Author: Martin Dale D. Bolima
Photo Credit: PBA
Two pulsating Game 5s completed the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals cast. Last Saturday, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters survived the Magnolia Hotshots, while the San Miguel Beermen outlasted the Converge FiberXers on Sunday to seal semis showdowns versus the TNT Tropang Giga and Ginebra San Miguel, respectively.
With the combatants all set for the semis, it is time to focus on the key matchups that will likely play a major factor in how each series will play out. Naturally, the spotlight should be on the imports, who all will be tasked to play 40+ minutes and carry a heavy burden. What is interesting in this case is that the battle of reinforcements in each series is a contrast of styles.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (TNT) vs. Aaron Fuller (Rain or Shine)
Quarterfinals averages:
- Hollis-Jefferson: 32.3 points, 13.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists (4 games)
- Fuller: 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists (5 games)
This contrast of styles is none more evident in this import matchup between a midrange master in RHJ and an inside force in Fuller. Hollis-Jefferson likes to attack off the dribble to get to his spots, usually the midrange, and rise up for that sweet lefty jumper that can extend to the occasional trey ball. Fuller, in contrast, prefers to do damage down low, sealing defenders for inside incursions or crashing the offensive glass for strong putbacks.
Given this marked difference in playing style, expect that RHJ and Fuller will not be guarding each other for the most part, with the former potentially matching up with Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood and Gian Mamuyac a lot and the latter likely facing TNT’s Kelly Williams and Poy Erram most of the time. Expect both to impact the game differently—RHJ being prolific and scoring in bunches, Fuller being efficient and getting buckets and boards inside.
Advantage: Hollis-Jefferson (He is a PBA champion and the only import to beat one Justin Brownlee in a championship series. He knows what to do at this stage of the tournament.)
Justin Brownlee (Ginebra) vs. EJ Anosike (San Miguel)
Quarterfinals averages:
- Brownlee: 30.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.3 blocks (3 games)
- Anosike 33.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.4 steals (5 games)
This matchup is very similar to the RHJ-Fuller import battle, with Brownlee the perimeter-oriented reinforcement and Anosike the paint-bound import. Kabayan, of course, mostly plays within that Ginebra triangle, only taking over in the endgame or when the Barangay’s offense conks out. Anosike, on the other hand, has been ultra-aggressive barreling through for drives as San Miguel’s de facto first or second option.
Unlike RHJ and Fuller, though, Brownlee and Anosike will likely get matched up with each other a lot as both mostly play at the four spot. The six-time champ probably has the advantage with his undeniable skill, big-game experience, and grace under pressure. But Anosike, the only replacement reinforcement in the semis, has an attacking, aggressive that could be a terrific counterpoint to Brownlee’s do-it-all brilliance. If Anosike, who averaged 12.2 free throws in the quarters, could put JB in foul trouble, San Miguel would be very happy.
Advantage: Brownlee (Look for Kabayan to struggle defensively early. But he will figure out Anosike eventually. He always does.)
