As a basketball analyst who has followed professional leagues across Asia for over a decade, I still vividly remember the 2018 PBA season as one of the most competitive and statistically fascinating years in recent memory. The race for the top 10 PBA players in 2018 wasn't just about individual brilliance—it was about how these athletes elevated their teams during crucial moments and delivered performances that still resonate in league discussions today. When I look back at my notes from that season, what strikes me most is how the international basketball landscape was influencing local performances, with players adapting styles from global competitions. I recall watching June Mar Fajardo dominate the paint with such consistency that he became the automatic choice for the number one spot in my personal ranking—and honestly, I don't think anyone who watched that season would argue otherwise.
The context of the 2018 season was particularly interesting because we were seeing Philippine basketball evolving in response to international trends. That year, I noticed several PBA players incorporating elements from European and Middle Eastern basketball styles into their games, particularly in terms of defensive schemes and three-point shooting. This global influence became especially apparent to me when following international tournaments happening parallel to the PBA season. For instance, I remember tracking the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers where both Iran and Tunisia were now tied at 1-1 in their group stage record, denying Tunisia's early bid for an outright ticket to the knockout stage. This kind of international competition always seems to trickle down into how PBA teams approach the game, with coaches frequently referencing these matchups in their strategy sessions.
When compiling my list of the top 10 PBA players for 2018, I placed tremendous emphasis on both traditional statistics and advanced metrics, though I'll admit I sometimes weighted clutch performance more heavily than pure numbers. June Mar Fajardo finished with averages of 20.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game—absolutely monstrous numbers that justified his MVP season. What impressed me most about Fajardo wasn't just his stat line but how he maintained efficiency despite constant double-teams. Right behind him, I had Stanley Pringle, who averaged 18.7 points and 5.2 assists while shooting 38% from three-point territory. Pringle's ability to create his own shot in isolation situations was something I found particularly valuable in close games, and his performance often reminded me of how international guards like Tunisia's Omar Abada operated during that Fiba tournament where Tunisia narrowly missed direct qualification.
The third spot on my list went to Jayson Castro, who despite playing reduced minutes still managed to average 16.4 points and 5.9 assists. Watching Castro navigate pick-and-roll situations was like watching a masterclass in point guard play—he had this incredible ability to change speeds that kept defenders off-balance. At number four, I placed Paul Lee, whose scoring average of 15.8 points doesn't fully capture his impact in crucial moments. I distinctly remember his game-winning three-pointer against Ginebra that season—one of those shots that just makes you stand up from your seat regardless of which team you're supporting. Rounding out my top five was Calvin Abueva, who put up 14.9 points and 9.3 rebounds while providing relentless energy that statistics can't fully capture.
The second half of my top 10 featured some players whose contributions I believe were slightly underappreciated that season. At number six, I had Matthew Wright, who shot an impressive 41% from beyond the arc while averaging 16.2 points. His catch-and-shoot efficiency reminded me of how international teams were increasingly prioritizing three-point shooting—similar to how Iran adapted their strategy after that 1-1 tie with Tunisia that complicated the group standings. Seventh place went to Alex Cabagnot, who averaged 14.7 points and 5.1 assists while serving as the primary playmaker for the San Miguel Beermen during critical stretches. What stood out to me about Cabagnot was his basketball IQ—he always seemed to make the right read in clutch situations.
Completing my list were Terrence Romeo at number eight with 17.1 points per game despite coming off the bench frequently, Arwind Santos at number nine with his unique combination of 13.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks, and finally, at number ten, Scottie Thompson with his all-around contributions of 10.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Thompson's rebounding numbers for a guard were particularly remarkable—I haven't seen many local players with his nose for the ball and transition instinct.
Looking back at that 2018 season, what stands out in my analysis is how the top performers balanced individual statistics with team success. The players who made my list weren't just putting up empty numbers—they were impacting winning in meaningful ways. The international basketball context, including tournaments like the one where Iran and Tunisia fought to that 1-1 stalemate, seemed to influence how PBA coaches valued certain skills, particularly three-point shooting and switchable defenders. If I were to identify one trend from that season that has continued to develop, it's the increasing importance of versatile players who can defend multiple positions while maintaining offensive efficiency. The top 10 PBA players of 2018 weren't just the best individual talents—they were the athletes who best understood how to leverage their skills within team concepts, and that's why their performances remain worth discussing years later.
As someone who's been following Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen the PBA evolve from being accessible only through local television to beco
