NCAA Season 93’s Best 7: Week 4

With the collegiate season in full swing, INQUIRER lists the week’s top seven performers in the ongoing NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament. From their game statistics to their overall impact on the outcomes, everything is weighed to come up with the best players from the past week.

Sun finally shone at NCAA Season 93 this week after the inclement weather wiped out two playdates the week prior.

New heroes are emerging for their teams midway through the first round.

To wit, three new entries, including the pacesetter, finally broke the glass ceiling to barge into our rankings, proving that anyone can shine at any given day in the NCAA.

Here’s our list of this week’s best seven players.

1. Rey Nambatac – G, Letran Knights
23.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals
Last Week: N/A

FILE PHOTO by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It took a while before Rey Nambatac got his bearings this season. And when he finally figured things out? Boy, did he roar.

Leading Letran’s all-out attack on Tuesday in its 82-75 thriller over Arellano, the senior playmaker made sure he delivered a show in front of his home crowd as he ended the curse for the home teams and lifted the Knights to a 92-78 win over St. Benilde two days after.

How did he do it? Help your team nab two convincing victories while posting a season-best 31 points will surely propel you to the top.

(2) CJ Perez – F, Lyceum Pirates
16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.0 steals
Last Week: 4

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

CJ Perez may be allowing his comrades to shine in the past games, but he doesn’t fail to remind everyone who’s the guy in Lyceum.

Scoring, rebounding, playmaking, or defense. You name it, the energetic forward does it.

That’s why it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Pirates are still undefeated through six games this season, with Perez showing no signs of stopping.

St. Benilde and Perpetual learned that the hard way this past week.

3. Clint Doliguez – F, San Beda Red Lions
22 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Last Week: N/A

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Want more proof of San Beda’s depth?

With four players playing through sickness on Friday, coach Boyet Fernandez pulled out Clint Doliguez from his bag of tricks and the Ateneo transferee delivered more than enough.

The first-year forward was the lone player to log double-digits in scoring in the Red Lions’ 54-48 defensive chessmatch against JRU.

If Doliguez keeps this up, San Beda’s frontline might have just gotten even stronger.

4. Prince Eze – C, Perpetual Altas
16.5 points, 16.0 rebounds
Last Week: N/A

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Silently racking up double-double in the past weeks, Prince Eze has finally made his way to the list.

Consistent in his game, the Nigerian kept the ship afloat for Perpetual on Tuesday before allowing his teammates to hack out a 68-65 stunner over San Sebastian.

Unfortunately, the supporting cast couldn’t deliver the same as Eze was the lone bright spot for the Altas in their 76-58 defeat to Lyceum.

Still, with the way he’s playing, Eze is making everyone believe that the Las Piñas crew can still compete despite the departure of Bright Akhuetie.

5. Michael Calisaan – F, San Sebastian Golden Stags
11.0 points, 10.0 rebounds
Last Week: N/A

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Even Michael Calisaan was surprised with how San Sebastian has struggled in the past weeks after being touted as a potential contender.

But this week, he made sure that the slump would meet its end as he provided the stabilizing force for the Golden Stags in their 1-1 campaign this past week.

Calisaan’s solid play allowed teammates like Allyn Bulanadi and team captain Ryan Costelo shine as San Sebastian bounced back and once again tasted the sweet taste of victory in its 75-66 win over Mapua.

6. Jeo Ambohot – C, Letran Knights
13.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.5 blocks
Last Week: N/A

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Letran’s offense may still be generated by their four-some of Nambatac, Bong Quinto, Jerrick Balanza, and JP Calvo, but the Knights have also show that defense wins games and the cornerstone for that is no doubt Jeo Ambohot.

The 6-foot-5 center rewarded coach Jeff Napa’s trust while also gaining a measure of retribution, playing like a mad man when the Knights knocked off Arellano, the same school he left.

Though it’s still too early to make bold predictions, the foundations have been laid out and Ambohot is proving game-by-game that he’s one of the fastest rising big man in the amateur ranks.

7. Jaycee Marcelino – G, Lyceum Pirates
10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 steals
Last Week: 5

Jaycee Marcelino. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

One game wonder? More like “every game wonder.”

Jaycee Marcelino has been a willing dancing partner for CJ Perez in Lyceum’s continued ascent this season, aiding the team’s go-to guy with his fearless drives and jaw-dropping dimes.

And the results speak for themselves, with the Pirates lording the NCAA with their 6-0 mark.

Have we seen the last of the more offensive-minded Marcelino twin? It’s too early to tell, but right now, we beg to disagree.