Whether you like it or not, Aljun Melecio is ready to make himself known

He's ready to make himself known. (Photo Credit: SLAM Philippines)

Entering the UAAP Juniors Season, when the question "Who's the player to watch out for?" came out, almost everyone would answer Jolo Mendoza. Why not? Jolo made himself known during the FIBA Worlds U17 competition, plus, he scored 30 points to grab Finals MVP honors in front of a national audience. When it came to High School basketball players, Jolo Mendoza was the forefront of the discussion. After his 42 point explosion last November 14, 2015, Aljun Melecio is looking to join that discussion of HS basketball players to watch out for. But he still acknowledges that Jolo is a really good player.

"Alam ko naman na, sobrang galing ni Jolo. Gusto ko lang ma-challenge yung sarili ko na gusto ko maging (ka)-level niya," the team captain of the Junior Archers shared. If anything, Aljun proved that he is on the level of Jolo, as he won their individual showdown for that game. In reality, however, Aljun has always been a really good ballplayer.

Entering the season, Aljun came in as the only player who was a current Mythical Team member from last season's selection. He placed 3rd in the MVP Race last year, losing out to current Ateneo Blue Eagle Mike Nieto in the race. Why hasn't he been discussed around social circles more often then? The thing is, when it comes to High School hoops, it's not the Mythical Team plums which matter. What matters are the championships. What matters is the upside that one presents.

For many basketball "analysts" out there, they thought Melecio was too small. They thought that the only reason that Aljun was getting his numbers was because there was no one in the team who was good enough to help him. Aljun was an extremely high usage player. He'll never be the efficient monster which today's pace and space game calls for.

Let's face it, Aljun is quite the high usage player. In the game against Ateneo, he attempted at whopping 24 shots, 13 of those from three point country. He also committed 9 turnovers in that game, so clearly, the high usage led to his inefficiency right? There's no chance in hell he makes 7 out of his 13 threes again. No chance. But, he could care less.

He'll still wow you with his craftiness with the ball. He'll make you jump out of your seat every time he's able to get himself open with his handles. He's going to make you watch him, whether you came to watch another team, the cheerleaders of Zobel (be honest guys) or you just went there because you were bored.

Aljun Melecio is ready to make himself known. He has everything in his power to make himself known. Will you like it? Maybe. Maybe not. But it won't matter to him. He'll simply do his thing, and you will watch. So sit back, relax, and enjoy greatness.