My favorite PBA players

My favorite PBA players

by rick olivares with image taken from pba.ph

Tony de la Cruz – If there is anyone who is coldly efficient its Tony de la Cruz. I never was a fan of Shell but I did like their team with Rich Alvarez and when they had Leo Austria as head coach. Great fundamentals. Even better attitude towards the game and a great locker room presence. This guy has been the face of the Uytengsu franchise since he came over from Shell.

Cyrus Baguio – Loved what he can do ever since his days in UST. I still feel that he is not the player he was when he was in Red Bull but then again, who is? Rico Villanueva is certainly not. But Skyrus I feel is handicapped by the triangle offense. Nevertheless, always fun to watch.

LA Tenorio – Since his frosh year in Ateneo, he was cool and composed. Not to mention deadly. He has gotten much better in the PBA. Prime time player.

Sonny Thoss – When he came into the league, I scoffed, “Just another Fil-for with no talent.” Boy, was I wrong. He’s become a rock at center for the national team and for Alaska. Love his game.

Larry Fonacier – The Larry Fonacier we are seeing now with TNT is the Larry Fonacier who was a star for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets. In the senior Blue Eagles he was more of a shooter than the all-around player he was. I’d say he is one of the smartest players in the league. I love his court vision. Him being on the court with Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, and Ryan Reyes is like watching a clinic of ruthless and selfless basketball.

Jared Dillinger – Does this dude have guts or what? Absolutely fearless. The things he does to his knees and feet I just shake my head. But JD plays his ass flat out every time out. Definitely a top fave player.

Jason Castro – Speed kills. I remembered when Jimwell Torion entered the league and devastated foes in similar fashion. But Castro is by far more talented and deadly.

Ryan Reyes – Solid and unspectacular with the flair for the spectacular. A huge huge addition to TNT. Imagine him with Alapag and Castro. That’s a tough three guard corps there that matches up with B-Meg’s.

Harvey Carey – Thought he was a bust as he didn’t have a great rookie year but he has turned himself into a tireless worker who gets the job done. Does any other team work harder than TNT?

Chris Lutz – What a great addition to Petron. His intensity and fire is a perfect fit for what drives Arwind Santos. When he joined Smart Gilas alongside Marcio Lassiter, that gave the nationals great wing defenders (along with Mac Baracael). He gives the same to Petron and some super scoring punch.

Marcio Lassiter – Mr. Cool. Nothing changes in his demeanor even when he makes big shots. But I love what he brings to the table. Sentimental Smart Gilas fave and so I follow Powerade more closely.

JV Casio – I was always afraid of Casio when he was in La Salle. Who got off those shots quicker? Then Rajko Toroman improved his game and now we’re all waiting for him to do the same for Powerade.

Gary David – I have to admit that David snuck in like a stealth bomber. Such a dynamic scorer. Difficult to guard because of his speed and shiftiness. All you can hope is that he has a bad day.

Rudy Lingganay – Been a fan since his days with UE. I sure hope that he does real well in the pros because like Rob Labagala they are very good guards.

Willy Wilson – Was never impressed with him before but he’s become a very good utility player with a lot of skills. How can I not root for a guy who plays smart and is a hard-nosed defender?

JC Intal – So much talent but I wish that he had the ruthlessness of Arwind Santos, Mark Caguioa or even the spunk of Ronald Tubid.

Mick Pennisi – Okay, not the most athletic of the bunch or even the smartest player on the floor but Mick will squeeze the most out what he has to contribute. And love the character. Got to feature the old Red Bull team when Yeng Guiao was their head coach and I thought that he made that team fun in every way (alongside Carlo Sharma).

Ronjay Buenafe – The Mad Bomber who can put up points in a hurry. Who else does this – Gary David, the young Mark Caguioa, Jeff Chan, Paul Lee (anyone notice how Rain or Shine has cornered the market share on pistoleros like Buenafe).  Knows only how to play a couple of ways – fast, faster, and go even faster if possible.

Gaby Espinas – Wish he’d play with a burr up his butt all the time because in spite of his talent, he’s kind of inconsistent. He can score when he wants to score (and play defense too). Wish it happened more often than not.

Josh Urbiztondo – All heart! Smart player too.

Kerby Raymundo – Now this is unfair. Blessed with height and all that talent. Wish he was healthier because it has been a treat to watch this guy.

Mark Barroca – So he’s not shown anything with B-Meg. But that’s because he went to the wrong team. He should be playing for Ginebra.