SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BARAKO BULL-GLOBALPORT MATCH FROM SUNDAY
Before the GlobalPort match against Barako Bull Sunday, a lot of talk – and let’s be clear about this pre-game and post-game chatter – was centered on the Batang Pier’s head coach Pido Jarencio.
Let’s be honest about this. The rumor mill about a coaching change started as far back as the Governors’ Cup of the last season. And I recalled a statement that Norman Black told me during his time with Ateneo, “Coaches get hired to get fired.”
Since GlobalPort acquired Powerade’s slot they have had four head coaches in a little over two seasons: Glenn Capacio, Junel Baculi, Richie Ticzon, and now, Jarencio. I don’t know who has changed coaches in a more dizzying pace – the Batang Pier or the San Miguel Beermen or Barangay Ginebra?
Whether the rumors are true or not, GlobalPort boss Michael Romero dismissed the talk when he said that “it’s all chismis” and “it’s too early to make changes.” But a few sentences later, he did say that all the performances will be evaluated.
Still, I have to feel bad for Jarencio. I didn’t hear any cast iron guarantee like “he’s our coach for the (insert PBA conference or time frame here)” so you know that he’s on some sort of a game-by-game evaluation. A slide here and who knows?
On another note, interesting… Batang Pier kept Terrence Romeo but let go of RR Garcia. Yet in the endgame, Romeo was on the bench. Did they think the ball would move around much better?
In the first sequence of Romeo and Garcia against each other (outside a FEU jersey), the former forced the latter to a traveling violation at the 5:16 mark of the first quarter. The two guarded each other for about a minute before Garcia went out for Denok Miranda.
Speaking of Miranda, along with GlobalPort’s Alex Cabagnot, the former court generals of Petron are now on opposite squads and playing back-ups to other guards. But both Denok and Alex respectively led their teams in scoring last Sunday.
Cabagnot netted 21 in GlobalPort’s first win of the season while Miranda fired 16 markers to lead Barako Bull.
John Pinto who used to suit up for the Arellano Chiefs is now with GlobalPort. I once remarked while covering him two seasons ago that he played very much like Miranda who turned out to be his idol. Hopefully, he will be given a chance to show what he can do.
However, that means dislodging this year’s number one overall draft pick Stanley Pringle who compiled 19 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. The San Diego, California native put up some impressive numbers (14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals) when the Batang Pier lost to NLEX in their season opener.
Pringle showed some playground moves with a pair of behind the back dribbles to split a double team. He was successful in the first but Barako Bull was a little wiser to it the second time around. I asked Pringle if he has more stuff to show. He smiled and said, “In due time!”
Eight players scored in double digits in that match and five of them were guards – Miranda, Garcia, Jeric Fortuna, Cabagnot, and Pringle. I can’t say that the perimeter defense was good for either side as the guards were able to routinely attack the basket or pull up for shots. If the defense met them in the lane, they dropped for some dimes to open teammates.
I thought that Chico Lanete got the job done early for Barako Bull as he was able to use his quickness and strength to get to the basket. When he went to the bench that’s when GlobalPort was able to take the lead.
Guards are putting up more well-rounded numbers because not only are they taller and quicker but also more athletic. Their ability to run much better than the bigs allows them to pick up more points and other stats.
GlobalPort performed better in the endgame. Lessons learned from crumbling against NLEX?
Let’s find out because in their next match, they will face the winless Purefoods Star Hotshots.
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