San Miguel PBA Team Roster: Complete Player List and Stats Analysis
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As I settle in to analyze the San Miguel Beermen's current roster, I can't help but feel that familiar excitement knowing the NPVC will start at 1:30 p.m.—that's when we'll truly see how this legendary PBA franchise measures up against the league's best. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've developed a particular fondness for how San Miguel builds their teams, always managing to blend seasoned veterans with just the right amount of young talent. Let me walk you through what makes this current lineup so special, while sharing some personal observations about why I believe they remain championship contenders despite some visible cracks in their armor.
Looking at their backcourt, June Mar Fajardo remains the undeniable centerpiece—and frankly, I'd argue he's still the most dominant big man in the league even at 33 years old. His numbers last conference were typically stellar: 16.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 55% from the field. What impresses me most isn't just the production but how he's adapted his game as he's aged, developing a more reliable mid-range jumper to complement his brutal post presence. Alongside him, CJ Perez has evolved into the explosive scoring wing this team desperately needed, averaging 18.4 points last season with those relentless drives to the basket that remind me of a young James Yap. I've noticed Perez's decision-making has improved dramatically—he's cutting down on those forced shots that used to drive coaches crazy while maintaining his aggressive defensive style that generates about 1.5 steals per contest.
The backcourt combination of Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter gives San Miguel something I value tremendously—institutional knowledge. Ross, at 38, might have lost half a step physically, but his basketball IQ remains off the charts. He averaged 6.2 assists last conference while serving as the team's primary playmaker, and I've always appreciated how he manages to get big steals in crucial moments. Lassiter, meanwhile, continues to be one of the most reliable shooters in PBA history—his 38% career three-point percentage doesn't fully capture how defenses must always account for his movement without the ball. What worries me slightly is their age profile—both are in their late 30s—and I've noticed they sometimes struggle against younger, more athletic backcourts, particularly in the second games of back-to-back schedules.
What fascinates me about San Miguel's roster construction is how they've managed their bench depth. Players like Moala Tautuaa and Rodney Brondial provide exactly the kind of physical frontcourt presence that allows Fajardo to rest without the team collapsing defensively. Tautuaa in particular has developed into a reliable contributor—he put up 8.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in about 18 minutes per game last season, and I love how he embraces the enforcer role without compromising on skill. The emergence of younger players like Simon Enciso gives me hope for the backcourt's future too—his 42% three-point shooting in limited minutes suggests he could develop into Lassiter's eventual replacement if given more opportunities.
When I look at the overall statistical profile, San Miguel's offensive efficiency stands out—they typically rank in the top three in both field goal percentage (around 45% team average) and three-point percentage (approximately 35%). Their pace tends to be methodical rather than frantic, which suits their veteran lineup perfectly. Defensively, they're adequate rather than exceptional, usually ranking middle of the pack in steals and blocks but excelling in defensive rebounding thanks to Fajardo's presence. Where I see potential vulnerability is in transition defense—they sometimes struggle to get back against younger teams that push the tempo, and I've noticed they give up more fastbreak points than coach Jorge Gallent would probably prefer.
As we approach the 1:30 p.m. NPVC tip-off, I'm particularly curious to see how San Miguel's veteran core holds up against the league's rising teams. My prediction is that their experience will carry them through close games—they've been in every situation imaginable and rarely panic when trailing. However, I do worry about their injury contingency—if Fajardo misses significant time, they lack the interior presence to compete at the highest level, and their championship aspirations would likely evaporate. What makes them special, in my view, is their collective understanding of winning basketball—they move the ball beautifully (averaging around 22 assists per game) and rarely beat themselves with mental errors.
Ultimately, while San Miguel might not have the flashiest roster on paper, they possess something more valuable—proven winners who understand how to navigate the marathon of a PBA season. Their statistical profile suggests a team that knows its identity and plays to its strengths, even as the core ages. As I look forward to today's action starting at 1:30 p.m., I'm betting that this blend of superstar power, veteran savvy, and emerging youth will keep them in championship contention, though I suspect they'll need to find a way to inject more athleticism into their rotation sooner rather than later to maintain their elite status.