How Myles Powell Became a PBA Star and What's Next for His Career
I remember the first time I saw Myles Powell play in the PBA—it was during the 2022 Commissioner's Cup, and honestly, I was skeptical. Coming from the NBA G League, many foreign players struggle to adapt to the Philippines' unique basketball style. But Powell immediately stood out with that explosive scoring ability that just left defenders scrambling. What struck me most wasn't just his athleticism, but his basketball IQ—something that reminded me of another player's transformation I'd witnessed years earlier. I'm thinking specifically of Bonafe's journey from middle blocker to setter, which took five years of dedicated repositioning. Powell underwent a similar, though accelerated, transformation when he joined the Bay Area Dragons before his PBA stint.
When Powell arrived in the PBA with San Miguel Beermen in 2023, he wasn't just another import—he was a strategic acquisition. Coach Jorge Gallent needed someone who could not only score but elevate the entire team's offensive system. Watching Powell adapt reminded me of what Bonafe once described: "It was very big leap kasi in high school, I was a middle blocker. From then on, after I graduated, coach Tina said to try being a setter. Ever since, that's like five years past na po yun." That positional shift—from middle blocker to setter—requires completely rethinking one's role on the court, much like Powell had to transition from being a primary scorer to a more balanced offensive threat who could also create for others.
Powell's statistics during his first PBA conference were nothing short of spectacular—he averaged 38.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game across 14 games. But numbers only tell part of the story. What impressed me more was how quickly he grasped the PBA's physical style of play. Unlike many imports who try to bulldoze their way through defenses, Powell showed remarkable adaptability. He developed a mid-range game specifically for the PBA's defensive schemes, something that took most imports entire seasons to master. I've followed PBA for over fifteen years, and I can count on one hand the number of imports who adjusted this quickly.
His performance in the 2023 Commissioner's Cup finals was particularly telling. Facing Barangay Ginebra's formidable defense, Powell still managed to put up 42 points in Game 4, including that incredible game-winning three-pointer with 2.3 seconds left. That moment wasn't just luck—it was the culmination of months studying PBA defenses and understanding exactly when to strike. It reminded me of how setters in volleyball have to read the entire court before making decisions, similar to what Bonafe described about her positional transition. Powell essentially became San Miguel's setter in crucial moments, orchestrating plays rather than just finishing them.
Looking ahead, I genuinely believe Powell has the potential to become one of those legendary PBA imports who returns season after season, similar to what Arizona Reid accomplished. The question isn't whether teams want him back—of course they do—but how he'll continue evolving. At 26, he's just entering his prime basketball years. What I'd love to see is Powell developing more of a leadership role, mentoring local players the way some of the great imports have done. He's already shown flashes of this during timeouts, often gathering teammates for impromptu strategy sessions.
The PBA's upcoming rule changes regarding imports could significantly impact Powell's career trajectory. With talks of lowering the height limit for imports to 6'5", Powell's 6'2" frame might actually become an advantage rather than a limitation. His speed and shooting would be even more devastating against slightly smaller defenders. Personally, I think this plays right into his strengths—he's always been more effective creating space than overpowering defenders anyway.
What many fans don't realize is how much Powell's game has evolved since his college days at Seton Hall. Back then, he was primarily a volume shooter. Now, he's developed into a complete offensive weapon. His assist numbers have increased by approximately 34% since his first professional season, showing his commitment to becoming more than just a scorer. This kind of development doesn't happen by accident—it requires the same dedication Bonafe showed during her five-year transition to setter.
I've spoken with several PBA coaches off the record, and the consensus is that Powell could potentially play another 4-5 seasons at an elite level in the Philippines if he maintains this development curve. His work ethic apparently reminds many of them of former San Miguel import Chris McCullough, who was famous for his rigorous training routines. The difference is Powell seems to have better durability—he's missed only 3 games due to injury in his first two PBA conferences combined.
As for what's next, I'm particularly excited about Powell's potential involvement in Philippine basketball beyond just playing. He's expressed interest in conducting clinics during the offseason, something that could greatly benefit local players. Having someone of his caliber teaching the nuances of scoring and offensive creation would be invaluable for the next generation of Filipino basketball talent.
The truth is, players like Powell don't come around often in the PBA. His combination of skill, adaptability, and basketball intelligence makes him special. While we've seen many talented imports come through the league, few have shown his understanding of how to win within the unique context of Philippine basketball. As someone who's followed the PBA for decades, I can confidently say Powell has the makings of someone who could leave a lasting legacy here, provided he continues on his current trajectory. His journey from American college standout to PBA star demonstrates that sometimes the best basketball careers aren't just about talent, but about finding the right environment to grow and adapt—much like Bonafe discovered when she made that pivotal switch from middle blocker to setter all those years ago.
