Top 10 Best 2k17 PBA Players and Their Amazing Stats This Season

As I sit down to analyze the standout performers of the 2017 PBA season, I can't help but reflect on how pivotal certain players have been in shaping the league's narrative this year. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous talented athletes come and go, but this particular season has showcased some truly exceptional talents who've elevated the game to new heights. The intensity of this season reminds me of a quote from one of the coaches that perfectly captures the competitive spirit: "Every win in a semifinal series and a final series is huge. We haven't won anything yet. We've gotten an advantage. But you see how quickly those advantages can disappear if we don't take care of them." This mindset has been evident in how these top players have approached their games, never resting on their laurels and constantly pushing for improvement.

Let me start with June Mar Fajardo, who in my opinion has been nothing short of phenomenal this season. The San Miguel Beerman put up staggering numbers that still boggle my mind - averaging 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. What makes Fajardo special isn't just his statistical dominance but how he completely changes the geometry of the court whenever he's playing. I've watched him dismantle defenses single-handedly, and his footwork in the post is arguably the best I've seen in Philippine basketball history. His player efficiency rating of 28.7 led the league, and honestly, I don't see anyone challenging his throne as the PBA's premier big man anytime soon.

Right behind Fajardo, we have Jayson Castro, who continues to defy Father Time with his explosive performances. The Blur, as they call him, averaged 16.8 points and 5.9 assists while shooting 42% from three-point territory. What impresses me most about Castro is his basketball IQ - he knows exactly when to push the tempo and when to slow things down. I remember watching him dismantle Ginebra's defense in the semifinals with 31 points and 8 assists, completely controlling the game's rhythm. His ability to get to the rim at will remains unmatched, and at 31 years old, he's still the standard for point guards in the league.

Then there's Stanley Pringle, whose athleticism never fails to amaze me. The GlobalPort guard put up 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 46% from the field. His scoring versatility is what sets him apart - he can beat you off the dribble, pull up from mid-range, or knock down threes with equal efficiency. I've always been particularly impressed by his ability to create his own shot in isolation situations, where he ranked in the 92nd percentile according to advanced metrics. His 38-point explosion against Rain or Shine in March was one of the most dominant individual performances I've witnessed in recent years.

Alex Cabagnot deserves special mention for his clutch performances throughout the season. While his regular season averages of 14.2 points and 4.8 assists might not jump off the page, his impact in crucial moments has been invaluable. I've lost count of how many game-winning shots he's made this season, including that incredible buzzer-beater against TNT in the elimination round. His true shooting percentage of 57.3% demonstrates his efficiency, but numbers alone can't capture his value in pressure situations.

What fascinates me about this season is how the international players have raised the competitive level. Import players like Justin Brownlee and Michael Madanly have brought unique skill sets that have forced local players to elevate their games. Brownlee's averages of 24.6 points and 11.3 rebounds for Ginebra were instrumental in their championship run, while Madanly's shooting prowess stretched defenses in ways we haven't seen before. Their presence has undoubtedly made the league more competitive and entertaining.

Looking at the defensive side, I have to highlight the impact of players like Rafi Reavis and Raymond Almazan. Reavis, at 39 years old, continues to be a defensive anchor for Rain or Shine, averaging 1.9 blocks and altering countless other shots. His defensive rating of 98.3 was among the league's best, and his ability to defend multiple positions is something I wish more young big men would emulate. Almazan, meanwhile, has developed into a complete two-way player, averaging 12.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 36% from three-point range. His development has been remarkable to watch over the past few seasons.

The guard position has been particularly stacked this year, with Paul Lee, Terrence Romeo, and LA Tenorio all putting up impressive numbers. Lee's scoring average of 17.5 points doesn't fully capture his importance to Star Hotshots' offensive system. His ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line - where he shot 87% - makes him incredibly difficult to defend. Romeo, despite playing through injuries, still managed to average 19.3 points while showcasing his trademark scoring flair. And Tenorio's leadership combined with his 13.2 points and 5.1 assists made Ginebra's offense hum with efficiency.

As I reflect on this season's standout performers, I'm struck by how their performances embody that coaching wisdom about never being satisfied with advantages. These players have consistently demonstrated that maintaining excellence requires constant vigilance and improvement. The statistical achievements are impressive, but what truly separates these athletes is their mental approach to the game. They understand that advantages can disappear quickly if not properly maintained, which is why they continue to work on their games even when at the top of their profession. This mindset, combined with their extraordinary talents, has made the 2017 PBA season one of the most memorable in recent history, and I'm already looking forward to seeing how these players will continue to evolve and surprise us in the seasons to come.