After the trade that brought veteran Ranidel De Ocampo from TNT KaTropa to the Meralco Bolts, it appears that the MVP Group is placing their bets on Meralco to stop SMB's bid for a grandslam. Obviously, they believed that they among their 3 sister teams as having the best chance.
Manny V. Pangilinan owns the Meralco Bolts, NLEX Road Warriors and the TNT KaTropa in the PBA.
From a strategic point of view, it is logical. The Bolts have a complete lineup from last season's runner-up finish to Ginebra (except for Jimmy Alapag), they have a dominant import in Allen Durham, and now, they have the 6-foot-6 player who can further stretch the floor. They also became taller with De Ocampo going to the 3 spot with Cliff Hodge retaining his 4 spot and Allen Durham at the slot.
For the Katropa, they will gamble on Norbert Torres to become a genuine stretch four if he lives up to his potential. They also went younger by having a Chua although he won't mean much. They also got an extra first round pick, but since this is originally San Miguel Beermen's, it's highly doubtful they'll get a blue chipper.
However, this could mean that KaTropa is gearing up to trading these two picks (theirs and Phoenix from SMB) plus fillers to KIA for the first overall pick, then TNT would instantly become a championship contender once more.
For Phoenix Fuelmaters, they opted to dispose of Torres who they can't give floor burn and part of their regular rotation by getting Meralco's pick, potentially, the 7th overall, an upgrade over their potential 12th pick from SMB. That would mean two first round picks for them, their own at 4th or 5th, and Meralco's at around 7th. They also got a second round pick for 2019 although that may not be that valuable.
Bottomline, Meralco is the team being prepared to go all the way to the Finals this conference. They have a solid shot at it, especially with the acquisition of the 35-year old veteran. If they end up facing Barangay Ginebra in the finals in a rematch from last season, De Ocampo will force Japeth Aguilar to stay honest on defense and not sag in the interior. They have a veteran presence as well, an extremely crucial piece when they go deeper into the playoffs.
Manny V. Pangilinan owns the Meralco Bolts, NLEX Road Warriors and the TNT KaTropa in the PBA.
From a strategic point of view, it is logical. The Bolts have a complete lineup from last season's runner-up finish to Ginebra (except for Jimmy Alapag), they have a dominant import in Allen Durham, and now, they have the 6-foot-6 player who can further stretch the floor. They also became taller with De Ocampo going to the 3 spot with Cliff Hodge retaining his 4 spot and Allen Durham at the slot.
For the Katropa, they will gamble on Norbert Torres to become a genuine stretch four if he lives up to his potential. They also went younger by having a Chua although he won't mean much. They also got an extra first round pick, but since this is originally San Miguel Beermen's, it's highly doubtful they'll get a blue chipper.
However, this could mean that KaTropa is gearing up to trading these two picks (theirs and Phoenix from SMB) plus fillers to KIA for the first overall pick, then TNT would instantly become a championship contender once more.
For Phoenix Fuelmaters, they opted to dispose of Torres who they can't give floor burn and part of their regular rotation by getting Meralco's pick, potentially, the 7th overall, an upgrade over their potential 12th pick from SMB. That would mean two first round picks for them, their own at 4th or 5th, and Meralco's at around 7th. They also got a second round pick for 2019 although that may not be that valuable.
Bottomline, Meralco is the team being prepared to go all the way to the Finals this conference. They have a solid shot at it, especially with the acquisition of the 35-year old veteran. If they end up facing Barangay Ginebra in the finals in a rematch from last season, De Ocampo will force Japeth Aguilar to stay honest on defense and not sag in the interior. They have a veteran presence as well, an extremely crucial piece when they go deeper into the playoffs.
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