by rick olivares pic by mon rubio
When San Mig Coffee rookie Justin Melton committed two
crucial miscues in Game One of the best-of-seven semifinals series of the
ongoing Philippine Cup against Barangay Ginebra, there was teammate Mark
Barroca to save the day.
Mark Barroca. It wasn’t too long ago when I was
defending him in an article in Rebound magazine after he was cut from Far
Eastern University for allegedly committing some shenanigans. Those in the
middle felt that he was too reckless. Too much of a razzle-dazzle player. But
that was Mark. The turnovers, like it or not, were a part of his game because
of the way he played.
He was built for the uptempo game where he threw
caution to the wind. And that was why he thrived in Rajko Toroman’s Smart Gilas
where he set Asia on fire with his blazing speed and ankle-breaking crossovers.
Think Jason Castro during the last FIBA Asia.
He drove on seven-footers. Danced around opponents
like they were slalom cones. In those days, he played like an import. Foreign
teams wanted his services.
When Mark was drafted by Shopinas in 2011 and
subsequently traded (on draft day) to B-Meg (for Brian Ilad), it was like the
former got fleeced. Ilad is not in the league anymore and Barroca has
established himself as one of the premier point guards in the PBA.
Initially, I wondered how he’d fit with the walk it
up offense of Tim Cone. Playing initially behind Jonas Villanueva and Josh
Urbiztondo (and brought in as a replacement for Roger Yap), Barroca is now the
only one left from that guard rotation. He’s been handed the keys to run Cone’s
offense. And to take big shots.
You might argue that in the triangle there’s no real
need for a point guard per se. Hence, PJ Simon and James Yap at times starting
in the backcourt. But that’s beside the point. Barroca, whether running the
show or raining jumpers; whether starting or coming off the bench, he can get
the job done.
He’s been an All-Star twice. He’s been named Player of
the Week two weeks running. Then he drills the game winning jumper against
Barangay Ginebra. Oh, and he’s a part of two PBA championship teams.
The titles that eluded him in Far Eastern University and
the UAAP have come in the pros. And finally, he is getting some deserved
recognition.
Truthfully… this couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
Here’s a dude who before he exits the locker room would spend time to pray
before every game. Here’s a player who would cry at the end of a loss or even a
campaign where his team fell short. Here’s a player who we haven’t even seen
the best of just yet.
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