CKSC’s Yu marked man in PSSBC tourney

MANILA, Philippines - One of the players to watch for in the coming third Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Ironcon Builders Cup is Chiang Kai Shek College’s guard Fran Yu.

The 5-foot-7 guard has blossomed into one of the best high school guards in the country today, what with his speed, creativity, jaw-dropping crossover and a good mix of jumpers.

Small wonder, representatives from University of the East and University of Santo Tomas have already shown great interest in getting his services this early.

“May mga nagtatanong na sa kanya from UE and UST,” said one patron of CKSC. “Small but terrible that’s how he is. But he needs to bulk up to prepare for the UAAP. Di na biro ang labanan duon but I’m confident that with his talent, he will continue to shine.”

Yu has been the bread and butter of the Blue Dragons as mirrored during their title showdown with the Ateneo Eaglets in last month’s Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup.

“He’s very smart and courageous that’s why he’s a joy to watch,” said CKSC coach Goldwyn Monteverde. “He has tremendously improved since last year.”

Ranged against Ateneo hotshot Jolo Mendoza, Yu proved he was up to the task by outshining the World 17-Under Championship veteran to help the Blue Dragons win the one-game face-off for the title, 87-77.

Yu emerged as the Finals MVP after putting together impressive numbers – 21 points, seven rebounds and a game-high six assists.

Other players worth watching for in the event also backed by Dickies Underwear, Hapee Toothpaste, Blackwater-Ever Bilena, MEC Computers, Rain or Shine, Freego and Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, are Yu’s teammate JV Gallego, NU’s Mark Dyke, Ateneo’s Mendoza, brothers Matt and Mike Nieto, San Beda’s Joshua Caracut and Nikko Abatayo, Mapua’s Noah Lugo, Xavier’s Tyler Tio and Hope Christian High School’s Jollo Go, Anton Yang and Taddy Rangel.