Author: Shaik Jacamile
The PBA’s latest season has continued to surprise viewers, with new players stepping up and making a name for themselves. From Rookie of the Year contenders to players quietly posting impressive stats, here’s a closer look at the young talents with great potential to shape the league’s future.
1. Stephen Holt
- Team: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
- Position: Guard
- Background: Stephen Jeffrey Carino Holt is an American-Filipino professional basketball player for Barangay Ginebra. The 6’4″ guard played college basketball at Saint Mary’s College of California and was later selected first overall in the PBA Season 48 draft by Terrafirma Dyip. In July 2024, he was traded to Barangay Ginebra.
- Statistical Performance: Holt quickly proved himself a front-runner for Rookie of the Year with his impressive stats, averaging 17.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
- Role in Team: As a floor general, Holt helps orchestrate the offense while delivering crucial defensive stops. His G League experience has significantly contributed to his success in the PBA.
- Key Moments: One of Holt’s standout moments was his 26-point game against the NLEX Road Warriors, where he led Barangay Ginebra to victory with 11 rebounds and 6 assists.
2. Jamie Malonzo
- Team: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
- Position: Forward
- Background: Jamie James Malonzo Orme is a Filipino-American professional basketball player who initially played for NorthPort Batang Pier before being traded to Barangay Ginebra.
- Statistical Performance: Despite a short stint with La Salle (UAAP), Malonzo proved his worth in the PBA, tallying 14.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, with a .443 field goal percentage. Malonzo is currently out this 49th season due to a calf injury he sustained in April 2024.
- Role in Team: As a key offensive and defensive player, Malonzo brings energy and hustle, fitting seamlessly into multiple roles on the floor. His playing style has often been compared to that of Chris Ellis, a former Ginebra standout.
- Key Moments: A career-high performance for Malonzo came in a game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, where he scored 32 points, with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks, leading his team to a 113-107 win.
3. Calvin Oftana
- Team: TNT Tropang Giga
- Position: Forward
- Background: Calvin John Oftana, a professional player for TNT, played college basketball for the San Beda Red Lions, winning titles from 2016 to 2018. He was drafted third overall by NLEX Road Warriors before joining TNT in 2022.
- Statistical Performance: Known for his shooting and developing defensive skills, Oftana has averaged 15.3 points, 2.2 assists, and 7.1 rebounds with a .470 field goal percentage in his PBA career.
- Role in Team: Oftana’s skill set includes a strong shooting ability, particularly from the 3-point range. Often named as one of the PBA’s best wingmen, his height and skill make him a formidable presence on the floor.
- Key Moments: Oftana’s career-high of 37 points against NLEX Road Warriors remains a memorable highlight, with 12 rebounds and 6 assists contributing to an impressive performance.
4. RJ Abarrientos
- Team: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
- Position: Point Guard
- Background: Rhon Jay Abarrientos is a Filipino professional point guard for Barangay Ginebra. Before joining the PBA, he played for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in the Korean Basketball League and Shinshu Brave Warriors in Japan’s B.League. Abarrientos, the nephew of former PBA MVP Johnny Abarrientos, was the third overall pick in the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft.
- Statistical Performance: Abarrientos has emerged as one of the PBA’s most exciting point guards, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. His time in the KBL saw him average 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
- Role in Team: Known for his quick release and catch-and-shoot ability, Abarrientos is integral to his team’s offensive flow and often makes critical decisions on the court. His speed and shooting prowess draw comparisons to Jayson Castro.
- Key Moments: A defining moment for Abarrientos was his 24-point game against Phoenix Fuel Masters, where he recorded 8-of-15 shooting, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists off the bench.
