PBA Best Player Race Weeks 1-2: Castro’s lightning strikes

MANILA, Philippines – Though the battle of giants in the import-flavored PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup diverts much of the media’s attention, the locals themselves are keeping up with the action with impressive play themselves. 

Through the first two weeks of action, who are the talents who’ve stepped up and brought their “A games” to the table so far? Time to check Rappler’s first installment of the PBA Best Player Race for this conference.

 

1. Jayson Castro, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

14.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 27.57 EFF

The two-time PBA finals MVP found multiple methods to score his 25 points against Barako Bull: first, he drained three triples in the first half alone; in the second half, he took over with dazzling moves that Barako Bull’s defense was never able to solve. He says he is completely healthy, which only spells trouble for other squads.

2. Asi Taulava, Air21 Express

17 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 36.70 EFF

At 41 years old, Taulava continues to defy time, playing with overflowing energy for the Express. The 6-foot-9 former MVP gives Air21 an additional defender and rebounder (No. 1 in defensive rebounds among locals) inside. As far as his battle against Father Time is considered, there is no stopping ‘The Rock.’

 

3. Ian Sangalang, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers

16 PPG, 5 RPG, 1 APG, 33.85 EFF

The energetic Mixers rookie won PBA Player of the Week honors, proving that he deserved to be selected second overall. The young Sangalang has embraced a big role for San Mig Coffee and is already showing how mature he is; Against Ginebra, Sangalang once again drained the crucial baskets late in the match to help coach Tim Cone’s wards win their second straight game.

 

 4. Ranidel De Ocampo, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

16.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 34.79 EFF 

Also making this week’s list is Talk ‘N Text big man Ranidel De Ocampo, who is shooting 35% from three-point land. De Ocampo continues to provide an extra muscle inside to help import Richard Howell, while also pouring baskets whenever coach Norman Black needs them.

 

 5. Chris Ellis, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

13.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 33.83 EFF

The sophomore star is playing his best conference yet, leading the Ginebra locals in scoring so far. He is slowly showing more aspects of his game, proving he is more than a high-flyer. If the reigning PBA dunk champion continues to live up to his potential, then Ginebra will definitely have a solid chance of making it to the next round.

 

6. Jimmy Alapag, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

14.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6 APG, 1 SPG, 35.44 EFF

The third Tropang Texter on our list is 36-year-old Jimmy Alapag, who is in top form after a dismal tourney in the Philippine Cup where he, like Castro, was plagued with injury. Now that he’s healthy, Alapag has been able to score more than 14 points a game and is also facilitating TNT’s well-oiled offense, dishing 6 assists per night.

 

7. Jeff Chan, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

19 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 35.30 EFF

Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jeff Chan his shooting 50% from long distance so far in the tourney, leading the Elasto Painters to a split in their first two assignments. He fired six triples in a 92-78 win over Alaska. He is also the top scoring local for Coach Yeng Guiao’s wards and he should keep shooting at an accurate help to help ROS succeed.

 

8. LA Tenorio, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

8.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 31.07 EFF

Tenorio, who had a pristine start to last conference’s wars, is doing the same so far in this tourney. Although Ginebra is at 1-2, Tenorio is leading the league in assists (8.0), still showing the nation how well he facilitates his team’s offense. His 6.5-rebound average is also impressive for a 5-foot-9 guard.

 

9. Denok Miranda, Barako Bull Energy

12.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.3 SPG, 28.62 EFF 

Miranda is back as Barako’s main point guard after shaking nagging injuries. His 18-point, 9-assist statline against Air21 on Friday is a proof that he can still keep up with the rest of the league’s finest court generals. As a former two-time PBA champion, Miranda is expected to give the Energy more leadership every time he’s on the floor.

 

10. Paul Lee, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

13 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 29.23 EFF 

Rounding out our Top 10 list for this week is Paul Lee, who vowed to bounce back this conference after a heart-breaking finals loss. His confidence is way up after finding his real game in the finals vs San Mig Coffee, and he is now establishing himself as Rain or Shine’s legitimate go-to guy.

– Rappler.com