Do you want to know why the center position is one of
the deepest in the PBA? Here’s why – three of the top five most efficient
players in the pros right now are centers. And the other two guys on this list?
One is supposedly an over-the-hump big man who loves the three-point shot too
much, and the other is an underrated rookie center who has the potential to be
a big time contributor.
Without further ado, here they are – the top five centers
in the 2013-2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as of the morning of April 15, 2014 (as
always, this is based on the Player Efficiency ratings as calculated by PBA-Online.net):
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| Has there ever been a time the PBA has had so many awesome big men? |
5. Raymond
Almazan (ROS) - 7.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.0bpg, .600 FG%, 25.4 EFF
- Here’s what’s impressive about this former Letran
Knight – he plays just 15 minutes a game and already puts up solid numbers on a
team that already has Gilas big man Beau Belga. In the two games he played 20
or more minutes, Almazan averaged around 11 points and 8 rebounds. Wow, right? Give
this kid a year or two, and a lot more playing time, and he can really break
out.
4. Mick
Pennisi (BAR) - 10.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.6 triples per game, .489 3pt%, .537 FG%,
26.6 EFF
- Why, yes, this half-Aussie is nearly 40, but he can
still hang with the up-and-coming slotmen of the PBA. He can neither move nor
jump as well as he once could, but he still certainly packs a wallop,
especially from long range. To illustrate, he is fourth overall in three-point
percentage, tops among all non-guards, and he actually leads the entire league
(bar none) in total three-pointers made. He’s been in the league since 2000,
but, believe it or not, this season is his best three-point shooting season.
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| Mick Pennisi hasn't shot this well since he started his PBA career. |
3. Greg
Slaughter (GIN) - 11.5ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, .567 FG%, 32.1 EFF
- Gregzilla finally piled up a double-double in
Ginebra’s last game (a loss to Alaska), dropping 20 points and 13 rebounds.
That was, however, an exception to the norm as his production has been neutered
relative to what he was making in the Philippine Cup. Still, the young center
is on pace to remain as the league’s top rookie by season’s end, and should be
one of the most promising slotmen in recent memory. As for the Gin Kings’
chances of returning to the Finals? Well, not so promising.
2. Asi
Taulava (AIR) - 12.6ppg, 9.9rpg, 1.0apg, 32.8 EFF
- Who leads the league in double-doubles right now?
You guessed it. This 41-year old half-Tongan is still pounding the block and
taking names. Oh, and did I mention that his Air 21 Express have also broken
into the quarterfinal round? Yes, he has been huge in helping coach Franz
Pumaren’s unit overachieve this conference. One of the best to ever play in the
PBA. Boom.
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| Asi Taulava continues to defy Father Time. |
1. June Mar
Fajardo (SMB) - 12.2ppg, 10.7rpg, 1.5apg, 1.8bpg, .553 FG%, 35.9 EFF
- After a lackluster first game against Talk N Text,
Fajardo has been on a tear, dropping big games one after the other. He is just
a two-way monster who hasn’t even reached his true potential yet. As a bonus?
His Beermen have the inside track to getting the second seed in the next round.
And a second straight Best Player of the Conference award? Not too farfetched
if you ask me.
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| June Mar Fajardo has been the most dominant inside force in the PBA this season. |
Outside
looking in:
Sonny Thoss (ALA) - 24.5 EFF
Beau Belga (ROS) - 22.1 EFF
Kelly Williams (TNT) - 20.4 EFF
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