I still remember the first time I saw Raul Dillo step onto the court during a preseason scrimmage three years ago. Honestly, at that moment, he was just another name on the roster—a relatively unknown talent among dozens of promising young athletes. But something about his quiet determination caught my eye. Fast forward to today, and we're witnessing one of the most remarkable transformations in recent UAAP basketball history. Dillo's journey from obscurity to becoming Adamson's rising star reads like something straight out of a sports movie, yet it's happening right before our eyes in real time.
What fascinates me most about Dillo's evolution is how perfectly it aligns with what his teammate Matty Erolon predicted. Erolon, who's been with the program through thick and thin, mentioned to me during an off-season interview that he knew Dillo was bound for a bigger role this UAAP Season 88. "We could see it in practice every day," Erolon told me. "The way Raul worked on his game when nobody was watching—it was only a matter of time before everyone else noticed." That insider perspective resonates deeply with me because it highlights something we often forget about sports: the real work happens away from the spotlight. Dillo spent approximately 85% more time in the gym during the offseason compared to his rookie year, focusing particularly on his three-point shooting, which has improved from 28% to nearly 42% this season alone.
I've followed UAAP basketball for over fifteen years now, and what sets Dillo apart from other rising talents is his basketball IQ. While many young players rely purely on athleticism, Dillo understands spacing, timing, and defensive rotations in a way that's rare for someone in his fourth year. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.2:1 places him among the top five guards in the league, which is impressive considering he's handling the ball more than ever before. Statistics show he's averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game this season—numbers that have skyrocketed from his previous averages of 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. That's not just improvement; that's a complete transformation of a player's role and capabilities.
The turning point, in my opinion, came during their game against UP last month. With Adamson trailing by seven points in the final three minutes, Dillo took over in a way I haven't seen from an Adamson guard in years. He scored nine consecutive points, including a contested three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining that ultimately sealed the victory. What impressed me wasn't just the scoring burst but his decision-making throughout those crucial moments. Instead of forcing difficult shots early in possessions, he patiently ran the offense, trusted his teammates, and picked his spots perfectly. That maturity under pressure is something you can't teach—it's developed through countless hours of practice and mental preparation.
Dillo's defensive growth deserves special mention too. He's increased his steals per game from 0.8 to 2.4 this season, and his defensive rating of 98.3 places him among the elite perimeter defenders in the league. I've noticed he's particularly effective in passing lanes, using his length to disrupt offensive sets. His wingspan, measuring approximately 6'10" despite standing at 6'3", gives him a significant advantage that he's learning to utilize more effectively. Defensive improvements like these often go unnoticed in box scores, but they're absolutely critical to winning basketball games, and Dillo has clearly put in the work on both ends of the floor.
What I find most compelling about Dillo's story is how it reflects the broader narrative of player development in the UAAP. Too often, we expect instant stardom from young athletes, but Dillo's gradual progression reminds us that growth isn't linear. He played only 12.3 minutes per game in his rookie season, mostly in garbage time. By his second year, that increased to 18.6 minutes, and last season he averaged 24.2 minutes. Now, in UAAP Season 88, he's playing 32.7 minutes per contest and has become the focal point of Adamson's offense. This steady progression demonstrates the value of patience and proper development within a program rather than rushing the process.
From my perspective covering collegiate basketball, Dillo's emergence couldn't come at a better time for Adamson. The team has been searching for a consistent scoring threat since Jerrick Ahanmisi graduated, and Dillo has filled that void beautifully. His usage rate has increased from 18% last season to 31% this year, yet his efficiency has actually improved—his true shooting percentage has jumped from 52% to 58%. That's the mark of a player who's ready for prime time, not just someone getting more opportunities by default.
As we approach the crucial second round of UAAP Season 88, I'm genuinely excited to see how Dillo continues to evolve. His journey from unknown talent to rising star serves as an important reminder that development isn't always visible in real-time. Sometimes, the most significant growth happens gradually, behind the scenes, until suddenly—it's impossible to ignore. For aspiring young athletes watching his ascent, Dillo's story offers a powerful lesson about persistence, patience, and the value of continuous improvement. In my book, he's not just a rising star—he's becoming the kind of complete player who could potentially change the trajectory of an entire program.
