BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Of main men and supporting cast Part 1

By Randy Sacdalan, Guest Columnist
17 August 2009 11:06 PM

(Randy Sacdalan is a senior analyst in the Studio 23's Coverage Panel of the UAAP. His Basketball Reflections is a weekly column in this site.)

When the UAAP Season 72 started, we reviewed the lineups and immediately made a realistic assessment of where each team stands side by side. The paper review revealed that ADMU and FEU will eventually be locked up on top. What about the rest? Will they just be battling for a final four slot and the best that they could achieve is third place? I’m sure reactions from students of the schools pertained hereto will be to the contrary.

After one round and six games into the second round, the standings speak for itself as ADMU and FEU are leading the pack.

What gives therefore?

Let’s look into the upsets and off the form wins and see if there are chances of a shake up: a) UP over ADMU; b) NU over UP by a wide margin in the first round; c) DLSU over UST in overtime after trailing by 17 points in the third quarter; d) ADU over DLSU in the second round with ADU having plenty to spare at the end game. Of those mentioned, only the results of games c and d are material at this point in the tournament.

It is interesting to note what the teams are made of in terms of leaders and support. Who are the main men and how is their supporting cast? How far can they go with these casts?

ADMU: The reigning MVP, Rabeh Al-Hussaini is without a doubt making a pitch for a second consecutive MVP honors. Rabeh is leading the team in points and rebounds and is easily the main focus of the opponent’s defense. There were games that the supporting cast carried the team but in the end, when the stakes are high, Rabeh will have to show the same leadership he did when the Eagles brought home the championship last year. Norman is looking to cast a spell with his Black magic using Rabeh the star and this support cast that has gotten better after adding one more year of championship experience.

FEU: You will marvel at the improvement of John Aldrech Ramos especially in the first round game against UST when he completely terrorized the frontline of the tigers. FEU has quite a cast that is composed of people who can step up anytime big time! Andy Barroca, Ric Cawaling, RR Garcia, Pippo Noundou provide FEU with the most formidable starting lineup. Shooters like Cawaling and Paul Sanga are the tallest in the league. Barroca and Garcia are the most talented batman and robin tandem if you talk about the backcourt. What a cast! All they have to do is follow the script of Glen Capacio and avoid a monologue. (continue reading here)

The statements, comments or opinions about this article do not represent the views of ABS-CBN or the organizers of the UAAP.
Please avoid the use of expletives and keep the discussion clean.

yes:
oo wla na c barroca ayzzz talo na kme,,,
20 September 2009 09:23 PM

chamFEUns:
totoo bang wla na c baroca sa team ng FEU??? syang nmn.
17 September 2009 11:23 PM

glerry balagosa:
wow! perfect analysis prof. agree ako jan..
19 August 2009 11:32 AM


Name:
Email:
Message:

	BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Improving their games A little over two weeks remain in the elimination round of the season 72, but two players in Professor Randy Sacdalan's mind are expected to bring their teams to the next level of the competition. (Photo by Arvin Lim)
	BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Of main men and supporting cast Part 2 The Professor Randy Sacdalan thinks that Joshua Webb is slowly shaping up as DLSU's new hero but this hero has to check his energy level to become consistent and dependable. (Photo by Arvin Lim)
	BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Clustering of Teams Now that the first round is over and the teams are gearing up to make the adjustments for the next round, it is quite interesting to note that the eight teams can be classified into three clusters. Prof. Randy Sacdalan reflects on the first round. (Photo by Arvin Lim)
	BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: The Enigma in the Game of Paul Lee When will the real Paul Lee emerge? What we have seen so far is only a tip of his game. The Professor Randy Sacdalan breaks down Lee's game. (Photo by Arvin Lim)
	BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Guard on Duty First year can really be tough for most students but not for those who are special and rare. Read why The Professor Randy Sacdalan thinks that RR Garcia belongs to this class. (Photo by Arvin Lim)
	More Articles >>

PCCL Finals Game 3 Ateneo vs FEU (Dec. 13, 2009) Jessica Mendoza with Oping Sumalinog & Noy Baclao after Ateneo won the PCCL title	PCCL FINALS Game 2 - ADMU vs FEU Dec 10, 2009 Ateneo coach Norman Black answers questions from a pack of reporters after Game 2 win in PCCL Finals
December 9 PCCL FINALS GAME 1 ADMU vs FEU Eagles & Tams got entangled in a close match in Game 1	December 7 PCCL San Beda College vs ADMU Noy Baclao teaches the ropes on up-and-coming Justin Chua during ADMU-SBC PCCL Final Four game
December 7, 2009 PCCL FEU vs San Sebastian FEU's Paul Sanga exchanges words with SSC's Pamboy Raymundo in the heated PCCL Final Four battle.	PCCL Lyceum vs ADMU November 25, 2009 catch Nico Salva's breakout game in PCCL

BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Of main men and supporting cast Part 1

BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Improving their games

BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Of main men and supporting cast Part 2

BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Clustering of Teams

BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: The Enigma in the Game of Paul Lee

BASKETBALL REFLECTIONS: Guard on Duty