14 February 2011

New Role for Ross?

Chris Ross
If Sol Mercado plays the point guard position and Macmac Cardona takes the other back court slot, Chris Ross could be in line for a decrease in playing time with the Meralco Bolts - which is why an insider is calling the trade with Rain or Shine "bittersweet."

Ross might get a chance to become the team's starting point guard again only if Ryan Gregorio, Bolts' coach, opts for a speedy line-up.

If Ross is professional enough, this should not be a problem. The fourth pick in the 2009 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft seems to understand this, which is why his basketball goal is always "to play hard and be successful."

Ross was a first team All-District and All-Region selection as a senior, and an honorable mention All-State honoree during his stint with the San Antonio Jay team in 2004. Born on 9 March 1985, Ross also owns the most number of steals for a Marshall Herd player in 2005-2006 (54 steals) since 1996-97, when Sidney Coles had 72 swipes.

He has been playing in big-time games since he was a kid and everyone in the locker room knows that he is ready for an opportunity and will never step down from it even if he is relegated as a back-up of Mercado.

Ross has averaged 6.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game (top of the league) during the elimination round of the 2010 PBA Philippine Cup. However, this might not be enough to offset the more balance contribution of Mercado - 17.0 points, 4.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game.

"Right now, Ross is a role [as a reserve] player, so he will play that," a Meralco insider said. "He still got to be more vocal and not think that everything on the court will just take care of itself."

Some Bolts' players have debated amongst themselves whether Ross or Mercado would be a better starter. One player said it's possible Ross and Mercado could both be in a three-guard starting lineup if the combination on court has no true small forward.

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