This initial ranking of import is really hard. Choosing who are the top dogs is harder without Brownlee and RHJ to lead the boat.
13. Riley Grigsby (Brgy Ginebra San Miguel)
As a replacement import, Riley Grigsby faces the inherently difficult task of immediately adapting to Tim Cone's intricate triangle offense. He has the size and skill versatility to play both forward spots, which is a significant asset for Ginebra's fluid half-court system. However, his relative youth, not impressive production and lack of preparation time might lead to some early growing pains and rotational adjustments.
12. Justin Strings (Terrafirma Dyip)
Justin Strings is exactly the type of bruiser that Terrafirma desperately needs to anchor their frontcourt and establish a legitimate inside presence. He has already made an immediate impact, debuting with a monster 25-point, 16-rebound performance that helped secure a win for the Dyip. Unfortunately, Strings has been inefficient in his first two games with Terrafirma.
11. James Milton (Titan Ultra Giant Risers)
Brought in to reinforce the newly formed Titan Ultra squad, the 34-year-old veteran provides much-needed physical bulk and interior toughness. While his extensive experience is a positive, keeping up with the blazing, guard-heavy pace of modern Asian basketball could be quite challenging. He will need to rely heavily on excellent positioning and basketball IQ rather than sheer end-to-end athleticism. Unfortunately, he missed their first two games and I took that as a negative against him.
10. De'vondre Perry (Macau Giant Pandas)
Coming in as a quick replacement, De'vondre Perry brings strong two-way capabilities and necessary athleticism to the wing position. He can capably defend multiple positions and attack the basket aggressively in transition play. His ranking is slightly lower simply because stepping into a roster mid-stream always presents immediate chemistry and schematic integration hurdles.
9. KJ Buffen (Magnolia Hotshots)
Foul trouble was his issue in his first game in the PBA. Although, his numbers in Indonesia, a lower-level league compared to the PBA, is an indication that he may not be a top 5 import in this tournament. Unless, he can truly become a consistent playmaker for his teammates.
8. George King (San Miguel Beermen)
George King can easily rise in this ranking if he shows that he can mesh well with the loaded crew of the Beermen or if his defense is better than in the past. Overall, his jump shooting talent is never in question but is his style really helpful in winning games.
7. Dequan Jones (NLEX Road Warriors)
His team is 2-0 with him leading them in scoring. That is a good sign that he is a good import but with what I saw, he is really focus on padding up his scoring output. The other parts of his game is not yet a source of highlight.
6. Jordon Varnado (Meralco Bolts)
Bringing back Jordon Varnado is a brilliant, low-risk move for the Bolts after his highly impressive stint with them during the BCL Asia tournament. His existing chemistry with the local core and his versatile two-way play seamlessly resolve the team's previous import struggles. He provides consistent perimeter scoring and a high basketball IQ without requiring a steep adjustment period .
5. Aaron Fuller (Rain or Shine Elastopainters)
Let us agree that Fuller is a boring choice of an import. Fortunately, it is boring because he is a consistent provider of high level production. He just mastered to play inside which is not usual for foreign players at his height.
4. Kentrell Barkley (Blackwater Bossing)
Even though it was only a single game, I saw enough to believe that Barkley will be one of the most skilled reinforcer in this tournament. He can really create shots for himself and others and that could be what the Blackwater needs to breakout in the PBA.
3. BJ Johnson (Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters)
He has 4 seasons of 115 games in total in the NBA G League and he ended up producing 19.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 40% 3FG per game. He may not create much for his teammates but he is truly a deadly sniping gunner, he will be a perfect guy for the scheme of Phoenix.
2. Jalen Hudson (Converge FiberXers)
Jalen Hudson is a highly proven PBA commodity, having previously averaged nearly 34 points per game for TNT before a mid-conference switch . His explosive three-level scoring ability and familiarity with the league's physicality make him an elite top-tier threat. He has already validated his high ranking by leading Converge to a strong, high-scoring start in this current Governors' Cup.
1. Darius Days (TNT Tropang 5G)
Darius Days carries strong NBA G-League credentials and a heavy 245-pound frame that will make him a massive matchup nightmare. He possesses a modern skill set, combining brute strength in the paint with the ability to stretch the floor from beyond the arc. If he can quickly internalize the Tropang Giga's offensive spacing, he will easily overpower smaller defenders.
Related Article: PBA Power Ranking: Top 5 Breakout candidate of the 2026 Gov. Cup!
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