PBA Petron Blaze Players: Top 5 Key Contributors and Their Impact on the Team's Success

As a longtime PBA analyst who’s followed the Petron Blaze squad for years, I’ve always been fascinated by how certain players step up when the stakes are high. This season, five names in particular have stood out—not just for their stats, but for the way they’ve shaped the team’s identity. Let’s dive into the top five contributors and explore how they’ve fueled Petron Blaze’s recent success, especially after that tough loss in the Candon City leg.

When I look back at the Candon City leg two weeks ago, where Petron Blaze fell to Alas Men in straight sets, it’s clear that the team was at a crossroads. They could have let that defeat define their season, but instead, they used it as fuel. That 0-3 loss wasn’t just a setback; it became a turning point. I remember thinking at the time, "This is where we’ll see who really wants it." And boy, did they respond. The very next game, the energy was different—more focused, more relentless. It’s no coincidence that the players I’m highlighting here were at the heart of that resurgence.

First up, June Mar Fajardo. It’s almost impossible to talk about Petron Blaze without mentioning him. With averages of 18.5 points and 12.2 rebounds per game this season, he’s been an absolute force in the paint. But what really stands out to me is his leadership. I’ve watched him rally the team during timeouts, keeping everyone calm under pressure. In the match following the Candon City loss, he dropped 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds—a stat line that speaks volumes about his ability to bounce back. He doesn’t just score; he sets the tone for the entire squad.

Then there’s Marcio Lassiter, whose three-point shooting has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s hitting 42% from beyond the arc this season, and in crucial moments, he’s the guy you want with the ball. I’ve lost count of how many times he’s broken opposing teams’ runs with a clutch three. Against Alas Men in their redemption game, he nailed five triples, effectively shutting down any momentum swings. His ability to stretch the floor opens up so much space for players like Fajardo to operate inside, and honestly, I think that’s been one of the keys to their offensive efficiency.

Chris Ross might not always light up the scoreboard, but his impact goes far beyond points. Averaging 8.5 assists and 2.3 steals per game, he’s the engine of the defense and the primary playmaker. I’ve always admired his basketball IQ—he reads passing lanes like a seasoned chess player. In the game where they avenged that straight-sets loss to Alas Men, Ross recorded 12 assists and four steals, completely disrupting Alas Men’s offensive flow. His hustle plays don’t always make the highlight reels, but they win games.

Arwind Santos brings a unique blend of versatility and experience. At 38 years old, he’s still averaging a double-double—14 points and 10 rebounds—while guarding multiple positions. What I love about Santos is his unpredictability; he can block a shot on one end and drain a three-pointer on the other. In the rematch against Alas Men, he had three blocks and hit two critical threes in the fourth quarter. That kind of two-way contribution is rare, and it’s why he remains indispensable despite his age.

Lastly, let’s talk about CJ Perez. As the team’s sixth man, he provides a spark off the bench that’s hard to match. He’s averaging 16 points in just 24 minutes per game, and his speed in transition is a nightmare for defenses. I remember one play against Alas Men where he stole the ball and finished with a reverse layup that shifted the momentum entirely. Perez embodies the "next man up" mentality, and his energy is contagious.

Looking at these five players, it’s clear that Petron Blaze’s success isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about how they complement each other. Fajardo dominates inside, Lassiter spaces the floor, Ross facilitates and defends, Santos adds veteran savvy, and Perez brings explosive energy off the bench. Together, they’ve created a balanced attack that’s tough to counter. And let’s not forget the psychological aspect: that loss in Candon City could have broken them, but instead, it galvanized the team. They played with a chip on their shoulder, and these five led the charge.

In my opinion, Petron Blaze’s redemption arc this season is a testament to their resilience. The way they bounced back after that straight-sets defeat shows a mental toughness that’s often overlooked in sports analysis. While stats tell part of the story—like Fajardo’s double-doubles or Lassiter’s shooting percentages—it’s the intangibles that truly set this team apart. As they continue their campaign, I’m confident that these five key contributors will keep driving Petron Blaze toward even greater success.