Top PBA D League Players to Watch This Season and Their Career Stats

As I sit down to analyze this season's PBA D League prospects, I can't help but reflect on how much the landscape has evolved since I first started covering developmental basketball in the Philippines. Having followed the league's trajectory for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous players transform from raw talents into professional stars, and this year's cohort appears particularly promising. The recent success of foreign coaches in the PVL, especially the Angels' championship-winning tactician who followed Thai Tai Bundit's groundbreaking path, demonstrates how international influences continue shaping Philippine basketball. This cross-pollination of coaching philosophies creates unique development opportunities for D League players who might eventually transition to teams coached by these international mentors.

When we talk about players to watch, my eyes immediately go to Juan Gomez de Liano, who's been absolutely electric in the preseason. Having watched his brother Javi's development closely, I can confidently say Juan brings a different kind of energy to the court. His stats from last season - averaging 18.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game - only tell part of the story. What really stands out to me is his basketball IQ, something that can't be quantified on stat sheets. I remember watching him dismantle defenses with his court vision during the Filoil preseason tournament, and frankly, he's only gotten better since then. His ability to read defensive schemes reminds me of some veteran PBA point guards, which is remarkable for someone his age.

Then there's James Spencer, who I believe is one of the most underrated prospects this season. Having followed his collegiate career, I've always been impressed by his work ethic. Last season, he put up solid numbers with 14.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, but what doesn't show up in the stats is his defensive versatility. I've seen him effectively guard positions 1 through 4 during crucial moments, and that kind of flexibility is gold in today's positionless basketball. His shooting percentage from beyond the arc - 38.7% last season - makes him a constant threat that defenses must account for, creating spacing opportunities for his teammates.

Another player who's captured my attention is Rhayyan Amsali. Now, I'll admit I had doubts about his transition to the wing position initially, but boy has he proven me wrong. His stats from last season - 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game - don't fully capture his impact. Having watched him develop his perimeter game over the offseason, I'm convinced he's ready for a breakout year. His motor is something special; I've rarely seen a player with his energy level consistently throughout games. The way he attacks the boards reminds me of some of the great hustle players I've watched through the years, and that's not comparison I make lightly.

What fascinates me about this particular D League season is how these developing players might eventually intersect with the coaching revolution we're seeing in Philippine volleyball. The success of foreign coaches like the Angels' tactician and Thai Tai Bundit, who won three titles with Creamline, demonstrates how outside perspectives can elevate local talent. While basketball and volleyball are different sports, the principle remains the same - fresh coaching approaches can unlock potential in ways we haven't previously imagined. I can't help but wonder if we'll see similar cross-cultural exchanges in basketball development programs soon.

Looking at Will Gozum's development has been particularly rewarding for me as someone who's followed his journey since high school. His numbers from last season - 16.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game - showcase his two-way capabilities, but what really stands out is his improved footwork in the post. Having watched him struggle with double teams early in his career, seeing him now comfortably pass out of traps shows tremendous growth. His field goal percentage of 52.3% demonstrates his efficiency, but what the stats don't show is how he's developed into a vocal leader on the court - something coaches value tremendously.

The player I'm most excited about, if I'm being completely honest, is Sherwin Concepcion. There's something about his shooting form that just looks pure every time he releases the ball. His 42.1% three-point shooting last season is impressive enough, but having charted his shots during several games, I noticed his range extends well beyond the professional three-point line already. What really surprised me during my observations was his improved defensive awareness - an area where many shooters struggle. He's added some muscle without losing his shooting touch, which tells me he's putting in the right kind of work during the offseason.

As these players develop, I can't help but draw parallels to how coaching innovations in other sports might influence their growth. The success of foreign coaches in volleyball demonstrates that sometimes, what local talent needs is precisely a different perspective and methodology. While we haven't seen the same level of foreign coaching influence in basketball yet, the template exists now, and I wouldn't be surprised if some PBA teams start looking beyond traditional hiring patterns for their developmental programs.

What makes covering the D League so rewarding for me is witnessing these moments of transformation - when a player adds a new move to their arsenal or demonstrates improved decision-making. The statistical improvements are quantifiable, but the subtle developments in basketball intelligence and leadership qualities are what truly separate the good prospects from the future stars. Having watched numerous D League alumni succeed in the PBA, I'm confident several from this current group will make that jump successfully, possibly even exceeding our expectations given the right coaching and development environment. The foundation is certainly there, and if given proper guidance, Philippine basketball's future appears bright with these emerging talents ready to make their mark.