Meet the supersubs
They’re called the PBA’s supersubs, coming off the bench to provide a spark for their teams on both ends of the floor. They’re not necessarily the sixth men or first relievers. Their numbers are called depending on when the coaches think they’ll create most impact. Timing is essential. They’re typically game-changers or momentum machines. They can generate instant offense or stir the pot with a burst of energy on defense. Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva used to be the prototype but lately, he’s been starting for coach Chito Victolero.
In the ongoing Governors’ Cup, there are 14 supersubs who’re making waves despite not starting a single game. Seven are averaging in double figure points and 10 are logging at least 20 minutes an outing. The list includes Phoenix’ Javee Mocon, who sat out the Fuel Masters’ first six contests then saw action against Terrafirma last Saturday to deliver 13 points in 20 minutes.
Averaging in twin digit scores are North Port’s Robert Bolick (23), NLEX’ Kevin Alas (19.9), Converge’s Maverick Ahanmisi (18.9), Terrafirma’s Eric Camson (14.1), TNT’s Calvin Oftana (13.6), Mocon and TNT’s Jayson Castro (11.3). Surely, they could start for any team in the PBA but in their coaches’ scheme of things, play a different role as supersubs for this conference where imports take the spotlight. Bolick skipped the Batang Pier’s first four games and has since come off the bench in two contests for coach Bonnie Tan.
Playing at least 20 minutes a game are Bolick (40), Ahanmisi (34), Alas (29.3), Oftana (28.3), Camson (23.7), Castro (23), NLEX’ Sean Anthony (22.2), Meralco’s Bong Quinto (21.7), Barangay Ginebra’s Stanley Pringle (20.1) and Mocon (20). In the fringes is Phoenix’ Encho Serrano averaging 19 minutes. Four supersubs are hitting at a higher clip from three-point distance than two-point range, a rarity considering the triple is a lower percentage shot. In his only game so far, Mocon knocked down 1-of-1 trey and 3-of-8 two-pointers. Oftana is hitting 50 percent from three and 45.5 percent from two. Quinto is shooting 35.7 percent from three and 34.5 percent from two. Magnolia’s Aris Dionisio is connecting 66.7 percent from three and 60 percent from two.
The top 14 supersubs, not in order, are Bolick, Alas, Ahanmisi, Camson, Oftana, Mocon, Castro, Serrano, Anthony, Quinto, Phoenix’ RR Garcia, Pringle, Dionisio and Meralco’s Raymond Almazan. Serrano, 23, is the youngest in the group and the league. Anthony, 37, is the supersubs’ senior statesman and top hustle guy, averaging 7.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Camson, 32, is enjoying his best conference ever since joining the PBA as Air21’s second round pick in 2013. He’d never averaged in double figures previously. Camson has tallied twin digits in five of his six appearances. Bolick, Alas and Ahanmisi are their teams’ leading local scorers even if they’re not starters. Alas has scored over 30 points twice while Ahanmisi at least 20 in four games. Blackwater’s RK Ilagan would’ve been in the supersubs cast but made his first start against Ginebra last Sunday.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao’s equal opportunity system recognizes no standard starters or subs. So far, he’s started 12 players with only Norbert Torres, Shaun Ildefonso and Mike Nieto not getting a first five call. San Miguel Beer is the only team that has deployed the same starting unit every game with coach Jorge Gallent relying on Cameron Clark, June Mar Fajardo, Simon Enciso, Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez.