Though
names like Kiefer Ravena, Mike Tolomia, Jeron Teng, and Roi Sumang have been
floated as strong MVP contenders this season, there is still no doubt that big
men dominate the stat-sheets. In the previous post, we already saw how PFs have
been so productive in Season 77, but the good ol’ center spot also has its
share of worthy MVP race protagonists.
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| Presenting the top five "men in the middle" of the UAAP. |
Without further ado, here they are – the top five UAAP
centers as of August 12, 2014:
*These rankings are based on average Player
Efficiency (EFF) calculations.
**EFF = {[(points + rebounds + assists + steals +
blocks) – (turnovers + field goals missed + free throws missed)] ÷ # of games}
5. Arnold
Van Opstal (DLSU) – 7.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.5apg, .500 FG%, 9.5 EFF
- Despite
the slight dip in his scoring, not to mention his current injury, AVO remains
one of the league’s top slotmen. The 6’9 center is still as imposing as they
come, despite the oddity that he’s norming under 1 block per game. Needless to
say, when he returns to DLSU’s rotation, the Archers will be much tougher to
deal with.
4. Anthony
Hargrove (FEU) – 8.7ppg, 7.5rpg, .594 FG%, .824 FT%, 12.5 EFF
- The
FEU big man was supposed to be a steadying force this season for the Tamaraws,
and though he hasn’t consistently dominated offensively, he’s still one big
reason why the Morayta five are considered title contenders. He started the
season slow, but he has recorded two double-doubles in his last three games, so
he might be peaking at a good time for the Tams.
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| Anthony Hargrove has been a solid contributor for the Tamaraws. At least he's no longer in jail, right? (image by Nicki Rasgo/Burn Sports) |
3. Norbert
Torres (DLSU) – 8.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.0apg, .550 FG%, 12.8 EFF
- The
Bear has always had a knack for struggling to finish around the basket, but
this year he is shooting a career-best 55% from the field. His scoring and
blocks have dipped a little bit, but he’s still an imposing force in the shaded
lane for the repeat-seeking Greenies. Look for him to continue being a solid
inside option for coach Juno Sauler moving forward.
2. Alfred
Aroga (NU) - 10.4ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.0apg, 2.3bpg, 14.3 EFF
- Aroga
has taken the league by storm and has taken NU up the ladder in only his first
year in the UAAP. Nobody really misses Emmanuel Mbe, not with the way Aroga has
been playing. I mean, he does so many things for Coach E – score, rebound, and
protect the rim. He and Troy Rosario have definitely formed one of the most
fearsome frontline combos in college basketball.
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| Alfred Aroga has been having a great debut season in the UAAP. (image by Marlon Bernabe/Burn Sports) |
1. Karim
Abdul (UST) – 13.7ppg, 8.5rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3bpg, .718 FT%, 14.8 EFF
- Abdul’s
scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots are down from last season, but he’s still
playing well enough to be the league’s best overall center. He has scored 11 or
more points in all but one of UST’s games so far this season, and he has also
noticeably improved his free throw shooting. As the Tigers fight through a
gauntlet of must-wins in the next round, they will count, again, on Abdul to
carry them back to the Finals.
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| Karim Abdul continues to dominate the war in the paint for the UST Growling Tigers. (image by Bianca Planas/TomasinoWeb) |
Outside
looking in:
Mark
Juruena (UP) – 9.0 EFF
Ponso
Gotladera (AdMU) – 8.0 EFF
Moustapha
Arafat (UE) – 8.0 EFF
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