The Perpetual Help Altas just keep on trucking. No Harold Arboleda. No Juneric Baloria. No Justine Alano. All three have graduated. No Scottie Thompson for two games.

The Altas, struggling to find consistency from two of its young stars in Gab Daganon and Ric Gallardo, have still found ways to win in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup. Coach Aric Del Rosario's charges are at 3-0 and atop Group A of the standings. Although Gerald Dizon and Flash Sadiwa have somewhat stepped up, the Altas are where they are because of center Bright Akhuetie.

Perpetual Help's first year center from Nigeria turned in a monster performance against Emilio Aguinaldo College with 27 points, 20 rebounds, four assists and three blocks to claim the Total Best Player of the Week Award.

"What does he teach our team," said Del Rosario following the win, "he shows everyone that it is about hustling for the ball and having a good work attitude. Height and good genes will only get you so far. It's the right attitude and the work ethic that sets him apart."

Joining Akhuetie in the Gatorade Best Five of the Week are UE's Emil Palma, who led the Red Warriors to a scintillating comeback win against Mapua with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals; La Salle's Prince Rivero, who tallied 25 points, 18 rebounds and two assists in two wins over UP and Lyceum; San Beda's Arthur dela Cruz, who put up 19 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block also against LPU; and Rodel "Samboy" De Leon, who scorched Mapua for 24 points, six rebounds, plus one assist and one steal.

Akhuetie's countryman, Allwell Oraeme also grabbed weekly honors as Gatorade Defensive Player. Oraeme has been one of two bright spots for luckless Mapua, which dropped to 0-3 in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup (the other being do-it-all forward Josan Nimes). The 6'9" Nigerian grabbed a total of 21 rebounds while blocking five shots in the loss to CEU last Saturday.