Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

UAAP POW Fortea continues to step up for UP


With University of the Philippines in need of heroes in its bid to keep the crown in Diliman, an unheralded protagonist has risen to the occasion and taken the limelight.

Sans injured starting point guard JD Cagulangan, the Fighting Maroons haven’t skipped a beat. They are on a searing 3-0 start for the solo lead early in UAAP Season 85 – thanks to the stellar play of gunner Terrence Fortea.

The 6-foot-1 guard showed that he still wields the same arsenal from his time with Batang Gilas and Nazareth School-National University. He made the most out of his opportunity and stepped up big-time with averages of 14.7 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals; and crisp 10-of-20 shooting from beyond the arc in three games.

On the strength of his breakout, Fortea emerged as the first Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission for Season 85.

“Since ‘nung situation namin about (JD), naging mindset kong kailangan mag-step up para sa team namin,” he said.

The 21-year-old kickstarted his week with a previous career-best of 15 points, nine assists, and five boards as UP escaped La Salle with a 72-69 win. Then he uncorked 12 points, five dimes, and three boards in their 87-78 overtime win against Adamson.

There was no stopping him from there, though. He reset his career-high to 17 markers on a perfect 5-of-5 clip from downtown to tow UP to an unbeaten start after a 73-67 win over FEU.

That earned him the nod supported by minor sponsors Jockey, Tinapayan Festival, and MNL Kingpin.

#ReadMore  Javi GDL to skip 2021 PBA Draft, commits to UP for UAAP 84

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde, also once the architect of the Bullpups’ dynasty in high school, lauded the meteoric rise of his prized guard with the hopes of forming a new and more lethal backcourt combo.

“Last season was a big adjustment for him for that position. But this season, I think unti-unti, habang wala si (JD), nabibigyan siya ng time at nag-iimprove siya. Hopefully, pagbalik ni (JD), at least, puwede silang magsabay,” he said.

Fortea edged out longtime teammate Carl Tamayo, La Salle’s Schonny Winston, Ateneo’s Ange Kouame, UE’s Kyle Paranada, and UST’s Nic Cabañero for the weekly award decided upon by print and online writers regularly covering the league.

Written By


You May Also Like

AdU

Dylan Darbin hit a clutch jumper with barely a second remaining, as Centro Escolar University spoiled Rey Remogat’s debut for University of the Philippines,...

Basketball

Camille Clarin set the tone for National University’s dominance after the holiday break with an impressive performance in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball...

Basketball

Mike Phillips of the De La Salle Green Archers delivered an exceptional performance for De La Salle University following the holiday break in the UAAP Season...

Basketball

Francis Lopez was a non-factor in the University of the Philippines’ 66-77 loss to De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate...

Basketball

Defending champions De La Salle Green Archers continued their dominance over the University of the Philippines, defeating the Fighting Maroons 77-66 to secure the...

Basketball

Quentin Millora-Brown is temporarily returning to the United States to be with his family after the passing of his beloved grandfather, Dr. Angel Millora....

Basketball

La Salle maintained its perfect record, while reigning UCAL champion Centro Escolar University (CEU) strengthened its semifinal bid in the PGFlex Linoleum Invitational Tournament...

Basketball

Goldwin Monteverde cut a somber figure following University of the Phillipines’ stunning 67-47 loss to National University, acknowledging the hard lessons and painful missteps...

Advertisement