You know, I’ve been following college hoops for years, and every season there’s always that one team that sneaks up on everyone. This year, it’s the Red Lions—no question. I mean, just look at their run so far. From that opening day win over preseason favorite College of St. Benilde, to taking down arch rival Letran, and now that statement victory over defending champion Mapua—yeah, the 79-70 stunner last Friday. People who slept on the Lions early are definitely wide awake now. So, I figured it’s the perfect time to break down the top 10 Niagara basketball players who absolutely dominated the court this season. Trust me, some of these guys have been so good, it’s almost unfair.
Let’s start with how you even begin evaluating standout players. Step one is watching the games—not just highlights, but full quarters. I always make time for at least two full replays a week, focusing on both offensive sets and defensive rotations. For instance, in that Mapua game, I noticed how the Lions’ point guard controlled the pace from the opening tip. He wasn’t just scoring; he was reading the defense and making adjustments on the fly. That’s something stats alone won’t show you. My method here involves looking at consistency, clutch performance, and impact on team morale. But a word of caution: don’t get too caught up in raw numbers like points per game. I’ve seen players drop 30 in a blowout but disappear in tight games. Instead, pay attention to things like plus-minus ratings and how they perform against top teams. Take the Lions’ forward, for example—he might average around 18 points, but his defense in the paint during the Letran matchup was what sealed the deal.
Now, diving into the list, I’ve got to highlight a few names that stood out to me personally. At number 10, there’s this shooting guard from the Lions who’s been lights out from beyond the arc. I remember in that St. Benilde opener, he hit five three-pointers in the first half alone—totally set the tone. Moving up, the center at spot seven is a beast on rebounds; he pulled down something like 15 boards against Mapua, which I think was a huge factor in their win. My favorite, though, is probably the small forward sitting at number three. He’s got this smooth, almost effortless style—reminds me of some pro players I’ve watched. In the Letran game, he didn’t just score; he orchestrated plays, finishing with what I’d estimate as a double-double of 22 points and 10 assists. Honestly, if he keeps this up, he could be MVP material.
But here’s the thing: identifying top players isn’t just about individual stats. You’ve got to see how they lift the team. I always tell friends to watch how a player reacts under pressure. In that recent 79-70 win over Mapua, the Lions’ point guard—who I’ve slotted at number two—was ice-cold in the fourth quarter, hitting clutch free throws and dishing out key assists. That kind of poise is rare, and it’s why I rate him so high. On the flip side, I’ve seen guys with flashy numbers crumble when it counts, so my advice is to balance stats with game footage. Also, don’t overlook role players; the power forward at number six might not light up the scoreboard, but his defensive stops and screens create so many opportunities. From my experience, that’s what separates good teams from great ones.
Wrapping this up, it’s clear that the top 10 Niagara basketball players who dominated the court this season have made the Red Lions a force to reckon with. Looking back at that journey—from surprising St. Benilde to crushing Mapua—it’s been a wild ride, and I’m pumped to see how they finish. Personally, I think this squad has the grit to go all the way, especially if these players keep shining. So, if you’re tuning in now, don’t make the same mistake as those early doubters. Watch these guys in action; you’ll see exactly why they’re turning heads.