I still remember the first time I watched Gomez de Liaño play overseas - there was something special about how he moved on the court that made me think he'd eventually find his way back to the PBA stronger than ever. When the news broke about his return to San Miguel, his words resonated deeply with me: "I felt like it's the perfect time. I've been overseas for four years. I gained a lot of experience there. Developed a lot, not just as a player, but as a person as well." That personal growth aspect is something we often overlook when analyzing player stats, but having followed his journey closely, I can tell you it's precisely this maturity that makes him such a valuable addition to our current roster.

Looking at our starting lineup, I'm particularly excited about the backcourt combination. CJ Perez continues to be that explosive scorer we desperately need, averaging around 18.7 points per game while shooting 44% from the field. What impresses me most about CJ isn't just the numbers - it's his decision-making in crucial moments, something that's improved dramatically this season. Alongside him, Marcio Lassiter remains one of the most reliable shooters in the league, connecting on approximately 39% of his three-point attempts. I've always argued that having a veteran presence like Marcio is invaluable, especially when guiding younger players through pressure situations.

The frontcourt situation has me both excited and slightly concerned if I'm being completely honest. June Mar Fajardo is, well, June Mar Fajardo - still putting up monster numbers of 16.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while maintaining that 58% shooting efficiency that makes him so dominant in the paint. But what truly fascinates me this season is how Moala Tautuaa has evolved his game. He's become much more than just a backup big man, contributing about 9.4 points and 6.1 rebounds while playing multiple positions. I've noticed his defensive versatility has improved significantly, allowing coach Jorge Gallent to experiment with different lineup combinations that we haven't seen in previous seasons.

Now let's talk about the bench depth because this is where I believe San Miguel truly separates itself from other teams. Simon Enciso has been providing that spark off the bench we desperately needed, averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 assists in about 18 minutes per game. His ability to push the tempo changes games in ways that don't always show up in the stat sheet. Then there's Rodney Brondial, who might only average 5.6 points but contributes significantly with his 7.2 rebounds and relentless energy. I've lost count of how many second-chance opportunities he's created through pure hustle alone.

Coming back to Gomez de Liaño, his integration into this system fascinates me from a tactical perspective. Having watched his development overseas, I can see elements in his game that simply weren't there before he left - better court vision, improved defensive positioning, and that unique ability to read plays before they develop. While his stats might not jump off the page initially - I'd estimate he's contributing around 7.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in limited minutes - it's the intangible qualities that make him special. The way he spaces the floor, makes the extra pass, and understands situational basketball reflects that personal growth he mentioned.

What really stands out to me about this current San Miguel roster is the beautiful balance between veteran leadership and youthful energy. We've got established stars like Fajardo and Lassiter who know exactly what it takes to win championships, combined with emerging talents who bring fresh perspectives and different skill sets. The team is averaging approximately 98.4 points per game while holding opponents to about 91.7 points - defensive improvements that I attribute to both coaching adjustments and player commitment. I've noticed particularly strong third-quarter performances where they're outscoring opponents by an average of 6.3 points, suggesting excellent halftime adjustments.

As we move deeper into the season, I'm keeping my eye on how the rotation evolves, especially with the integration of returning players like Gomez de Liaño. The chemistry seems to be developing nicely, with the team assisting on about 62% of made field goals - a statistic that indicates good ball movement and player connectivity. From my perspective, what makes this San Miguel team particularly dangerous isn't just the individual talent, but how well the pieces fit together. They play with a certain understanding of each other's games that you don't often see this early in the season. While there are still areas to improve - three-point defense being one that comes to mind - I genuinely believe this roster has what it takes to make another championship run, blending experienced champions with hungry newcomers in ways that could redefine San Miguel basketball for years to come.