As I sit down to analyze this season's NLEX PBA performances, I can't help but reflect on how much the league has evolved since I started covering Philippine basketball professionally over a decade ago. The current season has been particularly fascinating, not just because of the incredible athletic displays we're witnessing, but due to the intriguing administrative changes happening behind the scenes. Just last Saturday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin informed Malacanang reporters about Gregorio's appointment, replacing Richard Bachmann - a move that undoubtedly influences how NLEX operates both on and off the court. This administrative shift coincides with what I consider one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory, where several NLEX players have elevated their games to truly dominant levels.
When we talk about dominance in the PBA, it's not just about scoring averages or flashy plays - it's about consistent impact throughout the game. Don Trollano has been nothing short of spectacular this season, averaging 18.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 42% from beyond the arc. What makes his performance particularly remarkable is how he's maintained this efficiency despite increased defensive attention. I've watched him develop over the years, and his transformation from a role player to a primary offensive weapon has been incredible to witness. His mid-range game has become virtually unstoppable, and defensively, he's averaging 1.8 steals per game - numbers that don't fully capture how disruptive he's been in passing lanes.
Then there's Kevin Alas, whose comeback story has been one of the most inspiring narratives this season. After suffering that devastating ACL injury back in 2018, many wondered if he'd ever return to his explosive form. Well, he's not just returned - he's evolved into a more complete player. Averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, Alas has become the engine that drives NLEX's offense. What impresses me most isn't just the statistics but his basketball IQ - he consistently makes the right reads in pick-and-roll situations and has developed incredible chemistry with import Jonathon Simmons. Having covered his entire professional journey, I can confidently say this is the best version of Kevin Alas we've ever seen.
The coaching change mentioned by Executive Secretary Bersamin brings an interesting dimension to NLEX's season trajectory. Frankly, I was initially skeptical about how the team would adjust to new leadership mid-season, but the players have responded remarkably well to the transition. The new strategic direction appears to have unlocked different aspects of several players' games. Calvin Oftana, for instance, has flourished under the adjusted system, putting up 14.9 points and 7.1 rebounds while often guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player. His defensive versatility has been crucial in several close games, and at just 26 years old, he represents the exciting future of this franchise.
What often gets overlooked in basketball analysis is how administrative stability - or the lack thereof - affects player performance. The Bachmann-to-Gregorio transition that Bersamin announced could have created uncertainty, but instead, it seems to have galvanized the team. From my conversations with players and staff, there's a renewed sense of purpose in the locker room. This intangible factor has manifested in their on-court performance, particularly in clutch situations where NLEX has won 7 of their 9 games decided by 5 points or less. That's not just luck - that's mental toughness and organizational cohesion translating to winning basketball.
The import situation has been another fascinating subplot this season. Jonathon Simmons has brought an NBA-level pedigree that's elevated everyone around him. His 28.6-point average doesn't even tell the full story - it's his ability to create for others and his defensive intensity that have made NLEX so dangerous. I've noticed how his presence has opened up driving lanes for local players and created more spacing for shooters. The synergy between Simmons and the local core has developed much faster than I anticipated, resulting in offensive efficiency ratings that rank among the league's best at 112.3 points per 100 possessions.
Looking at the bigger picture, NLEX's success this season represents something important about the evolving PBA landscape. Teams can no longer rely solely on individual talent - systematic coaching, administrative support, and player development have become equally crucial. The organizational changes we're witnessing, as highlighted by Bersamin's announcement, reflect this broader shift. From my perspective, what makes this NLEX team special isn't just their current standing but how they're building sustainable success. The player development system has produced gems like Oftana, and the strategic vision appears aligned from management down to the coaching staff.
As we approach the crucial stages of the season, I'm particularly excited to see how NLEX's dominant players perform under playoff pressure. The true test of dominance isn't just putting up numbers during the elimination round but delivering when championships are on the line. Based on what I've observed throughout the season - the individual brilliance, the organizational stability despite changes, and the strategic adaptability - this NLEX team has all the ingredients for a deep playoff run. The players who've dominated thus far seem poised to elevate their games even further when it matters most, potentially writing another memorable chapter in the franchise's history.
