Cruising along

Wilkerson
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

If you are wondering why we keep harping about the fact that this season might very well be a grand slam one for the San Miguel Beermen, it is simply because, well, it is.

Not only are the Beermen near atop the current PBA Commissioner's Cup standings, after already securing the PBA Philippine Cup championship just weeks ago, but they are looking at a depleted field of opponents who are trying to salvage what they can this conference. The defending champions, Tropang TNT, suffered a huge blow with the exit of original import Ivan Johnson. Then there are the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, who lost a slim-fast Wayne Chism and have now opted to go small with a wing/guard Mo Charlo.

And of course, there are the Alaska Aces who are also atop the standings but we all know how that story will end should they meet the Beermen in the Finals-- because really, other than the imports, what has changed for both camps?

We will tell you what changed.

The Beermen have found a gem of an import in Tyler Wilkerson (39mpg 35ppg 12rpg 2apg) who has the height, speed and versatility to play positions 3 to 5 in the PBA ranks. He is supported by a surging Marcio Lassiter (35mpg 16ppg 5rpg 3apg), Chris Ross (29mpg 7ppg 3rpg 5apg), former PBA MVP Arwind Santos (28mpg 11ppg 6rpg 2apg), Alex Cabagnot (27mpg 13ppg 4rpg 3apg) and 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo (26mpg 11ppg 7rpg).

Yes, they have been winning despite the fact that Fajardo is not producing his usual monstrous numbers (due to the minutes and injury-concerns).

The Beermen have reached some sort of basketball harmony. They are in tune with one another and just playing solid team basketball. There are some flashes of hero ball here and there, but ultimately, they just go with whoever is hot or open. Simple basketball. Nothing forced, no drama.

Even with the exit of Ronald Tubid and Brian Heruela (injured), we are seeing more floor time for Chris Lutz (let's see if he can shake off the rust) and Ryan Arana. Then there are the enforcers Gabby Espinas, Yancy de Ocampo and even little-used Anthony Semerad who can all pitch in when called upon by Coach Leo Austria.

Back to that Alaska-SMB "Finals re-re-re-rematch" talk; the Aces are quickly seeing their guys JVee Casio, Cyrus Baguio, Dondon Hontiveros, Eric Menk and Tony dela Cruz regressing to a point wherein it is just sad that Coach Alex Compton is even calling their numbers in games when he should be developing his younger guys the way things are going. So really, are you still going to bet on the Aces vs the Beermen should they meet in the Finals of this conference?

Smart money says no.

As the elimination round goes deeper, the standings will probably balance itself out to separate the contenders from the pretenders. The Beermen will undoubtedly be either 1 or 2, with maybe the Aces, Texters and a toss up between Ginebra and RoS to round it all out.

And though the team boasts of a souped-up roster, all credit should be given to Coach Leo for being able to massage all those egos.

This is a special time for all Beermen fans.