2025-12-18 02:01
by
nlpkak
As I sit down to analyze the upcoming season for the De La Salle University Green Archers, I can’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. Every year, the UAAP season brings its own drama, but there’s something particularly compelling about this DLSU roster. It feels like a blend of seasoned maturity and raw, exciting talent, a combination that could very well be the recipe to break the recent dominance of UP and Ateneo. My years covering collegiate basketball have taught me to look beyond the star names and examine the depth, the roles, and the unique journeys each player brings to the court. This season, that depth story is fascinating.
The headline, of course, is the return of Kevin Quiambao. After a stellar season that solidified him as one of the most dominant local big men in the collegiate scene, his decision to run it back is a massive coup for coach Topex Robinson. We’re talking about a player who averaged, let’s say, 16.8 points and 9.5 rebounds last season—numbers that don’t fully capture his basketball IQ and passing from the high post. His presence alone dictates so much of La Salle’s offensive flow. But what truly excites me this year is the supporting cast around him. Evan Nelle, the steady hand at the point, is back for his final year. His partnership with Quiambao in the pick-and-roll is going to be the engine of this offense, and I expect his assist numbers, previously around 5.5 per game, to creep even higher with a more seasoned crew around him.
Then we have the wings, and this is where the roster gets its distinctive flavor. The arrival of CJ Austria provides a much-needed veteran scoring punch from the perimeter. But for me, the most intriguing narrative belongs to someone like RC Calimag or perhaps a transferee who brings PBA-level physicality. I’m thinking about the archetype of player like a Gomez de Liaño. Speaking of which, reading about players like Juan Gomez de Liaño putting in work overseas before the PBA draft gives you perspective. “I feel truly grateful to be in this position right now,” he said after his journeys in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea. That quote resonates when I look at La Salle’s own veterans. That kind of global grind, facing different styles of play, builds a resilience you can’t teach. While our Green Archers haven’t taken that exact international path, the experience some players gain in commercial leagues during the offseason is invaluable. It’s that professional mindset—the gratitude for the platform mixed with a hardened readiness—that separates good teams from great ones.
Let’s talk about the bigs. Aside from Quiambao, the development of Michael Phillips as a defensive anchor and relentless rebounder is key. I’ve always been a fan of players who do the dirty work, and Phillips is that guy. If he can average a double-double—say, 10 points and 11 rebounds—while protecting the rim, it takes immense pressure off everyone else. The bench mob is where championships are often won in the grueling UAAP schedule. Guys like Mark Nonoy, whose speed is a genuine weapon, and the steady shooting of Ben Phillips provide crucial sparks. I’m particularly keen to see how much Prince Alao has grown; his athleticism is off the charts, and if he’s found a consistent jumper, watch out. Coach Topex has a reputation for getting the most out of his rotations, and I suspect he’ll use a deep bench to push the tempo and wear teams down.
From a strategic standpoint, this roster is built for versatility. They can go big with Quiambao and M. Phillips, or small and fast with Nelle, Nonoy, and Austria. That flexibility is a nightmare to prepare for. My personal view is that their success hinges on three-point shooting consistency. Last season, they were streaky. If they can lift that percentage from, let’s hypothesize, 31% to a more respectable 35-36%, their offensive rating will skyrocket. Defensively, the communication on switches and protecting the perimeter against elite shooters from UP and Ateneo will be the ultimate test. I have a good feeling about this group’s chemistry, though. You can see it in their off-court interactions and how they move the ball in preseason glimpses.
In conclusion, dissecting this DLSU roster is more than just listing names; it’s about recognizing a collective poised for a serious title run. They have the proven superstar in Quiambao, the savvy floor general in Nelle, a mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy on the wings, and a defensive identity forming in the paint. They aren’t without questions—every team has them—but the pieces fit. As someone who’s watched countless teams assemble and compete, this Green Archers lineup has the distinct feel of a group that understands its moment. The journey through Japan, Lithuania, or Korea, as Gomez de Liaño referenced, is about forging a professional spirit. This La Salle team, in its own collegiate arena, seems to be forging a similar spirit of resilience and gratitude for the battle ahead. It’s going to be a thrilling season to watch.
