Ranidel, 2 other Texters lead way

The Phoenix Petroleum-PBA Elims Top Performer derby is heating up, and
it’s not only due to the soaring summer temperature.

Talk ‘N Text forward Ranidel de Ocampo, he with the efficient post-up
moves, continues to hang on to the No. 1 spot in the overall
statistical points standings after 10 games in the two-round
classifications stage.

But two familiar faces are breathing down the back of his neck, and
two San Miguel Beer pursuers have him in their sights from fourth and
fifth place.

In the race for what is tantamount to the regular season MVP award, De
Ocampo has so far been averaging 33.60 statistical points from his
18.5 points per game average, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.4 assists,
and 0.3 blocks.

At second with 32.30 average SPs is TNT off-guard Mark Cardona (19.1
ppg, 4-0 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.5 bpg), while at third with 30.50
average SPs is point guard teammate Jimmy Alapag (14.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg,
7.8 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.1 bpg).

Running fourth is SMB forward Jay Washington with a 30.10 SPs average
(15.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.4 bpg), and at sixth with
29.73 is Beermen swingman Arwind Santos (11.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.5 apg,
1.2 spg, 1.0 bpg.)

Two more TNT forwards – Kelly Williams (27.73) and Harvey Carey
(26.70) –  are at seventh and ninth, while a third SMB player – point
guard Alex Cabagnot (27.55) – is at eighth.

At sixth place is Rain or Shine swingman Gabe Norwood (28.60), and at
10th is B-Meg Derby Ace shooter James Yap (26.50).

The PBA Press Corps, in coordination with the PBA Commissioner’s
Office and the PBA Board of Governors, launched this 35th season’s
Fiesta Cup the Phoenix Petroleum-PBA Elims Top Performer Award to
honor the player who made the most impact prior to the playoffs and
the finals.

Statistics will play a big role in the selection, but a player’s
overall contribution to his team’s winning ways will also be highly
considered.

Members of the PBAPC also vote as one in the selection of the Best
Player of the Conference and the PBA Most Valuable Player, and pick
the Finals MVP, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year, Defensive
Player of the Year, Mr. Quality Minutes, Comeback Player of the Year,
All-Rookie Team, and Referee of the Year.