If you cannot win the Most Valuable Player award, I think the next best thing is to get the Most Improved Player award. It basically rewards the hard-work of the player during the offseason and also during the season.
So, who has the biggest leap this season?
Here are the candidates.
BASER AMER
2016 Season: 6.1 PTS | 37.5% FG | 28.2% 3FG | 1.6 REBS | 2.0 ASTS | 1.3 TOs | 19.5 MINS2017 Season: 11.8 PTS | 44.8% FG | 39.3% 3FG | 3.8 REBS | 3.2 ASTS | 1.6 TOs | 28.4 MINS
In his rookie season, the Orange Nation almost vomited him. They were very disappointed of his play and his inconsistency. Just a year later, he is already the driver of the team. He raised his production in every facet.
His efficiency was much better and he handled the offense, way better than last year. The better measure of his current production is his per 36 minutes of 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
From a dispensable point guard into a legit starting point guard. That turnaround makes Amer the favorite.
RAYMOND ALMAZAN
2016 Season: 7.5 PTS | 48.9% FG | 18.2% 3FG | 6.4 REBS | 17.2 MINS2017 Season: 10.9 PTS | 60.2% FG | 41.2% 3FG | 7.3 REBS | 19.4 MINS
Rain or Shine is on a transition from the Yeng Guiao era. Fortunately for them, the Rise of the Dark Knight is upon us. The increased in efficiency should scare the league because we are talking about a 6'7 athletic guy, here.
Looking much deeper, his Philippine Cup production should be a better indicator of his future. He erupted for 13.0 points and 11.6 rebounds in 23.2 minutes of play. He was one of the three players who averaged double-double in that conference.
If you equate that to 36 minutes of play, you will get 20.2 points and 18.0 rebounds. Add to the fact that he shot 69.2% from the field and you now have a legit MIP contender.
SCOTTIE THOMPSON
2016 Season: 4.7 PTS | 39.1% FG | 28.0% 3FG | 4.6 REBS | 2.7 ASTS | 1.6 TOs | 18.4 MINS2017 Season: 8.1 PTS | 46.4% FG | 18.6% 3FG | 8.0 REBS | 5.5 ASTS | 2.0 TOs | 29.9 MINS
You may hate Ginebra but I am pretty sure a lot of you is having a hard time hating Scottie Thompson. The guy is a work horse. From defense, cutting and rebounding, he is always looking for a way to make an impact.
And of course, he is most impactful on cleaning up the glass. But, if you really zoom in to his advance stats, you will be more amazed. His Offensive Rating is 107.1. It simply means that his team scores 107.1 points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor. On the defensive end, they limit their opponent to 93.6 points.
Meaning, they are +13.5 points better with him on the court. In simple words, they are outscoring their opponent by 13.5 points if he is on the court!
To make it mind-blowing for you, that +13.5 is way better than the +6.2 of LA Tenorio and +11.5 of Greg Slaughter!
CHRIS NEWSOME
2016 Season: 11.9 PTS | 46.7% FG | 26.4% 3FG | 5.3 REBS | 4.4 ASTS | 1.2 STLS | 29.6 MINS2017 Season: 14.5 PTS | 47.6% FG | 31.6% 3FG | 6.5 REBS | 5.0 ASTS | 1.3 STLS | 34.7 MINS
I think, the hardest roadblock for Newsome is the fact that he already played well in his rookie season. That should not dragged-down the fact that his numbers improved in each area. Just like Scottie, he fills up the stat-sheet. The biggest difference is, Newsome is one of the focal points of their offense.
What I like about Newsome is his consistency. In the three conferences this season, his lowest outputs were 13.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 43.3% FG and 19.2% 3FG.
In the entire PBA, he is the only guy who average double-digit points with 5 or more rebounds and assists. Actually, Thompson is the only other guy who averaged 5 or more rebounds and assists.
SO, WHO SHOULD BE THE 2017 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER?
SO, WHO SHOULD BE THE 2017 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER?
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