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| Cabagnot: coming for Tenorio's PG throne |
And while monikers or titles remain irrelevant on the hardcourt and are more media fodder, allow this writer to point out Cabagnot's much improved stat line as compared to closest rival Tenorio's in the ongoing Philippine Cup:
Cabagnot 14.7 ppg 4.2 rpg 7.2 apg 1.4 spg 2.5 topg 44% 3s 38% 2s 38 mpg
Tenorio 13.1 ppg 5.3 rpg 5 apg 1 spg 1.6 topg 16% 3s 34% 2s 37 mpg
The stats above, generously shared by PBA-online.net, aren't that far off save for the two guards' shooting percentages. Cabagnot, who was known for his indecision and un-clutch-ness in his early years in the PBA (those who care to disagree, clearly didn't watch him as much as this writer- a Santa Lucia die hard- did), is now an all-around threat with his trademark crisp passes and much improved stroke from just about anywhere.
Tenorio on the other hand, is shooting at an alarming 16% clip from deep which isn't something you want from a heavy-minutes playing point guard (PGs are expected to be good at two things: 1) passes 2) shooting-- these go hand in hand in order for the greater PGs to create more space for their teammates)--the sole reason why Paul Artadi (and before him, Jason Webb) still hasn't consistently started for any team and why ex-UST tornado of a pg Japs Cuan hasn't made it to the pros.
Granted, the poor shooting can be attributed to Tenorio's assortment of injuries but there's no excuse for inefficient point guard play at the professional level. We won't touch on the assists anymore because the Alaska Aces' triangle offense rarely allows guys to freely create for themselves or others.
As far as playing within the system and helping his team with efficient plays are concerned-- Alex Cabagnot is clearly the best point guard TODAY.
Then again, the case may be different in a week or two once Tenorio recovers and leads the Aces to a string of victories.
Cabagnot clearly has better teammates than LA. He has a better backup and more targets for his passes. Cabagnot also doesnt have the pressure of being the man on his team.
ReplyDeleteI think the title of this article should be, "Alex Cabagnot is better than LA Tenorio". You just compared the two guards between each other, not with other point guards. I think Jayson Castro is better than these two, as what you have just written on your recent article. Aside from the fact that Castro's is in a better position in the standings, he also has heavier loads with lost of his teammates. And even if A-Cab has the edge when it comes to experience, Castro clearly has more skills or talents.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you that Jayson Castro is arguably better than the two-- but right now I would classify Castro as a straight up combo guard. Much like how people suddenly thought that Derrick Rose was the best PG and better than Chris Paul, D Williams, Steve Nash, Rajon Rondo and J. Kidd. And while Cabagnot has also been playing a lot of 2 lately (when paired with Denok Miranda who is a PG on offense, SG on defense), he still sets up the table for Petron. In essence, there's only Cabagnot, Tenorio and maybe Paul Lee to choose from at the moment as the league's top PGs.
ReplyDeleteIts been awhile since the artist formerly knows as Japs Cuan crossed my mind. Thank to you Ainj.
ReplyDeleteWhy not do a 'where are they now?' entry...hehe