(c) PBA Media Bureau
We are down to the last week of the elimination round. TNT and Northport have locked their top 2 spots. While 9 teams are still competing for the last six spots. So, how should we rank the teams according to their ability to win the championship?
Let us see.
NOT RANKED - NLEX Road Warriors
- They are already eliminated.
#11 Columbian Dyip (Last Ranking, #12)
The Columbian franchise is again on its way to a top 2 pick for the upcoming 2019 PBA draft. They are not yet totally eliminated but I am willing to bet that they will not win their last game against Ginebra.
#10 Meralco Bolts (Last Ranking, #8)
The departure of Gani Lawal ended the contention bid of the Bolts franchise. One of the most important thing that they should take note from this conference was their bad three-point shooting. They are the second worst in terms of three-pointer makes.
#9 Alaska Aces (Last Ranking, #10)
Diamond Simpson is starting to get his grooving in this conference. Although, he has not delivered a win to Alaska. Nonetheless, his 22 points, 22 rebounds and 4 assists per game average should be a good foundation if they want to snatch one of the last playoff spots.
#8 Phoenix Fuel Masters (Last Ranking, #9)
Phoenix should realize by now how big is the role of Calvin Abueva in their success. They are now on the verge of missing the playoffs. No other locals, other than Matthew Wright, have step-up after the suspension of Calvin Abueva. Maybe, Rey Guevarra is the guy?
#7 Blackwater Elite (Last Ranking, #7)
The Elite will try to make sure that their upcoming playoff appearance will not be short-lived. One thing that they can bank on is their three-point shooting. They are fourth in terms of three-point makes per game and tied for first in terms of efficiency.
#6 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (Last Ranking, #5)
The injury of Denzel Bowles is a huge blow to the championship bid of the Elasto Painters. Fortunately, they may have found a perfect replacement in Carl Montgomery. He delivered 20 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks and 2 three-pointers in his debut. His ability to make threes will be the key for the Elasto Painters to play smoothly.
#5 Magnolia Hotshots (Last Ranking, #6)
After their five-game winning streak, Magnolia fell to a three-game slide. Now, there is a good chance that they will end up with the twice-to-beat disadvantage. One guy that they are missing a lot is Rafi Reavis. Without him, they do not have a bigman who can protect the rim.
#4 Northport Batang Pier (Last Ranking, #4)
It still amazes me that they managed to be one of the top 2 teams even after dealing Stanley Pringle. That deal brought them a younger potential star in Kevin Ferrer. He is currently averaging 20.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 43% FG and 43% 3FG per game. Three games are not enough to conclude that he is a legit young stud but all the indicators are pointing to that.
#3 San Miguel Beermen (Last Ranking, #2)
Why am I sliding the Beermen when they just replaced Charles Rhodes with a better fit in Chris McCullough? I am very worried about his style. They are basically winning by overwhelming their opponents with their talent level but in terms of scheme and execution, I do not think they are that good.
#2 Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (Last Ranking, #3)
Stanley Pringle is slowly finding his best role in Brgy. Ginebra. He is currently averaging 17.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals, 49% FG and 33% 3FG per game in Ginebra. He should continue to mix playmaking, scoring and defense because that is what BGSM needs.
#1 TNT Ka Tropa (Last Ranking, #1)
Even with the arrival of Chris McCullough and the sustained supremacy of Justin Brownlee, there is still no doubt in my minds that Terrence Jones is the best and most impactful import in this conference. With his presence, they are finally living up to the hype of their three-point crazy scheme with 14.3 makes per game, #1 in the league.
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