The 2024 PBA Governors' Cup provided a glimpse of the league's future stars, with rookies making their mark in this conference.
While imports dominate the headlines, several first-year players have proven they belong -- showcasing potential to be the next big team for their respective teams.
From electrifying highlight plays to steady contributions, these rookies aren't just putting up numbers -- they're setting new standards. But which one stands out as the best of the best?
We take a closer look at how these newcomers have performed, the impact they've had on their teams, and what sets them apart in a league stacked with talent.
1. Sedrick Barefield (Blackwater Bossing)
As previously highlighted in our All-Governors' Cup Team, the mere inclusion of Barefield to that list speaks volumes to be named among the ten best players of the conference.
It's time to look at how Barefield's debut conference fared with the comparisons he got when entered the league.
When Barefield decided to enter the PBA, the names that came to mind were Mikey Williams and Stanley Pringle due to their similar playstyles.
Comparing key stats from their respective maiden conferences, Barefield led in scoring with 18.9 points per game (Williams 18.7, Pringle 14.0). He ranked second in true shooting percentage at 53.9% (Williams 53%, Pringle 54.9%) and carried the highest usage rate at 27.1% (Williams 25.3%, Pringle 22.7%).
Remarkably, he achieved these numbers while playing 31.5 minutes per game, fewer than Williams (35.8) but slightly more than Pringle (29).
These impressive metrics showcase how Barefield not only met but, in some ways, exceeded expectations, making an immediate impact in the league.
2. RJ Abarrientos (Barangay Ginebra)
Being thrusted into a championship-caliber roster and with a head coach who handled his legendary uncle, the sheer amount of pressure for RJ Abarrientos was on the horizon.
Yet, he was able to effortlessly live up to the Abarrientos surname and blossomed into one of the better rookies in past seasons of the PBA.
Once head coach Tim Cone solidified his rotation midway through the conference, Abarrientos found his niche as the sixth man, tasked with providing an offensive spark off the bench. This adjustment simplified his game and helped him adapt effectively to the PBA. Abarrientos delivered solid numbers, averaging 12 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on an efficient 59.3 TS% in just 22 minutes per game.
Ginebra's emphasis on a defined role highlighted his proficiency as an elite play finisher. He excelled in catch-and-shoot situations, scoring 1.5 points per possession, and was effective in transition, posting 1.0 PPP on 52.9% shooting for that play type, according to InStat.
3. Caelan Tiongson (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)
After being away from basketball for a few years, there were legitimate doubts whether Tiongson would be able to return to form.
Prior to him declaring for the draft, the only competitive games he suited up for was a short stint in the William Jones Cup with Strong Group Athletics. However, it cannot be denied the importance of having a versatile big of Tiongson's size in the lineup, with head coach Yeng Guiao bet on and reaped the benefits in his first conference with Rain or Shine.
Despite his conference being cut short by injury in the quarterfinals, Tiongson proved to be a key contributor to Rain or Shine's elimination round success, earning the coaching staff's trust for crucial minutes.
The 32-year-old rookie averaged 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 45.5 TS%. While his scoring efficiency could improve, his versatility at the 4 position -- serving as a willing passer off post touches and defending effectively on pick-and-rolls -- was essential.
InStat data highlights his defensive impact, allowing just 0.42 PPP on ball-handler shots and 0.23 PPP on handoffs, showcasing his ability to aid the initial defender on ball screens.
4. Felix Lemetti (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)
Rain or Shine took a gamble in the first round of the draft with then-unknown Fil-Swiss guard Felix Lemetti.
For casual fans, his selection at No. 8 was surprising, given the prominence of names in the 2024 draft class. However, Lemetti quickly silenced the doubters, proving himself as a potential cornerstone for Rain or Shine's future.
In only his second game with the team, Lemetti showcased his ability to take over, scoring ten points in the fourth quarter alone to secure a win against Ginebra in their first-round encounter -- a performance that caught the attention of PBA fans.
He went on to average 8.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on an impressive 62.3 TS%, including a stellar 41.2% from the 3 and 4-point line.
Before struggling in the playoffs, he maintained a remarkable 55.3% efficiency on 5.2 attempts during the eliminations, proving his value as a reliable offensive weapon with significant potential for growth.
5. Paolo Hernandez (Terrafirma Dyip)
For rookies outside the considered lottery range of the PBA draft, the actual and feasible goal at the start could just to crack the roster.
That's mostly true for the ones who were picked up around the second round or players that can solve the team's specific deficiency. And that's exactly what Hernandez was able to showcase with Terrafirma in his first conference with the team.
The 22nd pick Hernandez was shipped on draft day itself by Ginebra to Terrafirma, which could just prove be the blessing in disguise that his career needed.
He grabbed the opportunity as he posted numbers of 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 60.1 TS%.
What's clear with his skill set is that he can really score with the ball and has been given the freedom to explore it in different ways, as Hernandez amassed 1.29 PPP on handoffs, 1.23 PPP on catch and shoots, and 1.06 PPP on transition, which makes up 56.9% of his total possession in this conference.
His ability to adapt and excel offensively has positioned him as a promising piece for Terrafirma's rebuilding efforts.