THE PBA 50th Season is about to begin on Sunday with renewed optimism following an offseason where all 12 teams had an opportunity to retool their roster either via draft, trade, or the free agency.
In this preview by SPIN.ph, we examine which teams got stronger during the offseason, with 1 being the highest and 12 being the lowest.
Being at the bottom part of this list doesn’t mean that these teams don’t have a chance at winning a championship. What is certain is that those high on this list, we feel, got stronger and have the higher odds of improving from their last season’s finish with their moves during the offseason.
12. TERRAFIRMA
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 3-30 (12th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 12th in Governors’ Cup and Philippine Cup
ADDITIONS: Jerrick Ahanmisi, Prince Rivero, Paul Garcia, JM Bravo, Geo Chiu (Still in MPBL)
SUBTRACTIONS: Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle, Javi Gomez de Liano, Kevin Ferrer, Aljun Melecio, Aldrech Ramos
KEY HOLDOVERS: Louie Sangalang, Mark Nonoy, Kemark Carino
Terrafirma is back after a period of uncertainty when the Dyip were initially headed towards being sold to a new entity. But that is perhaps also the reason why Terrafirma took a step back in terms of personnel.
Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle didn’t return, and the Dyip decided to move the signing rights of Javi Gomez de Liano to Magnolia. Terrafirma picked Geo Chiu at No. 1 in the draft, but remains months away from playing for his PBA team to finish his commitments in the MPBL.
Jerrick Ahanmisi and Prince Rivero were among the pick-ups of the Dyip, which might not be sufficient for a big turnaround this season.
11. NLEX
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 20-20 (7th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 5th in Philippine Cup
ADDITIONS: Ljay Gonzales (Still in the MPBL), Arvin Gamboa (Still in the MPBL), Lorenz Capulong (Still in MPBL)
SUBTRACTIONS: None
KEY HOLDOVERS: Robert Bolick, Brandon Ramirez, Xyrus Torres, JB Bahio, Kevin Alas, Javee Mocon, Tony Semerad
NLEX didn’t get a chance to address its need for a big man during the offseason. The next best thing for the Road Warriors was that they kept its roster that was fresh from taking the second-seed in the Philippine Cup playoffs.
After being ousted by Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, the Road Warriors selected point guard Ljay Gonzales, Arvin Gamboa, and Lorenz Capulong in the draft, but all of them are still playing in the MPBL. Even with little to no changes, NLEX will be in the hunt for a playoff spot.
10. BARANGAY GINEBRA
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 44-27 (2nd)
HIGHEST FINISH: 2nd in Governors’ Cup, 2nd in Commissioner’s Cup
ADDITIONS: Norbert Torres, Sonny Estil
SUBTRACTIONS: Jamie Malonzo, LA Tenorio, Von Pessumal, Paul Garcia
KEY HOLDOVERS: Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Stephen Holt, Jeremiah Gray
Barangay Ginebra took a hit during the offseason, losing athletic Jamie Malonzo to the Japan B.League and veteran leader LA Tenorio to Magnolia after being appointed as playing head coach.
The Gin Kings got themselves an additional body down low by signing Norbert Torres to help Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario, and a rookie in Sonny Estil that head coach Tim Cone is high on. However, it might take a while to fill the void left by Malonzo and Tenorio.
But the league’s most popular team, with Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt, and RJ Abarrientos there, and Justin Brownlee expected to play during the import conferences, remains in the hunt for the championship this season.
9. SAN MIGUEL
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 33-25 (4th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 1st in Philippine Cup
ADDITIONS: Chris Miller, Royce Mantua
SUBTRACTIONS: None
KEY HOLDOVERS: June Mar Fajardo, Cjay Perez, Jericho Cruz, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Mo Tautuaa, Don Trollano
San Miguel remains a title favorite for the 50th season as members of the Philippine Cup team that won the championship returning.
With a powerhouse squad, the Beermen didn’t exactly needed an upgrade, but the Beermen took the chance at getting better when they drafted Chris Miller.
The 32-year-old PBA rookie has the ability to knock down the outside shots and defend, qualities that might give him a spot in the rotation and fortify the bench. Miller could already be chipping in as CJ Perez is still recovering from an ankle injury from his Gilas Pilipinas stint during the offseason.
8. MERALCO
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 21-19 (8th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 5th in Governors’ Cup
ADDITIONS: Jason Brickman (Still in MPBL), Ladis Lepalam
SUBTRACTIONS: Norbert Torres, Jolo Mendoza, Alvin Pasaol
KEY HOLDOVERS: Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, Cliff Hodge, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi
Meralco lost a back-up big man in Norbert Torres but drafted Jason Brickman, a point guard that some projected among the top five only to end up sliding to No. 7.
It is going to be crowded backcourt rotation when Brickman comes in after his MPBL duties, and joins Chris Banchero, Kurt Reyson, and Anjo Caram.
Sorely missed last season was Allein Maliksi following a back injury and his return should provide a huge boost for the Bolts offensively. Keeping Chris Newsome after becoming an unrestricted free agent puts Meralco in the conversation for a playoff spot.
7. TITAN ULTRA (formerly NorthPort)
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 16-23 (9th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 3rd in Commissioner’s Cup
ADDITIONS: Chris Koon, Von Pessumal, Aljun Melecio, Mario Barasi, Jeo Ambohot, Ato Ular, James Martinez, Arvie Bringas
SUBTRACTIONS: Arvin Tolentino, Jio Jalalon, James Kwekuteye, Sidney Onwubere, Evan Nelle
KEY HOLDOVERS: Joshua Munzon, Calvin Abueva, Cade Flores, Fran Yu
Titan Ultra has come in to the PBA, and, from the looks of it, is going to be a competitive team in its first season.
The Giant Risers enhanced their roster, surrounding Joshua Munzon, Calvin Abueva, and Cade Flores with good pieces like versatile Chris Koon, outside shooter Von Pessumal, and serviceable bigs Ato Ular and Jeo Ambohot.
Titan would have been a lot better had they kept or traded Jio Jalalon, but there are enough reasons why the Giant Risers are a playoff team.
6. PHOENIX
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 8-25 (11th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 9th in Philippine Cup
ADDITIONS: Evan Nelle, Bryan Santos, Yousef Taha, Dave Ando, Francis Escandor, Prince Caperal, Will Gozum (Still in MPBL)
SUBTRACTIONS: Ato Ular, Simon Camacho, Raul Soyud, Larry Muyang, Kent Salado, Raffy Verano
KEY HOLDOVERS: Jason Perkins, Kai Ballungay, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, RJ Jazul, RR Garcia
New head coach Willy Wilson wanted bigs and he got a couple during the offseason. And although they may not exactly be studs, they could provide the muscle against the June Mar Fajardos and the Justin Aranas of the league.
It would also allow guys such as Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay to thrive to their natural positions and into a larger role offensively for the Fuelmasters.
Rookie Will Gozum is still finishing his MPBL commitments but would be another piece to the puzzle in Phoenix’s quest to go back to the playoffs.
5. MAGNOLIA
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 22-20 (6th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 6th in Philippine Cup
ADDITIONS: Javi Gomez de Liano, Raffy Verano, Gab Gomez, Paolo Taha, LA Tenorio (playing coach), Yukien Andrada (Still in the NCAA)
SUBTRACTIONS: William Navarro, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Rafi Reavis, Jed Mendoza
KEY HOLDOVERS: Zavier Lucero, Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, Paul Lee
The Hotshots acquired the signing rights of Javi Gomez de Liano from Terrafirma, whose wide-range of skills from his outside shooting to his ability to becoming a ball carrier should make up for the void left by William Navarro.
The Hotshots are still waiting for outside-shooting forward Yukien Andrada to finish his San Beda commitments, and will be a boost once he joins the team. Magnolia also gets a fresh start, which is what the team might also need, by appointing LA Tenorio as head coach.
Tenorio is listed as playing coach and is on the injured/ reserve list, a luxury that the Hotshots will have if someone goes down with an injury. Magnolia was the busiest team among the San Miguel Corp. teams in the PBA, and in doing so, may have a shot of finally getting over the hump in the playoffs.
4. RAIN OR SHINE
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 31-28 (5th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 3rd in Governors’ Cup
ADDITIONS: Stanley Pringle, Christian Manaytay (Still in MPBL), Jun Roque (Still in NCAA), Deo Cuajao (Still in NCAA)
SUBTRACTIONS: Mark Borboran, Francis Escandor
KEY HOLDOVERS: Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, Santi Santillan, Gian Mamuyac, Beau Belga
Rain or Shine signed Stanley Pringle during the offseason that, although already 38 years old, could address its need for a closer during crunch time and an additional veteran presence come the playoffs where they made it to the semifinals in the last four conferences.
Matching up against the premier bigs of the league, however, could still be a problem for Rain or Shine unless Luis Villegas becomes fully healthy this season.
Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, Santi Santillan, Gian Mamuyac, and the rest of the Elasto Painters have already gained a wealth of knowledge from the past playoffs, and with time to digest their previous campaign, Rain or Shine could very well be ripe for a finals appearance.
3. BLACKWATER
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 10-23 (10th)
HIGHEST FINISH: 9th in Governors’ Cup
ADDITIONS: Dalph Panopio, Paul Zamar, Dave Murrell, Jack Cruz-Dumont, Jed Mendoza
SUBTRACTIONS: Jvee Casio, Myk Ayonayon, DJ Mitchell, Justin Chua, Prince Caperal, Miguel Corteza
KEY HOLDOVERS: Sedrick Barefield, Christian David, RK Ilagan, Troy Mallillin
Blackwater remains far from being a title contender for the 50th season, but the entry of Dalph Panopio as well as the other pick-ups could be enough for the Bossing chase a playoff spot in at least one of the conferences this year.
Panopio, a 6-foot-1 guard who can be a playmaker and a creator on offense himself, adds firepower that Blackwater badly needs. He joins fellow top three draftee Sedrick Barefield and Christian David, and RK Ilagan, whose ability to score has developed over the years crucial for the Bossing as well.
There isn’t much depth in the big men positions, but their guards are capable of making their team competitive.
2. TNT
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 50-25 (1st)
HIGHEST FINISH: 1st in Governors’ Cup, 1st in Commissioner’s Cup
ADDITIONS: Jio Jalalon, Kevin Ferrer, Tyrus Hill
SUBTRACTIONS: Jielo Razon, Barkley Ebona, Ping Exciminiano, Ryan Reyes, CJ Payawal
KEY HOLDOVERS: Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, Jayson Castro
TNT generally kept the most of the players that fell one title short of a Grand Slam last season.
But the Tropang 5G still made an upgrade by signing Kevin Ferrer, a 6-foot-5 wingman who looks fit to play as a role player for a winning team just like during his Barangay Ginebra days where he won two championships.
TNT also added depth with another 6-foot-5 wingman in Tyrus Hill. A last minute signing for the ballclub was Jio Jalalon, who has substantial championship experience with Magnolia.
Rey Nambatac is now healthy and more eager after missing last season’s Philippine Cup playoffs, just a conference after claiming the Finals MVP, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser recently signed a fresh deal to stay with the team.
With Jayson Castro and Poy Erram also set to recover from their injuries and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returning as import, TNT could be in the hunt for another grand slam again.
1. CONVERGE
49TH SEASON WIN-LOSS RECORD: 24-18 (3rd)
HIGHEST FINISH: 5th in Commissioner’s Cup
ADDITIONS: Juan Gomez de Liano, Kobe Monje, Rafi Reavis, Mark Omega (Still in NCAA)
SUBTRACTIONS: Bryan Santos, Jeo Ambohot
KEY HOLDOVERS: Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, Schonny Winston
All eyes on Converge as its line-up seems to have the potential to go on a deep playoff run this season.
The FiberXers negotiated to take the No. 2 pick from Phoenix, and used the draft right to select Juan Gomez de Liaño, arguably the most talented and experienced rookie in this class.
Juan GDL completes a formidable squad that could go down as its own version of the ‘Death Five’ with Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, and Schonny Winston. The second unit must now step up this season to complement the five guys.
But with the two formidable bigs and a versatile backcourt thanks to GDL, it has the tools to reach as far as the finals this season if everything falls into place.
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