As a long-time follower of Philippine basketball and someone who has analyzed collegiate rosters for years, I find myself particularly excited about this current iteration of the De La Salle University Green Archers. There's a palpable sense of seasoned maturity blended with youthful energy that we haven't seen in a while. Putting together a complete guide to this roster means looking beyond just the stats—it's about understanding the journeys that have shaped these players, and how those experiences converge to define the team's identity this season. My perspective is that this might be one of the most professionally tempered college teams in recent memory, and a lot of that tone is set by their key veterans.
The heart and soul of this team, without a doubt, begins with Kevin Quiambao. The reigning MVP isn't just a statistical powerhouse—averaging what I recall was around 16.8 points and 10.9 rebounds per game last season—he's the offensive fulcrum. Watching him operate in the post, with that soft touch and surprising vision for a big man, is a masterclass in modern collegiate big-man play. He demands double-teams, which fundamentally warps opposing defenses and creates opportunities everywhere else. But what makes this roster special is that he's not carrying the load alone. The backcourt, led by Evan Nelle, provides the steady, cerebral leadership you need. Nelle’s assist-to-turnover ratio, which I believe hovered near an impressive 2.5:1, tells the story of a floor general who values possession and knows how to run Coach Topex Robinson's system with efficiency. He’s the extension of the coach on the floor, and that’s invaluable during tight UAAP games.
Now, the most fascinating addition, and a piece that perfectly illustrates the globalized path of modern Filipino players, is the return of Juan Gomez de Liaño. His journey is a testament to resilience and growth. After his UAAP days with UP, he took the road less traveled, testing his mettle in professional leagues abroad. I remember tracking his stints; it wasn't always easy, but you could see the development. So, when he said, “I feel truly grateful to be in this position right now,” after experiences in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea before finally joining the PBA draft, it resonated deeply. That gratitude translates to a poised, battle-tested presence on the court. He’s not just a scorer—though he can certainly erupt for 20 points on any given night—he’s a secondary playmaker and a defender who has seen it all. In my view, his integration is the single biggest X-factor for La Salle. He provides a level of pro-ready savvy that most college teams simply don't have access to, and it takes immense pressure off Quiambao and Nelle.
Supporting this core are the vital role players who define a team's ceiling. I’ve always been a fan of Michael Phillips' boundless energy. He’s the rebounding and defensive engine, a guy who might only take 4 or 5 shots but impacts winning through pure hustle, likely averaging close to 3 offensive rebounds a game. His brother, Ben, offers a different look with his shooting ability, stretching the floor. Then you have the young guns like Jonnel Policarpio, who brings a versatile, physical forward presence, and the guards like CJ Austria and Mark Nonoy, who provide instant offense and pesky defense off the bench. Nonoy’s speed, in particular, is a weapon that can change the tempo of a game in a two-minute burst. The depth here is real; it’s not just seven deep. Coach Robinson can legitimately go nine or ten players into his rotation without a significant drop-off, which is crucial in a grueling UAAP season.
What does all this amalgamate into? In my estimation, this roster is built for a championship run. It has the elite star (Quiambao), the steady quarterback (Nelle), the unique veteran wildcard (Gomez de Liaño), the blue-collar workers (the Phillips brothers), and explosive bench talent. They have size, skill, shooting, and, perhaps most importantly, a wealth of experience. The glaring weakness from past seasons—a reliance on one or two players in crunch time—seems addressed. Gomez de Liaño’s presence alone means there are multiple players who have been in high-leverage situations and aren't afraid of the moment. They can win in a half-court grind or in transition. From an SEO and fan engagement perspective, the narratives write themselves: "The Return of JDL," "Quiambao's MVP Defense," "La Salle's Deep Arsenal."
Of course, on paper only gets you so far. The chemistry between Gomez de Liaño and the established core will need to be seamless, and the shooting consistency from the wing spots must hold up under pressure. But having watched this team develop, I'm leaning into optimism. This DLSU roster isn't just a collection of players; it's a blend of proven UAAP production and hard-earned international professional experience. It’s a group that understands the privilege and the pressure of wearing the green and white. As they gear up for the season, I believe they have all the necessary components to reclaim the throne. The journey of each player, from Kevin's dominance to Juan's global odyssey and back to Taft, has led to this point. And that makes them must-watch basketball.