My
favorite PBA players
by rick olivares with image taken from pba.ph
Tony
de la Cruz – If there is anyone who is coldly efficient its Tony de la Cruz. I never
was a fan of Shell but I did like their team with Rich Alvarez and when they
had Leo Austria as head coach. Great fundamentals. Even better attitude towards
the game and a great locker room presence. This guy has been the face of the
Uytengsu franchise since he came over from Shell.
Cyrus
Baguio – Loved what he can do ever since his days in UST. I still feel that he
is not the player he was when he was in Red Bull but then again, who is? Rico
Villanueva is certainly not. But Skyrus I feel is handicapped by the triangle
offense. Nevertheless, always fun to watch.
LA
Tenorio – Since his frosh year in Ateneo, he was cool and composed. Not to mention
deadly. He has gotten much better in the PBA. Prime time player.
Sonny
Thoss – When he came into the league, I scoffed, “Just another Fil-for with no
talent.” Boy, was I wrong. He’s become a rock at center for the national team
and for Alaska. Love his game.
Larry
Fonacier – The Larry Fonacier we are seeing now with TNT is the Larry Fonacier who
was a star for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets. In the senior Blue Eagles he was more
of a shooter than the all-around player he was. I’d say he is one of the
smartest players in the league. I love his court vision. Him being on the court
with Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, and Ryan Reyes is like watching a clinic of
ruthless and selfless basketball.
Jared
Dillinger – Does this dude have guts or what? Absolutely fearless. The things he
does to his knees and feet I just shake my head. But JD plays his ass flat out every
time out. Definitely a top fave player.
Jason
Castro – Speed kills. I remembered when Jimwell Torion entered the league and
devastated foes in similar fashion. But Castro is by far more talented and
deadly.
Ryan
Reyes – Solid and unspectacular with the flair for the spectacular. A huge huge
addition to TNT. Imagine him with Alapag and Castro. That’s a tough three guard
corps there that matches up with B-Meg’s.
Harvey
Carey – Thought he was a bust as he didn’t have a great rookie year but he has
turned himself into a tireless worker who gets the job done. Does any other
team work harder than TNT?
Chris
Lutz – What a great addition to Petron. His intensity and fire is a perfect
fit for what drives Arwind Santos. When he joined Smart Gilas alongside Marcio
Lassiter, that gave the nationals great wing defenders (along with Mac
Baracael). He gives the same to Petron and some super scoring punch.
Marcio
Lassiter – Mr. Cool. Nothing changes in his demeanor even when he makes big shots.
But I love what he brings to the table. Sentimental Smart Gilas fave and so I
follow Powerade more closely.
JV
Casio – I was always afraid of Casio when he was in La Salle. Who got off those
shots quicker? Then Rajko Toroman improved his game and now we’re all waiting
for him to do the same for Powerade.
Gary
David – I have to admit that David snuck in like a stealth bomber. Such a
dynamic scorer. Difficult to guard because of his speed and shiftiness. All you
can hope is that he has a bad day.
Rudy
Lingganay – Been a fan since his days with UE. I sure hope that he does real well
in the pros because like Rob Labagala they are very good guards.
Willy
Wilson – Was never impressed with him before but he’s become a very good utility
player with a lot of skills. How can I not root for a guy who plays smart and
is a hard-nosed defender?
JC
Intal – So much talent but I wish that he had the ruthlessness of Arwind
Santos, Mark Caguioa or even the spunk of Ronald Tubid.
Mick
Pennisi – Okay, not the most athletic of the bunch or even the smartest player on
the floor but Mick will squeeze the most out what he has to contribute. And
love the character. Got to feature the old Red Bull team when Yeng Guiao was
their head coach and I thought that he made that team fun in every way
(alongside Carlo Sharma).
Ronjay
Buenafe – The Mad Bomber who can put up points in a hurry. Who else does this –
Gary David, the young Mark Caguioa, Jeff Chan, Paul Lee (anyone notice how Rain
or Shine has cornered the market share on pistoleros like Buenafe). Knows only how to play a couple of ways
– fast, faster, and go even faster if possible.
Gaby
Espinas – Wish he’d play with a burr up his butt all the time because in spite of
his talent, he’s kind of inconsistent. He can score when he wants to score (and
play defense too). Wish it happened more often than not.
Josh
Urbiztondo – All heart! Smart player too.
Kerby
Raymundo – Now this is unfair. Blessed with height and all that talent. Wish he
was healthier because it has been a treat to watch this guy.
Mark
Barroca – So he’s not shown anything with B-Meg. But that’s because he went to
the wrong team. He should be playing for Ginebra.
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