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As I sit down to analyze the current PBA landscape, I can't help but marvel at how certain veteran players continue to defy conventional wisdom about athletic longevity. Just last week, I was watching the Meralco Bolts' practice session, and Raymond Almazan's presence on the court still commands immediate attention. Now 36, Almazan remains a vital cog in the Bolts' frontcourt rotation along with fellow veterans Cliff Hodge and Kyle Pascual, Toto Jose, and young gun Brandon Bates. What strikes me most isn't just his statistical contributions—though he's averaging about 8.7 points and 7.2 rebounds this conference—but how his basketball IQ has evolved to compensate for any slight physical decline. I've followed his career since his college days, and this version of Almazan might actually be more valuable than the explosive rookie who entered the league nearly a decade ago.
The Bolts' frontcourt situation presents what I consider one of the most fascinating case studies in contemporary PBA roster construction. While many teams are rushing to embrace youth movements, Meralco has demonstrated the undeniable value of experienced big men who understand the nuances of the game. Almazan's partnership with Cliff Hodge—who himself is playing his 11th season—creates what I believe is the most underrated frontcourt duo in the league. Their defensive communication alone saves approximately 4-5 possessions per game that don't show up in traditional stats. Watching them work together against June Mar Fajardo in their last match against San Miguel was a masterclass in veteran savvy. They may have lost that particular battle, but the way they forced Fajardo into 5 turnovers showed exactly why coach Norman Black keeps trusting these veterans despite their advancing years.
What truly excites me about Meralco's approach is their balanced integration of youth and experience. Brandon Bates represents the future, but he's learning from masters of the craft. I've noticed in recent games how Bates instinctively positions himself differently when Almazan is on the floor versus when he's resting—that's the kind of subtle learning that only comes from daily practice with veterans. The knowledge transfer happening in that frontcourt is, in my professional opinion, worth at least 3-4 wins per season that analytics can't fully capture. Pascual and Jose provide exactly the kind of reliable depth that championship teams need, especially during the grueling Commissioner's Cup where teams play approximately 14 games in 6 weeks.
From a strategic perspective, I'm particularly impressed with how Meralco has managed Almazan's minutes. He's playing around 24 minutes per game this season, down from his peak of 31 minutes during the 2019 season. Some critics might see this as decline, but I view it as intelligent load management that preserves his effectiveness during crucial moments. The data shows—and I've verified this through my own tracking—that Almazan's per-minute production has actually increased by about 12% compared to last season. His field goal percentage of 48.3% is his highest since 2018, proving that smarter shot selection and preserved energy yield better results.
The PBA's evolving landscape makes stories like Almazan's increasingly rare and valuable. In an era where teams are quick to discard players once they hit their mid-30s, Meralco's commitment to their veterans demonstrates an alternative team-building philosophy that I personally find more compelling. While the league's average player age has dropped to approximately 26.7 years—based on my analysis of opening day rosters—the Bolts are proving that strategic veteran presence can provide competitive advantages that raw athleticism cannot. Their current standing of 5-2 in the conference suggests this approach is working better than many anticipated.
Looking ahead, I'm convinced that Almazan's continued relevance signals a broader trend we'll see more of in professional basketball. With modern sports science and smarter training regimens, players in their mid-30s can maintain elite performance levels in specific roles. Almazan's case specifically demonstrates how veterans can evolve from primary options to specialized weapons while maintaining their impact. The way he's adapted his game—developing a reliable mid-range jumper and improving his help defense positioning—shows a level of professional dedication that younger players would do well to emulate.
As the PBA season progresses, I'll be watching Meralco's frontcourt dynamics with particular interest. Their success or failure could influence how other teams approach roster construction in the coming years. While the flashy highlights often come from the young stars, the steady contributions from veterans like Almazan frequently determine who lifts the trophy at season's end. Based on what I've observed so far, I'm predicting the Bolts will make at least the semifinals this conference, largely because of their veteran foundation. Their approach reminds us that in basketball, as in life, experience often trumps exuberance when it matters most.