Alex Compton, the former Alaska head coach and Gilas Pilipinas deputy, recently shared his all-time PBA starting five, and it’s a lineup that harks back to the traditional era of Philippine basketball. While it lacks modern spacing and versatility, it promises to be a physically imposing force that opponents would find challenging to handle.
Let’s break down Coach Compton’s selections:
Johnny Abarrientos (Point Guard):
Abarrientos, known as “The Flying A,” was a magician on the court. His quickness, court vision, and tenacity made him a fan favorite. While he excelled in orchestrating plays, his shooting range was limited. In a league where point guards are expected to stretch the floor, Abarrientos’ lack of three-point shooting could be a drawback.
Allan Caidic (Shooting Guard):
Coach Compton acknowledges Caidic as the best shooter in PBA history. His ability to light it up from beyond the arc is legendary. However, having one elite shooter isn’t enough to create spacing. Teams today rely on multiple threats from deep, and Caidic’s presence alone won’t stretch defenses as much as needed.
Ranidel de Ocampo (Small Forward):
De Ocampo’s basketball IQ and understanding of the game are commendable. His ability to post up, read defenses, and contribute in various ways is valuable. However, his lack of elite athleticism and defensive versatility might be a concern. Modern small forwards need to guard multiple positions and switch seamlessly.
Eric Menk (Power Forward):
Menk, a versatile big man, could play both inside and out. His post-up game, toughness, and basketball IQ make him an intriguing choice. However, Menk’s lack of consistent three-point shooting limits the team’s offensive flexibility. In today’s game, power forwards who can stretch the floor are highly valued.
June Mar Fajardo (Center):
Fajardo, a dominant force in the paint, is a no-brainer for the center position. His size, strength, and scoring ability make him a formidable presence down low. However, in today’s game, spacing is crucial, and Fajardo’s lack of outside shooting might limit offensive options.
In summary, Coach Compton’s starting five is old-school, physical, and hard-nosed. They’d bully opponents in the paint and grind out wins. But defensively, their lack of versatility could be exploited by more dynamic lineups. While this team won’t be well-rounded, it’ll definitely be a nightmare to face in the trenches.
Recent PBA Power Ranking: PBA Power Ranking: Top 5 Best Player of the Conference candidate!
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