It's not only UAAP statistical leader Kenneth Bono, the burly but versatile center, who is making a big impact in Adamson University's big turnaround in the Philippines' premiere collegiate basketball league.

Although Bono's contribution cannot be overlooked, Adamson has also drawn inspiration from the improvement of Talisay-born cager Roel Hugnatan and Bacoleño Leo Canuday.

The 6-foot-4 Hugnatan, whose brother, Reynel, is playing for Alaska in the PBA, is proving he deserves the playing-time given to him by coach Leo Austria by turning in double-doubles in both points and rebounds, while Canuday, an offensive-minded point guard, is on the verge of his breakout season with the Falcons.

"My confidence is back because of the coach Austria's trust in my game. I need to step up my game so we could reach our target of reaching the final four this year," said Hugnatan.

With Hugnatan and Canuday in the fold, the Falcons begin their second round campaign against Far Eastern University, led by Bacoleños Jeff Chan and Francis Barcellano, at 4 p.m. today.

FEU, which sports a 2-4 record, beat Adamson (3-3) last Saturday.

Canuday, who has been averaging 11 ppg., attributes the Falcons' turnaround to Austria's new system.

"Coach Austria has a very organized system and the team is more disciplined under him," Canuday told the DAILY STAR.

Although he has struggled in the past two seasons in the league, Canuday, an alumnus of St. John's Institute, believes 2006 will be his breakout year.*CPT

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