UAAP: Greatness starts here
The UAAP raises the curtains on its 76th season with the theme “Greatness never ends,” shining the spotlight on the stars whose hustle, energy and heart thrill the fans no end.
The league kicks off this season with the centerpiece men’s basketball tournament and it is but fitting that we bring you the teams’ resident leaders, who will try to tow their squads to the championship in what could be the most wide-open race for the crown.
RAY PARKS National University
2011 and 2012 UAAP Most Valuable Player Last season’s stats: 21.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg Position: Guard Height: 6’3
“We’re hoping and looking for bigger and better things like the UAAP championship, that’s our goal since day one.”
KIEFER RAVENA Ateneo
2011 UAAP Rookie of the Year and Mythical Team member Last season’s stats: 14.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.1 spg Position: Guard Height: 6’0
“Even if we’re the five-peat champions, we’re the underdogs. So we have to focus even more, work on our system, work to our strengths. It’s still possible; it’s not a long shot to get another championship.”
JERON TENG La Salle
2012 UAAP Rookie of the Year Last season’s stats: 16.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.6 apg Position:Guard/ Forward Height: 6’2
“After last year’s campaign, I’m more experienced. I have to be one of the leaders of the team.”
TERRENCE ROMEO Far Eastern University
2012 UAAP Mythical Team member and 2010 Rookie of the Year Last season’s stats: 18.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.4 spg Position: Point Guard Height: 5’11
“We now know each one’s strongest points. We’ve learned when to attack, when to pass the ball, so we can all help the team.”
JERIC TENG University of Santo Tomas
2009 UAAP Rookie of the Year Last season’s stats: 13.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg Position: Guard/Forward Height: 6’1
“It’s my last year and I want to end my career with a championship. I’m very confident with my team. We have the experience and we’re hungrier this season.”
ROI SUMANG University of the East
Last season’s stats: 18.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.4 spg Position: Guard Height: 5’8
“We’re sick and tired of losing. The team can count on my leadership.”
RODNEY BRONDIAL Adamson
Last season’s stats: 9.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.5 bpg
Position: Power forward
Height: 6’5
“This is our best chance. We have [African center Ingrid] Sewa, my teammates are motivated. The team is determined to win a championship.”
JOSEPH MARATA University of the Philippines
Returned to UP after suiting up for La Salle, a former UAAP juniors MVP with UP Integrated School Position: Guard/Forward Height: 6’2
“It has been a long time and it feels good to be back. It’s still different to play for Maroon pride.”
