(c) PBA Media Bureau
It seems like PBA has saved the best for last. Two young squads burned some of the perennial contenders, pushing themselves into the conversation.
We also have struggling teams that we are anticipating to bounce back. Ginebra is still at the top. So, which teams are the favorites? Let us rank them.
#12 Columbian Dyip
Dyip is not actually the worst shooting team in the league with their 41% clip. They are also the 11th place in terms of assists and 6th in terms of 3FG%. In short, they are not playing to lose but the talent level is just huge.
#11 Northport Batang Pier
The injuries and the appearance of Stanley Pringle in the national team were big negatives against Batang Pier. They are the 4th worst scoring squad in this conference and the worst rebounding team. It is hard to see them climb back from their 0-5 record.
#10 Meralco Bolts
Maybe it is still early to give up on the Bolts but their appearance in the upcoming FIBA Asian Champions Cup could be the final nail in the coffin for them. The fact that they will use another import will not help their chemistry.
#9 NLEX Road Warriors
The 3-2 start of NLEX is encouraging but they still lack the talent to win four games against the elite teams. The presence of the most dominant import will help, as Fuller produced 33.5 points, 18.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 51% FG per game.
#8 Blackwater Elite
Why is Blackwater undefeated? Their talent level had been underrated but they actually have a good squad with enough depth in each position. We can also call them lucky because they battled a struggling TNT, an injured Ginebra and destabilize Northport.
#7 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
The talent level of the import is vital in the Governors' Cup. I do not think J'nathan Bullock is enough to go deep into the playoffs. In their recent game, he only accumulated 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
#6 Phoenix Fuel Masters
I think Phoenix has all the ingredients to go deep into the playoffs. I mean, they can reach the Finals if they have a favorable road in the playoffs. They have an elite import in Phelps, reliable playmakers in Wright and Abueva, versatile defenders and depth.
#5 TNT Ka Tropa
TNT is just over Phoenix because of their firepower. It seems like they are going full-modern in their scheme as they attempted 49 long-bombs, which is more than their two-points attempts of 42. I am all in for this scheme so let us see how it works.
#4 Magnolia Hotshots
I think Romeo Travis is underrated but the guy is only shooting 35% in the field and the 14% from beyond the arc. And the way I saw him shoot, I don't think those numbers were only aberrations. If their locals will not be efficient, Hotshots may have a hard time in the playoffs.
#3 Alaska Aces
Alaska is as stable as ever. They are playing consistent in defense and they are fluid on offense. They are the 2nd best team in terms of assists and turnover. I think the most encouraging sign for them is their starting backcourt of Chris Banchero and Simon Enciso. They are currently elite in their roles which makes the Aces elite, too.
#2 San Miguel Beermen
So what if they are on a two games losing streak? They still have the deepest and most talented team in the league. June Mar Fajardo will still be back and any team will still need to beat them more than two times in the semis and finals.
#1 Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel
Coach Tim Cone is really the best coach in the league. He has built a team that can withstand several injuries to their core players and defeats the Beermen. Scottie Thompson is slowly turning into the face of the league.
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