Let us join hands and pray for the miracle healing of Ginebra’s pointguard LA Tenorio who was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.
Inspite of the stunning sad medical findings, LA himself, in the company of SMC sports director AlFrancis Chua, announced it to his teammates and coaches during one practice day.
He has also undergone surgery in Singapore.
LA is an exceptional person that matches his playing skills. His positive approach to life and his deep faith in God strengthen his will to survive and overcome his current situation.
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As we went to press Wesdnesday, Meralco was battling Magnolia in the quarterfinals while topnotcher TNT was crossing blades versus number 8 Phoenix.
Coach Norman Black has said they were focusing their defense on Paul Lee who has been on an explosive foray in Magnolia’s great recovery.
Sorry Norman, I disagree. While the Hotshots went on a winning spree after losing their first 3 games, Lee is not the secret weapon.
Magnolia’s chemistry and fortess-like defense which coach Chito Victolero imbibed in his boys over the years have transfoemed the Hotshots into a formidable quingtet.
Let’s face it. Whenever the game is on the line, Lee is Victolero’s go-to guy. Very reliable, hot-shooting hands.
Black should be credited though for steering the Bolts to a twice to beat position.
This puts enormous pressure on Magnolia to exert 110% to take Game 1 or go home.
It’s a 50-50, if you ask me.
Black is lucky he got KJ McDaniels for his import. A journeyman in the PBA import-laced Gov’s Cup, McDaniels has proven to be reliable and disciplined as well as fit as a fiddle.
Antonio Hester is likewise what the doctors ordered for Magnolia.
Whatever stats each import produced in the elims won’t matter because the quartefinals is altogether a new level.
Which means that whoever between McDaniels and Hestor produces hefty contribution in socring, rebounding and defense will help push his team to victory.
Hester, a first-timer in Asia’s first pro league, has proven his mettle in all departments of the game.
He scores, defends well, rebounds astoundingly well and has an eye for the open man. He may not produce a double double and scores 30 or more, but he has consistency.
Not to demean KJ, but there are games where his consistency has been found wanting. That is why the Bolts were on a rollercoaster ride.
T’would be interesting to see one import guarding the other.
Between TNT and Phoenix, I cannot see why the former will not establish its superiority in firepower and defensive ability.
Expect more exciting, down-the-wire explosive matches. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
