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Discover the Latest PBA Philippines Standing and Current Team Rankings
2025-11-04 19:12
As I sit down to analyze the current PBA Philippines landscape, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the standings have shifted this season. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've rarely seen such intense competition across both conferences. The recent performances have completely reshaped the team rankings, creating what I believe might be the most exciting season in recent memory.
Let me start with what's been capturing everyone's attention - that absolutely spectacular game where Calvin Abueva dropped 41 points for the Giant Risers. I was watching that game live, and honestly, I haven't seen such an explosive individual performance since Terrence Romeo's prime years. The Giant Risers' 100-96 victory over the Bolts wasn't just another win - it marked their first significant triumph since taking over the NorthPort franchise during the offseason. This victory sent shockwaves through the standings and demonstrated that the team's rebuilding strategy is actually working. From my perspective, this game might be remembered as the turning point in their season.
The current standings reflect this newfound competitiveness. Teams that were traditionally powerhouses are finding themselves challenged by these rising squads. What fascinates me most is how the mid-tier teams have closed the gap. The margin between the top four teams and the rest of the pack has narrowed significantly compared to last season. I've been tracking the statistics religiously, and the numbers don't lie - we're seeing more upsets, closer games, and frankly, better basketball overall.
Looking at the team rankings specifically, the balance of power has genuinely shifted. The traditional giants like San Miguel and Ginebra remain strong, but they're no longer untouchable. Teams like the Giant Risers are proving that strategic roster moves and player development can compete with big-market spending. In my analysis, this creates a healthier league overall, though I must admit I miss the days when certain teams dominated - there was something special about those dynastic runs.
The individual performances this season have been nothing short of remarkable. Beyond Abueva's heroics, we're seeing players like June Mar Fajardo maintaining his usual dominance with approximately 18.3 points and 12.7 rebounds per game, while young guns like Jamie Malonzo are making their presence felt with what I estimate to be around 15 points and 8 rebounds nightly. These numbers might not be perfectly accurate since the official stats are still being updated, but they give you a sense of the talent distribution across teams.
What really excites me about the current standings is how they've made every game matter. Unlike previous seasons where you could almost predict the playoff picture by mid-season, this year feels different. The competition is so tight that a single game can bump a team up or down multiple spots in the rankings. I've noticed that this intensity is translating to better fan engagement too - the stadiums are louder, social media buzz is stronger, and even casual fans are paying closer attention.
From a strategic standpoint, I'm particularly impressed with how coaches are adapting to the evolving landscape. The traditional slow-paced, half-court offense that dominated Philippine basketball for years is giving way to more versatile systems. We're seeing more three-point attempts, faster transitions, and innovative defensive schemes. This evolution, in my opinion, is what's driving the parity we're witnessing in the standings.
The import situation has also created fascinating dynamics in the team rankings. Unlike previous seasons where a single dominant import could carry a team, the current crop of reinforcements seems more balanced. Teams are finding success with different strategies - some opting for scoring machines, others for defensive specialists. Personally, I prefer this approach as it creates more varied matchups and strategic depth.
As we approach the crucial stretch of the season, I'm keeping my eye on several key factors that could further shake up the standings. Player health will be paramount - we've already seen how injuries to key players can completely derail a team's momentum. The scheduling will also play a huge role, with some teams facing tougher stretches than others. And of course, there's always the X-factor of team chemistry, which can make or break a squad's championship aspirations.
Reflecting on the bigger picture, I believe this competitive balance is exactly what the PBA needed. While I have my personal favorites (I've been a Ginebra fan since childhood), I can't deny that having multiple legitimate contenders makes for better basketball. The current standings reflect a league in healthy transition, where traditional power must earn their status rather than inherit it.
The journey to the playoffs promises to be thrilling. Based on what I've observed, we're likely to see several teams battling for the final playoff spots until the very last game of the elimination round. This uncertainty, while nerve-wracking for fans like myself, is precisely what makes sports compelling. The PBA Philippines standing isn't just a list of teams - it's a living document telling the story of an unforgettable season, with heroes like Abueva writing new chapters with each spectacular performance.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
