B-Meg's new groove

Yancy is REMINDING EVERYONE that
there are TWO dominant De Ocampo's
in the PBA today

Apologies for the 2-week hiatus, had to put all of my attention on something that could ultimately lead me to greater things-- professionally. But now that it's over, let the good times continue rolling and let's get right down to business.

Air 21 versus B-Meg in a meaningful out-of-town game that was close early before the Llamados regrouped in halftime and came out on a mission. While the story of the game was clearly between the awesome duel of imports Marqus Blakely (BMeg) and Zach Graham (Air21) who both treated fans to a brilliant case study on the difference between all-around players versus clutch gene scorers, it's always more fun to dig deeper.

For the Express, the recent acquisition of veteran point guard Wyne Arboleda was a stroke of genius. How long he stays depends solely on the shoulders of his in-laws, but The Snatcher proved that even at his advanced age, he can still be effective no matter where he plays.

We all know the story, the Express are an athletic, explosive bunch. But at the very same time, they're young, raw and undisciplined. Arboleda changed all that in the 1st half by controlling tempo and picking his three ball spots on the floor that gave the Express the lead in the 2nd quarter. It was almost like the Express were a different team. Guys knew where they were supposed to be, Graham was able to roam freely and pick open spots on the floor, Mark Isip was inside battling while the rest spaced the floor-- all because of Arboleda.

That's what a natural, heady point guard does. Sorry Paolo Hubalde.

Now, looking at the roster, other than Arboleda and Isip, Bitoy Omolon should be getting a lion's share of the minutes at small forward. There's no one on the line-up better than him as a two-way guy, while Elmer Espiritu should be given the "explosive sub" role. James Sena is okay, but his defensive rotations are awful.

Ren Ren Ritualo should consider retiring. The form is different (quicker release), he can no longer dribble-drive as an alternative (not that he was ever good at it) plus he's always been a defensive liability. I love Ritualo, and all that he's done for DLSU, but it's time to go (to the bench).

And where the hell is RJ Jazul? I am starting to buy into the rumors that he's slowly being eased out of the rotation so that people won't make a big deal if he gets traded to one of the bigger teams.

On to the Llamados, who were playing minus star PJ Simon but has gone into this season with a more fearsome approach.

They're working the post.

Yes, James Yap and Josh Urbiztondo are still there drilling in threes, but there's been an obvious concerted effort in pounding the glass behind Rafi Reavis, Marc Pingris and a rejuvenated Yancy de Ocampo who has all but shed his "soft" tag the last few games under Coach Tim.

Taking full advantage of the Express' soft frontline of undersized Isip and the blah duo of Sena and Brian Faundo, the Llamados went to work in the second half. De Ocampo was flat out beasting fools inside, elbows out and pretty much doing whatever the hell he wanted offensively.

But what I feel is the real problem of the Express goes beyond their over-appreciation of the limited talents of Hubalde and the destructive Ogie Menor: Franz Pumaren can't coach in the PBA level.

Sena and Magi Sison have yet to blossom under Pumaren. A testament to him not being a big man's coach. He had some success with Don Allado and Mark Telan early in the UAAP with DLSU, but they were more of a perimeter oriented team rather than a ground and pound one. Pumaren usually wants his bigs to rebound and play defense first-- which is always nice. But given Sena and Sison's skillset (a pair of 6"7 Euro-type forwards), the young pillars should be playing more to hone their craft.

Also, Hubalde should be sent to the ABL. Hell, you could take a few guys off the ABL and I'll argue that they'll be better PBA players than Hubalde, Menor and some of the Air21 guys. Patrick Cabahug can easily fill in for Hubalde. Then there's Leo Avenido, Stanley Pringle, Warren Ybanez and Al Vergara. These guys should be in the PBA. I'd argue for more guys (specially those on the San Miguel Beermen's roster), but I'm pretty sure you get my drift.

Back to the Llamados and their newfound strength inside. If YDO continues to play at this level, there's  absolutely no one in this league-- his baby brother, The Doctor, Ranidel included, who could match him. Asi Taulava's going to battle, but YDO has always had the best all around skill set for a big man outside of RDO.