2016 Sixth Man of the Year Candidate
(c) PBA Media Bureau
In the history of professional team basketball, it was concluded as a fact that the first man to enter the game from the bench, is as important as the starting five. They call that player, the sixth man!
The role of the sixth man differs from each team. Actually, not all have a sixth man but for the award called, Sixth Man of the Year, everyone who played 50% or more of their games coming from the bench, are eligible.
And this five are the front-runners.
(The number of Games that they came from the bench)
#5 Chris Banchero
(28 out of 29 Games)
I wrote this article after San Miguel continue their mastery of the Alaska Aces, yesterday, and I saw how good Banchero is. His basketball IQ is really so high. He takes advantage of open lanes efficiently even though he is not that athletic. He find open teammates easily and his defense has been really good!
#4 Raymond Almazan
(13 out of 21 Games)
In reality, almost all ROS players are eligible for this award. But the second best candidate out of Coach Yeng Guaio's platoon is the Dark Knight! He brings different things in the table as shown by his current statline of 9.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 0.86 blocks. Equate that to 36 minutes of play and you will get 16.1 points, 13.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
#3 Gabe Norwood
(13 out of 25 Games)
And the best candidate out of Rain or Shine is no other than the #1 pick of the 2008 draft, Gabe Norwood! I am pretty sure nobody will be blown away by his current production of 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 30.4% 3FG. But what he brings in the defensive end can cover any deficiency that he brings in their offense.
#2 Troy Rosario
(11 out of 18 Games)
Isn't it weird that the #2 pick of the recent draft is eligible for the Sixth Man of the Year award? Troy is having a good rookie year and his comparison to RDO seems legit. His current production is 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 37.7% 3FG. His unique skill set makes the bench of TNT more dynamic.
#1 Vic Manuel
(19 out of 19 Games)
Do I really need to explain why The Muscle Man Manuel is the #1 in this ranking? With his 15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 56%, he virtually sealed this award already. I am not complaining that he was not starting because Alaska really need to take advantage of his vintage post moves by pitting him against the weaker defenders in the second units of their opponents. His production is basically the product of it and Vic is doing well with his role.