Top 5 Rookie of the Year Contenders
(c) PBA Media Bureau
Every player that entered the league will only have one opportunity to win an award called Rookie of the Year. The winner will always be remembered as the best in their batch in their first season in the league.
This year, we have a lot of contenders for the award which should go down the wire.
#5 Maverick AhanmisiWhen it comes to drafting of players, it is really hard to question the choices of Rain or Shine and they again prove that in Ahanmisi. With Paul Lee sidelined in almost all their games this season so far, Maverick is given more opportunity and he is shining with it with 9.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 32.4% 3FG.
#4 Arthur Dela CruzHe started slowly this year but he has been playing very well in the Commissioner's Cup with 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.6 steals. It is very clear in his numbers that he is a do-it-all machine. His high basketball IQ is prevalent in offense but also in defense. His playing time is consistent so he has a good chance of stealing the ROY.
#3 Moala Tautuaa
He is not meeting the high expectations of the PBA critics but he is still having a great year. He is contributing 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 53.7% FG to Tropang Texters. He is trying hard to fit to his team but he is still sluggish during half court plays and team defense. But when they simplify it, he is unstoppable on the break and when he attacks the basket, one on one.
#2 Chris Newsome
Everyone expected him to be a project but he broke out of the gate to be one of the best athletic wing in the country! He is a vital part of the offense and defense of the Bolts as shown by his 1.0 Win Share. You cannot really ask more with his 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steal and 45.7% FG. His defense is really in the top tier and the way he operates fluidly in offense.
#1 Troy Rosario
The next Ranidel de Ocampo? maybe the future better version of Ranidel de Ocampo or the very first Troy Rosario. There is one skill that he is still need to develop to come closer to the level of RDO, post moves. His current statline is 13.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 47.1% FG and 37.9% 3FG. His shooting form is really beautiful and he is currently the 22nd best shooter in the league. His versatility and uniqueness makes me salivate about his future.