Top 10 PBA Shooting Guards Who Dominate the Court This Season
As I watch the PBA games unfold this season, I can't help but feel that special electricity in the air - the kind that only comes when truly exceptional shooting guards take control of the court. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for what separates good players from truly dominant ones. This season has been particularly fascinating because we're witnessing something special - a convergence of veteran mastery and explosive young talent that's creating unforgettable basketball moments. I remember hearing coach Tim Cone's statement, "I believe that we can all work together and give you a proud season," and thinking how perfectly that captures what we're seeing from these elite shooting guards who are indeed giving us one proud season after another.
Let me start with someone who's completely redefined the position this year - Robert Bolick of NorthPort. What sets Robert apart isn't just his scoring average of 22.8 points per game, but his incredible clutch performance. I've watched him sink game-winning shots with such composure that it reminds me of legendary PBA players from the 90s. His three-point percentage sits at around 38.7%, but numbers don't capture how he elevates his game when it matters most. Just last week against Ginebra, he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, including that incredible step-back three with 2.3 seconds left. That's the kind of performance that makes you jump off your couch.
Then there's CJ Perez of San Miguel - a player I've admired since his rookie year. His athleticism is simply off the charts, and what's remarkable is how he's refined his game this season. He's averaging 19.4 points, but more importantly, he's become a much smarter defender. I've noticed how he reads passing lanes better than anyone except maybe Scottie Thompson, averaging 1.8 steals per game while still maintaining his explosive offensive output. His improvement in shot selection has been dramatic - last season he was taking about 18.5 shots per game to get his points, now he's down to 15.2 while maintaining similar scoring numbers. That's efficiency that coaches dream about.
Speaking of efficiency, Mikey Williams of TNT deserves special mention, though I'll admit his style isn't for everyone. Some critics say he relies too much on his outside shot, but when you're shooting 39.2% from three-point territory on high volume, why wouldn't you? I've charted his games and found that when he makes his first two three-point attempts, his scoring average jumps from 17.3 to 24.6 points. That's the kind of heat-check capability that forces defenses to completely adjust their schemes. His performance in the Commissioner's Cup finals, where he averaged 26.4 points across five games, was simply masterful.
What fascinates me about this season's shooting guards is how they've embraced that collaborative spirit Coach Cone mentioned. Take Marcio Lassiter at 36 years old - he's adapted his game beautifully, moving more without the ball and becoming a secondary playmaker while still maintaining his lethal three-point shooting at 40.1%. Or RR Pogoy, who I think is one of the most underrated two-way players in recent memory. His defensive metrics are outstanding - he's holding opponents to just 38.2% shooting when he's the primary defender, which is elite for a shooting guard.
The young guns are making their presence felt too. I'm particularly high on Gian Mamuyac of Rain or Shine - his defensive instincts are already among the best in the league, and his offensive game is developing faster than I anticipated. He's averaging 11.3 points, but his impact goes far beyond scoring. Meanwhile, Jerrick Ahanmisi is showing why he was worth that first-round pick, shooting 41.3% from deep while playing solid defense.
As I analyze these players, I keep thinking about how the shooting guard position has evolved in the PBA. We're seeing a beautiful blend of traditional scoring and modern versatility that makes the game so exciting to watch. These players aren't just waiting for shots anymore - they're creating for others, defending multiple positions, and making intelligent decisions that impact winning beyond the box score. The collaboration between coaches and players that Coach Cone referenced is evident in how these shooting guards have expanded their games to meet modern basketball demands.
Looking at the season so far, what impresses me most is how these elite shooting guards are raising each other's games through competition. When Bolick drops 35 points, you see Perez come back with 32 the next night. When Williams hits eight threes in a game, you see Lassiter respond with seven of his own. This healthy competition is pushing the entire position forward, and honestly, as a basketball fan, I couldn't ask for more. The level of shooting guard play we're witnessing this season might be the best I've seen in my years covering the PBA, and I genuinely believe we're watching something historic unfold. These ten players in particular aren't just putting up numbers - they're dominating games, elevating their teams, and giving us exactly what Coach Cone promised: a proud season that Philippine basketball fans will remember for years to come.
