Preseason UAAP Power Rankings

Giddiyap's Power Rankings is back!
We've now seen all of the UAAP teams play in the preseason with majority of their rosters so it is time to rank them. In our opinion, the top two is very much obvious but ranks 3-8 is debatable, to say the least. There were a lot of disagreements in this episode so it's a fun listen.

[@rcd2005]

A huge part of why UP is a strong favorite at this moment in time is Torculas, Abadiano, and Lopez taking further leaps in their respective games. These guys are very reliable, and when playing alongside JD, these guys play like an effing pro team. Stevens, Alter, Belmonte, Torres, and Briones have also seen minor improvements, sana tuloy-tuloy pa.

[@bolerosph]

Agree on major leaps on their game esp Torculas and Avadiano. JD playing at the level he is playing din right now makes UP very dangerous albeit also steady. Happy to see Up players esp the tweeners continue to work on their game. -Maui

[@aircayetano10]

@@bolerosph ooof ive heard this one before... ayoko na umasa. hahahhahahuhuhu

[@coachleoersando447]

Agree. I like Sean Alter's big improvement in the ongoing Filoil tournament. He got 2 BPG citations. He's got good hands in catching the ball and can now finish strong inside the shaded lanes. He can now finish with both hands. He has a nice looking left handed hook and he started to take 3 point shots. Chicco Briones is being given more playing time. I hope to see him further improve his shooting and his consistency. I think he is being groomed to take CJ's spot. Aldous Torculas I think has become one of the best rebounders of UP. His energy and aggresiveness can be contagious. He should work further on his perimeter shooting and his drive to the basket. Mark Belmonte have also improved. He is showing that he can be a well-rounded player. Rebound, can dish assists, make 3 point shots,bring down the ball and take pull-up perimeter shots. Janjan and Reyland have not shown much improvement in these pre-season games. Janjan must develop his outside shot and improve his playmaking skills. Create more opportunities for his teammates. Reyland continues to have the trust of the coaching staff and he has consistently been given decent playing time. He needs to improve his perimeter shooting to be a big help in securing a championship for UP. Francis Lopez is more comfortable shooting 3's and can be relied upon to take big shots in close games. Along with JD and Henry, they can be develop to be the closers for UP. JD has improved his shooting and consistency. Getting 4 BPG citations in 7 games. Barring any injury, he along with KQ are the prime candidates for MVP in Filoil. Ududo and Gani Stevens should continue to work on their games. Ududo's defense and rebounding will be a big contribution to the title aspiration of UP.

[@miguelignacio7504]

Love all of your podcasts! Thanks for this, probably one of the few shows that I look forward to watch. My question for you all, what is your take on players who are one-and-done? Hope you guys can discuss this on your next episode. Cheers!

[@bolerosph]

Great suggestion! We'll think of a fun segment to discuss this hehe

[@Blogss.V1]

Thank you for constantly posting UAAP content especially this postseason!! More power boleros, looking forward this upcoming ss

[@bolerosph]

Thank you as well for listening ❤️ we appreciate it

[@Alfredo-ww8od]

Love yah Gab! Thank you for still believing in the AdU Soaring Falcons! As coach Nash said, their focus this pre-season is not really winning any game but giving all the new players experience to play and learn the system. Lots of main guys are still not playing, and injured. Montebon finally played today against UE and they won. I still believe AdU can still fight for the f4 this upcoming season.

[@bolerosph]

Yeaaaaah! I don't know why the other two continually underestimate this Adamson team hahaha. Yes, they have lost more games than won in this preseason but their identity has remained the same. They are terrific defensively and they shoot a ton of threes. The new guys in the rotation (Anabo, Mantua, Fransman, Alexander, etc.) have actually been low-key impressive. They are not stars, but they play the role assigned to them very well. And can we just appreciate just how good Manzano is. He eats whoever is matched up against him - Gab

[@bolerosph]

I believe the race for the final four is wide open. Ranked Adu as such because of their performance in ongoing tournamanents. We’re talking about current rankings not a projection of where things will be come end of Uaap. -Maui

[@mr.opinionated2790]

Sean Alter is big improvement nag tiwala sa process, Hindi tulad ni Pabebe Pablo feeling pinabayaan.

[@jeffreytimbang6756]

My personal power rankings: 1. DLSU of Course- KQ is still there that's why they're still the number 1 team. Mike Phillips, Raven Cortez, Pilicarpio, Abadam, Austria, AGUNNANE, is their FSA. what a monster line up. 2. UP- 1 to 15 lahat malakas, lahat magaling. 3. NU- Diassana! 4. UST- Padrigao, Paranada, Cabañero, Manaytay, Danting and Estacio is a solid line up. 5. UE- Momowei has found a reinforcement in Lingolingo, Abate, and Galang. 6. ADU- Baby Boy Manzano, Anabu, Alexander and Franzman are doing excellent performance. 7. ADMU- Mason Amos and Koon is still there. Plus, Bahay is coming as main PG and Espinosa is improving guys. Think positive! 8. FEU.- Because I am tempering my expectations and our bench is shallow. This is a very young team, with little to no experience in College Basketball physicality. And hopefully, Cholo and Royce could smoothly integrate themselves to this current line up dahil di pa sila naglaro kahit minsan this off season. We're poor in shooting and I personally think that Ona should forego his last year at ibigay na kay Beato yung spot nya. Great Show as always Gab, Sam and Maui! 🙏🍻 Edit: Our New Center just got announced. Montell Shelton from US. 6' 9" 🔰👌😤

[@maxcuevas0902]

better power ranking than boleros! 😂😂 peace!

[@bolerosph]

Great info on Shelton! Hopefully we see him in the preseason

[@bolerosph]

Pero grabe, FEU at #8?! 😂 I think they have been pretty good as of late

[@jeffreytimbang6756]

@@bolerosph mas okay na din mag set ng low bar for now, para di masakit sa puso ang expectations. Tbh, makapasok lang ulit sa F4 Ang FEU, parang naka Championship na e hahahahahaha

[@JoseydGonzaless]

@@jeffreytimbang6756bro, fsa ba yun or fil-am

[@septemberconcepcion4866]

No 1 sana ang DLSU kaso I think ang kulang sa DLSU ay yung katulad ni Escandor. May size, may shooting, … Pagdating kay KQ, sorry pero medyo kulang pa sya. I mean yes offensively malakas talaga sya pagdating sa catch and shoot (not too much sa penetration like Lopez, Alarcon,…) pero sa depensa at ball handling, lots of room to improve. I’ll always choose someone like Zav Lucero over KQ.

[@bolerosph]

I beg to disagree. KQ has been the best and most complete local player since the likes of Kiefer Ravena, Terrence Romeo and Bobby Ray Parks. The way he affects the game in a multitude of ways make him special. We saw how he can imprint his game also on the defensive end during the last Uaap finals. But I agree there are still a lot of room to grow for KQ. Further development of his ballhandling and shot creation will pay dividends and ultimately dictate how far he can go in terms of his career. -Maui

[@drewf89]

I really agree with the points for improvement for KQ, but I think it's crazy to choose Zav over him haha

[@167kinggam]

lucero over KQ? Are you on drugs?

[@septemberconcepcion4866]

@@167kinggamthat’s my opinion. If that is opposite to yours, then I respect it. I just think that KQ can be easily annoyed and guarded by pesky defenders which can easily take away his focus and rhythm. Without a good playmaker, he can’t easily create for his own. I respect all of your opinions but that’s just my observations. Peace out!✌🏼

[@lincoln8385]

Gab, if pwede lang, iinduct ka na namin as adopted Soaring Falcon 😂 But for real, every season lahat ng pundits ranks Adamson as 7-8. But since 2016 Adamson’s lowest standing is 6th. Might not be an S tier team but definitely always at the top of the mid tier.

[@bolerosph]

Why not? Different shade of blue lang naman iibahin Ken Bono is one of my favorite players ever as well hahaha - Gab

[@drewf89]

I feel like UP and DLSU are 1A, 1B. Depending on what you value - UP is alot deeper, with less holes (probably better for the RS) but DLSU still has the best player, KQ (which would probably be better for the final four), though they have a gaping hole at PG. I feel like NU is on a tier of their own at 3, LOL while the rest are basically in a free for all. right now maybe I give a slight edge to UE just because Momowei could be the best FSA/one of the best players next year.

[@bolerosph]

Agree with NU. They definitely have a deeper and more experienced core of players than the other teams from 4-8

[@frantzrivera55]

Just in: FEU has recruited a 6-9 Filam player, Montell Shelton. This might shake up the power rankings soon if he is eligible to play this coming season.

[@bolerosph]

I believe he will have to sitout a year for residency since he played for a community college (Consumes River College) during the 2023-24 season. Good addition though esp since FEU has had challenges in its front court for the past years or so. -Maui

[@nonfood217snrshopping]

Agree with Gab here with Adamson Falcons!! Gugulatin na lang tayo nito sa UAAP season 87.. Good insight Gab🙌🙂🙌

[@bolerosph]

YEEEEAAAAAAH - Gab

[@TitoGaryB]

I agree that UP at number 1 but DLSU has a lot of upside. If you notice during their games, they have been experimenting on different line up. Dungo is encouraging. Marasigan is also a potential. He’s been playing well in pinoyliga until he lost his father. If DLSU can still bring in a one and done PG, it will be a breakout season for Henry. Look at him playing with Kean and Jacob. I also think Poli will score a lot next season.

[@bolerosph]

Yes which is why I believe S Tier sila along with UP. They are still the defending champs, they still have the best player in the Uaap and the talent is still there. It will be a question of if they will be able to maximize and utilize the talent. Without a doubt team to beat! -Maui

[@TitoGaryB]

@@bolerosph thanks Maui. I’m a Boleros Fan!!! Inaabangan ko inyong weekly upload

[@archieureta2964]

They have a new one and done pg. lian ramiro.

[@bolerosph]

Thank you @titogaryb appreciate the kinda words! -Maui

[@KanonTiee]

Nice Vid! Do you guys think Dlsu’s newly announced PG (ramiro) would be enough to close the guard gap with up?

[@bolerosph]

We'll talk about it in our episode this weekend 😁

[@dushman888]

“Parang ‘One Punch Man lang ’to” 😅 One big YES on 1,2, … 3

[@bolerosph]

😂😂😂😂

[@joseandaya4506]

I think DLSU and up should be ranked 1 and 1A, its hard to separate both schools simply because their line ups are so loaded. Nonetheless your analysis are as usual on point. Btw do you guys have any info on the 3rd fsa of DLSU, i saw him on the bench of DLSU in the pinoy liga.

[@bolerosph]

Not sure. We haven't seen him play yet. Nor was there an announcement from Naveen or the school

[@katabwa2172]

At this point in time (kahit masakit sabihin), UP is definitely a TIER 0 / SS / Meta-defining in power scaling.

[@bolerosph]

True, but important pa rin to peak at the right time. Lasalle was still able to upset them last year so anything is still possible. -Maui

[@arbeelicious]

⁠@@bolerosphi agree in peaking at the right time. S86 DLSU during the 2nd round was a monster and peaked during that round. they made the adjustments and steam rolled over everybody. they carried the momentum until the finals.

[@JazNaMac22]

I think this Adamson team is better than what we had last year. Yes, we lost Lastimosa, Magbuhos, Hanapi, and Colonia, but they have been replaced by better ball handlers, shooters, and more athletic players. I'm referring to AJ Fransman, Pacquiao, Mantua, Carl Alexander, and maybe the Ronzone twins. We also have veteran players like Sabandal, Yerro, Montebon and Manzano, who were very decent last year. Then we have seen significant improvement from players like Anabo, OJ, Eli Ramos (I think he found his groove playing as Point Guard) and Calisay (I believe Calisay will be a beast this season, so watch out). With this lineup I believe they will make it to the Final 4. 1st: UP 2nd: La Salle 3rd: NU 4th: ADU 5th: Ateneo 6th: UST 7th: FEU 8th: UE

[@bolerosph]

Reposting this reply i made to a previous comment because i think it is very similar and applicable to what you said: Yeaaaaah! I don't know why the other two continually underestimate this Adamson team hahaha. Yes, they have lost more games than won in this preseason but their identity has remained the same. They are terrific defensively and they shoot a ton of threes. The new guys in the rotation (Anabo, Mantua, Fransman, Alexander, etc.) have actually been low-key impressive. They are not stars, but they play the role assigned to them very well. And can we just appreciate just how good Manzano is. He eats whoever is matched up against him - Gab

[@joker-kw2ek]

You should do content everyday bro. A lot of basketball going on. Haha

[@bolerosph]

Appreciate it bro! Thats true! Peak basketball ngayon, kahit bleague naka playoffs and the NBA ofcourse. And pba oops. Hahaha! -Maui

[@joker-kw2ek]

Forget pba hahaha ✌🏻

[@mr.opinionated2790]

No where to go but UP for 4feat Champions 🏀💪✊🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@pesiganfrancisluisd.1461]

1. UP- This team is freaking deep despite injuries. If someone puts UP not at No. 1, they're shooting themselves in the foot lol 2. DLSU - Despite 5 players graduating, this team has the quality, I hope they figure out the PG position, and for God's Sake, Give Rubico 10-20 mins as PG or else, recruit a one and done Playmaking PG. But they have KQ, Jonnel Policarpio will have a major role in this team and an upgrade of an FSA in Henry Agunanne, he'll be fine as their FSA, he is still trying to get a feel of the UAAP, but overall, they have the talent and Coach Topex is just giving everyone the chance to prove why they deserve a spot in the 16 man lineup. Also, Dungo is a great wing, Marasigan is a sure lock and for me the 16th man is between Gaspay or Buensalida. Buensalida has better offensive skillset but Gaspay has defensive versatility which I prefer. 3. UST - UST is so deep and Coach Pido is starting to learn his lesson and create a system that all players will thrive, no more give it to Nic and isolate, now UST has options. 4. NU - Mo Diassana has that motor and the effort that he did vs UST is for me, a matic spot for him. Intact core sila but main question is who's the takeover guy especially KB is not gonna be around. 5. FEU - FEU's offense IMO is more fluid than last season. Medyo less iso plays, more ball movement, then Konateh is a great FSA. Then Rookies are really impressive. But their youth could be a factor vs experienced teams. 6. UE - Thank God Momowei stayed at UE, then kahit maraming nawala, marami din naman silang capable guys, I expect Lingolingo to have a major role, then Rainier Maga has that great shooting form. But one thing we know from Coach Jack, he always finds ways to make this team competitive. 7. Adamson - I'm not really much impressed with Adamson, Carl Alexander needs to fix his shooting form IMO. Ronzone Twins has the tendency to force shots, But Fransman should be a lock in the lineup. He knows how to go to spots and shoot that 3. Cedrick Manzano for sure, will be the no. 1 offensive option. 8. Ateneo - I haven't seen ADMU much but the main issue still is the takeover guy aside from Bahay, Bahay is still a rookie and could have trouble matching up with experienced guards, but IN COACH TAB WE TRUST NA LANG. I expect Koon, and Amos to have major roles, then Rap Celis I wanna see a breakout season from him. That's from my POV.

[@bolerosph]

Appreciate the thoughts! Ganda ng analysis per team. One note lang, si Coach Pido nga ba o si Juno Sauler? Hahaha

[@pesiganfrancisluisd.1461]

@@bolerosph Oo nga eh, Coach Pido is the HC but Coach Juno is very outspoken. If they have a bad S86, I think Coach Pido should hand Coach Juno the job haha

[@JoseydGonzaless]

Yo, new recruit for FEU. A 6’9 guy that has similar build to Gani.

[@bolerosph]

Nice!!! Hopefully we get to see him play!

[@JoseydGonzaless]

@@bolerosphI hope FEU Team B will play a ton of tournaments while UAAP is going on so we can watch how he performs. I don’t know what happened to their Team B, but they have a good Team B before hoping they would bring it back.

[@Art-ut6hr]

I agree with Gab re ADU and I agree ADMU as the lowest ranked team. I'm wondering why Ateneo can't seem to entice blue chip recruits (except for JHouse of course) anymore. I noticed the culture shift started when CTB started recruiting heavily in the US. Not sure what he saw in guys like Bonggo, Tuano, Opena, Gamber, and even Garcia which he didnt really even play that much. Parang tira tira lang nakukuha nila and nakukuha lang sa mixed tape na ginagawa ng parents nila. Same goes with these new recruits from CA who are not so tall as well and not even ranked in the top 22 of this year's NBTC prospects. I also noticed that guys like Asoro and Celis didnt improve at all and even dipped.

[@bolerosph]

To put it simply (from very reliable sources), other schools offer more 💵💵💵 hahaha. It's not about a culture shift So yeah, the recruiting strategy seems to be getting underrated players who can develop into better players while grasping the system-oriented approach of Coach Tab. There have been hits and misses, of course. Also, I don't agree with Asoro. I like what I've seen from him this preseason despite playing out of position. I would like to see more shooting but maybe that still needs to be developed - Gab

[@oldaccount1194]

Up and dlsu no doubt 1 and2 and can be interchanged The rest is debatable HAHA

[@wendelocampo-dc1zu]

detable, is it debatable?

[@bolerosph]

Too debatable pa and very open ang race for the final four. -Maui

[@wendelocampo-dc1zu]

yup for me 3 4 5 6 NU, ADMU, UST, FEU, interchangable cla on those numbers, then UE and ADU will battle for 7 and 8, im bias towards FEU because of veejay pre

[@user-yc9mg1lc5o]

no argument for the top 2 teams for now

[@bolerosph]

It will be hard to find someone who will argue for any other team aside from UP and DLSU as the top two 😂

[@maosantos11]

Biased ranking and not based on preseason performance 1. DLSU - Undisputed best player in college basketball who, like the team, is using these preseason leagues to experiment. KQ’s dominance will have everyone else follow his lead. Best front line (Agunane, Mike P (who’s improved so much that you can put him sa 4), Cortez - the new age JP Erram (uber talented but stuck in limited role he thrives in), best wing depth (Marasigan will take up the Joaqui and Escandor mins and he’ll be middle class Buenafe, and a lowkey mythical five candidate in Poli. Guards are not as deep, but the players who used to play the three (Austria, Abadam, Gollena, Macalalag etc.) to give way to Nelle and Nonoy will just have to play down a position. 2. UP - Unlike La Salle they seem to be sticking to their UAAP rotation this Filoil. While I get they have the best depth, they have, in Bill Simmons’ words, a “too many guys problem” especially at the guard and wing spot. JD might be their best player often but unlike La Salle with KQ, I don’t think that’s clear to someone like Lopez, Alarcon, and even Abadiano. Their bigs beyond Gani are also suspect and it’ll be a rude awakening not having Diouf around especially on D. With that said, UP and La Salle are neck and neck. Huge drop off 3. NU - stable as they come, regardless of which import they choose. Baclaan will be missed but they’re defense is what always made them a contender and that won’t change with Baclaan gone. 4. UST - star power is high and they remind me of the first Aldin Ayo UST team. Hoist a bunch of threes, run the table, yet they have enough size and penetrattion to still get easy baskets. My issue though is their defense. None of their best players are great on D so that needs to be addressed. 5. Adamson - continuity despite the losses of veterans. Elite coaching and a very talented core who’s had their fair share of challenges last season. The additional year will only make them better. Interchangeable 6-8 6. Ateneo - not apparent in preseason and if it were not for Tab they’d be lower. Bahay is talented but like all talented point guards not named LA Tenorio there will be a learning curve with the UAAP. Amos is good but his inability to create his own shot will make him dependent on Bahay and other shot creators who do not exist as of the moment. Front court is looking abysmal. But agsin, Tab and that’s really about it 7. UE - Momowe’s dominance and three point shooting variance will get them a win or 2 but the Remogat loss will be felt considerably. 8. FEU - i get the optimism with Pasaol, Pre and other young guns. And its fun to see a homegrown program like FEU do well in preseason but unlike Ateneo which has proven elite coaching and UE which has the best FSA with good coaching, FEU has neither and their lack of capable vets outside Bautista and maybe Alforque (Anonuevo is always a q mark with health) is worrisome. I like the S79 Ateneo comp but Tab was proven elite during FIBA comp while the jury is still out on Chambers as a coach. Unlike Pre and Pasaol who are coming in as rookies, Ateneo 79’s core of Ravena, Go, Asistio, Tio, Nietos, Black had a year or two under their belt, and not to mention capable vets like Tolentino, Wong, Babilonia were there to aid the learning curve

[@bolerosph]

Excellent analysis! Love it! We can't argue with your reasoning for #1 and #2. Totoo naman yung "too many guys" argument and we saw it play out in the S86 finals

[@maosantos11]

@@bolerosph yup that is part of why they lost and why they’re team, as deep as it is isn’t a lock at no. 1. When Tamayo was there he was the clear no. 1 guy in crunch time, last year and even now, its still unclear.

[@joker-kw2ek]

I got that feeling it won't be easy for them come uaap.

[@katabwa2172]

*come uaap

[@pauper8]

UST at 3 is overrating them. With 3 games no. 3 agad? 😂

[@bolerosph]

Same sentiments hahaha. I'm more cautious than the other two - Gab

[@bolerosph]

But i think the potential is there, don't get me wrong. I'm just not willing to buy in right now - Gab

[@bolerosph]

They just beat NU which is 4th on the power rankings. We’ll get a better an idea if theyre for real this week. When everyone plays a ton of games. -Maui

[@pauper8]

Middle of the pack at 4-6 will be the safe ranking on them right now.

[@maxcuevas0902]

watching filoil, ang hina n nga ng ateneo hindi p makalayo ang uste 😅. #6-#7 for me

[@joker-kw2ek]

Guys may point guard na yung LaSalle, a one and done Lian Ramiro.

[@bolerosph]

Thanks for the info!

[@bryanstanleyngo8558]

Sean Quitevis should step up big time. He has been very disappointing this pre season.

[@bolerosph]

At this point, I think we know what we're going to get from Quetevis. He is an excellent perimeter and on-ball defender but offers close to nothing on offense. I maintain my stance that Lebron Nieto should start and play the bulk of the minutes over him - Gab

[@bryanstanleyngo8558]

Agree on this Gab. After watching the last few pre season games. I think Gamber will be offer option also. Kailangan palaki ng katawan pa ready sa physicality of college basketball.

[@paulitonisperos1220]

my opinion- they will end up a bridesmaid again...one of the other teams would come out big, just like your theory or ranking of DLSU bfor

[@bolerosph]

Let's see how it plays out. It's going to be a wild S87

[@maxcuevas0902]

sobrang hype nyo tlga s ust noh? 😂

[@bolerosph]

Ako hindi masyado hahaha - Gab

[@bolerosph]

But i don't think you can deny that the potential is there 😁

[@bolerosph]

We want to see them be a contender again! Ust crowd one of if not the best crowd in the Uaap! -Maui