Rookies: First Impressions

WELCOAT DRAGONS

Joe Devance (3 pts 1-2 3FG, 1 asts, 4 minutes). A lot of hype surrounded the 6-7 230 lbs standout from University of Texas-El Paso even before he walked inside the PBA hardcourt. In the preseason, he was such a phenomenal scoring force that jaded observers gamely predicted he would contend not only for ROY honors but for the MVP plum as well. His first PBA game was forgettable. He limped off the court after just 4 minutes of playing time, scoring one triple before bowing out of the game. His absence was felt by the Dragons in the second half where his scoring ability could have given the Dragons a big lift over the resurging Tigers. They eventually lost the game after leading by as much as 19 points in the first half. Would the score have been the same if Devance was healthy during that game? Maybe. Production-wise, Devance would have a better output but Welcoat winning? They have to prove that first.

Ryan Araña (6 pts 1-3 3FG 1-4 2FG 1-2 FT, 3 rebs, 18 minutes). Araña did not log heavy minutes during his first game but you can see that he has great basketball skills - he can score, he can defend - in other words, he’s a complete basketball player. Araña reminds me so much of former Purefoods guard Glenn Capacio, who was a many-time All-Defensive Team member. Araña has great basketball fundamentals and knows how to play the game. He can manufacture his own shot, and read plays instantly. Araña has great potential. He will be closely watched during the team’s coming games.

Don Dulay (did not see action). Dulay did not play in the Dragons’ inaugural game but there is a lot to be excited from this 5-6 dynamo. He has a quick first step, a very adept ballhandler, penetrates against the trees (well they call tall people trees), and has a nice jumper that you will have to respect. Watch out for this guy!

COCA-COLA TIGERS

Ronjay Buenafe (16 pts 2-8 3FG 2-4 2FG 6-6 FT, 5 rebs, 2 asts, 29 minutes). Ronjay probably has the best showing among the rookies in their respective pba debuts. He erupted for 16 pts (sparked by two triples) and was very instrumental in the Tigers’ win over Welcoat, as he helped the team get over the rut in the second half. He has shown that he can always score whenever he wants to. Ronjay reminds me so much of former Tiger Gary David with his two-way ability - he plays on both ends of the court and does not move like a rookie. If he continues to improve his game, there is no reason to believe why he shouldn’t be among the top contenders for the ROY plum.

BRGY. GINEBRA KINGS

JR Aquino (7 pts 3-4 2FG, 1-2 FT, 4 rebs, 2 asts, 21 minutes). A lot of people were surprised that the Brgy Ginebra coaching staff tapped the services of the unheralded JR Aquino during the offseason. Now everybody knows why. He logged substantial minutes (21 minutes, which was better than first round pick Macky Escalona) in his debut game and showed glimpses of potential. He seems to be a hardworker both on defense and on offense. Aquino will never replace Rudy Hatfield’s 20-10 output, but he seemed to have the right stuff to be able to contribute to Ginebra’s cause in no time.

Macky Escalona (2 pts, 1-2 2FG, 5 minutes). Escalona played only briefly as the coaching staff elected to play their veteran guards Abarrientos, Artadi and Helterbrand more. Despite playing for only 5 minutes on the court, Macky did manage to excite Ginebra fans on one occasion, a quick penetration down the lane. Escalona has great size at the point guard position, plays smart and physical - a trait that you need with the new rules in place.

TALK N TEXT PHONEPALS

Yousif Aljamal (5 pts 1-2 3FG 1-3 2FG, 1 reb, 1 ast, 10 minutes). There are distinct advantages and disadvantages when you’re playing for a deep team like Talk N Text. The advantage is that there is hardly a pressure for you to contribute right away. The disadvantage is that, because the team is so deep, there may be hardly any minutes left for you. Aljamal was acquired by Talk N Text from Air21 to replace veteran forward Vic Pablo. They almost play similarly because they both like to shoot from the outside, rebound and have a winning attitude. Of course, it helps that Team Manager Frankie Lim was your coach in college. Aljamal did hit one triple in his inaugural game but it’s still a long way to go for him.

ALASKA ACES

Ken Bono (7 pts 1-2 3FG 2-2 2FG, 2 rebs, 1 ast, 7 minutes). Ken Bono was not used that way he expected to, but came far off the most efficient among the rookies who saw action in their opening game. He had 7 points in 7 minutes, and showed his range to spectators. Defensively, he was as slow as an elephant (who expected him to play defense anyway?) Bono, nevertheless, has a great scoring potential. The way he ripped the UAAP and the PBL last year and the year before is certainly no fluke. I’ve never seen anyone who has the same scoring ability for a big man, except perhaps for Alvin Patrimonio and Jun Limpot.

JR Quiñahan (10 pts 4-7 2FG 2-2 FT, 5 rebs, 1 ast, 2 blks, 22 minutes). “Bruise Bros II”? “The Bulk Bros”? They say the rookie tandem of Bono and Quiñahan has the makings of a Ricky Relosa and a Yoyoy Villamin. It’s still too early to compare both to the defensively reverred power players but they do have potential. Quiñahan was a force defensively when trotted the court. Starting at the power forward position, Quiñahan’s long hands and excellent timing resulted in two nice blocks. He also had 10 points and 5 rebounds, to boot. This early, Tim Cone is showing confidence in his abilities. He seemed to have a soft spot for Visayan talents (Stephen Padilla, Reynel Hugnatan, Jojo Lastimosa, Roel Gomez, etc.)

PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS

Chico Lañete (3 pts 1-4 2FG, 5 rebs, 4 ast, 15 minutes). Purefoods didn’t have any draft pick this year but has 3 rookies in its lineup - all rookie free-agents who were ignored by the other teams. Chico has come a long way since becoming undrafted last year. He was twice named PBL finals MVP and was a fixture in the PBL Mythical Team. Lañete didn’t show much during his first game as a pro, scoring only three points on a step-back three-pointer but the Giants believe that he’s got potential to be a great player in the pros. It may be a matter of time before he takes away the starting point guard position from fellow Cebuano Roger Yap.

Ardy Larong (2 pts 1-2 2FG, 2 rebs, 1 blk, 13 minutes). Larong was a surprise starter by coach Ryan Gregorio. He did not contribute much - only 2 points - but it was his defensive intensity that got him the nod from the coaching staff. Larong has earned a reputation as a tough competitor, a hard-nosed perimeter defender who can also slash and shoot from the outside. He seemed jittery but as soon as he plays more games, his game will only get better. The next Glenn Capacio? Probably, but he needs to play more with consistency and continue to work hard to be able to reach that level.

Rob Sanz (2 pts 1-4 2FG, 2 rebs, 1 ast, 2 stls, 9 minutes). Sanz scored only 2 points but was partly responsible for the team’s come-from-behind win over the Realtors. He had two steals that started a run by Purefoods in the fourth quarter to overcome a 16-point lead. Truth is, Sanz would not have been fielded in if PJ Simon wasn’t thrown out of the game (flagrant fouls). Coach Ryan Gregorio must be thanking his lucky stars right now.

STA. LUCIA REALTORS

Ryan Reyes (8 pts 3-5 2FG, 2-2 FT, 2 rebs, 2 asts, 3 stls, 21 minutes). Ryan Reyes was highly coveted during draft day and Sta. Lucia was wise enough to snare the 6-1 Fil-Am guard with the draft’s number 3 overall pick despite the fact that there still several talented big men around. Reyes did not have an auspicious debut, scoring only 8 points but did show great ballhawking ability - 3 steals (he was the leader in steals in the PBL last season, wasn’t he?). I can say that I was disappointed with Ryan Reyes’ debut performance. I expected him to dominate and show the reason why he was the PBL rookie of the year. I guess, it was rookie jitters, but Reyes will bounce back with a better game the next time out.

Christian Coronel (12 pts 3-6 3FG, 3-6 FT, 2 rebs, 1 ast, 2 stls, 15 minutes). Who would have expected that Christian Coronel, an undrafted rookie out of San Sebastian, would overshadow Ryan Reyes in their debut game? Coronel played like no rookie during his first game, displaying spunk and incredible accuracy from the outside (3 triples). He was also able to direct the team’s plays magnificently and at times outplayed starter Denok Miranda. With his showing, I expect him to figure more in the team’s plays in the next few games.

Dennis Daa (8 pts 3-6 2FG 2-2 FT, 4 rebs, 17 minutes). I’ve always felt before that Daa was a pro prospect but none was sold on his talents, until Sta. Lucia made a gamble on this ex-Las Piñas College star. Daa has been a familiar figure in the PBL Mythical Team selection. He was undrafted back last year but that didn’t deter him from pursuing his dreams. He had 8 points and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. More importantly, he showed that he belongs in the pro league.

Philip Butel (did not see action). Butel was supposedly the second coming of Marlou Aquino until he hit his head in practice one day (just kidding!) Butel is tall (6′7″) but lacks strength to be able to hold fort in the middle. The Sta. Lucia coaching staff like his work ethic that they gave him a roster spot. Will he be able to stick in the Realtor roster? He has a chance, as long as the mammoth contracts of Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino are there.

Melvin Mamaclay (did not see action). Drafted by the team in the second round, Melvin Mamaclay, was a surprise pick by the Realtors. He wasn’t supposed to be picked in the draft but Sta. Lucia saw something in him that literally convinced them this kid has “game”. Mamaclay is a combo forward. He can shoot from the outside and bring his game down low. Like Butel, he needs to add strength to be able to be a factor offensively and defensively.

MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS

Samigue Eman (5 pts 1-4 2FG 3-4 FT, 3 rebs, 2 blks, 9 minutes). The number 2 pick in the draft, Eman did manage to show the stuff he’s made of by coming together with 5 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in limited minutes. Eman, though, is still very very raw. If he continues to improve, sky’s the limit for his potential.

Jonas Villanueva (did not see action). I was surprised that Jonas Villanueva did not play a single minute during the team’s opening game against Air21. Magnolia’s deep guard rotation made it tough for him for the coach to take notice. Still, Villanueva is a nice talent. He is tall for a guard, has shooting and playmaking ability. With him and LA Tenorio at the point guard spot, Magnolia’s future in the backcourt couldn’t be brighter.

AIR21 EXPRESS

JC Intal (5 pts 2-7 2FG 1-1 FT, 2 rebs, 2 asts, 17 minutes). The Rocket did not explode in his first pro game. He only had 5 points in 17 minutes, as he elected to pass the ball everytime out instead of taking it strong to the hole or popping from the perimeter. Intal needs to be assertive to be able to make a difference in the game. I expect him to get better as the tournament progresses.

Doug Kramer (3 pts 1-1 2FG 1-2 FT, 3 rebs, 17 minutes). The Dog didn’t have a big bark this time. In 17 minutes of playing time, he was good for only 3 points and 3 rebounds. Not that I expected big numbers from Doug, but defensively I expected him to dominate like the way he dominated the PBL. Doug’s size (or lack of) is becoming a factor. He’s way short to be a center, but with the Express’ lack of big man inside, there no other options but to use him inside. Doug is showing that he’s not afraid to engage taller and beefier centers inside and that’s a good attitude. As soon as Doug learns the pro ropes quickly, he will be a factor for the Express.

Marvin Cruz (7 pts, 1-4 3FG 2-4 2FG, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 11 minutes). Marvelous Marvin was not marvelous this time out. He was just, well, average. He had 3 rebounds and 2 assists aside from getting 7 points in an all-around effort. The Express needs him to continue to bring energy on the court. So far Marvin has been able to perform that role for the team. It will take a lot though to supplant resident guard Wynne Arboleda from the starting post but Marvin is getting there.

Chris Baluyot (2 pts 1-1 2FG, 1 reb, 5 minutes). No Chris Baluyot was not brought in to replace the injured Gary David’s point production. Baluyot was given the nod probably because he can score and also play some defense on the other end. Still, Chris has a lot to prove that he belongs in the league.