When the team is down and the odds are against them, it’s the time when the clutch player shines.
With the PBA semifinals heating up, clutch players will be stepping up to the floor as each team tries to claim their stake at the PBA Philippine Cup Finals round.
Before things even get more fired up with the finals just a few more games away, who’s your favorite clutch player this season? Here’s our Seven:
1. James Yap (Star Hotshots)
Photo Credits to: Peter Baltazar/ Sports on air
Known as one of the best clutch players in the PBA, James Yap has made a name for himself as Star Hotshot’s “Big Game James”.
Since Yap entered the PBA scene in 2004, he has earned two MVP Awards.
2. Jimmy Alapag (Meralco Bolts)
Photo Credits to: Peter Baltazar/ Sports on air
Being part of PBA’s 40 Greatest Players, Jimmy Alapag’s 12-year career in the PBA earned him the monicker “Mighty Mouse”.
And after retiring early last year, he decided to return to the hardwood, signing a tw-year contract with the Meralco Bolts.
3. Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort)
Photo Credits to: Peter Baltazar/ Sports on air
After his fruitful career in the UAAP, Terrence Romeo brought his skills to the budding GlobalPort team where he continued to pull some of his best clutch plays, making him one of GlobalPort’s most impressive players.
4. LA Tenorio (Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel)
Photo Credits to: Peter Baltazar/ Sports on air
After entering the PBA in 2006, LA Tenorio has won a number of awards like Best Player of the 2013 PBA Comissioner’s Cup, MVP of the William Jones Cup in 2012, and PBA Finals MVP in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.
He has also played for the international team in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
5. Arwind Santos (San Miguel Beer Men)
Photo Credits to: Peter Baltazar/ Sports on air
Arwind Santos made his dabut in the PBA on 2006 after a short stint in the PBL where he won a number of awards. He first played for Air21 express after he was drafted second overall, but eventually went to play for the San Miguel Beermen.
6. Jeff Chan (Rain or Shine)
Photo Credits to: Peter Baltazar/ Sports on air
Entering the PBA scene in 2008 under the Barako Bulls, Jeff Chan was the Bulls’ star player after Cyrus Baguio left; he eventually wen to to play for Rain or Shine. Jeff has been compared to 1990s PBA sharpshooter Allan Caidic because of the similarities of their playing styles.
7. Jvee Casio (Alaska Aces)
Photo Credits to: Peter Baltazar/ Sports on air
Javee Casio’s clutch career began during his UAAP days, when he shot a three for the La Salle Green Archers that won them the UAAP season 67 Championships.
His first team in the PBA was then-Powerade Tigers, which was later sold and re-branded as the GlobalPort batang Pier. He had a slow start as a professional with the Powerade Tigers, but was awarded the sportsman of the year award. He was then traded to the Alaska Aces in 2012, and has remained with them.
Who else can you add on the list?
