UAAP 76- By the Numbers

The other day, I found myself taking a peek at UAAP Season 76's statistical leaders. I was surprised to have seen some of the names on the lists I opened up. *Terence Romeo, FEU (POINTS PER GAME) I knew that this year would be the FEU Spitfire's year to let loose, given that Tams Coach Nash Racela seems to have loosened the reins on Romeo and let RR Garcia and Mike Tolomia slide to roles which scream "support". Romeo has the green light to shoot, shoot, and shoot some more, but for him to average 22.25ppg on a talent layden FEU squad is a major achievement. One thing that Terence has to watch out for, though, is his atrocious field goal percentage. 37.2% in four games has to improve if wishes to truly be efficient and non-detrimental to his teams success, especially during late quarter/game runs. The irony of all this is that for all the criticism Romeo has received for being a ball hog, he currently has the most assists of any UAAP player after 4 contests with 21. The truth is truly stranger than fiction. *Ryan Buenafe--> 15.2 ppg, 10.5 rpg No, he is not among the league leaders in points or rebounds, but I'd like to commend Buenafe for his solid all around play. In the Eagles last outing versus a game Adamson team, Buenafe nearly tallied a triple double with 11, 12, and 9 (assists). Ryan's game is deceptive. He may come off as lumbering and unathletic, but the guy's got a bevy of post moves, step backs, and pump and scoop shots that often leave defenses in a daze. He's a cross between Noli Locsin and a bit of Kobe. As strange that may sound, it's true, and it's worked for him and the Blue Eagles for several years now. Look for him to continue having his finest statistical season as an Eagle as the UAAP campaign wears on. *Bobby Ray Parks--> Most Free Throws Made (33) Sometimes, Parks looks like he tosses up too many long jumpers. Honestly, maybe he does, as his 17-60 FG clip in four games shows. It could also be that the former MVP is akin to score a lot from within 15 feet, as evidenced by his league leading 33 made foul shots. Whatever the case may be, Parks is getting the job done, having lead his Bulldogs to a 3-1 win-loss card, good enough for 2nd place in the UAAP standings. I personally believe that NU is not as well-rounded as, perhaps, UST, but if Parks is able to minimize his turnovers, and involve his NU brethren, a UAAP title may not be that far off. MC