The Forgotten

Denok takes the lead
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

In the proud basketball hierarchy of Filipino point guards today, where would you rank Barako Bull Energy Cola's Denok Miranda?

Scoring wise, there are more explosive guards out there who are probably going to be mentioned ahead of the 6"0 former Far Eastern University stalwart. But did you know that the defensive-specialist is averaging a team high 15.29 points per game for the Energy Cola while still being his same, lockdown, blue collar self?

If you want to talk speed, then yes, Miranda isn't as cat quick. Size? Miranda's been asked several times to cover the opposing team's shooting guards who are usually around the 6"0-6"3 range (something that he's done quite well really).

So why is Miranda still not considered as one of the league's prized point guards despite winning titles for two different teams and being a proven leader on the court?

For one, how many point guards has Miranda worked with in the Energy Cola line-up that were "called-up" by the "mother teams?" Josh Urbiztondo. Emman Monfort. Jeric Fortuna. Some proven and well-deserved, some looking more like flashes-in-the-pan. Will Miranda's newest teammate, RR Garcia, also go the same route? What's taking Carlo Lastimosa so long to figure it out and go on a scoring binge if only to get a tryout?

Based on how the tournament is playing out for Miranda so far, he's taking matters into his own hands as the Energy Cola's de facto leader. Willie Miller's no longer around, Dorian Pena and Mick Pennisi are on their last legs, so it's Miranda's turn to take the ball and try to run away with it.

Can Denok Miranda carry the Energy Cola to respectability alongside head coach Koy Banal? Or will he finally get to enjoy the fruits of all of his hard work and earn a spot on one of the championship contenders that their franchise has had numerous transactions with (San Miguel, Ginebra, Purefoods)?

Where would you rank Denok Miranda among today's point guards?