by rick olivares
For the first time in 17 years, Ginebra will have the
overall number pick. The last time they won the draft lottery was 1996 when
they tabbed Marlou Aquino.
This year they’ll have the luxury to choose among
Raymond Almazan, Ian Sangalang, and Greg Slaughter.
Who should they get?
First of all, let’s look at the rotation of Ginebra:
PG – LA Tenorio, Josh Urbiztondo, and Rob Labagala
SG – Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand,
SF - Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael, and Dylan Ababou
PF – Japeth Aguilar, Willy Wilson, and Rico
Maierhofer
C – Billy Mamaril and Kerby Raymundo
They are set at the guard and small forward
positions. It’s in the four-spot and five-spot where Ginebra needs help.
Ginebra rebounds with all hands on deck. They were
fourth in that category last conference but it’s hard to look at that as a key
stat when imports are a factor. Having said that, it should be noted that in
the top 10 rebounders of the last conference, there were only two locals (Asi
Taulava and Jay Washington).
But if you know your Ginebra history, this is a team
that always had its guards and forwards (not to mention its high flying and
larger than life imports) as the main stars – there’s the Big J, Francis
Arnaiz, Dondon Ampalayo, Chito and Joey Loyzaga, Rudy Distrito, Bal David,
Vince Hizon, Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand.
Outside its imports, it’s never had a super center
since Aquino brought his gangly frame and goggles to the pros. Sure there was
Rommel Adducul but he didn’t have the desired effect on the five spot. Eric
Menk, a traditional power forward had to play the middle at times since there
was a lack of a quality big man.
They’ve mostly had those wiry and gangly centers like
Ed Ducut, Romulo Mamaril, Rey Cuenco, Sonny Cabatu (who isn’t wiry and gangly
but awkward although effective too) come in and his arrival immediately helped
Ginebra.
In today’s PBA game, you want a center who will do
battle with the tall guys and the imports. So let’s see how the three fare on a
scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest.
Based on my watching these guys play in their
respective college leagues and the D-League, that’s how I rate them. It’s close
but Greg scores better. And in my opinion, I feel that the Big Fella should go
to Barangay Ginebra.
From what I read, the Big Fella also has the nod of Ginebra icon Mark Caguioa. It’s not every day
you land a big guy like that with the potential to be a game changer.
Here’s a short interview with Greg Slaughter.
Rick: Your thoughts on possibility for
playing for Ginebra?
Greg: I would love nothing more than to
play for the most fan supported and historical team in the PBA. I've seen Ginebra
games and know they have the people behind them and I think that's why Ginebra
has a never say die attitude.
Rick: May I ask for your reaction to the
fact that no #1 pick from Ateneo has done well in the pros. Alex Araneta
retired early while Rich Alvarez, Japeth Aguilar and Noy Baclao have been
journeymen.
Greg: Rich has been playing for I think
nine years now so for me that's quite an accomplishment of being able to stay
in the league for that long. Japeth and Noy are still young and have plenty of
time. I don't think being a journeyman is bad as long as you keep getting
better. Look at Robert Horry.
Rick: In the PBA the players are taller and
heftier, do you relish the challenge of going against these them?
Greg: Absolutely. I'm excited to play
against the best competition in the country. There's nothing more fun and
satisfying than to be able to use your abilities at 110 percent as if you're
fighting for your life.
Rick: It’s been a while since you played
competitively. What have you been working on?
Greg: My shooting, touch around the hoop,
dribbling, and strength mostly. When I get back to Manila I can work on my
cardio better.
So get ready for the Big Fella to make a splash in
the big leagues.
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