Cade Flores continues to show his impressive form for Arellano as he gives the squad ample reasons not to worry about business inside the paint.
Ever since Justin Arana opted to go professional and sign with converge in the PBA, the Chiefs needed someone to fill in the shoes and man the shaded lane.
And in the NCAA Season 98, Arellano head coach Cholo Martin might have just found that player in Flores to follow Arana's footsteps.
"We're expecting him (Flores). Ganoon siya kasipag especially in rebound, offense," said Martin of Flores, who finally found his home in Arellano after spending time in Far Eastern University's Team B. "Mabait na player. Laro lang nang laro kahit nasasaktan."
Martin kept it short but sweet as the 6-foot-4 Flores delivered with eight points and topped the rebounding department with 16 in Arellano's 61-59 win against Perpetual Friday, Sept. 16 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Playing two more years for the Chiefs, Flores is finally getting significant playing time aside from trying to prove his worth to become Arellano's new go-to guy at least in the paint.
Against the Altas, Martin resorted to specific defensive tactics in response to an impending physical game.
With Axel Doromal and Shane Menina leading the pack, their hustle plays and fastbreak executions also proved to be instrumental en route to a 2-1 record.
Flores, for his part, grabbed a couple of crucial rebounds, one of which converted to an easy coast-to-coast basket by Menina for a 59-56 lead with 1:30 left in the payoff period.
"I've been telling them na ganoon maglalaro ang Perpetual," recalled Martin. "Pisikal yan, running game, sa depensa makukulit."
Moving forward, it is high time that the Chiefs march on too without the 6-foot-7 Arana, who had a fruitful collegiate career with Arellano being a former Rookie of the Year, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a member of Mythical Five.
Aside from Flores, Danielle Mallari also took care of rebounding with 13 apart from his nine points.