The competition among imports has been heating up as the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup hits the stretch run. With each game becoming more crucial, teams are leaning heavily on their reinforcements to lead the charge. How imports perform can make or break a team's chances of advancing and their ability to deliver under pressure is being closely scrutinized.
It's not just about flashy stats at this point in the conference. It's about making a tangible difference in the win column as the stakes get higher.
We will focus on the nine active imports as three teams sort through questions at the position. NLEX recently replaced Myke Henry with DeQuan Jones. Jones is set to debut next week against Rain or Shine as NLEX is locked in a tight race for the fourth spot in Group B. NorthPort is waiting for Venky Jois' status after a potential Achilles injury and Converge may bring a new import to aid the ailing Scotty Hopson, who has played below 100% in the past few games.
1. George King (Blackwater Bossing)
After a miserable 0-3 start, George King's offensive prowess has revived Blackwater's chances of making the playoffs. King has been nothing short of stellar -- averaging 33.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists -- and leading Blackwater to a 3-2 record since he joined the squad. King's lethal shooting from deep, hitting 40% (10-25) from 27 feet, has earned him the title of one of the kings of the 4-point shot.
King's impact has extended beyond his own scoring, as his presence on the court has created significant gravity and has drawn defenders and opened up opportunities for his teammates to find their offensive rhythm. As a result, Blackwater has increased their scoring output to 106.5 points per game (426 points total). With defenses constantly collapsing on King, his teammates have benefited from open looks and better shot opportunities, transforming Blackwater into a more balanced and dangerous team as they look to make the quarterfinals of this conference.
2. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (TNT Tropang Giga)
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's success with TNT this conference boils down to one factor: He consistently gets the job done. Whether it's delivering timely buckets, facilitating from the post, anchoring the defense with crucial rebounds, or clamping down on the defensive end, RHJ can be trusted to handle his assignment.
This is the reality so far for TNT, as they have dealt with multiple injuries. It's impressive much ground Hollis-Jefferson is able to cover in leading the team to a 6-1 mark. His efficiency could still improve as he is only 41% from the field (62-152). But Hollis-Jefferson's strength continues to be locking down on defense, with the opposition only scoring 0.5 points per possession (PPP) when he's the primary defender of a roller in the pick-and-roll (PNR) and 0.3 PPP in isolation situations - per InStat.
3. Justin Brownlee (Barangay Ginebra)
Time and time again, Justin Brownlee has proven himself worthy of being part of the PBA GOAT imports conversation. Now in his eighth year in the league, Brownlee continues to dominate with averages of 26 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 57.85 true shooting percentage.
Although it's a different story this conference, as he came into a newly constructed Ginebra squad filled with younger talent. But when in doubt, Brownlee never failed to rise to the occasion. His ability to adapt, elevate those around him, and perform under pressure sets him apart. No matter the changes, Brownlee remains the heart and soul of Ginebra's success.
4. Aaron Fuller (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)
As other teams opted for imports they could rely on offensively, Rain or Shine chose a familiar face for head coach Yeng Guiao in Aaron Fuller, who has been a superstar in his role. This may be one of the key reasons the team has been thriving -- a reinforcement who fully buys into the system and provides exactly what Rain or Shine needs most.
Fuller isn't the type of player who will dazzle you with flashy moves or highlight-reel buckets, but he's a relentless workhorse with an unmatched ability to dominate the boards, as evidenced by his 17.9 rebounds per game. He has also turned those rebounds into points, boasting an impressive 1.29 points per possession (PPP) on putbacks so far in the conference, according to InStat. His grit and efficiency around the rim make him an invaluable asset for Rain or Shine, contributing in more ways that don't always show up on the stat sheet.
5. Jordan Adams (San Miguel Beermen)
Once relegated to the reserve list during the conference, Jordan Adams responded with a stunning 49-point performance upon his return against Phoenix. The remarkable scoring ability he possesses has secured his place on the roster, as San Miguel looks to lock in a strong position in the highly competitive race for Group B supremacy.
While there are concerns about Adams keeping up with quicker wings or defending opposing imports, it's impossible to ignore his offensive impact. In six games for San Miguel, he has averaged 33.2 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on an efficient 65.1% true shooting percentage. Adams' fit with June Mar Fajardo definitely makes sense on the offensive side, but the key question now is whether San Miguel's outscoring the opponent approach can elevate them to greater success in this conference.
6. Brandone Francis (Phoenix Fuel Masters)
Brandone Francis' high-scoring act has been a tough challenge for opposing Group B teams as he has averaged 36 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 52.3% true shooting. Despite Francis' superb performance, Phoenix has managed only one win in this conference.
Francis delivered his most well-rounded game in that lone win over Blackwater. The prolific import posted an almost triple-double stat line of 23 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Even though it wasn't his best shooting night, this improved playmaking and presence on both ends of the floor might just be enough to give Phoenix a glimmer of hope to crack the top four of Group B.
7. Allen Durham (Meralco Bolts)
It's safe to say that this has not been the same Allen Durham the PBA fans have seen in the past. Dealing with injuries and factor in his age, he has struggled to maintain the same level of dominance that once made him a force in the league.
Numbers have shown some decline in Durham's game as he averaged 23 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 48.5% field goal percentage -- all career lows with Meralco. Despite these challenges, Durham's leadership and experience still provide value to his team, which has led Meralco to a 6-2 record with two games left in the eliminations. The chemistry he has built and his veteran know-how should be Durham's biggest asset as Meralco looks to replicate the Philippine Cup triumph.
8. Antonio Hester (Terrafirma Dyip)
A slow start for import Antonio Hester further buried Terrafirma in the team standings. It did not help that the team is adjusting to playing with one another, the lack of go-to-guy offensively dampened them to build from their breakthrough quarterfinal appearance in the last conference.
However, in the consecutive narrow and heartbreaking defeats of Terrafirma, Hester started to show signs of life and return to his old form. In this two-game sample, he has averaged 33.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and six assists on 50% shooting from the field. As Terrafirma is now eliminated from playoff contention, Hester's late resurgence may serve as a positive takeaway to boost their confidence going into the next conference.
9. Shabazz Muhammad (Magnolia Hotshots)
In the 2022 PBA Governors' Cup, Shabazz Muhammad took the league by storm with a 57-point, 19-rebound performance for San Miguel. Fast forward two years, and he had a rough debut for Magnolia, though it still resulted in a nail-biting win against Terrafirma.
Muhammad scored 20 points on 53.3% shooting from the field, with none more important than his game-clinching floater in crunch time. Foul trouble limited his impact, as he picked up three quick fouls in the first quarter, restricting him to just 23 minutes of play. It's too early to fully assess his performance, especially given the level Muhammad can reach once he gets acclimated to Magnolia's system. This upcoming week will be crucial for the former NBA player, as he looks to lead his team to a better playoff seeding.