Philip Paniamogan on the rise!
http://pba.inquirer.net
I hate the Mahindra Floodbuster team right now.
Oh goody... they lost to the Phoenix Fuel Masters by just ten points! This looks fine and dandy on print... considering they gave up 95 points at the end of the third quarter (compared to their 68). Seeing Ariel Vanguardia and Matthew Wright displaying their goodness made me think if I’m watching an ABL game where the Westsports Malaysia Dragons are playing against... what’s a crappy ABL team... Brunei Barracudas?
But if there’s one good thing about their futility, it’s the emergence of Philip Paniamogan.
I thought the former JRU Heavy Bomber would at least get a second round showing in the 2014 PBA Draft. Unfortunately for him, he was left undrafted. It was hard to see Paniamogan return to JRU (since a typical NCAA season could even extend to the start of a PBA preseason) without securing a spot in the pros. He actually did the right things to supposedly secure a pro spot. The Heavy Bombers were favourites to enter the Final Four of that season and Paniamogan at 23 was able to lead his team in a whole lot of categories. I guess his lack of premiere D-League play was a red flag for most squads though... since guys like Vic Manuel, Allein Maliksi, Justin Chua, Reden Celda, and a couple of more used the developmental circuit to further their growth.
After a year in limbo, Paniamogan caught the eye of GlobalPort officials and offered him a spot in their squad. He would then return to the D-League but Mahindra would then acquire his services. Chris Gavina may look odd wearing a blazer and a polo shirt but he has an eye for talent. After a Governors’ Cup stint, he would extend his Mahindra stay.
His last two games? He had ten points in eight minutes against Rain or Shine and then would have 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists against Phoenix.
Not bad.
One can say that his double digit run is not noteworthy since he’s playing for a team that is bound to go winless because of their shitty dealings. But I disagree. If for some insane reason Mahindra keeps his services, then the Floodbuster will have an inexpensive point guard to serve as insurance in case they want to cede LA Revilla. Revilla was a subject of trade rumors even before the team started to fling away the rest of their starters. His gameplay sucks at the moment because like Gavina, he has trouble operating with a cursed crop. Moreover, Alex Mallari is using his time with Mahindra to hone his offense.
Is it me or will Mallari reunite with Tim Cone with perhaps Jammer Jamito or Aljon Mariano as trading partner?
For all Mahindra fans, I offer my sincerest apologies if you don’t like the words flashing on your screens but I really thought this team would become the baby version of Rain or Shine after their awesome Governors’ Cup showing. I can understand letting KG Canaleta go but I can’t comprehend why the hell would they kick Aldrech Ramos and Paolo Taha out. Ramos is basically the reward they got for trading the rights of Troy Rosario. Taha is their upgrade for Karl Dehesa. Why would these players exchange starring roles for teams with souped up rosters? Sure, maybe in Ramos’ case, he’s reuniting with Chito Victolero BUT Ramos will not be the focal point of their offense.
So yeah, maybe I see something good in Paniamogan.
Hopefully Mahindra won’t screw him up.
Get Sydrified.
