THE TOP FIVE PBA SMALL FORWARDS RIGHT NOW
The small forward spot has been, and continues to be, a position full of talent in the PBA. We can talk about guys like Vergel Meneses, Bogs Adornado, Jeff Cariaso, and, to a certain extent, maybe even Nelson Asaytono. Allan Caidic used to pinch-hit as an SF for the national team, too, alongside Samboy Lim at SG.
More recently, we’ve seen someone like Danny Seigle become the most dominant player at that position (early 2000s). Heck, he continues to be one of the best swingmen right now! We have also witnessed guys like Gabe Norwood and Jared Dillinger do well at the swingman spot for the national team.
In this post we will look at the top five small forwards in the 2013-2014 PBA Philippine Cup, based principally on their player efficiency ratings, or EFF.
Note: Stats as of the morning of January 13, 2014.
5. JC Intal (BAR) – 11.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.0spg, 1.4 triples per game, 26.8 EFF
After stagnating at Ginebra and San Mig Coffee, it seems like The Rocket’s career is on the upswing again (he played really well in the 2009-2010 season). Most of his numbers are at all-time highs, which have resulted in his player efficiency rating also at a career-high. If Barako Bull manages to make the knockout rounds, Intal would be a big reason why.
4. Jared Dillinger (MER) – 11.4ppg, 6.0rpg, 2.5apg, 28.0 EFF
The ultra-versatile Dillinger continues to play the swingman position effectively, even if he is no longer with the Texters. He’ll probably have to do more playmaking moving forward, especially since Mike Cortez will be out a few months, but that won’t entail much adjustment from Dillinger anyway. Please take note that his scoring, rebounding, and assisting numbers are all career-highs.
3. Calvin Abueva (ALA) – 10.7ppg, 8.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.1spg, 28.6 EFF
Abueva won’t win any awards for congeniality, but, hey, Alaska fans can count on him to do anything for the all-important W. The Beast’s numbers are a little below what he put up in his rookie campaign, but he remains to be a marked man for the opposition. He’s a constant double-double threat who can get in any opponent’s head. Not a fan favorite, but a coach’s dream.
2. Chris Lutz (PET) – 15.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 5.2apg, 31.4 EFF
After seeing his production drop big time in his sophomore season (mainly because Marcio Lassiter came into the picture), Lutz looks to bounce back in a big way. He has noticeably become more aggressive, and he isn’t settling for those pull-up threes as often as before. As a result, he’s taking a lot more free throws per game this season, and he has become a lot more efficient.
1. KG Canaleta (A21) – 16.3ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, 2.3 triples per game, 31.7 EFF
I want to make a case for Canaleta’s being part of the Gilas pool. He’s just too good at the 3 spot to be ignored. He’s a born scorer from the wings who has the length and athleticism to battle in the paint. He has also improved on defense, averaging more than 1 steal per game for the first time in his career. He doesn’t have the prettiest percentages, sure, but he’s streakier than most, which means when he waxes hot, well, the whole town is bound to burst in flames.
Outside looking in:
Danny Seigle (TNT) – 25.3 EFF
Chris Ellis (GIN) – 23.4 EFF
Joe Devance (SMC) – 23.2 EFF
Enzo Flojo has been writing about all things basketball for quite some time now. You can read more of his stuff on his nationally-recognized blog, HoopNut.com, on the college hoops site, InboundPass.com, on Rappler Sports, on Asia-Basket.com, or you can follow him on Twitter — @HoopNut.
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