As expected, giants continue to tower in the PBA today, while players with new teams or under new systems have seemingly breathe new life to their careers.
With two weeks into the PBA Philippine Cup, we take a look at some of the top players who’ve provided impact early on.
1. June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel Beermen
Already the reigning back to back Most Valuable Player in the league, Fajardo is showing even more improvement, and that is scary for the rest of the league (although certainly good for Gilas!). He led the Beermen to back to back wins while averaging 17.5 PPG on above 50 percent shooting, 14.5 RPG, and 2 BPG. He is on the right track to win another BPC, given the stats + winning, and he just has to stay healthy and efficient.
2. Sean Anthony, NLEX Road Warriors
The Road Warriors (2-0) are the best defensive team right now in the PBA, allowing only 89.6 points per 100 possessions and Anthony’s addition has had big implication so far. In two games, Anthony averaged 15.5 RPG (NLEX leads the league in total rebounds) on top of his 12.5 PPG and 4.5 APG. The hardworking forward has not only plugged the hole at the four spot but is giving the Road Warriors a lot more.
3. Vic Manuel, Alaska Aces
Manuel is averaging only 20 minutes with the Aces, and yet he is putting up 17.5 PPG and 8.5 RPG, shooting close to 60 percent from the field. He continues to become the Aces’ premier post option, and it showed against TNT where he compiled 22 points and 13 rebounds in only 21 minutes.
4. Greg Slaughter, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Barangay Ginebra’s switch to a triangle system has given Slaughter the benefit of getting more touches and becoming a premier offensive option. In his career, Slaughter is averaging only above 10 field goal attempts per game. In his first two outings, he had 19 FG-A per game. He is averaging 27.5 PPG and 21.5 RPG on a higher usage rate of 30 (compared to 23.2 and 21.1 in the past two seasons) and expect him to be a better big under Tim Cone.
5. Stanley Pringle, Globalport Batang Pier
The Batang Pier split their first two assignments against San Miguel and Star, and Pringle has been the most efficient player so far for coach Pido Jarencio. Pringle put up 21.5 PPG and 4 APG in the first two games, and what is even more impressive is his three-point shooting, which is at 57.1 percent.
Honorable mentions
James Yap, Star Hotshots
Like Slaughter, Yap playing under Jason Webb’s guard-driven system is getting him more leeway to take charge and get more touches. In his first three games, Yap is averaging a team-best 14.7 PPG on 15.7 field goal attempts per game. The only setback maybe him shooting just below 40 percent but expect him to fill the stat sheets now that he has more freedom.
Jayson Castro, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
The departure of Jimmy Alapag made it clear Jayson Castro is the Tropang Texters’ leader now, and best scoring guard. In his first two games which TNT split, Castro is averaging 23.5 PPG. He is hoisting 14.5 field goal attempts per match, slightly higher than his 2014-15 average of 13.9, and is shooting 51.7 percent from the field. In addition, he already got 17 free throw attempts in his first two games, getting to the basket several times to draw contact.
JR Quinahan, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
JR Quinahan shooting over Ronald Tubid
The Elasto Painters are 2-0 right now and Quinahan has been their best frontcourt player. Quinahan is averaging 15.5 PPG on over 10 shots per game and 6.5 RPG, having a more conscious effort to attack inside given the absence of Paul Lee — Rain or Shine’s best scorer.
