Hungry Kings unveil Macklin

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Alfrancis Chua hopes the hunger factor will propel the Kings to their first win after three losses when they take on unbeaten Alaska in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, tonight. What makes Chua upbeat is the energy that new import 6-10, 230-pound Vernon Macklin will unleash in his PBA debut.

“The positive is we’re improving every game,” said Chua. “We’re still last in the league in field goal percentage but we’re picking up. We’re getting open shots, we’re just not connecting. We’ve prepared a gameplan for Alaska. We know the matchups, we know they’re a very strong team. It’s a matter of who will convert. If it comes down to who wants it more, we do. We’re the hungry team.”

Chua said original import Herbert Hill couldn’t get the job done. “I don’t think he’s played since March last year,” said Chua referring to Hill. “He’s super nice but couldn’t inspire the locals. He missed his first 10 shots against Air 21 and had six turnovers. In this kind of conference, the import controls about 75 to 80 percent of the game. If the locals don’t believe in the import, you’re in trouble.”

Despite the dominating presence of imports, Chua said team effort is critical. “It’s a matter of determination,” he continued. “Against Petron, we made a run with Hill sitting down. That’s what it takes, fighting spirit. Everyone has to contribute. Vernon is the kind of import who can bring out the best in our locals. He’s coachable, he works hard, he can pass. He’s basically a post-up guy but he can play facing the basket, too. He’s got a wide body and long arms, somewhat like Denzel Bowles. Our locals feel confident taking shots because Vernon will take care of the rebound in case they miss. He runs the floor, chases down the loose ball. He can play either four or five, depending on our gameplan. He’s aggressive going to the basket.”

Macklin, 26, flew in last Monday fresh from a stint with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA D-League. Chua said Macklin took a flight from Texas to his Virginia home, back to Texas then to San Francisco before leaving for Manila. “I hope he’s over jet lag,” said Chua. “The Tubod stadium isn’t air-conditioned so I don’t know how the heat and humidity will affect him.”

Chua said several prospects were considered before Macklin was signed up. The list included 6-11 Tim Ohlbrecht of the German national team, 7-0 DJ Mbenga who has played for four teams in seven NBA seasons, 6-10 Shavlik Randolph of Duke, 6-8 Ike Diogu of Arizona State, 6-11 Brian Butch of Wisconsin and 7-0 Jerome Jordan of Tulsa. “It’s not easy finding a quality import because China is offering salaries of $100,000 to $150,000 a month,” said Chua. “We’re lucky that Macklin was available. We’re the smallest team in the league. After our import, we’ve got Billy (Mamaril) and Rudy (Hatfield). Kerby (Raymundo) and Rico (Maierhofer) are still not 100 percent. Kerby’s father died before the season opened, developed fever and missed several practices. Rico had problems with his arch support, got married and also missed practices. Willie (Wilson) is still out so our rotation is limited. That’s why it’s important our import gives us a lift.”

 Macklin was Detroit’s second round pick in the 2011 NBA draft and played 23 games with the Pistons last season. His claim to fame was playing in the NCAA Tournament every year of his varsity career, first with Georgetown then with Florida. He saw action with Division I teams that compiled a combined 108-34 record.

Georgetown coach John Thompson III said, “Vernon can run the floor like few big men and has the skill level to make an immediate offensive impact … he’s extremely fast, a quick jumper … athletically, he has all the tools, he’s extremely willing and has a good work ethic.” Florida coach Billy Donovan added, “he’s a smart kid who understands what’s going on out there when you make changes and adjustments.” Scouts said he’s capable of scoring with a jumphook – his trademark weapon – or crashing the boards for dunks and put-backs.

A slight cause for concern is Macklin’s ability to hit free throws consistently. In the NBA D-League this season, he shot .607 from the line. The year before, it was .458 with Fort Wayne. As a Florida senior in 2010-11, he hit only .451 from the stripe. Macklin’s free throw clip was .250 in his second year at Georgetown. Ginebra fans still recall import Jackson Vroman’s .323 free throw percentage in the previous Commissioner’s Cup like a nightmare.

Chua said Mark Caguioa’s leadership is key in turning things around for Ginebra. “He plays like an import,” he said. “Mark is consistent, he’s leading the league in scoring. He was angry at Hill when he wouldn’t play aggressively. We’re improving. Against Global, we were outrebounded, shot .367 from the field and had 19 assists. In our next game, we outrebounded Petron and shot .472 with 23 assists. L. A. (Tenorio) scored 19 points, his high this conference, so that’s a good sign.”

Chua said a win over Alaska will be the start of a turnaround. “It could be our first win and their first loss,” he said. “If we work hard and focus, we’ll make it happen.”