He may have just proven that he’s a player to watch in Season 86.
In a game that featured highly-touted, young basketball talents like 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist Mason Amos, UAAP Juniors Most Valuable Player Reinhard Jumamoy, and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu standout Jared Bahay, it was Arellano Braves alum and ace Saentis James "SJ" Moore who came out as the most impressive prospect.
Leading Team Punks to a 141-129 comeback victory over Team Hype in the 2023 Slam Rising Stars Classic on Saturday night, Moore was named MVP. He scored 23 points, 13 in the fourth period to secure the W and the individual honor. The 20-year-old high-flyer was elated about his magnificent performance at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.
“Masaya kasi nakalaban ko ‘yung mga top players ng Pilipinas. And masaya rin na ako ang nanalo ng MVP,” the athletic wing said in a postgame interview with Slam Philippines.
Getting his name etched in Slam Rising Stars history is a big deal for Moore. In his eyes, winning the MVP trophy helps lay down the groundwork in his promising career.
“Masaya kasi soon, sa mga bagong Rising Stars, ma-know nila ‘yung name ko, ma-know nila na kasali ako sa MVP kaya isang malaking step to sa future ko,” the 6-foot-2 hooper said.
Moore has recently committed to play for the UST Growling Tigers as he heads over to the senior’s division. He is set to suit up for the Pido Jarencio-mentored squad in the upcoming Season 86 of the UAAP. From what he’s shown in his stint with Arellano, and his recent MVP outing, it seems like UST has a gem in its hands.
The Season 85 bottom-dwellers will certainly bank on their prized recruit to help them put together a bounce-back campaign.
(GM)