Happy Birthday, Jose Enrico “Rico” Villanueva ( June 23 )

“Raging Bull”
2003 PBA Rookie Draft 7th overall pick 
2005-06 PBA Fiesta Conference champion
2005-06 PBA Best Player of the Conference
2005-06 PBA Mythical First Team member  
2004-05 PBA All-Defensive Team
2004-05 PBA Most Improved Player
2002 PBL Chairman’s Cup MVP
2002 UAAP champion 
1998 UAAP Rookie of the Year

The 6'6 Villanueva is "Rico" to his family and friends. Only 18 years old, Rico is in the first year as an AB Developmental Studies student. Rico, who is the youngest son of Arnold and Beth Villanueva, has three older sisters Karen, Meg and Kate. Thus, it is really surprising where he drew his motivation to play. Villanueva is not new to the UAAP as he started playing in the elementary division with the Ateneo cage team. Later on, he joined the Ateneo High school team and was named as the Juniors Division Most Valuable player in 1996. Last year, he helped the Ateneo Blue Eaglets win the championship along side BJ Manalo. This year, Villanueva has comfortably adjusted as Ateneo's most promising slotman. During the first round, Villanueva has given the veterans a tough race and emerged second in statistical points with 202 pts. (First in statistical points Buenaventura). . Villanueva is ranked ninth in the UAAP's MVP race with a total of 217 points. (202 SP + 15 Won Game Points). He plays 34.85 minutes per game, averages 15 points and grabs 14 r. bounds the highest in the UAAP. H also set a record high of 20 boards in one game last August. And at the rate Rico Villanueva has been playing in the UAAP...it would not be surprising if he achieves more basketball records this season.