Life after Petron

Different jersey, same game.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

When Anthony “Jay” Washington first came into the local basketball scene, people noticed him more for him being LeBron James’ “kalokalike” in more ways than one. Not only did he resemble the Basketball Hall of Fame bound NBA superstar, but he also played the game in an almost similar way (with James’ playing it inter-galactic, across the universe, notches higher of course).

So when the Talk’n’Text Tropang Texters (2006-2008) and later on San Miguel Beermen now Petron Blaze Boosters (2008-2013) took him to the fold, you just knew that this guy was special—special in the sense that he could decide the outcome of any game in whatever capacity or role is given him.

A Gargantuan Task

Beat Petron? Tall task for RoS
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The Rain or Shine Elastopainters and their fiery mentor Yeng Guiao are in a bind.

Down 0-2 in their PBA Governor’s Cup Semifinals matchup against powerhouse Petron Blaze Boosters, the Elastopainters are finding it difficult to defend the crown they won a season ago behind a roster of no-names and journeymen. Forget that the games have been surprisingly close until maybe a late 4th quarter breakaway (Boosters’ Elijah Milsap going HAM in Game 1), the Elastopainters are one win away from being eliminated.

And it seems that there’s just nothing they can do about it.

PBA GovCup Semis: Petron vs Rain or Shine

Which Gilas player will shine
brightest this series?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

With all the PBA Governor's Cup 2013 title favorites able to make short-work of their playoff assignments (save for San Mig Coffee), let's move on to the semifinals and take a look at how the match-ups will unfold. First up are the league-leading Petron Blaze Boosters versus the defending champs, the Rain or Shine Elastopainters:

PG: Alex Cabagnot/ Chico Lanete vs Paul Lee/ Chris Tiu/ Jonathan Uyloan/ TY Tang

Perhaps the only chink in this rejuvenated and re-fueled Petron Blaze attack in this semifinals match-up is the guard position, wherein Rain or Shine's knack of playing about four (even five) guys at the point guard spot can easily disrupt the opposing team's scouting report. Cabagnot will put up the stats given the minutes, but this match-up will depend on what we'll see from reigning PBA Rookie of the Year Paul Lee.  If Lee comes in with the mindset to attack, Cabagnot will be on the defensive and Petron might need to dust off little-used defensive hound Denok Miranda. Tiu, Uyloan and Tang can all stay in front of Lanete and put up points.

Adv. Rain or Shine
Just confirmed news that Paul Lee is out for 3 weeks with a muscle tear. Shit just got harder for Rain or Shine. Petron with obvious advantage now at PG spot.