When I first started following the PBA, I never really paid much attention to footwork - until I saw June Mar Fajardo pivot on that injured ankle back in 2019 and still dominate the paint. That's when I realized footer players aren't just big bodies; they're the foundation of championship teams. Today, I want to walk you through identifying and appreciating the top 7 footer PBA players who are absolutely owning the court this season. Trust me, once you understand what makes these guys special, watching games becomes a completely different experience.
Let me start by explaining how I evaluate footer players - it's not just about height or rebounds. First, you need to watch their defensive positioning. The great ones like Christian Standhardinger don't just block shots; they anticipate where the ball will be two passes before it gets there. I always tell new fans to focus on how players establish position in the low post - watch their feet, not the ball. When Standhardinger gets that deep position, he's practically unstoppable. His footwork reminds me of vintage Danny Ildefonso moves, but with more modern agility. What makes him particularly impressive this season is his consistency - he's putting up around 18 points and 10 rebounds nightly while playing through minor injuries that would sideline most players.
Now here's something crucial that most casual observers miss: watch how these big men handle double teams. When teams send extra defenders at Japeth Aguilar, notice how he keeps his pivot foot planted while scanning the court. That split-second decision making separates good players from great ones. Aguilar's athleticism at his size is just ridiculous - I've seen him switch onto guards and actually stay in front of them, which is almost unheard of for a 6'9" player. His timing on weak-side help defense is what coaches dream about, and honestly, I think he's been the most underrated defender in the league for years.
The third player on my list might surprise you - it's Raymond Almazan. Now I know what you're thinking - he's inconsistent. But when he's locked in, his combination of length and shooting touch is something special. Here's a practical tip for evaluating centers: watch their first three steps in transition. Almazan covers so much ground with those long strides that he often beats smaller players down the court. I've counted at least five games this season where his early transition buckets completely shifted the momentum. His mid-range game has improved dramatically too - he's shooting about 48% from 15-18 feet, which forces defenders to respect his jumper and opens up driving lanes.
This brings me to an important point about roster construction that I learned from talking to coaches - having depth in the frontcourt is more valuable than people realize. Just look at Ginebra's current situation - they're operating with only 13 players while Isaac Go recovers from injury and won't join until late December or early January. This shortage really highlights how vital every big man rotation spot becomes. When you're evaluating teams, always check their big man depth - it's the difference between surviving the eliminations and making a deep playoff run.
Now let's talk about Moala Tautuaa - this guy is built like a tank but moves like someone half his size. What I love about his game is how he uses his body to create space. If you're trying to improve your post game, watch how Tautuaa establishes position before the ball even comes his way. He'll give you that old-school back-to-the-basket game but can also step out and hit the three when needed. His free throw percentage has jumped from 65% to nearly 80% this season, which shows his dedication to improving weaknesses.
The sixth player on my list is someone I've grown to appreciate more each season - Poy Erram. His defensive instincts are just phenomenal. When you're watching games, pay attention to how he positions himself for help defense - he's always in the right spot at the right time. I've noticed he averages about 2.5 blocks per game, but what the stats don't show are all the shots he alters just by being in the vicinity. His timing on weak-side blocks is something young players should study on film.
Finally, we have Justin Arana - the rising star who's been turning heads this conference. What impresses me most about Arana is his basketball IQ for such a young player. He rarely takes bad shots and understands defensive rotations better than some veterans. His footwork in the post needs some polishing, but his natural feel for the game is undeniable. I've watched him develop over the past two seasons, and his improvement rate is remarkable - he's increased his scoring average from 8 points to nearly 15 points per game while maintaining efficient shooting percentages.
What I want you to remember after reading this is that footer players dictate the tempo of the game more than any other position. They control the paint, set the screens that free up shooters, and anchor the defense. The top 7 footer PBA players dominating the court today all share one common trait - they understand how to use their size effectively without sacrificing mobility. Watching these masters of footwork and positioning has completely changed how I appreciate basketball, and I guarantee it will do the same for you. The beauty of their game lies in those subtle moves - the well-timed pivot, the perfectly set screen, the strategic defensive positioning - that often go unnoticed but ultimately decide who lifts the championship trophy.