After more than a week of action, there will be big changes in this ranking. At the top of our standings are Ginebra and TNT. Both are juggernauts offensive teams. Will this be the theme of this tournament?
Are those two teams still at the top?
#12 NLEX (#10 Previously)
NLEX is at the place in the standings where they are supposed to be after giving up their star starting center in JP Erram. Raul Soyud, Mike Ayonayon and all of the interesting players of NLEX are not out playing our expectations.
#11 Blackwater (#12 Previously)
Blackwater was a surprised 2-1 in our first nine days of action but that is not yet enough for me to push them higher because I still cannot see any All-Star caliber player in their team. Can coach Nash Racela sustain his magic? We will see.
#10 Terra Firma (#8 Previously)
Is Roosevelt Adams a bust? That is currently the main talking point for the green franchise. With what I saw in their first three games, I think it is more of playing out of position. He is currently suited as a power forward instead of playing as a wingman.
#9 Phoenix (#11 Previously)
I am really impressed with the chemistry of this team. The core of Jason Perkins - Matthew Wright - Justin Chua has been playing for a while and it is obvious in the way they play. Coach Topex Robinson is also meeting the hype as a debutant tactician in the PBA.
#8 San Miguel (#6 Previously)
With Terrence Romeo out of the bubble, San Miguel is now missing three key players. At this point, I will not be shocked if the overall plan in this tournament is not directed to the 2020 championship anymore but for a possible grand slam in the near future.
#7 Alaska (#9 Previously)
I am intrigued by the offensive system that coach Jeff Cariaso is employing for the Aces. But it is not helping that they do not have any spacing at all, averaging the least number of three-point attempts. Actually, TNT is averaging 13.5 makes per game, just 3.2 away from the average attempts of Alaska!
#6 Northport (#4 Previously)
Why is a 0-3 team still at the upper half of this ranking? Because they have the best player in this tournament. Although, Standhardinger is not yet at his top form, just shooting 43% in the field. I expect his 21.7 points per game to even increase once his efficiency returns.
#5 Meralco (#5 Previously)
Even though they are at the bottom half of the standings, I think Meralco is a dangerous late tournament streaky team because Almazan is still on his way to 100% health. Chris Newsome is the guy that is struggling the most with his 9.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 39% FG per game.
#4 Magnolia (#7 Previously)
Another team at the bottom half of our standings is inside our top 5 as Magnolia struggles on both sides of the court. The reason why I am moving them up is their rookie Aris Dionisio who is averaging 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 40% 3FG and 50% FG per game. I think, he can be a good replacement for Marc Pingris.
#3 Rain or Shine (#3 Previously)
Yes! Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon have taken over! Although, Nambatac is not really producing unbelievable numbers. He is there though when they need someone to make game-winning plays. With a legit close in their team, Rain or Shine could have all the ingredients to have a good playoff run.
#2 Ginebra (#2 Previously)
Even though Ginebra and TNT are both undefeated teams, I think there is a good amount of difference between the team. The guy that could make them closer is Japeth Aguilar if he can show that he is 100% the same guy and that he is a good partner to Caperal.
#1 TNT (#1 Previously)
They are playing at a different level right now. Their early bubble training is paying-off as their play-calling is crisp and effective. And at this point, just thinking of a defensive plan in stopping the five of Ray Parks - Jayson Castro - RR Pogoy - Troy Rosario - JP Erram from carrying this team to 110 and more points is an exhausting exercise.
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