2019 Phil. Cup: These players' playing time should go down!

(c) PBA Media Bureau

Even though we only have a short offseason, it was amazing to see major differences from the schemes and rotations of each team. 

The biggest factor was the rookies but teams are also adjusting with their new acquisitions and improvements of their players.

Now that we will be entering the middle of the elimination round, adjustments in their system and in their rotation will be crucial.

So, I went and scrutinize the numbers and the film to see the players that should receive lesser playing time, moving forward.

Ian Sangalang

This is not about his performance but more about the long-term outlook of the team. In their first game of the season against TNT, he played the most minutes for his team at 39. 

He did do well with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks but knowing that this is only the elimination round, they do need to check what they got with their other young bigs in the rotation.

Robbie Herndon can play the 4 and do well. I think coach Chito Victolero should try to examine that line-up more. That could be a weapon in the playoffs. 

By playing him less, the wear and tear on Ian's body will also go down. Remember that Ian is not the healthiest big out there.

Ronald Tubid

Tubid's defense is still good but I do not think that is enough reason to give him 11 minutes per game. Those minutes could be better utilized by Christian Standhardinger and Von Pessumal.

Although outside shooting is a premium skill today, that doesn't mean that it is the only weapon to win games. San Miguel better utilizes the elimination round in trying to find a winning strategy if Christian and June Mar are on the floor.

Von Pessumal had been lights out this season. He deserves to get as much opportunity as possible.

Don Trollano

The hustle and the activity of Don inside the court easily persuade coaches in keeping him in the court. But in terms of his fit with what TNT wants to do, it is not a perfect one.

He is averaging 24.1 minutes and shooting 31% from the field and 30% from beyond the arc. TNT's offense is predicated on three-point shooting so some of those minutes could be more productive if given to Ryan Reyes and Anthony Semerad. 

Beau Belga

Belga is playing well and one of the reasons why Rain or Shine is having a great start this conference. In 25.2 minutes per game, he is averaging 8.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 38% FG. 

Other than his efficiency everything has been good. Although his presence is also blocking Norbert Torres from realizing his full potential. 

I have been patiently waiting for Torres to find his groove and it seems like this will finally be his season. He is averaging 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 50% FG and 18.6 minutes per game.