It is still strange for me every time I see Coach Tim Cone losing to the Alaska Aces, a team he lead during the nineties. But this young Alaska team simply had a lot of youth, energy, and firepower. Props goes to Banchero who fueled the comeback of the Aces from a double-digit deficit.
In the same way that the nineties Alaska team had Johnny, Jojo, and Bong as their core, Coach Cone has made Barroca, Yap, and Pingris the local core of the Hotshots. But he needs a slasher type player like Cariaso or Duremdes was when Alaska was dominant during the nineties.
The current Aces already have that core in Casio, Banchero, and Thoss. But they have a slasher in Abueva, and a lot more players with potential like Azul, dela Rosa, and quality backups like Menk and Manuel.
The men Cone fielded during the 4th quarter were also questionable. Why was Pingris out during the dying moments. He could have helped grab a crucial rebound and help defend the baskets from attacks down below.
Still, if the next couple of games are going to be as close and heated as this first game, then fans of both sides are in for a treat. Also, expect Coach Tim to make adjustments. He can work with undermanned teams and teams with lack-luster players to create a deadly unit. I just hope the hunger will return to the Hotshots despite their success in the past.
In the same way that the nineties Alaska team had Johnny, Jojo, and Bong as their core, Coach Cone has made Barroca, Yap, and Pingris the local core of the Hotshots. But he needs a slasher type player like Cariaso or Duremdes was when Alaska was dominant during the nineties.
The current Aces already have that core in Casio, Banchero, and Thoss. But they have a slasher in Abueva, and a lot more players with potential like Azul, dela Rosa, and quality backups like Menk and Manuel.
The men Cone fielded during the 4th quarter were also questionable. Why was Pingris out during the dying moments. He could have helped grab a crucial rebound and help defend the baskets from attacks down below.
Still, if the next couple of games are going to be as close and heated as this first game, then fans of both sides are in for a treat. Also, expect Coach Tim to make adjustments. He can work with undermanned teams and teams with lack-luster players to create a deadly unit. I just hope the hunger will return to the Hotshots despite their success in the past.
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