Ready to explode

Vintage Danny

The Barako Bull Energy are winning, but it’s not just because of versatile, all-out hustler of an import Gabe Freeman or the fearless kiti-kiti known as Ronald Tubid. They may have gotten the public’s attention by Mick Pennisi’s on-court antics but even that isn’t why they’re in a good position to advance to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

It’s the return to form of one “Dynamite” Danny Seigle who is averaging a  solid 18.2 points and 5 rebounds in just 25 minutes of burn in the Playoffs (Quarterfinals and Semifinals Game 1). Coming in off the bench Seigle is getting his numbers not by merely catching the ball in open situations, but by creating scoring opportunities for himself via dribble drives and post-ups.

This writer once argued that Seigle was dominant back in the earlier part of his career, specifically years 1999-2001, because he was pretty much taller than other small forwards. Today? He’s doing it against the Talk ‘n’ Text Tropang Texters’ elite wings Kelly Williams and Jarred Dillinger, and the guy who pretty much inherited his spot on the National Team as resident versatile, sweet-shooting big man—Ranidel de Ocampo.

It’s a shame that we were robbed of a Seigle-Williams showdown as the Texters’ other PBA MVP was sent to the nearest hospital after sustaining a cut c/o Tubid on a fastbreak play. Williams may not have the offensive prowess that Seigle has, but defensively, bet money that he could make Seigle work hard for his points. Dillinger was never a 2^nd-tier (even) defender, while the KKS Doctor proved a little too slow on his feet (and yes, this writer realizes that he just referred to the fragile Seigle as being faster than someone else).

Even casual fans should appreciate what Seigle is currently putting on for the Energy. He could’ve easily weaseled his way out of the league while still being paid on injuries alone, yet he chooses to suit up for a no name team and put on a show for all to see while helping his team win big in the playoffs.

Question now is, can Seigle sustain this near-vintage run of his en route to leading his team to its second Finals appearance in franchise history (since the Air21 Arwind Santos-Gary David era)? Or will he fade in the next two or four games?