S75 Game Discussion: ADMU vs NU - 07/22/2012 [ADMU won, final score: 89-65]

[Objection]

Give the title to Ateneo. Their roster is just so deep and talented that I don't see any team capable of beating them in a best of three.

Matured UST this season

Expect a grind kapag between the bird and pusie baka mala season 69 baliktaran ang mangyari kahit favorites, nakachamba pa

[brief]

I also disagree that Filipinos aren't meant to be tall. The likes of Aquino, Aguilar, Fajardo, Gian Chiu, Balingit, Yancy, Canlas etc disproves that claim. Moreover, the San Diego, Dillo to Slaughter is an unfair comparison. It's not just the physique that should be factored in. Yes Dillo and San Diego "freakishly" grew tall compared to him, but they did not have the same kind of training Greg had. In addition, Dillo for his part, if I'm not mistaken was quoted that he doesn't have any kind of interest in basketball which in itself is a deal breaker. San Diego on the other hand, started late in playing ball and was too shy as a person. Nahihiya pa nga yan pag kinukulit na mag dunk. And IIRC, Vincent was already standing 6'5" in only his second year in HS but doesn't have the basic skill set in playing, compared to his school mate Rodel Celo(who played for UP). By the time San Diego entered the UAAP as a green archer, he is extremely just a project.

Just by looking at the average height of all Filipino basketball players, I think it's safe to say that those players you mentioned are outliers. I guess the norm would be 6'3 as opposed to European, African, and of course, American basketball players. Centers from those countries are usually 6'9 and above while their guards are naturally taller than our guards. Even during the Asian games, our guards would be the shortest. Yes, there are tall Filipinos but they are not born athletes. To counter the more talented and athletic centers of the other countries, we had to enlist Douthit just to make our team more competitive. That's what I meant by saying Filipinos aren't meant to be tall.

And with regards to the relationship between tall Filipinos and their physical limitations, I know I read about that somewhere. I just can't remember where so I can't cite it right now. Basta I think the irregularity in their hormones caused them to be unusually tall with their physical limitations as one of its side effects. Just sharing my opinion.

[squeeandspleen]

I don't think physicality equates knowing how to use one's body, generally speaking. A player may know how to use his body but will not necessarily by physical against the opponent. At the same time a player can be physical, but it doesn't necessarily result into something positive, like a basket, a rebound etc. And it's definitely not about how tall or hefty you are, it's how you do it. Unfortunately Slaughter doesn't know how, yet. If he does, he will most likely not be called for an offensive foul. That's also the reason why the likes of Abdul can handle him down low, giving GS a lot of trouble executing his bank shot. Seriously, even a player like Abuda can defend him.

But having said that, he still gets his points, rebounds and blocks. Why? Because he's 6'11"-7'. No one in the UAAP right now stands as tall as him(closest one would be Sentchu at 6'10"). Offensively, he can execute the most basic move for a big man. Low post, dribble, drop step then bank shot. Medium jumpers. That's it. If only he consistently makes most of his shots and knows how to use his body, he could score a lot just like Parks' production. Defensively, well it's fairly obvious he's intimidating. Smaller players are having a hard time(or refuse to get blocked) scoring against him. He doesn't need to have great timing to block a shot. Just wait for the ball to be released in the air and he blocks it. That's why I've always been saying that ADMU lives and dies with Slaughter. He's a game changer.

I also disagree that Filipinos aren't meant to be tall. The likes of Aquino, Aguilar, Fajardo, Gian Chiu, Balingit, Yancy, Canlas etc disproves that claim. Moreover, the San Diego, Dillo to Slaughter is an unfair comparison. It's not just the physique that should be factored in. Yes Dillo and San Diego "freakishly" grew tall compared to him, but they did not have the same kind of training Greg had. In addition, Dillo for his part, if I'm not mistaken was quoted that he doesn't have any kind of interest in basketball which in itself is a deal breaker. San Diego on the other hand, started late in playing ball and was too shy as a person. Nahihiya pa nga yan pag kinukulit na mag dunk. And IIRC, Vincent was already standing 6'5" in only his second year in HS but doesn't have the basic skill set in playing, compared to his school mate Rodel Celo(who played for UP). By the time San Diego entered the UAAP as a green archer, he is extremely just a project.

those guys you mentioned are the exceptions rather than the rule.