Game Report: Petron 97 - Powerade 83

RABID REACTION

Marcio Lassiter didn't suit up due to a hand injury.  Rabeh Al-Hussaini on the other hand, started at center.  Rabeh's night was over quickly though as he was charged with a flagrant foul penalty 2 after elbowing Dorian Peña in the second quarter.  I thought the call was too much, but Dorian did a pretty good job of selling it.  Rabeh finished with 4 points on 2/3 shooting.  His defense was really shaky though.  He allowed a Petron lay-up without contesting it, which made coach Bo Perasol jump out.  He also failed to grab a single rebound.  Hopefully Rabeh learned his lesson and come back strong next game.


RASHAD MCCANTS

Rashad McCants lived up to his billing in his first game.  He's a good attacker and finisher.  He did have a couple of bad passes and didn't shoot well from the perimeter.  But he's good.


PLEASANT SURPRISE

While Rabeh's debut wasn't pleasant, another newcomer came to play.  Jondan Salvador had a solid game, finishing with 7 points and 10 rebounds.  He's undersized but wide and a bruiser, kind of remind me of former Tiger Ali Peek.  They're both southpaws too.

Who's Hot?

 Gary David 40 MIN | 8-14 FG | 8-10 FT | 6 REB | 5 AST | 26 PTS |




Who's Not?

 JVee Casio 32 MIN | 2-10 FG | 1-6 3FG | 3 REB | 3 AST | 5 PTS |




NEXT GAME:


05/25/2012 Friday 5:15 vs Barako Bull 

Remembering The Arsenal

The Coca-Cola Tigers entered the league in 2002, immediately winning a title in its maiden year, then followed it up with 3 more consecutive finals appearances the next year, culminating in a second title in December 2003.

It was dynasty in the making, too bad it was short-lived.

Chot Reyes was tasked to coach the national team and was never able to return to the team.  Rudy Hatfield, the team's best player at that time, got caught up in nationality issues.  He too, never came back to Coke.

But perhaps what formally culminated that "golden era" was when Jeffrey Cariaso got traded.  Along with Reynel Hugnatan and draft picks, he was sent to Alaska in exchange for center Ali Peek and guard John Arigo.  Since then, the Tigers never entered the semis again until recently.

For the next seven years, the Tigers bounced around the cellar.  From contenders to laughingstocks.  For seven years, everything looked bleak.

Powerade Import: Rashad McCants

I remembered when this guy played in the NBA.  I even used to play him on my old NBA Live titles.  I also recalled him winning an NCAA championship for North Carolina playing with future NBAers Raymond Felton, Sean May, and former Ginebra import David Noel.

Anyways, let's all welcome our import for the 2012 PBA Governor's Cup, Rashad McCants.

 
Rashad McCants

Height:  6'4"
Weight: 200 lbs
Birthday: 09/24/1984 (27 year old)
High School: New Hampton Prep
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
Drafted:  Rnd 1, Pick 14 in 2005 by Timberwolves

Overview: (taken from DraftExpress.com)
A talented shooting guard who is still trying to fulfill his potential after missing his second year as a pro with a knee injury. Is almost completely back to where he was physically. Not the biggest player around, but makes up for that with very nice athleticism and an extremely high skill level on the perimeter. Stronger than most guards, and has a tremendous 6-11 wingspan. Has a terrific stroke and is an extremely naturally talented scorer, but is a bit too one-dimensional considering the tools he has at his disposal. Looks too much for his own shot, very turnover prone, doesn’t get to the free throw line enough, and doesn’t contribute much beyond the scoring column. Had a tremendous three year career at UNC. Was a dominant offensive player in the ACC from day one. Was a key component of the Tar Heel squad that won the National Championship in 2005. Had a decent rookie season. Rebounded extremely well from his injury plagued sophomore campaign. Has somewhat of a reputation for being a malcontent, and has had problems with his coaches throughout his career. Body language, attitude can look questionable at times. Will field quite a bit of interest when his rookie deal expires at the end of the 2009 season. With some slight adjustments to his mentality and technique and better teammates around him, could really blossom and emerge as a terrific prospect at the 2-guard position. 
 

The Rabid Tiger

After months of speculation and back and forth proposals, the big trade that sent wingman Marcio Lassiter to Petron in exchange for center Rabeh Al-Hussuani, Lordy Tugade and Rey Guevarra was finally consummated.   This move caused an uproar among the Powerade Tigers fanbase as fans have already come to love Marcio and his style of play.

Former UAAP MVP and 2011 PBA Rookie of the Year

 

I, however, is among the minority that think that this trade isn't as bad as it seem.   Don't get me wrong, I love Marcio (I even picked him over Jvee last year for the top pick), but getting a talented young big like Rabeh is more than enough compensation.  Believe me, given this franchise's track record of dealing over the years, we could've done much worse.  For example, that first proposal of sending Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra here instead, would've been horrible.

A lot of people seem to forget that Rabeh Al-Hussaini had a spectacular rookie year.   He averaged 14.7 points, and almost 7 rebounds in just 28 minutes per game.  He is expected to play at least 30 minutes per game here.  In comparison, Sonny Thoss, regarded as the best center today, averaged just 6 points and 5 rebounds in his rookie year.  Furthermore, Rabeh is just 23 years old, so he is still pretty much scratching the surface of his true potential.  Asi Taulava didn't even come to the PBA until he is 26!

Rabeh is a nice mix of size and skill, which is rare to see nowadays in big men.   He can play with his back to the basket or he can knock down a 10 footer.  Let's look at it like this, it is easier to find a quality wing like Lassiter than to find a big man of good caliber like Rabeh.

This leads me to believe that Powerade may have even gotten the better end of this trade.  Yes, we lost one of our "big three," but we got a post presence, something that we lacked this season.  That showed in the finals series against Talk N' Text, where we were clearly outsized.

Marcio, Gary and Jvee were our top 3 scorers.  The thing is, all 3 are perimeter players, which means our offense revolves primarily around outside shooting, making us a bit predictable.  With Rabeh, we now have a legit option inside.   His arrival balances our roster, and the addition of Lordy and Rey provides depth to our second unit.

Coming from an ACL injury and spending time in the doghouse after he recovered may have affected Rabeh's confidence and timing, but I hope having a bigger role in a new team will give him a fresh start.

Lordy Tugade may be 34 years old, but shooters have longer basketball life as they do not rely on athleticism, and as an old basketball adage goes, "shooting, like wine, gets better with age."  Or something like that.

Rey Guevarra, on the other hand, hasn't quite lived up to his status as a 3rd pick in the 2010 draft.  He is young, athletic and has good size for a guard.  He can be a decent role player.

As fate would have it, Powerade opens up the season on May 20 against Marcio and his new squad.  This will be a great opportunity for Rabeh to give Petron a little dose of regret.

Roar out.