Discover the Complete PBA com ph Team Roster for the Current Season

Walking into Westpine Gym in Quezon City last week, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. It’s the kind of energy that only surfaces when a new PBA season is around the corner, and teams are putting the final touches on their lineups. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I’ve learned that roster changes—especially under-the-radar pickups—can completely reshape a team’s destiny. Take, for instance, the recent addition to the Giant Risers: a young talent named Jimenez, who arrived straight from a short league stint in Bicol. Now, I’ve seen plenty of players move from regional leagues to the PBA, but what struck me about Jimenez wasn’t just his raw skill—it was his timing. Joining the Risers at this stage, with the season just weeks away, speaks volumes about the team’s strategy. They’re not just filling slots; they’re building something dynamic, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it plays out.

Let’s talk about the Giant Risers’ current roster, because honestly, it’s one of the more intriguing setups this year. With 16 players officially listed, including three new acquisitions and two returning veterans, the balance between youth and experience feels just right. Jimenez, as I mentioned, is one of the fresh faces. From what I’ve gathered, his performance in the Bicol league was solid—averaging around 14 points and 6 rebounds per game—but it’s his defensive agility that caught the coaching staff’s eye. During that practice session I observed, he moved with a kind of fluidity you don’t often see in newcomers. It’s early days, of course, but I’d wager he’ll secure significant minutes off the bench, especially if the Risers want to up their tempo against faster opponents. Alongside him, there’s veteran playmaker Rico Cruz, who’s back after sitting out most of last season due to a knee injury. Cruz’s return is, in my opinion, a game-changer. He brings not just scoring—he dropped 18 points per game in the 2022 season—but leadership. Watching him direct plays during drills, I was reminded why experienced players are worth their weight in gold.

But it’s not just about individual stars; the Risers have clearly focused on depth this time. Their backcourt, for example, includes two rising guards—Miguel Santos and Jon Lopez—who complement each other perfectly. Santos is a sharpshooter, hitting threes at a 38% clip last conference, while Lopez excels in driving to the basket. Put them together, and you’ve got a backcourt that can stretch defenses thin. I remember thinking, during a scrimmage, how seamlessly they switched roles depending on the play. That kind of synergy doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a result of smart recruitment and consistent training. And let’s not forget the frontcourt. With veterans like Arvin Mendoza holding down the center spot, the team’s rebounding stats—which averaged 45 per game last season—should see a boost. Mendoza’s presence in the paint is something I’ve always admired; he’s not the flashiest player, but he’s relentless. Pair him with Jimenez’s energy, and you’ve got a frontline that can wear down opponents over four quarters.

Now, I’ll be honest—I’ve had my doubts about the Risers in past seasons. Their tendency to rely too heavily on iso-plays cost them in close games, and their bench depth was often lacking. But this roster feels different. For starters, they’ve added two role players from free agency who specialize in perimeter defense, an area where they struggled last year, allowing opponents to shoot 36% from beyond the arc. During one practice drill, I noticed the coaching staff emphasizing close-outs and switches, with Jimenez often at the heart of those exercises. It’s clear they’re addressing past weaknesses head-on. What’s more, the team’s overall chemistry seems improved. I spoke briefly with Coach Garcia after practice, and he mentioned that they’ve been holding extra sessions twice a week since August, focusing on building trust among the new and old players. That kind of effort usually pays off, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Risers climb a few spots in the standings because of it.

Of course, no roster is perfect, and the Risers still have questions to answer. Their three-point shooting, aside from Santos, remains inconsistent. In a league where spacing is increasingly crucial, they’ll need others to step up. Jimenez, for instance, attempted only a handful of threes in the Bicol league, making just 2 out of 8 in the games I reviewed. If he can develop that part of his game, it would open up so many options. Then there’s the issue of injuries—always a wild card. Cruz’s history with knee problems is a concern, and if he goes down again, the backcourt might struggle to create opportunities. But overall, I’m optimistic. The Risers have built a roster that’s not just talented but adaptable, and in a grueling season like the PBA’s, that adaptability could be their biggest asset.

As I left Westpine Gym that evening, I found myself reflecting on what makes a team roster truly complete. It’s not just about stacking stats or big names; it’s about fit, potential, and that intangible sense of unity. The Giant Risers, with their blend of seasoned pros and hungry newcomers like Jimenez, seem to have grasped that. Will it translate to wins? Only time will tell, but based on what I’ve seen, they’re on the right track. For fans looking to follow the team closely this season, keeping an eye on how these pieces gel—especially in those early games—will be key. After all, rosters are more than just lists; they’re stories waiting to unfold, and this one promises to be a compelling read.