PBA GlobalPort Team Roster Updates and Key Players to Watch This Season
I still remember the first time I walked into a PBA training facility back in 2018—the polished floors, the pristine equipment, and the professional atmosphere that screamed elite basketball. But recently, watching the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines' video where their training venue was completely flooded, with staff desperately trying to empty rainwater, it hit me how different realities can be across sports in our country. This contrast makes me appreciate even more what the PBA GlobalPort Batang Pier have built—a stable environment where players can truly focus on their game without such distractions.
This season, the GlobalPort roster updates show a franchise that's clearly learned from past inconsistencies. They've retained their core while making strategic additions that address last season's weaknesses. Having followed this team since their inception, I've noticed they often start strong but fade in crucial moments. This year feels different though—there's a sense of maturity in their roster construction that makes me genuinely excited about their prospects. The management seems to have finally understood that continuity matters as much as talent in this league.
Let's talk about their backcourt, which in my opinion is among the most underrated in the league. Robert Bolick remains their crown jewel—the guy just has that clutch gene you can't teach. I've watched him develop from a promising rookie to someone who can legitimately carry a team through tough stretches. Last season, he averaged 18.7 points and 6.2 assists, numbers that don't even fully capture his impact during crunch time. What impresses me most isn't just his scoring ability but his basketball IQ—he reads defenses like a veteran point guard despite being relatively young in his PBA career.
The addition of Jamie Malonzo gives them the athletic wing they've desperately needed. I saw him play in the PBA D-League last year and immediately knew he'd be perfect for GlobalPort's uptempo style. At 6'7" with guard skills, he creates mismatches that few teams in the league can handle. He's raw defensively, but his length and quickness should allow him to develop into a versatile defender. Honestly, I think he might be the missing piece that transforms their perimeter defense from average to elite.
Their frontcourt situation has me both excited and concerned. Greg Slaughter provides the legitimate center presence they've lacked for years, but his injury history makes me nervous. When healthy, he's a game-changer—a true seven-footer who can score in the post and protect the rim. Last conference, he put up 14.3 points and 9.1 rebounds in just 28 minutes per game. Those are All-Star numbers when he's on the court. The problem has always been keeping him there—he's missed approximately 42% of possible games over the past three seasons due to various injuries.
What really fascinates me about this GlobalPort team is their improved depth. They've added reliable veterans who understand their roles perfectly. Players like Kevin Ferrer and Arwind Santos bring that championship experience the team has sorely lacked. Santos, in particular, continues to defy Father Time—at 40 years old, he's still contributing meaningful minutes and hitting big shots. I've always admired his basketball intelligence, and his ability to mentor younger players like Malonzo could prove invaluable.
The coaching staff, led by Bonnie Tan, has done remarkable work in establishing a clear identity for this team. Watching them practice last month, I noticed how much emphasis they place on player development—something that wasn't always evident in previous seasons. They're running more sophisticated offensive sets while maintaining the transition game that suits their personnel. Tan's decision to implement a more structured system while allowing his playmakers freedom within it shows a coaching maturity that bodes well for their playoff chances.
When I compare this GlobalPort team to previous iterations, the biggest difference I see is their defensive commitment. They've added several plus-defenders without sacrificing offensive firepower. Last season, they ranked seventh in defensive rating at 108.3—a number that simply won't cut it if they want to compete for championships. The new additions should help improve that significantly. I'm particularly excited about their potential to switch more effectively on the perimeter, something that's become increasingly important in today's PBA.
Looking at their schedule for the upcoming conference, I count at least 18 winnable games out of the 28-game schedule. That should comfortably put them in playoff position, but I believe they have the talent to aim higher. Their success will likely hinge on two factors: health and chemistry. The core has played together for only about 45 games total, which isn't much in the grand scheme of things. They'll need time to gel, especially integrating their new pieces into the rotation.
What really sets this GlobalPort team apart, in my view, is their balance. They have scoring at all three levels, defensive versatility, and enough depth to withstand the grueling PBA schedule. More importantly, they seem to have developed the mental toughness that championship teams require. I've noticed fewer late-game collapses in their recent outings, suggesting they're learning how to win close games—the mark of a maturing team.
As someone who's followed the PBA for over fifteen years, I've seen many teams with potential fail to put it all together. This GlobalPort squad feels different—they've addressed their weaknesses intelligently while building on their strengths. The flooded training facility in that gymnastics video serves as a stark reminder of how infrastructure and proper support systems matter in sports development. GlobalPort appears to have created that stable foundation, and I expect it to pay dividends this season.
The PBA landscape has never been more competitive, but I genuinely believe GlobalPort has positioned themselves as legitimate contenders. They may not be the favorites, but they have the pieces to surprise people. Watching their preseason preparations, I get the sense they understand this might be their best chance to make a serious run. The chemistry seems right, the talent is there, and the coaching appears solid. Sometimes in sports, everything just clicks at the right moment—I have a feeling this might be one of those seasons for the Batang Pier.