It has often been said the UAAP is a guard’s league. That may be true, but many times close games are won by teams that have the depth and length to do the dirty work at the trenches.

Forward play is essential to college basketball success because of the magic “R” word: REBOUNDS. I’m sure you’ve read this remark before: “In today’s basketball game, the job of a forward has been broken down into two categories: small forward and power forward. Each position has slightly different demands and skill sets. Usually, a power forward is bigger than a small forward, but the small forward handles the ball better.”

In my book, though, both forward positions are practically interchangeable like last week’s and yesterday’s soiled underwear, but the one constant in forward play is rebounding. Yes, what separates the forward legends from the also-rans is rebounding toughness. For instance, how many are aware that Larry Bird, who was often described as a small forward, actually averaged more total rebounds in his career (10.0 rpg) than his frontcourt mates Robert Parish (9.1 rpg) and Kevin McHale (8.5 rpg)?

In the UAAP, it’s still the same. However, since the Arwind Santos-Mark Isip forward duo some years back, there hasn’t been a forward combo as strong and dominating as those two FEU Tamaraws all-time greats. Nevertheless, in Season 71, a number of promising forwards are slowly making their mark as all-around ballers that possess moves, hands, and toughness.

The Best Scoring Forwards

The best scoring forwards have the ability to will the ball through the hoop. They can score inside and outside and make their free throws. They know how to exploit their advantages against their defenders, and often make great decoy to set up teammates. Basically, you’d know a scoring threat by the way he squares up for the basket whenever he receives a pass.

The best I’ve seen in Season 71:

1. Marnel Baracael—FEU
2. Dylan Ababou—UST
3. Ryan Buenafe—ADMU
4. James Mangahas—DLSU
5. Elmer Espiritu—UE

Special mention to Edwin Asoro and Raymond Aguilar of NU, Rico Maierhoffer of DLSU, Francis Allera of UST, and Marlon Adolfo of FEU.

The Best Rebounding Forwards

Practically no need for further elaboration here. Not only do they generate the rebound stats, but they’ve displayed the grit and tenacity to get the caroms in the alligator pit.

The best in Season 71:

1. Nonoy Baclao—ADMU
2. Elmer Espiritu—UE
3. Rico Maierhoffer—DLSU
4. Raymond Aguilar—NU
5. Jan Julius Colina—Adamson
Honorable mention to Jobe Nkemakolam of ADMU, Pari Llagas of UE, and Aldrech Ramos of FEU.

The Best Defensive Forwards

Not coincidentally, the best defensive forwards belong to teams with the better interior defenses in the league. They play with lots of desire and react much quicker than the other forwards.

The best defensive forwards:

1. Nonoy Baclao—ADMU
2. Elmer Espiritu—UE
3. Rico Maierhoffer—DLSU
4. Edwin Asoro—NU
5. Mac Baracael—FEU

Special mention to Raymond Aguilar of NU, Hans Thiele of UE, and Mark Canlas of UST.