Oraeme takes on bigger role in Mapua's title quest | ABS-CBN
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Oraeme takes on bigger role in Mapua's title quest
Oraeme takes on bigger role in Mapua's title quest
Camille B. Naredo,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 21, 2016 04:29 PM PHT
MANILA, Philippines – After taking the NCAA by storm in Season 91, Mapua Institute of Technology center Allwell Oraeme has bigger and better things in mind for himself and the Cardinals when the league's 92nd season starts on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
MANILA, Philippines – After taking the NCAA by storm in Season 91, Mapua Institute of Technology center Allwell Oraeme has bigger and better things in mind for himself and the Cardinals when the league's 92nd season starts on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In just his first season in the NCAA, Oraeme averaged 16.33 points, and league-leading numbers of 20.28 rebounds and 2.94 blocks per game. He helped the Cardinals make it to the Final 4, and was awarded the league's Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Best Defensive Player trophies at the end of the tournament.
In just his first season in the NCAA, Oraeme averaged 16.33 points, and league-leading numbers of 20.28 rebounds and 2.94 blocks per game. He helped the Cardinals make it to the Final 4, and was awarded the league's Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Best Defensive Player trophies at the end of the tournament.
Oraeme, however, is not satisfied with the collection of trophies that he took home last season, especially as Mapua's Final 4 campaign lasted only one game as they were eliminated by eventual champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 91-90, in the semifinals.
Oraeme, however, is not satisfied with the collection of trophies that he took home last season, especially as Mapua's Final 4 campaign lasted only one game as they were eliminated by eventual champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 91-90, in the semifinals.
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"We're trying to win the championship this time around," said Oraeme. "That's the goal right now."
"We're trying to win the championship this time around," said Oraeme. "That's the goal right now."
"I'm confident if we're healthy," he added. "With injuries and setbacks, it affects the team chemistry and flow. I feel like if we're 100% healthy, I think we can win the championship."
"I'm confident if we're healthy," he added. "With injuries and setbacks, it affects the team chemistry and flow. I feel like if we're 100% healthy, I think we can win the championship."
Oraeme has taken it upon himself to be more of a leader for the Cardinals this time around, especially with the graduation of former star guard Josan Nimes, who is now with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA.
Oraeme has taken it upon himself to be more of a leader for the Cardinals this time around, especially with the graduation of former star guard Josan Nimes, who is now with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA.
"Yeah, I am taking more of a leadership role right now, because I'm no longer a rookie," said Oraeme, who became the first player since San Beda College's Sam Ekwe in 2006 to win a rookie-MVP double.
"Yeah, I am taking more of a leadership role right now, because I'm no longer a rookie," said Oraeme, who became the first player since San Beda College's Sam Ekwe in 2006 to win a rookie-MVP double.
"Obviously, I won the MVP, so when you're the MVP, you have to be a leader and show that, so I feel like I have to carry the team a little bit," he explained.
"Obviously, I won the MVP, so when you're the MVP, you have to be a leader and show that, so I feel like I have to carry the team a little bit," he explained.
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He is also working on his offense after starting off his career with a focus on defense. In Season 91, most of Oraeme's points came via put-backs or tip-ins.
He is also working on his offense after starting off his career with a focus on defense. In Season 91, most of Oraeme's points came via put-backs or tip-ins.
"I'm trying my best to help my team," Oraeme said. "We need to win the championship, and everybody has to contribute in some way. I'm just trying to do my own part."
"I'm trying my best to help my team," Oraeme said. "We need to win the championship, and everybody has to contribute in some way. I'm just trying to do my own part."
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For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.
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