Most Valuable Player: Jason Castro/ Talk N TextAs much as I (and most Pinoy basketball fans) love Jimmy Alapag, there's no denying that "The Jet 2011/ The Blur" has improved dramatically from his rookie season on both ends of the floor. Castro, who was masquerading as a point guard for Philippine Christian University and the Singapore Slingers, is now a full-time slasher for Team TNT. There's no one faster than Castro at the two-guard (unless Mark Caguioa finds a young donor for his old knees) and thanks to TNT's loaded roster, defenses can't sag on him as much at they would like. Plus, his steals average is going up fast in the ongoing Governor's Cup which just adds to his statistics.
Runners-up- Jimmy Alapag, Arwind Santos
Most Improved Player: Sol Mercado/ Meralco
The minute Mercado was traded from Rain or Shine to Meralco, people quickly shutdown the Ryan Gregorio coached team since they were pairing the spitfire combo guard with the equally ball-dominating "franchise" Mac Cardona. But then, things started falling into place. Chris Ross' game started to rise, Cardona was injured, and a huge scoring void was suddenly opened. Enter Mercado, who has never taken a look back since (will be interesting how he'll perform once Cardona comes back next season though).Runners-up: Jason Castro (but he's already MVP!), Danny Seigle (his game came back when he was traded, but not enough to overtake Mercado's "One man show")
Rookie of the Year: John Wilson/ Barangay Ginebra
Somewhere, Rabah Al Husaini's crying to his mama. Not only did he go from franchise cornerstone in Air21 to just another tradeable, solid player with Petron, but he also had to start from scratch and win over San Miguel fans who were none-too-thrilled with the whole set-up (specially when Danny Seigle underwent some sort of revitalization at Air21 ad started posting and shooting over smaller guys like it was 1999). Wilson on the other hand, EARNED his spot not only with the Gin Kings but also in the PBA. It wasn't that long ago when Wilson wasn't even on the rotation, which was reserved for his NCAA MVP rival Jimbo Aquino. But then, Aquino proved to be one-dimensional, while Wilson embraced a newfound defensive philosophy and grit that complemented his outside shooting.
Runner-up: Rabah Al HusainiDefensive Player of the Year: Arwind Santos/ Petron
You want stats? Okay. This conference, Santos is the leader in rebounds with 14+ a game. DAMN. Blocks? He's up there as well. And, whenever his mind is in it, he is arguably the best stopper with that unique combination of basketball IQ, speed, size and athleticism (we'll check later re: power). An annual bridesmaid for the MVP trophy, Santos earned his spot as the league's best defender.
Runner-up: Marc Pingris, John Wilson. Willy Wilson
Mythical Five
Jimmy Alapag/ Talk N Text
Without question.
Jason Castro/ Talk N Text
Obvious pick. (won't happen though no thanks to the PBA Media who are made up more of showbiz fans than basketball junkies).
Gary David/ Powerade
Seriously now. This guy needs to win a title. Too good not to.
Arwind Santos/ Petron
Again, a no brainer.
Okay, would you rather have Sonny Thoss' bland post presence, or Pingris' all out hustle, intimidation and swag? Thought so.
Your thoughts?
