Power Rankings: Aug. 14-18

By Paolo Mariano Posted Aug 20th 2013

A newcomer shot up straight to the top of this week’s Power Rankings after another heroic showing. Three returnees joined him on the list, while a talented guard slowly finding his groove kept his slot at No. 4. With the second round already opening its curtains and the teams finding themselves in a muddled free-for-all race, expect the league’s marquee players to press full steam ahead. This edition’s honorable mentions go to Jeron Teng, Arnold Van Opstal, Rodney Brondial, and Roger Pogoy.

1. Almond Vosotros – La Salle

Wins vs. Adamson and FEU: 16.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.0 APG

Newcomer

For the first time this season, a Green Archer made it on the list. There’s no other player who has displayed the resolve the team was lacking than Vosotros. The streaky off-guard led La Salle to back-to-back wins to start the second round, including the game-winner against Adamson last Wednesday. He’s really embraced being one of the alpha dogs and he’s never shied away from big moments. His steadiness will be sorely needed as the Green Gang looks to finally push ahead.  

2. Emmanuel Mbe – NU

Wins vs. FEU and Adamson: 15.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.0 SPG

Returnee

After a solid opening round, Mbe once again delivered a strong performance in their two straight wins. With Ray Parks being on-and-off, the veteran pivot man from Cameroon provided the consistent production for the Bulldogs, averaging a double-double, while adding two swipes per outing last week. He was no match for his big men counterparts, Anthony Hargrove, Ingrid Sewa, and Rodney Brondial. He really looks like he’s hell-bent in finishing his UAAP stint with a title.

3. Roi Sumang – UE

Win vs. UST: 20 Pts, 4 Rebs, 10 Asts

Returnee

Every single team knows that Sumang will get the ball when the game is on the line. But still, no squad can seem to stop him. He once again drilled the game-winner as the Red Warriors pulled the rug out from UST last Thursday. It’s as if his defenders are resigned that he’ll make the clutch shot no matter what. He scored 12 of his 20 points in the final period and added 10 assists to give UE its fourth straight victory. Wait a minute, Terrence Romeo, you ain’t a shoo-in for MVP.

4. Kiefer Ravena – Ateneo

Win vs. UP: 14 Pts, 14 Rebs, 5 Asts

Last edition: No. 4

Those who have already written off Ateneo after the first round don’t know anything about the UAAP—or about Ravena for that matter. Now that he’s near 100%, the former Rookie of the Year is back in his element as a dangerous two-way guy for the Blue Eagles. He had his best game of the season against UP with a double-double, highlighted by his career-high 14 rebounds. He’s expected to do almost everything for the five-time reigning champs and he’s relishing the challenge.

5. Karim Abdul – UST

Loss vs. UE: 23 Pts, 20 Rebs, 2 Stls

Returnee

Abdul also had his best game of the season with a huge 20-20 game against UE. Unfortunately, the Growling Tigers fell short in endgame. He almost single-handedly carried UST in that game with his teammates failing to find their flow. It’s difficult not to appreciate his effort, especially with the way he trumped Charles Mammie, who was undoubtedly the league’s top big in the first round. If the España boys want to return to the Finals, they need their star center to be this aggressive.