The UAAP Juniors Efficiency Landscape (Round One)
How did each team stacked against each other after round one?
Using the Offensive Rating, Defensive Rating and Net Rating metrics, we ranked the eight teams who competed in the UAAP Season 85 Boys’ Basketball tournament after the first round of eliminations.
Let’s look at how each team fared on both ends on the floor.
The Cellar Dwellers
UPIS Junior Fighting Maroons (1-6)
According to tiebreaker rules, UP is ahead of UE because of their head to head record (UP won against UE in round one), but efficiency-wise, they have been the worst team so far this season. While Kobe Demisana has been putting up crazy numbers on offense (17.6 points and 2.3 assists) and defense (2.1 steals, 3.4 blocks, and 12.7 rebounds), it has not reflected well as a team as they are the bottom in defensive rating (108.0) and second to the last in offensive rating (82.4).
UE Red Warriors (1-6)
UE’s offense has been on par with the rest of the middle-seeded teams thanks to Andrei De Leon who currently averages about 10 points and three assists per game, but their defense has been the concern. While they are five points better than UP on defense, they are 14 points worse than UST (third-worst defense). If they want to start winning more games, their defense will need to step up.
The Middle Ground
Ateneo Blue Eaglets (2-5)
Ateneo’s record may surprise you due to their recent runs in the UAAP, but a look at the efficiency landscape would not deem it so. They are the worst offense so far in the UAAP and that is evident to how Kristian Porter and Lebron Nieto carries the load in Ateneo’s offense. What’s saving their season for now is their defense (currently ranked fifth). But given their current roster, that might not be sustainable as the season progresses.
UST Tiger Cubs (3-4)
While UST is currently seeded fourth, they are marginally worse efficiency-wise than La Salle (ranked fifth in the standings). Their offense (84.7) has been the best out of the mediocre teams thanks to the duo of Mark Llemit and James Jumao-as but just like UE, their defense (ranked sixth) will need to step up to solidify their place in the final four.
DLSZ Junior Archers (3-4)
The Junior Archers’ last final four appearance was seven years ago. But with the way they are playing right now, that dry spell could change. Their defense (ranked fourth) has been good thanks to their anchor Rhyle Melencio. While their offense (ranked sixth) has lagged behind a bit, this shouldn’t concern Zobel fans as recent UAAP history indicates that being the better team on defense gets you wins, and they are on the right track.
The Contenders
NSNU Bullpups (6-1)
The Bullpups are right there with the two other contenders at 6-1, but that does not tell the whole story. While they are miles ahead of the other five teams, they are the worst out of the top three teams on both ends on the floor. Their offense though are just a bit worse than the second-best offense with Adamson only being 0.12 points better. But on defense, they are about six points worse than Adamson, the second-best defense so far. UAAP’s triple-double king Reinhard Jumamoy would need his team to step up to get the upper hand against the other contenders.
Adamson Baby Falcons (6-1)
Adamson’s rise to the top of the UAAP Juniors may come as a surprise to the casual fan, especially since they lack familiar names unlike other UAAP teams. But make no mistake, this Adamson squad is legit and is a sure contender for the championship. They are the best defensive team by a good margin (four points better than the next best defense FEU) thanks to their incredible depth. What should be their obstacle in getting a deep run in the final four though would be their offense. Vince Garcia and Peter Rosillo has carried the scoring load while Mat Edding and Justine Garcia shares the playmaking duties, but will it be enough to lead them to a title?
FEU Baby Tamaraws (6-1)
After losing to the NU Bullpups in the finals series during the last held Juniors tournament in Season 82, the Baby Tamaraws are now on course to get their revenge and win the title this season. What has been clicking for them so far is their offense which is the league-best and by a large margin (seven points better than second-best Adamson). This is in large part thanks to Alvin Pasaol’s younger brother Jr Pasaol who has been carrying the load for FEU as their lead scorer and playmaker. FEU also has the second-best defense but roster-wise, they should be up there with Adamson as the best defensive team in the UAAP. The roster, eye-test, and stats all point to FEU as the best UAAP team after round one.