The Top 5 Shooting Guards of the 2014-2015 PBA Season
Terrence Romeo had a coming out party in the 2014-2015 PBA season, emerging as one of the league’s best all-around scorers. Was it enough to propel him to the top as the country’s best shooting guard, though? We’ll see as old-timers like James Yap, Gary David, and Mark Caguioa may have something to say about that, while young gun Marcio Lassiter has also been turning a lot of heads.
Here are the top five shooting guards of the 2014-2015 PBA season, based on the Player Efficiency ratings:
5. Jeff Chan (ROS) – 10.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, 1.4 triples per game, 32.3 3pt%, 38.6 FG%, 23.5 EFF
– The Gilas Pilipinas gunner didn’t have the best season of his career with his scoring and shooting numbers sliding down but he still had a few great moments and remained one of the country’s deadliest from beyond the arc. He’s not yet a cinch to make this year’s Gilas squad, but, should he be passed over, he’ll get some much-needed rest and recovery in preparation for the 2015-2016 campaign.
4. Gary David (MER) – 13.2ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.6apg, 1.5 triples per game, 32.7 3pt%, 40.3 FG%, 82.2 FT%, 24.9 EFF
– The 37-year old veteran from Bataan is like to shooting guards what Asi Taulava is to centers. El Granada, plain and simple, just looks timeless. Yes, perhaps he’s a couple of steps slower in transition or on defense, but his instincts and touch from the perimeter are still pretty much on point. The fact is all one really needs to do is give Gary the ball when he’s open and enjoy the tickling of the twine.
3. Mac Cardona (NLX) – 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.4apg, 45.3 FG%, 74.5 FT%, 25.9 EFF
– Cardona is not top-of-mind when it comes to discussing the top tier players in the league, but he certainly proved himself worthy to be part of that conversation this past season. He improved on his key stats from last season and remained as dependable as ever for the beleaguered Road Warriors, who just couldn’t catch many breaks in 2014-2015. If Capt. Hook can stay in sharp form for next season, NLEX should make much more noise.
2. Marcio Lassiter (SMB) – 11.8ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.2apg, 2.4 triples per game, 39.8 3pt%, 39.0 FG%, 77.2 FT%, 26.0 EFF
– Marcio had a spectacular season, helping lead the Beermen in their triumphs in the Philippine Cup and Governors’ Cup. He was most stellar as a spot up shooter (most of the time from the corner) for San Miguel, making a career-high 2.4 threes per contest, including an average of 5.0 per game in SMB’s semifinals series against Rain or Shine earlier this month. His awesome shooting display has made even Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin give him a second look for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship. If he does get the nod, Lassiter will be able to rely on his uncommon combination of size, agility, and shooting to buoy the Pinoys’ chances.
1. Terrence Romeo (GLO) – 19.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.2 triples per game, 30.7 3pt%, 40.3 FG%, 76.3 FT%, 33.7 EFF
– Most times this past season, it was very difficult to accept the fact that Romeo was just in his sophomore season in the PBA. For one, he was definitely not playing like a greenhorn. Romeo broke out in a big way, thriving with top rookie Stanley Pringle, and they are expected to form a mighty dangerous pairing in the backcourt for the Batang Pier. Romeo’s swagger only serves to accentuate his devil-may-care play style, but, lest you think that’s a chink in his armor, that’s actually what enables him to play with so much confidence and freedom. Look for him to dominate in the coming FIBA 3×3 World Tour while also maybe vying for a spot in the 2015 Gilas quintet.
Honorable Mentions:
James Yap (PUR) – 23.5 EFF
Mark Caguioa (GIN) – 23.3 EFF
Larry Fonacier (TNT) – 22.9 EF
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