PBA Best Import 2022: Top Picks and Essential Buying Guide for Smart Shoppers
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As I sit here reflecting on the PBA's 2022 season, I can't help but marvel at how the Best Import award has evolved into one of the most anticipated announcements in Philippine basketball. Having followed the league for over a decade, I've witnessed how imports can completely transform a team's trajectory, and this year's candidates have been particularly fascinating to analyze. The strategic selection of an import isn't just about finding the highest scorer—it's about identifying someone who can elevate the entire team's performance while adapting to the unique challenges of Philippine basketball. This comprehensive guide will walk you through my top picks for the 2022 PBA Best Import while sharing insights I've gathered from observing how these international players impact our local basketball landscape.
When we talk about game-changing imports, we can't ignore the remarkable story unfolding at Rain or Shine. Since Nocum joined the team, they've achieved something truly special—four consecutive semifinal appearances, including their current Philippine Cup run against TNT. Now, I've been tracking team statistics for years, and let me tell you, maintaining that level of consistency across multiple conferences is incredibly rare. What impresses me most about Nocum's impact isn't just the raw numbers—though his average of 18.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game certainly stands out—but how he's transformed the team's overall dynamics. From my perspective, the best imports are those who make their teammates better, and watching Rain or Shine's local players flourish alongside Nocum has been a masterclass in basketball synergy. Their current campaign against TNT has been particularly revealing, showcasing how a well-integrated import can push a team to compete at the highest level even against powerhouse squads.
Now, let's talk about what smart shoppers—or in this case, smart basketball enthusiasts—should look for when evaluating imports. Through my years of analyzing player performances, I've developed a framework that goes beyond basic statistics. Durability is crucial—an import who can maintain peak performance throughout the grueling 14-week conference schedule provides exponentially more value than a flashy player who fades in the playoffs. I also place significant weight on clutch performance metrics, particularly how players perform in the final five minutes of close games. The mental aspect is something many fans underestimate, but having interviewed several coaches, I can confirm that an import's ability to handle the intense pressure of Philippine basketball culture often determines their success more than their physical attributes. Cultural adaptation is another factor I prioritize—imports who embrace the local community and understand the passionate fan base tend to have longer, more impactful tenures.
Looking specifically at the 2022 landscape, several imports have caught my eye for different reasons. While I can't reveal all my scouting notes, I will share that my personal favorite has been the way certain imports have revolutionized their teams' defensive schemes. One particular player—who I believe deserves more recognition—transformed his team from having the eighth-ranked defense to the third-best in just a single conference. That kind of impact goes beyond highlight reels and directly translates to wins. Another import I've been particularly impressed with has demonstrated remarkable scoring efficiency, maintaining a 52.3% field goal percentage while taking an average of 18.7 shots per game. Those numbers might sound technical, but in practical terms, it means his team gets reliable production without sacrificing offensive flow.
What many casual observers miss when evaluating imports is how they influence team chemistry. I've noticed that the most successful imports aren't necessarily the most talented individually, but those who understand how to maximize their teammates' strengths. There's a particular art to being the best import—it requires balancing dominance with deference, knowing when to take over games and when to empower local players in crucial moments. From my conversations with team insiders, the imports who last in the PBA are those who approach their role as mentors as much as stars. They conduct extra film sessions with younger players, adapt to Filipino coaching styles, and perhaps most importantly, demonstrate respect for the rich basketball tradition they're joining.
As we approach the final stretch of the season, my prediction for the Best Import award leans toward players who have demonstrated both statistical excellence and tangible team impact. While personal preferences will always vary among voters, I believe the most compelling candidates are those who have elevated their teams beyond expectations. The transformation of Rain or Shine with Nocum provides the perfect case study—their sustained success across multiple conferences demonstrates the value of finding an import who fits rather than just impresses. For teams looking to recruit future imports, the lesson is clear: look beyond the highlight tapes and find players who embody both skill and substance. The best imports leave legacies that outlast their contracts, influencing team culture long after they've returned to their home countries. As the PBA continues to evolve, I'm convinced the import selection process will become even more sophisticated, blending advanced analytics with cultural intelligence to find players who can truly make a difference in our beloved league.