Power surge: Meralco zaps Powerade, enters QF

The Franchise: Mac Cardona

Score one for the Hook, and how he proves yet again that he isn't the one-dimensional scorer most picture him to be. At least, not when matched against the PBA's elite scorer Gary David- the KKS Bataan Bomber.

By "Hook," we refer to Mac Mac Cardona who continuously leads the team that he has been billed "Franchise Player" of no matter the circumstances or odds. Just a few games ago, the Meralco Bolts were down 1-4 with import Jarrid Famous and were looking for yet another early exit-- a far cry from over-achieving, powerhouse sister team Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters.


Out went Famous (immediately snatched by the ABL's San Miguel Beermen before he could even pack his bags and head to the nearest airport) and in came NBA champion Earl Barron.

To this very day, it is a wonder how Mico Halili and Quinito Henson-- showbiz-esque type PBA commentators fail to emphasize Barron's participation in the Miami Heat champion team that showcased Shaq, D-Wade, Zo, The Glove, White Chocolate, Walker and Posey. Granted, he didn't play much, but he was the de facto Dirk Nowitzki dummy during practices and was reportedly killing it too (not Nowitzki-like, but probably in the same, jump shooting manner).

Having added the versatile, sweet shooting Barron, the Bolts were able to find some balance in their mish-mash of a roster. Barron takes over as their key post player, ageless Asi Taulava slides down into a gigantic (by PBA standards) power forward while allowing vastly-improved Mark Borboran to shine at the small forward position while Hook and Chris Ross form a solid backcourt.

Granted, this dampens the minutes of Gabby Espinas who was starting to make some headway as one of the league's better forwards but hey, if you want it, then take it. And from what we've seen so far, he hasn't been crashing the boards or providing an interior presence as compared to the 38-year-old Taulava.

Another KKS favorite, Sol Mercado, is also given a solid role that he can play to the hilt- as the designated sparkplug off the bench when Hook starts to slow down or isn't being as effective. In yesterday's game, Mercado brought in enough firepower to keep the Powerade Tigers at bay, scoring 9 while helping control the flow of the game in the Bolts' favor.

But let's get one thing straight, other than the mighty Earl Barron, the Bolts will only go as far as their leader, Cardona, takes them. And with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists on lock last night, you could damn well say that the Hook is sharp and ready.