Often overlooked by fans and coaching staff, these guys were spared of the limelight. Maybe because of a star-studded roster or teammates with greater talents, thus having just few minutes of playing time and less popularity compared to some of their teammates. But if given a chance to shine, these players can do the job and carry their respective teams.
10. Samigue Eman, Alaska Aces
6-9 center, product of University of Mindanao, Samigue Eman is the definitioin of a pure an decent center in the PBA. With his stature he can easily block shots, grab rebounds and can be an intimidating force down the middle. With this kind of physical prowess and talent, Eman has to sharpen his skills to increase his minutes.
9. Leo Najorda, Air 21 Express
Was once a part of the Yeng Guiao coached Red Bull Team, this player was developed and honed. He was one of the first options when games go into crunch-time. Now in a new team, followed by the arrival of Don Don Hontiveros and Danny Siegle from San Miguel, this guy might just spend more time in the bench than on the court.
8. Jeff Chan, Rain or Shine Elastopainters
Left handed, streaky, and athletic. With the likes of a Manu Ginnobili, or was that an overrated compliment. But this guy can hit both the mid-range and the three points. Pure shooter in his college days, Jeff Chan sure can be a franchise player. But there's another franchise player in the Rain or Shine roster whom he needs to battle with- Gabe Norwood.
7.. Nelbert Omolon, Meralco Bolts
Also a Cebuano Hot Shot (next to Don Don Hontiveros, hehehe). This guy is maybe one of the best players I've ever seen move without the ball. Terrific scorer and athletic and reliable finisher on the other end. Nelbert Omolon is perfect for the small-forward position. and he's a great defender too. Only, he has to battle MacMac Cardona for that starting job.
6. Ren Ren Ritualo, Meralco Bolts
The spit-fire, 100% pure shooter and once a member of the National team. This guy was the real Archer of the PBA. He was so great before in his college and PBL days, I even likened him to Kobe Bryant (another overrated observation). But what happened to RenRen nowadays? Maybe hes been plagued by injuries. But we know he's gonna be back in his usual self soon.
5.. Rich Alvarez, Talk n Text Tropang Texters
The Blue Eagle. Great 3 or 4 guy. Can play great defense. Rebounds and blocks shots. Rich was acquired by the Tropang Texters to add more toughness in its roster. But Rich found himself warming the bench playing alongside Ali Peek and Ranidel De Ocampo as a back-up.
4. Peter June Simon, B-Meg Derby Ace
This player can take over games. One proof is when he took over that game against the unbeaten(5-0) Smart Gilas Team in the 2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup. He came in aggressive that game. Without James Yap, they have to rely on him for added scoring. But wait till James Yap comes back. Simon's minutes might just get back to what it was-few. Give way for King James...
3. Joseph Yeo, San Miguel Beermen
Great combo guard, great shooter and excellent slasher. thats why they call him "The Ninja". Joseph Yeo can be the team's first option. All he needs is to slowly gain confidence in his shots and he is good to go. But he must sacrifice his minutes for that Star studded San Miguel line-up.
2. Harvey Carey, Talk n Text Tropang Texters
Harvey Carey can be likened as the "garbage collector" of the Talk n Text Tropang Texters. This guy performs all the dirty work. From defending the big men of opposing teams, diving for looseballs, grabbing offensive and defensive rebounds. I mean this guy is pure hustle! If you talk about Talk and Text, players like Jimmy Alapag or Kelly Williams automatically comes to mind. But seldom is Harvey Carey included in the topic. This guy doesn't love the bright lights but he deserves it big time!
1. Don Don Hontiveros, Air 21 Express
The most underrated player in the PBA. He may not have to fight for that starting line-up, or envy his teammates for popularity cause he is one of the most popular personality in his team, but one thing this guy is missing is an MVP or Player of the Conference Trophy. Given his deadly sharp-shooting outside, ball-handling skills, great defense plus lots of experience- Don Don is very MVP-worthy. He's been a member of the National team several times in different generations already. His 3-point shooting percentage is off the charts. He can score at will. All he needs is one big break to cement his legacy in the PBA as one of the all-time greatest shooters.
No comments:
Post a Comment