University of Perpetual Help remains the only undefeated team in the NCAA Season 101 seniors’ basketball tournament, and Patrick Sleat is a big reason why.
Averaging 10.75 points, 5.25 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.75 blocks in the Altas’ first four games, Sleat has made an immediate impact in his first season in the storied league.
The last time the Las Piñas-based squad started 4-0 was in 2015, when Scottie Thompson and Bright Akhuetie were leading the charge.
Sleat’s consistent performances during Perpetual’s best start in a decade earned him the distinction of being the first Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week this season, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission for the period of October 1 to 12.
The former FEU Tamaraw’s standout performance came in Perpetual’s 75-65 win over defending champion Mapua University last Wednesday, where he recorded a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, along with five assists, three blocks, and a steal.
With the game tied at 65 and just four minutes remaining, Sleat spearheaded the Altas’ decisive 10-0 run to seal the victory and preserve their unbeaten streak.
Prior to that, he scored 10 points in Perpetual’s 67-54 win over San Sebastian, followed by nine points in a 73-61 triumph against LPU. After the Mapua win, Sleat added 12 points, three rebounds, three blocks, one assist, and one steal in Perpetual’s 72-67 victory over Arellano University.
Sleat edged out teammate Mark Gojo Cruz, Janti Miller of San Beda University, Sean Salvador of Jose Rizal University, Justine Sanchez of College of Saint Benilde, and JC Recto of Mapua University for the citation, supported by minor sponsors Discovery Suites and Buffalo Wings N’ Things.
The 24-year-old admitted he feels right at home at Perpetual, especially with head coach Olsen Racela — his former coach at FEU — calling the shots.
“Halos same lang din pinapatakbo rito [sa Perpetual]. May mga konting lang na adjustments,” Sleat said.
Even Racela highlighted Sleat’s veteran presence as a key factor for the Altas this season.
“‘Yung experience ang kailangan namin last year. Nadagdagan din kami ng mga recruits namin from high school to the transferees,” Racela added.
