Power forwards have been
tearing it up in the 2014-2015 Philippine Cup, scoring heavily and rebounding
with impunity. Japeth Aguilar, in particular, has been quite impressive, while
Arwind Santos continues to fill the box scores. Even this early, it sure looks
like this will be one of the deepest positions this season.
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| The PBA's power forwards have been mighty impressive early this season. |
Without further ado, here
they are – the top five power forwards of the 2014-2015 PBA season as of
November 13, 2014 (as always, this is based on the Player Efficiency ratings as
calculated by PBA-Online.net):
5. Vic Manuel (ALA) - 12.2ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.6apg, 51.4% FGs, 32.4 EFF
- With Gabby Espinas
floundering in sick bay, the Aces weren’t supposed to be this good, weren’t
supposed to be unbeaten. But they have been very good, and Vic Manuel is one of
the big reasons why. The former PSBA Jaguar has been super solid for Alaska,
scoring in the low block and teaming up with Sonny Thoss and Calvin Abueva to
rule the boards. If he continues to be a constant double-double threat, then
look for the Aces to have a memorable run this conference.
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| Vic Manuel has been enjoying a breakout start to his season. (image by Paul Ryan Tan/Sports5) |
4. Marc Pingris (PUR) - 9.5ppg, 13.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, 32.4 EFF
- He’s only two games back
from injury, and he sure doesn’t look 100% yet, but Ping has already been very
productive, scoring nearly 10 a game and hauling down 13 rebounds per outing. He’ll
probably continue putting up these numbers, but will that be enough for the
reeling Hotshots to make a run and qualify for the second round?
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| Despite a very busy offseason, it seems Ping hasn't missed a beat. (image by Pranz Kaeno Billones/Sports5) |
3. Cliff Hodge (MER) - 12.0ppg, 12.4rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, 1.4bpg, 30.0%
3pts, 36.5 EFF
- Hodge started the season
like a house on fire, putting up three straight double-doubles as Meralco went
2-1, but he has been on a bit of a slump of late, averaging just 4 points and
8.5 rebounds in their last two encounters. He promised to have a landmark season,
though, and, if he plays true to form, then he should become a top-tier
frontliner by season’s end.
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| Cliff Hodge rises high for the slamma jamma! (image by Paul Ryan Tan/Sports5) |
2. Arwind Santos (SMB) - 16.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8bpg, 40.0% 3pts,
37.0 EFF
- The Beermen have enjoyed
a strong start so far, winning all but one of their assignments, and Santos has
contributed heavily to that cause. Though he has recently been talked about
more for his singing, than his playing, don’t be fooled. The former UAAP MVP
and PBA MVP is still one of the best in the biz.
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| Arwind Santos remains a force to reckon with in the paint for SMB. (image by Pranz Kaeno Billones/Sports5) |
1. Japeth Aguilar (GIN) - 13.3ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.2apg, 2.2bpg, 57.1% FGs,
37.4 EFF
- Remember last year when
Japeth Aguilar began the season like a double-double demon? Yep, he’s at it
again this season, and that’s enough to put him atop the heap. Of course, it’s
another thing to see if he can sustain this level of play throughout the
season, but things have been promising. Remember the game against Purefodds
where he was attacking the basket aggressively? That’s something we’ve rarely
seen from Japeth, but here’s to hoping he keeps this up in the long run.
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| Japeth Aguilar has been flying high for the Gin Kings. (image by Paul Ryan Tan/Sports5) |
Outside looking in:
Kelly Williams (TNT) -
30.0 EFF
Aldrech Ramos (NLX) - 29.4
EFF
Reil Cervantes (KIA) - 28.6
EFF
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