The Next Attraction

The Next Attraction

While our idols (boss FireQuinito and Sir Mico Halili) over at the AKTVCenter will continue to hype any and all Manila Classico matches from here on out, same with any game that features Calvin Abueva or the famed/sickening Petronovela-- there's one under-the-radar PBA match-up that intrigues us the most: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel versus the Rain or Shine Elastopainters.

If last Sunday's instant classic is to serve as a taste of things to come should these two face off, say, in a seven-game series, then the ratings/ social media activity would blow straight through the roof. There's one team that says they're still "Never Say Die" and try to play the underdog card despite their obvious souped-up line-up (only a blind, ignorant Ginebra die-hard would think that his/her team is not a title favorite or hasn't been one since The Living Legend left) and there's the other one-- cheered and jeered for the very same things that the old Ginebra wore proudly night in and night out.

Physical defense, all-out hustle, helter-skelter basketball, rough house plays anchored on burly enforcers-- and most of all, an outspoken coach who has testicles the size of grapefruits.

Credit goes to the Kings for a super comeback from a 15-point deficit minus Mark Caguioa. It took balls for Coach Siot Tangquincen to finally stop and say, "you guys win this one without the reigning MVP." And just like that, everything started falling into place. The rooks-- Chris Ellis and Yousef Taha played with spunk and energy instead of looking for their go-to-guy. L.A. Tenorio played like L.A. Tenorio and almost
had a triple double night with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. And Jayjay Helterbrand went "vintage Fast" on us off the bench and took the cudgels from buddy Caguioa.

Of course, it should be noted that Ginebra's guards were wreaking all sorts of havoc thanks to RoS' defensive specialist Jireh Ibanes being in street clothes. Rookie Chris Tiu played his 2nd game of the season and finished with a respectable 8 points. Tiu can play on the PBA level, but his defense was paltry at best. Can't judge him yet, since we know Tiu can D up-- must be that hamstring.

Oh, and how about Gabe Norwood?

After a monstrous, awesome performance the other night versus Meralco he lays an egg for the whole Philippines to see. Who was guarding him again? Rookie Ellis? Tenorio? GTFOH man Tenorio's 5"7 at best. You're 6"5 and looking clueless.

Oh, and you know the best thing about last Sunday's game? It was close, but RoS was playing minus their best defender at SG in Ibanes, and their lead PG Paul Lee who pretty much gives RoS that slashing option that they're currently lacking.

Somehow, with all his smarts and savvy, we don't see Tenorio going for near triple doubles versus the bigger, beefier Lee. Or Caguioa/ Helterbrand scoring so easily out in the perimeter versus Ibanes.

Just saying.

On a side note, love what Taha is bringing to the Ginebra mix. They still need a back-to-the-basket option, and it's pretty clear that Kerby Raymundo isn't their guy (plays too finesse for their liking, probably wishing Eric Menk was still on the roster and not their ABL sister team). Don't know if Asi Taulava would be the answer there because he's never really a big time or even dependable scorer down low. If Taha learns to pick his spots and develop his mid range J, then the search for Ginebra's next true big is over.

And F J-Wash. Ginebra doesn't need another high flying, inconsistent wing.


Source: KKS