In continuation to analyzing how impressive the current rookies of the PBA are after one conference, this completes the two-parter for this mini-series. You can find PART 1 here.
MARK NONOY
After waiting for his clearance from the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League to play in the PBA, Mark Nonoy in this Commissioner’s Cup showcased how effective of a scorer he is in a team where it’s led by veterans like Vic Manuel and Stanley Pringle.
Through 7 games, Mark Nonoy averaged 10.2 PPG as he shares the court with his backcourt partner Paolo Hernandez. The two display a fast-paced type of offense spearheaded by the head coaching duties of Raymund Tiongco. But even with impressive double-digit scoring, the Terrafirma Dyip still has yet to win a game in the current conference.
EVAN NELLE
Much to the current success of the Northport Batang Pier as they become the #1 seed by the end of 2024, Evan Nelle has emerged to be their 3rd star from their locals behind the MVP type of performance by Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon.
In the Governor’s Cup, the King Archer only averaged 3.4 PPG, but now after 7 game,s he averages 7.9 PPG signifying that his point production makes his team better. Sure, Tolentino and Munzon are now the face of the Batang Pie,r and even their import Kadeem Jack compliments the brand of basketball that they play.
With a 6-2 record, Nelle has now become an important piece in the future of Northport and it won’t be too long until his real potential ultimately shines in the brightest of lights.
JUSTINE BALTAZAR
The 6-foot-9 Power Forward/Center finally debuted in the Commissioner’s Cup for the Converge FiberXers, however, the former Pampanga Lantern from the MPBL still has yet to fully show his dominance in the PBA stage.
After only 5 games, Baltazar averaged 7.4 PPG and the time where his game has shown flashes of brilliance was when they fought against the Meralco Bolts last December 25, 2024. He tallied 16 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal with an impressive 66.7% FG and ultimately grabbing the Christmas Day win.
The FiberXers still have a couple remaining games but after a long holiday break, Balti has for sure got his body some rest after helping the Pampanga Lanterns reach the MPBL finals and the league better prepare themselves for what #1 pick of last year’s draft has to offer.
FELIX PANGILINAN-LEMETTI
The sweet-shooting Fi-Swedish guard of the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters has made himself valuable under the mentorship of Coach Yeng Guiao. With a plethora of guards, Bayang ng ROS was still able to utilize Felix’s strength to their advantage.
In the Governor’s Cup, Pangilinan-Lemetti averaged 8.5 PPG, 1.6 RPG, and 1.7 APG and his three-point shooting was at an impressive 58.7%. Now after 5 games, he averages 7.0 PPG giving out instant offense whenever his name gets called.
He alongside Caelen Tiongson brought Rain or Shine to new heights and they did it last conference where they both helped their respective squad reach the Semifinals. As they currently sit at the #2 seed, the sky’s the limit for this team.
JONNEL POLICARPIO
After being a surprise selection in the 1st Round as the 6th pick for the NLEX Road Warriors, his game quickly blossomed in the Governor’s Cup. Oftentimes overshadowed by the scoring machine in the name of Robert Bolick, he was still able to get quality minutes in his first stint in the league.
In the Gov’s Cup he averaged 6.3 PPG while in the playoffs against the TNT Tropang Giga, he even exceeded that output with an average of 7.25 PPG. However, this all went upside down as his game reached rock bottom in the Commissioner’s Cup. This conference he only averaged only 3.4 PPG and even had two DNPs in their seven games.
Whether or not Jonnel is nursing an injury, NLEX may have been seeing the consequences of having a surprise pick in last year’s draft.
