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A very long season demands heavy endurance from players. It therefore make sense for the various squads that are competing to have a mixture of young guns and reliable veterans. It will be the veterans who will provide guidance and leadership while the young talents provide energy and speed.
We take a look into some of the UAAP players who are readily available to play right at the start of the MPBL third season and those who can join after the UAAP season ends on December 2019.
ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
Thirdy Ravena (6'2 sg)
Thirdy is arguably the best collegiate player right now. In game two (2) of UAAP's Final last season, he torched the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons with a career-high 38 points to go along with six (6) assists and six (6) rebounds. With his superb all-around performance, he earned his second career Finals MVP award.
Now on his last playing year, Thirdy will be ready to play once the UAAP season 82 ends on December 2019. He may, however, opt to go straight to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) where he is definitely a top pick. Nevertheless, he will surely be an explosive weapon for any team that can acquire his service.
In his early college career, Thirdy played in the shadow of his Kuya Kiefer as comparison between the two siblings was inevitable. It looked like Thirdy's career is headed to the doldrums when he had a forgetable rookie season in 2014 and demoted to team B in his supposed to be second playing year in 2015 due to academic reasons. Despite the bumps in his career, Thirdy bounce back much stronger in his second playing year under new coach Tab Baldwin in 2016. While they failed to win the UAAP crown in the said year, Thirdy and the rest of the Blue Eagles dominated the UAAP in 2017 and 2018 with their back-to-back championship.
This 2019, Thirdy is gunning for his third UAAP trophy and perhaps a place among UAAP greats.
Isaac Go (6'7 c)
Go is a stretch big man with a deadly 3-point shooting. Under coach Tab Baldwin, he was able to increase his shooting range in addition to his inside game. His fine shooting was on full display in the semifinals of the 2017 season of the UAAP. In their knockoff semifinal game, Go's clutch three pointers in the crucial minutes dashed the hopes of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in their semifinals match. He even sunk a crucial basket even while kneeling off an offensive rebound.
Standing at 6'7, Isaac Go will provide heft and size for teams that are looking to add size on their front court. But similar to Thirdy, Go will still play his final year and will only be eligible play in the MPBL on December 2019 if he doesn't declare for the PBA draft.
Mike Nieto (6'2 sg)
Back in high school, Mike Nieto was a dominant big man as he guided the Blue Eaglets to a championship in 2015 while bagging the Season MVP award as well. But as he transitioned to the seniors team, he had to reinvent his game because he was undersized for a center or a forward. With the guidance of Tab Baldwin and his coaching staff, Big Mike successfully transformed his self to a wing man.
With two UAAP seniors title under his belt, he has the material and the confidence to excel in the MPBL. But a team looking to sign him needs to wait until he completes his last UAAP season this December 2019.
ADAMSON UNIVERSITY
Jerrie Pinggoy (5'9 pg)
Once upon a time, Pinggoy, a product of the Far Eastern University High School Basketball program, was the most sought after high school player in his graduation back in 2012. Instead of signing with the Tamaraws, Pinggoy however transferred to the Blue Eagles nest. His controversial transfer prompted the creation of the Pinggoy rule which required two (2) years residency for high school players who transfer to another school.
His stay with the Ateneo Blue Eagles didn't turn out as expected. Since Ateneo is teeming with guards, Pinggoy was seldomly used. In other words, his great game in the junior ranks did not translate well into the Seniors division.
Pinggoy eventually transferred to the Adamson Falcons where he took the point guard role under Coach Franz Pumaren. Together with Jerick Ahanmisi and Sean Manganti, the Falcons were one of the favorites to reach the Finals last season but they were upset by the UP Fighting Maroons. With their loss in the semifinals despite a twice-to-beat advantage, Pinggoy's UAAP career ended in tears.
Nevertheless, Pinggoy's basketball career is definitely not yet over. He is still young with a lot of upside. For teams that are looking for a court general, he will be a welcome addition as he is already available to play right at the start of the MPBL season.
Sean Manganti (6'5 sf)
Sean Manganti was a versatile forward for the Adamson Falcons. With his height, long wingspan and athleticism, he was a very effective offensive option for the Falcons together with Jerick Ahanmisi. At crunch time, he was not afraid to take the big shots. In fact, he was much hated by the UP fans since he broke their hearts several times with game-winning daggers.
Ironically, it was the Fighting Maroons who denied him a trip to the UAAP Finals. As they fell short in their conquest, Manganti is now ready to redeem his self in the professional rank.
Like Pinggoy, Sean Manganti can already sign with any MPBL team since he already graduated from the UAAP. He may, however, be disqualified from the MPBL. Since he is a fil-American, his height is a foot above the 6'4 limit. But he may request for an official measurement from MPBL officials. Who knows he might just be measured at 6'4.
Simon Camacho (6'4 pf)
Simon Camacho played along side Pappi Sarr as they anchored the Falcons' front court. While the two graduated without a crown, it was a fruitful college career for him considering that he almost quit basketball after he failed to crack the seniors team lineup of Adamson since 2013. Luckily, he was given a break by coach Franz Pumaren in 2016 as he was inserted in the Falcon's lineup.
Since he already graduated, the Cavite native will be a good addition for any squad who are looking to add height into their lineup
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY
Jollo Go (5'10 sg)
Jollo Go had always wanted to play for the De La Salle University Green Archers. As fate would have it, he was able to live his dream as he played for the Green Archers in his rookie year in 2015. The high school standout from Hope Christian High School didn't see much action though.
In his career with the Green Archers, Jollo only played an average of 10 minutes per game and contributed around 4.3 points. He did win a championship trophy in 2016 with a La Salle team bannered by Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng. However, La Salle struggled in the past two years as they failed to defend their crown against their bitter rival Ateneo.
Just recently, Jollo Go and Mark Dyke were unceremoniously cut from La Salle's lineup in the upcoming season 82 of the UAAP. Without a team, he is now eligile to sign with any MPBL team. His sweet shooting can definitely be an asset.
Santi Santillan (6'5 pf)
Santi Santillan is a talented big man who made a name as a Green Lancer of the University of the Visayas in the CeSAFI basketball league before taking his talent to the UAAP. In his debut for the De La Salle Green Archers in the 2017 season of the UAAP, he had to compete for rotational minutes with Ben Mbala, Abu Tratter, and Prince Rivero. But under the mayhem system of Aldin Ayo, Santi found his role.
He is a tireless blue collar player who has the length to turn offensive rebounds to putbacks and the size and length to be a matchup nightmare against any opponent. While he was not the first option in the Archer's offense, he had shown flashes of brilliance in some games.
Given his talent and size, he is definitely a blue chip recruit for any team that can sign him.
Kib Montalbo (5'9 pg)
In his high school days in Bacolod City, Kib's basketball talent stood out from the rest as he impressed the recruitment scouts from both DLSU and Ateneo. Eventually, he opted to don the green and white jersey in his rookie year in 2013. His decision paid off as he and the rest of the Green Archers bagged the UAAP basketball crown in the same year.
In the succeeding years, Kib proved to be a vital piece in the Archer's title retention bid. Although he failed to win the trophy for the next two years, he won another championship in 2016 with the arrival of the super import Ben Mbala. Unfortunately for him, that turned out to be his last UAAP title in his five (5) playing years.
Kib's final year ended miserably as they failed to even qualify for the playoffs. Nonetheless, the team captain has a bright basketball career waiting for him in the MPBL and eventually the PBA given his basketball IQ and competitiveness. He already exhausted his playing years in the UAAP so he is free to play anywhere.
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Dave Wilson Yu (6'2 sg)
Dave Yu was a one-time member of the batang gilas. In his rookie year playing for the National University Bulldogs, he got a taste of a Championship title as the Bulldogs won its very first crown although he was used sparingly. He only averaged 3.4 minutes of game play and contributed 1 point per game in the said season.
He never experienced another championship since the Bulldogs failed to defend its crown the following year. With changes in the coaching staff of the Bulldogs, they further faded away into irrelevance until today.
Even though he left NU on a disappointing note, his talent can still be useful in the MPBL.
UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST
Rey Suerte (6'2 sg)
Rey Anthony Suerte is another gem from the visayas region. He played for the University of the Visayas Green Lancers in the CeSAFI where he took home the MVP award. As he graduated from the CeSAFI, he decided to take up a Master's degree in UE so he can play for one year on a red and white jersey.
Even though he will be a one-and-done player for the Red Warriors, his talent can never be discounted. We hope to see him take his talent in the MPBL after he finish his MPBL stint by December 2019.
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Gelo Vito (6'5 pf)
Gelo Vito experienced the dark ages in the basketball program of the Fighting Maroons which include a winless season. But as the Maroons overturned their fortunes recently, Gelo played together with Blue chip talents such as the Juan Gomez De Liano and Bright Akhuetie. In his final playing year last season, he got a taste of the UAAP finals as the Fighting Maroons reached the championship game for the first time in 32 years.
Gelo is currently playing in the PBA D-league. Given his size and sweet outside shooting, he can immediately play in the MPBL as a stretch big who can spread the floor.
Jarrel Lim (5'10 pg)
Jarrel Lim is a product of Xavier High School together with Isaac Go. He then went to the University of the Philippines for his senior basketball career.
Similar to Vito, Jarrel also experienced the worst of time in the Fighting Maroons camp in his early college career but he graduated on a good note as his team finished second behind the Ateneo Blue Eagles. His skill as a lockdown perimeter defender will surely be valuable for any team that can tap his service.
Jun Manzo (5'9 pg)
Jun Manzo and Santi Santillan were teammates in the University of the Visayas before Paul Desiderio recruited them to the University of the Philippines. But as it turned out, only Jun Manzo remained with the Maroons while Santillan ended up with the DLSU Green Archers.
Manzo will play his last season with the Maroons this 2019 together with Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero who are looking to give the Maroons another title since 1986. With him taking charge at the point, the Maroons will have a steady guard who can create his own offense and dish out assists as well. He can certainly take his talent to the MPBL right after he graduates on December 2019.
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
Zachary Huang (6'4 pf)
Zach Huang is a gritty forward who had a forgettable first three years in the UAAP. Although he almost won a championship in his rookie year in 2015, the succeeding years turned for the worst as the UST Tigers consistently landed in the bottom of the standings.
Things looked better though for the espana based squad as they became more competitive under coach Aldin Ayo. Last season, Huang normed 7.7 points and 6.6 rebounds. He will play his final year in the UAAP this year and will be available to play in the MPBL by December 2019.
Thirdy is arguably the best collegiate player right now. In game two (2) of UAAP's Final last season, he torched the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons with a career-high 38 points to go along with six (6) assists and six (6) rebounds. With his superb all-around performance, he earned his second career Finals MVP award.
Now on his last playing year, Thirdy will be ready to play once the UAAP season 82 ends on December 2019. He may, however, opt to go straight to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) where he is definitely a top pick. Nevertheless, he will surely be an explosive weapon for any team that can acquire his service.
In his early college career, Thirdy played in the shadow of his Kuya Kiefer as comparison between the two siblings was inevitable. It looked like Thirdy's career is headed to the doldrums when he had a forgetable rookie season in 2014 and demoted to team B in his supposed to be second playing year in 2015 due to academic reasons. Despite the bumps in his career, Thirdy bounce back much stronger in his second playing year under new coach Tab Baldwin in 2016. While they failed to win the UAAP crown in the said year, Thirdy and the rest of the Blue Eagles dominated the UAAP in 2017 and 2018 with their back-to-back championship.
This 2019, Thirdy is gunning for his third UAAP trophy and perhaps a place among UAAP greats.
Isaac Go (6'7 c)
Go is a stretch big man with a deadly 3-point shooting. Under coach Tab Baldwin, he was able to increase his shooting range in addition to his inside game. His fine shooting was on full display in the semifinals of the 2017 season of the UAAP. In their knockoff semifinal game, Go's clutch three pointers in the crucial minutes dashed the hopes of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in their semifinals match. He even sunk a crucial basket even while kneeling off an offensive rebound.
Standing at 6'7, Isaac Go will provide heft and size for teams that are looking to add size on their front court. But similar to Thirdy, Go will still play his final year and will only be eligible play in the MPBL on December 2019 if he doesn't declare for the PBA draft.
Mike Nieto (6'2 sg)
Back in high school, Mike Nieto was a dominant big man as he guided the Blue Eaglets to a championship in 2015 while bagging the Season MVP award as well. But as he transitioned to the seniors team, he had to reinvent his game because he was undersized for a center or a forward. With the guidance of Tab Baldwin and his coaching staff, Big Mike successfully transformed his self to a wing man.
With two UAAP seniors title under his belt, he has the material and the confidence to excel in the MPBL. But a team looking to sign him needs to wait until he completes his last UAAP season this December 2019.
ADAMSON UNIVERSITY
Jerrie Pinggoy (5'9 pg)
Once upon a time, Pinggoy, a product of the Far Eastern University High School Basketball program, was the most sought after high school player in his graduation back in 2012. Instead of signing with the Tamaraws, Pinggoy however transferred to the Blue Eagles nest. His controversial transfer prompted the creation of the Pinggoy rule which required two (2) years residency for high school players who transfer to another school.
His stay with the Ateneo Blue Eagles didn't turn out as expected. Since Ateneo is teeming with guards, Pinggoy was seldomly used. In other words, his great game in the junior ranks did not translate well into the Seniors division.
Pinggoy eventually transferred to the Adamson Falcons where he took the point guard role under Coach Franz Pumaren. Together with Jerick Ahanmisi and Sean Manganti, the Falcons were one of the favorites to reach the Finals last season but they were upset by the UP Fighting Maroons. With their loss in the semifinals despite a twice-to-beat advantage, Pinggoy's UAAP career ended in tears.
Nevertheless, Pinggoy's basketball career is definitely not yet over. He is still young with a lot of upside. For teams that are looking for a court general, he will be a welcome addition as he is already available to play right at the start of the MPBL season.
Sean Manganti (6'5 sf)
Sean Manganti was a versatile forward for the Adamson Falcons. With his height, long wingspan and athleticism, he was a very effective offensive option for the Falcons together with Jerick Ahanmisi. At crunch time, he was not afraid to take the big shots. In fact, he was much hated by the UP fans since he broke their hearts several times with game-winning daggers.
Ironically, it was the Fighting Maroons who denied him a trip to the UAAP Finals. As they fell short in their conquest, Manganti is now ready to redeem his self in the professional rank.
Like Pinggoy, Sean Manganti can already sign with any MPBL team since he already graduated from the UAAP. He may, however, be disqualified from the MPBL. Since he is a fil-American, his height is a foot above the 6'4 limit. But he may request for an official measurement from MPBL officials. Who knows he might just be measured at 6'4.
Simon Camacho (6'4 pf)
Simon Camacho played along side Pappi Sarr as they anchored the Falcons' front court. While the two graduated without a crown, it was a fruitful college career for him considering that he almost quit basketball after he failed to crack the seniors team lineup of Adamson since 2013. Luckily, he was given a break by coach Franz Pumaren in 2016 as he was inserted in the Falcon's lineup.
Since he already graduated, the Cavite native will be a good addition for any squad who are looking to add height into their lineup
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY
Jollo Go (5'10 sg)
Jollo Go had always wanted to play for the De La Salle University Green Archers. As fate would have it, he was able to live his dream as he played for the Green Archers in his rookie year in 2015. The high school standout from Hope Christian High School didn't see much action though.
In his career with the Green Archers, Jollo only played an average of 10 minutes per game and contributed around 4.3 points. He did win a championship trophy in 2016 with a La Salle team bannered by Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng. However, La Salle struggled in the past two years as they failed to defend their crown against their bitter rival Ateneo.
Just recently, Jollo Go and Mark Dyke were unceremoniously cut from La Salle's lineup in the upcoming season 82 of the UAAP. Without a team, he is now eligile to sign with any MPBL team. His sweet shooting can definitely be an asset.
Santi Santillan (6'5 pf)
Santi Santillan is a talented big man who made a name as a Green Lancer of the University of the Visayas in the CeSAFI basketball league before taking his talent to the UAAP. In his debut for the De La Salle Green Archers in the 2017 season of the UAAP, he had to compete for rotational minutes with Ben Mbala, Abu Tratter, and Prince Rivero. But under the mayhem system of Aldin Ayo, Santi found his role.
He is a tireless blue collar player who has the length to turn offensive rebounds to putbacks and the size and length to be a matchup nightmare against any opponent. While he was not the first option in the Archer's offense, he had shown flashes of brilliance in some games.
Given his talent and size, he is definitely a blue chip recruit for any team that can sign him.
Kib Montalbo (5'9 pg)
In his high school days in Bacolod City, Kib's basketball talent stood out from the rest as he impressed the recruitment scouts from both DLSU and Ateneo. Eventually, he opted to don the green and white jersey in his rookie year in 2013. His decision paid off as he and the rest of the Green Archers bagged the UAAP basketball crown in the same year.
In the succeeding years, Kib proved to be a vital piece in the Archer's title retention bid. Although he failed to win the trophy for the next two years, he won another championship in 2016 with the arrival of the super import Ben Mbala. Unfortunately for him, that turned out to be his last UAAP title in his five (5) playing years.
Kib's final year ended miserably as they failed to even qualify for the playoffs. Nonetheless, the team captain has a bright basketball career waiting for him in the MPBL and eventually the PBA given his basketball IQ and competitiveness. He already exhausted his playing years in the UAAP so he is free to play anywhere.
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Dave Wilson Yu (6'2 sg)
Dave Yu was a one-time member of the batang gilas. In his rookie year playing for the National University Bulldogs, he got a taste of a Championship title as the Bulldogs won its very first crown although he was used sparingly. He only averaged 3.4 minutes of game play and contributed 1 point per game in the said season.
He never experienced another championship since the Bulldogs failed to defend its crown the following year. With changes in the coaching staff of the Bulldogs, they further faded away into irrelevance until today.
Even though he left NU on a disappointing note, his talent can still be useful in the MPBL.
UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST
Rey Suerte (6'2 sg)
Rey Anthony Suerte is another gem from the visayas region. He played for the University of the Visayas Green Lancers in the CeSAFI where he took home the MVP award. As he graduated from the CeSAFI, he decided to take up a Master's degree in UE so he can play for one year on a red and white jersey.
Even though he will be a one-and-done player for the Red Warriors, his talent can never be discounted. We hope to see him take his talent in the MPBL after he finish his MPBL stint by December 2019.
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Gelo Vito (6'5 pf)
Gelo Vito experienced the dark ages in the basketball program of the Fighting Maroons which include a winless season. But as the Maroons overturned their fortunes recently, Gelo played together with Blue chip talents such as the Juan Gomez De Liano and Bright Akhuetie. In his final playing year last season, he got a taste of the UAAP finals as the Fighting Maroons reached the championship game for the first time in 32 years.
Gelo is currently playing in the PBA D-league. Given his size and sweet outside shooting, he can immediately play in the MPBL as a stretch big who can spread the floor.
Jarrel Lim (5'10 pg)
Jarrel Lim is a product of Xavier High School together with Isaac Go. He then went to the University of the Philippines for his senior basketball career.
Similar to Vito, Jarrel also experienced the worst of time in the Fighting Maroons camp in his early college career but he graduated on a good note as his team finished second behind the Ateneo Blue Eagles. His skill as a lockdown perimeter defender will surely be valuable for any team that can tap his service.
Jun Manzo (5'9 pg)
Jun Manzo and Santi Santillan were teammates in the University of the Visayas before Paul Desiderio recruited them to the University of the Philippines. But as it turned out, only Jun Manzo remained with the Maroons while Santillan ended up with the DLSU Green Archers.
Manzo will play his last season with the Maroons this 2019 together with Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero who are looking to give the Maroons another title since 1986. With him taking charge at the point, the Maroons will have a steady guard who can create his own offense and dish out assists as well. He can certainly take his talent to the MPBL right after he graduates on December 2019.
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
Zachary Huang (6'4 pf)
Zach Huang is a gritty forward who had a forgettable first three years in the UAAP. Although he almost won a championship in his rookie year in 2015, the succeeding years turned for the worst as the UST Tigers consistently landed in the bottom of the standings.
Things looked better though for the espana based squad as they became more competitive under coach Aldin Ayo. Last season, Huang normed 7.7 points and 6.6 rebounds. He will play his final year in the UAAP this year and will be available to play in the MPBL by December 2019.
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