by Waylon Galvez
The finals showdown for the 81st UAAP men’s basketball between defending champion Ateneo and UP will start tomorrow, Dec. 1, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.
The stage was officially set after the Fighting Maroons bested the Adamson Soaring Falcons in overtime, 89-87, last Wednesday. This will be their first UAAP Finals in 32 years.
The Blue Eagles were the first to advance to the UAAP finals, routing the FEU Tamaraws, 80-61, last Sunday.
There are lots of heroes for both Ateneo and UP and these players are expected to elevate their game in the finals.
Here are some of the matchups:
Center
Angelo Kouame of Ateneo and Bright Akhuetie of UP
The two players are averaging double-double in points and rebounds, with the Nigerian Akhuetie having a bit of an edge with 18 points and 13.93 rebounds compared to Kouame’s 14.5 points and 13 rebounds.
Akhuetie appears to be the more all-around player with his passing abilities, averaging 2.73 assists compared to Kouame’s 0.57 assist.
The Nigerian center also has the experience with three collegiate basketball tucked under his belt. He previously played for the University of Perpetual Help before moving to UP last year.
Expected to play backup for both squads are Mike Nieto for Ateneo and Jerson Prado for UP.
Point Guard
Matt Nieto of Ateneo and Jun Manzo of UP
Their numbers are not far from each other with Manzo averaging 7.6 points, 2.67 rebounds, and 3.47 assists compared to Nieto’s 6.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
But the key for both players is how they will be able to execute their team’s offense. They are the extension of their respective coaches on the floor and this is expected to play a big role in the finals.
The two play tough on the defensive end as well. Offensively, both can hit the outside shot and do damage inside the paint – either through shooting or passing off to an open teammate.
Aside from Nieto and Manzo, other players expected to quarterback are Jolo Mendoza and Tyler Tio for Ateneo and Diego Dario for UP.
Shooting Guard
Anton Assistio of Ateneo versus Paul Desiderio of UP
The ace shooting guard of the Fighting Maroons clearly has the advantage if one looks at the numbers. Desiderio is averaging 14.2 points, 5.87 rebounds and 3.07 assists compared to Asistio’s 7.79 points, 1.21 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
But the presence of Gian Mamuyac and even Aaron Black provides the Eagles depth at the shooting guard position. It will be on the defensive end where Ateneo will be tested since Desiderio has proven what he is capable off, especially during the clutch.
Small Forward
Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo and Juan Gomez de Liano of UP
Thirdy Ravena and Juan Gomez de Liano not only have similar numbers but are also high flyers. They play with the same type of passion, making them the heart and sole of their respective squads.
Gomez de Liano holds better averages of 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.13 assists while Ravena is producing 12 points, 6.46 rebounds and 2.38 assists per outing. Both are expected to deliver the same firepower in the finals.
Power Forward
Raffy Verano of Ateneo and Javi Gomez de Liano of UP
Raffy Verano and Javi Gomez de Liano are the blue-collar workers for their respective squads. They are silent operators who get the job done.
Gomez de Liano holds averages of 8.57 points, 3.29 rebounds, and 0.93 assists while Verano boasts of 7.77 points, 5 rebounds and 0.69 assists to his team. Given the opportunity, they can step up and make the big shots.
