THE TOP FIVE PBA SHOOTING GUARDS RIGHT NOW
Sweet-shooting two-guards were huge in the previous conference, what with PJ Simon and James Yap leading the Mixers in their title romp. Yap was even named Finals MVP! This is one spot where talent really does abound in the PBA, and in this post we’ll see who the top five SGs are at this point in the 2013-2014 season. Will Simon be among them? How about Yap? Maybe both of them?
Without further ado, here they are – the top five shooting guards in the 2013-2014 PBA season as of the morning of May 22, 2014 (as always, this is based on the Player Efficiency ratings).
5. Mark Caguioa (GIN) – 11.6ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.1apg, .377 3pt%, 26.2 EFF
The Gin Kings have been much-maligned after a sad showing in the Commish Cup, but nobody can pin any blame on Caguioa, who remains the heart and soul of the country’s most popular pro team. After Ginebra got the boot from TNT, Caguioa famously called out his teammates on twitter, saying, in general terms, that they played “larong mayaman” basketball. Will Caguioa’s outburst contribute to improved results in this third conference? Well, they’re 1-0 so far, so prospects look quite bright.
4. PJ Simon (SMC) – 13.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg, .338 3pt%, 24.1 EFF
A few days after winning the 2014 Commish Cup title, PJ Simon was the only local Mixer in twin digits in their win over Barako Bull. Simon won’t win any accolades, but he continues to be one of the biggest reasons San Mig Super Coffee might just nail that elusive PBA Grand Slam. He’s like that one reliable tool in the house we often overlook (that rusty and trusty screwdriver, or that decades-old kalan) – he doesn’t give off much sheen, but he gets the job done anyway.
3. Marcio Lassiter (SMB) – 14.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.7apg, 2.1 triples per game, .360 3pt%, 28.1 EFF
I love Lassiter’s game. He’s a two-way guard who can pretty much do everything on offense and can make a significant impact on the defensive end. He rebounds, finds teammates, and, of course, spaces the floor really well with his 2 treys per outing. Man, what I’d give for this guy to be in the Gilas Pilipinas pool. Now if only the Beermen can actually win a PBA crown…
2. Joseph Yeo (AIR) – 12.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 4.8apg, 1.5 triples per game, .315 3pt%, 28.9 EFF
The Ninja was a big reason the Air21 Express upset the Beermen in the Commish Cup quarterfinals and forced the Mixers to the full five games in the semis. Yeo was hitting shots from practically everywhere, and he was on the opponent’s grill when it was time to play D. And just like in the Philippine Cup, he continued to thrive distributing the basketball and finding his teammates in prime spots to score. Just cannot overlook this kid.
1. Gary David (MER) – 17.7ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.9 triples per game, .338 3pt%, .811 FT%, 31.7 EFF
El Granada is the Asi Taulava of the PBA’s guard corps. The Bataan native is turning 36 in a couple of months and still he’s racking up the points like a crazed young ‘un. He still has the capability to shoot the lights out from deep while also going strong inside for the occasional drive. Oh, and he rebounds pretty well for a guard, too! Will he win any PBA title with Meralco soon? I doubt, but I’m certain he’ll continue to wow the fans with his streaky sniping.
Outside looking in:
Cyrus Baguio (ALA) – 25.2 EFF
Terrence Romeo (GLO) – 25.1 EFF
James Yap (SMC) – 24.4 EFF
*No Jeff Chan and Larry Fonacier? Yes. In terms of pure statistics, neither of those Gilas SGs has been consistently productive this season.
Enzo Flojo is new here on the PBA site, but he 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.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
