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| The Prodigal Son returns (Photo credit to the owner) |
Higher, because that is where head coach Norman Black is destined to bring the revamped Meralco Bolts. Last year, the team had to make do with the oft-injured Mike Cortez at point guard and whoever was healthy and available enough to masquerade at center. It got so bad that the Bolts had to play center-by-committee, since no one was fit enough to really play the position.
Their best low post player?
Swiss Army knife Reynel Hugnatan (who was greatly rewarded for his efforts, earning his first PBA All Star selection), who easily gives up about 5 to 6 inches to the likes of 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, PBA MVP Asi Taulava and Greg Slaughter.
This coming season the Bolts have been rewarded by the basketball Gods with the addition of unretired floor general Jimmy Alapag and big man Rabeh Al Hussaini.
What we are possibly looking at is a starting five of Alapag, Gary David, Jared Dillinger, Cliff Hodge and Al Hussaini which is pretty All Star if you ask us. Then there is the proven bench mob of Hugnatan, Kelly Nabong, John Ferriols, Anjo Caram, Simon Atkins, Rey Guevarra and Bryan Faundo followed by new recruits Ronjay Buenafe and rookies Chris Newsome and Baser Amer which makes the Bolts quite the darkhorse.
Moving forward, we hope that Alapag doesn't hamper the development of Amer once the rook finishes up in the NCAA. Also, that Newsome develops into some Calvin Abueva 2.0 under the tutelage of Black and Abueva's old coach at Alaska, assistant Luigi Trillo. If Newsome plays his cards right, he can be the ideal energy wing guy that could spell the inconsistent Dillinger (who hasn't been the same player since his freak accident a few years back). Basically, Newsome can fill in the role that Sean Anthony played for the Bolts' last season. Now if he can continue to develop that range...
But the real reason why we are pretty optimistic about the Bolts' chances is the return of Al Hussaini and how he has been reportedly on his best behavior this pre-season.
See, when Al Hussaini is on his game and not out of his mind, he is actually more polished than Fajardo be it in the low or high post. He knows where he's effective, is automatic from 15 to 17 feet and has the body to battle anyone from Fajardo to Beau Belga.
That is WHEN he has his head screwed on straight. Which we think he has, given the time off overseas and all.
If Al Hussaini can establish himself down low, everything will fall into place for the Bolts. Hodge and Hugnatan are perfect weak side power forwards who love to do the dirty work. Dillinger and Newsome can just keep cutting into the lanes. Alapag, Amer, David and Buenafe can basically just keep shooting until their arms fall off (Al Hussaini won't be the one rebounding anyway, he's not that kind of big. But that's where Hodge, Hugnatan and Nabong come into play).
Would be very surprised if the Bolts can't at least make a deep playoff run this season.
What do you think of the Bolts' chances this year?
Oh man, Rabeh is more polished IN THE LOW/HIGH POST than Fajardo?? You are unbelievable dude. It's one thing to drive a point, it's another to exaggerate it.
ReplyDeleteDid you read the next paragraph?
DeleteWhen his head is screwed on straight, Rabeh is/was more polished than JMF.
He reads defenses better. He recognizes the double and triple teams, and knows where to kick the ball out. JMF still hasn't mastered this technique despite the number of shooters at his disposal (hindi naturo ni Danny I lahat).
JMF gets away with a lot because of that wide chicken wing (elbow pin) he uses on the spin which would be called in FIBA play. Rabeh knows how to bang and use his frame.
Didn't say Rabeh's better than JMF. Just said he is more polished, overall. Team play.