Discover the Current DLSU Basketball Lineup and Key Players for This Season

As I sit here watching the DLSU Green Archers warm up for their first major game this season, I can't help but reflect on how this team has evolved. Having followed collegiate basketball for over a decade, I've seen numerous lineups come and go, but this year's composition feels particularly special. The energy radiating from the court is palpable, and if my instincts are right, we're in for an exciting season. What strikes me most about this group isn't just their raw talent—it's their remarkable willingness to learn and grow together, echoing what one player told me recently: "Now that I'm in my second year, what I'm gonna do is to just learn, learn, and learn."

Let's start with the backcourt, where we find Evan Nelle, who's returning for his final year with the Green Archers. I've been watching Evan since his rookie season, and his transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 assists per game, numbers that don't fully capture his court vision and leadership. What impresses me most about Evan isn't just his statistics—it's his basketball IQ. He reads defenses like a seasoned professor analyzing complex texts, always two steps ahead of everyone else. I remember watching him dismantle ADMU's defense last November with those clever skip passes that seemed to materialize out of thin air. Alongside him, Mark Nonoy brings that explosive speed we've come to expect. Mark's improvement in his three-point shooting—from 28% to nearly 38% this preseason—shows exactly the kind of learning mindset that defines this team. These guards complement each other perfectly, with Evan's calculated precision balancing Mark's relentless energy.

The frontcourt presents what I believe is DLSU's secret weapon this season—Kevin Quiambao. Standing at 6'7", Kevin isn't just tall; he's fundamentally sound in ways that remind me of vintage PBA legends. His footwork in the post is pure artistry, and his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting makes him a nightmare matchup for traditional big men. What many fans might not realize is that Kevin spent his offseason working specifically on his perimeter defense, recognizing that modern basketball demands versatility from big men. Then there's Michael Phillips, the team's rebounding machine who pulled down an average of 11.2 rebounds last season. Michael's game isn't flashy, but it's brutally effective—the kind of blue-collar work that championship teams are built upon. I've lost count of how many possessions he's kept alive through sheer determination alone. These two create what I consider the most formidable frontcourt duo in the UAAP right now, combining size, skill, and that intangible hunger that can't be taught.

What truly sets this DLSU lineup apart, in my opinion, is their depth. Beyond the starters, we have players like CJ Austria, who's developed into a reliable scoring option off the bench. I've been particularly impressed with CJ's mid-range game—it's become so smooth and consistent that defenders have to respect it every time he touches the ball. Then there's Raven Cortez, who's shown significant improvement in his defensive positioning and timing. Raven blocked 1.8 shots per game during the preseason, up from just 0.7 last year. This bench strength means Coach Topex Robinson can maintain intensity throughout the game without significant drop-offs, a luxury many UAAP coaches would envy. The rotation goes nine deep with legitimate contributors, which matters tremendously in a tournament format where fatigue becomes a factor as the season progresses.

The coaching philosophy under Coach Topex has been fascinating to observe. He's implemented systems that maximize player strengths while encouraging the continuous learning mindset we keep hearing about. I've noticed more motion in their offensive sets compared to previous seasons, with less reliance on isolation plays and more emphasis on ball movement and player movement. Defensively, they've been experimenting with various zone looks alongside their man-to-man principles, showing tactical flexibility that should serve them well against different opponents. This adaptability stems directly from that learning culture—players aren't just executing plays, they're understanding the why behind them. During timeouts, I've seen players actively engaging in discussions with coaches rather than passively receiving instructions, which speaks volumes about the collaborative environment they've built.

Looking at their schedule, I'm particularly excited about their upcoming matchup against UP on October 14. That game will test their defensive schemes against one of the most potent offenses in the league. Then there's the traditional rivalry game against Ateneo on November 5, which always brings out the best in both teams. If DLSU can maintain their health—they've had relatively few injuries during the preseason—I believe they have what it takes to secure a top-two finish in the elimination round. My prediction? They'll finish with a 12-2 record, earning a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals. The pieces are there: veteran leadership, emerging stars, quality depth, and most importantly, that insatiable appetite for improvement. This isn't just a team with talent—it's a team with purpose, one that understands the journey matters as much as the destination. As that second-year player reminded us, sometimes the most powerful approach is to simply learn, learn, and learn, and that philosophy might just be what carries them to championship glory.