Zane Kallos has solidified his status as not only Ateneo de Manila University’s top junior high school basketball player but also as one of the elite prospects in the 16-and-under ranks in the country.
However, despite his MVP-worthy performances, the Blue Eagles’ Final Four aspirations in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Boys’ Tournament have faltered, with the team dropping four of their last five games in the second round.
Determined to keep Ateneo’s postseason hopes alive, Kallos delivered an extraordinary performance, recording the season’s second triple-double to lead the Blue Eagles to a hard-fought 74-65 victory over archrival De La Salle Zobel.
The season’s first triple-double was achieved by University of Santo Tomas guard Dustin Bathan on September 29.
With the win, Ateneo climbed to a tie for fourth place with De La Salle Zobel, both holding identical 5-6 records.
Kallos, the son of coach John Kallos put up a jaw-dropping stat line of 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Despite his incredible output, the 16-year-old guard was quick to credit his teammates for pushing him to perform at his best during their training sessions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“As a person, kasi ayoko talaga natatalo. Yung goal namin as a team is to make it into the Final Four, ‘yon talaga yung nasa utak namin. Kaya sinimulan namin sa practice, pinush namin yung isa’t isa,” the 6-foot guard shared.
“Kudos sa teammates ko kasi lagi nila ako pinapahirapan sa bench. Pinapahirapan nila ako sa practice, binubugbog nila ako, kaya I think ‘yon ang malaking factor.”
Beyond his teammates’ support, Kallos also acknowledged the guidance and motivation provided by Ateneo’s coaching staff, led by head coach Reggie Aromin, which helped him stay focused during the team’s rough patch.
“Para sa akin, malaking effect yung pagbibigay ng kumpiyansa ng mga coaches ko. Thankful din ako sa mga teammates ko kasi lagi nila ako kinakausap at minomotivate. Special thanks sa kanila kasi lagi nila akong pinupush kung ano yung tama,” the Quezon City-raised guard added.
Aromin praised Kallos not only for his skills but also for stepping up as a leader and captain, especially with just three games remaining in the elimination round.
“His triple-double is an indication of the well-roundedness of his game. He’s not just a scorer; he can pass, rebound—he does everything. That’s why he’s such an important player for us. He is the glue in our team. He makes sure everybody is in line. Especially being the captain, ano pa hihingin mo, hindi ba? You have one of the best players in the league right now,” Aromin said.
Ateneo’s road to the Final Four will not be easy, as they are set to face tough opponents in UST, reigning champion National University Nazareth School, and last season’s runner-up, Far Eastern University-Diliman.
With Kallos leading the charge, Ateneo remains hopeful of securing a postseason berth, but the challenge ahead will demand nothing less than his best—and his team’s full support.
