(c) PBA Media Bureau
It was underwhelming that no team took advantage of the long break for the FIBA Qualifiers by making a big change on their rotations.
With only a few weeks to go, it is much clearer to me now, who are the real contenders and those who are only pretending.
#12 Blackwater Elite (#12 Last Week)
It is just unfortunate that the Elite will return back into rebuilding through the draft after forming a reliable team last season. Maybe, it is a good thing after all because Parks plus a top 5 pick in the loaded 2019 draft could be a much better duo than what they have in the past.
#11 NLEX Road Warriors (#9 Last Week)
I have the feeling that NLEX is tanking. It is just uncommon for coach Yeng to say that he is planning to make a roster-change and failed to fulfill it. They still have a chance of catching up one of the playoff seats but with what they currently have, is it worth it?
#10 Columbian Dyip (#11 Last Week)
With the current image of the franchise, they badly need to win games and show the viewing public that they are serious about competing. They are playing the right way and with a legit center who can hit three-pointers, making the playoffs is a real possibility.
#9 Meralco Bolts (#10 Last Week)
At 3-5, Meralco is still in danger of not making the playoffs. Their last three games will be against Rain or Shine, Alaska and Ginebra. They may need to win two of those three games to survive. Will you bet for them?
#8 Alaska Aces (#8 Last Week)
The combination of injury issues and their big hole inside has made me worry about how far can they go if they managed to get one of the tickets for the playoffs. Carl Bryan Cruz' shooting and versatility could be a difference maker for them. Although, it is still a big question if he can sustain his 41% mark from beyond the arc.
#7 North Port Batang Pier (#6 Last Week)
In terms of statistics, Northport has the most dominating trio. Stanley Pringle, Sean Anthony and Moala Tautuaa are three of the top 5 scorers in the league, today! And that was not enough because they only won two of their seven games.
#6 TNT Ka-Tropa (#4 Last Week)
At this point of the conference, wins and losses, matters. Their crazy emphasis on three-pointers has resulted in an acceptable 5-3 record but not good enough for them to maintain their spot on the top 5. RR Pogoy sustains his volume shooting and efficiency is finally catching up with him. If his efficiency continues to increase, TNT may have a reliable ace player in the playoffs.
#5 Magnolia Hotshots (#7 Last Week)
Magnolia managed to pull a crucial win against Alaska last Saturday. At 2-4, they are still hanging by the treads and may need to win three of their last five games. Sangalang is having an underrated do-it-all conference, manufacturing 16.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.2 blocks and 40% FG per game.
#4 Phoenix Fuel Masters (#5 Last Week)
Phoenix is playing a modern rotation, although they are not emphasizing three-point shots. If their big 3, Jason Perkins, Matthew Wright and Calvin Abueva, are playing together, it is the closest definition to positionless basketball. My biggest problem with them is the volume of three-pointers that they are attempting. They may need to boost that in the playoffs.
#3 Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (#3 Last Week)
I am not worried about the 4-3 record of Ginebra. Their close win against Phoenix though was an indicator that their roster is not really meshing that well. Without an elite glue-guy in Justin Brownlee, the misfits in their line-up are providing cracks on both ends of the court. Japeth Aguilar has been their most reliable guy on both ends of the court.
#2 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (#2 Last Week)
The beauty of Rain or Shine basketball is this, they do not need to rely on anyone to be good every game to win games. With good size, athletic wings, skilled guards and reliable defenders, the Elasto Painters can match-up with anyone. Kudos also to coach Caloy Garcia for improving his decision-making in terms of their rotation.
#1 San Miguel Beermen (#1 Last Week)
Thanks for his 40 points against Northport, we were reminded that June Mar Fajardo is still the most dominant force in the league and can carry his team against anybody. So, do we even have to conduct a playoff to determine the champion of this conference?
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