UnstoppaBOWLES

In light of B-Meg’s Commissioner’s Cup conquest, I have heaped praises upon James Yap for finding his groove and getting back to his old self, and to Pinoy Sakuragi Pingris too. But I forgot to give due recognition to the man that made it possible: import Denzel Bowles. The Best Import. The Monster Bowles. The UnstoppaBowles.

Denzel Bowles

As much as it is the genius of coach Tim Cone, it should be commended that the young man who just turned 23 two Tuesdays ago proved that he has what it takes to perform in big games. Cone preached his young import’s ability and even commented that he can make it to the NBA. Well, after those two free throws that tied the game at the end of regulation against Talk ‘n Text in Game Seven? That’ll be his ticket. He’s got more nerve than, uhm, LeBron James has when it’s in crunchtime. And he can only improve and develop. Yikes.

What should be noted is how smart Bowles is in-game. He throws passes to find his teammates, utilizing that 6’10” frame of his to spot guys on the floor. He has a legit post up game. Nimble footwork to get around his man, and soft hands to put the ball through the hoop, and using that incredible upper body strength of his to do so. And do not forget, this will be the last time we will ever see a spectacle from Denzel Bowles. Dude is NBA ready.

In fact, I browsed through my old NBA Draft Board discussions and people were actually high on this kid coming out of James Madison. Praises were heaped on his offensive game as he led the varsity in scoring and rebounding throughout his stay. But sadly, his lack of defensive work left many questions on his resume. It’s a good thing he decided to strut his stuff in the PBA and learn from a coach who is a teacher and emphasizes defense more than offense. We all know that defense wins championships and that the offense will take care of itself, even if you are in a rut. Bowles proved both. He manned the middle in that last game and clogged it up so good that Talk ‘n Text was forced to shoot jumpshots in overtime. On offense, well, who wouldn’t marvel at the will of Bowles? The times he spotted up for jumpers, he did not look tentative. He was decisive when launched those balls over the hapless Ali Peek. And when Peek was shook off and replaced with Kelly Williams, Bowles just bowled over him successively beating him inside to a pulp.

Denzel was last seen on a flight en route to the US where the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors have taken a keen interest on the young big man and decided to give him a shot at a roster spot. I say good luck to him. He has so much going for him that I would not be surprised to see him eventually getting his chance and making it big time.

By then, and if he works hard to be a productive guy and that same Denzel Bowles of Game Seven, I will be muttering under my breath, “Momma, there goes that man.”