And The New Best Player In The Eastern Conference is...

With Lebron James taking his talents to LA, there is now a void which the remaining players in the Eastern Conference must filll...and that is the position of best player in the East.

It's a task easier discussed than decided on, given that no one seems to be clearly the best player. But here are my top four candidates for that position.

Candidate #1 Kyrie Irving
Lebron's former teammate in Cleveland averaged 24.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in his lone, cut-way-too-short season in Boston. He's a dynamic scorer, very dangerous in the open court, and starting to learn how to be a playmaker for others.

His defense is suspect though and his athleticism may have taken a hit with this season's knee injury. Until he comes back and shows he is the same player he was in his days in Cleveland plus improve his defense and playmaking, I'd hesitate to crown him as the East's best player.

Batang Gilas Crushes New Zealand 73-51, Places 13th.

In a game between somewhat familiar rivals, Batang Gilas showed just how much they've improved in the span of half a year.

Led by Kai Sotto's 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks, the young Gilas team defeated New Zealand 73-52, in a game that was never in doubt. In fact, the young Pinoys won every quarter (16-12, 19-12, 19-12, 19-15)

Don't make any mistake, this was an upset, given our history with Oceania basketball.

Just a few short months ago, we faced this same team at the FIBA Asia Under 16 Tournament and lost to them by 16 points, 76-60. They were led by promising youngsters Marvin Williams-Dunn (17points on 50% shooting), Mitchell Dance (16pts on 38% shooting, 7 rebounds), and Jake McKinlay (10pts on 33% shooting).