Give And Go
By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
To be honest, I am one of those who are viewing the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association rookie class with a wait-and-see mindset. It is not that I do not believe in the talent of the latest batch of freshmen in the local pro league but more because I just want to reserve my verdict first before I jump on and say it is a good group of selection.
One week into the new season of Asia’s first play-for-pay league, I have to say I am impressed with some of the draftees in how they are holding their own with the big boys.
First overall pick CJ Perez of the Columbian Dyip was stellar in his debut game, leading his team to an upset of the powerhouse defending champions San Miguel Beermen. He finished with 26 points and five rebounds in 31 minutes of play. His 26-point debut outing was one of the best for a rookie in the history of the league.
The thing about Perez in his first game was that he showed a good ability to adjust his game, turning a so-so opening-half performance to an explosive finish. He provided the offensive jolt that the Dyip needed in breaking down the San Miguel defense which considerably made a huge difference in fashioning out the upset of San Miguel.
His teammate JP Calvo, the 11th overall pick, also had a nice debut for himself, finishing with three points, four assists and three steals in 20 quality minutes of log time. Calvo was steady in his pinch-hitting job, something the Dyip could take cue from more so that starting guard Jerramy King is to miss a considerable time with a PCL injury.
Third pick Robert Bolick of the Northport Batang Pier is also proving his worth as a top draft selection, playing a key role in his team’s 2-0 start in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.
“Babes,” as he is fondly referred to, is averaging 20 points in his first two games while also fitting well in playing alongside resident team star Stanley Pringle in the backcourt. He has been fearless in rising to the challenge when called up and does not mind deferring to others when needed, allowing the Batang Pier further flexibility.
The Blackwater Elite rookies Paul Desiderio (4th) and Abu Tratter (7th), too, are having it steady. It may not be marquee-like as that of Perez and Bolick but the duo has been effective for their team.
Desiderio (3.5 ppg, 5 rpg and 2.5 apg) has been do-it-all and all-energy when he takes the floor, which is helping the new-look Elite (0-2) as they try to find their footing anew. Tratter, meanwhile, has been churning out 13 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block per ball game, somehow cushioning the loss of big man JP Erram who was traded in the offseason.
Fifth pick Trevis Jackson of the Meralco Bolts has had limited time of play of 16 minutes per game so far but is still managing 9.5 points every outing which underscores his potential explosiveness.
Javee Mocon (6th) of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters played well in his debut, ending up with 13 points and five rebounds, providing the team with another versatile big man, albeit undersized, to turn to.
Also having a good start are Kris Porter (16th) of NLEX Road Warriors and Teytey Teodoro (23rd) of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings while number two pick Bobby Ray Parks Jr. of Blackwater, MJ Ayaay (9th) of the Alaska Aces and Michael Calisaan (10th) of the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok have yet to make their PBA debut.
One week in the ongoing season, I am still not going to give a full verdict on the rookies, after all a game, or several games, does not make a season or a career. But many definitely are on the right path to success and it is going to be interesting how things will pan out for them moving forward.
Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.
msmurillo@bworldonline.com
