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| Cabagnot: coming for Tenorio's PG throne |
And while monikers or titles remain irrelevant on the hardcourt and are more media fodder, allow this writer to point out Cabagnot's much improved stat line as compared to closest rival Tenorio's in the ongoing Philippine Cup:
Cabagnot 14.7 ppg 4.2 rpg 7.2 apg 1.4 spg 2.5 topg 44% 3s 38% 2s 38 mpg
Tenorio 13.1 ppg 5.3 rpg 5 apg 1 spg 1.6 topg 16% 3s 34% 2s 37 mpg
The stats above, generously shared by PBA-online.net, aren't that far off save for the two guards' shooting percentages. Cabagnot, who was known for his indecision and un-clutch-ness in his early years in the PBA (those who care to disagree, clearly didn't watch him as much as this writer- a Santa Lucia die hard- did), is now an all-around threat with his trademark crisp passes and much improved stroke from just about anywhere.
Tenorio on the other hand, is shooting at an alarming 16% clip from deep which isn't something you want from a heavy-minutes playing point guard (PGs are expected to be good at two things: 1) passes 2) shooting-- these go hand in hand in order for the greater PGs to create more space for their teammates)--the sole reason why Paul Artadi (and before him, Jason Webb) still hasn't consistently started for any team and why ex-UST tornado of a pg Japs Cuan hasn't made it to the pros.
Granted, the poor shooting can be attributed to Tenorio's assortment of injuries but there's no excuse for inefficient point guard play at the professional level. We won't touch on the assists anymore because the Alaska Aces' triangle offense rarely allows guys to freely create for themselves or others.
As far as playing within the system and helping his team with efficient plays are concerned-- Alex Cabagnot is clearly the best point guard TODAY.
Then again, the case may be different in a week or two once Tenorio recovers and leads the Aces to a string of victories.
