Discover the Top FEU Players Basketball Fans Should Watch This Season
As I sit down to analyze this season's FEU Tamaraws roster, I can't help but feel that electric anticipation that comes with every new basketball campaign. Having followed UAAP basketball for over a decade, I've learned that Far Eastern University consistently produces some of the most exciting talents in Philippine basketball, and this year appears to be no different. What makes this season particularly intriguing isn't just the usual UAAP competition but the potential inclusion of international squads like Macau Black Bears, Hong Kong Eastern, and that mysterious Indonesian team we've been hearing whispers about. This international flavor could completely transform how we evaluate our local stars.
Let me start with LJ Gonzales, a player I've been tracking since his high school days. The kid possesses that rare combination of court vision and defensive intensity that coaches dream about. Last season, he averaged 12.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists – numbers that don't fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor. What impresses me most isn't just his stat line but his basketball IQ, which seems to elevate during crucial moments. I remember watching him dismantle Ateneo's defense single-handedly during their second-round matchup last February, where he recorded 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists while committing only 1 turnover. Against potential international opponents like Hong Kong Eastern, who typically employ aggressive full-court presses, Gonzales's calm demeanor and decision-making could prove invaluable.
Then there's Xyrus Torres, whose shooting stroke I'd describe as pure poetry in motion. The numbers back this up – he connected on 38.7% of his three-point attempts last season, but what those statistics don't show is how he stretches defenses to their breaking point. I've noticed that when Torres is positioned in the corner, defenders simply cannot leave him, which creates driving lanes for his teammates. Against teams like Macau Black Bears, who tend to pack the paint defensively, Torres could be the difference-maker in close games. Personally, I believe he's the best shooter FEU has produced since RR Garcia, and that's saying something considering FEU's rich basketball history.
Cholo Añonuevo represents what I love about modern Filipino big men – versatile, mobile, and skilled beyond traditional centers. Standing at 6'6", he might not be the tallest center in the league, but his footwork and developing outside shot make him a nightmare matchup. I recall chatting with one FEU assistant coach during the offseason who mentioned Añonuevo had added approximately 15 pounds of muscle while improving his free-throw percentage from 64% to nearly 78% during practice sessions. If these improvements translate to actual games, he could average close to a double-double this season. Against potentially taller Indonesian imports, Añonuevo's agility could become FEU's secret weapon.
Royce Alforque deserves more attention than he typically receives. The point guard's defensive tenacity reminds me of a young Johnny Abarrientos – pesky, intelligent, and relentless. Last season, he averaged 2.1 steals per game, but his real value comes from disrupting offensive rhythms and creating transition opportunities. I've counted at least seven instances last season where his defensive pressure directly led to game-changing fast breaks. In a hypothetical matchup against Hong Kong Eastern's quick guards, Alforque could be the defensive stopper FEU desperately needs during crunch time.
What fascinates me about this FEU squad is their potential chemistry. Having watched most of their preseason games, I noticed a noticeable improvement in their ball movement and defensive rotations compared to last year. They averaged approximately 18.5 assists during their five preseason matches, up from 14.2 in the previous season – a significant jump that suggests better offensive cohesion. Coach Olsen Racela seems to have implemented a more fluid system that maximizes his players' strengths rather than forcing them into rigid roles. This adaptability could prove crucial against the varied playing styles of international opponents.
The potential inclusion of foreign teams adds an exciting dimension to this season. Macau Black Bears typically employ an uptempo style with heavy three-point emphasis, while Hong Kong Eastern favors a more physical, half-court approach. That unknown Indonesian team? Based on what I've seen from Indonesian basketball recently, they'll likely feature athletic imports who can dominate inside. These contrasting styles will test FEU's versatility in ways the pure UAAP schedule cannot. Personally, I believe international exposure benefits our local players tremendously – it exposes weaknesses they might not discover against familiar opponents.
As the season approaches, I'm particularly excited to see how FEU's younger players develop. Bryan Sajonia has shown flashes of brilliance during preseason, and I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a reliable scoring option off the bench. His mid-range game needs polishing, but the foundation is there. Meanwhile, Emman Ojoula brings energy and rebounding intensity that could prove vital against bigger international frontcourts. Having watched FEU basketball through both triumphant and challenging seasons, I have a good feeling about this group's potential. They might not be the most talented team on paper, but their collective grit and improving skill sets make them must-watch basketball this season. The integration of experienced veterans and promising newcomers creates that special blend that often produces surprising results. When you add the potential international matchups into the equation, we're looking at what could be one of the most fascinating FEU teams in recent memory.