It’s not about the coaches.
Figure this one out.
Mind you, both Tim Cone and Norman Black will go back to their respective drawing boards.
For any adjustments if there are any.
This mainly concerns how Cone will want what specific role Justin Brownlee should play and how Black will want what assignment Tony Bishop will be tasked to do.
All of you PBA fanatics already know why imports like JB and Bishop are here. They are the keys to winning and losing.
Look, after Mike Harris was injured in the 4th quarter (and was unable to come back) in Game 5 of the Hotshots vs Bolts semi-final contest, Magnolia was never the same again. They were a sorry lot.
Cone realizes Ginebra is undermanned so he will expect JB to exert the same explosive output (47 pts., 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks) the latter scored against NLEX.
You see, JB doubtless inspires and motivates his fellow Gins when he soars and explodes. Because of this, Scottie Thompson, Christian Standhardinger and the seldom-used veteran Jeff Chan (who sniped in 20 pts.) and even the pesky John Pinto have elevated their playing norms, not to mention the steady court generalship of LA Tenorio who I believe will outplay his Meralco counterparts anytime of the day.
But the Bolts, as a team, are more cohesive because Bishop essays a “fatherly” role Newsome and company respects and follows, unlike the prolific JB who, as you see, single handedly carries out the burdensome assignment of having to bail Ginebra out of trouble.
In the lengthy seven final series, Meralco could outlast Ginebra if the duel reaches Game 7.
That is the fear that Cone cannot but entertain in his thoughts.
Meaning, he will have to design a game plan to ensure the Gins take home the Gov’s Cup 4-2 or 4-1.
The law of averages might work in Black’s favor. He has not beaten Cone in Meralco’s three championship outings against Ginebra.
Though at face value, this battle is a toss-up, Ginebra is clearly the favorite.
Thousands of Brgy. Ginebra fanatics will troop to the MOA, root for their idols and their collective thunderous chants will definitely energize the Gins’ quality of play.
It’s like when you personally watch the Lakers at the Staples Center and you share in chanting with the packed arena “Lebron,’ Lebron!”. That is the feeling.
Chris Banchero and Japeth Aguilar will play key roles for the Bolts and the Gins, respectively.
JB is predictable while Bishop is not.
When Brownlee has the leather, he will take the shot because that is his role – to produce the points.
Bishop need not always go to the basket. He can be a decoy to create an open shot or a teammate. When needed, Bishop will produce and how.
Cone has his first five already marked by Black. Tenorio, Thompson, Aguilar, Standhardinger and JB.
Black has a deeper bench from which to rotate his people.
Bangers like Cliff Hodge and Reynal Hugnatan may alternate on JB to tire him out and limit his contribution.
What an awesome duel at the backcourt between Tenorio and Newsome.
Can’t wait to watch this major battle between PBA titans.
Take your pick, folks. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
