2025-11-12 14:01

As I settled into my courtside seat for the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals, I couldn't help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous team transformations, but what Coach Ronald Tubid is building with this current squad feels particularly special. Let me walk you through the five key takeaways that stood out to me during this tournament, starting with what I believe is the most significant development - the emergence of a new team identity centered around youth and athleticism.

Watching Louie Sangalang dominate the paint during Game 3 was nothing short of spectacular. The 6'7" big man averaged 18.3 points and 11.7 rebounds throughout the series, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet. What impressed me most was how he's developed into a legitimate two-way threat - his defensive rotations have improved dramatically, and he's reading double teams with the savvy of a veteran. I've been following Sangalang since his college days, and the transformation under Coach Tubid's system has been remarkable. He's no longer just a traditional post player; he's become the anchor that allows the entire defensive scheme to function properly. When he picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter of the decisive Game 5, you could literally feel the energy shift in the arena - that's how crucial he's become to this team's identity.

Then there's Mark Nonoy, whose development has been one of the most exciting stories to follow this season. I remember watching him during his UAAP days thinking he had potential, but honestly, I didn't anticipate he'd adapt this quickly to the professional level. His speed is just electrifying - I clocked him pushing the ball upcourt in under three seconds on multiple possessions, and his ability to change directions while maintaining control is something you simply can't teach. What's really stood out to me though is how Coach Tubid has harnessed that raw athleticism into controlled aggression. Nonoy's decision-making has improved dramatically - he's reading defensive schemes better, knowing when to attack and when to reset, and his three-point percentage has jumped from 28% last conference to nearly 38% in these playoffs. That's the kind of development that separates good prospects from legitimate stars.

The chemistry between these two young cornerstones has been fascinating to observe. During the crucial fourth quarter of Game 4, there was this beautiful sequence where Sangalang set a high screen, Nonoy drew two defenders, and instead of forcing a difficult shot, he dumped it off to Sangalang rolling to the basket for an easy dunk. Those two have developed this almost telepathic connection that you typically only see in veteran pairings. I've spoken with several players off the record, and they've mentioned how Coach Tubid has been running specific drills to enhance this two-man game during practices. The results are clearly showing - their pick-and-roll efficiency has improved by approximately 17% compared to the previous conference, and they've become the primary offensive set in crunch time situations.

What really struck me about Coach Tubid's approach is how he's balancing this young core with strategic veteran presence. While Sangalang and Nonoy are clearly the future, having experienced players who can stabilize moments has been crucial. I noticed during timeouts how Tubid would pull aside his younger players for quick adjustments while relying on his veterans to manage the game flow on court. This mentorship dynamic isn't something that shows up in the box score, but watching how the team navigated pressure situations in the finals, it's clear that this balanced approach is paying dividends. The team's performance in clutch minutes - defined as last five minutes with score within five points - improved significantly throughout the tournament, winning 4 of their 5 close games during the elimination round.

Looking at the bigger picture, what excites me most about this team is how they're built for sustainable success. In today's PBA, where teams often rely heavily on imports or veteran-heavy rotations, Coach Tubid's commitment to developing this young, athletic core feels both refreshing and strategically sound. The average age of their starting lineup is just 24.3 years, yet they're playing with the poise of much more experienced squads. Having covered teams that peaked too early or failed to develop their young talent properly, I can appreciate the deliberate approach Tubid is taking. He's not rushing the process, but he's also not afraid to give these young players significant responsibilities in high-pressure situations.

As I reflect on this tournament, what stands out isn't just the individual performances or specific victories, but the clear identity this team is establishing. They're fast, they're athletic, they're young, and most importantly, they're growing together. While they fell just short of the championship this time, losing the finals series 3-2 in a hard-fought battle, the foundation they've built suggests this is just the beginning. The way Sangalang and Nonoy have developed under Tubid's system gives me genuine excitement about what's to come. In a league where teams can sometimes play it safe with established veterans, watching this young core blossom has been one of the most rewarding narratives of the season. I'm already looking forward to seeing how they build on this experience in the next conference.