Popular PBA Players You Should Know and Follow This Season

As I sit here scrolling through my social media feeds, I can't help but notice how many basketball fans are still sleeping on some of the most exciting talents in the Philippine Basketball Association this season. Having spent years covering collegiate basketball for SPIN.ph and now working closely with UAAP's broadcast partner, I've developed a pretty good eye for spotting players who are about to break out. Let me tell you, this PBA season has some absolute gems that deserve your attention.

Take June Mar Fajardo, for instance. The man's a living legend, but I feel like casual fans don't fully appreciate what they're witnessing. At 6'10", he moves with this surprising grace that defies his massive frame. I remember watching him during his UAAP days with the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, and even back then, you could see he was special. Now in his 11th season with San Miguel Beermen, he's averaging 18.7 points and 13.2 rebounds per game - numbers that would make most imports blush. What really gets me about June Mar isn't just the stats though; it's how he completely changes the geometry of the court. Defenses have to collapse around him, which opens up everything for his teammates. I've lost count of how many times I've seen three defenders desperately trying to contain him, only for him to kick it out to an open shooter.

Then there's Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra. Oh man, this guy plays with so much heart it's almost ridiculous. I first noticed him during the Filoil Preseason Cup years back, and even then, his energy was infectious. At 29, he's in his absolute prime, and watching him chase down loose balls or crash the boards despite being just 6'1" is pure basketball joy. He's currently putting up 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, but numbers don't capture the timing of his plays. There's this specific moment from last month's game against TNT that still gives me chills - Ginebra was down by 3 with under a minute left, Scottie steals the inbound pass, takes two dribbles, and launches from way beyond the arc. Swish. The crowd went absolutely wild, and I nearly spilled my coffee all over my laptop.

What's fascinating to me this season is how the younger players are stepping up. Jamie Malonzo, for example, has been absolutely electric for Ginebra. At 26, he's this incredible athletic specimen who plays way bigger than his 6'7" frame. I caught him during a media day last year, and the way he talked about studying Scottie's game showed this maturity beyond his years. Now he's averaging 15.8 points and 7.4 rebounds, and his defensive versatility is something special. He can guard positions 1 through 4, which in today's positionless basketball is pure gold.

Speaking of young guns, Calvin Oftana of TNT is another player who's captured my attention. Having covered the NCAA during my SPIN.ph days, I remember watching him dominate for San Beda, and his transition to the pros has been smoother than I anticipated. At 26, he's already showing this polished offensive game that's rare for players his age. He's putting up 16.2 points per game while shooting 38% from three-point range - numbers that would make any coach happy. But what really stands out to me is his basketball IQ; he rarely forces bad shots and always seems to make the right read.

Now, I know most fans gravitate toward offensive stars, but let me tell you about someone who might just be the best defender in the league - Jio Jalalon of Magnolia. The man is an absolute pest on defense, and I mean that in the best way possible. At 5'9", he's constantly disrupting passing lanes and putting pressure on ball handlers. I've seen him completely take over games with his defense alone, creating fast break opportunities that swing the momentum. His stats - 9.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game - don't fully capture his impact. There's this intensity he brings that's contagious; when he's locked in, the whole team defense elevates.

What's interesting to me, having observed both collegiate and professional basketball closely through my work with UAAP and the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, is how the PBA's style has evolved. We're seeing more pace and space, more three-point shooting, and players who can do multiple things well. This makes guys like Robert Bolick of NorthPort so valuable. Now I'll be honest - I've had my doubts about Bolick's efficiency in the past, but this season he's been phenomenal. He's averaging 22.5 points and 7.3 assists, and his clutch gene is something special. I remember this game against Meralco where he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, including the game-winning step-back three with two defenders in his face.

As someone who's been around basketball media for years, I've learned that the most compelling players aren't always the ones with the best stats. They're the ones who play with passion, who have these moments that make you jump out of your seat. That's why I'm keeping my eye on Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort. At 27, he's developed into this versatile scorer who can get buckets in so many ways. He's averaging 18.9 points while shooting 36% from deep, but it's his fearlessness in big moments that really stands out. I've seen him take and make big shots against multiple defenders, and that kind of confidence is contagious for his team.

The beauty of following the PBA closely, through my lens of having covered both collegiate and pro levels, is noticing how these players' stories unfold. They're not just statistics on a screen; they're artists painting their masterpieces on the hardwood every game day. Whether it's June Mar's dominance, Scottie's all-around brilliance, or the young guns making their mark, there's so much to appreciate this season. So next time you're thinking about which games to watch or which players to follow on social media, give these guys some love. Trust me, your basketball viewing experience will be so much richer for it.