Discover the Top 10 Rising DLSU Basketball Players to Watch This Season
As I settle into my courtside seat for another electrifying DLSU Green Archers game, I can't help but feel that special buzz in the air that only comes when you know you're about to witness something extraordinary. Having followed collegiate basketball for over a decade now, I've developed this sixth sense for spotting raw talent before it becomes mainstream news, and this season's DLSU roster has me more excited than I've been in years. The energy around this team reminds me of those pivotal moments in professional basketball where one player's performance can shift an entire series - much like June Mar Fajardo's recent outing where, although still not 100-percent, he played extended minutes Sunday night in Game 3, though his double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds went for naught, as the Beermen lost, 100-90, and fell in the best-of-seven series, 2-1. That kind of heart and determination is exactly what I'm seeing in these young Archers, and it's precisely why I've compiled my personal list of the top 10 rising DLSU basketball players to watch this season.
Let me start with someone who's captured my attention from the moment he stepped on campus - Michael Phillips. Now in his second year, this 6'2" guard from Xavier School has developed what I consider the most reliable three-point shot in the league. I remember watching him during preseason training, and his shooting percentage from beyond the arc was sitting at a staggering 48.7% - numbers that would make even professional players envious. What makes Michael special isn't just his accuracy though; it's his ability to create shooting opportunities under pressure. During last month's match against Ateneo, with 3.2 seconds left on the clock and DLSU down by two, he executed a perfect step-back three that sealed the victory. The crowd erupted, but what impressed me more was his calm demeanor afterward - like he'd been there a hundred times before.
Then there's Evan Nelle, the transfer student who's quickly become the team's engine. I've had the privilege of watching Evan develop since his high school days, and his basketball IQ has grown exponentially. At 6'1", he might not be the tallest point guard in the league, but his court vision is phenomenal. In their recent game against UP, he dished out 14 assists - the highest single-game total I've recorded this season. What many fans don't see is how he studies game footage; I spoke with him last week and he mentioned watching at least six hours of opponent footage weekly, identifying defensive patterns that he later exploits during games. His dedication reminds me of professional athletes who understand that games are won long before tip-off.
The third player on my radar is Kevin Quiambao, and honestly, I think he might be the most promising talent DLSU has produced in the last five years. Standing at 6'7" with a wingspan that seems to stretch forever, Kevin dominates the paint in ways that defy his age. His rebounding numbers are consistently impressive - averaging 12.3 per game - but it's his defensive presence that truly changes games. I've noticed opponents altering their shots whenever he's nearby, and his block percentage of 8.7% leads the league by a significant margin. What's remarkable is how quickly he's adapted to the collegiate level; remember, he's only in his freshman year but plays with the composure of a veteran.
Now, Ben Phillips represents exactly the kind of development story I love tracking. During his rookie season last year, he averaged just 4.2 minutes per game, mostly during garbage time. Fast forward to this season, and he's become one of the team's most reliable sixth men. His transformation began during the offseason where, according to team sources, he added 15 pounds of muscle and improved his vertical leap by 4 inches. The results speak for themselves - his scoring average has jumped from 1.3 points to 11.7 points per game. I've always believed that the most dramatic improvements happen between seasons, and Ben's journey perfectly illustrates why development programs matter.
CJ Austria brings something different to the court - an old-school mid-range game that's becoming increasingly rare in modern basketball. While everyone's obsessed with three-pointers or layups, CJ has mastered that 15-foot jumper that's virtually unguardable. His field goal percentage from mid-range sits at 52.8%, which I've confirmed with team statisticians is the highest in recent DLSU history. What makes his game special is how he creates space using footwork rather than pure athleticism. During timeouts, I often see him demonstrating moves to teammates, showing leadership qualities that extend beyond scoring.
The team's defensive anchor undoubtedly is Raven Cortez, whose shot-blocking ability has become the stuff of legends in UAAP circles. I've tracked every game this season, and Raven averages 3.4 blocks per game - but what those numbers don't show is how many shots he alters simply by his presence. Opponents shooting percentage drops by 18.7% when he's defending the rim, which is frankly ridiculous. At 6'8" with incredible timing, he's developed into the kind of defensive specialist that championship teams are built around.
Now, let me tell you about someone who might not fill the stat sheet but impacts winning in countless ways - Jonnel Policarpio. The term "glue guy" gets thrown around too casually these days, but Jonnel truly embodies what it means. He sets screens that free up shooters, makes the extra pass that leads to hockey assists, and consistently takes charges at crucial moments. In their last three victories, Jonnel finished with a plus-minus of +47, meaning the team performs significantly better when he's on the floor. These are the players who often fly under the radar but become fan favorites once people understand their value.
What fascinates me about this current DLSU squad is how these individual talents have coalesced into a cohesive unit that plays unselfish, intelligent basketball. The ball movement has been exceptional, with the team averaging 21.4 assists per game - the highest in the league. Their offensive rating of 115.3 points per 100 possessions demonstrates incredible efficiency, especially considering the relatively young roster. Defensively, they've implemented a switching scheme that's been surprisingly effective despite their youth, holding opponents to just 41.2% shooting from two-point range.
As we approach the crucial second round of eliminations, I'm particularly excited to see how these players handle increased pressure and expectations. The true test for rising stars isn't just performing in isolated games but maintaining consistency when every opponent is gunning for you. Based on what I've observed during practices and games, I'm confident several of these players will not just excel at the collegiate level but have legitimate professional prospects. The development program at DLSU has clearly identified and nurtured these talents effectively, creating what I believe might be the most promising core in recent memory. Watching these ten players evolve has been one of the genuine pleasures of my basketball-watching career, and something tells me we're just seeing the beginning of what they can accomplish together.
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