The 49th season of the PBA Governor’s Cup was able to treat its fans with stellar performances from the newest players from the league. From homegrown talents to players who have previously played overseas, these young guns have granted their childhood dreams to join the first play-to-pay league in Asia finally.
But after one successful conference, are these players still worth it to watch in the current Commissioner’s Cup? Or maybe their spectacular plays were just a fluke since they weren’t properly scouted yet?
SEDRICK BAREFIELD
For you to be picked as the #2 overall, that guarantees that all eyes will be on you once you step on the floor in a PBA Game. The former Asian import of the Bay Area Dragons in the East Asia Super League did not disappoint though as he proves himself as the #1 option for the bossings.
With an average of 18.9 PPG, he was the go-to guy for Blackwater’s offense. He can score in all three levels: beyond the arc, mid-range, and in the paint. He averaged 54.22% on 2 PT FG while he was 32.81% from the 3 PT area. He can shoot it from 4 point arc as well and he was 23% from that area.
Now, in the Comms Cup after 6 games he currently averages 20.8 PPG. He had a much better-scoring output than what he did in his first conference in the PBA. It may be too early to tell but the scoring title by the end of the season may actually be won by a rookie.
JORDAN HEADING
After being originally drafted by the Terrafirm Dyip way back in 2021, he was the #1 pick under the Gilas Special draft. After 3 years, Converge FiberXers made a trade for him and he debuted in the current PBA Commissioner’s Cup. And oh boy, he was what the doctor ordered.
After 8 games, he averaged 17.1 PPG as he became the 2nd or 3rd option for the young FiberXers. Behind the up-and-coming stars Alec Stockton and Justin Arana, Heading shouldered the offense as he made winning plays and baskets. This resulted in a 6-2 record as Converge became the #4 in the standings.
JEROM LASTIMOSA
Originally selected as the #9 overall pick in last year’s draft, the King Falcon made his debut game in the Commissioner’s Cup. After being sidelined because of an ACL injury, he still made sure that he should be part of Magnolia’s rotation.
After 7 games, Jerom averaged 14.5 PPG for the Hotshots as he provides the youth that their current backcourt duo is lacking. He along with Power Forward/Center Zavier Lucero is slowly becoming the next franchise player for the Magnolia Chicken Timplado Hotshots and time can only tell when this duo will wreak havoc in the PBA.
RJ ABARRIENTOS
He made noise in the Korean Basketball League as he won the Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season and even played in Japan’s B League. Now, the former Tamaraw shows that he is the next future star of the most popular ball club in the Philippines.
Last Governor’s Cup he averaged 12.PPG as he embraces the sixth-man role of the bench under Coach Tim Cone. Now, he is currently averaging 13.2 PPG in the 4-2 Barangay Ginebra squad. With the most minutes played off the bench in a guard-heavy team, this proves how good this kid is.
With a Finals experience in his first conference in the league and international experience under his belt, it’s very clear that the Gin Kings have found the next successor for Scottie Thompson.
CAELAN TIONGSON
Even at the age of 32 years old, Caelan has certainly been on the basketball scene for quite some time now. Before officially playing for the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters he represented the Philippines as he joined Strong Group Athletics in the 43rd William Jones Cup. The team did win the championship under Coach Charles Tiu.
In his first conference in the PBA, he showed how a bruiser and attack to the basket type of a player he is. The bully ball play style has earned him 7.8 PPG along with 3.3 RPG. He helped the Elasto Painters reach the Semifinals in the Governor’s Cup but was eliminated by the eventual champions TNT Tropang Giga.
Now he currently averages 10.6 PPG as Rain or Shine holds the second-best record in the league with a 4-1 start. Even as a rookie, Caelen can definitely help his squad reach the promised land which was taken away from them for the last 9 years.
