Bataan loads up
WHAT do Arvie Bringas and Ivan Ludovice bring to the Bataan Risers?
The Bataan Risers shored up its depleted lineup with Jeepy Faundo and Jayjay Alejandro going to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). They added former Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw forward-center Arvie Bringas and ex-National University (NU) Bulldog and San Beda Red Lion Ivan Ludovice to plug the gaps.
With Barkley Eboña not yet given clearance by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) to suit up for the Risers, the addition of Bringas is even more imperative with the match against Zamboanga looming.
At this point, Bataan has only Alfred Batino and Bernie Bregondo to patrol the lane, and it is imperative that the 6-foot-5 Bringas make an impact with rebounding, rim protection, and scoring.
The addition of Ludovice will allow Pamboy Raymundo to also slide into the two-guard spot and be somewhat free of playmaking chores.
The 15-2 (won-lost) Bataan Risers will take on the 7-10 Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines squad at the Bataan People’s Center on Monday (9 p.m.). They righted their ship after seeing their 14-game win streak halted at the hands of the San Juan Knights. They previously dispatched the Rizal Crusaders, 88-74, and now have another opportunity to go on a win streak with three matches this January.
They play back-to-back home games, first against Zamboanga on Monday and then the Navotas Clutch the 16th. They pack their bags for the Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna on January 28 where they face the Laguna Heroes.
Their win-loss record notwithstanding, Zamboanga has the players that can hurt Bataan. They have the tall, physical and mobile bigs like former University of the East Red Warrior RR de Leon, former University of the Visayas Green Lancer Rino Berame (who backstopped Greg Slaughter at the slot before the 7-footer de-camped for Ateneo), former PCU Dolphin Jay-R Yasa, and former Adamson University Falcon Ivan Villanueva.
They have dangerous scorers like Reed Juntilla, former Ateneo Blue Eagle Ryan Buenafe who was Bringas’s teammate in high school at San Sebastian, former Perpetual Help and Talk ‘N Text player Harold Arboleda who is tough on the boards, and former NU point guard Robin Roño among others.
For Bataan to win its 16th match in 18 games, there needs to be consistency among its scorers, especially Byron Villarias, Gary David and Raymundo. That will ease the pressure on Batino inside. And if Gab Daganon can get going offensively—because he is one of the few slashers on the team—it will create space for his teammates. With Alejandro now in the PBA, the role and importance of Daganon—who was coveted by many a MPBL and D-League team— will be highlighted.
And, of course, if Bringas can throw his weight around and put points on the board.
The elimination round is fast approaching its end. The Risers have stocked up for the title run by not only adding players but also Joel Banal to the coaching staff. If the loss to San Juan has shown the Risers’it is not only the need to play consistently, but for the bigs to play well.
Zamboanga will be a stern test to the Risers’ resolve.