As I sit here reviewing game tapes from last season, I can't help but feel genuinely excited about what DLSU's basketball program is building this year. Having followed UAAP basketball for over a decade, I've seen championship teams come and go, but there's something special happening at Taft Avenue that deserves our attention. The Green Archers are entering this season with what I believe is their most balanced roster in recent memory, blending veteran leadership with promising young talent in a way that could very well challenge the established hierarchy of college basketball.
Let me start with what I consider the heart of this team - the backcourt combination of Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy. Nelle's transformation since transferring from San Beda has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 assists per game, but what the stats don't show is his incredible basketball IQ and how he's become the extension of coach Topex Robinson on the court. I've watched him in practice sessions, and his decision-making has improved dramatically - he's reading defenses better, knowing when to push the tempo versus when to slow things down. Meanwhile, Nonoy brings that explosive scoring capability we've all seen glimpses of. His three-point shooting percentage climbed to 38% last season, and if he can maintain that while cutting down on turnovers, he'll be a nightmare for opposing defenses. What really impresses me about both guards is their defensive intensity - they're not just offensive weapons but complete players who understand their roles perfectly.
Now, let's talk about the frontcourt, where I think DLSU has made their most significant upgrades. Kevin Quiambao is entering his second year, and I'm expecting a breakout season from him. I remember talking to him during preseason preparations, and he told me something that stuck with me: "Now that I'm in my second year, what I'm gonna do is to just learn, learn, and learn." That mindset is exactly what championship players are made of. Standing at 6'7" with a developing outside shot, he's exactly the kind of modern big man that thrives in today's game. Last season, he averaged 8.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in limited minutes, but I'm projecting those numbers to jump to around 14 points and 8 rebounds this year. His partnership with Bright Nwankwo gives DLSU something most UAAP teams lack - legitimate size and athleticism in the paint. Nwankwo's shot-blocking presence alone could change how teams attack the rim against us.
What really excites me about coach Topex's system is how he's implementing strategies that play to these players' strengths. We're seeing more pick-and-roll actions involving Nelle and Quiambao, which creates mismatches all over the floor. The defensive schemes have evolved too - they're switching more on screens and using their length to disrupt passing lanes. I've counted at least five different defensive sets they've been working on during practice, including a 1-3-1 zone that could be particularly effective against three-point shooting teams. Offensively, they're pushing the pace more than I've seen in previous seasons, which perfectly suits their personnel. The analytics support this approach too - last season, DLSU averaged 12.2 fast break points per game, and I wouldn't be surprised if that number climbs to 15 or higher this year.
The bench depth is another aspect that I think gets overlooked. Players like Mike Phillips and CJ Austria provide reliable options when the starters need rest. Phillips specifically brings energy and rebounding that can change the momentum of games. I've seen him grab 12 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play during their tune-up games, and that kind of production off the bench is invaluable. Austria's shooting stroke is pure - he's hitting about 42% from beyond the arc in practice sessions according to the coaching staff. This depth allows DLSU to maintain their style of play throughout the entire game rather than just in bursts.
Looking at the bigger picture, I genuinely believe this team has what it takes to make a deep playoff run. The combination of experienced guards, versatile big men, and strategic coaching creates a foundation that's built for sustainable success. They might not be the favorites on paper - most analysts have them finishing third or fourth - but I've learned that paper predictions don't win basketball games. The chemistry I've observed during their training sessions, the way players communicate on defense, the unselfish ball movement - these are the intangible factors that often separate good teams from great ones.
As the season approaches, I'm particularly excited to see how this team handles pressure situations. Last year, they went 7-7 in the elimination round, but eight of those games were decided by five points or less. With their core players having gained that experience, I expect them to be much better in close games this time around. The leadership from veterans combined with the hunger of younger players creates a dynamic that's perfect for growth throughout the season. While I try to maintain objectivity in my analysis, I'll admit I have a soft spot for teams that prioritize player development and team chemistry over individual accolades, and this DLSU squad embodies exactly that philosophy. They're not just building for this season but establishing a culture that could sustain success for years to come.
