There's a new kid in town

Kia's L.A.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5.ph)

Much like how the Clippers have managed to steal some of the Lakers' thunder in Los Angeles, there is a PBA point guard who is slowly turning heads and opening eyes with his heady yet exciting brand of basketball by the name of L.A...

... Revilla, not Tenorio.

Now on his second year of professional basketball after playing only three (!) games last season with GlobalPort Batang Pier, Revilla is quickly making believers out of those who would bother to watch Kia Carnival games as its starting floor general. This year, Revilla is averaging 27 mpg, 9 ppg, 4 rpg and 4 apg which will surely increase if his current run in the ongoing PBA Governor's Cup continues. In the league's season-ending tourney, Revilla is putting up 34 mpg, 13 ppg, 5 rpg and 5 apg taking over a team that's being "coached" by Manny Pacquiao (Chito Victolero needs/ deserves a pay raise IMHO).

Sure, the Carnival's chances were spiked by 7"0 imports, Puerto Rican PJ Ramos in the PBA Commissioner's Cup and now, Senegalese Hamady N'Diaye, but Revilla's the one who is calling the shots on the floor, making plays-- and when push comes to shove, taking/ making clutch shots from all over, L.A. Tenorio/ Jimmy Alapag style.

Much like how the Clippers' popularity rose thanks to the Lakers' downward spiral, Revilla is starting to become the league's "better L.A." as that more popular veteran over at that more popular team has been dealing with nagging injuries, on-court tantrums and several coaching changes in such a short period of time.

New coach means new schemes-- something a point guard won't really look forward to if the changes keep coming after every single conference.

Back to the "new" L.A.

While a lot of folks are surprised by Revilla's play, it's actually nothing new for those who have seen him with in high school and college (DLSU) before all the serious health concerns. Close comparisons? Young L.A. Tenorio. Better yet, for those who were able to see his greatness-- Froilan Baguion N.U. Bulldogs - prime (still plays on a high level in the ABL, didn't excel in the PBA because of his height which back then, given all the Fil-Am guards coming in, just wasn't going to work).

As a basketball fan, everyone should root for Revilla's continued success. Pint-sized PBA point guard, great ball handler, distributor and shooter-- someone the "average" Pinoy could cheer for and hope to be instead of misplaced hype for other short guys who are good, but not L.A. Revilla good. As long as he gets his minutes and stays healthy, there's no limit-- better yet, ceiling, for what this special 5"8 point guard could achieve.

P.S.

Who would've thought that something good would come out of these expansion teams?