2016 PBA GC SF: 1 TNT vs 4 Meralco

Ready to rumble
(Photo credit to the owner)

A magnificently blonde-haired, former 16-time world wrestling champion was once famously quoted as saying: “to be the man, you have to beat THE man.”

The above is something that we feel best captures the Meralco Bolts’ current state: in order for them to achieve PBA royalty they must first go through their big brothers: TNT Katropa—the the crown jewel among their owner’s three PBA franchises. While the Bolts have spent the majority of the season trying to start a winning culture, TNT has managed to remain near the top of the standings each conference despite battling injuries (Kelly Williams and Ranidel de Ocampo) and some on-court chemistry issues (incorporating their prized rookies, the messed up/ redundant frontline, finding a backup for Castro, etc.).

Some folks call this one “TNT A vs TNT B,” with all the TNT “discards” over at the Bolts’ front: Jimmy Alapag, Jared Dillinger, John Ferriols, Rabeh Al Hussaini including Coach Norman Black.

Here are the telling match-ups:

PG Jayson Castro vs Jimmy Alapag/ Baser AmerCastro is playing on an absurdly different level at the moment; seemingly a notch higher than the previous years and even when he was hailed as FIBA Asia’s best point guard. That is why we do not exactly envy Alapag, Castro’s former mentor, and Amer. The Bolts’ best shot at slowing down Castro is to switch and “hide” their smaller guards and maybe use Newsome or Jon Uyloan. Won’t be enough, given Castro’s experience over those two, but their height and heft should present more of a challenge.
Adv. TNT

SG Ryan Reyes vs Chris NewsomeThis match-up is going to be nice: a high-flying newcomer versus a grounded, grizzled veteran. There is a reason why Coach Norman has entrusted Newsome with so many responsibilities on the court of the Bolts, and that is because this guy can deliver more than just jaw-dropping dunks. In this series, he will be tested by Reyes who is an under-rated defender, rebounder and three-point (corner) specialist.
Adv. Tied

SF Mike Madanly vs Jared Dillinger Sure, Larry Fonacier is having another solid season but it is Madanly who has emerged as the final piece to the TNT championship puzzle. He can shoot, defend and just knows his role on the offense as expected of Euro-competition trained Middle Eastern guards. On the flip side, Dillinger has taken on the role as on-court alpha (with Alapag serving as vocal leader) and does a lot of the things that helps the Bolts to win games. Honestly, this season feels like we are witnessing the return/ rebirth of The Daredevil a.k.a. Asian Jesus.
Adv. Meralco

PF Ranidel de Ocampo/ Troy Rosario vs Cliff Hodge/ Reynel HugnatanWe find it quite amusing how no one has seemed to notice that the Bolts pair of Hugnatan and Hodge are the poor man’s version of TNT’s de Ocampo and Rosario. A savvy inside operator with range on offense who throws elbows on defense? A greenhorn who isn’t at all as polished as his veteran mentor but is just relentless on the court? Yeah, the first one could be used for either de Ocampo or Hugnatan. The next, for Hodge or Rosario. TNT has the advantage however, since TNT’s duo is more “polished” and performs consistently. Oh, and that they have a Hodge clone—the better, upgraded version in former PBA MVP Kelly Williams, Moala Tautuaa, Harvey Carey, Danny Seigle and so on all on the bench.
Adv. TNT

C Mychal Ammons vs Allen DurnhamAmmons is a silent operator who can surprisingly stay at par with whoever he is matched up against regardless of the disadvantage in height, heft or even speed. Durnham is a beast who pretty much anchors the entire Bolts’ game plan by being the focal point of an inside-outside offense and pretty much being the last stop on defense.
Adv. Tied

Match-up wise, TNT has an overwhelming advantage with guys like Kris Rosales and Larry Fonacier able to provide ample firepower (aside from that interchangeable frontline) which is something that the Bolts do not currently possess. No, it is simply too early (or late) to bet the farm on a Ryan ‘Babyfat Assassin” explosion at this point.

The best move for the Bolts is to force TNT into an ugly, grit-and-grind, rhythm-less basketball game to best counter TNT’s firepower. However, TNT has enough depth and experience to play any style—and win.

X-factor: Baser AmerThis is why Alapag was brought in, to ensure that Amer’s growth as a basketball player continues and that he learns all that he can from the Gilas great. We don’t expect Amer to shut Castro down, but we do hope that he enjoys a solid series enough to convince everyone why he was part of Gilas cadets and, more importantly, Alapag’s successor.

Prediction: TNT in a tough, long seriesThe Bolts will give all that they can against TNT, but will find out that success doesn’t come overnight. If it were any other PBA team, we would give the Bolts’ a puncher’s chance to steal it. But not against the current TNT, not with Castro playing at this level and ably supported by his local crew. More pieces are needed IMHO, and this is something that Coach Norman can and will hopefully address come off-season.

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