Walking into Westpine Gym in Quezon City last month, I couldn’t help but feel the buzz in the air. The Giant Risers were deep into their preseason grind, and I was there to get an exclusive look at what promises to be one of the most intriguing PBA rosters in recent memory. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I’ve seen teams rise and fall, but this year’s lineup—especially with fresh faces like Jimenez—feels different. Let me take you behind the scenes and share my firsthand impressions of the 2024 PBA Com PH team roster, player by player.
Jimenez, for instance, is a story worth telling. Straight from a stint in a short league in Bicol, he showed up at the Giant Risers’ practice with this raw, unpolished energy that you don’t often see in seasoned pros. I watched him during drills—his agility was off the charts, but what stood out was his court vision. In one scrimmage, he dished out what I’d estimate as 8 assists in just 20 minutes, threading passes through tight spaces that left veterans nodding in approval. Now, I’ll be honest: his shooting consistency needs work—he missed around 60% of his three-point attempts that day—but his defensive hustle? Absolutely relentless. It’s players like him who remind me why I love covering these preseason sessions; you spot the diamonds in the rough before they shine on the big stage.
But Jimenez is just one piece of the puzzle. The Giant Risers have clearly focused on blending youth with experience, and it shows. Take veteran point guard Miguel Santos, who’s entering his 12th season. I’ve followed his career since his UAAP days, and his leadership in the locker room is palpable. During a break, he pulled Jimenez aside for a quick chat—probably sharing insights on reading defensive schemes. That mentorship dynamic is something stats don’t capture, but in my opinion, it’s what could elevate this team from middle-of-the-pack contenders to finals material. On paper, their backcourt depth includes three rookies and two seasoned guards, averaging around 28 years in age, which strikes a nice balance between explosiveness and wisdom.
Then there’s the frontcourt, anchored by Jun Reyes, a 6’8” center who’s been with the team for five seasons. I remember watching him dominate the paint in the 2022 season, where he averaged 14.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. This year, though, he’s slimmed down by roughly 15 pounds, and it shows in his mobility. In one drill, he switched onto a guard and stayed in front of him—a move he’d have struggled with last year. It’s adjustments like these that make me optimistic about their playoff chances. Personally, I’ve always favored teams that prioritize adaptability over sheer size, and the Giant Risers seem to be embracing that philosophy.
Of course, no roster is without its question marks. The wing positions lack a proven scorer, and I noticed during scrimmages that they relied heavily on isolations, which burned them in fast-break situations. In one quarter模拟, they gave up 12 transition points—a stat that’ll haunt them against run-and-gun teams like the TNT Tropang Giga. But here’s where I think they can surprise critics: their bench unit. Second-year forward Leo Cruz impressed me with his versatility; he played stretches at both the three and four spots, knocking down mid-range jumpers with ease. If he can maintain that, I’d wager he’ll see his minutes jump from 15 to 25 per game.
As I wrapped up my visit, I reflected on how this roster stacks up against last year’s. They’ve added four new players, including Jimenez, and retained 80% of their core—a smart move, in my book, given their chemistry. The PBA landscape in 2024 is shaping up to be highly competitive, with teams like San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra reloading their arsenals. But what the Giant Risers have is hunger, and that’s something you can’t quantify. Jimenez’s journey from a regional league to the PBA spotlight epitomizes that underdog spirit, and if the team can harness it, we might be looking at a dark horse for the Commissioner’s Cup.
In closing, I’ll leave you with this: rosters are more than just names on a sheet; they’re stories waiting to unfold. The 2024 Giant Risers, with their mix of gritty newcomers and steady veterans, have the potential to write a compelling one. Keep an eye on Jimenez—I have a feeling he’ll be turning heads by mid-season. And for fans diving into the PBA Com PH team roster this year, remember to look beyond the stats. Sometimes, it’s the unseen hustle in a Quezon City gym that tells the real tale.