FEU is arguably a factory of point guards given the number of outstanding playmakers it has produced over the past years. PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos highlights this cast and has been ably followed by Celino Cruz and Denok Miranda. FEU again finds itself in an enviable spot of having a group of talented point guards who are expected to play key roles in their drive for another UAAP championship.

Andy Barroca
Considered by many as the second coming of Denok Miranda given their similar built. But comparisons don’t end there as both guards have similar playmaking and offensive styles. Basically, Andy is Denok with a better outside shot (although I think Denok is a better slasher). Denok’s outside shooting was much-maligned especially during his first two years but he made up for it by being a steady ball-handler and aggressive in attacking his defenders.

Andy is also a tireless defender and has extra-ordinary cardio. Labeled as “ang lalaking walang pagod”, Andy might be the fittest player in the team and possibly the most talented (sorry Cawaling fans). It does not also hurt that Barroca has already a full season under his pocket and around 15 pounds of muscle to use against rival point guards. Coach Glenn was always on Andy’s case in the pre-season games but this showed that a lot is expected of him to dictate not only the offensive plays but also the defensive strategy. Denok still casts a huge shadow but we might see Andy emerge right out of it and eventually wreck havoc among his rivals in the UAAP and lead the Tams to another title.

Jens Knuttel

Jens is a crowd-favorite given his “laking-aircon” boyish looks. But underneath that grin lies a fuming Tamaraw who is ready to stand-up against anybody who thinks they can just push him around for kicks (hotheaded). Jens can be considered the most fortunate among his teammates from FEU-FERN that played in the UAAP Junior’s Finals in 2006, as he is playing for a contending team and a solid part of the rotation (Jonathan Banal is also one given his solid play in Mapua).

Jens’ best trait is his leadership capabilities, which I first saw in that Finals. He is very vocal and not afraid to speak up even if you are a veteran or a superstar. Widely-considered as a back-up point guard, Coach Glenn Capacio sometimes injects Jens in the starting lineup along with Andy depending on certain matchups. Jens has also bulked up since the end of last season and , while still plays with a “pass-first” mentality, has become better offensively. However, Jens sustained a minor foot fracture in the Tams’ quarterfinals loss in the Fil-Oil Flying V Tournament and might only be cleared to practice in the last week of June. I still expect Jens to be part of the lineup but he has to work doubly hard to regain full strength within the season.

Jon Alisbo

Jon Alisbo will likely become the main backup of Andy Barroca given the injury sustained by Jens Knuttel. Jon was an unknown commodity early last year as he was not part of the regular rotation in the first few games. Alisbo along with Paul Sanga are the designated 3-point specialists. However, Jon relies on an awkward-looking set shot that still makes me cringe every time he does it. I’ve told Jon before a game versus UE in the Nike Summer League that FEU became a champion in 2003 largely due to Cesar Catli’s hot shooting in Game 2 of the UAAP Finals. He obliged by firing four three-pointers and emerged as the game’s best player. I’m not sure if our chat had any impact on his game but I clearly saw how much of a factor he could become if his shots go in.

Being a streak-shooter, Jon just needs to find the most comfortable spots and be consistent so that his teammates would have enough confidence to kick the ball out to the perimeter when facing teams with solid interior defense.

 

June 20th, 2008 by ian.evasco Born in the old FEU Hospital Son of two FEU graduates Former EIC of The FEU Advocate ABMC Batch 2002 FEU-IAS Naks...Tamaraw na Tamaraw Talaga