PBA Start Bench Cut: New International League players 2025 edition!

 


The PBA offseason has been a stark reminder of the league's place in the regional basketball landscape. With a growing number of talented players opting for opportunities overseas, fans are left to wonder about the "what ifs" and the futures of the stars who have left. In a difficult game of "Start, Bench, Cut," we pit three of the most recent departures against each other: Arvin Tolentino, Will Navarro, and Jamie Malonzo.

Here are the tough choices:

Start: Arvin Tolentino

This is a tough one, but the nod goes to "The Golden Boy." Tolentino's combination of shooting and defense at his size is simply unprecedented among these three. He is a certified scoring machine, a player who can single-handedly take over a game with his offensive repertoire. But what sets him apart is his versatility on both ends of the floor. He has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions, and his two-way impact is something that you simply cannot ignore. Tolentino is a rare commodity in the league, a proven veteran who is in the prime of his career. He is the complete package.

Bench: Jamie Malonzo

Malonzo gets the bench spot, but this is less of a knock and more of a testament to his immense potential. While he may not be as polished as Tolentino, I still believe he has the highest ceiling of these three. His athleticism and a knack for the highlight reel made him one of the most exciting players to watch. Malonzo has a two-way game that can be a game-changer on any given night. He has the potential to become a truly elite player, but he is still a few years away from reaching that peak. Placing him on the bench means that you have a player who can come in and immediately change the pace of the game and provide that spark that you need.

Cut: Will Navarro

This is the hardest choice of all, but the unfortunate nod goes to Will Navarro. He is a solid, versatile scorer with good size, and he can do so many things on the court. He is an all-around player who will do whatever his coach asks him to do. But in this group, he's the one who gets the cut. It’s a very, very close call, as all three players are undeniably talented and can impact any game they play in. But with the incredible skills of Tolentino and the sky-high potential of Malonzo, Navarro, for now, is the odd man out.

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