Bench Press v2.2

What we’ve learned so far:

• Stars are born – Harvey Carey’s posting the soldier-ish double- double numbers expected of Kelly Williams for Talk ‘n’ Text, Gary David is the league’s number one offensive machine regardless of the physical defense and Sunday Salvacion has always been a solid scorer. Oh, and Ronjay Buenafe is starting to live up to his star guard potential more consistently.
• Mac Cardona needs a solid point guard who can give him the ball or who can shoot to take some of the pressure away to be truly effective on offense (Mike Cortez in DLSU, Jimmy Alapag in TNT).
• Tim Cone is “breaking in” Samigue Eman—the 6”9 banger is averaging 2 points and 4.6 rebounds in 14 minutes per game which isn’t bad considering that he’s not in there to score but to provide an inside presence.
• Mark Caguioa looks to be in good shape (this is the thinnest I’ve seen him since his rookie year, it shows on his bicep cuts), and is out to reclaim his “number 1 SG in the league” title away from James Yap and teammate Willie Miller.
• Wesley Gonzales needs to drop the lousy hairband/strap and just ball—he recently earned a starting SF job with Air21, hopefully he keeps his focus this time instead of playing for the fans.
• Asi Taulava can’t score in the paint with a pencil, and Marlou Aquino can’t guard with a broom. Someone should tell Ryan Gregorio that his best line-up would be Ross (only because Escobal shouldn’t even be in the PBA at this point, and Weinstein hasn’t adjusted yet), Cardona, Omolon, Espinas and Belga.

• Rudy Hatfield grabbed a monstrous 22 boards in Ginebra’s last outing. Maybe Jong Uichico now realizes that the H-Bomb is no longer the fleet-footed all around small forward of yesteryears and is now a full-time banger and mop-up gay in the paint.
• James Yap still has the most stylish three point shot in the league, but save for a couple of nice in-game moves here and there, is being outplayed and out-hearted by teammates PJ Simon and Roger Yap.
• Mico Halili needs to see a “man’s man” shrink and re-think this whole “The Elongated One” monicker for Rico Maierhofer. “The Kite” seems adequate enough. Get it? No? Moving on…
• Nonoy Baclao’s still a defensive presence, but if the season ended today and the league gives him the Rookie of the Year award over teammate and 2nd draft pick Rabeh Al Husaini who is averaging a double-double, then that would be a crime.
• Sol Mercado still over handles, but is making better decisions with the ball this year compared to last year. He is still a streaky shooter, but now looks for open teammates and doesn’t force things as much.
• Joe de Vance is Alaska's go-to-guy. Their only loss came when JDV was held to 13 points, and Baguio dominated with 27 against Air21. Oh, Baclao was guarding JDV in that game so...
• Patricia Hizon, as good as she is, shouldn’t be a PBA commentator. Yes I’m sexist. But this is men’s basketball. I just find it difficult to relate to her that’s all. If this were women’s volley or basketball or any female sport in general, I’d root for PH. But here? Nah. Give me Richard del Rosario anytime (can’t believe I just said that). Jason Webb and that other Trillo should also go. I miss the “kumpare” analysts of yesteryears—Anthony Suntay, Chino Trinidad and yes, Noli “and nobody does it better” Eala.