Now that all teams have played in the PBA bubble, I have an initial view of all the credible MVP candidates for this single-tournament season.
So, who are the ten best candidates? Here is the list.
#10 ALA - Jeron Teng
Teng is still not attempting that many three-pointers but he did sink three long-balls. If he can at least be efficient, it should give him added spaced to operate. Although, I am hoping that coach Jeff Cariaso will actually help him by increasing his playing time.
#9 BGSM - Scottie Thompson
Stanley Pringle is the better player but the fans and the media are more connected to Scottie. So, if Scottie managed a much-improved tournament and Ginebra at least reached the finals, Thompson will surely be a contender for the MVP.
#8 DYIP - CJ Perez
If Columbian will be having a surprise run to the semifinals, CJ will surely have a good case for the MVP. I expect his numbers to be similar to his rookie year because if he can still increase it by so much, the MVP will be hard to take from him.
#7 PHX - Matthew Wright
Easily my #1 dark horse. He was explosive in their first game, finishing with 36 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and four three-pointers made. He seems sharper and looks more motivated than before. I expect him to continue piling up stats as they await the return of Calvin Abueva.
#6 MAG - Ian Sangalang
The #1 representative of Magnolia will be Ian. With Greg and Junemar out of the bubble, that is two-less giants that Ian will be competing against. Also, I expect Ian to continue improving. So, I expect his numbers to increase.
#5 TNT - RR Pogoy
After two games, RR is averaging 28 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.5 steals, 1 block and 6.5 three-pointers per game. With a very loaded line-up, it will be hard for RR to maintain those numbers. But, if they keep winning and his rebounds, steals and three-point shooting remain steady, that is a good foundation for his candidacy.
#4 SMB - Moala Tautuaa
Tautuaa played 80 minutes in their first two games. It indicates that he is really taking over the minutes of June Mar Fajardo. His production is different from Fajardo but I think, it was still pretty clear that he the most important player in San Miguel. So, a deep run by SMB in the playoffs will fuel his contention.
#3 TNT - Ray Parks
This guy is in a mission and he delivered in his first game, putting up 40 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block and 72% FG. That 72% will be downplayed but if you witnessed the game, you will surely conclude that Parks look like an import in that match.
#2 BGSM - Stanley Pringle
His first game this season was not that impressive but there is a good chance that Stanley will be having a much better season this year because of the added spacing that Prince Caperal will provide, compared to Greg Slaughter.
#1 NOR - Christian Standhardinger
Even though his team lost in their debut, Christian was still amazing with his 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Northport runs their offense through him and he was able to show that he can do whatever he wanted against the Blackwater Elite.
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