(From Inquirer)
A scion of a Filipino boxing great, two high school scoring hotshots and second-generation cagers banner the 44 rookies set to debut in Season 73 of the UAAP varsity tournament starting Saturday.
Nico Elorde, the grandson of boxing great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, leads De La Salle University’s seven freshmen after starring for De La Salle Zobel in high school.
“He provides the team with a lot of energy and hustle,” said Green Archers coach Dindo Pumaren. “He works really hard.”
The 5-foot-9 Elorde is the only son of boxing promoters Johnny and Liza to cross over to basketball. His elder siblings, Bai and Mig, are also into boxing.
Kenneth Mamaril, son of former Ginebra slotman Romy Mamaril, suits up for the University of Santo Tomas along with six other recruits.
UST coach Pido Jarencio expects the 6-foot-5 Mamaril, also the younger brother of Air21 big man Billy Mamaril, to improve as the season matures.
“He was supposed to join us last year, but he had a foot injury,” said Jarencio. “He has recovered, and what he needs now is more exposure. We’re positive that he’ll improve.”
Arthur dela Cruz, the 6-foot-3 son of former top PBA defensive player Art dela Cruz, debuts for the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles after seeing action with the San Beda Red Cubs.
“He has very good basketball sense, so I expect him to do well for our team,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.
University of the Philippines’ Joshua Saret and Far Eastern University’s Terrence Romeo, who both shattered juniors scoring records last year, also hope to make a mark.
Saret, who played for the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers last year, eclipsed the NCAA juniors record by firing a remarkable 89 points in one game.
The 5-foot-8 point guard made the feat even more astounding by posting a rare quadruple double with 11 rebounds, 12 assists and 13 steals.
“He’s a player who has good decision-making and a high basketball IQ,” said UP mentor Aboy Castro.
Romeo similarly set a staggering UAAP juniors record last season with the Baby Tamaraws by firing 83 points.
“Even though he’s a rookie, he plays like a veteran,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio.
Two Africans are also among the new faces with 6-foot-6 Kenyan Lionel Manyara beefing up Adamson University and 6-7 Cameroonian Emmanuel Mbe boosting National University.
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