Discover the Complete Shopinas PBA Roster and Key Players for the Season

As I sat down to analyze NLEX’s prospects for the upcoming PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup, one quote from Robert Bolick immediately caught my attention. He specifically named Jonnel Policarpio and Enoch Valdez as the two players expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s campaign this year. Now, if you’ve followed the PBA as closely as I have over the last decade, you’ll know that when a player of Bolick’s caliber singles out teammates like that, it’s worth paying attention. I’ve always believed that a team’s success often hinges not just on its stars, but on the emerging talents who step up when it matters most. And from what I’ve seen, Policarpio and Valdez fit that description perfectly.

Let’s start with Jonnel Policarpio. At just 22 years old, he brings a level of versatility that’s rare for someone his age. I remember watching him during the collegiate leagues—his ability to defend multiple positions and contribute in transition is something NLEX desperately needs. Last season, he averaged around 8.5 points and 5 rebounds per game, but I suspect those numbers will jump significantly this year. What stands out to me, though, is his basketball IQ. He reads plays well, and his decision-making under pressure has improved dramatically. In my opinion, Policarpio could easily become one of the top three performers for NLEX if he maintains this trajectory. And with Bolick feeding him the ball in key moments, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him notch double-double stats in at least 10 games this conference.

Then there’s Enoch Valdez. Oh, this kid is exciting to watch. Valdez has that raw energy and athleticism that can change the tempo of a game in seconds. I’ve noticed he’s particularly effective in fast-break situations—his speed and finishing ability remind me a bit of a young Arwind Santos, though I might be showing my bias there. Last season, he put up roughly 7 points and 4 rebounds per outing, but his defensive efforts often went under the radar. He averaged 1.2 steals per game, and I think that’s where he’ll make his mark this season. NLEX has struggled with consistency on defense in past years, and Valdez’s presence could be the spark they need. Personally, I see him as the X-factor—the kind of player who might not always light up the stat sheet but will make those crucial stops and hustle plays that win close games.

Of course, it’s not just about these two. The full Shopinas PBA roster includes other key names like Don Trollano and Kevin Alas, who’ll provide the veteran leadership. Trollano, for instance, averaged 14.2 points last season, and I expect him to shoulder a big part of the scoring load again. But what makes this NLEX squad so intriguing, in my view, is the balance between youth and experience. They’ve got about six players aged 25 or younger, which tells me they’re building for the future while staying competitive now. I’ve spoken to a few insiders, and the general consensus is that this team could finish within the top four if everyone stays healthy. That might sound optimistic, but I’ve learned to trust Bolick’s judgment—after all, he’s been in the league for seven seasons and knows what it takes to win.

Looking at the bigger picture, NLEX’s success this season will likely depend on how well Policarpio and Valdez integrate into the system. From what I’ve gathered, the coaching staff has been focusing on floor spacing and transition defense during practices, which plays to both players’ strengths. I’d even go as far as predicting that Valdez could end up with the Most Improved Player award if he gets enough minutes. But let’s not forget the challenges—the Philippine Cup is notoriously tough, with teams like San Miguel and Ginebra always in the mix. NLEX finished with a 6-5 record last conference, and I think they’ll need to push that to 8-3 to have a real shot at the title. It’s a tall order, but with Bolick leading the way and these two youngsters stepping up, I’m cautiously optimistic. In the end, basketball is as much about chemistry as it is about talent, and from where I stand, NLEX seems to be getting both right.