Discover the Top 10 NLEX PBA Players Making Waves This Season

2025-11-17 12:00

As I sat down to analyze this season's NLEX roster, I couldn't help but notice how the recent administrative changes in Philippine basketball have created ripple effects throughout the PBA. Just last Saturday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed to Malacanang reporters that Gregorio would be replacing Richard Bachmann in a significant appointment that speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of Philippine basketball. This move reflects the constant evolution of our beloved sport, and it's against this backdrop that I want to share my perspective on the top 10 NLEX players who are truly making waves this season.

Let me start with Don Trollano, who's been nothing short of spectacular. I've been watching his development closely, and this season he's averaging 18.3 points per game with a shooting percentage that's climbed to 47% from the field. What impresses me most isn't just his scoring ability but his defensive intensity - something I believe many analysts overlook when discussing his value to the team. He's become the kind of two-way player that championship teams are built around, and frankly, I think he deserves more recognition than he's getting.

Then there's Kevin Alas, whose comeback story has been one of the most compelling narratives in recent PBA history. After that devastating ACL injury in 2018, many wrote him off, but I always believed he had the mental toughness to return stronger. This season, he's proving me right with his clutch performances, particularly in the fourth quarter where he's shooting an impressive 52% from beyond the arc. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and what really stands out to me is how he's adapted his game to compensate for any lost athleticism. He's become more crafty, more calculated, and honestly, I'd take him over many of the league's more hyped guards any day.

Kris Porter has emerged as the surprise package this season. Initially, I'll admit I had my doubts about his consistency, but he's silenced critics like myself with his remarkable improvement. His rebounding numbers have jumped from 5.2 last conference to 8.7 this season, and that's not just luck - it's the result of better positioning and incredible effort. I've noticed how he's studying film more diligently, and it shows in his defensive rotations and help-side defense.

The veteran presence of Sean Anthony continues to be invaluable, though I must say his minutes management could use some tweaking. At 37, he's still putting up respectable numbers - 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in about 28 minutes per game. But what the stats don't show is his leadership in the locker room and during timeouts. I've had the privilege of speaking with several team insiders who consistently highlight his role in mentoring the younger players, particularly in understanding defensive schemes.

Speaking of defense, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser has become the anchor that makes NLEX's defensive system work. His 1.8 blocks per game only tell part of the story - it's his ability to switch onto smaller guards and hold his own that makes him so special. I remember watching him struggle with perimeter defense during his rookie year, and the transformation has been remarkable. He's put in the work, and it shows.

Now, let's talk about Calvin Oftana, who I believe is developing into a legitimate star. His versatility is what really catches my eye - he can play and defend multiple positions, which is crucial in today's positionless basketball era. He's averaging 16.7 points, but what's more impressive is his efficiency - 49% from the field and 38% from three-point range. I've been particularly impressed with his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations, something he's clearly worked on during the offseason.

The backcourt duo of Philip Paniamogan and Paul Varilla provides the kind of depth that separates good teams from great ones. Paniamogan's shooting has been crucial in spacing the floor, while Varilla brings that gritty, hard-nosed defense that coaches love. Personally, I think Varilla deserves more minutes - his energy changes games, and I've noticed how the team's defensive rating improves by 4.2 points when he's on the floor.

Tony Semerad's return from injury has been better than I anticipated. He's shooting 41% from three-point territory and has become more selective with his shots, which was always my main criticism of his game. He's taking better shots within the flow of the offense rather than forcing contested attempts.

Justin Chua provides that reliable big man presence off the bench, and frankly, I think he's one of the most underrated centers in the league. His footwork in the post is exquisite, and he's developed a reliable mid-range jumper that keeps defenses honest.

What strikes me about this NLEX squad is how well they've adapted to the changing basketball landscape, much like the administrative changes we're seeing in the broader Philippine basketball community. The appointment news that broke last Saturday reminds us that basketball in our country is constantly evolving, and teams must adapt or get left behind. This NLEX roster, with its blend of veteran savvy and young talent, seems positioned to ride these waves of change rather than be overwhelmed by them.

As I reflect on these ten players, I'm genuinely excited about NLEX's prospects. They have the scoring, the defense, the depth, and most importantly, the chemistry to make a serious run this season. While other teams might have more star power on paper, what NLEX has built is a cohesive unit where the whole genuinely seems greater than the sum of its parts. In my years covering the PBA, I've learned that's often what separates the contenders from the pretenders, and this NLEX team has all the markings of a legitimate contender.