CHICAGO - One of the best sights at PBA Media Day which I viewed from afar was the video of Stephen Holt and Isaac Go wearing blood-red Ginebra uniforms.
The vision reminded me of a prime Tiger Woods on a Sunday at a major golf tournament.
Like Woods used to be during his heyday, the Kings contend at every conference they play in. The expectation is to win, not just participate.
LOOK:
The jersey swap which ushered Holt and Go from hapless Terrafirma to Ginebra for Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle and a pick swap, also reminded me of how one-sided that express trade was.
Many labeled that exchange as a "blockbuster." I think it was a parity-buster.
While Holt and Go were all smiles, obviously enthused by the idea of actually having a chance to savor a championship, C-Stan didn't exactly look like he was about to go to Disneyland.
"This is what professional basketball is all about and just trying to find a new goal and understanding yourself," the vigorous, bull-strong Fil-German told SPIN.ph.
SOON ENOUGH, C-STAN AND PRINGLE WILL DISCOVER A NEW REALITY.
Terrafirma's jersey color is misleading. Green is commonly associated with money, abundance, hope and happiness. In other words, anything but hapless Terrafirma.
The Dyip hadn't won a title since entering the PBA in 2014. They made the playoffs only twice, including this past May which ended an eight-year drought.
They once lost 25 games in a row including a 54-point beating at the hands of guest team Bay Area Dragons, 130-76, in October 2022.
And when they land top draft picks, it is usually followed by an exodus, which is why, with the exception of Juami Tiongson, you can't pick any of their players out of a police lineup.
Too much change. Too much personnel turnover. No continuity is a recipe for failure in a sport where chemistry is paramount.
Ginebra, meanwhile, got younger, better overnight.
FOUR THE SAKE OF INNOVATION.
In the same Media Day, Kume Willi Marcial pleaded for coaches and fans to give the newly-introduced four-point shot a chance.
I support that call. I've said it many times, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
"Sa All-Star naging successful ,eh," Marcial added.
I love his enthusiasm, but minus any data presented (how many shots were attempted and made) I can't agree with such sweeping generalization. If fans' reaction in a meaningless exhibition is your barometer, good luck.
So yeah, let's endure a couple of ugly, ill-advised shots from 27 feet afar and then watch it quietly go away, as it should, at the end of the season.
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