Power Rankings: Aug. 24-25

By Paolo Mariano Posted Aug 27th 2013

The truncated four-game schedule last week was still replete with stellar performances from the league’s top players. In this edition, however, two erstwhile unheralded guys made it on the list thanks to career showings in their respective hard-earned wins. It’s always nice to see role players getting a piece of the spotlight every now and then. A familiar face, meanwhile, reclaimed his top seat after being shunned last week. A bunch of players get honorable mention like Roi Sumang, Charles Mammie, Ralf Olivares, Kiefer Ravena, Dennice Villamor, and Norbert Torres.

1. Terrence Romeo – FEU

Win vs. UE (2 OT): 30 Pts, 7 Rebs, 4 Asts

Returnee

The King Tamaraw is back! After a pair of miserable games in their back-to-back losses, Romeo scored his career-high in a nail-biting win over UE. He displayed poise, resiliency, and most importantly, leadership during the crucial moments, ably filling up for RR Garcia’s absence. Just when many thought FEU was folding up in exhaustion, the MVP frontrunner unleashed 10 points in the two overtimes, validating his case as one of the league’s most feared players in the clutch.

2. Robin Roño - NU

Win vs. UST: 19 Pts, 5-6 3FGs, 4 Rebs

Newcomer

Serving as back-up to Gelo Alolino his entire college career, it was Roño who carried the playmaking torch in their important victory over UST. The unknown guard from Southern City Colleges in Zamboanga finished with a career-high 19 points on a hot 5-of-6 shooting from three-point distance. His laudable showing couldn’t come at a better time with Ray Parks and Emmanuel Mbe combining for only 14 markers. He deserves the recent increase in minutes because of his steady play.

3. Jason Perkins – La Salle

Win vs. UP: 19 Pts, 70% FG, 16 Rebs

Newcomer

The 6-foot-4 Perkins has actually played well all season long but his intangible contributions have always been shadowed by the scoring efforts of Almond Vosotros or Jeron Teng. But in La Salle’s drubbing of UP, he really showed that he’s one of the league’s leading post players. He made mincemeat of the Fighting Maroons’ frontline with his array of moves and impressive body control. His basketball IQ also gets unnoticed but he is a smart player, who rarely makes mistakes.

4. Ryan Buenafe – Ateneo

Win vs. Adamson: 18 Pts, 9 Rebs, 5 Asts

Returnee

The savvy Buenafe once again delivered an all-around performance in Ateneo’s fourth straight win. He played in control, setting up plays and making life better for his teammates. He also took over when needed. He even went 3-of-6 from long range, which has always been his waterloo. Now in his last hurrah, the four-time champion is truly proving that despite all his past struggles, he’s still one of the most skilled and intelligent players in all of college hoops. No exaggeration on that. 

5. Gryann Mendoza – FEU

Win vs. UE (2 OT): 15 Pts, 13 Rebs, 3 Asts

Newcomer

With Romeo missing his partner-in-crime, Mendoza promptly stepped up for FEU. The Davao native poured in his career-high in points and rebounds. He also shot well from the outside, draining two of his four treys in crunch time. The hard-nosed lefty is more known as a defensive specialist, but against UE, he knew he had to contribute offensively and he more than made up for Garcia’s 13.9 PPG. Also in his final year, expect him to be more aggressive in the coming games.