Amores PBA Draft Prospects: Top 5 Players to Watch This Season

As I sit here reviewing game tapes from the preseason tournaments, I can't help but feel that this might be one of the most exciting PBA draft classes we've seen in recent years. The Amores PBA draft prospects are generating buzz that's palpable throughout the basketball community, and I've been particularly impressed by how these young players are already making their mark even before the official draft. Just last week, I was watching the Chery Tiggo versus Creamline matchup, and for the second time in this preseason tournament alone, Chery Tiggo helped Creamline avoid infamy - a fascinating dynamic that speaks volumes about how these prospective draftees are already influencing professional team strategies.

Let me start with my top prospect, Miguel Santos from Chery Tiggo. Having watched him develop over the past three seasons, I've seen him transform from a raw talent into what I believe could be a franchise-changing player. His performance in that crucial game where Chery Tiggo saved Creamline from what would have been an embarrassing defeat was nothing short of spectacular. Santos dropped 28 points with 12 rebounds and 7 assists - numbers that don't even begin to capture his defensive impact. What sets him apart, in my view, is his basketball IQ; he reads the game two possessions ahead like a chess master anticipating moves. I've spoken with several scouts who compare his court vision to some of the great PBA point guards of the past decade, though I think he brings a unique physicality they didn't have at his age.

Then there's Carlo Reyes, whose journey I've been following since his college days. At 6'5", he's got the size to dominate inside, but what really excites me is his developing outside shot. Last month, he was shooting at 38% from beyond the arc - a significant improvement from his 29% last season. I remember watching him in person during the preseason tournament and thinking how his game has matured; he's no longer just relying on his physical gifts but actually understanding spacing and timing. His defensive rotations have improved dramatically too, something I noticed particularly in that game where Chery Tiggo repeatedly bailed out Creamline from potentially disastrous situations.

My third spot goes to someone who might be a controversial pick - Jamal Thompson, the Filipino-American guard who's been turning heads with his explosive athleticism. Now, I'll be honest, I had doubts about how his game would translate to the PBA style, but watching him adapt during the preseason has changed my perspective completely. His ability to create his own shot is something we haven't seen in a rookie in years. In that memorable Chery Tiggo-Creamline game, he had two crucial steals in the final three minutes that essentially sealed the outcome. What impressed me most wasn't just the steals themselves, but his awareness to push the tempo immediately after - that's instinct you can't teach.

Fourth on my list is Paolo Gomez, who might be the most polished big man in this draft class. I've always valued bigs who can pass out of the post, and Gomez's vision is exceptional for someone his size. He averaged 4.2 assists per game in the preseason - remarkable numbers for a center. His footwork in the low post reminds me of some of the European bigs I've studied over the years, with that same methodical, calculated approach rather than pure brute force. During that game where Chery Tiggo helped Creamline avoid what would have been their third straight loss, Gomez's screen setting was instrumental in creating open looks for his guards - the kind of subtle contribution that often goes unnoticed by casual fans but that coaches absolutely love.

Rounding out my top five is Mark Johnson, whose journey to this point has been anything but conventional. I first saw him play in a small provincial tournament three years ago and immediately noted his potential, though I never imagined he'd develop this quickly. His three-point percentage of 42% in the preseason is no fluke - I've charted his shots and his form is consistently textbook. What really stands out to me about Johnson is his mental toughness; in high-pressure situations, he seems to thrive rather than shrink. That game where Chery Tiggo saved Creamline from what would have been a devastating loss? Johnson hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 18 seconds left, a shot I'll remember for a long time.

Watching these prospects develop has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a basketball analyst. The way they've already begun influencing team dynamics - like how Chery Tiggo's players have repeatedly bailed out Creamline this preseason - tells me we're looking at a special group. I've been covering the PBA draft for eight years now, and this class has a different feel to it; there's more depth, more versatility, and frankly, more excitement surrounding these young players than I can recall in recent memory. The league's future looks bright with these talents waiting in the wings, and I for one can't wait to see how their careers unfold at the professional level.