2025-11-04 19:06

As I sit down to analyze this season's PBA Most Improved Player race, I can't help but feel the excitement building. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed how this particular award often signals emerging stars who are ready to take their game to championship level. This year's competition appears particularly intriguing, with several players making compelling cases for why they deserve the recognition.

The quote from one of the contenders really resonates with me: "Nilu-look forward ko talaga is to be in the championship. I know even other teams are aiming for that, hindi kami magsa-stop, we just want to win. Nandun pa rin yung pagiging hungry, yung hunger namin as Tigers na manalo." This hunger they speak of – it's exactly what separates the good players from the truly improved ones. I've noticed throughout my years covering the league that statistical improvements alone don't win this award; it's the visible transformation in a player's impact on the court and their team's performance that ultimately sways the voters.

Looking at the numbers, Robert Bolick's transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. His scoring average jumped from 14.7 points last conference to 21.3 this season, while his assists climbed from 4.1 to 6.8 per game. What impresses me most isn't just the raw numbers though – it's how he's become NorthPort's undeniable leader in crucial moments. I remember watching their game against Ginebra last month where he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, showing a level of clutch performance we hadn't seen from him before. His player efficiency rating of 22.3 represents one of the biggest single-season improvements I've recorded in recent years.

Then there's Calvin Oftana, whose development has been equally impressive. His minutes have increased from 18.7 to 32.4 per game, and he's making the most of them with his scoring jumping from 7.2 to 15.6 points. But what really stands out to me is his defensive transformation – he's gone from being a liability to someone who can guard multiple positions effectively. I've charted his defensive rating improvement from 112.3 to 98.6, which is one of the most significant defensive leaps I've seen in the past five seasons.

Jio Jalalon deserves serious consideration too, though I'll admit I had my doubts about his ability to reinvent his game at this stage of his career. His scoring hasn't increased dramatically – from 9.1 to 11.4 points – but his efficiency has skyrocketed. His field goal percentage improved from 38% to 46%, and his three-point shooting went from a dismal 28% to a respectable 36%. More importantly, he's cut down his turnovers from 3.2 to 1.9 per game while maintaining his elite steal numbers at 2.1 per contest. That kind of smart, efficient play from a veteran is exactly what coaches love to see.

What makes this race particularly fascinating to me is how each candidate represents a different type of improvement. Bolick has transformed from a solid scorer to a primary option and leader. Oftana has developed from a role player to a two-way threat. Jalalon has evolved from a high-energy, sometimes reckless player to a controlled, efficient veteran. In my view, the Most Improved Player award should go to whoever has made the leap that most significantly impacts winning basketball.

Personally, I'm leaning toward Bolick for this season's honor, though it's a really close call. The way he's shouldered the scoring load while simultaneously improving his playmaking puts him slightly ahead in my book. His usage rate increased from 24.7% to 31.2%, yet his efficiency remained high – that's incredibly difficult to do. I've seen many players try to take on larger roles only to see their efficiency plummet, but Bolick has managed to elevate both his volume and effectiveness.

The championship hunger mentioned in that quote – that's what ultimately might separate these candidates. From my observations, Bolick seems to have that extra edge, that undeniable will to win that transforms good statistics into meaningful contributions. In their recent must-win game against Magnolia, he played 42 minutes, fought through what appeared to be a minor ankle injury, and still managed to hit the game-winning shot. That's the kind of improvement that goes beyond numbers – it's mental, it's emotional, it's the development of a player who's ready to lead his team when it matters most.

As we approach the voting period, I expect this to be one of the closest MIP races in recent memory. Each candidate has compelling arguments, and reasonable basketball minds could certainly make cases for Oftana or Jalalon. But if I had a vote today, it would go to Bolick – not just for his statistical leap, but for how he's transformed his entire approach to the game. He's playing with a confidence and maturity that we haven't seen before, and that championship hunger he speaks of is evident in every possession. The Most Improved Player should represent not just better numbers, but better basketball – and that's exactly what we're seeing from him this season.

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