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SLAM Rising Stars: Diego Dario

UP looks to break cellar spell in Season 77

Name: Diego Miguel Dario

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 145 lbs

Age: 17

High School: University of the Philippines Integrated School

Committed to: UP Diliman

Awards Won: FIBA Asia RP Youth Team Silver Medalist

Pregame Ritual: Prayer, drinking lots of water

Song On Repeat: No music, no noise. “I prefer having silence so I can think, focus on the game.”

In-game Kicks: Jordan CP3.VI

Post-game Kicks: Nike Roshe Run

Seniors ready: Yes

Needs work on: Passing, strength and conditioning

Projection: Slightly taller version of Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Mark Cruz

This kid Diego Dario plays a lot like Kyrie Irving: he has the between-the-legs crossover to the behind-the-back dribble move, loves to use the stepback J, and is a crafty finisher around and under the basket to the tune of 19 ppg, good for 2nd in the league in Season 76 of the UAAP Juniors. But unlike Kyrie, Diego hopes to stay healthy and be the type of point guard that lifts the play of his entire team when he is on the floor. “I like how Kyrie Irving moves, but I want to have a Chris Paul effect on my team, I want to make my teammates better.” Now, Diego isn’t about to abandon what people appreciate about his game in the first place, since his scoring will be needed by the UP Fighting Maroons should he earn the right to start or come off the bench, a role he is prepared to embrace as a rookie. “Make an impact, make my teammates better, provide energy especially on defense. Those are my immediate goals.”

At 17 years young, Dario hopes to grow a couple more inches and put on some muscle so he can handle the physicality of college ball. But until then, he’s happy to use what he has to dance with his defenders and showcase his game in the UAAP.

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