Jawo ordinary player or complete package?

Atoy remarks spark debate

MANILA, Philippines — The heated Crispa-Toyota rivalry seems to have reignited at this time of the pandemic-forced lockdown.

Crispa legend Atoy Co, reminiscing in the recent “An Eternity of Basketball” podcast, fired shots at Toyota rival Robert Jaworski, describing him as “an average player without a trademark move.”

Not taking this sitting down, US-based Corollas Francis Arnaiz and Abe King came to the defense of their Toyota teammate whom they call a complete player known for his barreling drive.

“Sa akin average kasi nakaka-layup, nakaka-shoot pero ang hinahanap ko yung signature move tulad kay Ramon Fernandez na may elegant shot, something like that,” said Co.

“He doesn’t score that much, di ba? Si Jaworski more on the authority; siya ang nagdadala ng laro, kung kailan niya ipapasa, kung kailan niya idi-dribble, point guard ang pinaka laro niya,” Co said.

The Fortune Cookie, who’s famous for his fadeaway jumpers, joked that Jaworski’s signature could be his “karate chop.”

“Bam! Grabe, ang laki pa naman ng kamay non,” he said, later admitting that Jaworski was a hard-nosed defender. 

But maintaining an earlier comment published in the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players book, Co said the Big J “got a big heart and spirit and a very disciplined player.”

King and Arnaiz saw Co’s interview and in a chat with PBA Legends USA Foundation secretary general Rufino Ignacio, voiced their disagreement.

“Maybe Sonny had no signature moves like Atoy but he is definitely not ordinary. In my team, I would choose Sonny over Atoy anytime. I don’t think Atoy ever played Sonny in his prime,” Arnaiz said in the conversation shared by Ignacio.

“Sonny was a complete player. He could score, rebound, assist and most importantly he was a leader on and off the court. His work ethic was stellar,” he added.

King, who played with both Jaworski and Co (Great Taste), said there was one move the Big J was remembered for.

“Signature move of Sonny – the bullet-train battering ram penetration at center, whizzing through everyone, with bodies flying whoever tried to stop him, and making the jumpshot or layup. Tayuan mga audience,” said King.