Going Gaga over Giga

The Natural.
(Photo: Rappler.com)

Did you see what I did there? No? Too cheesy? Fine.

The TNT Giga are lording it over the PBA Philippine Cup with an unblemished record, thanks in large part to it's rejigged starting unit which in our POV could easily banner flag and country in any international meet. Perennial all star point guard Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Troy Rosario and the recently acquired JP Erram are all averaging double figures in a very well-balanced front.

And unlike their rivals, their San Miguel Beermen and the dreaded "Death Five," these guys aren't playing 38-40 minutes a night. Erram's averaging about 25 while Castro is logging in about 27 or 28. That pretty much tells you how good this Giga team is, when the established team ace (Castro) isn't even being forced to play (and do) so much on the court.

So how have they been doing it?

Well, you can thank Coach Bong Ravena/ Mark Dickel for that.

In spite of the sudden retirement of veteran forward Kelly Williams, the Giga were able to add in more role players who focus on the defensive end much like their OG Harvey Carey. Rookie Kib Montalbo has been a great addition, giving Castro and Ryan Reyes a lot of rest whenever he's on the floor by simply tiring out the opposition with his non-stop pressure defense. Journeyman Simon Enciso is also 

Pogoy and Rosario have also quietly been doing their roles, with Pogoy as the token gunner who isn't afraid to get into the lane and mix it up and Rosario basically being the sole heir to Williams' spot on the roster. Erram,, whenever his temper is kept in check, is also providing solid interior defense and shot blocking.

Then there's the man named Parks, Jr.

In Year 2 of the BRP tour, he has pretty much looked like every bit of the natural superstar we've all thought he would be. There's no wasted movement, no fancy dribbling, no forced shots. Just simple, clean, effective basketball. You need a 3? Parks. A 2? Parks. Fade away? Yep. Pull up? Yep. Lefty lay-up? 

Those are in the bag. And then some.

The team looks very cohesive as a unit, covers for one another on defense (not that there's any holes in their star 5). They are also shooting at a very high clip (best in the league) and rebounding the basketball ("no rebounds, no rings" as the great Pat Riley would say). If we were to nitpick, there's still a huge discrepancy firepower-wise between the 1st and 2nd units. This has been addressed somewhat, with Castro coming off the bench in some games. 

How far can the Giga go this conference?

We wouldn't be surprised if they find themselves in the PBA Finals this conference, and more moving forward.