CHICAGO — It’s not the 13th of the month but something spooky is going on in the team standings of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
On this Friday, the Magnolia Hotshots are still in search of a victory after three tries.
Terrafirma and Blackwater, which are usually the win-less teams at this stage of a conference are 3-1 and 1-2 respectively.
READ Mikey's improving play an encouraging sign for slumping Converge
Magnolia’s sudden, steep decline precipitated an abrupt import change, axing Nani Omot, who replaced Terrell Brown-Soares, in favor of Clint Chapman.
Converge is in a similarly hot spot with a 1-3 card after absorbing three straight defeats, the last one a 103-99 nail-biter versus San Miguel last Wednesday.
NO DEAL.
Unlike the Hotshots, though, Converge isn’t going to anxiously molest the panic button. Head coach Dennis “ Delta” Pineda is standing by his import.
“Twenty rebounds and five blocks sya,” he said of Kylor Kelley’s effort against the Beermen. “Doon muna tayo. Stay pa rin tayo.”
The decision makes both financial and common sense.
Cutting Kelley is very expensive because his contract is fully guaranteed along with a hefty $50,000 release fee, multiple sources told.
Even though the FiberXers have the resources, making such a move doesn’t guarantee that the replacement will be better.
WEATHER THE STORM.
As i’ve said before, Kelley is not the problem but part of the solution.
The 7-foot rim protector and rebounding machine had performed his role with remarkable aplomb.
Through four games Kelley has gathered 70 rebounds, 16 blocks and 12 assists while logging more minutes than an alcoholic inside a dimly-lit tavern.
Sure, the scoring, at 13.5 points per game, needs a liitle uplifting but that isn’t his main job, either.
Kelley’s teammates love him. He’s a cool dude with no ego and he gets along with everybody, one player, who plays video games with Kylor, told me.
Why mess that camaraderie and start from scratch with a new reinforcement?
The 1-3 record looks bad but with the injuries to Calvin Abueva and JGdL plus Mikey Williams still finding his way, it could have been worse.
Gutting it out and trusting the personnel they have now is the best move for Converge.
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