2025 PBA PHILIPPINE CUP | ROOKIE RANKINGS | START TO JUN 1

PBA.PH | ONE SPORTS

The rookie class of 2024-2025 came in with loads of hype—and a whole lot of question marks. From blue-chip local prospects to Fil-Ams trying to carve out space, this year’s batch had a little bit of everything: athletic wings, steady floor generals, workhorse bigs, and a few surprise contributors off the bench. With two conferences down, it’s time to check the scoreboard and reshuffle the pecking order.

This ranking isn't just about the numbers, though those help. It’s about impact, role, eye test, and how these rookies are adjusting to the physicality and pace of the PBA. Let’s dive into the updated top 20, starting with a familiar face on top.

1 | JUSTINE BALTAZAR | CONVERGE (↔️ 1)

14.5 PPG • 12.4 RPG • 2.2 APG

Balti continues to grab rebounds like it’s his birthright. He’s the only rookie averaging a double-double, and he’s doing it as the top option on a rebuilding Converge squad. Baltazar’s presence in the paint and steady development, despite being a late-season entry, make him a dark horse for Rookie of the Year.

2 | KAI BALLUNGAY | PHOENIX (↔️ 2)

16.2 PPG • 9.4 RPG • 1.1 APG

Ballungay’s game is tailor-made for the modern PBA—versatile, athletic, and efficient, especially now that he's given more responsibility as Jason Perkins' frontline partner. His rebounding and rim-running have made him a perfect fit alongside Phoenix’s young core.

3 | SEDRICK BAREFIELD | BLACKWATER (⬆️ from 4)

18.9 PPG • 3.1 RPG • 3.1 APG

Easily the most explosive scorer in this class, Barefield is a walking bucket. He’s giving Blackwater a fighting chance with his ability to create off the dribble and shoot from deep. Expect Blackwater to improve next season, especially if they keep Barefield from going to the MVP teams.

4 | CAELAN TIONGSON | RAIN OR SHINE (⬇️ from 3)

15.0 PPG • 5.6 RPG • 3.4 APG

Tiongson’s game continues to deliver—he’s efficient, rarely rushed, and plays within the system. He’s been a stabilizing presence for ROS, but a slight dip in scoring and usage drops him a notch here.

5 | JB BAHIO | NLEX (⬆️ from 6)

11.6 PPG • 7.7 RPG • 2.8 APG

Surprisingly, this former San Beda Red Lion is one of the best glue guys in this class. Bahio’s production doesn’t always pop on the stat sheet, but he’s making the most of his minutes, defending, rebounding, and setting hard screens.

6 | RJ ABARRIENTOS | GINEBRA (⬇️ from 5)

14.1 PPG • 2.8 RPG • 4.1 APG

RJ had a hot start but has cooled off a bit. Still, he’s Ginebra’s spark plug off the bench and continues to show flashes of brilliance with his court vision and flair. Needs more polish on defense and shot selection.

7 | MARK NONOY | TERRAFIRMA (⬆️ from 8)

11.8 PPG • 1.9 RPG • 1.9 APG

Nonoy is streaky (both positive and negative) but dangerous. When he gets going, he can turn a game around with his speed and outside shooting. While he needs to improve his playmaking and shot selections, he’s found his niche in Terrafirma’s (probably) dying days.

8 | JEROM LASTIMOSA | MAGNOLIA (⬇️ from 7)

9.0 PPG • 2.9 RPG • 3.1 APG

Magnolia is easing him into their starting system, and while his numbers aren’t flashy, Jerom Lastimosa's flashes are there. A breakout moment could happen during the playoffs.

9 | CJ CANSINO | MERALCO (⬆️ from 12)

10.7 PPG • 2.6 RPG • 1.2 APG

Cansino’s outside shot is becoming more consistent, and he’s providing solid wing minutes for Meralco. Not flashy, but smart and reliable—he’s trending up.

10 | CJ CATAPUSAN | TERRAFIRMA (⬆️ from 13)

9.3 PPG • 4.3 RPG • 1.1 APG

The other CJ in Terrafirma is quietly putting up respectable numbers. He’s carving out a role as a stretch four who can bang inside and hit open jumpers.

And here are the rest of the Top 20.

RANK	LAST2	ROOKIE RANKINGS	PPG	RPG	APG
1	1	JUSTINE BALTAZAR | CON	14.5	12.4	2.2
2	2	KAI BALLUNGAY | PHX	16.2	9.4	1.1
3	4	SEDRICK BAREFIELD | BLA	18.9	3.1	3.1
4	3	CAELAN TIONGSON | ROS	15.0	5.6	3.4
5	6	JB BAHIO | NLE	11.6	7.7	2.8
6	5	RJ ABARRIENTOS | GIN	14.1	2.8	4.1
7	8	MARK NONOY | TER	11.8	1.9	1.9
8	7	JEROM LASTIMOSA | MAG	9.0	2.9	3.1
9	12	CJ CANSINO | MER	10.7	2.6	1.2
10	13	CJ CATAPUSAN | TER	9.3	4.3	1.1
11	9	MJ GARCIA | CON	6.6	3.7	2.6
12	14	F. PANGILINAN-LEMETTI | ROS	6.4	3.1	3.6
13	11	XYRUS TORRES | NLE	12.0	1.7	1.0
14	10	BRANDON RAMIREZ | NLE	8.6	4.1	0.9
15	15	EVAN NELLE | NOR	4.9	2.1	2.8
16	18	PETER ALFARO | MAG	6.8	1.2	1.6
17	17	MIKE MALONZO | ROS	5.1	3.6	0.1
18	16	KURT REYSON | MER	9.2	1.8	1.0
19	20	PAOLO HERNANDEZ | TER	2.1	1.4	0.6
20	19	CJ PAYAWAL | TNT	3.5	1.3	0.3

This rookie class might not have the glitz and glamour of previous years, but make no mistake—there’s real talent brewing here. From rebounding machines to dynamic guards and microwave scorers, several names on this list could define the PBA’s next generation.

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