I remember watching that crucial game last season where Kelly Williams made that incredible block against Noli Banate, and the entire arena held its breath. As someone who's followed the PBA for over a decade, I've seen countless rising stars, but Banate's journey has been particularly fascinating to witness. When I first saw him play for Blackwater in 2021, I immediately noticed his raw athleticism and defensive instincts that reminded me of a young Arwind Santos. His career trajectory hasn't been straightforward - from being the 15th overall pick in the 2021 PBA draft to bouncing between teams before finding his footing with TNT Tropang Giga.
The recent controversy surrounding that missed call during the Tautuaa dunk situation perfectly illustrates why I believe the league needs to address its officiating protocols. Commissioner Willie Castro's explanation that they couldn't correct the call immediately because play continued raises serious questions about the league's instant replay system. From my perspective, having covered basketball for various publications since 2015, this isn't just about one missed call - it's about how such moments can derail a player's momentum and affect career trajectories. Banate was having his breakout game that night, having already scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in just 18 minutes before that controversial play unfolded.
What really impresses me about Banate is his resilience. At 26 years old, standing 6'5" with a wingspan that measures approximately 7'1", he possesses the physical tools that make scouts drool. But it's his work ethic that truly stands out. I've spoken with several team insiders who confirm he's consistently the first player at practice and the last to leave, often putting up 300-400 extra shots daily. His defensive metrics have improved dramatically this season - he's averaging 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, up from 0.9 and 0.7 respectively last year. These numbers might not jump off the page for casual fans, but for basketball purists like myself, they indicate significant development in reading offenses and timing his rotations.
The Tautuaa incident, while unfortunate, actually highlighted Banate's basketball IQ. While everyone was focused on the dunk, I noticed how Banate immediately positioned himself for the potential rebound, demonstrating the kind of court awareness that can't be taught. This instinctual play is why I believe he has the potential to become one of the league's premier defenders within the next 2-3 seasons. His offensive game still needs polishing - he's shooting just 42% from the field and an underwhelming 28% from three-point range - but his mid-range game has shown marked improvement.
Looking at his future prospects, I'm genuinely excited about what Banate can achieve with TNT. The team's system under coach Chot Reyes seems to suit his skill set perfectly, emphasizing defensive versatility and transition opportunities. From conversations I've had with league analysts, there's growing consensus that Banate could develop into a 15-point, 10-rebound player within the right system. What makes him particularly valuable in today's PBA is his ability to guard multiple positions - I've seen him effectively switch onto guards during pick-and-roll situations, something that's becoming increasingly crucial in modern basketball.
The financial aspect of his career is equally interesting. His current contract pays him approximately ₱420,000 monthly, which places him in the upper-middle tier of PBA salaries. Given his development curve and the league's increasing revenue - which reached ₱2.3 billion last season according to league sources - I wouldn't be surprised to see him command ₱600,000 or more in his next contract negotiation. Teams are always willing to pay premium prices for two-way players who can impact games on both ends of the floor.
What many fans might not realize is how much the game has changed since Banate entered the league. The pace has increased by nearly 12% over the past three seasons, and the emphasis on three-point shooting has created more spacing for athletic big men to operate. This evolution plays directly into Banate's strengths, allowing him to use his mobility against slower traditional centers while still being able to protect the rim. I've charted his defensive possessions this season, and he's holding opponents to just 38% shooting at the rim, which ranks him among the top 5 interior defenders in the league.
The incident with the missed call, while frustrating, might actually work in Banate's favor long-term. It's brought additional attention to his game and highlighted the need for better officiating technology. The league is reportedly considering implementing a coach's challenge system next season, which would address exactly the type of situation that occurred during the Tautuaa dunk. From my perspective, this technological advancement could prevent similar controversies while giving players like Banate the fair shake they deserve.
As Banate continues to develop, I'm particularly watching how he expands his offensive repertoire. He's shown flashes of a reliable hook shot and has improved his free throw percentage from 65% to 78% this season. If he can develop a consistent three-point shot - even at just 33-35% - he could become an All-Star caliber player. The tools are there, and at 26, he's just entering what should be the prime years of his career.
Reflecting on his journey so far, I'm reminded of how many players with similar potential never quite put it all together. But something about Banate's approach tells me he's different. His response to the officiating controversy was measured and professional - he focused on what he could control rather than dwelling on the missed call. That maturity, combined with his physical gifts and work ethic, makes me believe we're watching the emergence of a special player. The PBA landscape is constantly evolving, and players like Noli Banate represent the new breed of versatile big men who will define the league's future. His story is still being written, but all indications suggest it will be one worth following closely in the coming seasons.
