The UAAP's next generation has wasted little time making its presence felt.
From rookies carrying championship contenders to young players making the most of limited minutes, UAAP Season 89 has already produced a promising crop of freshmen. One has even emerged as his team's go-to scorer, shouldering a workload rarely given to a first-year player.
With the first round in the books, here are five freshmen who have stood out and made their mark on the league.
Kieffer Alas
Despite some shooting struggles toward the end of the first round, Kieffer Alas remains the standout rookie of UAAP Season 89.
Alas averaged 14.43 points, 4.57 rebounds, 2.43 assists and 1.57 steals per game, helping Ateneo finish the opening round with a 3-4 record.
His scoring numbers, however, have come at the cost of efficiency. The 19-year-old shot just 34.55% from the field and 20.57% from beyond the arc.
Notably, he was more effective inside the three-point line, converting 47.37% of his two-point attempts to finish the round with a 42.04% true shooting percentage.
His reliance on jumpers has allowed opposing defenses to live with his shot selection, presenting an adjustment he must make in the second round.
Still, when Ateneo needs a basket, Alas remains its most reliable option. He showed why in the Blue Eagles' Oct. 4 win over top-seeded NU, going 4-of-4 from the field in the fourth quarter to finish with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Few freshmen have been entrusted with as much responsibility as Alas. Despite his inconsistent shooting, his scoring burden and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him the league's most compelling rookie after Round 1.
Joaquin Tovera
In most seasons, Joaquin Tovera would have a strong case for the top rookie spot. This year, however, he finds himself competing with a fellow freshman who has taken on an even bigger role.
The 18-year-old La Salle guard is averaging 9.29 points, 1.86 rebounds and 2.14 assists in just 14 minutes per game, coming off the bench behind superstar point guard Jacob Cortez.
Despite his limited playing time, Tovera has been remarkably efficient, shooting 45.10% from the field on more than seven attempts per game.
There have been stretches when Tovera has looked like La Salle's best player on the floor. His strong play has also earned him opportunities to share the backcourt with Cortez during crucial stretches, a sign of the trust he has gained from the coaching staff.
The former Chino Hills High School standout has lived up to the promise he showed during his time with the Gilas Youth program. His confidence, shot-making, and ability to contribute beyond his role as a reserve have made him one of the league's most intriguing young guards.
With La Salle looking to recover from a rocky first round, Tovera has another seven games to prove that his impact can extend beyond the bench and help the Green Archers regain their footing.
Cabs Cabonilas
Cabs Cabonilas has made his mark by doing a little bit of everything for the FEU Tamaraws.
The 20-year-old averaged 9.57 points and 6.86 rebounds per game while adding 1.00 steal after the first round. He also ranked sixth in the league in offensive rebounds, hauling in 3.14 per contest.
A former UAAP high school basketball MVP, Cabonilas has embraced his role as FEU's utility forward, contributing through rebounding, scoring and defensive activity rather than relying on one standout skill.
His versatility has proved valuable for the Tamaraws, who strung together four consecutive wins midway through the first round before dropping their final two games.
Cabonilas has also earned the trust of head coach Sean Chambers, who has given him significant minutes in the forward rotation. He finished the round shooting 43.33% from the field on nearly nine attempts per game, providing FEU with a dependable option on both ends.
As the Tamaraws look to regain their winning form, Cabonilas' ability to fill multiple roles could prove crucial.
He may not always lead the box score, but his all-around production makes him a valuable role player for FEU.
Kirk Cañete
Kirk Cañete may not have entered the season with the same fanfare as other rookies, but he has carved out a role as a spark plug for the UST Growling Tigers.
Across seven games, including four starts, Cañete averaged 4.14 points, 1.86 rebounds, 2.00 assists and 1.00 steal per contest.
His opportunity came partly because of the foot injury suffered by UST's primary guard, Donovan Sevilla. Cañete stepped into the rotation and took on greater responsibility as the Tigers searched for stability in their backcourt.
The 19-year-old has shown the toughness and confidence that head coach Pido Jarencio demands from his players.
While his offensive numbers remain modest, his willingness to compete and contribute in an expanded role has given UST another option at the position.
The challenge now is consistency. With seven games already under his belt, Cañete must turn his early opportunities into sustained production as UST enters the second round with more work to do.
Andrew Chio
Like Cañete, Andrew Chio has benefited from UST's injury problems, using the opportunity to find his footing in the Tigers' rotation.
The former Gilas Youth player appeared in five games during the first round, averaging 4.6 points and 1.0 assist. It took time for him to settle in, but he has gradually earned Jarencio's trust and found ways to contribute offensively.
His breakthrough came against FEU on Oct. 14, when he poured in 14 points and knocked down three three-pointers on seven attempts.
Chio ended the first round shooting 37% from beyond the arc on 17 attempts, giving UST another perimeter threat as it looks to improve its offensive consistency.
With a clearer role and more opportunities to contribute, Chio could become an important piece of the Tigers' rotation in the second round. If UST makes a push toward the Final Four, his ability to stretch the floor and provide timely scoring could become even more valuable.
