Etame bounces back, cited for solid games

MANILA, Philippines - Cameroonian Joe Etame came back strong from a so-so start as he dished out a pair of solid games for Jose Rizal in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament last week.

The 6-8 Etame averaged 12 points, 12 rebounds and 2.5 shot blocks against the Letran Knights and the Arellano U Chiefs.

Those twin efforts netted him the Accel-FilOil NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week award.

“Coach trusts me and helps me a lot,” said Etame referring to rookie mentor Vergel Meneses.

Etame, playing side-by-side with countryman Nchotu Njei, actually made a sluggish start in the season, scoring just eight points on a dismal two-of-seven shooting clip as JRU absorbed a 16-point beating from last year’s finalist San Beda in the opening game.

But the high-leaping Etame rebounded with a double-double job against Letran, finishing with 15 points and 16 rebounds. He also made two shot blocks, two assists and two steals in their 67-62 win over Letran and had 12 points, eight rebounds and three shot blocks in a 66-62 triumph over Arellano U.

Etame was the second recipient of the award handed out by the sportswriters covering the beat. Calvin Abueva of defending champion San Sebastian bagged the title last week.

“He’s getting there (top form) and he’s getting aggressive inside,” said Meneses referring to Etame.

That latest win upped the Mandaluyong-based cagers’ card to 2-1 for solo fourth behind St. Benilde (1-0) and co-leaders San Beda College and defending champion San Sebastian (3-0).