Power Rankings: June 29-30

By Paolo Mariano Posted Jul 2nd 2013

Another year, another crop of premier amateur talent. As Season 76’s theme goes: Greatness never ends. So, it’s only fitting that every week, we’ll honor the players, who delivered the five greatest performances of the past playing days. In this year’s maiden Power Rankings, five players who could all make the Mythical Team made the cut, proving that there’s no such thing as off-season rust for the league’s elite. 

1. Terrence Romeo – FEU

Win vs. UE: 23 Pts, 9 Rebs, 12 Asts

Finishing one board away from a triple-double, Romeo clearly had the best performance in opening weekend. With FEU down to UE by five points at the break, the prolific guard led the Tamaraws to a second half surge, scoring 18 of his 23 points. But what stands out the most from his stat line is his career-high of 12 assists, beating the entire Red Warriors, who only had 11. He got his teammates involved early and then took over when it was time—a mark of a true go-to-guy.

2. Jeric Teng – UST

Win vs. La Salle (OT): 23 Pts, 6 Rebs, 3 Asts

The graduating guard is off to a roaring start as he led UST to a big win over La Salle. He put a game-high 23 points on an array of moves. He had nifty ones in the low block and that difficult fade-away over the outstretched arms of his brother Jeron Teng with the shot clock winding down. He also buried a crucial jumper and two charities in overtime to quell the final push of the Green Archers. With him being the top option, it won’t be a surprise if he contends for the scoring title. 

3. Ray Parks – NU

Win vs. Ateneo: 22 Pts, 9 Rebs, 4 Asts

The two-time reigning MVP picked up where he left off last season, finishing with another all-around display in a win over Ateneo. Everything just seemed effortless for him, even that three-pointer he nonchalantly made with 1:45 left in the game, which squashed the hopes of the Blue Eagles. The win also snapped stopped NU’s 10-game losing streak to the boys from Loyola. With his drive for his first title, it’s possible that he’ll average close to a triple-double this season.

4. Karim Abdul – UST

Win vs. La Salle (OT): 17 Pts, 10 Rebs, 3 Blks

Last year’s MVP runner-up is back in business with the steadiness he showed versus La Salle. He was rock-solid in the paint, outplaying every big man thrown at him. He led the league in double-doubles last season and he chalked up one anew last Saturday. He also contributed down the stretch with five points in overtime. But most importantly, he was extra aggressive on defense, blocking shots and disrupting the Green Archers’ guards with hard shows on the pick-and-roll.

5. Jericho Cruz – Adamson

Win vs. UP: 19 Pts, 6 Rebs, 3 Stls

Another guy who could contend for this year’s scoring title is Cruz. He made a joke out of UP’s wing defenders, particularly Julius Wong, with the way he seamlessly drove to the lane throughout the game. Although he struggled with his perimeter shot, one could see that he has improved on his shot selection, at least in their first game. He also helped out on the boards and defended the passing lanes well. There’s no question that he’ll be Adamson’s heart and soul this year.