After three weeks of PBA action, which team are still winless? Yes, Blackwater is one. The other squad?
San Miguel Beermen.
Did that impact our Power Ranking? Let us see.
#12 Blackwater Elite
There is something wrong with the Elite. Out of their five losses, four were double-digit deficits. With only six games left, there is no way we can even hope for a turnaround.
#11 NLEX Road Warriors
What makes import conferences challenging for coaches, is the incorporation of the reinforcements. NLEX may have found a good one though in Arnett Moultrie who is producing 28.7 points, 17.0 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 5.3 assists in 50% shooting.
If he can keep that up and their team becomes more fluid and efficient, NLEX' performance should be better.
#10 Columbia Dyip
There 3-2 record is the current talk of the town. It is not as if they defeated their fellow weak teams. They handed the lone defeat of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. In that game, they showed a superb performance on the defensive end. They limited Rain or Shine to 96 points in 37% shooting.
If that defense sustains, Columbia may have a legit small chance of making noise in the playoffs.
#9 Phoenix Fuel Masters
Phoenix management and coaching staff should be having some hard discussions these days because James White and Matthew Wright are doing their part as the big 2 of this team. Their supporting cast needs to fill-up the gaps to win the close games that they will be having.
#8 Meralco Bolts
Even with their 3-1 record, it is still hard to trust the Bolts who is battling a lot of injury concerns. Although, that is also their biggest ceiling booster. What happens if Ranidel de Ocampo finally returns and play the entire conference? They will have a magnificent frontcourt that can withstand even the gigantic once.
#7 Globalport Batang Pier
Other than winning games, the main indicator of success for Globalport will be the performance of Moala Tautuaa. In their last two games, Moala delivered double-doubles. If he learns to fetch fouls inside, Moala's numbers will increase.
#6 Magnolia Hotshots
Here is a prediction that you can take into the bank. Magnolia will replace Vernon Macklin. New import will bring new hope but it will be a huge question in terms of their chemistry and scheme. Ian Sangalang's continues elite production will be a huge help in reaching the Finals again.
#5 Alaska Aces
Alaska is focusing on the offensive end. They averaged 111.5 points per game. I think the biggest change was brought by their import who is a deadshot shooter. He is knocking down 42% of his nine three-point attempts per game. That is a hell of a mark. His presence in the court will be enough equalizer against any gigantic team.
#4 Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel
I already made an article, saying Ginebra will likely fail this conference. I am not backing down from that stand but in terms of a ranking, Ginebra should not get lower than #4, for now. They do have a big surprise so far, Japeth Aguilar is their leading scorer, instead of their import.
#3 TNT Ka Tropa
TNT may have found a 6th man that can tilt any playoff series. That guy is Jayson Castro, who is having a magnificent conference. He is averaging 21.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 48% FG and 1.3 steals per game. Add the fact that Terrence Romeo is still struggling. So, TNT is not yet playing at its peak.
#2 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
I saw something last night. I saw a team capable of withstanding San Miguel. Rain or Shine do not have the star power that San Miguel have but in terms of aggregate skills, Rain or Shine have a legit depth. And Reggie Johnson? He is the strongest and biggest player in this conference. Want some evidence? Look at his 26.4 points, 17.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 54% FG per game.
#1 San Miguel Beermen
Don't look at the 0-2 record of the Beermen. Look at the 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists that Standhardinger recorded against Rain or Shine.
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