Ginebra picks Chris... Ellis (over Tiu)

Solid pick-up... for the future

Potential versus prime, promise versus reality, necessity versus want.

When Barangay Ginebra San Miguel head coach Siot Tangquincen was asked weeks back who he'd like to pick 6th in the PBA Draft 2012, the fiery Thomasian uttered the name "Chris Tiu" all without batting an eyelash. There was no hesitation in his answer, and it pretty much played into the Ginebra faithful's liking.

Here was a guy who spent the last couple of years wearing PILIPINAS on his chest as a starter, knocking down shots and holding the fort as a back-up point guard. THAT, plus his other praise-worthy endeavors such as TV host, model, brand(SSssss) ambassador and being an all-around good guy.

The most popular amateur player going to the most popular professional sports team in all of the Philippines? That's a match made in heaven that only a fool could refuse.

Right? Right?

Apparently not.

From a marketing perspective, Tiu automatically brings in a bunch of fans to the PBA. But does Ginebra really need more of it? Tiu's clean-cut persona isn't exactly a match for their brand now is it-- would be weird/ awkward seeing Tiu hamming it up with Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Kerby Raymundo, Pacman and Jawo over some kwatro kantos now.

So let's talk basketball.

Ginebra opted for the ultra-athletic 6"6 Chris Ellis. What he lacks in a consistent mid range game, he makes up for with tenacity. He may not be the popular pick, but expect Ellis to provide some spark off the bench. Is he PBA ready? Hardly. He put up great numbers in the PBA D League, but that was more off his God given talents over any legit basketball skills. In the PBA, there are a handful of small forwards who could easily give Ellis headaches from Petron's Arwind Santos to Talk 'n' Text's Jarred Dillinger to Rain or Shine's Gabe Norwood and even Ginebra teammates (pick one) Dylan Ababou, Allein Maliksi and even the combo forwards Rudy Hatfield, Willie Wilson and Rico Maierhofer.

Considering the obvious, the Ellis pick made some sense if only because the guy is a true-blue 6"6, 205 lbs athlete who can run the floor and is, what basketball heads consider, a "gamer."

But-- and here's the thing, Tiu might've been the smarter choice.

This writer can't recall the last time that Jayjay Helterbrand played a full season without battling any sort of injury. Hell, he was even contemplating retirement at one point. Then there's Mike Cortez, who looks like he's finally rid himself of the all the excess DLSU baggage (and injuries) and is playing like the "Cool Cat" of old. Both point guards have been on and off the last season, which leaves them with 3rd stringer Rob Labagala who plays with all heart and scratches and claws like a warrior-- but the guy is not only short, he also has a very thin frame.

Tiu could've easily stepped in as a legit PBA point guard-- though he doesn't have that quick crossover like most, he knows how to make reads and can make correct passes. Plus, his primary role will be to get the ball to reigning Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa- that's it. On defense, you don't even have to worry about Tiu because (though he's a recognized poster boy by showbiz standards) he has the meanest set of elbows this side of Gilas I.

Another factor that you can argue for Tiu is that while Ginebra has aging guards, they have already have a surplus of wings (throw in rookie Keith Jensen). Did the whole "security guard agency" joke get to Ginebra's brass? Noli Eala says they're not yet done and that they're "building for the future."

The trade that brought in (yet another small forward) Elmer Espiritu and a 1st round pick could be that "future" specially if they manage to land 7"0 Greg Slaughter or better-- point guards Stanley Pringle or Chris Banchero of the ABL.

Now that the draft's done and Tiu is a lock to be an Elastopainter for a while (hard to see them letting their newest and arguably most profitable pitch-man go so soon), Ginebra fans could only wonder what might have been. Specially if you see Ellis sulking on the bench as just another role player. For Ellis and Ginebra's sake, trust that the young wing is able to get his minutes and work on his game versus quality in-team opposition enough for him to land a starting job (this writer has Dylan Ababou as a lock at small forward for a looooong time so that leaves Ellis with the PF spot).