Players I like from the 2017 Seaba Men's Championship

Players I like from the 2017 Seaba Men's Championship
by rick olivares

As expected, the Philippines romped away with the Seaba Men’s Championship. Quite a few timers on the team were revelations – Roger Pogoy quietly made the starting unit and performed quite well. Allein Maliksi showed that he belongs as well. Matthew Wright – he’s the next big gunner on the team with Larry Fonacier retired from international duty. Wright shot 54% from three-point range! Incredible.

If we were to name the best performers from the tournament they would all come from the Philippines. So since most people would know about the local boys, let’s take a look at the other countries.

More than the Filipinos’ talent, the Seaba championships provided the hoops fan with a front row seat to some of the talent in the region and here are some players who I think are pretty good.

Abraham Grahita (5’10” shooting guard, Indonesia)

13.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.

This guy can shoot with a 44% accuracy rate. With opposing teams keying their defense on him, Indonesia has to find ways to free him up or even better, get him to attack the basket.

Wong Wei Long (5’8” point guard, Singapore)

7.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists

I was tempted to go with small forward Leon Kwek but I’d say that Wong is their best all-around player. Needs to improve his shooting though to be more efficient and to free up his teammates.

Wana Aung (6’1” small forward, Myanmar)

16.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists

Absolutely fearless. With more experience and even better coaching this kid can be a force. He needs to be exposed to top flight competition to learn. Along with power forward Thein “Phu” Han who reminds me of former San Miguel Beer power forward Alvin Teng in his robotic and mechanic al approach to basketball, Wana was one of the most entertaining players to watch in the tournament.

Patiphan Klahan (6’6” small forward, Thailand)

7.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks

He’s got potential. I’d even say that given the chance and more exposure, he can even play in the PBA. Love the length and his ability to cover the floor on both ends. Can shoot, can drive, can post, can play defense. What’s not to like?

Chitchai Ananti (6”2” small forward, Thailand)

16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Love his ability to get to the basket. The problem is when he is guarded well, there isn’t much he can do as evidenced with the big fat egg he laid against the Philippines. If Ananti can learn how to affect the game in other ways – defense or passing more – he’d be a more dangerous player.

Le Ngoc Tu (6’1” small forward, Vietnam)

7.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals

Tough player. Good floor leader for Vietnam. Stabilizes Vietnam’s offense. If he can improve his field goal shooting and get a better feel for the game, he could be a top flight point guard. But Le Ngoc Tu is a tough player.

Honorable mention:

Thailand has some pretty good ballers. Wutipong Dasom is one. Scored a tournament high 40 points. But that was against Myanmar. He’s got skills though. Another is shooting guard Kannut Samerjai and power forward Sukhdave Ghogar.

I like Indonesia’s Arki Wisnu. Wish we saw more of him. Like a more mobile version of Ken Bono. Christian Sitepu is a player similar to Indonesia’s Patiphan Klahan. Consistency is key too.

I like Singapore’s 6’7” center Delvin Goh. I’d say, he’d even be a serviceable center in the PBA. Needs to work up on his post-up game though. And play a little faster.