Author: Bon Maddagan
You can check out our earlier article about Get Ready for the Showdown: Inside Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup Season 49
In Group B stands the Commissioner’s Cup champions San Miguel Beermen, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, NLEX Road Warriors, and the Blackwater Bossing. Even though the top two spots seem almost secured, the competition for the remaining positions on the other hand should be intense. The teams are all good and capable, some are consistent finishers while the others are starting to rise. Let’s wait no further and start digging in.
1. San Miguel Beermen
Since the team pretty much stayed the same, the Philippine Cup runners-up are primed for a strong comeback this season. The talent on this roster is exceptional, featuring elite guards and versatile wings capable of scoring at will. This depth in offensive power means opponents will struggle to contain their high-octane attack. Central to their success is Junmar Fajardo, whose consistent performance has earned him multiple MVP citations. There aren’t many guys capable of slowing this man already but he’s also been developing a jump shot as of late, making him a deadlier and much more effective competitor. His continued excellence suggests he might once again be a top contender in the MVP race.
Beyond their skill, the Beermen’s passion and commitment are evident. They play with energy, they fight for every possession and they play terrific defense. The long-standing cohesion of their core players further strengthens their position, as they have honed their chemistry over time. The squad also benefits from strong leadership, particularly from guard Chris Ross, whose discipline and guidance are invaluable. Furthermore, the group will get significant contributions from import Jordan Adams. In the Indonesian Basketball League, he averaged almost 23 pts, 8 rebs, and 5 asts per game. He is a great scorer, he can attack the basket and create his own shot. His shooting is also very impressive, in fact, he even won a 3-point shooting title in the IBL. His performance also led to an All-Star selection in the league. With those in mind, I believe the Beermen are poised for a deep run.
2. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
The new look Gin Kings will be tested in the upcoming conference but despite the big changes, I’m still pretty confident that the crowd favorites will do as expected. This team’s ability to score can’t be questioned. The newest additions MVP MVP-caliber Stephen Holt and Bigman Isaac Go, showed their capabilities and leadership as they stirred the Terrafirma Dyips into their best finish for the longest time in the last conference. Now playing with a much more talented roster, their jobs will surely get much easier. And despite the big names that the franchise has landed, they still managed to keep their core intact.
You have Former MVP Scottie Thompson and Rising Star Jamie Malonzo—two of the best two-way players in the league. You also have effective scorers in Maverick Ahanmisi and an upcoming star in rookie RJ Abarrientos. And if Ben Adamos and Isaac Go managed to hold their frontcourt then I’m confident that the Kings will be going deep into the tournament. They just need to figure out how to play together and this squad will dominate. To top it all, their prized import Justin Brownlee is set to return home. Following a highly successful stint in the IBL, where he led Pelita Jaya to a championship, Brownlee appears to be as sharp as ever and is ready to anchor the young squad for the upcoming season.
3. Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters
The Elasto Painters are one of the teams that are not good but not bad either. Despite a challenging start in their campaign last conference, the squad started to figure it out late in the eliminations wherein they won 6 of their last 7 games. They even bested a solid TNT in three games before they got swept by the red-hot Beermen. All they need is a reliable player who will make crucial baskets and important plays down the stretch and that’s where returning import Aaron Fuller came to play. This guy is not new to the competition, having played in the league on four different occasions. All of those are nothing short of impressive, he even averaged a whopping 31 pts and 17 rebs in a conference before. Fuller is a hardworking player, which the squad is in dire need of. He also excels in the paint, be it in scoring or rebounding. A 1-2 punch of him and rookie Calen Tiongson is a tremendous upgrade in their frontcourt. Teams will be having problems stopping two big, hardworking, and powerful guys in the paint. The squad though has one of the brightest futures in the league, with a lot of exciting names in their roster. I expect them to be tough and competitive and if they just manage to figure out their defensive identity, then they can go deeper in the tournament.
4. Blackwater Bossing
Despite their struggles, the Bossing finished just below the 8th seed in the last conference. However, with the addition of the scoring machine Sedrick Barefield, significant improvements are expected. Barefield, alongside former national team player Troy Rosario, forms a potent scoring duo that should elevate the team’s offensive performance, which was already decent last season.
The success of the Bossing will also depend on the contributions of their bench. Role players like Rey Suerte and Kib Montalbo will need to step up. Their big guys should make their presence as well. Although integrating several new players may cause initial adjustments, once settled, I believe the team has what it takes to be competitive. Additionally, the arrival of import Ricky Ledo, a prolific scorer with experience in the CBA and Lebanese Basketball League, boosts the already capable offense. Ledo’s game is highlighted by his exceptional shooting. He also excels in one-on-one situations and dribble drives. With these, the Bossings are well-positioned to improve their standings and present a formidable challenge to their opponents in the tournament.
5. Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters
The Fuel Masters showed strong promise in the Commissioner’s Cup, reaching up to the semifinals, but their performance has since declined, culminating in an 11th-place finish in the Philippine Cup. To climb back to the top, they must address several key issues, particularly in rebounding. Last conference, they ranked 10th in total rebounds per game and were last in offensive rebounding. They also finished 10th in blocks per game, underscoring a need for a reliable big man.
Star forward Jason Perkins, who averaged 17.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. His scoring varied significantly, with some games surpassing 20 points and others falling short. Support from teammates Jayvee Mocon and Kenneth Tuffin, who combined for 21.1 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, is crucial. Rookie forward Kai Balungay could provide additional help, offering floor spacing and rebound support.
Their guards need to be more effective as well. Captain RJ Jazul has been limited to 9.6 points per game and Tyler Tio has been struggling this year, averaging 9.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Tio had a promising start in the Philippine Cup in the game against Northport where he put 19 pts, 2 rebs, and 4 asts but he injured his ankle in that game and has been sidelined since then. His return for the Governor’s Cup is uncertain in terms of how effective he will be.
The addition of Jayveous McKinnis, a 6’7″ big man who excelled in the Cyprus League Division 1 with averages of 15.6 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, offers a significant boost. His impressive stats make him an ideal complement to the squad. McKinnis brings not only athleticism and tenacity in the paint but also the ability to shoot from a distance. If these adjustments align, then the Fuel Masters could make a strong push in the upcoming conference.
6. NLEX Road Warriors
The Road Warriors made a strong start to the Philippine Cup racing to a 5-1 record. However, they faced significant challenges later on, losing six of their last seven games. That includes enduring a sweep from the soon-to-be champions Meralco Bolts in the quarterfinals. Despite this setback, there is optimism for the future. Robert Bolick turned heads yet again with his brilliant performance last conference. He and his teammates are still in the process of developing their on-court chemistry as well and with continued growth and adjustment, they could be poised for a stronger showing in the upcoming season. As one of the league’s most prolific shooters, Bolick is expected to benefit greatly from the introduction of the four-point line. This season, he has been averaging a remarkable 25.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. With the new rule favoring his shooting prowess, his numbers could see a significant boost.
The Road Warriors also have a promising set of young talents. Sophomore Enoch Valdez and Rookie Jonnel Policarpio are anticipated to provide a lift on both ends of the court. Although they will miss the services of Star Guard Kevin Alas, they have guys like Richie Rodger and Baser Amer who are reliable options that can fill the gap. The team features a dependable lineup of big men as well, including Anthony Semerad, Michael Miranda, Dave Marcelo, and Sean Anthony, who all performed well last season. New head coach Jong Uichico will need to fine-tune the combinations to maximize their effectiveness.
Joining the team is former NBA player Myke Henry, known for his all-around game. Although his recent stint in the IBL produced modest numbers—14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists—Henry’s ability to run the floor, post up, and defend well makes him a valuable addition. He is a strong guy who plays hard, a must in today’s game. If Henry elevates his game and Bolick maintains his stellar form, then it’s not improbable for the Road Warriors to make a strong push into the later stages of the tournament.
That’s all that you need to know for the upcoming season 49. Given all the changes expect fireworks in this brand new season of the PBA. More action-packed games are in store for you, so be sure not to miss it. And for those who are looking to enhance their understanding of the game and the league for their Fantasy Basketball, consider these basketball tips to help you stay ahead of the competition and make the most of your PBA experience.
*Cover photo sources, photo credit: each team’s logo
