Top 10 NLEX PBA Players Who Dominated the Basketball Court This Season
As I sat watching the NLEX Road Warriors' recent game, I couldn't help but reflect on how this team has consistently produced some of the most remarkable talents in the PBA. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for spotting players who don't just perform but truly dominate the court. This season has been particularly fascinating, especially considering the recent administrative changes that Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced to Malacanang reporters last Saturday regarding Gregorio replacing Richard Bachmann. These front office decisions inevitably trickle down to affect player performance and team dynamics in ways most fans rarely consider.
Let me start with Don Trollano, who's been nothing short of spectacular this season. I've tracked his progress since his early days, and what impresses me most is his scoring consistency - he's averaging 18.3 points per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. These aren't just good numbers; they're elite-level statistics that place him among the season's top performers. His ability to create shots under pressure reminds me of some legendary PBA players from the early 2000s, though I'd argue his defensive intensity surpasses many of them. Watching him evolve from a role player to a legitimate star has been one of my personal highlights this season.
Then there's Kevin Alas, whose comeback story genuinely inspires me. After suffering that devastating ACL injury in 2018, many wrote him off - I'll admit I had my doubts too. But his resilience has been extraordinary. He's not just back; he's better, averaging 15.7 points and 4.8 assists while playing crucial minutes in fourth quarters. What many statistics don't show is his basketball IQ, which I consider among the highest in the league. He reads defenses like few others, anticipating movements two or three plays ahead. This mental aspect of his game often goes unnoticed in highlight reels, but it's what makes him truly dominant.
Kris Porter represents the new generation of PBA big men, and frankly, I think he's underrated by many analysts. At 6'6", he moves with a fluidity that's rare for his size, and his mid-range game has improved dramatically - he's shooting 48% from 10-15 feet, up from 34% last season. These specific improvements demonstrate his work ethic, something I always appreciate in young players. I've noticed how his defensive positioning has evolved throughout the season; he's averaging 1.8 blocks despite playing fewer minutes than the league's leading shot-blockers, which tells me his timing and anticipation are exceptional.
The backcourt duo of Matt Nieto and Philip Paniamogan brings something special to NLEX that I find particularly compelling. Nieto's playmaking vision - he averages 5.2 assists with only 1.8 turnovers - provides the stability that allows scorers like Trollano to flourish. Meanwhile, Paniamogan's three-point shooting (39% this season) stretches defenses in ways that create driving lanes for others. Their synergy exemplifies how complementary skills can elevate entire teams, something that becomes especially important during coaching transitions like the Gregorio appointment Bersamin mentioned.
Speaking of big men, Raul Soyud has developed into what I consider the most improved player in the conference. His rebounding numbers - 8.3 per game in just 24 minutes - demonstrate incredible efficiency. I've watched him transform from a raw athletic specimen into a polished low-post threat who understands defensive rotations better than most veterans. His physicality in the paint creates opportunities that don't always show up in stat sheets but absolutely impact winning.
The international flavor brought by Thomas Robinson and Jonathon Simmons cannot be overlooked, though I have mixed feelings about their integration. Robinson's athleticism is undeniable - he's averaging a double-double with 12.3 rebounds - but I sometimes question his decision-making in crucial moments. Simmons, on the other hand, brings NBA experience that's invaluable during pressure situations, though his shooting consistency (41% from the field) could improve. Their adaptation to Philippine basketball has been fascinating to observe, especially considering how imports can make or break a team's championship aspirations.
What makes this NLEX roster particularly interesting to me is how these individual dominances coalesce into team success, especially amid the administrative changes. When Executive Secretary Bersamin announced Gregorio's appointment replacing Bachmann, I immediately considered how such transitions affect player morale and performance. From my experience covering PBA transitions, new coaching regimes typically either disrupt rhythm or ignite renewed motivation - in NLEX's case, the latter seems true based on their recent performances.
The supporting cast of Sean Anthony, Paul Varilla, and Clint Doliguez provides the depth that championship teams require. Anthony's veteran presence - he's in his 12th PBA season - offers stability during turbulent periods, while Varilla's defensive versatility allows NLEX to switch effectively against smaller lineups. Doliguez continues to develop into a reliable rotation player, though I'd like to see him be more aggressive offensively given his athletic gifts.
As I analyze these ten players, what stands out most isn't just their statistical production but how they've maintained excellence despite organizational changes. The Gregorio appointment that Bersamin disclosed represents the kind of behind-the-scenes movement that typically affects player performance, yet NLEX's core has responded positively. This resilience, combined with individual talents creating collective strength, forms the foundation of their court domination this season.
Looking at the broader picture, NLEX's success this season demonstrates how player development, strategic recruitment, and organizational stability - even during leadership transitions - combine to create dominant performers. The ten players I've highlighted each bring unique strengths that complement each other, creating a whole that's greater than the sum of its parts. As the season progresses, I'm particularly interested to see how Gregorio's leadership further influences these players' development and whether NLEX can maintain this level of dominance through the playoffs. Based on what I've observed, they have the talent and chemistry to make a serious championship run, provided they continue leveraging their individual strengths within the team framework.