PBA Best Import Ladder Weeks 1-2: How well is Howell?

Levi Verora

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PBA writer Levi Verora ranks the performances of the import players through weeks 1-2 in the Commissioner's Cup

TEXT ON TOP. Talk N Text import Richard Howell (L) is Rappler's pick for best import so far. Photo by Nuki Sabio/PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – We have seen how the first two weeks of the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup faired and it’s time to assess which reinforcements have showcased the X-factor to lead their respective ball clubs in this import-laden conference.

 

1. Richard Howell, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

27.3 PPG, 20.7 RPG, 2 APG, 2.7 SPG, 1 BPG, 61.52 EFF 

Richard Howell is recognized as the best import in the tourney so far, becoming involved in about every crucial play there is for the Tropang Texters. He grabbed 30 rebounds against Alaska in their opening assignment and also took over in a late run against San Miguel. He is silently leading the Texters to an unbeaten slate.

 

2. James Mays, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers

15 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 SPG, 1 BPG, 30 EFF

James Mays had a monster night with 29 points and 29 rebounds including 12 offensive boards – one more than the Ginebra squad –  to give the Mixers a 90-80 win over Brgy. Ginebra on Sunday, March 16. Mays gave San Mig a plethora of second chance possessions and also schooled his opponents underneath the rim.

 

3. Herve Lamizana, Air21 Express

21.3 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 4.7 BPG, 48.81 EFF

Herve Lamizana is the best defensive import out there, leading the entire league in blocks per night. He had a great effort of limiting Josh Dollard to a nightmarish 12-point night when the Air21 Express defeated the Barako Bull Energy on March 14. His presence is critical in getting defensive stops and shutting down their opponent’s offense.

 

4. Brian Butch, Meralco Bolts 

32.7 PPG, 20.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2 SPG, 2 BPG, 67.15 EFF

Meralco’s sweet-shooting big man led the Bolts to two wins against one loss in the first two weeks; he may not be the most hulking or most imposing import in the tournament, but he gets the job done for the Bolts with his quickness and touch from the outside.

 

5. Josh Dollard, Barako Bull Energy

33.7 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 59.24 EFF 

In his first two outings, the prolific Energy import averaged 44.5 points; however he was limited to just 22.5 in the next two, where Barako lost. Although there is no doubt he’s Barako Bull’s best scorer, he has to get his teammates more involved to translate their play into success.

 

6. Rob Dozier, Alaska Aces 

23 PPG, 16.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.7 BPG, 56.83 EFF

The reigning Best Import of the Conference is averaging decent numbers, although the entire Alaska Aces crew has been struggling so far. Either Dozier must do more or the locals must step up for them to defend the Commissioner’s Cup crown.

 

7. Evan Brock, Globalport Batang Pier

27 PPG, 22 RPG, 2 APG, 2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 60.17 EFF 

The significantly experienced Evan Brock joined the Batang Pier to give leadership, and he is definitely proving his worth early with big numbers. However, Globalport must get their acts together to get back on track and also, deliver new head coach Pido Jarencio his first win.

 

8. Leon Rodgers, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

32 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 53 EFF 

High hopes sprung from the Ginebra faithful when highly-touted Leon Rodgers entered the PBA and suited up for the nation’s most popular squad. However, it seems he has not yet lived up to their expectations, throwing up too many shot attempts per game. Against San Mig Coffee on Sunday, Rodgers made just 12/33 attempts. The rest of the team shot 13/36.

9. Kevin Jones, San Miguel Beermen

35 PPG, 13 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 2 BPG, 61.86 EFF

The Beermen’s new recruit Kevin Jones played solid in his debut game with 35 points and 13 rebounds, but unfortunately it went for naught in a losing effort against the league-leading Tropang Texters. He committed a costly fifth foul in the fourth period which spelled the difference for San Miguel, as a three-point gap turned into a huge 16-point hole which they were never able to climb out of.

 

10. Alex McLean, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

20 PPG, 17 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1 BPG, 45.33 EFF

Alex McLean is exactly what coach Yeng Guaio ordered for the Elasto Painters. We all know Guiao doesn’t want any superstars in his fold and instead focuses on developing everyone into quality players. McLean isn’t a high-profile cager but he is there to give Rain or Shine whatever they need.

 

Bye, Boone!

San Miguel import Josh Boone is the first import to be replaced, despite notching 32 points and 21 rebounds in his second game against Ginebra. He played two games for the Beermen, averaging 24 points and 18.5 rebounds. – Rappler.com

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