Players to watch out for in Filoil cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – The Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup is only in its second week, and yet some players are already making a case for themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming NCAA and UAAP seasons.

These are more reasons to watch the games at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Alec Stockton and Cade Flores (FEU)

Stockton, a New York City-based kid, began to get more minutes last season under Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela. This summer, he has been promoted to the starting unit, and he is making an impact on both ends of the floor.

Against National University, Stockton tallied 15 points, four rebounds and one steal in 21 minutes. What the stat line does not show are how he played great defense against John Lloyd Clemente, Dave Ildefonso and Chino Mosqueda. 

Flores, a Fil-Australian recruit, will be a fixture at the four spot for FEU. He has a dependable midrange jumper and is a good free throw shooter. He likewise rebounds and positions himself well, and is not afraid to attack that lane.

Robert Minerva (NU)

Currently averaging 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, this kid, who came up from the Bullpups, is going to be a key player for NU for the next several years. He is their second-chance opportunity player as he is adept at grabbing boards. He is willing to mix it up and can put the ball down the floor which is a huge plus.

Ralph Cu and Joaqui Manuel (DLSU)

When the Green Archers opened their summer campaign against UST, Manuel drove down the lane and missed a dunk against Growling Tigers center Chabi Yo.

Ambitious? Not really. Manuel has been throwing it down in practice games. He will eventually get someone, and that is going to be something.

It is, however, an indication that he is going to be an impact player in the vein of Kib Montalbo as he is smart and plays both ends of the floor. And he isn’t going to back down against anyone.

As for Ralph Cu, watch out because DLSU has another gunner. After three matches, he is 8-18 from 3-point range and is averaging 8.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Dave Ando (UST)

Aldin Ayo has employed a twin towers combo with Soulemane Chabi Yo and Dave Ando. We know what we are getting with Chabi Yo, who showed his wares in NAASCU. As for Ando who is in his second year, he is averaging 9.0 points and 9.5 rebounds. That is two rim protectors that Ayo has right now.

Kurt Reyson (Letran)

The second coming of JP Calvo? This homegrown player has become an integral part of the rotation of head coach Bonnie Tan. Even as a rookie, he is already displaying his leadership skills and willingness to take big shots. His stats will not show it yet, but this kid is a keeper.

Joem Sabandal (Adamson)

This rookie, who came up from the Baby Falcons, has become a part of the rotation and is averaging 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists in three matches. I’d say along with Jerom Lastimosa and Jed Colonia, this gives Franz Pumaren a good corps of playmaking guards who will only get better as they soak in more experience. But expect Sabandal to become a prime-time player for this team. He is exactly the creative player they need (as Lastimosa is more of a scoring guard) to get others involved. 

Honorable mention: Louise Delos Santos (JRU). He’s only played one game thus far but talk about an impact for JRU.