We all know who’s at #1,
right? Right, but the rest of the field is a little difficult to gauge, since
nobody has really stood out in a consistently big way. Still, there have been
some great neophytes so far this season, and they’re all worth mentioning.
Without further ado, here
they are – the top five rookies of the 2014-2015 PBA season as of November 23,
2014 (as always, this is based on the Player Efficiency ratings as calculated
by PBA-Online.net):
 |
| Stanley Pringle is no surprise, but how about the others? |
5. Anthony Semerad (GLO) - 8.2ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0 triples per game,
41.7 3pt%, 85.7 FT%, 21.8 EFF
- In GlobalPort’s short
two-game winning streak (they beat Kia and Blackwater in succession before
dropping a close one to Rain or Shine), Semerad was pretty solid, averaging 14
points, shooting 56% from the field, and 40% from rainbow country. His season
stats are a little less stellar, but the 6’5 combo-forward still looks to be a
serious contributor for the Batang Pier. If he can keep this up, he has an
outside shot at maybe being the next J-Wash or RDO.
 |
| Anthony Semerad has had moments of brilliance this season. |
4. Jericho Cruz (ROS) - 7.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, 91.7 FT%, 22.4
EFF
- The former King Falcon
has been having a bit of a pedestrian season, but that was before he dropped 15
points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists against the Meralco Bolts last weekend. And,
get this, he did that in just 18 minutes! This kid has great upside, and if he
can be consistent with his great off-the-bench production, then it won’t be
long before he rises a notch in the wingmen ladder of the PBA.
 |
| Jericho Cruz definitely has star potential. |
3. Jake Pascual (BAR) - 7.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg, 23.7 EFF
- In Barako’s last two
wins, Pascual was great, averaging 17.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.
The 6’5 former Red Lion and Gilas cadet has the makings of a really effective
inside operator – think Ian Sangalang only a couple of inches shorter. A bit
more consistency in finishing in traffic and in his midrange game, and he could
really be something.
 |
| Jake Pascual can eventually be a top-tier PF in this league. |
2. Matt Rosser (TNT) - 8.6ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.6apg, 1.0bpg, 27.9 EF
- The former Gilas cadet’s
numbers in his last two games have been less than super, but he has, by and
large, still been pretty solid as a Gabe-Norwood-ish swingman. Coach Jong
Uichico can count on him for scoring, rebounding, and defense. Again, he’s not
crazy good at all those, but he’s solid at everything. Jack-of-All-Trades and
master of none? Yes, but he has the potential to be a top-tier swingman in the
next few years.
 |
| Matt Rosser looks to be Gabe Norwood 2.0. |
1. Stanley Pringle (GLO) - 15.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 5.0apg, 2.0spg, 1.3 triples
per game, 45.5 3pt%, 35.4 EFF
- He’s top 10 in scoring,
top two in steals and assists, and is the second-best rebounding guard in the
entire league. He’s athletic as hell, has a killer crossover, and possesses a
wicked jump-step. In short, despite being a rookie, he’s playing like a
superstar veteran. I mean, he’s already the best player on his team, and,
arguably, might already be the consensus best point guard in the league.
 |
| Stanley Pringle is the runaway ROY. C'mon, who are we kidding? |
Outside looking in:
Kevin Alas (TNT) - 21.4
EFF
Chris Banchero (ALA) -
21.0 EFF
Rodney Brondial (GIN) -
18.3 EFF
Images by Paul Ryan Tan and Pranz Kaeno Billones/Sports5.
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