2018 PBA Most Improved Player

(c) PBA Media Bureau

The Most Improved Player award is always a hard one to decide. Most of the time the voters are blinded by the increased in the counting stats even though it was only due to the increased in playing time. 

Increased in counting stats is still a factor but I emphasized the improvement on effectiveness and efficiency.

So, who are the runner-ups?

RUNNER-UP

JOHN PINTO

Pinto legitimized himself as a starting caliber point guard this season. Last season, he averaged 6.5 points, 42.1% FG, 36.4% 3FG, 3.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 21.5 minutes of play. This 2018 Governors' Cup, he exploded to produced 11.6 points, 6.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 65% FG and 65% 3FG.

EARL SCOTTIE THOMPSON

Thompson has a good claim for the award. That's what you get if you rised in the biggest stage. The Pearl was the 2018 Commissioner's Cup Finals MVP where he manufactured 10.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

Last season, Thompson averaged 8.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 46.4% FG and 18.6% 3FG. This season, he manifested a better outside shot. He shot better than 27% in the three conferences with him peaking at 37% in the Philippine Cup. 

Other than his stats, just watching his defense made me feel that he was better this year. He was not making the rookie mistakes already and he has a good case to be one of the top 5 perimeter defenders in the league.

2018 MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

CHRIS BANCHERO

He is the King of Assists this season. He was the #1 in assists in the Governors' Cup and in the Commissioner's Cup. Do not forget that in these two conferences, foreign players were present. 

Overall, Banchero embraced the point guard position this season, after being a combo guard in his first few years. This season, he averaged more than 9 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal per game. 

Last season, he manufactured 8.8 points, 40% FG, 3.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 0.8 per game. What made his season more amazing was the lower turnover numbers. For him to lower his turnovers with more usage was one great evidence of his better play.

He also blossomed into the best player of the Alaska Aces, together with Vic Manuel. And with the help of Mike Harris, they led Alaska to the 2018 Governors' Cup Finals.