EYES ON ROOKIES IN KINGS-BATANG PIER CLASH

by **betterhalf** Thu Nov 28, 2013 10:23 am

EYES ON ROOKIES IN KINGS-BATANG PIER CLASH

After sharing the spotlight as draft day winners, Barangay Ginebra and Globalport finally take the hard court pitting their draft acquisitions against one another Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Top draft pick Greg Slaughter immediately made an impact as a Gin King and so did No. 5 draft selection Terrence Romeo as a Batang Pier.

James Forrester, RR Garcia, Isaac Holstein and Nico Salva have had their minutes but they’re still obviously learning the PBA ropes.

All former PBA D-League players, they share the hard court as pros as the Kings and the Batang Pier clash in the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Pasay City playing venue.

Slaughter and the Kings go for a third straight win while Romeo and his Globalport teammates seek a follow-up on their 114-100 victory over Air21 the last time out.

Romeo came through with a flamboyant 34-point show in his second game in the PBA, leading the Batang Pier to their four-point win over the Express Saturday.

The 5-foot-10 guard, the 2013 UAAP MVP, drained six triples, four twinners and eight charities in the most productive performance by any PBA rookie since Kelly Williams made 35 in a game in his freshman year in 2006.

Jay Washington produced double-double numbers with 19 points and 12 rebounds while Sol Mercado added 14 markers as the Batang Pier nailed their first win under interim coach Richie Ticzon.

They face an extremely tough challenge in their next game, though.

Up next for Globalport is the team considered by everybody as the top favorite in the tourney.

Before a good crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday, Mark Caguioa topscored with 22 points while the towering frontcourt duo of Japeth Aguilar and Slaughter combined for 37 markers and 23 boards as the Kings dealt the Elasto Painters a first loss in three starts.

“Iba talaga pag may matangkad ka. With our big guys out there, we’re controlling the boards and dictating the tempo,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.

For sure, Ticzon’s main concern is how to match up with Aguilar and Slaughter.

Reyes, Garcia and Sol Mercado also face acid test versus LA Tenorio, Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand. (SB)

by **MR. FAST** Thu Nov 28, 2013 10:30 am

“Iba talaga pag may matangkad ka. With our big guys out there, we’re controlling the boards and dictating the tempo,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.

Iba talaga coach, yes very talented si Ian kumpara kay Greg BUT ang tanong kasi ano ba mas kelangan ng team naten? Talent or Need? Pwede naman pala both kasi kahit papano naman hindi naman papahuli sa talent si Greg kay Ian but sa Need naman mas need naten ng 7 footer kumpara sa 6'5.