The PBA teams are back in the limelight following a three-team trade that involves two legit 20 point scorers, a high post big man and energy/ rotation guys. And since we haven't really posted anything substantial the last few days, let's cut this intro short and proceed with the topic at hand:
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| Dillinger will electrify the Bolts... ... IF he gets back to 100% |
Jared Dillinger (SG/SF)
It's funny how the world of Philippine basketball works: languish as a confused player in an even more confused coach's rotation to start your professional career, still be good enough to be called for national team duties, put on a solid showing under a new head coach enough to earn a semi-starting gig, get in a freak accident and ultimately be sent packing to the "B" (sister) team.
Should Dillinger be able to come back from his injuries, then he'll start as the Bolts' go-to-small forward right away. Given resident franchise player Mark Cardona's recent struggles and so-so performances, Dillinger steps in as a legit offensive force who can play both inside and out. Defensively, Dillinger has been putting up a string of solid performances with Gilas Pilipinas and even over at TNT. We've been saying this since day one, Dillinger has more upside than our boy Gabe Norwood over at Rain or Shine as a high-scoring big guard who can play positions 1, 2 and 3.
Grade: A- (only if he comes back strong)
Don Allado (PF/C)
We have tremendous love for Allado being one of the anchors of the De La Salle Green Archers a few years (or decade and change) back. But Allado's been showing signs of ageing be it through injuries or lackadaisical effort on the hardcourt. Still, he will be the Bolts' primary low to high post presence. He knows how to work the basketball, can finish when called upon and set some bone-crushing screens here and there. If Allado is up to it, he can pretty much anchor the Bolts PBA version of the Dribble Drive Offense as a poor (poor, poor, near-dead even) man's Marcus Douthit. They won't need Allado to start posting 15 and 10 a night, just enough to keep the defense honest while Chris Ross, Cardona and the rest do their thing. Also, Cliff Hodge will fit in nicely as a weak side rebounder/ all-around energy guy at the 4 spot while Allado takes care of the scoring and help defense.
P.S. JayR Reyes should just jump to the ABL now really.
Grade: B
Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters
Sean Anthony (SF/PF)
In the same breath as we love energy guys with range from Rudy Hatfield, Calvin Abueva, rookie Jason Deutchman-- we have nothing but high hopes for the misused Anthony. He fights, he never gives up on plays and when given the minutes on the floor, almost always has a positive impact overall. He isn't skilled enough to breakdown opponents, he makes up for his lack of defensive savvy with frenetic energy and hustle and that's pretty much all that TNT head coach Norman Black needs him to be. Sorry Rich Alvarez fans, but the Anthony acquisition pretty much makes the former UAAP MVP expendable from here on out.
Grade: B
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| Barako gets a legit scorer at the 2 spot |
Ronjay Buenafe (SG)
Barako head coach Bong Ramos (or consultant Rajko Toroman) loves his shooters and he's getting arguably the guy who's made the biggest impact the last two-three conferences from deep not named Nino Canaleta. Buenafe is instant offense for the Energy and will be a joy to watch as a legit starting guard. Defensively of course, Ramos/Toroman might find Buenafe a little incapable but hey, they need someone to put up the points with the exodus of Josh Urbiztondo. Also, you pretty much traded away a role player in Anthony for a guy who can drop 20 points a night right now. JC Intal and Allein Maliksi will also be able to move up to their preferred SF positions now that they have a guy like Buenafe who is a natural ball handler/ creator.
Grade: A
Gilbert Bulawan (SF/SG)
Another shooter who will benefit from Ramos/ Toroman's offense. Our only concern now really is, who will fill up Allado's low to high post spot? Doug Kramer is more of a traditional big with a nice jumper but can't be relied upon to put the ball on the floor. Mick Pennisi's already up there in age, and Danny Seigle is only as good as his next injury. Bulawan will get some minutes, but don't look for him to be a rotation player right away.
Grade: B+
Who do you think got the most out of the recent deals?
Jason Deutchman, Energy guy.
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