Sleat steals show

University of Perpetual Help remains the only team undefeated in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 basketball wars and Patrick Sleat is one reason why.

Averaging 10.75 points, 5.25 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.75 blocks in the Altas’ first four games, Sleat made an immediate impact in his first season in the grand old league.

The last time that the Las Piñas-based crew went 4-0 was back in 2015 when Scottie Thompson and Bright Akhuetie were running the show.

His consistent performances during Perpetual’s best start in a decade earned him the distinction of being the first Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week this season, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the period of 1 to 12 October.

The former Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw’s highlight in this four-game run was a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, on top of five assists, three blocks, and a steal in their 75-65 win over defending champion Mapua University last Wednesday.

With the game tied at 65 with four minutes left, Sleat sealed the Altas' late 10-0 run to claim the victory and maintain their unbeaten streak.

Prior to that, Sleat had 10 points in Perpetual's 67-54 win against San Sebastian, followed by a nine-point outing against Lyceum of the Philippines University where they won 73-61.

After that win against Mapua, Perpetual notched its fourth straight win against Arellano University, 72-67, where Sleat had 12 points, three rebounds, three blocks, one assist, and one steal.

Sleat edged out teammate Mark Gojo Cruz, Janti Miller of San Beda University, Sean Salvador of Jose Rizal University, Justine Sanchez of College of Saint Benilde, and JC Recto of Mapua University for the citation.

The 24-year-old Sleat admitted he felt at home in Perpetual, especially with head coach Olsen Racela, his former coach at FEU, calling the shots.

Even Racela said Sleat’s veteran presence will be one of their key factors in Season 101.