The world of basketball

Listening to: Matisyahu - King Without A Crown (2006 Youth)
Right now, I feel:Bored but Hyper

I'm gonna start my post about PBA. I am so excited as to what Japeth Aguilar can contribute to the Philippine basketball team. He is a legit pinoy big man. His versatility and athleticism can give a big boost to the "run-catch-then-shoot all you can" style of Yeng Guiao. I don't really expect the team to be olympic caliber or make it to the Olympics. Not now, not in the next 4-8 years. But I am definitely optimistic for them to make it if they really give it their all. I think the PBA and other basketball leagues and other basketball organization should give this a priority if they really want the country to be an Olympic caliber.

On the PBA world, Ginebra did a good job in getting the early lead for the finals against San Miguel. Though they almost lost their lead when the SMB starts to get close. I think it's one thing Ginebra should be careful of. Loosing their guard and unable to protect their big lead. Good thing they got everything smoothly going on. They should just keep up their shooting. Expect SMB to guard their shooters and show their power in the paint. SMB can match the shooting arsenal Ginebra is giving them but they should exploit Ginebra's weakness in the paint. I don't think Ginebra has a formidable frontline now.

In the NBA, player movement is getting really serious. Besides the Richard Jefferson and the 5 player trade, Vince Carter and the 4 player trade, Shaq to Cleveland. There is one big move that happened now. Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon is going to the Detroit Pistons. Definitely a good move for Pistons if Antonio McDyess and Rasheed Wallace won't have an interest coming back (for sure they won't come back). They just need to focus on getting a good center. I think this is what the league is lacking. A good center. I miss the era of Ewing-D.Robinson-Shaq-Olajuwan era. To make thing exciting, Gordon is willing to come off the bench. "Gordon is choosing to come here and play the super sub role." as quoted on NBA.com. This is something to watch about the Pistons next season. As Charlie posted on his Twitter site: "Deeeeeeetrooooooiiiiittttttt basketballllllllllllll"

Speaking of Shaq, I am still in shock as to what is Shaq is doing in Cleveland. Sure Cleveland needs a big man but not him. For me, he is a good post-up player and a very, even though he is somehow old now, a dominant presence at center position. One thing that concerns me are:

1) How will the Cleveland's offense will run? It's not like the LeBron makes a move to the rim and if he can't can kick out to other players will not work anymore. I believe it will be limited once Shaq goes to the paint. There will be less movement for LeBron and I am not sure if he can adjust to that.

2) Goodluck to their defense. I am not sure if they can be as best as last season. Yes, Shaq is a good option for offense and defense since they lack that size last season. But if they got him for the purpose of keeping up with the Lakers, Magic and Celtics, (which most plays are based of picks, and I say tons of them) then this will be a problem that they will carry for the next season. Shaq don't defend the picks. He never did it when he was younger. What will make him do it now that he is 37 years old?

If that is not enough, there is even some reports that the team is also eying on Ariza, Artest or Rasheed Wallace.

I love Cleveland. I love LeBron. He is just spectacular last season. But I think Cleveland just pushed the panic button too early and did something too much for them to re-make a championship caliber/bound team.