As I settle in to watch this season's PBA All-Star festivities unfold, I can't help but reflect on how this exhibition showcases something deeper than just flashy plays and entertainment. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that the All-Star weekend often reveals which players are truly ready to carry their teams when the championship moments arrive. While superstars like June Mar Fajardo and CJay Perez will undoubtedly dominate conversations, I've been particularly fascinated by several players who might just become the difference-makers in this year's title race.
Let me start with someone I believe has been criminally underrated throughout his career - Jericho Cruz. At 32 years old, he's playing with the kind of urgency that usually comes with realizing your prime years are numbered. What stands out to me isn't just his scoring ability, but his defensive tenacity that often goes unnoticed. I recall watching him last season where he averaged 12.8 points per game, but what the stats don't show is how he consistently guards the opponent's best perimeter player. His energy off the bench could single-handedly shift momentum in close games, and I've noticed he's developed a much more reliable three-point shot during the offseason. There's a certain grit to his game that reminds me of veterans from previous eras - the kind of player who might not fill the stat sheet every night but does all the little things that championship teams need.
Then there's Don Trollano, who I've been tracking since his college days. At 6'3", he possesses this unique combination of size and shooting touch that makes him a nightmare matchup for smaller guards. What impresses me most about Trollano is his efficiency - last conference he shot 48% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc, numbers that don't jump off the page but demonstrate remarkable consistency. I've spoken with several coaches who've mentioned his work ethic is among the best they've seen, often being the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. There's a quiet determination about him that I find compelling - he's not the most vocal player on the court, but his game speaks volumes. In crucial moments, I've noticed he has this uncanny ability to find open spaces and knock down big shots when his team needs them most.
The young gun that's really caught my eye is Kim Aurin. At just 24 years old, he represents the new breed of PBA players - versatile, athletic, and fearless. I remember watching him during the preseason where he dropped 25 points against one of the league's top defensive teams, showing flashes of brilliance that made me sit up and take notice. His development has been remarkable to witness, improving his scoring average from 6.2 points in his rookie year to 11.4 points this season. What I love about Aurin's game is his fearlessness - he's not intimidated by bigger names or moments, often seeking out challenges rather than shying away from them. His athleticism allows him to make plays that few others in the league can attempt, and I've noticed his defensive awareness has improved dramatically under his current coaching staff.
Glenn Khobuntin might not be the most glamorous name on this list, but in my view, he could be the most important role player for any championship aspirations. Having watched him evolve from a raw prospect to a reliable contributor, I've gained immense appreciation for players like him who embrace their roles without seeking spotlight. At 6'4", he provides crucial size and rebounding ability, averaging around 5.8 rebounds in just 22 minutes of play last conference. What statistics can't capture is his basketball IQ - I've observed how he consistently positions himself perfectly for offensive rebounds and loose balls. There's value in having players who understand exactly what they need to contribute without demanding plays be called for them, and Khobuntin exemplifies this perfectly. His growth as a perimeter defender has been particularly impressive, often taking on challenging assignments without complaint.
While these four players represent what I consider the most intriguing supporting cast members, I'd be remiss not to mention Calvin Oftana, who sits somewhere between superstar and role player in my estimation. At 26, he's developed into one of the most complete players in the league, capable of impacting games in multiple ways. I've been particularly impressed with his improved playmaking, elevating his assists from 2.1 to 3.4 per game this season. What makes Oftana special in my view is his ability to elevate his game when it matters most - I've tracked his fourth-quarter performance throughout the season, and his efficiency actually improves in clutch moments rather than declining like many young players.
Watching these players develop and contribute reminds me why I fell in love with Philippine basketball in the first place. It's not just about the superstars who dominate headlines, but about the complete ecosystem of talent that makes the PBA so compelling season after season. The players I've highlighted represent different archetypes - the veteran finding his stride, the consistent professional, the rising star, the glue guy, and the two-way threat. In my experience covering the league, championship teams aren't built solely around their best players, but around the complementary pieces that fill crucial roles. As this season progresses, I'll be watching these five particularly closely, because history has taught me that it's often the unexpected contributors who become legends when the trophies are handed out.
