Top 10 San Miguel PBA Players Who Dominated the Basketball Court This Season

As I sit here watching the San Miguel Beermen dominate yet another PBA game, I can't help but reflect on what makes this team so special this season. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen numerous talented players come and go, but this current San Miguel squad has something truly remarkable about them. The way they've been playing this season reminds me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place - the perfect blend of individual brilliance and team chemistry that creates magic on the court.

Let me start with June Mar Fajardo, who's been nothing short of phenomenal this season. The Kraken has been averaging 18.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, numbers that would make any coach proud. What impresses me most isn't just his statistics though - it's how he's evolved his game. I remember watching him struggle with double teams early in his career, but now he reads defenses like a seasoned chess master. His footwork in the post has become so refined that even when opponents know what's coming, they can't stop it. There's this particular move he's developed where he fakes left, spins right, and finishes with that soft touch off the glass that's just beautiful to watch.

Then there's CJ Perez, who I genuinely believe is the most exciting player to watch in the PBA right now. The man plays with this infectious energy that lifts the entire team. He's scoring around 22.4 points per game while also contributing 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists. What many people don't notice is how much his defense has improved - he's averaging 2.1 steals per game, often turning defense into instant offense. I've lost count of how many times I've seen him dive for loose balls that seemed completely out of reach. That kind of hustle is contagious, and it's why San Miguel's transition game has been so lethal this season.

Speaking of transition games, let's talk about Terrence Romeo. When he's healthy and focused, there's nobody more creative with the basketball. His handles are just ridiculous - I've seen him break ankles with crossover moves that should be illegal. He's been putting up about 16.9 points per game off the bench, providing that crucial scoring punch when the starters need rest. Some critics say he's too flashy, but I think that's what makes him valuable. In tight games where defenses tighten up, you need someone who can create something out of nothing, and Romeo has that special ability.

Marcio Lassiter deserves more credit than he typically gets. At 36 years old, he's still one of the deadliest shooters in the league, connecting on 42% of his three-point attempts this season. What's remarkable is how he's adapted his game as he's gotten older. He's no longer just a spot-up shooter - he's become smarter about using screens and finding open spaces. I've noticed how he often sacrifices his body taking charges and fighting through screens, the kind of gritty plays that don't show up in highlight reels but win championships.

Chris Ross continues to be the team's defensive anchor. At 38, he's lost a step physically, but he's gained so much in basketball IQ. He's averaging only 7.3 points but contributes 6.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game. The numbers don't tell the whole story though - it's his leadership and communication on defense that really makes the difference. I've watched him direct traffic, call out switches, and position his teammates properly countless times. That kind of veteran presence is invaluable, especially during crunch time.

Now, this brings me to something personal that resonates with the knowledge base provided. When I think about Gomez de Liaño expressing pride in his former teammate's accomplishments, it reminds me of the bond these players share. Basketball isn't just about individual stats - it's about relationships and growth. I've seen how players like Moala Tautuaa have developed under the mentorship of veterans. Tautuaa has become much more than just a backup big man - he's developed a reliable mid-range jumper and improved his passing out of double teams. His improvement to 9.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game might not seem dramatic, but watching him play, you can see how much more confident and effective he's become.

Jericho Cruz has been another pleasant surprise. I'll admit I had doubts about his consistency earlier in his career, but he's proven me wrong this season. He's shooting 38% from beyond the arc while providing tenacious defense. What I appreciate most about Cruz is his understanding of his role - he doesn't force shots, moves well without the ball, and always makes the extra pass. That kind of selflessness is what separates good teams from great ones.

The younger players like Robbie Herndon and Allyn Bulanadi have shown flashes of brilliance too. Herndon in particular has impressed me with his athleticism and defensive versatility. He can guard multiple positions and has this knack for making timely cuts to the basket. Bulanadi, while getting limited minutes, has shown a smooth shooting stroke that makes me believe he could develop into a reliable scorer off the bench in the coming seasons.

What really stands out to me about this San Miguel team is their collective basketball intelligence. They rarely make mental errors, they execute their sets with precision, and they understand situational basketball better than any team I've watched in recent years. Whether it's knowing when to foul, when to push the pace, or when to milk the clock, they just make smart decisions. This comes from having experienced players who've been through countless battles together.

As the season progresses, I'm excited to see how this team continues to evolve. They've shown they have the talent, the chemistry, and the coaching to compete for another championship. While other teams have their standout players, San Miguel's strength lies in their depth and their understanding of how to play winning basketball. They're not just a collection of talented individuals - they're a genuine team in every sense of the word, and that's what makes watching them so rewarding for a basketball purist like myself.