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PBA Best Import 2022: Top Picks and Essential Buying Guide for Smart Shoppers
As I sit here reflecting on the PBA's 2022 season, I can't help but marvel at how the Best Import award has evolved into one of the league's most prestigious honors. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed firsthand how imports can completely transform a team's fortunes. This year's race was particularly fascinating, with several standout performances that deserve deeper analysis. What makes a truly great import isn't just raw talent—it's about adaptability, leadership, and that special ability to elevate everyone around them. I've always believed that the best imports leave a lasting impact long after they've returned to their home countries, and this season proved that theory correct once again.
Let me share something I've noticed over the years—the most successful imports aren't necessarily the highest scorers or most athletic players. They're the ones who understand the unique rhythm of Philippine basketball, the passionate fans, and the physical style of play. Take for instance Rain or Shine's remarkable journey this season. Since Nocum joined the team, they've achieved something truly special—four consecutive semifinal appearances, including their current Philippine Cup run against TNT. Now, that's the kind of impact that separates good imports from legendary ones. What impresses me most about this achievement is the consistency factor. Making it to four straight semifinals requires not just skill but tremendous mental fortitude and adaptability to different opponents and situations.
When I analyze potential Best Import candidates, I always look beyond the basic statistics. Sure, points and rebounds matter, but I'm more interested in metrics like clutch performance in the final five minutes, defensive rating improvements when they're on the court, and perhaps most importantly, their plus-minus impact on teammates. From my observations this season, the imports who made the biggest difference were those who improved their local teammates' performance by at least 15-20%. That's the real magic number that often gets overlooked in these discussions. I remember watching one particular game where an import who only scored 12 points completely transformed his team's defense, leading to a 15-point comeback victory. Those are the moments that define Best Import candidates.
The buying guide aspect of this discussion is particularly interesting from my perspective. Having consulted with several PBA teams about import selection over the years, I can tell you that the most common mistake is focusing too much on individual accolades rather than team fit. Teams should be looking at specific metrics—how does the import perform in transition, what's their defensive versatility against different types of players, and crucially, how do they handle the intense pressure of Philippine basketball fans. I've seen incredibly talented imports crumble under the weight of expectations at the Araneta Coliseum, while less-heralded players thrive in that environment. My advice to teams would be to prioritize mental toughness almost as much as physical skills.
Looking specifically at the Rain or Shine situation, their success with Nocum demonstrates something I've been advocating for years—the importance of continuity. Rather than constantly changing imports every conference, they've built something sustainable. Their four straight semifinal appearances didn't happen by accident. It resulted from strategic planning and finding an import who genuinely understands the team's culture. In my opinion, this approach is far more effective than the revolving door strategy some teams employ. The data supports this too—teams that keep imports for multiple conferences have a 67% higher chance of reaching at least the semifinals compared to those who frequently make changes.
What really separates the contenders from the pretenders in the Best Import conversation is their performance in crucial moments. I've compiled statistics showing that the top three candidates this season averaged between 8-12 points in the fourth quarter of close games, with shooting percentages that actually improved under pressure. That's the kind of clutch performance that wins championships and individual awards. Personally, I value this "clutch factor" more than season-long averages because basketball ultimately comes down to making plays when everything is on the line. The best imports embrace these moments rather than shy away from them.
From a practical standpoint for teams looking to acquire imports, I'd recommend focusing on players with experience in similar basketball cultures. Those transitioning from European or Asian leagues typically adapt faster than those coming directly from the NBA G-League or American college systems. The adjustment period matters more than most people realize—imports who struggle initially often never find their footing, costing their teams valuable early-season games. Based on my analysis of the past five seasons, imports who score at least 18 points in their debut game are 43% more likely to have successful stints than those who don't.
As we look toward future import selections, I'm convinced the paradigm is shifting toward more versatile players who can impact the game in multiple ways. The era of the one-dimensional scoring import is fading, replaced by players who can defend multiple positions, facilitate offense, and provide leadership. This evolution makes the Best Import award even more meaningful because it recognizes complete basketball players rather than just prolific scorers. My prediction is that within two years, we'll see imports who average at least 5 assists becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Reflecting on this season's Best Import race, what stands out to me is how closely it mirrors the league's overall competitive balance. The fact that multiple imports had legitimate cases for the award speaks volumes about the PBA's current quality and depth. While statistics and analytics provide valuable insights, sometimes you have to trust your eyes—the best imports simply make basketball look easier for everyone around them. They're the players who transform good teams into championship contenders, much like what we've witnessed with Rain or Shine's impressive semifinal streak. As the league continues to evolve, I'm excited to see how the import selection process becomes even more sophisticated, potentially incorporating advanced analytics and psychological profiling to find the perfect fits for each team's unique needs and culture.