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| Two year contract/ showcase for Mixers' Sangalang (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
Though we only have a game to assess the 2013 PBA Draft's top three picks who all play the big man position, we were more or less given a preview of "things to come."
Greg Slaughter, C, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
36 minutes, 5/9 field goals, 10 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steal, 2 blocks, 1 foul
The number one overall pick is off to a rousing start, looking every inch like the "big man presence" Ginebra has been lacking since Eric Menk fell off the charts due to nagging injuries and veteran acquisition Kerby Raymundo couldn't provide. Truth be told, Slaughter is far from being a polished post player. He's more Zaldy Realubit at the moment than a Dennis Espino. But Ginebra can live with it, given Slaughter's massive 6'11 frame which constantly commands double teams or at the very least-- the help defense to always keep an eye out for any lobs or drop passes which would lead to bunnies. It's going to be hard to convince Slaughter to develop a true post up game, since he'd have to be pitted against guys of equal size to really be pushed to his limits. At the moment, given his nifty touch, Slaughter can easily catch the entry pass (by way of point guard par excellence L.A. Tenorio), face up and shoot over his defenders head. Simple basketball for this guy really until December 25 when he finally meets his rival/ Gilas buddy Junemar Fajardo (or the next conference/s where teams are set to bring in big imports).
Ian Sanggalang, PF, San Mig Coffee Mixers
23 minutes, 3/9 field goals, 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steal, 0 blocks, 4 fouls
First, the former NCAA Most Valuable Player put attention to himself by declaring that he's a big Ginebra fan and that's his only wish once he turns pro. The next, he opts to sign a two year contract instead of the San Mig Coffee Mixers' original three year pact (which is what has been the norm among rookies the last few years). So yeah Sanggalang walking a very thin line when it comes to appeasing Mixers fans who were not too pleased with their vastly talented rookie. It also put unneeded pressure on the Pampanga native since he needs to show his worth to further boost his stock if he intends to be a "max contract player" in the PBA. In 23 minutes, Sangalang looked very comfortable on the floor despite giving up some muscle in the paint. He's already figured out a way to score and get his touches inside the Mixers' complex Triangle Offense now it's all about ensuring that he stays on the floor long enough to really look strong if he is angling for a bigger pay day. Fortunately, and as shown in his debut game even against Ginebra's towers, Sangalang could more than hold his own and has no problems playing low to high post.
Raymond Almazan C, Rain or Shine Elastopainters
14 minutes, 0/2 fg, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 block, 4 fouls
"Turuan niyo nga yan!" Yikes. Talk about being given a baptism of fire. While Slaughter and Sangalang had fun duking it out as equally jittery/ raw rookies in their debut showdown, Almazan was pitted against a tested veteran and former Metropolitan Basketball Association MVP in the Meralco Bolts Reynel Hugnatan. And you know what? He looked raw as fukk. Strength's not on the PBA level (daresay Rafi Reavis is stronger) and because of that, he was easily pushed out (and out-witted) of rebounding position by Hugnatan et. al. Even when he was playing against Rabeh Al Hussaini, Almazan had plenty of trouble which forced his coach (Yeng Guiao) to use him sparingly (foul trouble on easy calls added to his limited minutes as well. The fight and hunger is there, there's no denying that, but Almazan needs to learn quick if he is to get veteran Ronnie Matias' spot on the rotation.
How did you find the three rookie bigs in their debut matches? How would you rank them 1 to 3?
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