Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

ADMU

Zane Kallos puts Ateneo on young back, reignites Final Four aspirations


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.

UAAP-87-JHSBB-ZANE-KALLOS-0168 Zane Kallos puts Ateneo on young back, reignites Final Four aspirations ADMU Basketball News UAAP  - philippine sports news

(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.

#ReadMore  Tim Cone laments NBA missed opportunity with Justin Brownlee: 'He shouldn't be in the Philippines'

“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.

Written By

A dreamer from Marikina, a reporter on the sidelines


You May Also Like

ADMU

Lyann de Guzman delivered when it mattered most. With Ateneo de Manila University on the brink of a meltdown, the Blue Eagles’ captain nailed...

FEU

From carving out a name for himself in Antique to overcoming the heartbreak of missing Far Eastern University’s lineup last season, outside hitter Mikko...

DLSU

Mikko Espartero propelled Far Eastern University to a perfect first round finish, guiding the Tamaraws past De La Salle University, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19,...

ADMU

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines unleashed a 16-run barrage in the fourth inning to complete a dominant 21-0 four-inning shutout of Ateneo de Manila University...

ADMU

Save for UAAP Season 84, it had been over a decade since a student-athlete from the league declared for a professional league draft while...

ADMU

Ateneo de Manila University made quick work of the undermanned University of the East, 25-21, 25-19, 25-16, to secure a bounce-back win and conclude...

DLSU

For the first time in six years, De La Salle University finally broke free from UST’s dominance, eking out a dramatic 6-5 victory in...

FEU

De La Salle University is determined to pull out all the stops to deny Far Eastern University a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season...

Advertisement