SMC VS SMB is not a rivalry because it is one-sided

(c) PBA Media Bureau

MVP versus SMC was suppose to be a rivalry. Unfortunately, reality slapped us in the quarterfinals of the 2018 Commissioner's Cup when San Miguel Beermen and Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel, swept TNT Ka-Tropa and Meralco Bolts, respectively.

In the Meralco-Ginebra match-up, the difference in talent was pretty obvious. Ginebra had a better and bigger player in each position except point guard. 

On the other hand, San Miguel's squad was more cohesive and a better unit than the also-deep line-up of TNT.

The way SMC is doing business in the PBA is simply better than what the MVP group is doing. The biggest difference is the experience and familiarity of the management of the two conglomerates. 

The guys leading SMC franchises had been in the league for a very long time.

With Christian Standhardinger, June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar and Ian Sangalang all in SMC, the MVP squads will always be on the disadvantage in the frontline.

Unfortunately for MVP teams, there are no freakish big that is coming to the PBA in the next two drafts. Fortunately, there are high-end talents that they may try to grab but with a more strict PBA commissioner, the price will be much higher.

Ray Parks Jr., Joshua Munzon and CJ Perez are the wing players that could change the tide of the rivalry. 

But they need to grab at least two of them to better their chances.

Other than those factors, MVP teams already have a big disadvantage because they are the foundation of the national team. Their elite players have extra hard games in each conference under their belt. Their focus will always be affected. 

Is there a way that the MVP brotherhood will catch up with the SMC sister teams in the next few years? 

There is no clear path for them.