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| Baby-faced assassin. Silent but deadly. |
Its suffocating and tireless defense created scoring opportunities, most of which was anchored by its three-headed monster at the guard position with perennial MVP Jimmy Alapag, Most Improved Player Jayson Castro and all-out hustler Ryan Reyes.
They won so much behind the three that it often didn't matter what production they received from Ranidel de Ocampo (whose constant battles with inconsistencies is just a few games short of being Marlou Aquino-esque) and Ali Peek, as long as the three were on the floor, TNT was sure to win games- and win they did.
But in the third conference, their third straight finals appearance- the wheels started falling off. Alapag, Castro and Reyes literally limped their way to the finish line- and with them, the Texters' hopes for a rare Grand Slam. They lost to the Petron Blaze Boosters in the Finals in a grueling, energy-sapping series.
This year, the Texters were looking to defend their hard earned Philippine Cup title although to a different lead cast. Alapag is no longer the 20 points 7 assists National Team player of years passed, Reyes hasn't been 100% healthy not since his rookie year with Santa Lucia and Castro continues to downplay his nagging hamstring and knee issues.
Granted, the three guard rotation will always be coach Chot Reyes ace-in-the-sleeve, but this conference (and even in Game 6 of their heavyweight semifinals slugfest with rivals Petron Blaze Boosters), the Texters have won with a more "traditional" look.
Because of the nagging injuries to his superstar trio, Reyes has reverted back to having them sub for one another. This way, he is able to preserve their minutes (and health) while opening up spots for his other players. Two of which, could start for any top tier PBA team right now: SG Larry Fonacier and SF Jarred Dillinger.
A few weeks back, KKS noted that Dillinger should be freed from Reyes' doghouse and, if possible, traded to another team ASAP. It wasn't a case of Dillinger not being skilled enough to play in Reyes' system (he's a slasher who can also play a little PG), it's just that Reyes has won so much with his Three Mouse-keteers that no one can blame him for sticking to his cards through thick and thin.
But now that the Texters are fighting for dear life and have a 50-50 chance of even advancing to the Philippine Cup Finals, Reyes et. al. have chosen to go back to basics-- which they even might be better off with against the streaking Boosters.
Right now, Reyes' rotation is Alapag-Fonacier-Dillinger-De Ocampo-Peek with reserves Castro and Rich Alvarez waiting on the wings. Simplified yes, but weak? No.
Fonacier gives them the size to defend at the 2 spot (where Joseph Yeo has been playing like the inspired 2nd time daddy he is and even Denok Miranda is shining brightly) and also forces his counterparts to play defense from the 3 pt line. Dillinger's height, speed, energy and athleticism is also paying big for the Texters in his match-up with Mr. Cool Chris Lutz.
Wherein the Three Mouseketeers would be beaten (and have been) handily by the Boosters, Alapag-Castro-Reyes are just too small to guard Cabagnot-Yeo/Miranda-Lutz in a seven game series, the bigger alternative has given the Texters an entirely different look that PB coach Ato Agustin has yet to truly solve.
And while Dillinger isn't half the slasher that Castro is, he's still bigger and just as relentless (gigil kasi matagal nauupo). They're not the interchangeable, rolling derbish like when the Three Mouseketeers are on the floor, but they're just as effective and matches up better with the Boosters strong 5 of Cabagnot-Miranda-Lutz-Santos-Reyes.
Oh, and anywhere you plug Rich Alvarez, he's bound to give you 100% effort and hustle while playing lockdown, "kiskis betlog" (tribute to Ryan Arana) D.
It should also be noted that Ranidel de Ocampo, for some reason, is more aggressive playing with this unit instead of when with the Three Mouseketeers. Either he relishes the "Main Man" option and prefers to be the guy with the ball/ allowed freedom to create instead of being Castro/ Alapag's kick-out option from deep.
KKS says, if De Ocampo wants the ball, give him the damn ball PROVIDED that he's within the 3 point arc though.
Plus, Larry Fonacier is the most under-rated yet high IQ basketball player in the PBA today.
Now we'll see if Reyes sticks this new "traditional" line-up featuring Fonacier and Dillinger at the wings to win Game 7, or if he'll give the Three Mouseketeers (now quite possibly two depending on Reyes' injury) one more shot to deliver.
