Fresh faces, seasoned players set to ignite PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup

The upcoming PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup promises to be an electrifying affair with a mix of new and familiar faces set to make their mark. 

Among the notable reinforcements, Thomas Robinson, the fifth pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, is making his PBA debut with NLEX. Although he was slated to play for San Miguel Beer in last year’s tournament, a back injury sidelined him.

Belgian player Thomas de Thaey (Terrafirma), Dajuan Summer (Rain or Shine), Tyler Stone (San Miguel Beer), Jonathan Williams (Phoenix), Tyler Bey (Magnolia), and Puerto Rican Chris Ortiz (Blackwater) are also poised to make a significant impact in their maiden PBA appearances. Each of them brings a wealth of experience, including stints in the NBA, before taking their talents overseas and, ultimately, to the Philippines.

Tyler Stone, fresh from a standout performance in Romania, is set to bring his skills to the PBA. Stone earned accolades as the Import of the Year, All-Romanian Player of the Year, and Forward of the Year during his time there. Chris Ortiz, who had an impressive showing with Puerto Rico in the FIBA World Cup in Manila, is another player to watch out for as he joins Blackwater.

Meanwhile, New Zealand player Tom Vodanovich is returning for a second tour of duty with Converge. In his previous stint as a replacement for Jamaal Franklin during the playoffs of the last Governors’ Cup, Vodanovich showcased his prowess with an impressive 39-point, 10-rebound performance, despite a loss to the Beermen.

In addition to these fresh faces, familiar names like Justin Brownlee (Barangay Ginebra) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (TNT) are back for another shot at PBA glory with their respective teams. Brownlee was instrumental in leading the Gin Kings to victory in the Commissioner’s Cup last season, while Hollis-Jefferson played a crucial role in thwarting Ginebra’s bid for a Governors’ Cup three-peat.

As the season approaches, Meralco and NorthPort are still in the process of finalizing their respective reinforcements. The combination of seasoned players and promising newcomers sets the stage for an exhilarating Commissioner’s Cup that fans won’t want to miss.