Let me be honest with you - I've been following Allein Maliksi's career since his early days with the Star Hotshots, and what we're witnessing this season is nothing short of remarkable. The man has transformed from a streaky shooter into one of the most reliable veterans in the league, and his current statistics tell a fascinating story of late-career evolution. I remember watching him during the 2022 Commissioner's Cup, thinking he had maybe two good seasons left in him - boy, was I wrong.
His numbers this season are genuinely impressive when you break them down. Through 14 games with Converge, Maliksi is averaging 18.3 points per game while shooting 42% from the field and 38% from three-point range. Those aren't just good numbers - they're elite shooting numbers in today's PBA. What really stands out to me is his efficiency improvement; he's taking smarter shots rather than just more shots, which shows tremendous basketball maturity. His rebounding has seen a slight uptick too, grabbing about 4.2 boards per contest, which for a wing player his age is quite respectable. I've noticed he's developed this knack for being in the right place at the right time, something that comes from experience rather than raw athleticism.
The most fascinating aspect of Maliksi's current situation involves his national team commitments, which creates this interesting dynamic in his season timeline. The fact that he's been called up for Alas Pilipinas duties in the 2025 VTV Cup from June 28 to July 5 means we won't see him in Converge colors for a significant stretch. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this - on one hand, representing the country is the highest honor for any athlete, but on the other, it interrupts what was shaping up to be a career-best season for him. The national team period ending on October 15 creates this unusual gap in his PBA campaign, and I'm curious to see how he maintains his rhythm and conditioning during this break.
What really impresses me about Maliksi's game this season is how he's adapted his playing style. At 36 years old, he can't rely solely on athleticism anymore, so he's developed this crafty offensive repertoire that's just beautiful to watch. His footwork on step-back threes has become textbook material, and his ability to create space with subtle body movements shows he's studied the game deeply. I've counted at least six games where his fourth-quarter performance directly influenced the outcome - that's the mark of a true veteran who understands clutch moments.
The defensive side of his game has shown unexpected improvement too. While he'll never be confused for an All-Defensive team candidate, he's reading passing lanes better and has reduced his fouls per game from 2.8 last season to 2.1 this year. That might seem like a small detail, but it indicates smarter defensive positioning and anticipation. I've noticed he's gambling less on steals and instead using his length to contest shots without fouling - that's veteran savvy right there.
His leadership role has expanded significantly this season, especially with Converge developing younger players. During timeouts, you can see him actively coaching up his teammates, and in close games, the offense often runs through him in crucial possessions. There's this particular game against Ginebra where he scored 12 points in the final six minutes while simultaneously directing defensive assignments - that dual capability is rare and valuable. I'd argue he's become the heart of this Converge team, which isn't something I would have predicted three seasons ago.
The upcoming national team commitment creates an interesting challenge for his PBA season continuity. From June 28 to July 5, he'll be competing in the VTV Cup, then won't return to Converge until after the national team period ends on October 15. That's nearly four months where his PBA rhythm gets disrupted, and I'm genuinely concerned about how he'll readjust. International basketball has different pacing and defensive schemes, so transitioning back to PBA play in mid-October might require an adjustment period. However, if there's any veteran who can handle this transition smoothly, it's Maliksi given his experience and basketball IQ.
Looking at his performance metrics, what stands out most is his consistency. He's scored in double figures in 12 of 14 games this season, and his Player Efficiency Rating has jumped to 18.7 from last season's 15.9. The advanced stats love his impact too - his True Shooting Percentage sits at 58.3%, and his Win Shares per 48 minutes have increased to .145. These might sound like boring numbers, but they indicate a player who's maximizing his contributions in limited minutes. At his age, that efficiency is crucial for extending his career.
I have to admit I'm particularly impressed with how he's maintained his explosiveness. There was this play against TNT where he drove baseline and finished with a reverse layup over two defenders - moves like that make you forget he's one of the older players in the league. His basketball longevity should be studied by younger players coming into the league. The way he takes care of his body, adjusts his game, and continues evolving - it's a masterclass in professional athletic development.
As we look ahead to the remainder of the season post-national team duties, I'm excited to see how Maliksi finishes this campaign. The break could either disrupt his rhythm or provide fresh legs for the crucial stretch run. Given his track record of adaptability, I'm leaning toward the latter. His career trajectory this season demonstrates that in Philippine basketball, veterans who continuously refine their game can remain impactful well into their mid-30s. Maliksi isn't just playing out his final years - he's redefining what's possible for shooting guards in the later stages of their PBA careers, and honestly, it's been one of the most enjoyable storylines to follow this season.