Random thoughts about the last few PBA games

This appears on the PBA website.

Random thoughts

by rick olivares pic by nuki sabio

Watching the PBA games the last few days, I was looking for something to write about but instead came up with disjointed thoughts.

Brian Butch is taking three-pointers from Jimmy Alapag range (that means it’s way out there).

If Brian Butch hits any of those hanging turn-around jumpers, I am stealing Brian Scalabrine’s handle of “White Mamba” and am hanging it on the Meralco import.

I cannot fathom the Alex Cabagnot trade from Petron/San Miguel to GlobalPort. The dude is clutch and has helped Petron to many a win. Sure the Beermen got Sol Mercado who can hit big shots too. My take away is: why mess with chemistry?

Richard Howell is getting better with every game for Talk ‘N Text. In his first match, he was forcing the issue. But now, he is playing much better. Howell’s been taking better shots and passing the ball better. His performance against a tough San Miguel squad was pretty impressive – 38 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, five steals, and one block.

You think that somewhere in the world, former San Miguel import Josh Boone is laughing?

Vic Manuel going to Alaska? That’s three studs down low now with the incumbent Gabby Espinas and Calvin Abueva. The Beast tends to play outside unlike Manuel and Espinas who like it down the blocks. So this is a trade that helps the Aces.

Conversely, Aldrech Ramos, who was sent to Air21 from the Manuel trade, did well in his first outing for the Express. The former Smart Gilas player scored 17 points, grabbed three rebounds, and blocked three shots. Except for the low number of boards that was taken care of Herve Laminza and Asi Taulava, those are the numbers that he put up while playing for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws during his college days. Hopefully, Ramos will find his niche with Franz Pumaren’s team.

The JC Intal renaissance continues over at Barako Bull where he topscored with 18 for his squad in a losing effort to Air21.

The San Mig Coffee Mixers keep on rolling. They have an opportunity to take over from Talk ‘N Text as the new PBA dynasty. That was one heck of a demolition job they did on GlobalPort winning 91-75.

Watching all these other players not get their minutes… I cannot wait for the PBA to add two more teams in time for the 40^th season. That will really help these players get meaningful minutes. And as one assistant coach (who refused to be identified) said, “More jobs for everyone.”

Agreed. But I am thinking about how many players do not get a fair shake. Getting drafted is a dream but latching on to the right club and the right coach is like hitting the lottery. That’s because you will get to play and show what you can do. For starters, there’s Aaron Aban and Nonoy Baclao of Talk ‘N Text. There’s Anjo Caram with Meralco. Previously, there was Sean Anthony with Powerade but after the dissolution of that team hasn’t really played the way he did during the Tigers’ run in their final year.

Of course, there’s more. But that’s it for now.