Here are the players who made the biggest impact and the stats to prove it.
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE DAY:
Robert Upshaw BWB C 35 PTS | 14 REB | 3 BLK | 66.8 FPS
The replacement import turned in an outstanding performance. Offensively, he was explosive, shooting 59% from the field while knocking down three four-pointers. He was equally impressive on defense, finishing with game highs in rebounds and blocks. In his most recent stint in the Chinese NBL, he averaged 21.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 22 games, showcasing his pedigree as a high-level contributor.
Bol Manute Bol TNT C 40 PTS | 15 REB | 2 BLK | 64.5 FPS
There’s no doubt about Bol’s ability to score. He’s averaging 39 points through his first two games of the conference while shooting 50% from two-point range. Once he finds his rhythm from beyond the arc, he’ll be capable of doing even more damage. Defensively, he’s just as impressive and should be able to maintain this level of production.
Cady Lalanne NLX C 25 PTS | 21 REB | 3 BLK | 62.2 FPS
Lalanne had a rough time offensively, hitting just 1-of-7 from three but still finished with a solid 20-point output—his third such performance in as many games this conference. He was even more impressive in rebounding, grabbing a game-high in boards for his first 20-20 game. While he may not be as explosive on the scoring end, he remains a dependable presence with his consistent double-double production.
Anunwa Omut MAG C 38 PTS | 7 REB | 9 AST | 53.9 FPS
The center continues to shine offensively, averaging an incredible 32.3 points in three games this conference while also making solid contributions in other areas. However, the negatives are just as glaring, as he continues to struggle with turnovers while also not making much impact on the defensive end.
Robert Lee Bolick NLX PG 21 PTS | 4 REB | 9 AST | 41.3 FPS
The star guard continues to be one of the league’s best offensive players, nearly recording a double-double. In the last season, he shouldered a significant role in the team’s run, averaging 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1 steal in 40 games.
Sedrick Barefield BWB SG 26 PTS | 3 AST | 2 BLK | 40.7 FPS
Barefield caught fire from long range, hitting 6-of-9 to lead all local players in scoring and finish with his second consecutive 25-point game. In the previous conference, he reached that mark three times.
Jordan Timothy Heading TNT SG 15 PTS | 4 AST | 4 STL | 31.4 FPS
Heading was scoreless in his conference debut but he got back on track with today’s performance, finishing second in the team in scoring while leading all players in steals. Still, he remains a more capable force on offense, scoring in double-figures 15 times in the Phil. Cup.
Anthony Paul Semerad NLX PF 18 PTS | 4 3PM | 9 REB | 27.8 FPS
Semerad stepped up in a big way, knocking down a game-high four three-pointers while also providing solid rebounding output. This was his second consecutive double-digit scoring game in the conference and should continue to have more going forward.
Jerom Lastimosa MAG PG 5 REB | 5 AST | 3 STL | 26.5 FPS
Overall, it was a solid all-around performance for Lastimosa. Offensively, however, it was an entirely different story. He struggled mightily, going 2-for-9 from the field and finishing with five points or fewer for the third time since the last conference. He may continue to have occasional off nights, but he should remain one of the team’s most reliable contributors.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE DAY:
Calvin John Oftana TNT SF 14 PTS | 4 REB | 1 TO | 17.8 FPS
This was already a subpar performance for Oftana, but his lack of impact in other areas made it worse. This has been the case in his first two games of the conference, though he can definitely turn it up when needed. Still, he remains one of the league’s best scorers, having scored in double figures 20 times in the Phil. Cup.
