I still remember the first time I watched James Yeng play live—the way he moved across the court felt almost effortless, yet every dribble and pass carried intention. That’s the kind of energy the PBA San Miguel team seems to thrive on, and as a longtime follower of the league, I’ve come to appreciate how their roster isn’t just built on talent, but on timing and experience. Take, for instance, the recent addition of Gomez de Liaño, who spent four years overseas before deciding it was the right moment to return. In his own words, “I felt like it’s the perfect time. I’ve been overseas for four years. I gained a lot of experience there. Developed a lot, not just a player, but as a person as well.” That kind of maturity, both on and off the court, is exactly what sets San Miguel apart this season. They aren’t just stacking their lineup with big names; they’re bringing in players who’ve grown in different environments and understand the nuances of the game at a deeper level.
When you look at the current San Miguel roster, it’s hard not to get excited about the blend of youth and seasoned professionals. June Mar Fajardo, for example, remains the anchor of the team—a six-time PBA MVP who consistently delivers under pressure. I’ve always admired his ability to read the game, and this season, he’s averaging around 18.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, numbers that speak volumes about his dominance in the paint. But what really stands out to me is how players like CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter complement him. Perez, with his explosive drives and defensive tenacity, has been a revelation. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him snatch a crucial steal and turn it into a fast-break opportunity. Then there’s Lassiter, whose three-point shooting accuracy hovers near 40%—a statistic that doesn’t even capture the timing of those shots, often coming when the team needs a momentum shift the most.
Gomez de Liaño’s integration into this lineup feels almost poetic. Having followed his career since his college days, I’ve noticed how his overseas stint, particularly in Japan’s B.League, refined his decision-making and defensive awareness. In 12 games so far this season, he’s contributed an average of 8.3 points and 4.1 assists, but his real impact lies in the intangibles—the way he spaces the floor and communicates with teammates. It’s no surprise that the team’s ball movement has improved by nearly 15% since his arrival, at least from what I’ve observed in their last five outings. And let’s not forget Terrence Romeo, whose flair and creativity off the bench have saved San Miguel more than once. I’ll admit, I’m biased toward players who bring a bit of unpredictability to the game, and Romeo’s crossover dribbles and mid-range jumpers are a joy to watch, even if they sometimes make me hold my breath.
This season’s highlights so far have been nothing short of spectacular, especially their comeback win against Barangay Ginebra last month. Down by 12 points in the fourth quarter, San Miguel rallied behind Fajardo’s inside presence and Perez’s relentless drives, eventually clinching the game 98–95. I remember thinking during that final timeout how calm the team looked—no panic, just focused determination. Another standout moment was their dominant performance against TNT Tropang Giga, where they shot 52% from the field as a team, with Lassiter sinking six three-pointers. Games like these highlight what I believe is San Miguel’s greatest strength: their ability to adapt mid-game and leverage different players depending on the situation. It’s a luxury not many teams have, and it’s why I’d put them as favorites for the championship this year.
Of course, no team is without its challenges. San Miguel’s defense, while improved, still has lapses, particularly in transition. I’ve noticed they tend to give up an average of 22 fast-break points per game, which could haunt them against quicker opponents. But what encourages me is their resilience. They’ve bounced back from two early-season losses with a five-game winning streak, showing a mental toughness that’s often overlooked in statistical analyses. Gomez de Liaño’s presence, in my view, has been crucial here. His overseas experience seems to have instilled a patience in him that rubs off on the younger players. He’s not just playing; he’s mentoring, and that dual role could be the X-factor as the playoffs approach.
As the season progresses, I’m keeping a close eye on how head coach Jorge Gallent manages rotations, especially with the depth this roster offers. In my years covering the PBA, I’ve seen teams with star power falter because of poor chemistry, but San Miguel feels different. They play with a shared understanding, almost like a well-rehearsed orchestra. Whether they can maintain this synergy through the grueling schedule ahead remains to be seen, but if their current form is any indication, we’re in for an exciting finish. For now, I’m just enjoying the show—every game feels like a masterclass in what Philippine basketball can be at its best.
