Who Will Be Crowned the Most Improved Player in PBA This Season?
As I sit down to analyze this season's PBA Most Improved Player race, I can't help but feel this is one of the most exciting battles we've seen in recent years. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous players transform from benchwarmers to superstars, but this season's crop of contenders brings something special to the table. The hunger for improvement isn't just about individual stats—it's deeply connected to team success, something that resonates strongly with me as someone who values team chemistry above flashy individual performances.
When I look at the current landscape, several names immediately jump out. There's Robert Bolick, who's elevated his game to nearly 20 points per game compared to last season's 14.5, while increasing his assists from 4.2 to 6.8. Then you've got Calvin Oftana, whose transformation from a role player to a primary option has been nothing short of remarkable. His scoring has jumped from 11.3 to 16.8 points, and what impresses me most is his improved three-point shooting—he's hitting 38% from beyond the arc compared to last season's 31%. These aren't just marginal improvements; we're talking about quantum leaps that have fundamentally changed how opponents prepare for these teams.
What really strikes me about this season's MIP conversation is how closely it aligns with championship aspirations. I recently came across a quote from one of the players that perfectly captures this mentality: "Nilu-look forward ko talaga is to be in the championship. I know even other teams are aiming for that, hindi kami magsa-stop, we just want to win. Nandun pa rin yung pagiging hungry, yung hunger namin as Tigers na manalo." This hunger they're talking about—it's palpable when you watch these improved players compete. They're not just putting up empty stats on losing teams; their personal growth is directly contributing to their squads' championship viability. In my experience covering the league, this is exactly what separates good candidates from deserving winners.
Let me tell you about Jamie Malonzo, who might be my dark horse candidate. The guy has transformed from an athletic role player into a complete two-way threat. His defensive rating has improved from 108.3 to 101.6, and he's grabbing 8.2 rebounds compared to last season's 5.4. But beyond the numbers, what I love watching is his increased basketball IQ—he's making smarter cuts, better defensive rotations, and his decision-making in transition has improved dramatically. These are the kinds of improvements that don't always show up in traditional stat sheets but completely change games.
The beauty of the Most Improved Player award, in my opinion, is that it rewards process as much as results. I've had conversations with players during the offseason, and the ones who truly deserve this recognition are those who put in the work when nobody's watching. They're the first in the gym and last to leave, studying film until their eyes hurt, working on weaknesses until they become strengths. This season, I'm particularly impressed by how many players have expanded their games in meaningful ways rather than just padding counting stats. We're seeing big men developing three-point range, guards improving their defensive footwork, and wings adding playmaking to their arsenal—these are sustainable improvements that will benefit their teams for years to come.
Of course, there's always debate about what constitutes "most improved." Some fans argue it should go to players who've made the leap from bench to starter, while others believe it should recognize stars who've become superstars. Personally, I lean toward the latter—elevating from good to great is often harder than going from unknown to serviceable. The mental fortitude required to break through that ceiling is tremendous, and that's why my ballot would likely feature players who've jumped into the MVP conversation rather than those who've simply earned more minutes.
Looking at the historical context, only about 35% of past MIP winners went on to become perennial All-Stars, which tells you this award isn't necessarily predictive of future superstardom. However, what it does indicate is a player's work ethic and capacity for growth—qualities that championship teams desperately need. The hunger expressed in that Tigers quote isn't just about winning individual hardware; it's about transforming personal development into collective success. In my book, that's the kind of player who truly deserves recognition.
As we approach the final stretch of the season, I'm keeping a particularly close eye on how these candidates perform in high-pressure situations. The true test of improvement isn't how you play in November—it's how you perform when championships are on the line. The players who can maintain their elevated performance levels while helping their teams advance deep into the playoffs will separate themselves from the pack. Based on what I've seen so far, this might be the closest MIP race we've had in five years, with at least four legitimate contenders who could make compelling cases.
Ultimately, my prediction—and yes, I'm going out on a limb here—is that the winner will be someone whose improvement directly translates to team success rather than just individual statistics. The voters tend to reward narrative as much as numbers, and the story of a player elevating his game to help his team championship aspirations is always compelling. Whatever happens, this season's MIP discussion highlights the incredible depth of talent in the PBA and the relentless drive of these athletes to better themselves. That hunger to win, that refusal to stop improving—that's what Philippine basketball is all about, and it's why I remain passionately invested in following these incredible athletes year after year.
