UNLIKE HIS well-known teammates and fellow rookies, Rafael “Raffy” Verano, grew up in Burbank, California – all the way on the other side of the world. The full-blooded Filipino’s name and media appeal were initially overshadowed by locally proven rookies like Ateneo’s homegrown Jolo Mendoza and Xavier standout Tyler Tio. However, the Eagles surely knew what they were getting from Verano, as they began scouting him all the way back in 2012.

“One of my teammates’ dad was an alumnus from Ateneo, and it so happened that he was one of the recruiters there in the states. We played one game together and he introduced himself to my mom and I, and from there it [was] history,” said Verano.

With a relatively new coaching staff, Verano was on fair ground with everyone when he began training this season. After months of practice, the coaching staff trotted out Verano as their first rookie off the bench during the team’s opening game against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. And as the victories piled up, he remained a steady member of the rotation, while being the only rookie to have played in all 14 elimination round games.

With his 6’3 bulky frame, he provides a lot of defensive flexibility for the Eagles with his ability to play both forward positions, whilst also being mobile enough to take on some guards, and big enough to tackle some centers. However, Verano stayed relatively quiet in the first round, as he continued to adjust to what he said was a “more fast paced and physical” game in the UAAP. His adjustments showed as the rookie carved a bigger name for himself in what was a successful Round 2 (6-1) for the Blue Eagles.

While his numbers in the elimination round will not blow you away (4.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg), the backup forward showed his improving offensive skillset and was efficient with his time on the court. The San Gabriel Academy standout finished the first 14 games as second on the team in FG% at 52.2%, and was also one of the team leaders in FT and 3PT percentage at 80% and 40%, respectively. His improvement was capped off by an impressive 20-point performance, which led to the Eagles’ crucial blowout of the National University Bulldogs in the second round.

His strong play was rewarded when he received crucial minutes both in the Final Four and in the Finals against De La Salle University. The rookie was awarded most of the minutes that were originally played by the graduating Gboy Babylonia, who reportedly suffered a torn ACL prior to the Final Four.

Verano’s leap was telling of the hard work of the ambitious rookie, who has dreamed all his life of playing basketball in the collegiate and possibly even the pro-level.

“If that happens, I can only dream more,” Verano said, regarding potentially playing in the PBA. With just one playing year under his belt, it’s encouraging to see the concrete development of a young talent on the Blue Eagles roster. As, the Eagles’ young core grows together, Verano is right to dream high for himself and his budding team.