BACOLOD – With Christian Standhardinger sitting out, Japeth Aguilar has one major suggestion to opposing coach Jorge Gallent just to level the playing field in the Sunday’s PBA All-Star game.
“Kinakausap ko na si coach Jorge na yun ang magiging game plan, ang adjustment. Kasi injured yata si June Mar (Fajardo), so sabi ko huwag ninyo na siyang palaruin coach,” said the veteran captain of Team Japeth.
Of course, the 6-foot-10 Fajardo is as healthy as a horse and will definitely be the anchor for Team Mark Barroca when it battles Team Japeth in the main event of the All-Star festivities on Sunday at the University of St. La Salle gymnasium.
Without Standhardinger in the middle, Aguilar said it is going to be tough for his team and coach Tim Cone to match up against Team Mark.
At the same time, the Barangay Ginebra veteran big man said Barroca also has other bigs to back Fajardo in the frontcourt.
“Wala kasing dedepensa kay June Mar and madami silang bigs,” said Aguilar.
Apart from Fajardo, Team Mark also has the likes of Ian Sangalang, Jason Perkins and undersized power forwards Calvin Abueva and Cliff Hodge.
In contrast, Team Japeth only has Jamie Malonzo to tend the frontcourt in the absence of Standhardinger, who had to be replaced only last Thursday after falling ill on the eve of the All Stars’ departure for the City of Smiles.
No player has been named to replace Standhardinger since the pullout came at the last minute as making a playing jersey on quick notice could no longer be accommodated
Nonetheless, Aguilar will be banking on the team’s strength in the wings.
“Yung mga shooters namin sa outside,” was his quick reply on what he believes would help the team offset the size advantage Barroca’s side.
And Aguilar definitely has a ton of shooters at his disposal namely Paul Lee, Calvin Oftana, Marcio Lassiter, Arvin Tolentino, Roger Pogoy, and Terrence Romeo.
Team Japeth is looking to repeat its 140-136 win over Team Scottie Thompson in last year’s All-Stars edition in Passi City, Iloilo.
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