In a talent-laden UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament dominated by elite guard play, attention often falls on the likes of Adamson’s Jarl Artango, NUNS’ Shaun Lucido, DLSZ’s Maco Dabao, UE’s Sizco Roquid, UST’s Kirk Canete, and Ateneo’s Zane Kallos.
Yet quietly, and steadily, Far Eastern University-Diliman’s Khean Esperanza is making a strong case for his name to be included among the division’s top guards.
Inside the Adamson Gym on Sunday morning, the 5-foot-10 floor general helped extend the Baby Tamaraws’ win streak to five games with a balanced, all-around performance in an 83-76 victory over the Baby Falcons.
Esperanza poured in 19 points, adding five rebounds, three steals, and two assists — a timely reminder of his abilities in a league where he is often overlooked in discussions about premier point guards.
“Nagpapasalamat lang muna ako kay Lord na binigyan Niya ako ng talent na ganito na makipag-compete sa mga guard sa ganitong klase na liga,” Esperanza said. “Alam ko rin naman kung ano yung kakayahan ko, kaya tuloy-tuloy lang din ako sa ensayo.
“Inumpisahan lang din namin lahat ito sa training at practice na hindi kami magre-relax kasi lahat ng teams nga, kaya mag-compete. Tuloy-tuloy lang kami hanggang sa second round, at sana makuha namin na dire-diretso yung panalo namin.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
While others may compare his campaign against the division’s top guards, Esperanza is focused on the bigger picture.
For the 18-year-old native of Lingayen, Pangasinan, individual recognition takes a back seat to consistency — and ultimately, to FEU-D’s pursuit of reclaiming the UAAP boys’ basketball crown last held in Season 85.
Through the Baby Tamaraws’ impressive 6-1 first-round run, Esperanza showcased his versatility. He has averaged 9.14 points, 2.57 rebounds, 2.71 assists, and 1.43 steals per game.
Seen as a perfect complement to the graduating duo of Marc Burgos and Cabs Cabonilas, Esperanza embraces his role as a two-way guard, balancing scoring with defensive tenacity and precise playmaking.
“Importante sa akin na makipagsabayan sa mga magagaling na guard, pero mas valuable sa akin na matuloy yung ganitong klase na performance para makuha naming lahat yung inaasam-asam namin na championship. Yun ang importante sa akin,” Esperanza shared.
“Marami pa talaga. Sana ma-improve ko pa yung three-point shooting ko at pati depensa, kasi ‘yon yung sinasabi sa akin ni coach Mike [Reyes] na kailangan ko ‘yon para maging two-way na guard dito sa UAAP.”
No one is prouder than head coach Mike Reyes — a three-time UAAP juniors’ basketball champion — who has watched Esperanza’s growth firsthand.
From a guard who began Season 88 trying to do too much on his own, Reyes credited Esperanza for embracing his role, understanding that UAAP success is a team effort.
“Ako, tuwang-tuwa ako because all Khean did was listen and follow. We started the season na he wanted to do it all by himself,” beamed Reyes.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, walang makakagawa niyan sa UAAP na sosolohin ang laban. You need to involve your teammates at doon lang dadating ang para sa’yo. That’s what he’s actually doing now.”
