(c) PBA Media Bureau
The #1 league in the Philippines will resume tomorrow. Let us rank the teams, so far!I am ranking them through their viability as a contender for the crown.
#12 NLEX
The roster shake-up is already late to give them any hope to succeed in this conference.
#11 Mahindra
The decision to replace James White doomed them.
#10 Blackwater
The injuries to Denok Miranda and Mac Belo made it impossible for the Elite to end up in the top 8. That led them to give up the most points, per game.
#9 Phoenix
The Fuel Masters will not win the championship if they are the second least efficient beyond the three-point line. Especially if they are letting their opponent shoot 45.4% in the field.
#8 Globalport
Unlike NLEX, the new acquisitions of Batang Pier will surely aid the push of the neon army to the playoffs. Sean Anthony's plentiful ability solidify the team.
#7 Rain or Shine
Rain or Shine is bringing a smaller enforcer to replace Shawn Taggart. Duke Crews played for the violet and red in 2011-2012 and averaged 27 points and 15.4 rebounds. Unlike Ginebra, Rain or Shine doesn't have a bigman that can take on the imports for the entire game.
#6 Meralco
Meralco is playing like a well-oiled machine. They are the #1 team in the league, in terms of defense, and they combined that with the slowest pace. What makes Meralco a dark horse is the breakout of Baser Amer, who plays like an alpha.
#5 Ginebra
Justin Brownlee is doing pretty well in leading the most popular squad in the country. Unfortunately, I still don't think that a small import like him can lead Ginebra over huge teams like Star and San Miguel.
#4 Alaska
I am concerned with the defense of Alaska. Maybe the long playoff runs are already catching up with their local players? Calvin Abueva is also having an underwhelming season. Alaska better hope that Abueva's participation in SEABA will reignite him.
#3 Star
I always love the combination of a good three-point shooting and an elite defense. Star have that. Star is the second most efficient team from beyond the arc and they are giving up the second lowest points per game.
#2 TNT
The depth of TNT makes them a more valuable #2 than Star. The Fonacier-trade was a blow to their contendership for this conference but it was not enough to push them down to the #3. They showcased their depth in their huge win over San Miguel.
#1 San Miguel
The Beermen are at the top even though June Mar Fajardo is only making 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. On the other hand, Marcio Lassiter is lock and reloaded with his 15.7 points in 51.1% shooting from beyond the arc.
#5 Ginebra
Justin Brownlee is doing pretty well in leading the most popular squad in the country. Unfortunately, I still don't think that a small import like him can lead Ginebra over huge teams like Star and San Miguel.
#4 Alaska
I am concerned with the defense of Alaska. Maybe the long playoff runs are already catching up with their local players? Calvin Abueva is also having an underwhelming season. Alaska better hope that Abueva's participation in SEABA will reignite him.
#3 Star
I always love the combination of a good three-point shooting and an elite defense. Star have that. Star is the second most efficient team from beyond the arc and they are giving up the second lowest points per game.
#2 TNT
The depth of TNT makes them a more valuable #2 than Star. The Fonacier-trade was a blow to their contendership for this conference but it was not enough to push them down to the #3. They showcased their depth in their huge win over San Miguel.
#1 San Miguel
The Beermen are at the top even though June Mar Fajardo is only making 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. On the other hand, Marcio Lassiter is lock and reloaded with his 15.7 points in 51.1% shooting from beyond the arc.
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