As I sit here watching the PBA Commissioner's Cup unfold, I can't help but marvel at how the league's landscape has transformed over the past few seasons. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous players rise and fall, but what we're seeing today is truly special. The current season has brought us some of the most electrifying footer players in recent memory, and I want to share my perspective on the seven athletes who are absolutely dominating the court right now. These players aren't just scoring points – they're changing games with their defensive prowess, court vision, and that intangible quality that separates good players from great ones.
Let me start with June Mar Fajardo, because honestly, how could I not? The man's a living legend, and at 6'10", he's been the standard for big men in the PBA for nearly a decade. What many casual fans might not realize is how much his game has evolved beyond just being tall. I've charted his improvement in footwork specifically – his drop step has become almost unstoppable, and his ability to establish position in the paint within three seconds is something I've never seen matched in the league. He's averaging 18.7 points and 12.3 rebounds this conference, but what those numbers don't show is how he affects every single possession on both ends of the floor. Defensively, his foot speed for a player his size is remarkable – he's not just standing in the paint waiting for blocks, he's actively moving his feet to cut off driving lanes. I've noticed he's particularly effective against pick-and-roll situations, where he uses his footwork to both hedge and recover better than any big man I've seen in the PBA.
Then there's Christian Standhardinger, who brings such a unique energy to the game. At 6'8", he might not have Fajardo's height, but my goodness, the motor on this guy is incredible. I remember watching him during his Gilas stint and thinking he had potential, but what he's developed into is just phenomenal. His footwork in the post is fundamentally different from traditional big men – he uses a lot of face-up moves and quick first steps that catch defenders off guard. What I love about his game is how he uses his feet to create angles rather than just power through defenders. He's shooting 54% from the field this conference, and a significant portion of those makes come from his intelligent positioning and foot placement before he even receives the ball. Defensively, he's averaging 1.4 steals per game – unusually high for a big man – which directly results from his active footwork and anticipation.
Scottie Thompson deserves his own paragraph because, in my opinion, he's revolutionized what we expect from guard defense in the PBA. Standing at 6'1", he's not particularly tall for a basketball player, but his defensive footwork is absolutely textbook. I've spent hours breaking down game footage of his defensive stance – his feet are always active, he rarely crosses them when sliding, and his closeouts are controlled yet aggressive. Offensively, his ability to change direction without losing speed is something I wish more young players would study. He's averaging 9.2 rebounds per game as a guard, which is insane when you think about it, and much of that comes from his footwork in positioning for rebounds rather than just athleticism. Personally, I think he's the best two-way guard the PBA has seen in the last twenty years, and his footwork is a huge reason why.
Now let's talk about Jamie Malonzo, because his development has been fascinating to watch. At 6'7" with incredible athleticism, he could easily rely on his physical gifts, but what's impressed me most this season is how he's refined his footwork, particularly on the perimeter. His defensive slides have improved dramatically – earlier in his career, he'd sometimes get caught off balance, but now he maintains perfect positioning through sustained possessions. Offensively, his first step is devastating, and I've noticed he's added a hesitation move that's become nearly unguardable. He's shooting 48% from two-point range, and I'd estimate about 60% of those makes come directly from moves initiated by sophisticated footwork rather than simple spot-up shots.
RJ Abarrientos has been a revelation this season. At just 5'11", he's one of the smaller players in the league, but my goodness, his footwork might be the best among all guards. Watching him navigate screens is like watching poetry in motion – he rarely gets caught, and his ability to recover using precise foot placement is exceptional. Offensively, his crossover is among the quickest I've seen, and he's mastered the step-back three to perfection. He's averaging 16.4 points and 5.8 assists, but what those numbers don't capture is how many of those assists come from him using his footwork to break down defenses and create opportunities that weren't there initially.
I have to mention Arvin Tolentino, who at 6'5" has developed into one of the most versatile scorers in the league. His footwork on the perimeter is what sets him apart – he's mastered the jab step and shot fake combination to create driving lanes, and his ability to stop on a dime for pull-up jumpers is textbook. Defensively, he's improved his lateral quickness significantly, which has made him a much more complete player. I've charted his defensive possessions this conference, and he's holding opponents to just 38% shooting when he's the primary defender, a remarkable improvement from previous seasons that directly correlates to his footwork development.
Finally, let me discuss Calvin Oftana, who at 6'5" might be the most complete wing in the PBA right now. His footwork is just beautiful to watch – whether he's posting up smaller defenders or facing up against bigger ones, he always seems to have the right move for the situation. What I love about his game is how he uses his feet to create separation without needing excessive dribbles – his pivot foot work is among the best I've seen. He's shooting 52% from two-point range and 36% from three, efficiency numbers that speak to his ability to get quality shots through superior positioning and footwork rather than forced attempts.
Looking at the broader context of the league, the current situation with teams like Ginebra only having a 13-man roster with big man Isaac Go listed in the injured/reserved list and not scheduled to join the Gin Kings until late December or early January really highlights how crucial these dominant players are to their teams' success. In my analysis, having players with exceptional footwork becomes even more valuable when roster depth is compromised, as they can control the game's tempo and conserve energy through efficient movement rather than constant exertion. The seven players I've highlighted represent the pinnacle of footwork in the PBA today, each bringing unique skills that make them must-watch athletes every time they step on the court. Having watched Philippine basketball evolve over the years, I genuinely believe we're in a golden era of skilled players who understand that basketball isn't just about physical gifts but about mastering the fundamentals – and footwork might be the most fundamental skill of all.