Learning curve

In a PBA Philippine Cup preview this writer previously wrote for SolarSportsDesk.Ph, we noted how Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was still a work in progress and even went as far as to rate them lower than their would be semifinals conquerors, the San Mig Coffee Mixers who had to "settle" for the 2nd overall pick (Ian Sangalang) in the 2013 PBA Draft compared to their 1st pick (Greg Slaughter).

We were chastised, called out and even swam the murky waters of blasphemy. That how we suddenly turned "haters" overnight and that Ginebra is THE team to beat given their towering frontline and supposedly retooled, more potent wing position.

This went on all throughout the conference (and rightfully so) thanks to Ginebra's run at 1st place of the standings. Athletic 6"9 beanpole Japeth Aguilar finally had his chance to showcase his talents while Slaughter showed everyone that while he wasn't on rival giant, Petron Blaze's, Junemar Fajardo's level yet, he was going to be a force in the paint for a long time. Throw in veterans L.A. Tenorio who was coming off a banner year and former PBA Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa and yeah, Ginebra fought for every win and deserved to be the number one seed.


So when both teams were pitted against the other in the Semifinals, please allow us the small victory of saying "we told you so."

That the Mixers were THAT good and Ginebra, THAT raw.

There was Tenorio, unravelling before our very eyes and shown that while he is a great floor general with a clutch scoring gene, he was unable to keep up and play defense on the Mixers' rising point guard Mark Barroca. Caguioa had his nights, but age and injury has left him an inconsistent shell of his former self (happens to everyone who's played the game as long as he has). Slaughter, he of the still polishing post game, was pushed and punked outside of the paint by the Mixers' veteran frontline.

And there was Aguilar, no longer flying the skies and spreading his pterodactyl-like wings to challenge shots or complete lobs.

No, Marc Pingris took Aguilar out.

So what's next for Ginebra?

They'll probably address the need for a reliable creator/ scorer come the import-laden Commissioner's Cup. They have the bigs who need minutes to continue growing in experience and confidence, so they have the luxury of not using up their 6"9 import pick on a traditional post player. Getting a small forward who can create might prove to be a good fit while Aguilar licks his post-Mixers series wounds.

This will also allow Chris Ellis, Mark Baracael and even a Dylan Ababou to all slide down a notch to the 2-spot and just be that "glue" role player who can do a little bit of everything when called upon.

Tenorio handles the ball and orchestrates, the import (Leon Rodgers) does the scoring while Aguilar and Slaughter try and also get theirs. The 2-guy can then serve in that traditional, Ryan Reyes/ Ronal Tubid defensive stopper role while being able to put up buckets on the other end just as well.

There's also no need to replace Ginebra head coach Ato Agustin just yet.

It's almost a knee-jerk reaction for Ginebra (and sister team Petron) to always look at their coaching options the minute they don't get their desired reactions and or results. It's also been this way with some of their half-hearted, weak-minded fans. They've been spoiled by the powerhouse Caguioa-JJ Helterbrand, Eric Menk, Rudy Hatfield era that they've become impatient when it comes to getting results.

Give them time to jell and work on their individual and team game. Ginebra will soon live up to their lofty superstar billing sooner rather than later.