Johnny vs Jimmy: Duel at the point

A key matchup in the Talk ‘N’ Text-Coca-Cola series for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Filipino Cup title is the duel at the point guard position.

Veteran Johnny Abarrientos, 32, is the Tigers quarterback while rookie Jimmy Alapag, 25, is the Phone Pals’ court general. It’s a battle of experience versus youth.

"Mabilis talaga ang bata," said Abarrientos, referring to Alapag. "Kulang pa sa right decision-making at rookie kasi. Big challenge para sa akin at makakalaban ko siya. Usually, mataas sa akin ang kalaban ko but with Jimmy, match kami. Ngayon, di na ako kasing bilis compared to before. But sa tagal ko sa PBA, ang edge ko ay experience. Si Alapag, kung minsan, nagmamadali kaya nagkakamali. Malayo ang mararating niya–mag-iimprove pa siya."

Alapag, for his part, told The Star yesterday he’ll give 100 percent in playing against his idol Abarrientos. "I learned a lot from Johnny when we were in the national pool last year," he said. "He told me about what it’s like playing for a champion team, to enjoy the moment of winning a title. Johnny’s done so much for the league and for the teams he’s played for. I have the highest respect for Johnny. For me to be in a situation where I’m matched up against him is a blessing. It’s a great honor for me because I really look up to Johnny."

Abarrientos said playing for the Tigers in the Finals is special. In the All-Filipino Cup last season, he sat out the last three games after suffering a double facial fracture and wasn’t on the court when the Tigers wrapped up the title. Teammate Jeffrey Cariaso missed the entire Finals because of a groin injury. So for Abarrientos and Cariaso, making it to the top at the Phone Pals’ expense will be sweeter than sweet.

For Alapag, a title will be a dream come true. After the Phone Pals disposed of Alaska in the semis to barge into the Finals, Alapag hurriedly relayed the news to his parents in a long distance phonecall. He’s hoping father Crispin and mother Aurora–who live near Los Angeles–can fly in to watch the Finals, maybe starting Game 3. His oldest brother George is already in town to give him moral support.

Alapag, the youngest of eight children, was born in the US. His parents met and married in Quezon City. In 1969, his father migrated to the US and later brought his family to settle in Upland City, about 45 minutes from Los Angeles.

"I expect a long series," said Alapag, averaging 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. "Coca-Cola is the defending champion and they won’t give up the title easily. Both teams play nine to 10-man rotations so depth is pretty much even. I expect Coca-Cola to bang me up like Alaska did. That’s okay. I’m ready. I’ll just stay aggressive and play my game, no matter what."

Alapag said the Phone Pals’ main strength is their inside game anchored on Asi Taulava, Harvey Carey and Mark Telan. "We’re a team that can run and play the halfcourt game," continued Alapag. "Coca-Cola likes to run so we’ve got to stop transition. Their strength is championship experience but their weakness is lack of size with either Rafi (Reavis) or Poch (Juinio) not able to match up against Asi."

Abarrientos promised "to run to the max" and tire out the Phone Pals. He predicted the team with more energy down the stretch will win the title. For the Flying A, stamina is vital because both teams thrive on transition.

A problem the Tigers could face is foul trouble because he said he expects Taulava to take it strong on the low block. "Baka maubos kami sa loob," he mused.

Abarrientos said coach Chot Reyes has perfected the Tigers’ running attack. "Simple lang si coach," he added. "No triangle. Takbuhan lang at mabilis ang laro. Sa Pop Cola, inumpisahan na niya ang transition game but di pa kami fluid noon. Once napagod kami, tapos na ang laban. Now, okay na. At cool down na si coach. Dati, grabe ang bagsik niya. Effective si coach kung nasisigawan kami–especially mga veterans, kasi we tend to relax. Kailangan, gisingin pa minsan-minsan."

Abarrientos–one of only three players to compile at least 1,000 steals in PBA history–said the Tigers are prepared for a long series. "Malakas ang Talk ‘N’ Text, no question," noted the Flying A who’s hitting at a 7.6 clip this season. "Offensive team sila, good from inside and outside. May zone sila, may man-to-man din. Ang kanilang weakness? Kung mag lobat sila. Mahirap labanan ang Talk ‘N’ Text kasi marami silang mga unexpected contributors like (Patrick) Fran, (Mark) Telan, (Vic) Pablo, at (Kahi) Villa."

Abarrientos said the secret of the Tigers’ success is hard work. "Sa practice, nagpapatayan kami, walang patawad," he went on. "Nagkakasakitan. Ako nga, natitira ni Leo (Avenido). Si Rudy (Hatfield), siya ang nagdadala sa amin. Ayaw niyang matalo. Kaya sa game, automatic ang attitude namin hindi kami magpapatalo."

Abarrientos, the 1996 MVP, said he doesn’t mind not starting if that’s part of Reyes’ gameplan. "Si Ato (Morano) at Leo, willing to sacrifice, ako rin," he said. "Quality minutes ang nilalaro nila, always 100 percent. Wala kaming inggitan. We play as a team. We play to win. Hindi pa ako 100 percent. Ang right tuhod ko, nadaganan ni Jumbo (Bolado) sa game kanya gumagamit ako ngayon ng knee pad.But I’ll play. Kailangan kasi. Sa last few minutes, in and out na lang ako hangga’t kaya kong maglaro."

Alapag said defense will make the difference in the series. "Both teams can score in the 100s easily but the team that limits the other to 70 or 80 will win," he explained. "I don’t care if it’s a long or short series for as long as in the end, we come out on top."

Alapag said coach Joel Banal stepped in at the right time. "Coach pays attention to a lot of detail and is always well-prepared for a game," he said. "In the eliminations, he asked us to treat each game like a title was on the line. It was his way of getting us to experience championship pressure. Coach is a religious person and his influence has helped us a lot. It’s a big thing when you know the Man upstairs is on our side." — Joaquin Henson