As a longtime basketball analyst who's followed the PBA for over a decade, I've always been fascinated by how Meralco approaches team building. This season, I'm particularly excited about their lineup strategy because they've managed to retain their core while making some subtle but significant additions. Having watched Coach Chot Reyes work his magic since he took over, I genuinely believe this might be their year to break through in a major way.
Let me share something I've observed about Coach Reyes' system - it's built on consistency and player development rather than chasing big names. Remember when he guided the Tropang 5G to three straight finals appearances in Season 49? That wasn't by accident. The championships in the Governors' Cup and Commissioner's Cup during that stretch showed his ability to maximize roster continuity. What impressed me most was how he transformed role players into clutch performers when it mattered most. I've always preferred coaches who build systems rather than just collecting talent, and Reyes exemplifies this approach perfectly.
Looking at their current roster, I'm bullish about their backcourt combination. Chris Newsome, who's been with the team for six seasons now, provides that steady leadership they need in crunch time. His scoring average of 16.8 points last season doesn't tell the whole story - it's his decision-making in the final two minutes that makes him special. Then there's Allein Maliksi, who in my opinion is one of the most underrated shooters in the league. His three-point percentage last conference was around 38%, but what the stats don't show is how he stretches defenses to create driving lanes for others.
Their frontcourt situation is where things get really interesting. Raymond Almazan, when healthy, gives them that legitimate rim protector they've sometimes lacked. I've counted at least five games last season where his shot-blocking directly changed the outcome. The addition of younger big men through their farm system shows me they're thinking long-term, which I appreciate in today's instant-gratification basketball culture.
What many fans might not realize is how much their defensive scheme has evolved. They're allowing approximately 94.3 points per game this preseason compared to 98.7 last year - that's significant improvement. I've noticed they're switching more on screens and trapping less, which suits their personnel better. Their rebounding margin has also improved by nearly two rebounds per game, something that could make the difference in close contests.
From my perspective, their success will ultimately come down to managing player minutes and staying healthy through the grueling three-conference season. They've had injury issues in the past that derailed promising campaigns, particularly during the Commissioner's Cup where they fell short last year. If they can keep their core rotation available through all three tournaments, I'm predicting at least two finals appearances and potentially that elusive championship that's been just out of reach.
The beauty of Meralco's approach is they're building something sustainable rather than going for quick fixes. In today's PBA where teams often overhaul rosters every few seasons, their commitment to developing players within their system is refreshing. Having watched countless teams come and go, I can confidently say this Meralco squad has the right mix of veteran leadership, coaching philosophy, and emerging talent to make this their most successful season yet.
