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Barako no longer “manong” brigade

The “new look” Barako Bull Energy Cola finds itself in an unfamiliar situation in the current PBA Commissioner’s Cup, sharing the top spot with the Alaska Aces with a 2-0 win-loss card. Last conference, it only managed ninth place. Formerly tagged as the “manong” brigade team, having the most number of aging veterans in the PBA, Barako made a major facelift last year, trading long-time PBA household names like Willie Miller, Don-don Hontiveros and Dorian Pena to inject more young blood. Moreover, the team got Serbian coach Rajko Toroman as consultant, sharing the coaching chores with Bong Ramos.

Barako got off with a bullish start this conference, upending the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 79-75, last February 8, and Globalport Batang Pier, 98-88, two days later. Credit this strong start to a “starless” system, infused by Toroman, which thrives on team play and good ball movement. But also, it’s evident that the team is now a lot quicker with spitfire guards Jonas Villanueva and Josh Urbiztondo, and workhorses Alain Maliksi, Mark Macapagal and Jojo Duncil at the wings, and Doug Kramer, Dave Marcelo and Jason Ballesteros at the post. Although still having a good number of grizzled vets like Mick Pinnisi, Danny Seigle, Enrico Villanueva and Don Allado, Barako seems to be running like a well-oiled machine, at least in its first two games.

“I like the composition of our team. Not too many stars but everybody is working hard and working together. We are not old anymore. This is a more enthusiastic and athletic team now. And they want to play within the system,” said Toroman, who expects prized forward JC Intal to add more offensive firepower to the team as he sees action for the first time today versus the Aces after being sidelined by a knee injury.

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Barako however is still saddled with injuries to other mainstays – Sean Anthony (Achilles tendon), Eman Monfort (fractured hand), Celino Cruz (fractured hand), Roger Yap (bone spurs), Enrico Villanueva (ACL) and now Maliksi (sprained ankle).

Toroman also gave credit to import Evan Brock, who is the smallest import this conference at only 6’8”. “Any other team would have ignored Evan, or replaced him by now because of his size and average numbers. But he gives so much to our team because of his excellent work ethics and nice personality. He is a great team player with a very positive attitude. He comes to practice with a smile,” said Toroman about the former Indonesia Warriors import in the ABL, who posted impressive numbers of 25 points and 15 rebounds against the Batang Pier.

As for the veteran superstars in the team, Toroman is likewise pleased with what he is seeing. “Mick (Pennisi) is a big part of the team. He is practicing hard and constantly guides the younger guys. Danny (Seigle) has also responded well. He is very skilled and can do everything in the court. He can create for others and can make excellent passes. If he gets back to top shape, he can be among the best players in the league again. Don (Allado) is steady and is a great role player in our team. He is still not in top form after missing the league for over six months. But pretty soon he will be back to his old form.”

Having worked with the former Olympian coach before, I noticed a striking change in his personality. He seems to be in high spirits now unlike in the past year. Not too long ago, he was in the same situation at Petron being an “active” consultant to head coach Olsen Racela. But things turned sour, as the “unique” coaching situation did not sit well with some team members, prompting the SMC management to relieve Toroman of his post in Petron. “The atmosphere here in Barako is very good. I’m lucky to be working with a very professional and organized team management. Our basketball operations head (Michael Chua) is almost everyday in our practice and he makes quick decisions to address any concerns. Management is very effective and flexible and very easy to work with. Even our training facility (Hoops) is excellent. And even in the coaching staff, there is harmony. Everybody knows his role in the team,” added the former Gilas coach.

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Inspired by its incredible come-from-behind victory over Globalport last week, Barako is hoping to score a third straight win today (4:15 PM Smart Araneta Coliseum) versus the equally unbeaten Alaska Aces. “The win (versus Globalport) was a hard one. We missed so many open looks in the first half and we did not have a single post threat because of their import (Justin) Williams, who is currently the league’s best rebounder and shot-blocker. We have a short rotation because of all the injuries. This is why we have to be satisfied with the win.”

Although not looking far ahead, Barako Bull fans have certainly something to be delighted about. The team appears to be determined to make an impression so far and has survived two tough games. It’s nice to see the former “manong” brigade now outplaying some of the league’s toughest team. The big test though is today’s battle against Alaska, which has a good mixture of talent and youth.

“At this moment, Barako Bull is a team to watch but we’re still in a learning process. You can’t change everything in just one month. I hope the people can recognize the way we move and share the ball, and how everybody has the same opportunity to score. I also want our team to be noticed for its defensive effort,” said Toroman, who celebrated his birthday last Sunday with the sweet victory over Globalport.

“Our goal is to be in the top six teams this conference although it’s still too early to tell if we can achieve that. What we want is to move up and get better, and hopefully gain more fans.”

Editor's note: The blogger's views do not represent Yahoo! Southeast Asia's position on the topic or issue being discussed in this post.