The Pingris Conundrum

Pingris: The Ultimate X-Factor for B-Meg

With yesterday's high energy display that ultimately led to a much needed victory, the B-Meg Llamados have forced a decided Game 3 in their Quarterfinals showdown versus the Meralco Bolts thanks to one Marc Pingris.

Having played only 11 minutes in Game 1, Pingris was benched early by head coach Tim Cone who opted for a faster line-up to counter Meralco's huge frontline. It was only normal for Cone of course, since the best way to go up against a huge team is to quicken the pace of the game and tire them out. Problem was, Cone's locals didn't provide the energy needed to stay with the electrifying Bolts and their annoying vuvuzuela-toting fans.


A quick review of the first game however revealed that Cone made a huge miscalculation. That he did have the height to battle the Bolts-- and more. Had he gone with a Denzel Bowles-Joe DeVance frontline like he did, then yes, they'd be whooped by the first class Bolts import Earl Barron and his newest bestfriend Asi Taulava.

But, throw a Pingris in the mix and the landscape changes drastically in the Llamados' favor.

Hustle, speed, athleticism and boundless energy.

Taulava is too slow. Barron, too finesse.

The unpredictability of Pingris was in full display last night as he ignited the Llamados' attack with several hustle plays that don't translate on any statbook. Finishing with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks-- Pingris showed the stuff that made former franchise player Kerby Raymundo expendable.

Most of Pingris points came off-the-ball, which made it even better because the Bolts couldn't prepare defensively as their plan was to keep Bowles, PJ Simon and James Yap in check.

And while the early departure of Mac Cardona turned the tide in the Llamados' favor (they started out ready to knock the Llamados out even if their shots weren't falling. Once Cardona was sent to the showers, they looked apprehensive and lethargic before regrouping in the 2nd half), it was Pingris who proved to be invaluable the rest of the way.

For what it's worth and while Cone continues to ponder just what kind of a beast he has on the roster, Pingris is showing fans why he deserves to be on the SMART Gilas 2 list.