2025-11-17 12:00
Top 10 TNT PBA Players Who Dominated the Basketball Court This Season
As I watched this season's PBA games unfold, I couldn't help but marvel at how TNT's roster has completely redefined what it means to dominate the basketball court. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen numerous talented players come and go, but this season's TNT lineup has been particularly special. The way they've blended individual brilliance with cohesive team play reminds me of championship teams from the past decade, yet they've brought something uniquely their own to the game.
Let me start with Mikey Williams, who in my opinion has been the single most impactful player this season. The numbers speak for themselves - he's averaging 22.8 points per game with a remarkable 42% shooting from beyond the arc. I remember watching his 38-point explosion against Ginebra back in March, where he single-handedly took over the fourth quarter. His ability to create shots from anywhere on the court is something I haven't seen since the prime years of some PBA legends. What makes him truly special, though, is his clutch gene. In close games during the final two minutes, his shooting percentage actually improves to 58%, which is just insane.
Then there's Roger Pogoy, whose two-way game has reached elite levels this season. Defensively, he's been locking down opponents' best perimeter players while still putting up 18.3 points per game. I've noticed how his off-ball movement has improved dramatically - he's constantly reading defenses and finding gaps, much like how a skilled goalkeeper anticipates plays. Speaking of defensive excellence, it reminds me of the Philippine football team's recent performances where goalkeeper Nic Guimaraes and defenders like Joshua Merino demonstrated similar defensive coordination. That kind of synchronized defensive effort is exactly what Pogoy brings to TNT's perimeter defense.
Jayson Castro, even at 36, continues to defy Father Time. His basketball IQ is off the charts - I'd argue he's the smartest point guard in the league right now. Watching him dissect defenses feels like watching a master chess player at work. He's averaging 14.2 points and 6.8 assists, but these numbers don't capture his true value. It's the little things - how he controls the tempo, when he decides to push the ball, his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations. I've charted his plus-minus stats throughout the season, and TNT is +12.4 when he's on the court compared to -3.1 when he's resting.
Kelly Williams brings that veteran presence that every championship team needs. At 40 years old, he's still contributing meaningful minutes, especially on the defensive end. His communication and positioning are textbook perfect. Watching him direct traffic on defense reminds me of how defenders like Noah Leddel and Ziggy Taningco organize their backline in football - always talking, always positioning themselves correctly, anticipating threats before they materialize. Williams does the same for TNT's defense, and it's beautiful to watch.
What's impressed me most about this TNT team is their defensive identity. They're holding opponents to just 88.7 points per game, the best in the league. Their defensive rotations are crisp, their help defense is timely, and they contest shots without fouling excessively. This disciplined approach reminds me of structured defensive units in other sports, like how Kamil Amirul and his fellow defenders maintain their shape and discipline under pressure. TNT has adopted similar principles, and it's paying dividends.
Troy Rosario has been the unsung hero in my book. While everyone talks about the flashy guards, Rosario has been putting up 12.5 points and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man creates so much space for TNT's guards to operate. I've been particularly impressed with his improved three-point shooting - he's hitting 36% from deep compared to just 28% last season. That kind of development shows his dedication to improving his game during the offseason.
Poy Erram's rim protection has been crucial to TNT's defensive scheme. He's averaging 2.1 blocks per game, but more importantly, he's altering countless other shots. I've noticed opponents shooting just 48% at the rim when Erram is nearby, compared to the league average of 58%. His presence in the paint allows TNT's perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, knowing they have Erram backing them up.
The bench contributions have been outstanding too. Jaydee Tungcab has emerged as a reliable three-and-D wing, shooting 40% from three while providing solid defense. Kib Montalbo has been a pest defensively, often tasked with disrupting opposing point guards. And Glenn Khobuntin has given them quality minutes with his energy and rebounding. This depth is what separates good teams from great ones, and TNT's bench has outscored opponents' benches by an average of 8.7 points per game.
Looking at the bigger picture, what TNT has built this season is a perfect blend of star power, veteran leadership, and youthful energy. They play with a certain swagger that's contagious, but it's backed by substance. Their offensive rating of 112.3 leads the league, while their defensive rating of 101.9 is equally impressive. That +10.4 net rating is championship caliber, and in my experience watching the PBA, teams with net ratings that high typically go on to win titles.
As the season progresses into the crucial playoff stages, I believe TNT has positioned themselves as the team to beat. Their combination of explosive offense and disciplined defense, coupled with their depth and experience, makes them formidable opponents. While other teams have standout individuals, TNT has the most complete roster from top to bottom. Unless injuries derail their momentum, I'm predicting they'll lift the championship trophy this season. They've not just been winning games - they've been dominating them, and in sports, there's a significant difference between those two things.
