SYDMAN’S POWER RANKINGS (OCT 15 – 19, 2008) - Reigning MVP Kelly Williams Tops

The first Power Rankings had everything crazy on it. Benchwarmers ranked higher than the big guns… rookies reign supreme… and teams that could win last season are looking to tremendously outdo their selves.

Now everything’s back to normal. Sure, we could see surprises here and there but the best players are leading the pack. And now, the teams that win could also dictate the rankings. Who will lead the Power Rank? Last week Kerby Raymundo outlasted Kelly Williams, Ranidel De Ocampo, and Jayjay Helterbrand.

Now let’s see what matches what but FIRST…

SIDEDISH: OUSTED!

Last week, there were a slew of oddities that roamed the list. Now, they have been “evacuated” so to speak. Here are the players that missed out of the rankings.

(by the way, click here to find out what were the stats in the first Power Ranks)

CURRENT AVERAGES:

RYAN ARANA – RoS – (LAST WEEK # 25): 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.3apg
EDDIE LAURE – RoS – (LAST WEEK # 14): 9.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.0spg
JUNJUN CABATU – GIN – (LAST WEEK # 13): 13.0ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.3apg
PAUL ARTADI – GIN – (LAST WEEK # 12): 11.7ppg, 3.7rpg, 5.0apg
DENNIS ESPINO – SLR – (LAST WEEK # 10): 9.3ppg, 6.7rpg, 5.0apg

SIDEDISH: TOP ROOKIES

Now let’s look at the top rookies of ’08.

1. NORWOOD (RoS): (see Power Rankings) – Last Week # 3
2. RODRIGUEZ (RB): (see Power Rankings) – Last Week # 5
3. MERCADO (RoS): (see Power Rankings) – Last Week # 1
4. DILLINGER (TNT): (see Power Rankings) – Last Week # 2
5. CUSTODIO (SMB): 9.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg – Last Week # 4

Okay! Enough sidebars! Time to start the rankings!

GAME STARTS NOW!

25. JR QUINAHAN (EXPRESS) – LAST WEEK # 15
A ten-rank slide for Baby Shaq was due solely for his scoring drought. It didn’t help matters that Doug Kramer and Adonis Sta. Maria took important chunks of his minutes. Coming off the bench he comes in with 8.8ppg, 9.3rpg, and 1.8bpg.

24. JARED DILLINGER (TROPANG TEXTERS) – LW # 19
While his fall was merely 5 places (yes I said merely), his weak game against SMB made his stats plummet. Now foes see his game and they have found ways to neutralize it. As it stands, his 14.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.8apg could decrease if he can’t match up with other players.

23. SOLOMON MERCADO (ELASTO PAINTERS) – LW # 7
Speaking of players being neutralized, perhaps the biggest casualty this week was this guy. Down 16 points, you have to wonder if his first game was a fluke. He averaged less than 9 points in his last 3 outings, making his outputs garner 13.8ppg, 4.3rpg, and 4.0apg.

22. LARRY RODRIGUEZ (BARAKOS) – NEW ENTRY
The rookie from the lowly Philippine Maritime Institute hauled 19 points and 15 boards in a losing effort against the Aces. He did come up with 8 points and 8 caroms in their win against the Kings. He averages 11.8ppg, 8.3rpg, and 1.0bpg in four outings as a PBA player.

21. PETER JUNE SIMON (GIANTS) – LW # 21
Part of Purefoods’ Big Four, the Mindanao U standout cashed in huge dividends as the Giants’ key man off the bench. Playing under 31 minutes, he gets 18.8ppg and 3.5 rebounds a ballgame. He turned hero to goat last game when he failed to sink a free throw that would have forced extra period in their game against the Tigers.

20. JAY-R REYES (ELASTO PAINTERS) – LW # 23
As one of two players consistently scoring in double figures for RoS, one will wonder if size issues could dampen the hopes for their bid to change his team’s ways. While producing 14.5ppg, 5.8rpg, and 1.3bpg, Rain Or Shine’s weakness has been his inability to claim more boards when his teammates throw obscure outside bombs.

19. JAMES YAP (GIANTS) – NEW ENTRY
Finally King James is on the rankings. He has regained his shooting touch but playing over 40 minutes, it seems like his production is not that abundant. For a team that ranked high in the preseason tourney, his 17.8ppg, 3.8rpg, and 1.0spg should shore up to gain the W’s Purefoods desperately needs.

18. GABE NORWOOD (ELASTO PAINTERS) – NEW ENTRY
The 2008 top pick has arrived as well. Granted he is an unselfish player, he needs to erupt soon. A consolation perhaps is his stats. He has an Arwind Santos-like 2007-08 production with 9.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 3.8apg, 1.0spg, and 1.0bpg in 4 games. I don’t think Rain Or Shine could endure another game that he scores less than ten points.

17. CYRUS BAGUIO (BARAKOS) – LW # 22
He still gets a slew of defenders and he has yet to regain the form that made him a superstar last season but he is getting there. Sky-rus unloaded several stat gains to move him up five spots. He is also getting precious help from his teammates which finally reaped benefits in their win against Ginebra. He is getting 14.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.5apg, 1.0spg, and 1.0bpg in 4 starts.

16. ROB WAINWRIGHT (ELASTO PAINTERS) – NEW ENTRY
The other guy that regularly scores in double figures, the ex-Cebu Gem needs to step up in giving his teammates veteran leadership. Against Alaska, he was the only guy “fighting” when he unloaded key triples to force a deadlock (Alaska eventually won). In four games, he is getting 14.0ppg, 6.5rpg, and 1.3bpg.

15. HARVEY CAREY (TROPANG TEXTERS) – LW # 11
The Bulldog had to give way to Don Allado’s performance against SMB, but his stats are enough to give him another run in the Power Rankings. While his points are down, his rebounds continues to make him a valuable asset, happily making up for Ali Peek’s time off with 10.0ppg, 11.3rpg, and 1.8bpg.

14. NELBERT OMOLON (REALTORS) – LW # 17
Okay. One would wonder why Omolon increased his standing in the Power Ranks. Yes, flu-like caused the Realtors to fly to Panabo, Davao del Norte minus their second scoring option but I guess he’ll make up for this accidental boost. Also his absence didn’t bother the Realtors who batched up their wins to two. In the two games he has played so far he tallies 16.0ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.5apg and 1.0spg in 31 games of action.

13. ENRICO VILLANUEVA (GIANTS) – NEW ENTRY
The highest player to debut in the list, the Raging Giant is the other player that needs to step up for Purefoods. He ranks third in minutes but he needs to take more shots. He is currently getting 13.5ppg and 10.0rpg, which would probably decrease when Ryan Gregorio tries to inject some bench help by fielding in his other bench boys.

12. GABBY ESPINAS (BARAKOS) – LW # 9
Falling down three spots is no issue for this once-underutilized boardbasher. The former Rookie MVP from PCU continues to impress critics by bringing the points and claiming the caroms to delight the Barako crowd. As the highest earner of the open plays created when teams double team Cyrus Baguio, he norms 15.0ppg, 9.0rpg, and 1.0bpg.

11. ARWIND SANTOS (EXPRESS) – LW # 20
Jumping big time is the Spiderman. The stinging effect of that god-awful first game is finally wearing of Santos. In his last 2 games he has averaged 22 points, and all in all he has produced 17.7ppg, 6.7rpg, and 1.7bpg. Last game he scored 25 points to command a victory for the Express. Hopefully this would bolster their bid to move out of the cellar.

10. WILLIE MILLER (ACES) – LW # 18
It seems like all top teams have less players inside the rankings. An example of which are the Kings and the Aces, with both owning a slot each. It’s hard to not rank most of the Aces since they limit their enemies to fewer points than usual. However, given that this is an individual ranking, Miller’s emergence is a great feat. The head honcho of Tim Cone’s offense also leads the Aces in rebounds and assists with 13.5ppg, 9.3rpg and 4.8apg.

9. NIC BELASCO (TIGERS) – LW # 16
Unlike the conference, St. Nic has finally fitted to Binky Favis’ offense. Dictating the tempo on both ends of the court, the former RP team aspirant unloaded 17.0ppg, 9.0rpg, and 2.3apg in three games. The Tigers have yet to make a winning run, despite having a staple of veterans to lead over their younger cast. Belasco, one of the league’s elder statesmen must exert his authority to lead his team to greener pastures.

8. JAY WASHINGTON (BEERMEN) – LW # 24
Moving up 16 spots is Jay-Wash. The former top pick was a key element in bringing the wins for the Beermen. His 21 points and 14 rebounds against his former team TNT was enough to annex a three-game streak. A running big man, he racks up most of the minutes in Siot Tanquingcen’s high octane deliberate offense. He is a different breed compared to their usual big men, which makes him a valuable asset. He is the only Beerman to hit 30 minutes a game, producing 13.5ppg, 10.5rpg, 3.8apg, and 1.3spg.

7. RYAN REYES (REALTORS) – LW # 5
He didn’t play bad but other players just played better. Come to think of it, Reyes proved vital to their out-of-town win against Purefoods last Saturday, top-scoring for the Realtors with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Like most of his teammates he too, played weak in that game but wielded enough power to derail the Giants for their third consecutive loss. Still one of the best rebounding guards in the league today, he establishes his presence with 15.0ppg, 9.3rpg, 3.0apg and a league-leading 2.3spg.

6. KERBY RAYMUNDO (GIANTS) – LW # 1
After ruling the rankings on the first week, the Kid fought in vain to even reach the Top 5. Raymundo played good but not great, which is one of the reasons why the Giants sagged in the standings. His points, rebounds, assists and blocks dropped significantly, which was either caused by Yap’s emergence as scoring leader, Simon’s fourth quarter starring role, and Villanueva ability to haul down the boards that was meant for the ex-Letran Knight. His numbers still look grand with 18.3ppg, 10.0rpg, 2.0apg and 1.0bpg but this is not enough to bring the Giants back to their winning ways.

5. JAYJAY HELTERBRAND (KINGS) – LW # 4
Dropping a notch is the Helter-skelter. With 69 points in 3 games, Jayjay is the league’s current scoring leader. While this seems to be a feat, you have to wonder if the Kings would love Mr. Fast as the scorer or the playmaker. Last year’s assist leader has yet to become the force that he once was. His 36 minutes provides scoring which Tubid, Valenzuela, Salvacion, and even Artadi could provide. As it stands there are two other Gins scoring in double digits but these are untested scorers like Artadi and Cabatu (I still count Artadi because they also have those star shooters and Menk still in the lineup). In order for other players to score, he needs to up his 3.3apg to go with his 23.0ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.0spg.

4. MACMAC CARDONA (TROPANG TEXTERS) – LW # 8
Captain Hook has picked up the slack for Chot Reyes’ offense. Why? Actually with the rest of TNT’s points department struggling, all eyes set forth on what this three-year pro could provide. In their last two games, he piled 23 points, 6.5 boards, and 4 assists in 35 minutes of action. In four games the former DLSU hitman sniped 22.3ppg, 5.8rpg, and 3.8apg in 33 minutes. It seems that whenever Cardona outperforms himself, TNT is racking up losses. That is why support is crucial for TNT. While Cardona could become their top player, a great game from at least four of their reliables should translate these games into wins.

3. ASI TAULAVA (TIGERS) – LW # 6
Breaking into the top 5 is no biggie for this 9-year pro. After all, the Lava-Man is well-known to erupt whenever he wants. And at 35, he is providing instant offense in the shaded lane for the Tigers. His 17.5ppg, 13.3rpg and 2.8apg give his opponents’ minutes excruciating, simply guarding him would ease out the oxygen in their system. Problem is though, the lack of backcourt scoring and their inability to close in on their opponents during the final stretch. Most of Coke’s losses come when opponents clamp on The Rock thereby forcing their baskets via three-point land. Inasmuch as he could possibly ‘roid up and trounce his opponents by forcing his way to the basket, Taulava needs to assume leadership and try to make his teammates look good, which is one of the reasons why he was brought to the ballclub in the first place.

2. RANIDEL DE OCAMPO (EXPRESS) – LW # 3
Until Arwind Santos resumes his authority as Air21’s top guy, Ranidel de Ocampo will reign supreme in the rankings. His fourth consecutive double-double finally contributed to the success of the Express. His 17.5ppg, 12.8rpg and 3.5apg are numbers up from last season’s averages. This is something to cheer for the Express, a team that had to endure Ranidel’s inconsistency last season. Now playing in his fifth season, De Ocampo is expected to break out and dominate as Air21’s top PF. Size is still their issue but with him playing like a crazed tiger, the Express could probably rack up some victories in an instant.

1. KELLY WILLIAMS (REALTORS) – LW # 2
After playing bridesmaid last week, Reckless Kelly zooms up on top of the PBA food chain. While his last game was marred with issues concerning diseases and outbreaks, the 26-year-old Detroit, Michigan native finished with a double-double performance that propelled Sta. Lucia to their second straight conquest. Boyet Fernandez’ defensive game is also rubbing on their resident Machine Gun, as he is getting 1.3spg and 0.7bpg to go with his 18.0ppg, 13.0rpg and 3.0apg. The Realtors are pillaging their opponents with 90.7ppg while limiting their opponents to 83.7ppg which rivals that of league-leading defensive powerhouse Alaska (the Aces are giving their foes 78.3ppg). Williams has the capability to play both offense and defense which such ease which makes his second MVP plum a not-so-unreachable feat.

This is the second installment. Until next week…