PBA Semis Player Power Rankings: Cabagnot, Ildefonso take top two spots

AKTV/Paolo Papa

We apologize for the delay in posting the latest Player Power Rankings. We’ve been having withdrawals from not having the nightly PBA games anymore. Anyway, Alex Cabagnot finally takes over the rankings, with Danny I. following closely behind.

1. Alex Cabagnot (↑ from #2)

Cabagnot had his worst offensive performance in Game Four of the Petron-Talk ‘N Text series, but while he scored just eight points, all of those came in the fourth quarter. Can you say clutch? He also added 10 assists AND his hair was so straight looked like it was rebonded after leaving the locker.

(Note: We’re kidding about the hair thing, but we won’t be surprised if it’s true.)

2. Danny Ildefonso (↑ from #6)

RAISE THE ROOF! Sure, he didn’t have a trademark dunk, but he did everything else to carry Petron in Game Four while Cabagnot and Arwind Santos were struggling. Maybe he won’t be able to put up 22 points and eight rebounds every night, but we expect him to continue being a major contributor for Petron.

3. Gary David (↓ from #1)

David scored 30 points in yet another ballgame. It’s six games now, but he drops because Powerade got plastered by Rain or Shine in the last game. His teammates are gonna have to step up for them to have a shot.

4. Paul Lee (↑ from #4)

There’s a very vocal set of commenters who keep insisting that Paul Lee is “overhyped,” which is ridiculous. If you’re a 22-year-old rookie who averages 20.5 points and 5 assists in the semifinals while leading your team to within two games of its first final appearance, you’ve lived up to the hype.

5. Arwind Santos (↓ from #3)

Santos got bailed out by his teammates in Game Four, as he struggled because of foul trouble. What’s scary for Talk ‘N Text is that this guy will surely want to bounce back from that performance

6. Marcio Lassiter (↓ from #4)

Apart from his awful opening game, Lassiter has been consistent for the Powerade Tigers. Wish we could say the same for his backcourt mate JVee Casio, who has struggled with his shot in the series

7. Gabe Norwood (new entry)

Norwood is the starting point guard for Rain or Shine. He also averaged 11.5 rebounds in the past two games. Isn’t that crazy?

8. Jeff Chan (re-entry)

When Chan shoots well from the three-point line, Rain or Shine wins. Sure, it isn’t quite that simple, but that’s still an accurate distillation of the Powerade-Rain or Shine series.

9. Joseph Yeo (new entry)

After a cameo by Denok Miranda in the last rankings, it’s now Yeo’s turn to make his splash. It’s still amazing how the Petron guards play heavy minutes, but Talk ‘N Text backcourt looks like the more tired bunch.

10. Ranidel de Ocampo (new entry)

De Ocampo has shot well the past couple of games, but the rest of his teammates have been up and down.

Dropping out: Doug Kramer, Denok Miranda, Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams

Previous Rankings:
- PBA Semis Player Power Rankings: David, Cabagnot still rule the field
- PBA Semis Player Power Rankings: Gary David back on top of the heap
- PBA Semis Player Power Rankings: Rain or Shine gunners take top spots
- Player Power Rankings: The PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals

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