If there’s one trait among great players, it’s that they’re always ready. First game jitters? There might not be any or they won’t make it obvious with the way they play. Clutch moments? Count on them to be there in the end to make the winning play. Even older players in diminished roles can be great in spurts, especially if they make the right preparations to stay ready for the moment. 

The DLSU Green Archers have traditionally had rookies and first-year players (due to residency requirements) make early and impressive impressions, most of which were signs of championships to come.  Jeron Teng, JVee Casio, and Ren-Ren Ritualo were among those who made an immediate impact in their respective rookie years, while the likes of Ben Mbala and Kevin Quiambao had a few seasons in college or had ample time to prepare (due to COVID-19) for the trenches of college basketball. 

This season, the tradition is likely to continue as one highly-regarded rookie already made quite the impression in his first UAAP game. 

It’s rare to see a player of Joaquin Tovera’s age not only post 20+ points this early, but to also do so with a refined skillset that is even more polished than some fifth-year players. Tovera first entered the game with the Green Archers trailing the NU Bulldogs by two points and after missing his first shot attempt, he went on to convert his next four attempts from the field and finish with 10 points. All in all, the Filipino-American’s efforts turned a 15-13 deficit to a 31-24 lead after the opening quarter. 

Tovera would go on to score 12 points the rest of the way, and it was clear he was comfortable on both ends of the floor. He was disruptive on the defensive end, anticipating passes and converting them into points and opportunities for others. More than being unafraid of the moment, the rookie was eager to contribute now rather than wait for the future that was already being reserved for him. 

Tovera will certainly encounter some bumps in his first year in the UAAP, especially since teams have been put on notice. The 18-year old was also very much committed to the UP Fighting Maroons, to the point that he was figuring heavily in their preseason preparations and was even featured on their social media pages. But a change of heart led him to La Salle and it seems he has adjusted well pretty quickly. 

The Fighting Maroons got a long look at Tovera and could very well have a gameplan for him already once they face off next month. It’s the kind of respect given to a great player, more so one that has broken the hearts of UP. 

None of this is saying that greatness is already guaranteed for Tovera. He had a stellar debut to his UAAP career, but he still has at least 13 more games to show this isn’t a flash in the pan. But then again, he was a sought-after recruit and his body of work speaks for itself. 

Joaquin Tovera didn’t need 15 minutes to introduce himself to the UAAP and for someone with sky-high potential, who’s to say sky’s the limit?