Ginebra the underdog

It’ll be a big test for Ginebra coach Tim Cone to harness his resources in trying to beat Magnolia in the PBA Golden Season opener at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight. Filling the gaps is something Cone has to do, with Japeth Aguilar and Isaac Go on the injured list and Jamie Malonzo gone abroad. That leaves Troy Rosario, newly acquired Norbert Torres, Ben Adamos and possibly Stephen Holt to hold the fort inside the paint with size a major handicap.

Cone will likely play small with Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos and Mav Ahanmisi rotating in the backcourt. Abarrientos started only once in 19 games in the Philippine Cup last season but may take a bigger role at point guard to slide Thompson at two. Ahanmisi could be the wildcard at two or three. Holt’s versatility will be useful as he can play multiple positions. For Ginebra, the key is controlling the pace. Cone employs a short rotation so Ginebra has to set the tempo for a deliberate, half-court battle. To control the pace, it’s critical to control the boards.

Ginebra was No. 1 in assists last conference with finding the open man a priority in creating motion to execute from the triangle. That’s where Abarrientos and Thompson come in as they averaged a combined 10 assists in the previous Philippine Cup. Ginebra will miss Aguilar’s norms of 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds and Malonzo’s 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds.  It’ll be about stepping up and adjusting to maximize who’s available.

For Magnolia, new coach LA Tenorio knows Cone’s system like the back of his hand. They’ve been together for years since their Alaska partnership. Now, they’ve parted ways. Magnolia gave up assistant coach Johnny Abarrientos to Ginebra in a reunion with Cone and a happy get-together with nephew RJ. Kirk Collier traded seats with Abarrientos. Because Cone and LA know each other so well, expect a tactical chess match with both sides playing tit-for-tat.

The Hotshots will lean on Mark Barroca, Peter Alfaro and Rome de la Rosa to play physical backcourt defense. They’ll make it difficult for RJ and Thompson to set up. Ian Sangalang and James Laput will take care of the interior, leaving Lucero and Javi Gomez de Liano to attack wherever there’s a mismatch. An advantage is Magnolia’s fully-loaded bench which led the past conference in points from relievers. Tenorio will remind his players not to fall in love with deep shots even as Paul Lee shot 48.7% and Alfaro 60% from four. The downside is Magnolia was last in 3-point percentage.

The Hotshots’ interior brigade will be tough to contain. They’ve got slashers, post-up power players and offensive rebound specialists. LA will temper the Hotshots not to settle and instead, go for the high percentage shots.

Manila Clasico will get the PBA season off and running. It’ll be a treat to watch Cone match wits with his student. LA is making his PBA coaching debut and will try to show up Cone in his baptism of fire.