(c) PBA Media Bureau
It is not the famous combo of Terrence Romeo and Jayson Castro of TNT. It is not even the perennial championship players Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot. Even the popular guards of Ginebra, Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio, are not capable of reaching the current level of production of Simon Enciso and Chris Banchero.
Alaska has a knack for pushing their players to play out of their mind. Last Commissioner's Cup, Vic Manuel manufactured 24.2 points in 22 minutes.
In this conference, Chris Banchero and Simon Enciso just created a destructive harmony that can unchain the depth and firepower of the other franchises.
SIMON ENCISO
Simon is currently averaging the most three-point attempts in the tournament. He is trying 10.3 per game. Out of that, he is making 5.3 per game. In short, his efficiency right now is at 52%.
There is no way he is going to maintain that level of outside shooting. If someone will be able to hit more than four long bombs per game, with at least 45% efficiency in the entirety of the elimination round, he will be on the BPC conversation.
Overall, Enciso is manufacturing 19.7 points, 2.3 assists and 55% FG per game. He is basically the embodiment of the perfect pure-shooting guard in this modern era.
His effect on the floor is hard to see on the boxscore, but easy to see in the wins and losses. I expect Simon to keep sniping and if he keeps hitting it, Alaska will be having a fun ride this conference.
CHRIS BANCHERO
Chris has embraced the point guard position. He has supplanted Jayvee Casio as the #1 quarterback of Alaska Aces. And the guy is showing why.
In their first three games, Chris averaged 9.3 assists per game, with 28.1 minutes of playing time. If he can maintain that, he will end up averaging 2.8 more than the #1 average dimes in the Commissioner's Cup.
And who was that #1 guy in the previous conference? It was no other than Chris Banchero. Chris has been aggressive in making plays for his teammates. He is also a pretty accurate passer, providing the right pass most of the time.
Other than his passing, he is also producing on other areas. Overall, he is manufacturing 15.7 points, 9.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 48% FG per game.
He is an all-around point guard. His defense is above average with his instinct, speed and strength.
OVERALL
Banchero's all-around ability plus the elite three-point accuracy of Enciso creates a backcourt that can take advantage of any backcourt. Offensively, even two elite defenders will have a hard time stopping them from running their sets.
This will simply look like an introduction if Banchero and Enciso can maintain their current play. What they are doing now is an evidence of the ability of the coaching staff and management of Alaska.
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