In the NBA, the league suddenly departed from a big 3 era into a town of big-time duos. Leading the league is of course Anthony Davis and Lebron James who are bound to lead the Lakers to a championship.
Now in the PBA, we are still in the era of teams having more than 3 legit stars. But let us have fun in ranking the big duos of every team that we will see in the PBA bubble.
#12 Blackwater - Mac Belo & Don Trollano
I am debating to put Maurice Shaw instead of Trollano but Maurice is so unproven compared to Don. This duo should be able to do well on both ends of the court but I do not think they have the firepower to lead a team to a championship.
#11 NLEX - Kiefer Ravena & Kevin Alas
Offensively, this duo could be top 6 but defensively, they will have a big problem. Kevin's defense was not already good entering the league and now with his plethora of injuries, I will be shocked if it is not a clear negative.
I do understand that you are expecting the Belga-Norwood duo for the Elasto Painters but in the last conference, Mocon and Nambatac are slowly getting more opportunity to lead the Painters. I cannot rank them that much higher because of their youth but I expect them to continue climbing this ranking.
#9 Alaska - Vic Manuel & Jeron Teng
I want to rank this duo higher because of their unique combination on offense. Manuel is arguably the best post scorer in the league. While Teng is easily one of the biggest play-creators. My problem with them is their inability to stretch the floor and their injury concern.
#8 Phoenix - Calvin Abueva & Matthew Wright
Skill-wise, this duo deserves to be higher but with the suspension of Calvin, it is hard to trust him to be on the right level, moving forward. Thus, I was forced to park them at #8 for now and see if The Beast is still a beast and hope for Wright to further improved.
#7 Terra Firma - CJ Perez & Roosevelt Adams
I expect Adams to be as impactful as a rookie as CJ Perez. Adams will be a different animal though because he is more of a sniper. Actually, that makes him a perfect partner to Perez! Although, we do need evidence before we unleash them in the upper echelon of this ranking.
#6 Magnolia - Paul Lee & Ian Sangalang
Offensively, Lee and Sangalang have the case to be the best in this list. The range of Lee is basically carrying the spacing of the Hotshots and the threat of Ian in the post is also doing wonders for their offense. Defense is my big problem with them because Lee is a weakness against speedy guards and super-athletic wings while Ian is not the strongest.
#5 Meralco - Chris Newsome & Raymond Almazan
In terms of scoring, Newsome and Almazan are not better than Lee and Sangalang but in all other aspects, they are on a higher level. Especially defensively, where Almazan's rim protection is elite. And in terms of making plays, Newsome is much better than Lee.
#4 San Miguel - Chris Ross & Moala Tautuaa
I think the top 4 is the clear cream of the crop of this list and I will not argue that much in any way you want to order them.
I will go with the Ross-Tautuaa combo at #4 because of the age of Ross and Tautuaa's unproven utility as a consistent playmaker. I considered Terrence Romeo over Ross but I think the difference between their offense and defense is wide enough in favor of Ross.
#3 TNT - RR Pogoy & Troy Rosario
I actually think Ray Parks is the most talented Ka Tropa but that has not been his role with TNT. Pogoy and Rosario will actually be the most important pieces for TNT in this tournament. Both of them are more of off-the-ball players but they are arguably the two best off-the-ball offensive players in the league, fueling the scoring skills of their teammates.
#2 Northport - Sean Anthony & Christian Standhardinger
I see Anthony and Standhardinger as two top 15 players. I also think that they are the most destructive duo in this list when they are in their zone. Anthony is an epitome of a do-it-all player who will provide what Christian needs to win games. Standhardinger will enter the PBA bubble as the best player in the league, which means they expect a lot from him.
#1 Ginebra - Stanley Pringle & Japeth Aguilar
This is the most complete duo on the list. I do not think they have a weakness at all on both ends. Defensively, Pringle is a versatile stopper. Aguilar is the awesome rim protector and guard-chaser in the perimeter.
Offensively, Pringle is the most complete offensive star in the league. He can shoot the lights out and used that to create for his teammates. Aguilar is the off-the-ball option that will get attention from the defense every time he moves.
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