Pregame Huddle: First round musings and second round predictions for UAAP Season 80

(Photo Credit: Abante Tonite)

The first round is in the books, so that means, questions are filling up social media. Will Ateneo sweep the whole season? Is Ben Mbala headed to the NBA? Can anyone knock out either Ateneo or La Salle from making it to the Finals?

There's a lot of questions. Lots of hot takes, even. Let's take a step back and try to make sense of it all. The Scout's Notebook PH answered some key questions for the midseason of the UAAP, and here are our takes:

1. Which player impressed you the most this first round and why? 

Aljo Dolores: I am very much impressed with Ron Dennison. He has to be the breakout player of the year so far. He turned from a defensive role player who averaged 3.5-3.5-1.5 into a two-way star who torched opposing teams with his 13.3-5.1-2.7 stat line.

Camille Cutler: Ben Mbala. Watching him tear down the rim and actually move like a guard on both ends of the floor is so much fun to watch.

Ged Austria: Jerie Pingoy. More than just statistics, Pingoy has showed an improved game from before. This was a long time coming, and he has shown he belongs in the conversation of being the top PG in the league

Karlo Lovenia: I can't choose just one so I'm going with both Ron Dennison and Jerie Pingoy. How Dennison managed to add that offensive game is beyond me, while Pingoy was supposed to be a lost cause after the mess in Ateneo. But here we are. Dennison is one of the best (if not THE best) local two-way players while Koko is making a strong claim for best point guard in the league. These two players play great on both ends of the floor, something that only a few players can stake claim to. 

KantoHoopsSpotter: Chibueze Ikeh. You must be thinking I’m crazy. But when I see someone in full control of their body, their faculty, and not acting like deer-in-headlights every damn situation, it’s quite surprising. Ikeh may not be matching Ben Mbala point for point, rebound for rebound, or dunk for dunk. But the minute details of his game today is downright impressive. He’s patient when he catches rocks in the paint, he’s throwing sick Joakim Noah homage pinch post passes, and the footwork has just damn improved. In case everyone hasn’t noticed, Ikeh’s sudden change into a dependable big has gave Ateneo a huge lift. A. Damn. Huge. Lift.

Neal Tieng: I still think it is Ben Mbala.  Aside from the monster numbers, he is the air that kept the boat afloat for La Salle.  Had it not for Mbala's numbers, La Salle would be in the depths of the standings.  Did I mention he also shares the ball now?

2. Teams have been scoring more than usual this season. Why has that been the case?

Aljo Dolores: First, every team is playing at a higher pace compared to last season. Second, everyone except UST is on pace to exceed their three point conversions from the previous season. (Thank you, GSW)

Camille Cutler: Teams have been playing so much faster, and defenses are having trouble keeping up. So much movement being done too on the half court.

Ged Austria: Compared to previous seasons, teams like to RUN nowadays and just score the ball. The game sure is evolving but I prefer the old "depensahan ang labanan" theme in the league. 

Karlo Lovenia: Slowly but surely, teams are incorporating modern principles and it is a joy to watch. It's not just as simple as putting four players outside. Dribble Drive does that already. But putting in the use of movement, multiple screens and pin downs to open shooters as well as endless hand offs and cuts is such a joy to watch. Defenses are still physical, yes. But offenses are just getting a lot smarter.

KantoHoopsSpotter: Teams are starting to incorporate light years basketball, plain and simple. Ateneo did it first, everyone is just starting to follow. There’s more flow in the game (despite the damn TV timeouts), players’ IQs have grown a considerable lot (no, sit yo asses down Kib and Paul) that they can read defences better and have efficient shot attempts (hey Arvin, mind doing that too? Thanks man, you’ll be better I’m sure). The thing with the college game today, is kids can read and react the right way. They don’t rely on one-on-ones anymore (No Kiefer, Jeron, not today) and have to look for the open lane a screen may incur when they move through their sets.

Neal Tieng: Fast and stretched defense is the reason why.  Every team is falling in love with the full court press.  The press, when broken, is reduced to a single coverage play.  Easy two for UAAP level players.

3. It's established La Salle and Ateneo are the title contenders. But who can give both teams the most trouble entering the second round?

Aljo Dolores: If there’s anyone who can give Ateneo and La Salle a run for their money, it’s Adamson. I believe that game vs FEU says it all.

Camille Cutler: I'll go with Adamson. Jerie Pingoy has been an absolute force on both ends, while Papi Sarr and Jerrick Ahanmisi are starting to find their groove.

Ged Austria: I expect Adamson to give both teams a scare. They have been playing great as of late. Honestly, they looked like the old La Salle of days old with some of their closing games in the 1st round. 

Karlo Lovenia: I'm going with both Adamson and FEU. Adamson is the clear cut pick because of their sheer talent and experience (just watch how they eviscerated FEU), but FEU has the talent and potential to back it up. For Adamson, it's simply a matter of not letting up. With FEU, it's a matter of consistency. If Arvin, Ron, Comboy and Parker all manage to be consistent and stop doing unnecessary stuff on the court *looks at AT and Dennison*, they're automatically one of the best teams in the league. 

KantoHoopsSpotter: It depends on the motivation level of these three: FEU, Adamson, and NU in that order. NU is still a long ways off from fully delivering on Jamike jarin’s coaching acumen. It’s not a problem of the coach, but of the players to play the way he wants to play (which is 4-out-1-in). FEU needs to find a point guard (Cani has been ABSOLUTE garbage) to keep Ron Dennison fresh for the stretch run, or even Arvin Tolentino motivated enough to keep ducking his head and get to driving instead of settling for the jumpshot like LaMarcus Aldridge. Adamson... oh boy. Jerie Pingoy is starting to get ‘it’ and it’ll be damn scary. It’s tough to put into words because we’ve all waited a long time for this.

Neal Tieng: Adamson - I believe Falcons have not peaked yet.  Tyrus Hill, Jerie Pingoy, and Sean Manganti are starting to find their bearings.  Much more, Sarr has been getting better after playing hurt.

4. Considering ALL factors (statistics, record etc.), who's your MVP so far?

Aljo Dolores: My personal rule here is that if the team is undefeated, then the MVP should be from that team. Ateneo is undefeated (so far), and the best Blue Eagle this season (so far) is Thirdy Ravena.

Camille Cutler: Ben! The UAAP probably already has the trophy etched with his name on it.

Ged Austria: Ben Mbala is still the clear cut MVP. We all know there are other threats and considerations for the MVP award, but it looks like Ben Mbala will still statistically win by a landslide.

Karlo Lovenia: I'll pick my MVP based on three factors: team record, consistency of high level of play, and overall impact on one's team. Ron Dennison could have taken the cake as MVP, but his inconsistent play on the offensive end is frustrating at times. Alvin Pasaol and JJay Alejandro are worthy as well but they don’t have the record to back it up. So I’ll go with the two best players in the league. One has a better record than the other, although one is obviously individually more dominant that his competition. But why treat Thirdy as an equal? Because for this season (I repeat, THIS SEASON), Ben hasn’t shown to have much an impact with the quick, free-flowing, motion system Aldin Ayo looks to install into the team. Thirdy? Aside from his blunder versus La Salle in the clutch, has absolutely thrived under Tab Baldwin’s “no-star” mentality.

KantoHoopsSpotter:  Ikeh!!! Come on man. He’s anchoring that rim for Ateneo. Kidding aside, it’s Ron Dennison who has been most valuable this season. You take Mbala out, DLSU would probably be running even better (fight me on this argument I dare you). Take Ravena out of Ateneo, it will just be like last year where scoring opportunities will be there for everybody. It doesn’t say the same for FEU. When their only playmaker, scorer, and defender sits down, they be walkin’ dead. They fuckin’ dead.

Neal Tieng: Mbala. (This was really how Neal wrote it. I mean, Ben really needs no explanation right? - Ed.)

5. Who ends up last in the league, UE or UST?

Aljo Dolores: UST will end up last. Why? Because they don’t have Alvin Pasaol.

Camille Cutler: *sigh* UST. They have talent, but coaching has been terrible. 

Ged Austria: UST will finish last. It looks like there just isn't enough life in the tank for them at all. 

Karlo Lovenia: If you look at UST's roster, it isn't half bad. Akomo is a great foreign student athlete, while the back court combo of Marvin Lee and Jordan Sta. Ana is a terrific drive and kick duo. Even Jeepy Faundo has been decent. But Boy Sablan's failure to manage his team has been frustrating to watch. Absolutely frustrating. Plus, UE has that Alvin Pasaol guy to bail them out if all else fails. I'm going with UST here.

KantoHoopsSpotter: UST! Because Boy Sablay-err Sablan. I mean dude has been the Tigers’ own version of Bo Perasol. You got Lee, Basibas, Akomo, and your best guy probably in Sta. Ana wasting their season away because you can’t make the right adjustment. Besides, I can’t not root for Alvin Pasaol. That guy is so damn fun to watch.

Neal Tieng: UST just because there is Bon Sablay....errr Boy Sablay  errrr. Boy Sablan.

6. Will Ateneo manage to maintain their league-leading status until the end of the elimination round?

Aljo Dolores: I don’t think anyone can snatch that top spot from Ateneo. It’s only a matter of whether they can get that outright finals berth or not.

Camille Cutler: I won't be surprised if they do. But La Salle is starting to figure it out, while Adamson is on the rise. It won't be easy.

Ged Austria: I expect Ateneo to stay at the top of the standings by the end of the 2nd round. As long as they stay healthy and maintain their consistency and hunger, they most likely end at the number one spot.

Karlo Lovenia: Probably, but it will be very tough. La Salle gave teams a rough blue print of how to beat Ateneo when they took away Ateneo's hand-offs which lead to movement and open looks outside. Unless Thirdy Ravena manages to magically develop and dominant post game as their all else fails button, the Blue Eagles likely drop a game or two before the Final Four. 

KantoHoopsSpotter: Yes. But I hope we get some losses along the way before the Final Four. It’s easier to come in to the playoffs with some bumps and bruises than being UE. By then, we should’ve fixed what needs to be fixed (that’s you, Thirdy) and have smooth sailing all the way to chip. Calling it now. That Black Hole in DLSU ain’t gonna do no thing against my boys. Still haven’t seen anyone drop a house on ‘em for good measure.

Neal Tieng: Possible.  But tough.  Adamson is up first and for sure that will be a huge challenge for them. La Salle will thirst for Blue Eagle blood come second round.