-pointers last week, increasing his total to nine, tied for third-most in the league. Keep hitting them, young man.