(c) PBA Media Bureau
Surprisingly, Phoenix and Blackwater managed to remain at the top with a quarter to go in the elimination round of the 2018 Governors Cup.
On the other hand, San Miguel remains at the bottom of the 8 teams that will march into the playoffs. Even the perennial contender, Rain or Shine, is still winless.
Do not believe the standings though. Here is the updated championship power ranking.
#12 Columbian Dyip (Last Rank = #12)
Let us hope and pray that they will not trade the 1st pick of the upcoming draft. This team badly needs a star player to pair with Jerramy King and Rashawn McCarthy.
#11 Northport Batang Pier (Last Rank = #11)
The hole that they are in right now is just too much to climb for them already. To have a chance for one of the playoff spots, they need to win their last four games and that will be hard for them to accomplish.
#10 Meralco Bolts (Last Rank = #10)
Meralco management knows their current stand in the 2018 draft. They should know that the sudden success of Blackwater and Phoenix has helped their cause. Sacrifice is the name of the game.
#9 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (Last Rank = #7)
Rain or Shine is on the spotlight with their problem with Raymond Almazan. Their second import is turning out to be a bust. They still have seven games though, to correct their path and I am not hopeful.
#8 NLEX Road Warriors (Last Rank = #9)
NLEX is playing well but without a star player, it is hard to trust them going deep into the playoffs. One thing that is impressive is their 2nd best 2FG%. If they can sustain it, they can make a surprise in the playoffs.
#7 Blackwater Elite (Last Rank = #8)
The Elite are fighting for one of the twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals. They are currently the 3rd most efficient team from beyond the arc and they will really need 3 points shooting in the playoffs.
#6 Magnolia Hotshots (Last Rank = #4)
Magnolia is falling into the trap of winning elimination round games and not addressing their import situation. I think Travis is awesome on defense and hustling but in terms of scoring, he could be a big problem.
#5 Phoenix Fuel Masters (Last Rank = #6)
As of today, I see Phoenix as a better contender than Magnolia. Why? Because they have an import who can explode for 51 points and 20 rebounds. If Eugene Phelps is in the mood. He can carry Phoenix to a W against any team.
#4 San Miguel Beermen (Last Rank = #2)
San Miguel will continue to believe that they have the right import archetype. Kevin Murphy is a monster, especially in scoring. But, is he maximizing the Beermen? Even the return of Fajardo may not be enough, especially if they end up with the #8 seed.
#3 TNT Ka Tropa (Last Rank = #5)
I am an analytics guy. The numbers say that three-point shot is the best shot in basketball. TNT has been crazy about it and I believe they are doing it right. They attempted more 3s than 2s in their first two games with the new coaching staff, for a total of 96 long bomb attempts.
#2 Alaska Aces (Last Rank = #3)
I trust their backcourt and their import. Their backcourt of Simon Enciso and Chris Banchero could be the best in this conference. And Mike Harris' improvement is steady and currently averages 26.7 points, 19.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 53% FG and 33% 3FG per game.
#1 Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (Last Rank = #1)
Ginebra managed to be at the top of the standings even with a plethora of injuries. Now that the unhealthy players are returning, who else can stop them?
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