I feel sorry for coach Aldin Ayo.
His Fiberexers were on their way to reaching the top 4 in the Gov’s Cup leaderboard but something awry seemed to have happened.
His prized import, Jamaal Franklin, who gave his team five straight wins to figure in the race for the twice to beat advantage, suddenly dipped in performance.
After registering a 57 in one of his previous games, Franklin barely made his presence felt, scoring just 4 points in Converge’ blow out 101-120 loss to the streaking Gin Kings Sunday.
Franklin is averaging 37 pts plus per game but if you watched his lackluster performance, you may have noticed that the Converge high flying American import did not want to participate in his team’s effort to duke it out. He shot just 5 times and there was none of his herculean, swashbuckling style to win the duel for coach Ayo and the Fiberexers.
What gives?
For the millions of PBA fans who know when something is wrong, one can’t help but be suspicious. Ayo has intimated to the sports media that there might be some “changes” in the team’s composition.
He should be referring to the atrocious attitude Franklin displayed against the Kings.
Ayo owes it to PBA fans to make some amends as Converge has gained a lot of following from discriminating PBA fanatics.
An import change at this time will affect the team chemistry and coherence but this is the price a coach will have to make.
Back to square one.
Armchair analysts say better that this unwanted state of affairs happened in the prelimianry stage rather than in the quarterfinals where Ayo and Converge management are strongly hoping the Fiberexers can overcome and jump into the gruelling semis.
I suppose whatever is the reason for Franklin’s disappointing play versus Ginebra, it is not because of health reasons.
Let us leave it to Ayo because he has the unenviable task of redeeming the respectability the Fiberexers have gained and sustain the momentum since the former took the coaching reins last year.
No need to give Franklin a second chance. His on court demeanor said it all.
For a quick import replacement, maybe Ayo can extend an offer to Myles Powell, the prolific small import of the Bay
Area Dragons?
After all, it will just be for a short period. Hmmm, wouldn’t this be interesting?
(Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
