PBA Power Rankings Week 1: The favorites

MANILA, Philippines – A week into the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup, we’ve seen which teams took the early lead. Here is Week 1 of Rappler’s PBA Power Rankings.

1. Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (2-0)

We closely gave the top spot to the crowd favorites because they defeated two quality teams this week: San Mig Coffee and Rain or Shine—the last two Governors’ Cup champions and semi-finalists in last year’s Philippine Cup. They destroyed their opponents by an average winning margin of 15 points. Greg Slaughter surpasses expectations, Japeth Aguilar continues to soar, LA Tenorio is putting up fantasy numbers, and the whole team has been productive. (READ: Ginebra walks the talk of the offseason)

2. Petron Blaze Boosters (2-0)

Just a bit behind Ginebra is their sister squad, Petron Blaze. Though losing some of their key players due to injury, the Boosters won their first two assignments. June Mar Fajardo and Arwind Santos teamed up for a solid frontcourt, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz have been living up to their potential, and their role players stepped up. The main concern for Petron is if they can keep winning with a depleted roster. (READ: Wounds of finals loss still fresh for Fajardo)

3. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2-1)

Coach Yeng Guiao said Rain or Shine lost to Ginebra because they lacked aggressiveness. Often labelled as a physical team, Rain or Shine raced to an early 2-0 slate as they imposed their presence and outside sniping. Larry Rodriguez and Jervy Cruz are quietly productive and they’re both doing it on a consistent basis. It wouldn’t be that long before the Elasto Painters find the perfect blend.

4. Barako Bull Energy (2-0)

Barako Bull led by as much as 32 points in their opener against Air21, but doubters were not impressed. But when they scored a huge comeback against the Alaska Aces Sunday, November 24, people began to wonder if this team is for real. Clearly, Barako Bull wants to prove that their first two wins are no fluke and that they are indeed a tried and tested ball club.

5. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (1-1)

The defending Philippine Cup champions showed their edge in experience when they scored a come-from-behind victory over the Meralco Bolts, but were totally manhandled by a superior Petron Blaze squad. Ryan Reyes and Ranidel De Ocampo haven’t played yet and the Tropang Texters are yet to regain their championship form.

6. GlobalPort Batang Pier (1-1)

The young GlobalPort crew immediately bounced back from a 10-point loss to Petron Blaze behind Terrence Romeo’s 34-point explosion against Air21. Sol Mercado’s putting up solid numbers in many categories, and Jay Washington is becoming one of the finest big men in the league again. (READ: 

7. Alaska Aces (1-2)

Alaska’s only win so far came at the expense of the San Mig Coffee Mixers, who are missing PJ Simon, Joe Devance, and Justin Melton at that time. Cyrus Baguio has stepped up big time, but JVee Casio and Calvin Abueva have been showing sub-par performances. (READ: Alaska wins for Yolanda victims)

8. San Mig Coffee Mixers (0-2)

Fresh from their Governors Cup triumph, the Mixers showed composure in the first 24 minutes of their All-Filipino Cup campaign. However, that energy faded in the next 6 quarters against Ginebra and Alaska. They’re clearly missing the services of Devance, Simon, and Melton and even their go-to guys Marc Pingris and James Yap have not yet given their best productions so far.

9. Meralco Bolts (0-2)

Clifford Hodge is putting up decent numbers before suffering a sprain against Rain or Shine. Gary David has been their only bright spot, averaging 25 points per night. However, the Bolts lacked the finishing kick, unable to win close games against Rain or Shine and Talk ‘N Text.

10. Air21 Express (0-2)

Save for Asi Taulava’s monster numbers and Joseph Yeo’s unexpected explosion in their first two match-ups, the rest of the Express are practically absent. They were expected to win against Barako Bull and GlobalPort but they squandered their chances. It will be a tough road for them this conference. – Rappler.com