For Colegio de San Juan de Letran tactician Bonnie Tan, there's no doubt that Arellano University big man Cade Flores is one of the best, if not the best rookie in NCAA Season 98.
The Filipino-Australian banger has been phenomenal for the Chiefs, averaging 11.33 points, 10.44 rebounds, 1.11 steals, 1.67 assists, and 0.89 blocks before he posted 15 markers, 12 boards, five dimes, and one block in their 65-53 loss against the Knights.
"Si Flores kasi talagang one of the best rookies na naglalaro ngayong season and talagang siya 'yung focal player, lalo na sa big side, ng Arellano," Tan said.
Tan stressed he challenged his bigs, especially veterans Louie Sangalang and Paolo Javillonar, to match Flores' intensity on both ends of the floor which he was glad they responded to.
As a team, Letran actually outrebounded Arellano, 46 to 34, but Sangalang and Javillonar only grabbed one and six boards, respectively. King Caralipio rose to the occasion, though, by collecting 13.
"So we challenged lang 'yung dalawang bigs natin. Sana makasabay kay Flores si Louie and si Pao so 'yun, sa second half, may mga lapses pa rin pero still, at least nakuha namin 'yung panalo," Tan added.
—JMB, GMA News
