Some of the league's best players have missed a number of games for their mother teams to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 in Lebanon and the SEA Games in Malaysia. In their absence, though, a number of young guns and unheralded veterans have stepped up their game to help their respective teams contend in the PBA Governor's Cup.
PG - Kevin Louie Alas - NLEX Road Warriors
Conference Averages: 15.4 pts, 6.2 rebs, 2.5 asts
The former Letran Knight star Kevin Louie Alas finally broke out of his shell under Coach Yeng Guiao's tutelage, helping NLEX to a 4-0 start in the PBA Governor's Cup including two Best Player citations. With its place in the playoffs secured, NLEX looks to solidify itself as a dark horse contender for the season-ending conference crown with the help of Alas and co.
SG - Michael DiGregorio - Blackwater Elite
Conference Averages: 15.7 pts, 3.5 rebs, 1.1 asts, 45% 3pt
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Michael DiGregorio has provided stellar shooting for the surging Blackwater Elite, winners of four of their last five games since the entry of NBA veteran Henry Walker. The Elite are now in the 7th spot of the standings with a 4-4 record. Coach Isaac will look to count on the former McKendree University alum to lead the locals in scoring as they aim to salvage a playoff spot in the season-ending conference.
SF - Chris Newsome - Meralco Bolts
Conference Averages: 13.6 pts, 7.3 rebs, 5.6 asts, 1.6 stls
The high-flying Chris Newsome has been a tremendous all-around weapon for Coach Norman Black and the Meralco Bolts. The former Blue Eagle can create his own shots, as well as create for others. He is one of the team's defensive anchors, often being tasked to defend their opponent's best perimeter player. The Bolts are in the running for a top 4 finish, aiming to return to the Governors' Cup finals and win its first championship for the franchise under Coach Norman Black.
PF - Ian Sangalang - Star Hotshots
Conference Averages: 13.3 pts, 7.0 rebs, 1.1 stls, 0.8 blks, 52% fg
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Sangalang has contributed a lot to help the Star Hotshots to a 4-0 start in the season-ending PBA Governor's Cup. The former San Sebastian Stag stepped up his game in the absence of Pingris, who has just returned from injury last week.
C- Greg Slaughter - Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
Conference Averages: 14.8 pts, 10.4 rebs, 2.0 blks
'Gregzilla' is finally healthy after sitting out most of last year with injury. The defending Governor's Cup champion Barangay Ginebra is on a roll, winning their last six games and are now at the top of the standings with a 6-1 record. On Sunday, Slaughter played a key role in Ginebra's OT win against rival Star. He tallied 17 points to go along with 10 his rebounds and three blocks. With Aguilar and Slaughter manning the middle and import Justin Brownlee leading the way, Coach Tim Cone and his squad are looking to go all out to defend their crown.
PG - Stanley Pringle - Globalport Batang Pier
Conference Averages: 20.8 pts, 6.5 rebs, 3.6 asts, 45% 3pt pct
One of the fiercest competitors in the league today, Pringle was GlobalPort's leader in the absence of Terrence Romeo and provided the scoring punch the Batang Pier needed. Against TNT, Pringle exploded for a career-high 30 points, added eight rebounds and four assists. Holding a 3-4 win loss record, the Batang Pier hope to win their remaining games to punch themselves a ticket in the quarterfinal round this conference.
SG - Reden Celda - Kia Picanto
Conference Averages: 12.1 pts, 2.8 rebs, 1.2 stls
The emergence of the former NU Bulldog can be one of the few silver linings to KIA who's conference has been nothing but forgettable. Even though Celda has been an excellent orchestrator for the Picanto, consistency remains a problem for KIA which remains winless after 8 games. Celda and backcourt partner LA Revilla would have to step up even more for the Picanto as they look to notch their first win in the conference.
SF - Arwind Santos - San Miguel Beermen
Conference Averages: 19.3 pts, 6.5 rebs, 2.5 asts, 2.0 blks, 46% 3pt
'Spiderman' has come to the rescue for the San Miguel Beermen. With June Mar Fajardo missing time due to national team duty, Santos displayed vintage form when they faced Globalport, going 7 of 9 from 3 point country en route to a 30-point game. He has picked up the slack and is displaying MVP form this conference, continuously adjusting to what Coach Leo Austria needs from him. Austria couldn't ask for more as the Beermen keeps its hope of capturing the franchise's 2nd grand slam.
PF - Joe Devance - Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel
Conference Averages: 13.0 pts, 4.5 rebs, 3.1 asts
JDV has continued to thrive in Coach Tim Cone's triangle offense with the return of Slaughter. Devance has been able to produce consistent numbers for Ginebra this conference and has been one of the most trusted guys on the court for the Gin Kings. The former number 1 overall pick of the 2007 PBA draft looks to add championship number 8 to his trophy collection and win a back to back Governor's Cup crown for Ginebra.
C- JR Quinahan - NLEX Road Warriors
Conference Averages: 12.5 pts, 4.7 rebs, 0.8 blks
Quinahan has always been one of the consistent and smart players of Coach Yeng Guiao. The former University of the Visayas Green Lancer has been able to fill his role in the Road Warriors' rotation as a stretch bigman and a highly physical and no fear defender. Quinahan is also counted on being a steady veteran presence to the young guns such as Alas, Tiongson and Lastimosa. With NLEX's sudden resurgence, expect Quinahan and the Road Warriors make noise come playoff time.
