2025-11-17 12:00
by
nlpkak
I still remember the first time I watched a PBA San Miguel game live—the energy in the arena was absolutely electric. Fast forward to 2024, and that same energy has evolved into something even more compelling. As someone who’s followed the league closely for years, I’ve come to appreciate how San Miguel has consistently managed to stay ahead of the curve. This season, in particular, feels different. There’s a renewed sense of purpose, and if you ask me, it’s largely thanks to their calculated strategies and the emergence of key players who bring both skill and heart to the court.
One of the most exciting developments this year has been the return of Gomez de Liaño. When I heard he was coming back, I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. Overseas players don’t always transition smoothly back into the PBA, but his statement really stuck with me: “I felt like it’s the perfect time. I’ve been overseas for four years. I gained a lot of experience there. Developed a lot, not just as a player, but as a person as well.” That kind of maturity isn’t just talk—it shows in his gameplay. In his first five games back, he averaged 18.4 points and 5.2 assists, numbers that place him among the top 15% of guards in the league. But stats only tell part of the story. What’s impressed me more is his decision-making under pressure. In their recent match against Ginebra, with just 42 seconds left on the clock, he orchestrated a play that led to a three-pointer, shifting the momentum entirely. That’s the kind of overseas polish you can’t teach.
San Miguel’s front office, in my opinion, has been brilliant in building around players like Gomez de Liaño. They’ve adopted what I’d call a “hybrid development model”—blending homegrown talent with strategic international exposure. Take June Mar Fajardo, for instance. He’s been the backbone of this team for what feels like forever, but this season, he’s taken on more of a mentorship role. I’ve noticed how he’s often seen guiding younger players during timeouts, something that doesn’t always make the highlight reels but absolutely impacts team cohesion. Statistically, the team’s average assists per game have jumped from 24.1 last season to 28.7 this year, and I attribute a big part of that to Fajardo’s unselfish play. It’s not just about scoring; it’s about making everyone around you better.
Another aspect that’s caught my eye is their defensive adjustments. Historically, San Miguel has been known for their offensive firepower, but this year, they’ve tightened up on defense in a way that’s frankly refreshing. They’re allowing only 91.3 points per game compared to last season’s 98.6, and their steal count has increased by nearly 12%. I think this shift is deliberate and smart—they’ve realized that championships aren’t won on flashy offense alone. In a game against TNT last month, they forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 24 points. That’s the kind of gritty, detail-oriented basketball that wins tight series.
Of course, no team is perfect, and if I’m being honest, San Miguel still has areas to improve. Their three-point shooting consistency, for example, hovers around 34.5%, which is decent but not elite. In today’s game, where the long ball can make or break a title run, they’ll need to bump that up to at least 37% to compete with the likes of Bay Area Dragons in international play. But here’s the thing—I trust their coaching staff to address this. They’ve shown a knack for mid-season adjustments, and with the depth they have on the bench, it’s only a matter of time before they find the right combinations.
Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited to see how far this team can go. The PBA landscape in 2024 is more competitive than ever, with teams like Magnolia and NLEX putting up strong challenges. But San Miguel’s blend of experienced leaders and hungry returnees like Gomez de Liaño gives them a unique edge. From where I stand, their success isn’t just about talent—it’s about timing, chemistry, and that intangible growth players bring back from overseas. As the season unfolds, I’ll be watching closely, and if they keep this up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them lifting another trophy come finals time. After all, in basketball, as in life, it’s often the teams that evolve both on and off the court that leave the lasting legacy.
