Frankly, the matches in the Commissioner’s Cup did get more exciting because the Bay Area Dragons swept away the boredom with their own brand of basketball.
Yeah, I like the Dragons to be in the finals, don’t you?.
And I want them to meet either Ginebra or Magnolia. Or even a late attempt by SMB.
For fans to get their money’s worth, this should be in the marquee of the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Hotshots must beat Rain or Shine in its next assignment to snatch the last twice-to-beat privilege or figure in a tie break with the Kings in case they lose.
Ginebra revived its hopes for the twice to beat spot by confidently repulsing NorthPort 122-105 last Sunday.
The Dragons have clinched the coveted first twice-to-beat privilege and I reckon both will most likely secure passage into the semifinals.
I expect the Kings to be in the Final Four likewise. However, I have no idea as to which team will Ginebra confront in the quarters.
Converge, with its impressive run, may be the last ballclub to take the fourth semis slot.
Mind you, the Fiberxers have become a dangerous team under new coach Aldin Ayo.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the other squads in the quarterfinals are pushovers. No sir. In fact, they could spring a surprise and ambush their opponents.
I am not writing off San Miguel Beer but their performance seemed to have dipped while big fella JunMar was recuperating from injury.
But now that the Cebuano ace is back, fans are expecting the Beermen to bounce back and challenge for a spot in the four team semis cast.
Because of evolving scenarios, the quarter finals will become the toughest testing ground for the six teams that will survive the eliminations and clash in the quarters.
Phoenix seemed to have one foot inside the door while Rain Or Shine, Meralco and NLEX are almost capsizing.
Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray are impressing me a lot.
Tim Cone has herded together a bunch of do-it-all hombres that will replace his aging soldiers who are ready to retire anytime.
Yes without – underestimating the capabilities of the other aspirants – I would assume Ginebra is the most qualified to confront the Dragons for the championship.
The next phase is going to be an uphill climb for every ballclub, including Mike Powell and his Dragons. Expect one or two upsets. (Email feedback to fredumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
