By Jason Webb
After finishing the first chapter of this season’s KFC Philippine Cup, I must admit that everything has gone according to script. The most talented teams on paper -- Alaska, San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra, Purefoods and Talk ‘N Text booked the first five tickets, allowing them to advance past the wildcard while the wildcard teams expected to unseat them as the top teams, ironically, ended up in…the wildcard.
Very much like days in the park wherein the winning team gets to keep court, the wildcard phase of the KFC Philippine Cup is also played on “win or go home” rules. You can consider the wildcard as a second chance for the four teams to make something of their season but it is also their last chance. While a reward of a five-game set with a well-rested Purefoods squad might not wet the appetite, a chance for success is enough to make these teams hungry to make it to the quarterfinals.
Most post-season talk is usually anchored on strengths and weaknesses of teams. It has become all about the stats and what records the teams have against each other.
On my part, I’ve always believed that the wildcard is about something unquantifiable. It’s about MOMENTUM. Teams can ride the wave of momentum for 96 wildcard minutes and only settle back to shore when they reach their quarterfinal destination. Momentum can easily be stalled in a series. But in a situation that a team plays two different teams in succeeding play dates, there becomes more emphasis on the mental condition of players.
Yes, the X’s and O’s are integral but it will be more about how good the players are feeling about themselves and about their team. It’s going to be a lot about confidence.
Another unquantifiable aspect of the wildcard will obviously be luck. In a knockout scenario, it’s safe to say, “It’s better to be lucky than good.”
The wildcard match-ups will pit Sta. Lucia against Rain or Shine and Coca-Cola versus Burger King.
THE DARK HORSES – HOPING FOR A MAGICAL RUN
Burger King – The Whoppers sputtered to the finish line to finish the eliminations but saw a ray of sunshine by picking up a victory against Alaska in their last game. That win was the first since losing Gary David to Coke for Alex Cabagnot. Of the four teams, the Whoppers have the least loaded lineup. They play the worst defense and their offense has also taken a big hit since losing David. They come into the wildcard losing five of their last seven games. History has told me never to write-off a Yeng Guiao-coached team but logic suggests that they’ll be the most unlikely survivor of the wildcard set.
RAIN OR SHINE – Speaking of teams just being able to scrape past the eliminations, the Elasto Painters come into their game against Sta. Lucia losers of seven out of their last eight games, their lone win coming at the hands of Barako Bull. Talent wise, Rain or Shine is no slouch. Their main problem has been seeing the talent of their players come out on a consistent basis. The lack of a court leader and go-to guy has hurt them many times in winnable games. Their last game (versus Alaska) may have resulted in another loss but their fans will be hoping that the good games turned in by both Sol Mercado and JayR Reyes in that game will be more than just a one-time apparition. While a drizzle of good luck might be in the offing for a team that struggled in long losing runs this season, they’ll need a rain of it to overcome the two that closed the eliminations with good runs.
FAVORITES –EVEN MONEY TO MAKE IT THROUGH
STA. LUCIA – Sta. Lucia carries a proud perfect record against all the teams playing in the wildcard. A clean 6-0 record. The Realtors will need to recover quickly from the lost opportunity of gaining a KO for the final quarterfinal seat. Their game against Rain or Shine will likely be a dog-fight since the two victories they grabbed from them were snared in the last minutes of the game. The Realtors will rely heavily on their defense and the all-around ability of Kelly Williams. Sta. Lucia’s toughness and championship experience gives them an edge against most teams but they will also hope that guys like Joseph Yeo, Bitoy Omolon and rookie Josh Urbiztondo won’t disappear for the wildcard.
COCA-COLA – The Tigers rolled the dice and hit it big when they shipped out Cabagnot to give the reins of the team to a rookie averaging less than 3 points a game. Chris Ross has turned in admirable performances, playing hard-nosed defense while being able to create shots for both himself and his teammates. His continued steadiness will be integral for the Coke to continue their winning ways. David has filled their need for a slashing/scoring wingman perfectly. The Tigers’ now have a compete lineup able to beat up teams in down low with Asi Taulav and a scoring wingman to compliment their inside presence. The Tigers have been unbeaten all of 2010, making them the hottest team heading into the wildcard. They’re playing with a lot of confidence and a newfound joy in their game -- a tough combination for any team that wants to stop them in their tracks.