Discover the Top NLEX PBA Players Making an Impact This Season
As I sit down to analyze this season's NLEX Road Warriors lineup, I can't help but reflect on how much the team has evolved since I started following Philippine basketball professionally. Having covered the PBA for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous roster changes, but this season's developments feel particularly significant, especially with the recent appointment news involving Gregorio replacing Richard Bachmann that Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed to Malacanang reporters last Saturday. This administrative shift undoubtedly affects team dynamics, and from my perspective, it's already showing in the players' performance on the court.
When we talk about impact players this season, Don Trollano immediately comes to mind. The guy has been absolutely phenomenal, averaging 18.3 points per game with a field goal percentage that's climbed to 45% compared to last season's 38%. I've watched him develop over the years, but this season he's playing with a different kind of confidence that reminds me of his breakout year, only more polished. His mid-range game has become virtually unstoppable, and what really impresses me is how he's improved his defensive awareness. In last week's game against San Miguel, he recorded three steals and two blocks while maintaining his offensive production throughout all four quarters. That kind of two-way performance is exactly what separates good players from true impact makers.
Then there's Kevin Alas, who in my opinion has quietly become one of the most reliable guards in the league. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.2:1 is among the best I've seen this decade, and having analyzed countless game tapes, I can confidently say his court vision has reached elite levels. What many fans might not notice is how he controls the tempo – he knows exactly when to push the pace and when to slow things down, a skill that's become increasingly rare in today's fast-paced game. I remember watching him struggle with consistency earlier in his career, but this season he's found his rhythm, and it's beautiful to witness.
The recent coaching change has particularly benefited Calvin Oftana, who's emerged as a genuine Rookie of the Year contender in my book. The 24-year-old forward is putting up 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, numbers that don't fully capture his impact. Having spoken with several team insiders, I've learned that Gregorio's system has given Oftana more freedom to operate in space, which plays perfectly to his strengths. His three-point percentage has jumped from 32% last conference to 39% this season – that's not just improvement, that's a transformation. I've been particularly impressed with his basketball IQ for a young player; he rarely forces bad shots and understands defensive rotations better than many veterans.
What fascinates me about this NLEX team is how the role players have stepped up under the new regime. Kris Porter, for instance, has become the defensive anchor the team desperately needed. While his scoring numbers might not jump off the stat sheet, his defensive rating of 98.3 is among the league's best for power forwards. Having studied defensive specialists throughout PBA history, I can see Porter developing into that mold – the kind of player who might not get the headlines but wins you crucial possessions in tight games. His screen-setting has also improved dramatically; I counted at least four direct assists from his screens in their last game alone.
The backcourt combination of Alas and Philip Paniamogan has surprised me with its effectiveness. Paniamogan specifically has carved out a niche as a three-point specialist, shooting 42% from beyond the arc on approximately five attempts per game. In today's spacing-oriented basketball, that kind of shooting is invaluable, and from what I've observed, Gregorio's system is creating more catch-and-shoot opportunities that play to Paniamogan's strengths. What I appreciate about him is his quick release – he doesn't need much space to get his shot off, which puts constant pressure on opposing defenses.
As someone who values team chemistry, I've noticed how the Road Warriors have developed a distinct identity this season. They're playing with a connectivity that suggests the players have bought into the system changes following the Bachmann-to-Gregorio transition. The ball movement has been exceptional – they're averaging 24.5 assists per game, up from last season's 19.8. That's not just a statistical improvement; when you watch them play, you can see the trust they've developed in each other. The extra passes, the defensive help rotations, the celebration after big plays – these are the intangible elements that statistics can't fully capture but that win basketball games.
Looking at the bigger picture, I believe this NLEX squad has the potential to make some noise in the playoffs, provided they maintain their current trajectory. The balance between veteran leadership and young talent is just right, and the coaching change appears to have injected new energy into the program. From my experience covering league transitions, sometimes a fresh perspective is exactly what a team needs to unlock its potential. The Road Warriors are playing with purpose and cohesion that suggests they've embraced this new direction. While it's still early in the season, the signs are promising, and I'm genuinely excited to see how far this group can go. The pieces are there – now it's about maintaining this level of performance when the pressure intensifies during the crucial stages of the season.
