The race to the MVP will still be decided in a
couple of weeks but in the interest of probably getting people to be swayed on
my idea, here are my recommendations for the MVP awardee.
By now
it is said that the Mythical team will be formed by a bunch of Talk N Text players. Unlike in the NBA
where the regular season is different from the playoffs, the PBA combines the
two parts of the conference to give more importance to the winners. As of this
moment, Talk N Text and Ginebra are the only teams with 50 and more games while
Petron is hoping to catch the 50-game club.
Gary David, the league’s scoring average
leader, just played 28 games this season. Talk N Text is poised to reach 60
games this season.
See
the discrepancy.
Here’s
a trivia on the face of the Mythical selections during grand slam seasons:
1976 – Bogs Adornado became MVP (his second) during
the Crispa Redmanizers’ first grand slam
while Atoy Co and Philip Cezar
joined him in the Mythical Five.
1983 – Abet Guidaben became MVP of the second Crispa grand slam and again Co
and Cezar joined Abet in the Mythical Five. Adornado, now playing for U-Tex, was also part of the selection.
1989 – During the 1989 San Miguel Beer grand slam, Shell’s
Benjie Paras became the first and only Rookie
MVP of the PBA (not counting Adornado). Despite this, Ramon Fernandez and Hector
Calma became part of the Mythical Five while Elmer Reyes and Alvin Teng
were part of the Mythical Ten.
1996 – Johnny Abarrientos became the MVP during Alaska’s grand slam season. Joining him
in the Mythical Five were Jojo Lastimosa
and Bong Hawkins. Jeffrey Cariaso, joined the Mythical
Ten.
After
15 years of grand slam drought, the Tropang Texters are bent to score the plum.
In individual honors though, because Talk N Text are loaded in all levels, no
player really stands out in individual records.
So
does this mean that just like in 1989, a player from another squad will take
the MVP award to his team?
By the
way:
GOVERNOR’S CUP
STATS ARE UPDATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2011!!!
OUTSIDE
LOOKING IN:
The
rest of the list could score at least a Mythical Team selection. However, I
will seriously riot if they win the MVP award. Even if they are their team’s
best, they failed to draw the components needed for their team to succeed.
And
yeah, I’m pretty sure you won’t be seeing any Barako Bull players in this list.
25
DANNY SEIGLE / AIR21 EXPRESS
PHILCUP:
(SMB) 9.2PPG / 3.7RPG / 21 GAMES
COMCUP:
14.7PPG / 8.2RPG / 1.8APG / 1.0BPG / 13 GAMES
GOVCUP:
16.5PPG / 7.3RPG / 1.3APG / 1.3BPG / 6 GAMES
24
GARY DAVID / POWERADE TIGERS
PHILCUP:
21.5PPG / 3.3RPG / 3.4APG / 14 GAMES
COMCUP:
23.4PPG / 3.0RPG / 2.6APG / 9 GAMES
GOVCUP:
19.6PPG / 2.6RPG / 1.4APG / 5 GAMES
23
CYRUS BAGUIO / ALASKA ACES
PHILCUP:
13.2PPG / 4.3RPG / 3.5APG / 1.2SPG / 17 GAMES
COMCUP:
11.8PPG / 4.4RPG / 3.4APG / 1.3SPG / 12 GAMES
GOVCUP:
13.1PPG / 4.5RPG / 2.0APG / 1.1SPG / 8 GAMES
22
GABE NORWOOD / RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS
PHILCUP:
11.7PPG / 5.9RPG / 3.8APG / 2.1SPG / 15 GAMES
COMCUP:
9.9PPG / 6.1RPG / 3.3APG / 12 GAMES
GOVCUP:
8.8PPG / 7.8RPG / 4.6APG / 11 GAMES
21
RABEH AL-HUSSAINI / PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS
PHILCUP:
(AIR21) 17.5PPG / 8.9RPG / 1.0APG / 15 GAMES
COMCUP:
12.0PPG / 6.8RPG / 1.7APG / 10 GAMES
GOVCUP:
12.5PPG / 4.4RPG / 11 GAMES
20
SOL MERCADO / MERALCO BOLTS
PHILCUP:
(ROS) 16.9PPG / 3.8RPG / 4.3APG / 2.0SPG / 12 GAMES
COMCUP:
15.1PPG / 5.8RPG / 5.0APG / 9 GAMES
GOVCUP:
21.8PPG / 5.9RPG / 5.5APG / 8 GAMES
19
LARRY FONACIER / TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
PHILCUP:
9.2PPG / 3.6RPG / 2.1APG / 27 GAMES
COMCUP:
7.3PPG / 4.4RPG / 2.1APG / 18 GAMES
GOVCUP:
12.2PPG / 2.9RPG / 1.7APG / 12 GAMES
18
WILLIE MILLER / AIR21 EXPRESS
PHILCUP:
(GIN) 13.1PPG / 4.7RPG / 4.0APG / 23 GAMES
COMCUP:
(GIN) 10.2PPG / 3.6RPG / 2.0APG / 22 GAMES
GOVCUP:
(GIN) 2.5PPG / 2.0RPG / 4 GAMES
17
RONALD TUBID / BARANGAY GINEBRA KINGS
PHILCUP:
13.8PPG / 4.3RPG / 1.7APG / 23 GAMES
COMCUP:
7.8PPG / 4.3RPG / 1.5APG / 22 GAMES
GOVCUP:
8.2PPG / 4.4RPG / 1.2APG / 12 GAMES
16
PETER JUNE SIMON / B-MEG LLAMADOS
PHILCUP:
18.0PPG / 2.8RPG / 1.6APG / 21 GAMES
COMCUP:
17.8PPG / 4.4RPG / 1.4APG / 9 GAMES
GOVCUP:
15.0PPG / 3.6PG / 1.7APG / 12 GAMES
15
ALEX CABAGNOT / PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS
PHILCUP:
9.8PPG / 4.0RPG / 5.3APG / 26 GAMES
COMCUP:
9.2PPG / 4.2RPG / 5.2APG / 1.4SPG / 9 GAMES
GOVCUP:
10.6PPG / 4.5RPG / 7.8APG / 1.3SPG / 11 GAMES
14
RYAN REYES / TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
PHILCUP:
10.0PPG / 4.5RPG / 3.0APG / 1.3SPG / 23 GAMES
COMCUP:
7.9PPG / 3.5RPG / 2.9APG / 1.4SPG / 18 GAMES
GOVCUP:
11.8PPG / 5.3RPG / 3.0APG / 1.7SPG / 12 GAMES
13
DONDON HONTIVEROS / AIR21 EXPRESS
PHILCUP:
(SMB) 14.0PPG / 3.6RPG / 2.1APG / 27 GAMES
COMCUP:
15.0PPG / 4.8RPG / 2.1APG / 1.1SPG / 14 GAMES
GOVCUP:
9.0PPG / 3.9RPG / 1.8APG / 1.3SPG / 8 GAMES
12
LA TENORIO / ALASKA ACES
PHILCUP:
11.2PPG / 5.2RPG / 4.3APG / 1.2SPG / 17 GAMES
COMCUP:
17.3PPG / 3.8RPG / 5.0APG / 1.3SPG / 12 GAMES
GOVCUP:
12.4PPG / 5.0RPG / 4.3APG / 1.3SPG / 12 GAMES
11
JAMES YAP / B-MEG LLAMADOS
PHILCUP:
17.3PPG / 4.0RPG / 2.2APG / 22 GAMES
COMCUP:
19.4PPG / 4.6RPG / 1.8APG / 5 GAMES
GOVCUP:
20.8PPG / 4.9RPG / 1.0APG / 12 GAMES
HONORABLE
MENTIONS
In
this part of the list keeps an eye on various vital cogs. While we will
probably raise eyebrows on the players inside the list, let me point out to you
that Mike Mustre was a former
Mythical Team member before Danny Seigle donned the San Miguel Beer uniform.
Aside from Mustre, other names that entered the Mythical selection are Gilbert Demape, Bonel Balingit, Elmer
Reyes, Rudy Distrito, Joy Carpio, Padim Israel, and JV Yango.
These
players aren’t top players but their names managed to get the nod because they
helped their respective squads have the season’s best record.
10
SONNY THOSS / ALASKA ACES
PHILCUP: 12.2PPG / 9.7RPG /
1.9APG / 1.1BPG / 17 GAMES
COMCUP: 9.8PPG / 9.6RPG /
2.4APG / 1.3BPG / 12 GAMES
GOVCUP: 12.6PPG / 9.3RPG /
2.3APG / 1.5BPG / 12 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: When we say Alaska, we’re
probably checking out the Gatorade endorser LA Tenorio. However maybe you
should understand the current import situation. If Diamon Simpson was Alaska’s
import, Thoss would have miniscule touches and diminutive playing time. However
because of the small import situation, The Boss was averaging in near
double-doubles for almost two conferences now.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: Thoss is not seen as a top
guy. Furthermore, he also has to contend on the fact that Joe Devance was
Alaska’s main giant before he got the nod. Add this to the fact that Alaska
hasn’t made the finals and we got the reason why Sonny Thoss will not win the
MVP award.
9 JAY
WASHINGTON / PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS
PHILCUP: 16.6PPG / 10.0RPG /
2.4APG / 1.2BPG / 26 GAMES
COMCUP: 14.6PPG / 8.1RPG /
1.9APG / 7 GAMES
GOVCUP: 12.5PPG / 5.0RPG /
1.5APG / 1.0BPG / 2 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: He is the Philippine Cup’s
Best Player of the Conference. Amongst all conferences, this BPC award is the
most prestigious. Despite sharing all-around duties with Arwind Santos, J-Wash
is still leading the charge for SMB/Petron.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: This was until he got injured.
He has had DNP’s in the first two conferences but in his second game in the
Governor’s Cup, down goes Washington’s chance to win the MVP award. I will not get
shocked if Washington scores a Mythical 5 but I’ll be terribly pissed if he’ll
win the MVP.
8 KELLY
WILLIAMS / TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
PHILCUP: 9.6PPG / 7.4RPG /
1.3APG / 25 GAMES
COMCUP: 9.2PPG / 7.6RPG / 18
GAMES
GOVCUP: 9.3PPG / 6.9RPG /
1.3APG / 1.3SPG / 12 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: Kelly Williams will always be
a contender for the MVP crown especially if he’s with a winning team. Well to
everyone’s un-surprise, K-Will is playing for the grand slam hunting TNT Phone
Pals.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: Unlike his Sta. Lucia days,
his minutes aren’t that big. And then for some insane reason his scoring
escaped him this season. But the thing that takes the cake is that Williams’
has been MIA in both of their finals series this season. I can see Machine Gun
scoring a Mythical selection but it would be difficult for him to score the MVP
award.
7 HARVEY
CAREY / TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
PHILCUP: 10.5PPG / 10.5RPG /
2.0APG / 27 GAMES
COMCUP: 5.8PPG / 5.9RPG /
1.0APG / 18 GAMES
GOVCUP: 8.7PPG / 6.8RPG /
1.2APG / 12 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: Harvey Carey is probably one
of the most dependable big men in the PBA today. He is a steady presence inside
the paint and even if you pit him with bigger guys and fewer minutes, you have
to expect him to deliver.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: It’s really hard to treat
Carey as a serious threat for the MVP award because the only reason why he is
ranked this high is Talk N Text current PBA ownage. While he could score
a mythical selection, I doubt if he’ll win the MVP award.
6 ALI
PEEK / TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
PHILCUP: 12.5PPG / 9.2RPG /
1.1BPG / 27 GAMES
COMCUP: 8.2PPG / 5.9RPG / 18
GAMES
GOVCUP: 8.7PPG / 7.8RPG /
1.3BPG / 12 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: The 36-year-old rebounding
monster is showing no signs of age... defensively. During the Philippine Cup,
he seriously turned back time following Ranidel de Ocampo’s injury and when
they need an intimidating force in the rest of the conferences, he provides...
greatly.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: Unlike Carey, Peek is a more
credible choice. With that said, it’s really hard for Peek to win because he’s
not the focal point of Talk N Text’s offense. Also, this is not the Ali Peek of
old that demolishes the inside with significant ease. I wouldn’t even mention
his name had not for TNT awesome showing.
THE
MVP CANDIDATES
So
here it is – the best players of the current PBA season. I bet my balls you can
all see their names and their faces when the Mythical selection is handed out.
These players were never really injured and played to their truest form.
5 JASON
CASTRO / TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
PHILCUP: 11.5PPG / 4.0RPG /
3.7APG / 27 GAMES
COMCUP: 10.5PPG / 3.4RPG /
3.4APG / 1.4SPG / 15 GAMES
GOVCUP: 13.3PPG / 4.3RPG /
5.3APG / 1.0SPG / 12 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: Jason Castro is poised to be a
star in this league. This season showed us that Castro is ready to start and
make wonders for Talk N Text. Case in point: Jimmy Alapag’s injury. Alapag is
an integral cog of the squad that a team can easily falter without his
services. However, Castro blurred those lines and managed to make his self a
virtual 12-6-6 (pts-reb-ast) player. Plus let’s not forget that Castro is tied
with Alapag with most Finals MVP this season with two. Not only does he do well
in the eliminations but he levels up during the Finals.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: Talk N Text is a very powerful
team loaded in every position. With that said Alapag claims at least 30 minutes
of playing time. The rest of the minutes in the backcourt rotation are shared
by Castro, Ryan Reyes, and Larry Fonacier (and to some extent Mark Yee and
Aaron Aban). Castro usually chalks in 20 to 26 minutes and those minutes just
increase come the Finals. Unless Castro plays well again in the Finals and
relegates Alapag in mere watcher mode, The Blur will probably settle for a
mythical citation.
4 JIMMY
ALAPAG / TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
PHILCUP: 14.3PPG / 3.0RPG /
5.7APG / 27 GAMES
COMCUP: 13.3PPG / 3.3RPG /
5.5APG / 18 GAMES
GOVCUP: 6.0PPG / 1.8RPG /
5.0APG / 10 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: Asi Taulava, Mark Cardona, and
Willie Miller have since moved on but ever since, there is one constant in the
TNT lineup. In the Philippine Cup Finals, he put a stop on Alex Cabagnot’s late
game heroics and against Ginebra, he outplayed Mike Cortez and managed to put
off the fiery upstart Rob Labagala. He has been the stabilizer of the team’s offense
and his defensive skills are beyond question awesome. He can also spell
difference with his fast break troika or his clutch attack. With TNT’s grand
slam hopes in the works, I believe this is Jimmy Alapag’s time to win the
award.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: Alapag was on the verge of
winning his first MVP award when injury struck. He returned to the lineup but
at this point Castro, Fonacier, and Reyes were taking over in his scoring,
rebounding, assisting, and his playing time. His production decreased and it’s
taking a while for him to return to his normal self. The only way he can surely
win the MVP award is by making sure that Ginebra and Petron will never make the
Finals.
3 JOE
DEVANCE / B-MEG LLAMADOS
PHILCUP: (ALASKA) 19.2PPG /
8.8RPG / 3.2APG / 1.1BPG / 17 GAMES
COMCUP: (ALASKA) 14.6PPG /
7.8RPG / 4.8APG / 1.1BPG / 12 GAMES
GOVCUP: 14.3PPG / 8.8RPG /
2.7APG / 1.3BPG / 12 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: Before Alaska got eliminated
in the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cup, The Speaker of the House was one of
the most consistent stat-drawers in the league. This is funny, considering that
Devance is disgruntled with the Aces. At the start of the Governor’s Cup, JDV
was shipped to Air21 en route to B-Meg. With Kerby Raymundo out of commission,
Devance played his part and made wonders in his current situation.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: Undoubtedly, he has one of the
best stats in the season. However, Alaska failed to reach the semifinals of
both conferences and even if B-Meg reaches the Finals in the Governor’s Cup, Devance
will have it hard to win against the other frontrunners. In fact, Alapag might
be rooting for either Alaska or B-Meg to advance in the finals. With that said,
there is still a slim chance for Devance to win the MVP award but that is
having 30 points and 15 rebounds lots of times.
2 ARWIND
SANTOS / PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS
PHILCUP: 15.2PPG / 9.0RPG /
1.0APG / 1.0BPG / 27 GAMES
COMCUP: 12.1PPG / 8.4RPG /
1.2APG / 1.0SPG / 1.3BPG / 9 GAMES
GOVCUP: 16.0PPG / 14.5RPG /
1.1APG / 1.1SPG / 1.6BPG / 11 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: A MVP race is not as such
without The Spiderman. Arwind Santos has been a monster in terms of statistical
categories and this year is no different. While he played second fiddle to Jay
Washington in the Philippine Cup, he broke out of being in J-Wash’s shadow
especially when the latter got injured. Have you ever seen his averages in the
Governor’s Cup? Santos plays more like an import than the merry-go-round of
reinforcements Petron had in their lineup.
WHY HE WILL LOSE: The switch from San Miguel to
Petron was excruciating for Arwind. After they scored runner-up honors, the
Beermen went dead last in the Commissioner’s Cup. Talk N Text played 18 games
in the Commish Cup while San Miguel had only 9. Since Talk N Text has its
sights on the finals, the only way Arwind can score the MVP plum is for Petron
to claim the last seat and boot Ginebra off the grid.
1 MARK
CAGUIOA / BARANGAY GINEBRA KINGS
PHILCUP: 14.2PPG / 5.7RPG /
2.2APG / 22 GAMES
COMCUP: 15.7PPG / 5.3RPG /
2.7APG / 22 GAMES
GOVCUP: 20.3PPG / 4.2RPG /
2.1APG / 12 GAMES
WHY HE WILL WIN: Ginebra is the only team aside
from Talk N Text to play in all of the semifinal series of the current season.
Each and every time, Mark “The Spark” Caguioa proved to be the most vital figure
of the squad. Sure he had the threat to lose his go-to-guy status to Willie
Miller during the Philippine Cup but he proved time and time again why he is
the current reincarnation of Robert Jaworski. The cocky shooter is bent to
claim his first MVP award to push him alongside the other PBA greats. After a
couple of seasons reeling inside the injury list, what better way to ship all
doubts away than by winning a MVP award?
WHY HE WILL LOSE: Alapag will lose the award if
he struggles in the finals. For The Spark’s sake, the person that should pick
up top performance honors is him and if not Jimmy, it shouldn’t be Jason
Castro. Yes, Caguioa must lead his team to a finals seat. The team that should
pick up the final ticket must be Ginebra and not the Arwind Santos-led Petron
or the Joe Devance-centered B-Meg.
Of
course, these rankings are what I gathered from my own equation. Fact is, press
votes as well as the player votes will contribute greatly on the choosing
process. At this point, the two combatants of the Governor’s Cup finals will
likely dictate on who will be Season 36’s MVP!
Game
over.
By the way, stats and image credits goes to PBA and the PBFANTASY website.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment