PBA Week 2 Import Review

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioners’ Cup 2022 week 2 has concluded. Now, let’s take a look back at how the imports have responded to the call and performed. 

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‍Quincy Miller of the Converge FiberXers

38 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 4.0 APG, 2.6 BPG 

The Commissioners’ Cup debut of the Converge FiberXers is reinforced by the former 2nd-round pick of the Denver Nuggets, Quincy Miller. He has stepped up for his team carrying the load on offense. Miller currently leads the league in points per game. Converge Head Coach, Aldin Ayo’s fast paced coaching style perfectly fits Miller’s game. 

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‍Lester Prosper of the Terrafirma Dyip 

34.7 PPG, 19.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.0 BPG

The return of Lester Prosper as an import gave hope to the Terrafirma Dyip and their fans as they have been rebuilding. This conference they are still searching for their first win. Lester, the Indonesian naturalized player, averages a double-double and nearly 20 rebounds per game. In their quest for their first win, Lester lacks a consistent “Robin” to his “Batman” as they continue to chase wins. 

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Kaleb Wesson of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters

20.2 PPG,  20.0 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 3.7 APG, 2.0 BPG 

Phoenix has struggled to rack up wins – losing to Blackwater and the Bay Area Dragons early on. The Ohio native, Kaleb Wesson, is averaging a double-double, which has helped the club remain competitive and get one win. Wesson’s all around playing style lures the defense’s attention giving opportunities to his teammates to score. 
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‍Nick Rakocevic of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots 

29.3 PPG, 21.3 RPG, 1 SPG,  1.6 APG, 1.6 BPG

Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots gambled and picked the American-Serbian Forward, Nick Rakocevic to be their import for the conference. In his debut game against the Terrafirma Dyip, Nick proved himself right away with a monstrous 45 point game, backed with 25 rebounds and led the team to get the win. Unfortunately, he suffered a scary injury late in the final quarter against the Talk N’ Text on October 5, 2022 which will eventually slow him down in the coming games. 

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‍Steve Taylor Jr. of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 

20.5 PPG, 16 RPG, 1.25 SPG, 5.2 APG, 0.7 BPG

The 6’9 Chicago born, Steve Taylor’s debut game against the NLEX Road Warriors wasn’t as impressive as the other imports as he only racked up 21 points, 12 rebounds and a loss. However, he quickly bounced back in his second game against the crowd-favorite Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel with a big-margin win, 91-73. Elasto Painters coach, Yeng Guiao’s coaching style has always been to utilize all the players on the roster which may be a factor why the numbers of their import are not as high as others in the league. The club is currently in the middle of the PBA pack.  

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‍Cameron Oliver of the Talk N Text Tropang Giga 

31.0 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 0.5 SPG, 5 APG, 1.5 BPG

The Talk N’ Text Tropang Giga suffered a heart-breaking loss to the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 94-92. Cameron Oliver, former player for Atlanta Hawks, carried the team with Mikey Williams and Jayson Castro sitting out for the game. Cameron tallied 43 points and 17 rebounds. The loss evens out their record to 1-1. 

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‍Johnny O’Bryant of the Meralco Bolts ‍

30.6 PPG, 16.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 4.3 APG, 1.00 BPG

The former Milwaukee Bucks draftee, Johnny O’Bryant’s debut was tragic as the Meralco Bolts suffered an overtime loss to Robert Bolick’s 44 point outing. Nonetheless, Johnny contributed well with 30 points and 22 rebounds. Meralco is currently at the bottom of the PBA standings with only one win. 

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Prince Ibeh of the Northport Batang Pier
14. 2 PPG, 12.2 RPG,1.7 SPG, 1.2 APG, 3.7 BPG

Northport’s offense has always been revolving around Robert Bolick which lightens Prince Ibeh’s offensive output needed. Hence, he has had a huge impact on their defense. Prince’s contribution may not be seen on the stat sheets but his defensive awareness has always been stifling their opponents.

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Earl Clark of the NLEX Road Warriors 

33.3 PPG, 19.6 RPG, 2 SPG, 5.3 APG, 3.3 BPG

The NLEX Road Warriors picked up an NBA Caliber import in Earl Clark. In the first couple weeks of the conference, Clark has been consistent in his scoring, shooting 56% from the field. NLEX sits at the top of the PBA standings with a 2-1 record thanks to the strong offensive output from Clark. ‍

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Cameron Krutwig of the Blackwater Bossing‍

16.5 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 0.5 SPG,  8.2 APG, 1.2 BPG

Cameron Krutwig’s performance in his first two games did not meet the expectations of many fans. The 23 year old import only scored 11 points during his debut game and 17 points in the second game. Nevertheless, Cameron stepped up during their game against the powerhouse, San Miguel Beermen. He racked up a triple-double to prove himself worthy and help the team advance in the PBA. 

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Justin Brownlee  of the Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel ‍

33.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 4 APG, 0.0 BPG

Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel suffered an upset loss during their first game despite Justin Brownlee’s double-double performance with 20 points and 16 rebounds. The team regrouped and captured two straight wins led by Brownlee. During their last game against the guest team, Bay Area Dragons, Justin went off for 46 points which resulted in the first loss of the Dragons. The Kings are now third overall in the PBA standings.

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Diamond Stone of the San Miguel Beermen ‍

20.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.0 APG

The San Miguel Beermen’s last minute import replacement, Diamond Stone, a former late second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans had a slow start in the conference. Surrounded by Beermen Superstars, Diamond Stone tallied 20 points and 8 rebounds in a tough loss during their first outing against the Blackwater Bossing. Diamond recuperated and bounced back in their recent game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, bursting on to the scene with 43 points and 13 rebounds. The San Miguel Beermen are now uncomfortably placed at the bottom of the standings with a 1-1 record. ‍

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Myles Powell of the Bay Area Dragons ‍

35.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.5 SPG, 1.7 APG, 0.2 BPG

Myles Powell had one of the most impressive debut weeks amongst the imports. The former Sixers guard stunned the crowd with his stepback three-point game winner against the Northport Batang Pier. The Bay Area Dragons’ offensive scheme relies heavily on Myles. Powell will remain on the bench up until the clubs ninth game when he could be switched back in as the Dragons are utilizing big man, Andrew Nicholson. 

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Andrew Nicholson of the Bay Area Dragons‍

28.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG (Played 1 game as of now) 

The former NBA player, Andrew Nicholson, will be the BayMiller  Area Dragons’ import for at least four games. Despite Andrew’s strong 28 points and 12 rebounds performance during his debut against the Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel, the Dragons endured their first loss in franchise history. The Dragons are now placed second overall in the standings with a 4-1 record.