THE TOP FIVE PBA SMALL FORWARDS OF THE 2013-2014 SEASON
The small forward position hasn’t been the most productive in recent times, what with the advent of talented big men and the continued influx of highly-skilled playmakers and off-guards. Gone are the days of guys like Danny Seigle, Lordy Tugade, and Vergel Meneses continuously dominating the scoreboards and filling the stat-sheets. Nowadays, PBA SFs have to be more versatile than ever before – able to defend the opposing team’s best player, shoot from the outside, and be occasional playmakers. As a result of having to play multiple roles, modern swingmen’s contributions are, ironically, hardly felt in the stats. Rarely do they produce double-doubles or big, explosive scoring games. Still, they are surely vital parts of each team’s championship aspirations.
Without further ado, here they are – the top five small forwards of the entire 2014 PBA season (as always, this is based on the Player Efficiency ratings):
5. Gabe Norwood (ROS) – 7.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.0spg, 23.6 EFF
Despite his numbers being on a downward trend the past few seasons, Norwood remains one of the most respected perimeter players in the league. His combination of size and versatility is rare, and though his offense is not as potent as it once was, he has redefined his game so that he continues to have an invaluable role for the Elasto Painters. With the continued rise in the games of Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, and Jervy Cruz, Norwood will inevitably fall behind in terms of the stats, but he will surely continue to be one of the most sought after swingmen in the pros.
4. Sean Anthony (AIR) – 8.6ppg, 5.0rpg, .309 3pt%, .762 FT%, 24.0 EFF
Anthony had a pretty good season, highlighted by Air 21’s miraculous run in the 2014 Commish Cup playoffs. He was awesome in the series against San Miguel and his presence was missed when he was injured in a couple of games against San Mig Super Coffee. If his development continues, Anthony should be a constant two-way threat for the NLEX Road Warriors next season.
3. Joe Devance (SMC) – 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.3apg, 24.1 EFF
Devance has long been one of the most multi-faceted players in the PBA, and Tim Cone has been able to harness all the Fil-Am’s talents into a very effective package. At 6-7, Devance poses a match-up threat to all the other nine PBA clubs. He can shoot from beyond the arc, post up in the low block, and even put the ball on the floor. His uncanny combo of size and quickness also makes him an asset on the defensive end. In short, he’s just a tough match-up for anybody.
2. Jared Dillinger (MER) – 10.5ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.7apg, .348 3pt%, 26.0 EFF
In his first full season away from Talk N Text, Jared Dillinger has thrived as one of Meralco’s top offensive options. In fact, he averaged a career-high in scoring, rebounding, assists, and FG% this past season. He’s quick enough to guard the best wingmen in the country and big enough to play a small-ball PF when needed. With the entry of Norman Black, it’s also reasonable to expect that Dillinger should continue playing a major role for the Bolts.
1. Calvin Abueva (ALA) – 10.9ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.8apg, 26.2 EFF
Yes, last year’s Rookie of the Year wasn’t as beastly this season as he was in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he’s no longer the best small forward in the land. Abueva is still right up there despite the drop in practically every major stat category, and the reality is the Aces would probably be a cellar-dweller if not for his presence. He’s still one of the most, if not the most, polarizing individuals in the PBA, but nobody can really deny that Abueva, right now, is the country’s most productive swingman.
Outside looking in:
Danny Seigle (TNT) – 23.2 EFF
JC Intal (BAR) – 22.7 EFF
KG Canaleta (TNT) – 22.5 EFF
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.
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