E-PAINTERS’ EARLY SHOW OF FORCE
In this week’s Hits & Misses, we feature the week that passed, highlighting the first four playdates of the PBA Governors’ Cup. We saw the rise of the defending champs bannered by their do-it-all import, an energetic import drawing flak and praises, two hardworking forwards finding ways to shine and a deceptive guard leading the way for the locals in his squad.
HITS
Rain or Shine – The defending champions have put themselves where they want to be – on top of the standings in this short, single round tournament. Two quick wins had the Elasto Painters vaulting their way to solo lead and coach Yeng Guiao couldn’t be happier. The team has been winning despite not fully utilizing the services of Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan, two returning players who served the Gilas Pilipinas national team in the recent FIBA Asia Championship.
Arizona Reid – Picking up from where he left off two years ago, AZ has not shown any sign of slowing down.
The smallest among the imports playing in the tournament, Reid’s do-it-all play was more than enough to help the Elasto Painters claim top spot. His averages of 27.5 points and 18.5 rebounds in the team’s first two wins were impressive enough, but his ability to hold the team together and bring his infectious energy to the floor are incomparable.
Ryan Arana – There’s a reason for Norwood and Chan to get all the rest they deserve after wearing themselves down during their stint with Gilas Pilipinas.
With Ryan Arana, a lefty but shifty guard, taking the cudgels, the two can take the backseat and watch the former La Sallian display his steady form. In two games, he averaged 14 points, banging in 21during their 94-74 demolition job of the GlobalPort Batang Pier Saturday.
Reynel Hugnatan – This burly veteran has become the source of strength for the Meralco Bolts inside.
Hugnatan produced double-double outputs in points and rebounds in his team’s last game and the battle-scared frontliner had been putting those numbers against bigger, younger opponents.
In two games, Hugnatan averaged 18 points and nine rebounds.
Doug Kramer – This Petron Blaze newcomer didn’t wait long to show what he can contribute to his new team.
In the Boosters’ win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the 6-foot-4 Atenean had monster numbers of 17 points and 10 rebounds, this he did while handling the difficult task of stopping beefy Kings import Dior Lowhorn.
Marqus Blakely – The biggest reason why this athletic import was recalled for a second tour of duty was to fill in the spot of Marc Pingris, who will get a much-needed break after a tiring stint with Gilas Pilipinas.
The import provided the energy, hustle, defense and rebounding and more than made up for the absence of Pingris.
In two games, Blakely averaged 31.5 points and 22.5 rebounds, but couldn’t get the support he needs from the locals as the Coffee Mixers lost their first two games.
MISSES
James Yap – Seeing this San Mig Coffee top gun healthy than ever was answered prayers for the Mixers’ fans.
But the two-time Most Valuable Player couldn’t get his rhythm going and for two games, Yap looked nothing like the feared long-range bomber that he is. He averaged only five points per game on a combined 2-for-25 shooting from the field in 36.5 minutes of playing time.
San Mig Coffee – Missing the team’s catalyst and seeing its superstar swingman struggling, the team just couldn’t find the right mix.
For two games, the Coffee Mixers lost, getting inconsistent production from their local players.
Now the Coffee Mixers, finalist of the same tournament last year, will need to get their act fast to keep their chances for a top four spot that carries with it a twice-to-beat incentive.
Marqus Blakely’s poor free throw shooting – For people who love to see effort, hustle and energy, Marqus Blakely fits that role of a hero.
He’s a sight to behold, except only when he steps onto the foul line to take free throws.
For two games, Blakely’s free throw shooting has been atrocious – 15 out of 45 attempts.
Chris Lutz – He is known to be one of the most talented swingmen playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters, but under Gee Abanilla’s system, it seems that the former Gilas Pilipinas standout is having his share of struggles.
In two games, he only averaged a point, a stark contrast from his usual production the past two seasons. (RJ)
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