THE ROAD to another UAAP title begins with the Final Four. This is the immediate and realistic goal of the Tigers who will parade seven rookies in the coming season.
It remains to be seen how they will actually fare against the best in the league. But going by their respective backgrounds, these fresh recruits are no pushovers.
Kevin Ferrer
Jersey No: 14
Height: 6’1”
Position: Forward
Basketball icon: Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
UST’s top recruit was also its best player in juniors’ basketball. This 18-year-old, who won the MVP plum last season with the Tiger Cubs, is known for his explosiveness and versatility. He can shoot from the perimeter, slice through the lane, and secure the rebound.
Louie Vigil
Jersey No: 17
Height: 6’3”
Position: Forward
Basketball icon: Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
UST got a second juniors MVP in Vigil, who earned the award while playing with the Jose Rizal University Light Bombers in the NCAA. Like Ferrer, he is a reliable scorer and an able defender.
Karim Abdul
Jersey No: 20
Height: 6’6”
Position: Forward
Basketball icon: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
This African player from Santa Clara International Academy is known mainly for his defense and rebounding, but he also has a solid jump shot and decent post-up moves.
Daniel de Guzman
Jersey No: 18
Height: 6’4”
Position: Forward
Basketball icon: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Like Abdul, this recruit from Nueva Ecija is a reliable defender. He is a relatively big forward who makes his presence in the paint mainly through his shot-blocking.
Ron Javier
Jersey No: 4
Height: 6’1”
Position: Forward
Basketball icon: LeBron James, Miami Heat
This 18-year-old former Tiger Cub is a perimeter scorer, who should be useful against the zone defense. He also passes the ball well off a double-team.
Jamil Sheriff
Jersey No: 6
Height: 5’9”
Position: Point Guard
Basketball icon: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
This 19-year-old point guard developed his playmaking in Canada. What attracted UST scouts were his defense and ability to orchestrate fluid offense.
Robin Tan
Jersey No: 11
Height: 5’7”
Position: Point Guard
Basketball icon: LeBron James, Miami Heat
A former Xavier School basketball standout, Tan is the “pass first, shoot later” player. He gets teammates involved before exploring scoring opportunities for himself. Alexis U. Cerado
