PBA’s Unsung Heroes: Top 5 underrated PBA players

In a league where superstars dominate headlines, some of the most consistent and game-changing contributions come from players who may never be the top story — but are indispensable in their own right. Here are five PBA players who more than deserve extra credit for what they bring to the floor: Willie Miller, Calvin Abueva, PJ Simon, Marcio Lassiter, and Chris Newsome.

1. Willie Miller – The Steady Veteran

Willie Miller may not be a household name in the current PBA discourse, but his legacy remains significant. A two-time PBA MVP, Miller was never just a scorer — he brought basketball IQ, leadership, and calm under pressure. Even if his later years lacked the highlight-reel plays of younger stars, his presence stabilized teams, especially in clutch moments. Many fans argue he could have been even more celebrated if not for the rise of more flashy scorers or changing team dynamics. His combination of veteran savvy, game management, and quiet leadership is what makes him one of the PBA’s most underrated pillars.

2. Calvin “The Beast” Abueva – The Relentless Powerhouse

At 37 years old, Calvin Abueva continues to redefine what “veteran energy” looks like. In the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, he erupted for a career-high 41 points in Titan Ultra’s debut win over Meralco. That performance wasn’t just scoring — he added hustle, rebounds, and leadership, showing he’s still the motor that drives a team.

Abueva’s recent stint with NorthPort further underscores his value. In a 2025 game, he posted 19 points, 8 boards, 4 assists, and 5 steals when given more playing time. Even for a league that often highlights young, efficient shooters, Abueva remains one of the most physical and emotionally charged players — the kind of competitor who can swing momentum with his effort and energy.

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14! Calvin Abueva is the Joneco Tech Rebounder of the game!#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/Lw1FeGKVKr

— PBA (@pbaconnect) November 5, 2025

3. PJ Simon – The Quiet Shooter With Big Impact

PJ Simon may not dominate highlight reels, but he has served as a reliable scorer and floor spacer for his teams, especially during the “Purefoods era.” Known for his catch‑and‑shoot ability, Simon consistently knocked down important shots, especially from deep or in mid-range, making him a valuable weapon in clutch situations. His basketball IQ shows in how he moves without the ball, where he positions himself to create spacing, and how he reads defenses — contributions that may not always reflect in gaudy stats but tremendously help his team’s offensive flow.

4. Marcio “Super Marc” Lassiter – The Three-Point King

Marcio Lassiter has quietly etched his name into PBA history. In September 2024, he broke the league’s all-time three-point record, surpassing Jimmy Alapag’s previous mark.That record is proof not just of volume, but of longevity and consistency — hitting threes across seasons under pressure.

Lassiter’s value goes beyond his shot: he plays tough defense, moves without the ball, and brings veteran leadership on a loaded San Miguel roster. While others may grab the spotlight, Super Marcio often does the dirty work, bending defenses and opening opportunities for his teammates.

5. Chris Newsome – The Complete Two-Way Guard

Chris Newsome embodies the modern two-way guard: rugged on defense, smart on offense, and clutch when it matters. In June 2024, he hit the game-winning fade-away jumper with 1.3 seconds left to give Meralco a Philippine Cup title. A few months after, in May 2025, he joined the 5,000-point club — a milestone that underlines his scoring ability alongside his defensive reputation.

Beyond scoring, Newsome’s leadership has been recognized: he earned back-to-back PBA Player of the Week honors in 2025. He also showed poise under pressure, converting critical free throws in tight scenarios thanks to a practiced routine. Most recently, he signed a three-year extension with Meralco — a testament to the franchise’s belief in him.

Why They Matter

These five players may not always headline trade rumors or MVP conversations, but they are cornerstones in their own way. Their skill sets — veteran leadership, energy, shooting, versatility — don’t always show up in flashy metrics, but they heavily influence how games are won.

In a league where star power often overshadows substance, Miller, Abueva, Simon, Lassiter, and Newsome remind fans that heart, consistency, and basketball IQ are just as vital as athleticism or box-score stats.

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