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| Images by Paul Ryan Tan/Sports5. |
Prior to the current PBA season, Mo Tautuaa was the most highly touted rookie entering the league, but right now it has been his teammate Troy Rosario who has really impressed. Former UAAP & NCAA stars Chris Newsome, Bradwyn Guinto, and Arthur Dela Cruz have also impressed, which makes making this 2015-2016 ranking a little tough.
Without further ado, here they are – the top five rookies of the 2015-2016 PBA season:
*This is based on the Player Efficiency ratings as calculated by PBA-Online.net. Stats are accurate as of February 24, 2016.
5. Arthur Dela Cruz (BLA) - 11.0ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.5spg, 50.0 FG%
- The former San Beda Red Lion (and one time Ateneo Blue Eagle) may not have landed on any of the big name teams, but he sure as hell is playing like a big time pro. The second generation forward has risen to become of the Elite’s best scoring options, and, to be quite honest, he is playing so well that I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the big name clubs actually pick him up sooner rather than later.
4. Mo Tautuaa (TNT) - 12.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.6apg, 54.1 FG%
- Mo’s numbers have been good, and there games when he looked flat out unstoppable. In general, however, he has been a little underwhelming, and one gets the feeling there is still a lot more he can contribute to the Tropa. One can only hope that his true worth will be known as the games go by.
3. Bradwyn Guinto (MAH) - 8.2ppg, 7.6rpg, 60.5 FG%
- Guinto continues to play solid basketball for the Enforcers even after splashing onto the scene in the PHL Cup as Mahindra’s main big man. I expect his numbers will slide as Augustus Gilchrist continues to play well, but that doesn’t mean anybody should sleep on this former Golden Stag. He has the makings of a very solid center who should have a long career.
2. Chris Newsome (MER) - 11.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, 46.4 FG%
- Newsome, at times, has been Meralco’s best local player this season. The combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and pure fearlessness is perfect for what coach Norman Black is trying to do, and the Bolts have been better for it (as proven by their current 4-0 record). Of course, the jury is out on whether the Atenean can sustain his high level of play.
1. Troy Rosario (TNT) - 14.3ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5 triples per game, 35.9 3pt%, 48.8 FG%
- We knew Rosario was going to be good for TNT, but he has been even better than advertised or expected. I mean, think of him as a younger, bigger, more athletic version of Ranidel de Ocampo. And, guess what, when all is said and done, Troy has a lot more upside than RDO ever had. TNT has a helluva gem in their hands, and they better take very good care of this kid. He is this team’s future.
Honorable Mentions:
Maverick Ahanmisi (ROS) - 8.9ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.6apg, 32.3 3pt%, 40.6 FG%
Scottie Thompson (GIN) - 4.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.6apg, 35.7 3pt%, 42.9 FG%
Simon Enciso (NLX) - 6.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.2apg, 1.3 triples per game, 32.2 3pt%, 34.4 FG%
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