SEVEN rookies will try to provide fresh legs and instant energy for the Growling Tigers off the bench as part of coach Bong dela Cruz’ run-and-gun style of play.
Name: Marvin Lee
Age: 18
Height: 5’8”
High School: Far Eastern University Diliman
Position: Guard
His small stature may deceive opposing players, but Lee can play with the big guys inside the paint. His playmaking and scoring off the bench will be his biggest assets as a spark plug for the Tigers.
Name: Zachary Huang
Age: 18
Height: 6’3”
High School: Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu
Position: Forward
The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Mythical Five member hopes to improve his speed and ball handling and provide hustle and rebounding for the team.
Name: Mario Bonleon
Age: 20
Height: 6’3
High School: La Salle Greenhills
Position: Guard/Forward
A former member of the Philippine Under-19 team, the La Salle Greenhills standout will offer efficient perimeter shooting and great man-to-man defense, backed up by his prior experience in leading a lowly team to the finals.
Name: Justin Araña
Age: 16
Height: 6’5”
High School: Baroda National HS, Daet, Camarines Norte
Position: Forward/Center
Araña showed he could dominate the paint during the 2015 Palarong Pambansa held in Davao. His defensive mindset and rebounding will be a big boost for the Tigers, as he has a huge chance of being a starter in his future years with his expected growth.
Name: Kyle Suarez
Age: 21
Height: 6’2”
High School: Ateneo de Manila
Position: Guard/Forward
Amid posting unimpressive numbers in his stint in UP in which he averaged 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 11 minutes of playing time, this former national under-18 player can use his quickness to finish inside and score when his number gets called by dela Cruz.
Name: Enrique Caunan
Age: 17
Height: 6’5”
High School: Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Position: Forward
His double-digit rebounding numbers as a Letran Squire may not translate yet to the college game but the slotman will provide great inside and perimeter defense for the Tigers. His ball handling skills are rare for a big man and could provide a mismatch among opposing players.
Name: Osama Said Abdurasad
Age: 20
Height: 5’10”
High School: Kaunlaran HS, Navotas
Position: Guard
This combo guard has decent perimeter defense and instant scoring off the bench. Abdurasad has good potential, though he will need to take advantage of his limited playing time.
