PBA CommCup Preview: Barako Bull Energy Cola

Brand new conference, fresh new start. Probably just what Barako Bull Energy Cola needs. Every tourney is a test for the work-in-progress Energy Cola. But even though it’s slow and gradual, it is good to see that this team is getting somewhere. And the best thing about it? It’s happening with Mick Pennisi, Dorian Peña, and Willie Miller proving that they’re still relevant after all these years.

PhilCup Recap

Let’s be honest. We knew, from the minute they traded their three first round draft picks, that Barako Bull wasn’t trying to win the Philippine Cup. When they held a 2-0 slate, it was a pleasant surprise. But we knew it wasn’t going to last. True enough, they lost a string of games after that.

Above all, it was their consistency that hurt them. They showed they can bring down some of the best teams as they defeated Petron Blaze and Alaska. They also kept it close with eventual champions, San Mig Coffee, losing by only two points. They may not be winning much but they’re definitely no pushover.

I have a feeling that the Energy Cola realized too late that they can actually win games. Those first two wins probably caught them off guard too. Now, as they begin with an empty slate once more, look for them to take their shot going farther than just quarters.

Additions: Jason Deutchman, Leo Najorda

Subtractions: Rico Maierhofer, Jonas Villanueva

It’s easy to look at their recent moves and say that Barako is being careless again. They traded away a former Finals MVP and a former All-Rookie Team member. In return they get two forwards who are role players, but haven’t really done much for their recent teams.

In fairness to the Jonas trade, it’s pretty understandable. This creates more room for a (possibly) better rotation. Carlo Lastimosa displayed a lot of promise last conference and will take up bulk of the responsibilities that could’ve been Villanueva’s. Last conference, they also added Denok Miranda. Someone had to leave.

As for the departure of Maierhofer, it’s a little hard to dissect. He’s been playing well under the system. His length has been a strong advantage, especially alongside either Dorian or Mick. But the Energy Cola coaching staff said they’re very happy with the versatility they acquired from their new forwards. So I guess they have plans that we may not fully comprehend. What’s new anyway, right?

Import

Barako Bull was ready to enter the Commissioner’s Cup with University of Tennessee standout Dwayne Chism. He even got a couple practices in already. Then complications came up with his release from his team in Hungary. The Energy Cola had to look for a replacement and they landed Joshua Dollard.

The first thing you need to know about Dollard is that he dropped 41 points on the San Miguel Beermen on his first tune-up game. Scoring. That’s his specialty. He can attack the basket as well as he can knock a jumper down right in your face.

There’s no doubt that this guy can score. Expect him to take an attempt on 99% of the touches he gets. And though it might be a concern if he was with another team, not with Barako. This team doesn’t really have that super-duper-star, go-to guy who they’ll give the ball to when their in dire need of a basket. Josh Dollard should come in handy in moments like that.

Prediction

Improvement is as far as a reasonable expectation can go with the Energy Cola’s Commissioner’s Cup. It’s still confusing if this team is rebuilding or, well, if there’s anything they’re trying to build at all. They have pieces, just not enough. And some of the pieces that they did have, they shipped away in mind-boggling trades.

Unless Dollard can go godlike and tow this team further, Barako should be happy with a quarterfinals appearance.

Photos by Pranz Kaeno Billones and Paul Ryan Tan of Sports5.ph

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