One more test for Dean
Time is running out on Coca-Cola import Brandon Dean to prove himself worthy of playing in the PBA Fiesta Conference.
Tonight, he plays his third game for the Tigers and fans are wondering if he’ll exit with a whimper or finally break out of his shell. It’s a winner-take-all showdown against Magnolia with the survivor advancing to the semifinals and the loser taking an early vacation.
When Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis brought in Dean to replace Donald Copeland, he made sure it wouldn’t leak out to the press prematurely. Dean was supposed to be the Tigers’ secret weapon in the quarterfinals.
Favis didn’t want to tip off the Beverage Masters and kept Dean under wraps for a week until he reported to the PBA office for measurement last Friday. As the team’s second import, the restriction was he couldn’t be more than 6-1. Dean cleared the bar a few inches below the ceiling.
Before Dean’s debut against Magnolia in Game 1 of the quarterfinals, the word was he could do no wrong.
Veteran Kenneth Duremdes, languishing in the Tigers’ reserve list, said Dean was unstoppable at practice, impressing his teammates with a wide array of dunks, including a Dominique Wilkins-like windmill.
Duremdes recalled Dean was on the
“He’s small but he has a man’s body,” said Duremdes.
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But Dean has been far from spectacular in his two forgettable quarterfinal outings. He shot eight points on 3-of-11 from the floor and 1-of-2 free throws, grabbed three rebounds and dished out six assists in 35 minutes in Game 1 which Magnolia won, 108-96, last Sunday. Then, in Game 2 the other day, he collected six points (on 2-of-5 from the field), two rebounds and four assists in 21 minutes. The Tigers barely won that one, 91-90.
In both games, Dean seemed lost on the court. Only once in Game 2 did he use a pick to drive strong to the hole and his shot was swatted away by Amal McCaskill. There were no pick-and-roll plays for him. Basically, Dean was on his own in the backcourt, looking to pass more than shoot.
To be effective, Dean must be more aggressive in penetrating the lane, drawing contact and earning trips to the line. If he’s afraid of getting banged up, Dean will spend more time on the bench than on the court. Running pick-and-rolls for Dean and Jason Dixon or Asi Taulava might bring out his offensive game but if he’s left to fend for himself, chances are he’ll be swallowed up by Magnolia’s defense.
Favis appears to trust his local guards more than Dean, either at point or the two spot. He has basis for his trust. In last Wednesday’s game, Alex Cabagnot and Ronjay Buenafe were primarily responsible for the Tigers’ one-point victory. Dean was hardly a factor.
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On paper, Dean is supposed to be quite a player. He played four years for coach Nolan Richardson at
In 1999-2000, Dean became the first
Blue Ribbon Basketball Yearbook editor Chris Dortch wrote: “(Dean) might be considered small (5-11) for a two-guard at least in terms of inches but he plays a lot taller, thanks to some incredible physical gifts. It starts with a 39-inch vertical leap. Dean can get to the basket in a hurry and dunks with authority. He is also strong and fast, making him tough to contain when he decides to head to the basket. His other great weapon is his shooting touch.”
Some of Dean’s college teammates were former Talk ‘N’ Text import J. J. Sullinger, Atlanta Hawks star Joe Johnson and
Dean benefited from playing on a solid college basketball program with quality teammates and was never embarrassed on the floor. Yet, in the PBA, he can’t seem to make an impact.
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