One coach though wants to challenge that notion. According to coach Norman Black of Meralco Bolts, those teams can be beaten and, they are trying to do that.
Coach Norman Black was telling the truth. The way he saw the current structure of the league, he believed that they have a shot. So, he traded for Mac Belo. And the league gifted them Alvin Pasaol.
The question now is, is this really a four-team race?
If injuries, team issues and potential for trades do not exist, we can say that the upcoming season is a four-team race. Although, I also think that Ginebra, even though coach Tim Cone plays down the acquisition of Standhardinger, is the clear favorite.
But, I do not think it is easy as that. Two teams that I really think can shock us will be Meralco Bolts and Phoenix Fuel Masters.
The core of Phoenix already experienced the semifinals of the Philippine Cup, twice. That means they are not the new kids in the block anymore. I also think that their playing style is a big game-changer. Outside shooting can easily equalize the level of talent of two teams in a game. And coach Topex Robinson is a coach that can succeed in doing that.
On the other hand, I am really curious about the versatility and depth of the line-up of Meralco. They basically have several versions of a switch-all line-up on defense. My favorite, in terms of defense, will be Black-Quinto-Belo-Hodge-Almazan.
On offense, they can try Newsome-Maliksi-Pasaol-Belo-Almazan.
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