These players and coaches will play an important role in the success of their respective teams this conference.
New conference, new brand of action. Each of the 12 teams are eager to show their edge.
To do so, squads need that x-factor. It can be a youngling, a veteran, or even a coach. The tide turner who may not be the most valuable on the team, but a significant part of their winning formula.
Here's our list of potential difference makers for each team:
RK Ilagan (Blackwater Bossing)
Ilagan, who was recently traded to the Bossing from Converge, will have a point to prove this Governors’ Cup. Many fans were surprised that Ilagan was included in the Blackwater deal, especially after his performance in the Commissioner’s Cup. Expect Ilagan to light it up once more this conference.
Jeremiah Gray (Barangay Ginebra)
Jaime Malonzo has shown what he can do in Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but the Gin Kings have another young player with oozing potential in Gray. The 6-foot-5 guard has all the tools to become an elite player in the PBA, and if he makes a big step towards improvement and consistency, teams better watch out.
Jerrick Balanza (Converge FiberXers)
Balanza is decent but is not exactly headline material just yet. Coach Aldin Ayo, nonetheless, must have a deeper reason as to why he really wanted to grab the former Letran from NorthPort. He is deemed as a key piece to the team they are building.
Jerrick Ahanmisi (Magnolia Hotshots)
Magnolia fans were shown glimpses of how having a guy like Jerrick Ahanmisi can help them on the scoring end. The former Adamson standout put up some great games while playing limited minutes for the Hotshots. If given more minutes, Ahanmisi could be vital in Magnolia’s success.
Chris Banchero (Meralco Bolts)
As the main guy off the bench, Banchero plays an important role for the Bolts. Whenever he is aggressive on the court, good things happen for the Meralco. If he could continue to attack the rim and be a reliable scorer for the team, Meralco will go very far this Governors’ Cup.
Joshua Munzon (NorthPort Batang Pier)
Munzon has been given a new opportunity to reinvent himself in the PBA. Under the Batang Pier, he will likely be given the keys to operate on the floor alongside Robert Bolick. If the two can click, we can’t see why NorthPort can’t compete with the top contenders.
Sean Anthony (NLEX Road Warriors)
Anthony will be back at NLEX, this time under the leadership of Frankie Lim. If healthy, the 36-year-old veteran could score, rebound, defend, and then some for the Road Warriors. Lim would have good use for an all-around player like Anthony in his team.
Coach Jamike Jarin (Phoenix Fuel Masters)
The Fuel Masters and Topex Robinson decided not to renew their partnership after five years, which mean top assistant Jamike Jarin will now be calling the shots for the team. Jarin has an extensive coaching background in the high school and collegiate ranks. It will be exciting to see if (or when?) he drops the interim label.
Leonard Santillan (Rain or Shine Elastopainters)
It’s been an up-and-down start for Leonard Santillan, but with his skillset, we’re sure that Coach Yeng Guiao has a plan for the DLSU standout. If Santillan can find summon his offensive prowess like he did in college, then Rain or Shine will definitely be one of the teams to watch out for this Governors’ Cup.
Chris Ross (San Miguel Beermen)
Given the smaller height limit for imports during the Governors’ Cup, Chris Ross is usually given the daunting task of guarding the reinforcements of other teams. This is a challenge that he has boldly accepted over the years. But can he do it again this year?
Kevin Ferrer (Terrafirma Dyip)
Munzon did not work out with the Dyip, but maybe a guy like Kevin Ferrer, who can also score in bunches and is a better shooter, can be the team's go-to guy. A bigger role will be given to Ferrer under Terrafirma, and maybe this is what he needs to kickstart his career once more.
Coach Jojo Lastimosa (TNT Tropang Giga)
Lastimosa will be given the keys to TNT while Chot Reyes focuses on his Gilas duties. That being said, a lot will expected from Jolas as he tries to lead the Tropang Giga back to glory after a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup run. Lastimosa has displayed his capable basketball mind numerous times before, both as a player or as a tactician. It's up to him to translate that to wins with TNT.