Well, everyone was treated to a cardiac game last Saturday at the MOA Arena in what should be the game of the season for the UAAP. It was a dogfight between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the UST Growling Tigers with the boys in Blue and White squeaking past their foes with a 68-66 win on a last gasp three-point play, which as expected, is being protested. But enough of that. This game provided storylines that can affect not just collegiate basketball or the teams involved, but Philippine as well.
Well here’s an interesting tidbit on why I worry for the future of Philippine basketball. And no, it’s not Kiefer Ravena, who just freaking murdered the notion of people trying to chase him down. It’s Greg Slaughter. Dude just tallied 10 points and grabbed what, six rebounds, to go along with three blocks? Yikes.
For an average Juan, that’s a good game already. But we’re talking about a seven-foot guy here. Seven feet tall and six rebounds. And he lives in the paint unlike Andrea Bargnani. The blocks are expected, since everybody just stands up to his chest.
Seven feet tall, six rebounds.
Seven feet tall, 10 points.
As much as Norman Black’s system is sharing the sugar, a seven-foot guy putting up only 10 point on a small-ish frontline is squat. You guys want to know how his matchup fared? Karim Abdul, 6’7”-8” (which I am listing generously since you play with your shoes on) 250-something-pund guy manning the middle for UST was spectacular. 10/13 from the field finishing with 22 points and 10 boards. His post work, positioning and boxing out? Absolutely terrific and a beauty to look at.
6’7”, 22 points and 10 boards hung on Ateneo. On a seven-foot guy.
If I’m Greg Slaughter, I’d be freaking pissed off. I’m a seven-foot tall guy who has the tools to make it great. I’m a seven-foot tall dude that is not named, and blessed thankfully, with EJ Feihl’s skills. He can ball, yes. But the fire, where is that fire? Why is he venting it out on refs? He should just vent it out on the opposing team and grab a 30-30 or 20-20 or something like that. Heck, over at the NCAA, Calvin Abueva hauls down 17 rebounds and drops 20 points ON AVERAGE. And get this, he’s around 6’1”-3”.
20 points, 17 boards a game. 6’1”-3”.
Greg Slaughter made Junmar Fajardo his bridesmaid in the Visayan league. As it stands, Junmar Fajardo will make Greg Slaughter his pet any given day after that ABL stint. That’s the progress made by Fajardo.
Greg? It’s time to stop being deferential to the system. Yes, it helps that you are a team player. But you are a seven-foot-tall monster who has good hands, skills and the smarts. You need to find your inner Rabeh (minus getting air-headed of course). The Rabeh that demanded the ball everytime down, who punished the opposition with impunity.
Or for better comparison, find your inner Rico Villanueva. The Raging Bull was downright unstoppable in the paint and he stands as tall as Nico Salva. Dude, seriously, do I have to put you under surgery and stitch you up with Calvin Abueva’s fire?
For the love of all Ateneans, park your rump under the paint, push back, shove back. There’s nothing they can do! And when that rock drops in your hands, grip it tight, don’t go for a wussy lay-up or fading hook. Drop your step and ram it home big fella! You are mobile. Use your mobility! See how they couldn’t defend you when you were catching the ball by the free throw line? One up-fake and they react and fly, they don’t stay down. Therein lies your point of attack. Two steps and you are at the rim.
Do not go for a lay up.
Drop the hammer!
For God’s sake big man, Kiefer Ravena threw it down to make a point. That is how you can make Abdul your pet Tiger. That is how you make the Bringases your slavea. Light a fire in your belly big guy.
Or else, Philippine basketball will suffer.
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