(c) PBA Media Bureau
After two amazing runs in the last two conferences, Magnolia Hotshots suffered an early playoff exit. Their elimination this quarterfinal doesn't change the fact that they will enter the Governors' Cup as one of the three favorites, especially that they are the defending champion.
They should not waste what happened to them this conference by learning and applying the lessons from it.
So, what are the two best lessons from this conference?
1. They need a defensive import
James Farr was a magnificent basketball player. The guy averaged 21.9 points, 18.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.6 blocks and 45% FG per game. Unfortunately, he is nothing special on the defensive end. He is average in terms of on-ball defense and he is not capable of protecting the rim from his fellow imports.
Unfortunately, Magnolia was late in realizing that. Rakeem Christmas ended up winless in his short PBA career this year. That doesn't mean though that he was not a better fit than Farr. It is just that chemistry is very important in basketball.
For the upcoming conference, I am pretty sure Romeo Travis is the first option. And that is the right decision. Travis may end up again as the most versatile defender.
2. Rafi Reavis is old
Reavis just celebrated his 42nd birthday yesterday. I hope the Magnolia management take note of that. Rafi ended up missing 10 of their elimination games and I think if he was healthy, they should have been in a better position in the playoffs.
I will be honest enough to say that I was late in appreciating the defensive impact of a Rafi Reavis. The last conference though, I realize that he is the anchor of their defense. When he was out, their defensive plays were out of sync.
So, what should Magnolia do? They should start looking for a replacement.
Unfortunately, it is hard to find a player with Reavis' length and athleticism. That is why the management should start looking by now.
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