Welcome to my first rookie rankings for the 2014-15 PBA Philippine Cup where a break down the exceptional rookies of the current conference. For those keeping tabs, the list covers the start of the cup up until October 31, 2014 – making this somewhat a breeze through of the entirety of October.
So let’s get through with this free for all!
Game starts now!
10. Eder Saldua (KIA)
The former FEU Tamaraw starts off the list because of his contributions in Kia’s first two games. Not only is he a valuable asset on the defensive end, it feels as if he has offense on him – just waiting for fine tuning. Eder Saldua’s PBA potential is sort of limited at this point but this should change if he further develops his game… and at least get the same playing time… unlike his third game.
9. Jake Pascual (Barako Bull)
The Bedan missed Barako Bull’s first salvo but had five points and four rebounds in 32 minutes of action in their next game. His performance drew some sort of buzz as his name was one of the names mentioned as Ian Sangalang’s replacement in Purefoods Star. A rugged version of the ex-SSC Stag, let’s check on this development as the season wears on.
8. Kevin Alas (Talk n Text)
The second pick overall of the 2014 PBA Draft is just averaging 16 minutes per game. Blame Kevin Alas’ stats on Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Ryan Reyes and possibly Jimmy Alapag the moment he begins his 2014-15 campaign. Still, the Letranite is averaging a shade under-10 points per game, which makes him an ideal checkout in case you’re wondering about the Tropang Texters’ future.
7. JP Erram (Blackwater)
He’s probably the most consistent big man rookie around, which is something considering that most thought he was too raw for the PBA when he was picked by Talk n’ Text last season. Perhaps TNT saw this too, which is why they pulled the heartbreaker on the former Blue Eagle. Now however, it’s a different story as Erram has been a monumental asset to the young Blackwater core.
6. Jericho Cruz (Rain or Shine)
Enjoying Rain or Shine’s rout of Kia, the former Adamson Soaring Falcon was able to hit double digits in scoring. It will be difficult for Cruz to get this kind of performance though with the return of Paul Lee and the impending return of Chris Tiu. But then again, in Yeng Guiao’s land of opportunity – where a Jonathan Uyloan can upstage an Alex Nuyles because of hard work –anything can happen.
5. Karl Dehesa (Kia)
Picked in the third round by the Alaska Aces in the 2012 PBA Draft but was left unsigned, Karl Dehesa never gave up and was able to sneak in the PBA via Kia. In his first game, he played 32 minutes and came up with four points, five assists, a board, and a swipe. There is nothing noteworthy about his performance but judging from his playing time, something must be up for him to get that test run.
4. Alvin Padilla (Kia)
While any benchwarmer in the PBA could get some sort of career 360 if they suit up for Kia, Alvin Padilla is doing his best to do this for the long haul. He currently ranks third in overall minutes played (behind Reil Cervantes and Rudy Lingganay) and it may have to do with the way his game meshes with what Kia’s active assistant coach Glenn Capacio wants.
3. Matt Ganuelas-Rosser (Talk n Text)
With Ranidel de Ocampo still loosening up from that arduous Gilas Pilipinas bump and grind, their Gilas cadet is showing that he is ready to wage war. However, his good showing is tainted with the Tropang Texters’ abysmal start. It’s either Jong Uichico will encourage his youth movement as he’s looking at this as some sort of rebuilding phase or we may see more minutes from the veterans.
2. Chris Banchero (Alaska)
It’s a total effort already for Chris Banchero to make it this far in the list. For starters, Alaska is an ensemble team with the former ABL-San Miguel Beermen competing for stats and minutes against the likes of Jayvee Casio, Cyrus Baguio, Dondon Hontiveros and even Calvin Abueva to an extent. And then there’s the fact that the Aces are pounding their might with utmost dominance. So yeah, if you think Banchero’s numbers are so-so, just check out his team to realize that it’s not.
1. Stanley Pringle (Globalport)
He’s exactly what the doctor ordered for GlobalPort and despite their coaching turmoil and winning woes, Stanley Pringle is just impressing the hell out of people. And what’s good about this is that he is doing this despite the presence of Alex Cabagnot and Terrence Romeo – who are both scoring combo guards just like him. While it’s a given that these three will eventually bump heads (especially with the Pido Jarencio situation), for this time, let’s just check out the talent showcase of this guy.
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Syd Salazar is a blogger for Philstar.com and NBA.com Philippines. His views are purely his own and do not reflect those of the two organizations.