Top PBA NLEX Players to Watch This Season and Their Impact

As I sit down to analyze this season's PBA NLEX roster, I can't help but reflect on coach Yeng Guiao's recent comments about the draft situation. He mentioned, "We don't know how deep the draft is. Tingin ko baka hindi naman ganun kalalim, so hindi pa rin naming puwedeng gamitin 'yun para punuan yung kulang namin." This honest assessment reveals so much about where NLEX stands and why certain players need to step up significantly this conference. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen how teams either flourish or flounder based on their ability to maximize existing talent when draft options appear limited.

Let me start with Don Trollano, who's been nothing short of spectacular in the preseason. I've tracked his development since his Adamson days, and what impresses me most is his scoring consistency - he's averaging around 18.7 points per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc. These aren't just numbers; they represent his evolution from a role player to someone who can carry the offensive load when needed. Watching him develop his mid-range game has been particularly satisfying. Remember that game against Ginebra where he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone? That's the kind of clutch performance NLEX will need regularly, especially considering coach Yeng's concerns about filling roster gaps through the draft.

Then there's Kevin Alas, whose comeback story continues to inspire me every time I watch him play. After those back-to-back ACL injuries that would have ended many careers, he's not just playing - he's dominating stretches of games. His basketball IQ has always been exceptional, but now he's added a layer of veteran savvy that makes him indispensable. I've noticed how he's improved his playmaking, averaging approximately 6.2 assists while cutting down turnovers to just 2.1 per game. What many fans might not realize is how much his leadership matters in the locker room. During crucial moments, you can see him organizing the offense and keeping younger players focused - something stats don't capture but wins certainly reflect.

Kris Porter represents exactly the kind of development story that makes basketball so compelling. I'll be honest - I had doubts about his transition from college to the pros, but he's proven me wrong in the best way possible. His defensive versatility allows NLEX to employ multiple defensive schemes, something crucial when you can't rely on draft reinforcements. At 6'6", he can guard multiple positions, and I've charted him holding opposing forwards to just 38% shooting when he's the primary defender. His offensive game still needs polishing, but the foundation is there. I particularly love his understanding of spacing and timing on cuts - it shows he's studying the game beyond just practicing shots.

What fascinates me about this NLEX team is how they're building around their core despite the draft limitations coach Guiao mentioned. Calvin Oftana continues to be that Swiss Army knife every championship-contending team needs. I've always believed championship teams need players who impact games without needing plays called for them, and Oftana fits that mold perfectly. His defensive rotations, help defense, and ability to crash the offensive boards create so many second-chance opportunities. The numbers show he averages about 2.1 offensive rebounds per game, but what they don't show is how many of those lead to crucial extra possessions in close games.

The backcourt combination of Alas and Trollano might be one of the most underrated in the league, and I'm surprised more people aren't talking about their chemistry. Having watched nearly all their games last season, I noticed how they've developed this almost telepathic understanding in pick-and-roll situations. Trollano's improved catch-and-shoot ability complements Alas' penetration perfectly. They've connected on approximately 42 alley-oop plays last conference alone - a number that seems small but represents their growing synergy.

What really excites me about this NLEX squad is their potential to exceed expectations despite the draft situation. Coach Guiao's system has always been about maximizing available talent rather than waiting for perfect roster construction. I've observed how he's been developing younger players like Anthony Semerad, who's shown flashes of being a reliable three-and-D option. Semerad's defensive improvements particularly stand out - he's holding opponents to just 34% shooting from beyond the arc when he's the primary defender.

As we look toward the upcoming season, I'm genuinely optimistic about NLEX's chances to make some noise. The core group has played together long enough to develop the chemistry that can't be manufactured through draft picks alone. Their continuity gives them an advantage over teams that might be integrating multiple new players. Having covered the PBA through various eras, I've always believed that team chemistry often trumps individual talent, and this NLEX team exemplifies that principle.

The road won't be easy, especially in a league where other teams have made significant roster upgrades. But sometimes, stability and continuity can be the best upgrades of all. This NLEX team knows each other's tendencies, understands the system, and has faced adversity together. Those intangible factors often make the difference between a good team and a great one. While the draft concerns are valid, this current roster has more than enough talent to compete at the highest level and potentially surprise a lot of people this season.