The Filipino Matrix – JC Intal

The Filipino Matrix – JC Intal

The Dallas Mavericks were the surprise champion of the NBA in 2011. Nobody thought they could outplay the LA Lakers and Miami Heat in a 7-game series. One of the key players that performed well for the Mavs was the versatile forward Shawn Marion. Nicknamed “The Matrix” for his seemingly bionic athleticism, he improved his overall numbers in the postseason to complement Dirk Nowitzki’s excellence during their playoff run. Marion is widely regarded as one of the most versatile players in the league thanks to his athleticism and ability to play and defend different positions. Although he has been selected to several all-star game selections; he never had the fanfare and go-to-guy stature enjoyed by the likes of Dominique Wilkins, Clyde Drexler or even of a Chris Bosh or Paul Pierce. Marion played on teams that were led by MVP winners. He broke into the NBA for the Phoenix Suns as the 9th overall pick. He played with Steve Nash who captured back to back MVPs during the run and gun days of the team. After playing nine seasons with Phoenix, he was traded to the Miami Heat and played for a season and a half. His brief stay with the Heat was injury-riddled. He briefly played for Toronto Raptors, pairing with Chris Bosh, before signing as a free agent with the Mavs in 2009. With the Mavs, he played alongside 2006-07 season MVP Nowitzki to form one of the best scoring forward duos in the NBA.

In the PBA, Ginebra’s JC Intal exemplifies the qualities of Shawn Marion. Intal is freakishly athletic, has a high leaping ability and can also defend many positions. Just like Marion, Intal was a lottery pick by a run and gun Air21 team. Similar to Marion, Air21 did not know where Intal will fit in; he was too lean to guard the power forward position on defense but was too quick on them on offense. Intal did not posess a reliable jumpshot when he entered the PBA. Although he did make a couple of jumpers during his college days with Ateneo Blue Eagles, Intal’s outside shot was not ‘money’ upon entry in the pro league. He had to earn his minutes while playing for Coach Perasol’s Air21 team but showed glimpses of his potential with his high-wire acts that made him a crowd favorite in the PBA.

On January 2009, Intal was traded to Ginebra. He made a good impression on die-hard Ginebra fans by coming off the bench to score 20points and helping the Gin Kings win game 3 of their best of 5 quarterfinal series against Alaska (Ginebra eventually lost the series in 5 and Alaska went on to win the championship with Diamon Simpson as their import). Ginebra fans love Intal for his hardwork and dedication to the team. He hustles, rebounds, defends well and has developed a dependable outside shot that stretches to the three-point line. He brings the Ginebra crowd to its feet with a throw down dunk from time to time or by doing a chase-down block on defense which is also the forte of Marion when he played for the Suns. Just like Marion, Intal is currently playing with a former MVP in JayJay Helterbrand. And just like Marions’s Dallas team, it will be a surprise if Ginebra wins a championship for the 2011-2012 season despite a good showing in the inaugural conference (most PBA experts and analysts predict that the champion will come from these three powerhouse teams: Talk ‘N Text, Petron and B-Meg Derby Ace).

Marion and Intal are two players playing on different leagues. But their style of play and work ethic is perfect for the game of basketball. They play the game the right way and they contribute for the benefit of their respective teams. To say JC Intal is the Filipino Matrix is not a hyperbole but a simile.

SOURCE: sugarrolls

One thing na angat si Intal kay Marion is, maganda ang shooting pose.

Magnum wrote:One thing na angat si Intal kay Marion is, maganda ang shooting pose.

Kla ko pre mas magandang lalake.


Goodluck sa game mo mya JC.

Go Jc! :))