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| The Rock vs Gregzilla |
Save for maybe two to three names that really stand out in the above mentioned list, my generation grew up embracing this simple truth when it comes to Filipino bigs: they are slow, lanky, uncoordinated and most of the time, are made to look like circus attractions rather than athletes, dare say, basketball players even.
So when we say that we've come a long way from the jolly-giant Balingit and the "I'm an MVP caliber player, but I'll only play that way when my contract's up" Aquino, then you could very much take that to the bank with the likes of Ginebra's 6"9 Japeth Aguilar and 7"1 Greg Slaughter and Petron Blaze's Junemar Fajardo.
In truth, if you really want to make a comparison of just how good these kids are compared to the above mentioned, we'd take Aquino, Taulava and maybe de Ocampo as a sort of barometer when it comes to size, speed, athleticism and overall basketball skills. Of course, since this is just for fun and based from what we've witnessed in our 10+ years of watching the PBA, please feel free to leave a comment and share your two cents worth.
Slaughter
vs de Ocampo
"Gregzilla" is undoubtedly stronger than de Ocampo-prime but not as agile around the block or even the perimeter. When de Ocampo is motivated and at his best, he is arguably just as gifted as his younger brother Ranidel who is by far the league's best power forward today. One on one, we'd go with YdO because of his dribbling skills, excellent footwork and range. In a team game, YdO will dazzle with an array of moves before Slaughter finally decides to throw his weight around, pin Ydo down low and just wait for the entry pass for the easy two (and wait for YdO to foul out in the process).
vs Aquino
What de Ocampo has in range, Aquino has more in craftiness.While Aquino will have a hard time (impossible even) trying to back down Slaughter, he'll be able to score some points thanks to his patented "kili kili shot" (yes, this blog was named after Aquino's pet move because the writer is arguably one of the biggest Aquino-fans ever. Like ever ever). Rebounding has never been Aquino's forte so you can forget about that. Chances of Slaughter losing to Aquino in a game is if he calls in Bal David and... oh wait.
vs Taulava
We already saw how the "ageless" Taulava more than held his own against the young Slaughter early in the PBA Philippine Cup, but what would have happened had Slaughter faced up against the dominant Taulava circa 2003 (his PBA MVP year) or 2007 (rejuvenated with Coca Cola)? Somehow, despite giving up a few inches, we feel that Taulava's going to put the hurt on a still-developing Slaughter. Granted, both guys are not blessed with excellent footwork or post moves (Taulava made a career much like Shaq did in the NBA-- bulldozing guys with his size and strength rather than shooting hooks or doing dream shakes) so it's going to come down to who can move who. Taulava is built like a tank while Slaughter is lanky. Only way Slaughter wins is if he shoots (and makes) jumpers all night long. Then again, Taulava could easily just bum-rush him and crowd his personal space which would and should be enough of a distraction.
(next post: Aguilar, Fajardo vs Legends)
Marlou Aquino prime is still a lot better than the current greg slaughter...greg is 6'11 5/8" and that is his only advantage over aquino (aquino is listed at 6'9" which remained unchecked when he made it to the pros but i think he is a little over that maybe at 6'10")...ive seen marlou went up gainst the likes of wang zhizhi and bateer mengke of china and he took them to school..he played well in an exhibition game against shaq when the latter visited the Philippines in the late 90's...when the 7foot imports played in the pba, he managed to block 7foot adam parada twice and another 7 footer chrix alexander at least once...while greg can be said to be physically stronger than aquino, i still think marlou post up against him because the latter has a higher basketball i.q....the only problem with aquino is laziness and mediocoe play showing brilliance only when his contract is about to expire...greg is still young with the right attitude and training i think he can surpass all his predecessors including both marlou and asi taulava.
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