In basketball, players who start are always on the limelight and receive all the praises. Players who are playing off-the-bench are usually undervalued.
But in reality, some of them are as important as their starters. Actually, a few are even more vital than those who are receiving 30+ minutes a game.
So, let me introduce to you the Most Valuable Role Player of each team!
Alaska Aces - Jake Pascual
There is nothing special about Pascual. But, the guy is reliable. With the injury concern of the frontline of the Aces, having Pascual is a very good insurance. With high motor, very good athleticism and some nice post moves, he can go toe-to-toe with any frontliner.
Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel - Sol Mercado
Mercado has proven himself as the ultimate role player. He was used by coach Tim as Allen Durnham's defender in the Governors' Cup Finals. He embraced the role of a stopper that coach Tim calls out if the team need to shutdown somebody. And don't forget about his playmaking and scoring credentials.
Blackwater Elite - Mike Cortez
Having a veteran with the caliber and experience of a Mike Cortez is a huge gift for the young core of the Elite. DiGregorio and Pinto are credible players but they are not still capable of juicing out production like a Cool Cat can.
Globalport Batang Pier - Joseph Gabayni
Height is might. Add some skills, effort and strength and you become valuable. That is Joseph Gabayni to Batang Pier. With the rampaging size of some teams, having a big that they can throw to battle-back is a game-changer.
Kia Picanto - Jon Gabriel
He was finally given a chance and he delivered. In their lopsided loss against Meralco, he produced 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. The most exciting thing about it was his one three-points conversion. If he can be a reliable stretch-big, he could be the key into turning Kia into Unconventional.
Magnolia Hotshots - Marc Pingris
Even with the wear and tear in his body, Pinoy Sakuragi remains to be one of the most versatile defender in the league. That helps coach Chito Victolero in joggling his rotation. Of course his energy is still as magnetic as before.
Meralco Bolts - Reynel Hugnatan
Reynel is having a good fight with father time. 7.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 19.8 minutes of play is still solid. Add the fact that he is shooting 43% from beyond and arc and you have a game-changing off-the-bench player. He was able to show that in the 2017 Governors Cup Finals when he fill the void of a Ranidel de Ocampo.
NLEX Fuel Masters - Asi Taulava
I see NLEX as a dark horse in this conference. One of the reason is Asi Taulava. The Rock is not getting 20+ minutes already, but if they reached the playoffs, coach Yeng may need to push him beyond that. His size and experience could be vital in a playoff series.
Phoenix Fuel Masters - Willy Wilson
Wilson has always defied the odds. Even with size disadvantage, his vision, ball handling, playmaking and defense have made him a pretty special off-the-bench baller. They can turn him into a small-ball five, point forward or off-ball playmaker.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters - Ed Daquioag
Ed is slowly finding himself in the league. He is one of the most explosive player in the PBA, so he can really be a force on both ends of the court. His best attribute as a bench player is his positional flexibility. He can play PG, SG or SF, depending on what his team needs.
San Miguel Beermen - Brian Heruela
Don't sleep on his dude. He is a starting caliber player, playing on the deepest team in the league. Playing in limited minutes, he has learned to put emphasis on his defense. If coach Leo needs a guard who can defend strong players, Heruela is his guy.
TNT Ka-Tropa - Moala Tautuaa
Tautuaa remains to be one of the unearthed gems in the league. Troy Rosario has outplayed him but the fact remains that his upside is higher than Troy. Moala is a match-up nightmare because of his size and athleticism. Moala has the tools to dominate any bench frontline in the league, he just need some trust.
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