Year of the PGs

Every year for the PBA Annual draft, the question in everybody’s mind is "Who to pick?" And it’s not an easy problem to solve. The simplest consideration and obviously the most practical solution would be to fill in the position that a certain team lacked. But then again, some names with impressive credentials that come up in the draft can be really tempting.

This year, the prestige of being the number 1 over-all pick was hotly contested by former MBA superstar, Rommel Adducul and UAAP star point guard, Mike Cortez. And the lucky team that stumbled upon the task of resolving the issue was Alaska. With Feihl, Allado, Peek, Arigo, and Duremdes in the roster, it seems the Aces are loaded with skilled players in every position except that of the point guard spot. After the exodus of 1996 MVP Johnny Abbarientos to Pop Cola in a trade that surprised many, Alaska seemed to have lost the heart of the team that gave Coach Tim Cone several years of high-flying victories in the league, including a grand slam in ‘96.

However, the question that lurked to sidetrack an obvious pick was "Big man or point guard?" After all, in basketball, height is indeed might. At 6-5, Adducul stands impressive with experience in professional basketball. His years with the MBA have honed him into a ready-made player who can give instant output for any team that picks him. Over the years he has also developed free throw shooting skills decent for a big man. Critics say he may have been the best available talent in this 2003 PBA draft.

Nonetheless, Alaska made a choice. It was a choice that not only filled the right position but also stole the best out of 62 hopefuls at the Glorietta Activity Center yesterday when they picked the "Cool Cat". And this pick has in fact impressed upon spectators the value of a true PG.

PBA analyst/host Paolo Trillo has this to say:

VALUE OF A TRUE PG

The PG is what coaches refer to as the "1" position on the floor. He is the court general, a coach inside the floor. He is the player that possesses the uncanny ability to get you the ball at the right time, at the right place. He is a director, orchestrating one play after another. He is the pace-setter, knowing how to speed things up and when to slow the tempo down. He is the time-keeper, always aware of the ticks left on the clock. Give him an inch, and he’ll bury a three. Once in a while he’ll break your knees with a cross-over dribble, then blow by you for a lay-up– or maybe even a no-look pass. He is a leader, someone you can count on to make the big plays.

These are qualities that characterize good PGs. But the great ones stand out because of their court smarts. Senator Robert Jaworski will always be hailed as one of the greatest because of his never-say-die attitude, an approach that required a ton of mental toughness. Hector "the Director" Calma is remembered as one of the tops in the league for his pin-point passing and his composed style of play. Johnny Abbarientos is arguably the best PG to strut his stuff in the PBA, displaying athleticism, great skills and an amazing feel for the game. Olsen Racela has risen to new heights in the PG hierarchy because of his court savvy and clutch plays.

These are PGs who sacrifice for the sake of the team and would do everything for a win. It’s no wonder their respective ballclubs have been the toast of countless championships. And it’s no wonder, you might say, that teams are always on the look out for these gifted individuals. Hint.

The PBA has had its good share of pure PGs like Ronnie Magsanoc and Dindo Pumaren. Both are thinking players; guards who make their teammates look better. Today, watch out for the reigning MVP, Willie Miller, Gilbert Demape and the comeback kid Dale Singson. They should prove to be some of the steadier PG’s in the years to come. The PBA is filled with loads of talented PG’s who continue to evolve and expand their game. This year, rookies like Jimmy Alapag and Rob Johnson may shake things up in the PBA. Together with Cortez, they seem to be the PG prototype for this generation of PBA ballers.

They say great PGs like Johnny Abbarientos come once every 10 years. Incidentally, ten years after Alaska drafted the flying A in 1993, the Aces picked Cortez as their top choice in the 2003 PBA draft. Could this be the changing of the guard? We’ll have to wait and see.

Not too many people realize the importance of a point guard. Many experts believe that it’s always wise to choose a big man for the simple reason that height cannot be taught. A tall player with less skill has a better chance than a skilled but short player. The underlying notion is that in a draft, big men are probably bigger steals than point guards. But over the years, the point guards have evolved into mature and confident players who are aware of their worth and of what they can give to a team.

The top over-all pick from the 2001 PBA draft was Willie Miller of Batang Red Bull who went on to become the 2002 PBA MVP. This year, another point guard was the top choice in the draft. Will the pattern hold true? Are we looking at the point guard uprising in the PBA? They may be lacking in height but come game time, they certainly stand tall inside the hard court.

For comments, post messages at www.jannelleso.com.