VETERAN BIGS WELCOME YOUNG GIANTS’ CHALLENGE
Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and Eric Menk used to flex their muscles in the paint once upon a time.
The invasion of a new breed of big men – sophomore June Mar Fajardo of Petron Blaze and rookie Greg Slaughter of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – is a clear indication of the dawning of new era for frontliners dominating the big league.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo powered Petron Blaze’s run in the Governors’ Cup last season, but fell short against eventual titlist San Mig Coffee Mixers. Nevertheless, his performance gave a lasting impression that he will be the most dominant big man the soonest possible time.
Early this season, he has posted monster numbers, including a 21-point, 25-rebound game against the Coffee Mixers last November 27.
Slaughter, the seven-foot center who became the top overall pick in this year’s Draft, also had impressive numbers in his first three games in the PBA. He is averaging 15 points, 12.33 rebounds and 2.33 blocks per game.
Williams and Menk were not surprised by the two giants’ emergence.
“They should be (dominating the league). They’re big, they’re strong and they’re good players. I know that June Mar had a year under his belt practicing under Danny I (Ildefonso), so I’m pretty sure that helped him a lot. You can’t overlook the fact that he’s huge, about almost 300 pounds. He doesn’t really know how to use his weight yet, but once he get used to do it, he’ll be pretty much unstoppable in the league,” Williams, the 2007-08 Most Valuable Player said.
Added Menk, the 2004 MVP, “They’re big, strong and skilled. It’s good for the league.”
Slaughter’s stint with the national team in the past also got him ready to mix it up with the big guys.
“He had his experience with the national team. I think it helped him to be a good player. He’s my teammate with Gilas for a little while. If he continues to work hard, he’ll go a long way in the PBA,” quipped Williams.
The two young centers’ impact can be clearly seen with their team’s performance as Petron and Barangay Ginebra remained unbeaten in the early goings of the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup.
“Their teams are winning. I can’t say anything bad about these two guys. Those two guys are the future of Philippine basketball,” said Taulava, who won the MVP award a year before Menk.
For Taulava, a 40-year-old slotman who made a PBA comeback in the Governors’ Cup after powering San Miguel Beer to an ABL title, the advent of new big men in the PBA has made the league more exciting.
He also welcomes the challenge.
“It makes the games fun, having more big guys in the league, competition level has been raised. You’ve got to rest properly and play your tail off. It would not be bad for a 40-year-old competing against these guys,” added Taulava.
Williams, who is making his comeback this season after being sidelined for seven months due to a blood disorder, said facing bigger opponents such as Slaughter and Fajardo isn’t new to him.
Like Taulava, Williams also relishes the challenge.
“Do I like the challenge? I’m 6-foot-5, about 215, but I’m always up to it for a challenge. I’ve guarded bigger guys and I got big guys to back me up, too. It will be fun to play against them,” added Williams.
For Menk, having to play against Fajardo and Slaughter is good for his comeback trail.
“I’m just so happy to be back in the PBA,” said Menk. “But to play against these big guys would be good for me, especially in boosting my confidence level and helping my new team any which way I can.” (RJ)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
