Shooting Stars

Puta, kalma.
(Photo credit: inquirer.net)

Contrary to popular belief, the Star Hotshots are not in trouble; transition yes, trouble no.

Despite the 0-2 record under new coach Chito Victolero, this isn't the same as least season's debacle under Jason Webb. This isn't an ominous sign of things to come, at least that's what we would like to believe anyway. No, this team, save for a few Grand Slam leftovers, is a team that is trying to build on and off court chemistry as well as an overall identity.

So who are the Hotshots, exactly?

Well, they were the PBA's token glamour boys. Pretty boys who could back it up on the court. They weren't known for their offense or defense, they were simply known as a solid bunch and a classy organization over all. Like San Miguel's own yellow (then blue) version of Alaska.

When Tim Cone took over, he built a new culture. When he left, everything fell apart. Some guys wanted to change the blueprint, others were not sold on the idea. In comes Victolero, who is no Webb but is definitely no Cone either, plus a new star in Paul Lee. Of course there is going to be a rough period.

While it is still early, here are a few things that we would hope that Victolero and his coaching staff could take a look at:

1. Paul Lee is Alpha
At the moment, Lee is averaging a so-so 10p 8r 2a while shooting a horrendous 27% from 2 and 11% from deep in 33m. That's a far cry from the Lethal Weapon that we are used to, specially the near 7 turnovers that he has committed so far. He has been moved to the 2-spot, where we thought he'd be more comfortable, but playing in the angles instead of his usual top spot is starting to become his Achilles. The lack of solid high screens/ kick-out big option is also hurting his game. Maybe Victolero could explore having Lee play PG again, with Ian Sangalang as his chief pick and roll/pop partner. Sangalang has the best range out of all the Star bigs and loves to play facing the basket, so this might work.

2. Marc Pingris is no Alpha
Pingris' true genius is playing the weakside. Not asking for the ball on a set-up, post-up isolation. He'll give you points, but he'll also be too busy trying to maneuver down low that it will eventually kill a team's offense. Unfortunately, the veteran appears to be the only one on the roster who doesn't shy away from contact inside.

3. Barroca and Lee need to co-exist
In the first game, Barroca pretty much did a great job in ignoring Lee. In the second, they were separated. Lee played with Jio Jalalon to start, while Barroca came off the bench. When they played together, it was just a disaster. Barroca appeared to be focused in scoring rather than facilitating while Lee simply deferred/ waited. The way we see it, Barroca is the one who's more suited to play slasher (play from either angles) while Lee is up top. Not the other way around like we've seen so far.

4. Allein Maliksi
This guy needs to be penciled in at the three spot. Enough with Aldrech Ramos already.

5. Jio Jalalon can make everyone look good.
Seriously. He is a willing passer, rebounds and can shoot when needed. Size might be an issue versus bigger PGs, but he can play with anyone.

For the most part, we feel that Star should roll out:

PG Lee - Lee should be allowed to orchestrate, because this guy is a legitimate Gilas starter for Pete's sake. On offense, let him play PG. On defense, switch him to SG because of his size. He isn't that quick, but he is smart and big which gives him the advantage over most PBA PGs. He is the master of the high screen game outside of Jayson Castro, so let him run with Sangalang.

SG Barroca - only on offense. Because Barroca appears to be a natural slasher and occasional jumpshooter. On defense, switch with Lee.

SF Maliksi  - the token floor spacer. Good size and young enough to play acceptable defense.

PF Pingris - no brainer. Clean-up guy.

C Sangalang - play high to outside. P&R/P option with Lee. Lee will know how to play with him since his game thus far mirrors JayR Quinahan/ Beau Belga's. High IQ, average/no low post.

For the 2nd unit, we'd go: Jalalon Melton Simon Ramos Pascual/Brondial. Jalalon will instinctively know what to do with that team, most likely set up Simon and Ramos all day even. He's carried limited players in the NCAA, should be no different in the PBA based on how effective he has been so far.

What do you think of our rotation? Can Paul Lee really play SG?

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