The top 5 power forwards of the 2014-2015 PBA Season

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Many of today’s great players are power forwards, which explains why this is one of the most crowded positions in the league. One interesting thing about PBA PFs, though, is that there are very different kinds out there. We have classic bruisers like Marc Pingris, Reynel Hugnatan, and Gabby Espinas — guys who score off open chances and grab rebounds. We also have athletic freaks with long limbs who block shots better than actual centers — guys like Cliff Hodge and Japeth Aguilar. Lastly, we have those stretch 4s who space the floor with their perimeter game. Who were the best overall power forwards of this past season, though? Let’s see.

Here are the top five power forwards of the 2014-2015 PBA season, based on the Player Efficiency ratings:

5. Marc Pingris (PUR) – 7.9ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.5apg, 53.8 FG%, 27.7 EFF
– Ping’s numbers took a bit of a hit this past season, with his scoring and rebounding stats going down, but he was still, hands down, one of the PBA’s best frontcourt players. The 6’4 big man may not get picked for Gilas this time around, and that may be a good thing as he’ll get some much-needed rest in preparation for the post-Tim Cone era of the Hotshots.

4. Cliff Hodge (MER) – 9.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.9apg, 1.4bpg, 29.1 EFF
– The 6’5 Fil-American remains one of the most athletic and entertaining forwards in the league. His outside shooting went south this past season, but I love the fact he became one of the PBA’s most ferocious rim protectors. I also like how he upped his rebounding and became a legitimate double-double threat every night. If Hodge can rediscover his perimeter touch and take on a stronger leadership role with Meralco, he should move up this list next season.

3. Arwind Santos (SMB) – 12.5ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.2bpg, 1.6 triples per game, 30.2 3pt%, 40.8 FG%, 29.4 EFF
– The former season MVP saw his production dwindle big time this season, though he did win Finals MVP in the 2014-2015 Philippine Cup. His scoring, rebounding, and assists all dipped, but this was balanced out by a slight improvement in his shot-blocking and his refining his touch from rainbow country. He was huge in helping SMB bag the Govs’ Cup as well, so this veteran PF is far from done.

2. Japeth Aguilar (GIN) – 11.6ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.5bpg, 52.1 FG%, 72.4 FT%, 32.0 EFF
– As a whole, Japeth didn’t play as well as he did last season, but he was still a vital cog in Ginebra’s high level, if a tad inconsistent, play. He gives any team for which he plays a versatile skill-set and, obviously, a lot of size. I hate to say it, but it seems our boy from WKU is finally, slowly fulfilling his potential. If he can up his game a notch or two more next season, then he will definitely be a force to reckon with. It shouldn’t be too difficult, though, especially since he’ll be under the tutelage of Tim Cone.

1. Ranidel de Ocampo (TNT) – 15.1ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.2apg, 2.1 triples per game, 40.2 3pt%, 47.0 FG%, 32.3 EFF
– RDO had one of his best seasons in 2013-2014, and he followed it up by playing very well again this past season. He is by no means a daily double-double beast, but there is no doubt that he is the premier stretch 4 in the league. I mean, he hit 100+ threes for the first time in his career! Oh, and he was also named Finals MVP in the 2015 Commish Cup. In addition to that, RDO is projected to be a shoo-in for another tour of duty with Gilas. The 6’5 Cavite native has definitely set a high standard for other PFs to follow.

Honorable Mentions:
Vic Manuel – 24.6 EFF
Reynel Hugnatan – 22.4 EFF
Jake Pascual – 21.0 EFF

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