Rajko Toroman, left, project director in charge of the Smart-Gilas RP team under the SBP, updates media men on the progress of the program during Tuesday’s PSA Forum. With Toroman is SBP executive director Noli Eala. (BOB DUNGO JR.)

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) project director Rajko Toroman said he is pleased with the way some of his players in the Smart Gilas RP team are playing in the collegiate wars.

Toroman, who established his coaching reputation by guiding Iran to its first of back-to-back FIBA Asia Championships, praised the performance of Dylan Ababou of the University of Santo Tomas, Aldrech Ramos and Mark Barroca of Far Eastern University, and RJ Jazul and Rey Guevarra of Letran.

“I think they showed some improvements from last season,” said Toroman. “They are performing very well and they are on the right track and I think it’s good for the Smart Gilas program as it will be a more competitive team.”

The Serbian mentor said the five are flourishing under the bright lights of collegiate hoops.

Ababou is currently on top of the UAAP Most Valuable Player race (after the first round) with an average of 19.6 points per game and is in charge of the Tigers’ chase for one of the UAAP Final 4 slots.

The 6-5 Ramos, meanwhile, has been impressive with 10.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game and ranked second in the MVP race while Barroca tallied 13.7 points and is taking the leadership responsibilities for the Tamaraws, who sport an 8-2 card for second place in the UAAP.

On the other hand, Jazul and Guevarra averaged 16.3 and 14.4 points, respectively, for the Knights, who are tied with guest team Arellano University for fourth spot in the NCAA at 7-4.

Toroman credited their experience playing in international competitions, such as the FIBA Asia-Champions Cup as the main reason for their big improvements.

“They had a lot of international games in the last six months and they showed mental toughness and now they are showing it to their teams,” said Toroman. “And that’s what we will continue with in our program – by playing more international games and develop a more winning mentality.”

Menawhile, Toroman said that the SBP is interested in adding three more collegiate players in its program. These are reigning UAAP MVP Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Ateneo, University of the East’s Paul Lee, and 6-9 center Junmar Fajardo of University of Cebu in CESAFI.

“Rabeh is dominating the big guys but he has to work a lot and can be a better player if he plays in some international games,” Toroman said of the 6-6 Al-Hussaini.

“I think Paul Lee is doing very well. I was watching him in the PBL before and I was impressed because he’s active, creative, has a tough mentality,” Toroman said.