Power Rankings: July 3-7

By Paolo Mariano Posted Jul 9th 2013

Last week was littered with fine performances from the league’s marquee players. There are no surprises in this edition of the Power Rankings, most notably at the top spot. Veterans dominate the list, with one imposing rookie squeezing in for the tie at slot number five. Basketball is a team sport, but sometimes, you just need to stand up and applaud the heroic efforts of some individuals. Honorable mention this week goes to La Salle’s Arnold Van Opstal, Ateneo’s Chris Newsome, and UST’s Jeric Teng.
 
1. Terrence Romeo – FEU
Wins vs. Ateneo (OT) and UP: 20.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 APG
Last week: No. 1
 
The UAAP Player of the Week retains the top spot after another masterful performance in FEU’s back-to-back wins. He put up a double-double average, proving anew that he’s not just a big-time scorer. He also delivered in the clutch against Ateneo, scoring six points in overtime to silence the defending champs. He’s at the stage of his career when he can take over a game. The Tamaraws were just a blip on the radar in the off-season, but thanks to Romeo, now everyone’s taking notice.
 
2. Roi Sumang – UE
Win vs. NU: 19 Pts, 6 Rebs, 2 Asts
Newcomer
 
Undoubtedly, the spitfire guard owns the top highlight of the season so far. His rare game-winning four-point play is straight out of a basketball movie ending. But more importantly, he gave UE an early win, against a heavy favorite no less. He deferred to his teammates in the early going, but when the going got tough, Sumang got going. He scored 13 of his team-high 19 markers in the second half, including the Red Warriors’ last nine points. Best guard in the UAAP? Why not?
 
3. Almond Vosotros – La Salle
Wins vs. UP and Ateneo: 17.0 PPG, 2.5 3FGs, 6.5 RPG
Newcomer
 
Under-utilized in his first few years, Vosotros has finally earned star status in La Salle. With his ability to penetrate, post up, and drain outside shots all the way from Taft, offense comes naturally for the former San Sebastian Staglet. He’s also stepped up in the leadership department with L.A. Revilla sidelined. But more importantly, he’s willing to carry the load in big moments, top-scoring for the Green Archers against Ateneo with a season-high 17 points on top of nine rebounds.
 
4. Kevin Ferrer – UST
Win vs. Adamson: 17 Pts, 4 Rebs, 4 Blks
Newcomer
 
UST looked doomed against an inspired Adamson squad last Saturday. But Ferrer’s energy in the second half, where he scored 12 of his season-high 17 points, helped the Growling Tigers claw back into the game. Matched up against heftier but slower wingmen, the former Juniors MVP took advantage. He moved quickly without the ball, swiftly scored on putbacks, and drove past his defenders. He needs to play consistently if he wants to avenge their Finals setback last year.
 
5. (Tie) RR Garcia – FEU
Wins vs. Ateneo (OT) and UP: 14.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.0 APG
Newcomer
 
We all know how skilled Garcia is. After all, he’s a former MVP. But what’s more impressive about him is that he’s willing to play Robin to Romeo’s Batman. Not all young players, especially of his caliber, would accept that role. Last week, he served as the perfect sidekick, averaging 14.0 points, while contributing in other areas. The Zamboanga native knows what it takes to win, and if that requires him to be a supporting player, he’ll gladly do it. Now, that’s a teammate.
 
5. (Tie) Charles Mammie – UE
Win vs. NU: 15 Pts, 20 Rebs, 3 Asts
Newcomer
 
After a so-so UAAP debut, the Sierra Leone import showed everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with in their game against NU.  He put up a monster double-double, highlighted by 20 rebounds, 13 coming off the offensive end—the most in the league since 2003. He also looked more comfortable in the shaded lane, tipping in missed shots and properly sealing his man. Yes, he’s a bit of a head case with his antics and immaturity, but he’ll learn to behave as the season goes.