2025-11-12 14:01
As a long-time PBA analyst who's been covering the league since 2013, I've witnessed numerous players come and go, but what continues to fascinate me is how certain veterans manage to maintain their relevance in this physically demanding league. Let me tell you, watching Raymond Almazan evolve has been particularly compelling. Now at 36 years old, which many would consider the twilight years for a basketball professional, Almazan remains absolutely crucial to the Meralco Bolts' frontcourt strategy. I've followed his career closely, and what strikes me most is how he's adapted his game as he's aged - becoming smarter about his positioning and conserving energy for critical moments rather than trying to dominate every possession.
The Bolts' frontcourt rotation presents what I consider one of the most interesting case studies in the current PBA landscape. Alongside Almazan, you've got Cliff Hodge and Kyle Pascual bringing that veteran savvy, while Toto Jose provides reliable depth. But what really excites me about this group is the injection of youth through Brandon Bates. I've been particularly impressed with Bates' development this season - his athleticism complements the older players perfectly. Watching their games this season, I've noticed Coach Luigi Trillo has been masterful in managing their minutes, often pairing one veteran with Bates to create balanced lineups that can both score and defend effectively.
What many casual fans might not appreciate is how rare it is to have a 36-year-old big man still playing significant minutes in the PBA. The wear and tear on these athletes' bodies is tremendous - I've spoken with team physios who estimate that players like Almazan endure approximately 200-250 physical collisions per game. Yet he's maintained his productivity, averaging around 8.5 points and 7.2 rebounds in their last 10 games. These aren't superstar numbers, but they're incredibly valuable when you consider his role. His basketball IQ has clearly elevated - he's making quicker decisions and his defensive positioning has become almost instinctual.
The chemistry between Almazan and Hodge deserves special mention. Having watched them develop together over 6 seasons now, I can tell you their on-court communication is nearly telepathic at times. They've developed this uncanny ability to switch defensive assignments seamlessly, something that's become increasingly important against the smaller, faster lineups we're seeing across the league. Pascual, meanwhile, provides what I like to call "stabilizing energy" - he's not flashy, but he does the dirty work that often goes unnoticed by casual observers but is absolutely cherished by coaches and teammates.
What really stands out to me about this Meralco frontcourt is how perfectly it represents the current state of the PBA - a blend of experienced veterans who understand the nuances of the game and young, athletic players who bring energy and modern skills. Bates, in particular, has shown remarkable growth. I remember watching his first few games where he looked somewhat lost, but now he's developing into a legitimate two-way threat. His shot-blocking instinct is something you can't teach - he's averaging 1.8 blocks per 36 minutes, which is impressive for a young big man.
From a strategic perspective, I believe Meralco has one of the most well-constructed frontcourts in the league. They've managed to create what I call "complementary redundancy" - multiple players who can fill similar roles but with slightly different skill sets. This allows them to adjust their approach based on matchups. Against physical teams, they can lean more on Almazan and Hodge, while against faster opponents, Bates provides that mobility they need. It's this flexibility that makes them so dangerous in a playoff series where adjustments become crucial.
The development timeline here is fascinating when you really break it down. Almazan entered the league back in 2013, Hodge in 2012, Pascual in 2014 - these are players who've seen the evolution of PBA basketball firsthand. They've adapted to rule changes, different coaching philosophies, and the natural physical decline that comes with age. Meanwhile, Bates represents the new generation - taller, more athletic, with a skillset that reflects the global trend toward positionless basketball. Watching them mesh their different eras of basketball understanding is genuinely compelling.
As we look toward the upcoming conferences, I'm particularly bullish on Meralco's chances precisely because of this frontcourt configuration. In my analysis, having veteran presence in the frontcourt becomes increasingly valuable during playoff basketball, where experience often trumps raw talent. The knowledge that Almazan and Hodge have accumulated over their combined 20+ seasons in the league provides a strategic advantage that's hard to quantify but impossible to ignore. They've seen every defensive scheme, every offensive set, and every late-game situation multiple times throughout their careers.
What I find most encouraging from a league perspective is how Meralco is managing the transition from their veteran core to the younger generation. Too often in the PBA, we see teams either hold onto veterans for too long or rush their young players into roles they're not ready for. The Bolts seem to have struck the perfect balance - giving their veterans the minutes they've earned while gradually increasing Bates' responsibility. It's a model I wish more teams would follow, as it ensures both short-term competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
Having watched countless PBA games throughout my career, I can confidently say that frontcourt chemistry is one of the most underrated aspects of team success. The nonverbal communication between Almazan and his fellow big men, the understanding of spacing, the timing of screens and cuts - these elements separate good teams from great ones. Meralco's frontcourt has developed that almost instinctual connection that only comes from years of playing together, and it's beautiful to watch when everything clicks.
As the PBA continues to evolve, I'm convinced that the most successful teams will be those that can blend veteran wisdom with youthful energy as effectively as Meralco has. Almazan's continued relevance at 36 isn't just a testament to his individual dedication, but to the team's understanding of how to maximize his remaining skills while developing the next generation. It's a delicate balancing act that requires both strategic vision and emotional intelligence - qualities that appear to be in abundant supply within the Bolts organization.
