Top 10 PBA Center Players Dominating the Basketball Court This Season
As I sit here watching the PBA games unfold this season, I can't help but marvel at how the center position continues to evolve in ways that defy traditional basketball wisdom. Having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, I've witnessed firsthand how the big man role has transformed from pure rebounding and defense to becoming the offensive focal point for many teams. This season particularly stands out because we're seeing centers who aren't just tall bodies occupying space - they're genuine game-changers who dictate the pace, control the paint, and often serve as the primary decision-makers in crucial moments.
Let me start with June Mar Fajardo, who in my opinion remains the gold standard for PBA centers. At 6'10" and 32 years old, he's putting up numbers that would make younger players blush - averaging 18.7 points and 13.2 rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 58% from the field. What fascinates me most about Fajardo isn't just his statistical dominance but how he's adapted his game. I remember watching him early in his career when he was primarily a back-to-the-basket player, but now he's developed a reliable mid-range jumper and even occasionally steps beyond the arc. His basketball IQ is simply off the charts - he reads double teams better than any big man I've seen in the PBA, and his passing out of the post has created countless open looks for San Miguel's shooters.
Then there's Christian Standhardinger, who brings a completely different energy to the center position. At 34, he might be getting up there in basketball years, but his motor runs like he's still a rookie trying to prove himself. I've lost count of how many games I've watched where Standhardinger's relentless hustle completely shifted the momentum. He's averaging a double-double this season with 16.8 points and 11.5 rebounds, but statistics don't capture how he impacts the game. His ability to run the floor in transition creates mismatches that defenses simply can't handle, and his face-up game has become increasingly polished. What really stands out to me is his improved free throw shooting - he's hitting at about 78% this season compared to his career average of 68%, which makes him so much more dangerous in crunch time.
The emergence of young centers like James Laput has been particularly exciting to watch develop. At 26, he represents the new breed of PBA big men - mobile, versatile, and comfortable handling the ball in space. I've been tracking his progress since his college days, and his development has been remarkable. He's averaging 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds this season, but what impresses me most is his defensive versatility. In an era where centers need to switch onto guards regularly, Laput's footwork and positioning have improved dramatically. I recall a specific game against TNT where he effectively guarded everyone from point guards to power forwards during different possessions - that kind of flexibility is invaluable in modern PBA basketball.
What's fascinating about this season's center dominance is how it contrasts with the global trend toward positionless basketball. While the NBA continues to prioritize perimeter play and three-point shooting, the PBA has seen centers reassert their importance in ways that remind me of basketball from previous decades. I've noticed that teams with dominant big men tend to control the tempo better and generate higher percentage shots, which becomes crucial in playoff scenarios where every possession matters. The physicality that PBA centers bring creates a different style of basketball - one that's grounded in post play and interior defense rather than endless perimeter shooting.
Raymond Almazan deserves special mention for his impact this season. At 33, he's playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging 14.2 points and 10.8 rebounds while providing elite rim protection. I've always admired Almazan's timing on blocked shots - he doesn't just rely on his height but understands angles and positioning better than most. His chemistry with Meralco's guards has been particularly impressive this season, with the pick-and-roll game becoming nearly unstoppable at times. What many fans might not notice is how he's improved his decision-making - he's committing fewer fouls while maintaining his defensive intensity, which allows him to stay on the court longer in crucial moments.
The international experience that many PBA centers have gained through Gilas Pilipinas has clearly elevated their games this season. Players like Japeth Aguilar have brought back new techniques and approaches from competing against world-class centers internationally. At 35, Aguilar might have lost a step physically, but he's compensated with smarter positioning and refined skills. His ability to stretch the floor as a shooting big man creates spacing issues for opposing defenses that traditional centers simply can't replicate. I've noticed he's taking about three three-point attempts per game this season - up from less than one in previous years - and hitting them at a respectable 34% clip.
As I reflect on these dominant centers, I can't help but think about how their performances impact team strategies and playoff scenarios. The ongoing situation with teams like Creamline potentially missing outright playoff spots highlights how crucial consistent center play becomes in tight races. When your big man can control the paint on both ends, it provides stability that perimeter players can rely on throughout the grueling season. The mental toughness that these centers display often determines close games - whether it's securing a crucial defensive rebound or converting an and-one opportunity in traffic.
Looking at the broader landscape, I believe we're witnessing a golden era for PBA centers. The combination of traditional low-post skills with modern athleticism and versatility creates a compelling product that distinguishes Philippine basketball from other leagues. As the season progresses toward what promises to be an exciting playoffs, I'm convinced that whichever team's center can maintain their dominance will likely hoist the championship trophy. The big men aren't just participants in this season's narrative - they're writing it with every powerful dunk, every blocked shot, and every clever pass from the post. And honestly, as a lifelong basketball fan, I wouldn't have it any other way.