DE La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers guard Joaquin Tovera emerged as the early frontrunner in the rookie race after an impressive debut highlighted the opening day of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.
The former Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout delivered 22 points, three steals, one rebound and one assist to lead the Green Archers past National University, 89-87, on Sunday.
With several newcomers making their first appearances, Tovera immediately established himself as the rookie to beat after producing the biggest scoring performance among the first-day debutants.
1. JOAQUIN TOVERA — DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY
22 points, 3 steals, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Tovera wasted no time making an impact for the defending champions. His 22-point outing powered La Salle to a narrow victory over NU and placed him at the top of the initial rookie rankings.
Aside from his scoring, Tovera also contributed on defense with three steals, showing the all-around ability expected of him in his first collegiate game.
2. CABS CABONILLAS — FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
11 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Despite FEU’s 56-53 loss to Adamson, Cabonillas produced one of the most complete performances among the newcomers.
The former UAAP high school boys MVP posted a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds, while also recording an assist and a steal.
His rebounding presence stood out in a low-scoring game and gave the Tamaraws a reliable interior contributor in his debut.
3. PRECIOUS JONAH — ADAMSON UNIVERSITY
8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks
Jonah made his presence felt on both ends of the floor as Adamson rallied past FEU.
The foreign student-athlete came close to a double-double and anchored the Falcons’ defense with four blocks. His rim protection was a major factor in Adamson’s comeback victory.
Jonah’s defensive impact gives him an early edge among the rookies, even with a modest scoring total.
4. MAT EDDING — ADAMSON UNIVERSITY
10 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Edding played a key role in Adamson’s fourth-quarter turnaround, scoring six of his 10 points in the final period.
He also filled the stat sheet with three assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal, displaying his versatility during the Falcons’ comeback win.
His late-game production and defensive activity make him another rookie to watch as the season progresses.
5. ARVIE POYOS — UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
8 points, 5 assists
Poyos helped UP overcome UST, 92-85, with a solid playmaking performance.
Although he scored only eight points, his five assists reflected his ability to create opportunities for the Fighting Maroons and contribute to the team’s offensive flow.
Poyos ranks among the top rookies after helping UP open its campaign with a victory.
OTHER ROOKIES WHO PLAYED
Elias Gish — FEU
– 5 points
– 5 rebounds
– 2 assists
– 1 steal
– 1 block
Gish provided valuable all-around contributions despite the Tamaraws’ defeat to Adamson.
Kirk Cañete — UST
– 5 points
– 3 assists
– 1 rebound
Cañete showed playmaking ability in UST’s loss to UP.
DJ Laconsay — NU
– 5 points
Laconsay scored five points in the Bulldogs’ narrow loss to La Salle.
The newcomers’ opening-day performances serving as the first indication of which rookies could make the biggest impact throughout UAAP Season 89. (Adrian Co)
