Ryan Buenafe: Love Me, Hate Me

He's back... And ever dominant!

In basketball, there is always going to be that one player who constantly defies the odds. He may be as fat as a pig but still manages to soar in the air like an eagle. He may be a player with an ugly looking shot but still makes every one of them no matter what you do. He may be a player who doesn’t practice but still annihilates the opposition come game time.

In the UAAP, that player is Ateneo’s Ryan Buenafe. The player who has been constantly criticized for his lack of physical conditioning, academic competency, and at times his values but this guy can really play ball. He stands around 6’2 and weighs God knows what. But he every time he steps in the court, he turns every game into his masterpiece.

Buenafe’s game is very counterintuitive. He doesn’t stand out with athleticism reserved for the blessed. He uses his wits to get by, over, and around you. (If you don’t believe me, watch his games on Youtube.)

When Ryan Buenafe dribbles down the court, you look at him like a predator trying to catch his prey. Your eyes widen upon this sight thinking you would be able to steal the ball or stop him at the very least. Well, your wrong. That’s a common misconception about Buenafe because he has the dribbling talent and the vision of a point guard. Oftentimes, he is Ateneo’s best creator as he masterfully sets-up his teammates such as Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva, and Kiefer Ravena.

If you guard his passing ability, Buenafe has the handles and strength to get by you in any way he wants to. He has this excellent feel for the game wherein he knows exactly what move to use to get by you. Some of his favorites are his counterintuitive head and shoulder fake, his ever deceiving up and under and his favorite and most well known move, the hang time lay-up. 

Buenafe may not have the highest hops but makes up for it with his craftiness in the air. He contorts his body gracefully in ways only seen through ballerinas. He effectively hides the ball while at the same time gets himself in the best possible position to finish at the rim. His hang time can only be compared to Joseph Yeo as they both similarly defy the laws of gravity and seem to sit and hang in the air with such ease.

Ryan plays the game with so much ease. He always seems very relaxed and composed. He is never rattled and that gives him an advantage. He gets to see the floor more and able to assess the situation and how to deal with it.

The former Rookie of the Year is even deadlier come the big stage. He seems to take this game to whole new level. He activates his clutch gene and becomes Jordan-like unleashing every bit of His Airness. In UAAP Season 73, he did so. In Game 2 of the Finals, he mercilessly annihilated the defense of JR Cawaling. Down the wire, with the championship hanging in the balance, he calmly nailed a 30-footer to seal Ateneo’s championship run winning the Finals MVP in the process.

In the last Ateneo-La Salle game, he mercilessly dropped 24 points (3/9 3pt FG, 8/16 FG, 5/6 FT), 8 rebounds, and setting up his teammates for multiple good looks while at the same time defending the front-runner for the Rookie of the Year. That says something. He has the talent and the skills to do so. It’s just going to be about damn time until he finally becomes the player we think he can be!

We hate Buenafe because of his inconsistency. We despise him because he can do things we only dream of doing. Adding insult to injury, he does these things well even if his body is as it is. It isn’t fair but that’s what makes Ryan Buenafe that kind of player, you hate seeing someone succeed despite his physical ‘limitations’ because you as an ‘able’ body person cannot do the things he is doing.

Only time will tell how far this kid will go. The sky is the limit for Ryan Buenafe and everytime he steps into the court, he still constantly defies the odds. Yes, anyone can play the game of basketball and play at its highest level and in its purest sense.

Ryan Buenafe vs Tengsanity

It’s either you love him or hate him.

 

Coronation Night for The King: A Journey

The Chosen One. King James. Witness. Quitness. Choker. LeBrick. Traitor. The King Without A Crown.

LeBron James has something to add to his long list of monikers---Champion. And it's about damn time.

Against all odds, hatred, and scrutiny, LeBron James delivered a virtuoso-type performance in the biggest game of his career--- a triple-double along with a lot of game changing plays. He masterfully dictated the tempo of the game scoring in a variety of ways and dishing off to his red hot teammates.

All we know about LeBron James is that he is a freak of nature---an invulnerable physical specimen who's too strong, too skilled, too quick, and too smart for the rest of the NBA. An unstoppable wreck of havoc whose talent and skill set is the greatest we've seen and probably we'll ever see.

We remember LeBron for either his greatest triumphs or his historic collapses. We look forward to seeing LeBron throw an emphatic dunk over the out stretched arms of his defender. Treating us to a beautiful air spectacle with him throwing it down in a variety of different ways. We crave to see him take over the last seconds of the game; shooting the ball instead of passing. We would love to see him fail miserably and allow his critics to bombard him with a lot of things they themselves cannot do or handle.

We observe, critique, and blast LeBron for whatever he is doing. We thing we are actually better than him telling him to do this and that. We criticize him for all the decisions he has made especially with the spectacle that happened on July 8, 2011 where he decided to "take his talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat".

He was, is, and still to this very day the most hated NBA player in the phase of the Earth. Fans and basketball players alike envious of his talent, popularity, and stardom. His failure is our joy. His success is our demise. We always poke fun at LeBron for literally everything! His receding hairline, his inability to deliver during crunch time, and most especially that he has yet to win a championship.

What we don't notice and appreciate is LeBron's maturity and evolution as a basketball player. We have never seen or we will never see a player such as LeBron James. A genetically God-gifted physical specimen who's blazing quick and agile equipped with sheer physical strength. Add to that with a talent, a hardworking attitude, and a love for the game and you have yourself arguably the most talented player on the face of the Earth or the history of mankind for that matter.

After last season's disappearance in the Finals, LeBron went back to the basics. He worked out with Kevin Durant during the lockout and even made a Youtube segment called Striving For Greatness. He reinvented his game where he posts up more and takes advantage of his strength. He has learned to take lesser 3-point shots and instead get his points from putbacks and floaters. Instead of dribbling out the shot clock, he patiently uses it and finds the mismatch either in the post or in the wing

The NBA Finals was just a mere show to see LeBron's fans, haters, and critics to show how far he has come. How much criticism he has taken to get to that point--- in the podium accepting the Larry O' Brien trophy from commissioner David Stern. He gave everyone a postseason no one will ever forget. From his brilliance in the Indiana series to the 45-15-5 performance in Game 5 of the Conference Finals, LeBron James will continue to entertain us with his versatility and skill.

Congratulations LeBron! You finally showed the world how great you really are. Your not pointing fingers or taking the blame. You are being praised and honored for your brilliance not only for these NBA Finals but what you've actually done for the game of basketball.

There's more to come... Watch out! Be weary!

Tengsanity: Jeron Teng's Game Winning 3

In the fiercest and toughest rivalry in all of Philippine basketball, it was 'The Rookie' who took center stage. Jeron Teng, playing in his first Ateneo-La Salle game, shook of all the rookie jitters and calmly nailed a cold-blooded three-pointer which tied the game at 53 apiece. The Green Archers would later on win in overtime, 62-59, behind the 17-point performance from Mr. 104. 

New word in the basketball dictionary: 

Jeron Teng (v.) - In a clutch situation, the action wherein the player pump fakes his defender and calmly nails the game-tying or game-winning three-pointer. 

Dwyane Wade tried to pull of a Jeron Teng, to no avail, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

This potentially could be the start of something big for La Salle. Tengsanity. 

Rookie of the Year, anyone?

Notes: Jeron finally gets his first "Gets it to go" from Boom Gonzales. 

Playoff Hoopla: Spurs Aging Like Wine

This would be a daily segment on the blog wherein I discuss some puzzling and mind boggling things on the NA Playoffs. I know I've started late and may use some 'old' material but nevertheless I hope I provide an exciting new daily segment on the blog.  

Day 2 

THE NEW LOOK SPURS: STILL WINNING---DIFFERENTLY AND EFFORTLESSLY

No one exactly has the exact blue print to success. Each team is composed of different individuals; different characters with a unique set of skills and attitudes. There are different uncontrollable components involved. Indeed, success is difficult to maintain especially in different eras. Different time periods have their own distinct style, pace, and flare to it. 

Thriving under these circumstances are the San Antonio Spurs. They have won four championships in the past thirteen season and chasing their fifth championship in franchise history this season. Everybody talks about that the Spurs is built and ran solely on the offensive prowess of Tim Duncan or their tenacious defense. 

Their all wrong. 

The Spurs are built around talent development, selflessness, and a bunch of international players who work together as one cohesive unit. Gregg Popovich is one great tactician who seems to understand the game like we don't. His ideas often seem bizarre and outrageous but point is, it gets the job done.  

In the earlier seasons of the Tim Duncan era, the Spurs were a low-scoring team who ran selectively and went to Duncan in the post as their primary option. Duncan, who I consider the BEST Power Forward to ever play the game, used his skills to score at will but at the same time to set his teammates up for great looks. 

That was where Bruce Bowen made his mark in the NBA. One of the best perimeter defenders in the last decade and a deadly marksman from downtown (just the corner), he was one of the key players for the Spurs. Someone who could shadow the opponent's best perimeter scorers but able to provide a deep threat to allow Duncan to have more space to operate.

San Antonio in my opinion, the only team who seem to heavily rely on international talent and from a bunch of unwanted players in the NBA. This was where many players resurrected and cemented their legacy---as a San Antonio Spur. 

Tony Parker, the speedy French Point Guard, was one Popovich's long projects. Known for his speed, Parker was a horrific defender who had a horrible outside shot. This is where the Spurs testament to patience lies. Instead of giving up on potential, they build and develop it. Instead of allowing Parker just to be that same player, they patiently worked with him to become somebody great. 

Parker developed the most unstoppable teardrop in the league. An effortless shot which still fools players to this day. He has developed a respectable mid-range jump shot which keeps his opponent's in bay. He has also tremendously improved his defense making him one of the best defending Point Guards in the league. 

What's most important is that he still is that same player--- lightning quick and talented but much much better. 

That's not solely the reason the Spurs have been winning. 

They have been the only team to adapt through time. Throughout the league, we've noticed that there has been an increase in speed. An uptempo game which not only provides each team with a better chance to score but also at the same time excites the fans. 

The Spurs being a team which favors the slow break, they struggled with the change. Initially, they just couldn't seem to find the right set of players to do what they exactly want but as time passed, they did. 

DANNY GREEN BABY!!! 

The Spurs is a team with high character. They value value winning and they understand how to do it in its purest essence. They develop the right sets of players with the right attitudes.

They age like wine, as they grow older, they player better and more beautiful basketball. 

Playoff Hoopla: The Luckiest Team in the Playoffs

This would be a daily segment on the blog wherein I discuss some puzzling and mind boggling things on the NBA Playoffs. I know I've started late and may use some 'old' material but nevertheless I hope I provide an exciting new daily segment on the blog. 

Inscribed on the mouth piece of LeBron James is the number 16 in Roman numerical form. XVI not only represents how many wins each team needs to win the NBA championship but it's the hardwork, sacrifice, dedication, and luck needed for one team to call themselves NBA Champions. 

In this year's version of the NBA Playoffs, let us catch-up to the latest happenings. 

THE THUNDER ARE THE LUCKIEST TEAM IN THE PLAYOFFS 

The Durantula: Virtually Unguardable.

Think about it this way. Before the postseason started, everybody and I mean everybody knew that the Thunder had the roughest road to the NBA Finals. Dallas, the defending NBA Champions, in the first round. The Lakers in the second round and either LA or the Spurs in the conference finals. They are matched-up with three teams who combined to have win 10 of the last 13 NBA championships. 

Shocking isn't it? 

Game 1 of the first round, Dallas was up 7 heading to the last two minutes of the game poised to steal homecourt advantage from the young and 'inexperienced' team. When all things seem to go as planned, Dirk Nowitzki misses a WIDE OPEN 3-pointer which could have pushed their lead up 10 with less than 2 minutes remaning. He didn't miss that against Miami last year. It was literally cash money! 

Instead. What happens? 

The Thunder go on a sudden offensive surge capped by Kevin Durant's miraculous jumper over Shawn Marion's out stretched arms as time expired. HE JUST FLICKED THE FRIGGIN' BALL!!! 

Game 2. Same scenario but this time it's the veteran Jason Kidd taking and missing another WIDE OPEN 3-pointer. 

Poised to potentially steal another game in Oklahoma and even the series at one apiece... 

Instead. What happens? 

The Thunder again go on another sudden offensive surge and steal game two and sweep the defending champs. 

Think of this way, Dallas could have gone back home with a 2-0 lead instead of an 0-2 deficit.  

Second round against the Lakers. The team (Thunder) who commits the most turnovers per game in the NBA all of a sudden seem to take care of the rock and manage to not throw away the ball. Russell Westbrook, whom I've said time and time again to pass the ball and take care of the ball more, seems to listen to me. He passes the ball to Durant more and score when he needs to. 

Game 2, the Lakers are up down the stretch poised to steal Game 2 and what happens? Kobe Bryant. Yes, you heard that right, freakin' Kobe Bryant throws an stupid and errant lob pass which Kevin Durant easily converts to a fastbreak dunk and starts ANOTHER Thunder comeback. 

And by the way, Kobe doesn't choke. He doesn't miss or screw up during crunch time. That was a miracle in itself!!! 

Game 4, AGAIN (we really have to stress a point here) the Lakers are up down the stretch but the confidence-challenged Pau Gasol throws the ball away and sets up KD for another game winner. 

This really is painful to watch... 

The Thunder are a deadly team. When the game is down the wire and where most teams think that these young players will falter under the bright lights, they don't. They seem to shine and be at their best when the game is on the line. 

Westbrook and the Thunder seem to magically cut down on  their turnovers and convert at a much higher rate. Their relentlessly convert on the break and seem to have an answer to every thing the opposition throws. 

Don't forget they have the Durantula---their secret weapon. 

The sky is the limit for this team but their time to shine maybe not just yet.

Well, luck is definitely on their side. 

6000th Hit Special: Why I Despise Score-First Point Guards and why Chris Paul is the Best

Thanks for the 6,000 views. I really appreciate it! Keep them coming!!! 

Let's be realistic. We have seen a wave of tall, talented, and freakishly athletic point guards come to the NBA. Probably the result of John Calipari's drive and kick offense centered on the 'won and done' concept. We can't generally give all the credit to Coach Cal for coming up with the next version of an NBA point guard but it's safe to say that he has been the one that has brought it to my attention.

Coach Cal has had the luxury to recruit an influx amount of talent to play for him, especially point guards. He had the likes of Tyreke Evans, John Wall, and Derrick Rose to run his blitzkrieg-type offense. He pressured his opponent's to try to find a way to slow the tempo of the game. It hasn't happened and it isn't going to happen.

Those point guards were arguably the first options on their team. They utilized their extreme foot speed and athletic ability to create shots for themselves and their teammates.

But why am I not a big fan of it?

Let's first consider what a point guard is supposed to do. One, set-up the offense. How can that be possible when he's the first option on their team and when he attempts more than twenty shots per game?

Let's use the example of Russell Westbrook and his relationship with Kevin Durant. I am all praises for Durant except for the fact that he isn't that much of a good defender and he takes too many shots. I've come to realize that he takes that much because he knows Westbrook isn't going to pass the ball to him that often. Westbrook probably has the ball 16 seconds of the Thunder's shot clock; dribbling around and creating isolation situations for himself. Yes, he gets to score but how much attempts does he take? The bigger question is, how much attempts does he take away from Durant?

Durant's scoring prowess and ability is limited with time. He struggles getting the ball in his spots because Westbrook isn't an adept passer. At times he may blow you away with 8 or even 10 assists per game but you have to understand that it occasionally comes with 6 or 7 turnovers in the process. Therefore Durant is forced to make do with what he has. He will shoot the ball when he has it therefore making him and the Thunder predictable when Westbrook does decide to pass the ball. 

If Westbrook does evolve to become a pass-first point guard, the Thunder will become a much much better team. Imagine having the NBA's leading scorer three years in the running getting the ball in his spots with an able and athletic scorer-passer waiting. That'd be unstoppable. 

James Harden is a much much better passer that Westbrook. Let him play the point and you potentially have a chance to contend for the title with Westbrook playing the 2. 

Plus, Westbrook isn't a good defender. Yes he gets a steal and a great block here and there but opposing point guards have always capitalized on that match-up.

Derrick Rose, God bless his injured knee, is one heck of a player. A player who at times I think is the only reason why the Chicago Bulls always seem to have the #1 seed in the East year in and year out. He scores in a variety of ways---making tough double-pump reverse lay-ups among many others. People always tell me why am I not a big fan of Derrick Rose. Simple. He shoots too much. At times he is forced to do exactly that with the talent the Bulls have surrounded him with but their level of play will not increase because of the development of their players. 

If Rose were to shoot 15 efficient shots per game and hand out 12 assists, then you can consider him the  best point guard in the league. He has a lot of talent and he can single-handedly change the outcome of the game but he's not going to last long. Perfect example will have to be the playoffs last season. When LeBron James played superb defense on the "MVP", the Bulls got nowhere. Their offense was centered around Rose's attack to the basket and they became stagnant and predictable on offense. 

That's what a score-first point guard brings to the table. Yes he is athletic and can score in any way you want him to but when he's guarded tenaciously and being hounded by pressure, your team is going nowhere. 

But what is a point guard supposed to be? Food for thought I suppose. 

He's suppose to be a willing passer. Someone who sets his teammates up beautifully but has the talent to score and create for himself when needed. Someone who is a threat and makes the defense think what he is going to do. 

That's what I love about the likes of Chris Paul, Steve Nash, and even Evan Turner (LOL!). These players can give you a little bit of everything. They'll score when necessary. Grab a rebound and start a fastbreak when in dire need of points. They'll feed the ball to the post and throw game-changing alley-oops to change the complexion of the game. They have the ability to make the outside shot, which give their big men the luxury of room to operate. They have the composure to make the big shots. The 'Dagger' as it's called.  Point guards are supposed to be difference makers and not mere scorers passers. 

They give you what you need when you need it. A perfect example will have to be what Chris Paul is doing with the Clippers. He single-handedly is willing his team to win. Taking over during the 4th quarter when his team needs a basket. Feeding the ball to Blake Griffin for him to get his confidence back. Pressuring the opponent's ball carriers to commit turnovers which lead to much needed confidence boosting dunks. 

Paul isn't the best athlete in the NBA. We can argue that he is one of the fastest but he doesn't jump as high as Rose or Wall. He is quick and agile on the floor but never mentioned as one of the fastest point guards in the league but he has the biggest heart. He has the leadership to organize and fix his  young and inexperienced team. (They only have LIMITED plays) He has the will to win---a champion within. 

As a point guard, your job isn't simply to score or pass but rather to takeover the game in any way when absolutely necessary.  

Chris Paul should have gotten an MVP before Derrick Rose. It only seems fair. 

Bad Luck or Great D?

The Memphis Grizzlies' shot chart in the last 9 minutes of the game. Bad luck or great D?