So with good import, and a good coach, there's no reason this team will be in the championship competition again.
Let's say, given that they have good import, a good coach, and good key players, let's face it, Meralco is generally lacking solid manpower. Their starters are the only foundation of the team and they are not even consistent. Their bench is full of literally seat warmers and a clapping squad.
Even Tim Cone, Steve Kerr, or the legendary Phil Jackson will handle Meralco, without enough manpower capable of filling the position that a coach wants in his strategy, nothing will happen. Meralco will just stay where they are as the priority is their sister company, TNT Katropa. They are just ahead of a bit over a considered farm team.
It's sad to hear about that farm team to be in the discussion again. I think Meralco should not be considered as a farm team as that would only mean TNT is only the legit team. Not good, if there is a farm team for TNT or Meralco, that should be coming from a team that never into the championship, like Blackwater or DYIP. It cannot be denied that they don't have the talented players like the other teams, AFAIK, only Newsome is included in the Gilas pool and he was just new to the national team. But the fact that they reach the finals before, that would still prove that it's on the coach, and now that they have a different coach, so the result is different as well.
You can't blame people talking about the farm team as it has been rampant in the PBA and it's already a well known rumor. We just have to accept that these farm teams are only their to play but not to compete at a high level, why? because they can't since their players are below average compared to the other legitimate teams. It's so disappointing but that has been how the PBA has been working so far, they are contented with it, and they are not making a changes despite the dislike of the fans.
I understand but it's just disappointing that they have no plan on improving the league when other leagues are trying to make theirs better. This is the result of politics within the league that the people who are running it are under the influence of the giant team owners. We can't deny the fact that SMB and TNT owners are the people behind or in control of the PBA, because without them, this league won't be able to get a good venue and pay the players with a decent salary. It's just that we are not moving at the right direction, and that's the reason why the number of teams are still limited until now.
Finally we will be seeing strong teams playing today, they are back after a long rest.
We have these double header, First game Northport vs Phoenix, and 2nd game is Rain or Shine vs Ginebra.
I haven't check the spread yet but I'm incline to bet on the well rested team, forget about the rust got Ginebra and Phoenix, will be taking a parlay on the moneyline.
Hope to see a blowout win for Ginebra as I'm considering the spread as well.
They are back with vengeance and will try to correct their mistake last season, they exit early and now they are trying to be back in the Finals again. With the same line up, I hope they'll be able to create the fight bond already especially Ahamnissi who sometimes is out of sync based on my observation.
I'll support you with your prediction on Ginebra winning by blowout, as first game is very imporatant, they should make a strong statement.
