Intriguing match-up in PBA Finals could bring back excitement to spectators Part 3
In Part 1 and Part 2 of our analysis of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals, we've talked about the match-ups between the coaches, imports, and local players. This time we will talk about the possible X-factors of the series.
First, let's take a look at the TNT Tropang Giga who can go up 2-0 tonight if they can repeat over the Gin Kings at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
TNT can possibly get quality minutes from Ryan Reyes, Glenn Khobuntin, and Brian Heruela.
Reyes is a veteran who can boost the Tropang Giga as he is a seven-time PBA champion and a four-time All Defensive Team. He even recorded the most steals in a game among locals with 10. He's been with TNT since 2010.
Khobuntin is also known to be a winner since his college days when he was still part of the National University Bulldogs. He has proven it also in the big league as he had two championships under his name.
Heruela has played with multiple teams in the league but that does not mean he cannot contribute. He is actually a five-time champion — an accomplishment
Other TNT players who can contribute to be an X-factor are Paul Varilla, Kim Aurin, Barkley Eboña, Henry Galinato, and rookie CJ Payawal.
On the other side, Ginebra can also bring tremendous basketball weapon from LA Tenorio, Maverick Ahanmisi, Stephen Holt, Nards Pinto, Ralph Cu, Von Pessumal, Aljon Mariano, Ben Adamos, Raymond Aguilar, and Joe Devance.
Tenorio is a veteran leader with so much intelligence in the game of basketball. In fact, he does not need a lot of minutes to make an impact. Just his mere presence of this eight-time champion point guard is enough for the Gin Kings to be inspired.
Ahanmisi and Holt can provide bulk of points in an instant though they were limited in the opening game of the series. But knowing the capabilities of these two scorers, they can help Barangay Ginebra bounce back from their previous loss.
Raymond Aguilar might not see a lot of minutes inside the hardcourt but his hard work off the court can be seen to the teammates he prepared in practice just like Japeth Aguilar.
Another one who can really change the tempo for the Gin Kings is none other than the versatile forward Joe Devance, a veteran who has 12 PBA championships. He also knows very well the system of Ginebra coach Tim Cone, and that's the very reason why he was called out of retirement before the playoffs started.
JDV did not play Game 1 and if he is healthy in Game 2, he might make an immediate impact against TNT.
They might be the X-factors that can change the tempo of the game but one thing is for sure, the team that has more desire, will, and hunger to win the crown will be the one stepping on the podium at the end of this series.
