March 12, 2017

#PBARank: The Top 5 Power Forwards of the 2016-2017 PBA Philippine Cup


Last week, I looked at the top 5 centers in the 2016-2017 PBA Philippine Cup, with, not surprisingly, June Mar Fajardo ruling the field. This time around, we will talk about the other bigs who patrol the lane — the power forwards whose skill-sets tend to include better outside shooting and handles than their bigger, bulkier partners in crime. These are the players who typically sky for those rebounds with reckless abandon and bully their way inside the paint even against foes a handful of inches taller. Here are the top five power forwards of the 2016-2017 PBA Philippine Cup.


5. Cliff Hodge (MER) - 9.8ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6bpg.
- The Bolts had a forgettable campaign, winning just 3 of their 12 assignments, but that doesn't mean Hodge was a pansy. The 6'6 Fil-American was consistent double-double threat, and he also proved to be an able playmaker, rim protector, and occasional perimeter threat. His athleticism and skill-set make him a potentially awesome sidekick to their Commish Cup import Alex Stepheson.

4. Arthur Dela Cruz (BLA) - 13.8ppg, 7.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.4spg, 50.0 FG%.
- Ther was once a time when a 6'4 power forward was par for the course in the PBA, but, these days, even someone like Dela Cruz can be considered undersized. That has not stopped him from being highly effective, though. The former Ateneo Blue Eagle and San Beda Red Lion has proved himself a capable two-way player. His being a southpaw tends to put opposing defenders out of their wits, and his defensive instincts make him one of the best at swiping the ball and giving his club extra possessions.

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3. Marc Pingris (STA) - 9.4ppg, 9.6rpg, 2.9apg, 1.3bpg, 55.2 FG%.
- Despite being generally considered undersized and, at times, over the hump, the 6'4 Pangasinan native continued to be a pillar of strength for the Hotshots, who surprised many by making it all the way to the conference semifinals. He was extra exceptional in the playoffs, where he routinely gave the Fuel Masters and Gin Kings fits. It's a pity he turns 36 this year because his vast experience would have been instrumental in helping the young Gilas Pilipinas pool learn a thing or two about "buwis buhay basketball."

2. Arwind Santos (SMB) - 14.8ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.8apg, 2.2 triples per game, 32.9 3pt%.
- The Spider-Man was a picture of consistency this past conference for the Beermen, and his playing his part was a vital element in San Miguel's successful three-peat campaign. I honestly that Santos is still one of the top five overall players in the league, especially when his shot is true and his defensive timing is sharp. The FEU alum is to SMB what RDO is to TNT, and given how much workload has been taken off Arwind's shoulders due to JMF's presence, I feel like the former MVP will continue to be this productive for a very long time.

1. Vic Manuel (ALA) - 16.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.3apg, 54.7 FG%.
- The Aces were ousted in the quarterfinals by a highly motivated Ginebra quintet. The Muscle Man was a huge reason Alaska reached that far, and the fact that he scored double-digits in all but one game is a testament to not just his talent but also his effectiveness. Like DLC and Ping, Manuel may be a little undersized at the 4 spot, but hardly anybody can match the guy's physique and ability to carve space in the key. He will probably continue to be the Aces' top low post threat this second conference, especially given how import Octavius Ellis is more of a defensive specialist.

Honorable Mention:
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Ranidel De Ocampo (TNT) - 29.5 EFF
Joe Devance (GIN) - 28.4 EFF
Kelly Williams (TNT) - 26.9 EFF