Top PBA NLEX Players to Watch This Season and Their Impact
As I sit down to analyze this season's PBA NLEX roster, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with every new basketball year. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that roster construction often determines a team's fate more than any single game plan. Coach Frankie Lim's recent comments about the draft depth particularly caught my attention - "We don't know how deep the draft is. I think it might not be that deep, so we still can't use that to fill what we lack." This honest assessment reveals so much about why established players will carry even more weight this season.
When I look at NLEX's current lineup, Don Trollano immediately stands out as someone who's transformed from a role player to a legitimate star. Last season, he averaged 16.8 points per game while shooting 38% from three-point range - numbers that would make any coach smile. What impresses me most isn't just his scoring though; it's his improved decision-making in clutch situations. I remember watching him two seasons ago when he'd sometimes force contested shots, but now he's developed this patience that makes him so much more dangerous. His mid-range game has become particularly lethal, and I'd argue he's developed one of the most reliable pull-up jumpers in the league. The way he creates separation reminds me of some NBA veterans - it's not about explosive athleticism but rather timing and footwork.
Then there's Kevin Alas, whose journey back from multiple ACL injuries represents one of the most inspiring stories in recent PBA memory. I've followed his career since his college days, and what strikes me now is how he's reinvented his game. Instead of relying solely on the explosive drives that characterized his early career, he's become a much smarter floor general. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.2:1 last conference was among the league's best for local guards. What doesn't show up in stat sheets is his leadership during timeouts - I've noticed him constantly communicating with younger players, something that coaching staffs absolutely value.
Kris Rosales represents what I like to call the "glue guy" prototype - the kind of player whose impact transcends traditional statistics. While he only averaged 7.4 points last season, his defensive rating of 98.3 was among the best in the league. Having watched numerous games live, I can attest that his on-ball defense often disrupts entire offensive sets. He's the type of player opponents genuinely dislike facing because he never gives them a moment's peace. In today's positionless basketball era, his ability to guard multiple positions makes him incredibly valuable, especially considering Coach Lim's preference for switching defenses.
The import situation always fascinates me, and this season's choice of Thomas Robinson brings both excitement and questions. Having NBA experience is great, but what matters more is fit within the PBA's unique style. From what I've seen in preseason workouts, his rebounding intensity could dramatically improve NLEX's second-chance opportunities - an area where they ranked near the bottom last season. If he can provide the 12-15 rebounds per game I'm projecting, it would completely change their transition game.
What worries me slightly, echoing Coach Lim's concerns, is the bench depth. When I compare NLEX's second unit to teams like San Miguel or Ginebra, there's a noticeable drop in proven production. Players like Clint Doliguez and Paul Varilla need to take significant steps forward for this team to compete deep into tournaments. Doliguez particularly interests me - he shows flashes of brilliance but needs to develop consistency in his outside shooting. If he can improve his three-point percentage from last season's 31% to somewhere around 36%, it would open up so much for the starting unit.
The point guard rotation presents another interesting subplot. With Alas likely spending more time off the ball, the responsibility falls heavily on Philip Paniamogan and Matt Nieto to provide stable ball-handling. Nieto's basketball IQ has always impressed me, but his shooting inconsistencies have limited his minutes. If he can find his shooting rhythm from his college days, it would solve so many rotation issues.
What makes this season particularly compelling from my perspective is how NLEX's style seems to be evolving. Under Coach Lim, I've noticed a distinct shift toward more motion offense and defensive versatility. They're running fewer isolation sets and more dribble-handoffs and off-ball screens - the kind of system that requires high basketball intelligence rather than just raw talent. This philosophical change plays to their veterans' strengths while potentially accelerating younger players' development.
As the season progresses, I'll be watching how they manage the inevitable injuries and fatigue that come with the PBA's grueling schedule. Their performance in back-to-back games will tell us a lot about their conditioning and depth. Last season, they went 3-7 in the second games of back-to-backs - a statistic that must improve for playoff aspirations.
Ultimately, what makes basketball analysis so fascinating is that numbers only tell part of the story. The chemistry between Trollano and Alas, the defensive communication between Rosales and the big men, the leadership during tough stretches - these intangible elements often determine success more than any statistic. While the draft limitations that Coach Lim mentioned might limit their future flexibility, it also puts the spotlight squarely on their current core to deliver now. From where I sit, this combination of established stars and intriguing role players makes NLEX one of the most compelling teams to follow this season.
