RISE of the Son

Cash Blanca (Oak Park/Winnipeg-Loralee)

growing prospect, Cash Blanca

Cash Blanca (Oak Park/Winnipeg-Loralee)
Height 5’7, POS: PG, AGE: 15

Cash's FT's.

Highly complimented as the ‘AJ Pizon’ of Manitoba, and one of the Arch Rivals of Winnipeg franchise player, Mark Garcia, Cash has grown to become one of the most respected Fil-Can players in Canada. A natural point guard, who handles the ball, and sets up any offense. What makes him different from your average Fil-Can Point guards is his relentlessness, as he plays a step ahead always controlling the tempo of the game. His ability to break down defenses also gives him the ability to score at will. Cash is an unselfish player who looks to distribute first before taking matters into his own hands, once he touches the ball he automatically shows his value as a player. Cash is worthy of being recruited to play college ball in Canada and should definitely be a player worth looking at to play collegiate basketball in the Philippines. In the recent NABA intercity tournament, his Winnipeg team fell short to eventual Runnerup team, Montreal-Marquis, but still lead them to a remarkable 4-2 record, and earned himself a spot on RiseOfTheSon’s all Junior Division NABA 2^nd team. Big question will be, where will Cash play next year? Would he make another appearance at NABA? Or team up with fellow Winnipeg allstar, Mark Garcia at FBA? Keep your eye out for Cash!!

Cash on the attack.

Marc Palacios (SIPAG-NY/NYCE)

At 6'4, Marc running the guard position.

Marc Palacios (SIPAG-NY/NYCE
Height: 6’4, POS: F/G, AGE: 17

When we think of young versatile players with height, one of the players that come to mind is Brooklyn product, Marc Palacios, son of Tri-State Veteran Marco Palacios. Marc has emerged as one of the other premiere players in the NY-NJ Metro area, being brought up by the SIPAG Empire, playing for Hoopsville, SIPAG, Nationally ranked TLC, & NYCE just to name a few. At 6’4, what makes him different from the rest is his versatility, from playing both posts, to being able to shoot and handle the ball. Marc is always one of the center pieces to build a team around.

Marc attacking the rim at NABA 2009

On offense, Marc has been trained to play the post, and can finish in the post with his mastery of the backboard. As the years went by Marc developed a strong mid to long range jumper and he topped off his offensive skills with his ability to bring up the ball. Defensively, he’s a natural shot blocker at his height, is a smart off ball defender and can defend any position from 1-5. On both ends, Marc is a natural rebounder and can give you 8+ every game.

A natural shot blocker

After many 2^nd place outcomes, Marc finally achieved a NABA trophy with his SIPAG juvenile squad in NABA 2009, out dueling cross town rival Brian Organ. NABA is only one of the many basketball events people see him perform at  though, as Marc has been seen playing Men’s open leagues such as SIPAG’s NYAABL, Hoopsville’s Men’s league, Jersey City’s Kapatiran league and NYC’s famous Dreamleague.

Marlon Sim (SIPAG-NY/NYCE)

Point Guard Veteran, Marlon Sim in Nike League action.

Marlon Sim (SIPAG-NY/NYCE)
Height: 5’7, POS: PG, AGE: 17

Sim setting up the offense.

Normally, teams seek Point Guards with height, and only take shorter guards

Defensive pest.

if they are exceptionally fast, incredibly quick, can set up the offense consistently and can be trusted to handle the ball with limited turnovers. Marlon Sim is one of those exceptions and is hands down one of the top point guard prospects in the NY-NJ Metro Area. Speed, agility, and style are amongst Marlon’s top aspects. A young veteran that defines the meaning of a point guard, with the ability to breakdown and pick apart any defense. Despite being a pass first point guard, Marlon can still score going to the basket with his signature forward leaning layups, and has been developing his 3point long bombs to make defenders play more aggressive to respect his range. But its his commitment on defense that almost completes his profile, as he’s a pest on and off the ball. On a regular basis, Marlon could be the quickest of the guards on the floor and will beat any player to the spot. Alongside Marc Palacios, Marlon was one win away from winning a NABA championship until he achieved the hardware in NABA 2009 with the SIPAG Juvenile squad. A player who could easily play collegiate basketball in the Philippines, Marlon could be looking to be showcasing his talent in a strong Division 2 school here in the states or even catch the eyes of light Division 1 scouts. Keep you eye out for Marlon Sim.

STAY TUNED for Player Profile of NABA’s Winnipeg Prince, CASH BLANCA

Under the radar Franchise player, Cash Blanca

Brian Organ (North Jersey-Domestic Blue Knights)

Bigman Brian Organ

Brian Organ (North Jersey-Domestic Blue Knights)
Height: 6′5, POS: C/F, AGE: 17

Brian has emerged as one of the top big men prospects in the NY-NJ Metro Area. Standing at 6’5, Brian is a natural shot blocker, rebounder and a major presence in the paint. He’s an instant impact player for whatever team he represents as he brings versatility to both ends. He can also score easily in the lowpost with his back to the basket and as well as facing the basket with shooting touch at midrange. His soft hands make his presence more known as he could score almost at will under the basket. In his two years of Filipino Inter-City experience, Brian has helped North Jersey achieve 1^st place in 2008 and 2^nd place in 2009. One of his prize possessions is his youth, as he is still learning the many aspects of the game but is already one of the best role players to have on any team. Many believe Brian to be one of the many Fil-Am prospects in the NY-NJ metro area to be scouted by coaches from the Philippines. Keep a look out for B. Organ!

Midrange game.

Aprille Deus (Brampton-FAAB)

One of the top Fil-Can Female Phenoms

Aprille Deus (Brampton-FAAB)
Height: 5′5, POS:PG/SG, Age:16

Aprille Deus.

Aprille Deus is one of the premiere Fil-Can females to ever touch a basketball. If not the best, definitely one of the best Fil-Can pinays in all of Canada. A natural guard who could shoot the lights out on any given day and handle the ball like it was a magnet to her hands. An instant impact player and the type of player that makes her teammates better around her, Aprille’s experience on her High School team, her Provincial (similar to AAU in the states) and her successful years on Brampton-FAAB, she’s placed herself above the average ball players. Aside from her talent, she uses her athleticism, with the combo of her speed and quickness to beat defenders off the dribble on offense and stay in front of players she’s guarding. In the NABA intercity tournament, Aprille has placed 2^nd three years in a row and has made her gain more knowledge then all the other NABA ballers she faces. Her most impressive accolade is her invite to workout for the UNC TarHeels. Any player who gets the attention of a top notch Division 1 school definitely deserves recognition.  If RiseOfTheSon could rank the top Fil-can females, Ms. Deus could easily be one of the top 3.

A deadly scorer, Deus shows her range.