2019 PBA Gov. Cup Imports (Grades!): Magnolia, NLEX, Blackwater

(c) PBA Media Bureau

After an exciting 2019 Commissioner's Cup, the hype for the last conference of the season is as good as ever. Of course, the quality of the imports is very important in maintaining the boost that the PBA got from last conference.

We have a lot of returning imports. So let us check three of them in this article!

Magnolia - Romeo Travis
This is an easy decision for the defending champion of the last conference. Travis was their import when they made a surprised run for the title last year. During that conference, Travis manufactured 22.7 points, 15.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.0 block, 45% FG and 21% 3FG per game.

I am not the biggest fan of Travis because he is not a consistent shooter but he showed last year that he is the perfect piece to complete the defensive puzzle of Magnolia. Magnolia did not change their roster that much. So, I expect another topnotch defensive conference for this blue squad.
Grade: A

NLEX - Olu Ashaolu
Olu was given three games last year to show that he is the right import for the Road Warriors. He exceeded expectation as he erupted for 27.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 55% FG and 43% 3FG per game.

NLEX need a scorer, so it was just right to get the services of Ashaolu who played three games this Commissioner's Cup and ended up averaging 24.7 points. Although, he may not be a big help on the defensive end.
Grade: B

Blackwater - Aaron Fuller
Here is another former NLEX import who will be with his second team in the PBA. Fuller was the best scorer in the last edition of the Governors' Cup, producing 31.9 points in 53% FG per game. He is not a versatile scorer but more of a magnificent post scorer. 

That should bode well for Blackwater who has several dynamic guard and wing playmakers that will play around him. Although, I am a little bit concerned that Blackwater did not copy their successful formula last conference of having a hardworking, defensive import in the middle.
Grade: B


Comments