Author: Bon Maddagan
Hello, fellow basketball and PBA enthusiasts!
In this article, we’ll dive into the PBA conference, focusing on the teams in Group A. With defending Philippine Cup champions Meralco Bolts, reigning Governor’s Cup champions TNT Tropang Giga, and other formidable teams like Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, Converge FiberXers, Terrafirma Dyip, and Northport Batang Pier, Group A promises to be the tougher group this conference. Given their performances in the Philippine Cup and their efforts to strengthen their rosters, each team has a solid chance of advancing.
1. Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots
The Hotshots are one of the most consistent teams in the PBA. Their veteran core of Paul Lee, Mark Barocca, and Calvin Abueva are dependable and we’ve seen it from time to time. Now that the four-point shot rule has been introduced, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lee takes advantage of it. Despite the loss of a reliable backup guard in Jio Jalalon, the team remains defensively solid. Their offense is also set to improve significantly with new additions Zav Lucero and rookie Jerom Lastimosa. To top it all, the already steady core will get a significant boost from a superb NBA talent in Glenn Robinson III. Robinson has been in the NBA for quite some time and was known for his athleticism and his all-around game. With those in mind, the Hotshots are well-positioned to top Group A.
2. Meralco Bolts
Fresh off their championship, the Bolts are poised to continue their success. Led by Finals MVP Chris Newsome who averaged a commanding 17.5 pts, 5.9 rebs, and 4.5 asts last conference, the team is in strong shape as ever. Newsome, still in his prime, promises even more. The troubling part is that Newsome isn’t the sole reason for their success. His achievements are bolstered by skilled and equally capable teammates around him. Rising stars Allein Maliksi, Cliff Hodge, and sophomore Brandon Bates are all evidence that the team is rock-solid. The team boasts length and athleticism. Their defense is envied. Their offense is nowhere inferior as well. Adding to their strengths is a high level of discipline, making them a well-rounded and formidable squad.
Plus the squad is reinforced by the latest B-League Finals MVP Allen Durham, who arrives with a chip on his shoulder. Despite multiple successes in the PBA, a championship is still elusive for this big guy, all thanks to Justin Brownlee. Taking those in mind, the Bolts are expected to perform even better and could very well rekindle their rivalry with Barangay Ginebra in the later rounds.
3. TNT Tropang Giga
The Tropang Giga is one of the most stacked teams in the PBA today and the addition of talented guard Rey Nambatac further strengthens their already capable roster. The squad boasts a strong mix of young and promising players likewise veteran and experienced ones who all excel in their roles. They have players who can shoot, they have players who can defend and they have players willing to do the hard work. Their main gunner Calvin Oftana has also been special as of late and is due for a breakout season. The team just needs to gel better and they will surely get past their opponents in Group A.
The Tropang Giga will also be enjoying the services of import Darius Days, though young and a bit inexperienced, is still a very good talent and is used to tough competitions in the NBA and NBA G-league. Days is a player who plays on both sides of the court. He can attack the basket and shoot from beyond the arc. He is also a good rebounder and decent defender. This guy is a hard worker too, his grit is too perfect for the squad.
4. Terrafirma Dyip
The trade that sent Christian Standhardinger to the Dyips caught many by surprise, especially considering the significant impact and productions he provided his old team with. Everyone knew that it was something that they would regret for a while. But moving on, his arrival to his new team is a welcomed blessing for the promising squad. When you have a guy who has the size, strength, and talent of former MVP Christian Standhardinger, you have a player who can dominate both ends of the court, elevating your chances for a championship. Let’s not also forget Stanley Pringle who was part of the same trade. Pringle is not just a terrific scorer but an excellent and experienced leader as well. Combined with star guard Juami Tiongson, this versatile trio promises a formidable lineup. The return of import Antonio Hester also solidifies the roster. He is a big man who can stretch the floor and protect the paint. He is also a hard worker. In his previous stint with the Dyips, he averaged 28.1 points and 12.6 rebounds. Considering these, the Dyips are bound for a standout season.
5. Northport Batang Pier
The Batang Pier was disappointing in the last conference, finishing the elimination rounds with a 5-6 record and exiting early after losing to the Terrafirma Dyips in the battle for the eighth seed. However, there’s hope for improvement with a promising young roster. Their standout forward, Arvin Tolentino, had 21.1 pts, 7.3 rebs, and 4.2 asts per game last conference, these numbers underscore his ability to dominate. They also made some key adjustments to their roster. They add an experienced leader and a pesky defender in Jio Jalalon alongside Joshua Munzon, a long and athletic guard; together these two will create nightmares for the opposing team.
The main issue remains in the lack of a reliable big man for paint protection and rebounding. Although young players JM Calma and Cade Flores have shown potential, the team will need them to produce more and deliver consistently to improve their chances. Additionally, the squad struggled with the three-point shooting last conference, finishing last with a dismal 28.3%. Fifth-overall draft pick Dave Ildefonso could provide a much-needed improvement in this area if they manage to sort things out.
The Batang Pier is also bringing versatile big man Taylor Johns to strengthen their lineup. He is a very experienced player who has been to a number of countries. His recent stint in the IBL saw him produce 15.1 pts, 10.4 rebs, and 4.2 asts. Johns can score in a variety of ways, he excels in dribble drive, he can post up and he uses the pick and roll effectively. He is also a decent rebounder and playmaker. The only weakness of his game lies in his three-point making. If somehow the Batang Pier managed to solve all their puzzles then it’s not impossible for them to crack the top 4.
6. Converge FiberXers
Last season for the FiberXers was rough, finishing with a 3-22 win-loss record, eventually leading to the firing of Head Coach Aldin Ayo. Their prized draft pick, Justin Baltazar, is still finding a steady footing in a competitive league. Bigman Justin Arana is still developing, Guard Schonny Winston has yet to hit his stride, and Guard Alec Stockton needs to be more consistent. And that’s not the only concern for the struggling squad, the team lacks a dependable support system to ease the burden on their young stars. Despite other teams making key adjustments and necessary changes, the FiberXers have remained largely unchanged, save for the addition of veteran Alex Cabagnot. While his experience is valuable, he’s way past his old self and is unlikely to provide the much-needed lift the team is in dire need of.
Scoring was a major issue last season, as they finished 9th in the tournament. Their ball movement was even worse, with the team averaging only 19 asts per game, placing them just above the bottom in this category. The team seriously needs to better their chemistry if they want to stay afloat in the competition. The young squad would get much-needed help from import Scotty Hopson. Hopson brings a wealth of experience from various countries, including the NBA and the NBL. He’s athletic, strong, and has a versatile game—capable of scoring, driving to the hoop, and making smart plays. He’s the right man for the team. His presence, coupled with a new system, could be just what the FiberXers need to revive their fortunes and return to their former glory.
Continue reading Prepare for the Action: Exploring Group B of the PBA Governors’ Cup Season 49
*Cover photo sources, photo credit: each team’s logo
