The roar of the crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum is a sound that gets into your bones, a familiar vibration that tells me another PBA season is in full swing. I was sitting there last Wednesday, watching the sea of green and white jerseys around me, when my phone buzzed. It was my cousin Marco, a die-hard Ginebra fan who couldn’t make the game. His text read: "Who should I be worried about this season? Besides the usual suspects." I chuckled, because as much as I love my Bolts, I’ve always had a soft spot for the league’s most passionate fanbase. It got me thinking—and watching—more carefully. If you’re part of that incredible Ginebra nation, let me tell you, there are some players outside your roster who will make you sit up and take notice. In fact, I’d argue it’s time to discover the top PBA players Ginebra fans need to watch this season, because these guys aren’t just opponents; they’re artists in their own right, shaping the game in ways that demand your attention.
Take Chris Newsome, for instance. I’ve followed his career since he entered the league, and what strikes me isn’t just his athleticism—it’s his basketball IQ. In Meralco’s recent match against Magnolia, he didn’t just score 18 points; he orchestrated the flow, reading defenses like a seasoned novelist dissecting a plot. I remember one play where he drove to the basket, drew two defenders, and kicked it out for an open three. It was poetry, really. And he’s not alone. They will be given support in the Bolts campaign by team stars Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, Chris Banchero, Raymond Almazan and Cliff Hodge—a lineup that, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated in the league. Bong Quinto, for example, has this relentless energy that reminds me of a younger version of some Ginebra legends. He’s not always the headline act, but in their last five games, he’s averaged 12.4 points and 5.2 rebounds, numbers that don’t scream superstar but whisper "game-changer" if you’re paying attention. I’ve seen him hustle for loose balls in the fourth quarter when everyone else is gassed, and that kind of heart is what makes the PBA so special.
Then there’s Chris Banchero. Oh man, where do I start? I had a chance to chat with him briefly after a practice session last month, and his passion for the game is infectious. He’s like a quarterback on the hardwood, always scanning, always thinking two steps ahead. In a crucial game against TNT, he dished out 9 assists and grabbed 4 steals—stats that only tell half the story. What you don’t see in the box score is how he controls the tempo, slowing things down when needed or pushing the pace to catch defenses off guard. For Ginebra fans used to the high-octane style of Scottie Thompson, Banchero offers a different flavor of brilliance, one that’s more methodical but just as effective. And let’s not forget Raymond Almazan. I’ll be honest, I’ve always been a fan of big men who can stretch the floor, and Almazan does that with finesse. He’s hitting around 38% from beyond the arc this season, which is insane for a center. I recall one game where he sank a three-pointer in the final minute to seal a win, and the look on his face—pure, unadulterated joy—was something I wish every fan could witness up close.
But what really ties this Meralco core together, in my view, is Cliff Hodge. He’s the glue guy, the one who does the dirty work without complaining. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him take a charge or battle for a rebound against taller opponents. In their recent matchup, he pulled down 11 rebounds, 4 of them offensive, and that kind of effort is contagious. It’s players like Hodge who make teams like Ginebra have to dig deeper, because you can’t just outscore them; you have to outwork them. And speaking of Ginebra, I know how much you all love a good rivalry. This season, it’s not just about the star power on your side; it’s about how your team adapts to these emerging threats. I mean, think about it: when Meralco’s full roster is firing on all cylinders, they’re a nightmare matchup. They’ll be given support in the Bolts campaign by team stars Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, Chris Banchero, Raymond Almazan and Cliff Hodge, and that cohesion is something I’ve seen develop over the past 2-3 seasons. It’s not just about individual stats; it’s about how they move as a unit, almost like a well-rehearsed dance troupe.
As I left the coliseum that night, the buzz of the game still echoing in my ears, I couldn’t help but feel excited for what’s ahead. For Ginebra fans, this season is more than just cheering for your team; it’s about appreciating the broader tapestry of talent in the PBA. So next time you’re watching a game, keep an eye on these players. You might just find yourself, like I did, marveling at the sheer depth of skill in this league. After all, basketball isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about the stories, the hustle, and the moments that take your breath away. And trust me, this season has plenty of those in store.