Who’s the best import?

It’s still too early to decide who’s the best import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup but just the same, I ran a contest on instagram @therealdeanquinito the other day asking followers to make their choice and justify the selection with a creative, concise and sensible explanation. The prize for the best entry was an NBA 2014 calendar poster featuring a collage of action shots with stars LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant.

The winning entry was sent by instagram @rapxanne10 (Raphael Randxell Rainne). Here’s what he wrote: “Will go for Brian Butch because he’s an all-around player, defense to offense, he’s that good and I can tell by the way he plays, that he will not give up on his team, no matter what … he’s not the kind of import who will dominate the ball (Dollard) (Lamizana) most of the time but he’s the guy you want taking the last shot because of his unlimited range … a very humble guy, he will be the Best Import this conference because of his Nowitzki-esque type of basketball … Butch is a go-to guy and at the same time, he’s doing the dirty work for his team, offensive rebounds, blocked shots, he is the only import who can do it all that on a nightly basis … #polarbear.” The hash tag is a reminder that Butch’s nickname in college was the Polar Bear. Why? Presumably, it’s because he’s white and big, strong and tall like a bear.

There were other well-written entries that came close to winning the prize. From @cherrylrose1710 (Cherryl Rose Estrella): “For me, Richard Howell is the youngest, heaviest (he can defend every center and other imports as well), productive in points, rebounds, has the talent and the heart of a TNT explosive player! We believe! Go, Howell, for the win! #TntNation.”

From @leoinfiesto (Leo Archelaus): “If you base it on numbers, the outstanding so far now is Josh Dollard but on a losing effort, Evan Brock has been consistent. If you convert those defensive boards into points, Richard Howell of TNT is indeed a monster. On an overall performance, I’ll pick Lamizana of Air21.” From @madzbautista (Madz Bautista): “I think the best import is Barako Bull’s Josh Dollard. Go-to guy, dominating, consistent. Those are the traits of an import whom every team is looking for. And I think Barako Bull has found a gem in Dollard. I’ll label him a ‘throwback’ import because his performance of 40+ point every game simply reminds us of the way PBA imports were before, being so explosive and indeed, a scoring machine.”

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From @kamotejack (Neb Orquiza): “Best import so far is Joshua Dollard of Barako Bull. Dollard may be the smallest import in town but the guy has the most impact of all the current reinforcements. He gives Barako Bull that much needed firepower on the offensive end. He’s their go-to guy down the stretch, Barako Bull really needs that presence during crunch time. Defensively, Dollard is a demon. With that long wingspan, he can alter shots and guard the passing lanes. Dollard is proving to Barako Bull that every Dollard ($) spent for him is worth it.”

From @kenikanuto (Kenneth Baltazar): “Too early to tell but individually, Josh Dollard is by far the most impressive. He can take over the game when it matters most. Great scorer from inside and outside, can penetrate. A good rebounder and a decent defender. Question is: Can he carry Barako Bull deep into the playoffs? If Barako is able to advance to the semis, book it – he’s the best import!” From @dreyiam (Reland Limon): “My top three imports are Dollard, Butch and Brock. Dollard is an all-around player who can dominate inside and outside. If only the Barako Bull locals will step up big time on defense, Dollard will be unleashed!”

From @nukes99 (Eric Nukes): “Rob Dozier … no need to explain, he’s the defending Best Import.” From @bencastaneda15: “It’s the import of San Miguel Beer, Kevin Jones because he has the best credentials and also because he has already chemistry with the team.” From @superjoms (Joms Domingo): “Butch of Meralco, he’s a complete package, he can run, shoot from the outside, can play defense and Butch is a team player. Sana i-naturalize na lang siya ng Gilas – he’s a perfect piece sa dribble-drive system.” From @crazyd26 (Rain Palines): “Barako Bull import Dollard. He’s the best and the beast inside the court. Outside shooting, jump-shooting, put-back and rebounding, man, he’s so awesome!”

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F.rom @noquithero (Angel Pante): “It’s gotta be Joshua Dollard. The impact he has on the team and the way he carries himself is a true dollar for Barako Bull. He’s Mr. Everything right now for his team with scoring, rebounds and defense. 40 points at least in two games? Now that’s cashing it in.”

As the Commissioner’s Cup evolves, there will be more surprises coming from the imports. Some may fall by the wayside and find themselves on a flight back to the US. Others who didn’t shine early could blossom late. Replacements might come in to shake the PBA landscape. A team may change imports at any time, even in Game 5 of the best-of-five finals. So it’s possible, although improbable, to bring over Michael Jordan to play in a winner-take-all championship game – a one-shot deal for all the marbles. Of course, bringing in a superstar may not be the formula to win – the key is chemistry, an import must adjust to the locals not the other way around. But for one game, if a team can afford it, a big star could check in, take over without being scouted beforehand and run all the way to the throne … and the bank!

To those who joined the Best Import contest, thanks for sending your entries. More contests to come, more chances to win prizes.