PBA: Texters or Painters?

Will it be Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters or the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters for the PBA Commissioners Cup title?

If we look at the way the semifinal matchups went, it may all boil down to one thing – good outside shooting.

Both the Texters and the Painters seemingly came up big when their outside shots started falling. It was practically raining threes. Hence, it may all depend on who comes up with the better defensive adjustments and gems to make sure those outside snipers are kept in check.

On the import matchup, it is practically a toss-up.

Wayne Chism, a late arrival but no stranger when it comes to the system of Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao has vowed to finish what he was hired to do – hand the Rain or Shine franchise the PBA Commissioners Cup title.

But Ivan Johnson, tempermental as he may yet effective, is not about to make life easy for Chism and the Painters. Johnson has been having monster performances and has been a monster inside the paint. Hence, their matchup should be something interesting as both imports practically even each other out.

The locals? There is no doubt that the explosion of Jayson “The Blur” Castro has made a difference. He has recalled the speed and offensive sock that has made him one of the best players the PBA has to offer today.

Ranidel De Ocampo is his usual self while Larry Fonacier is his old reliable self as well. Jay Washington has contributed and so has rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser.

Another rookie Kevin Alas, who incidentally will be playing against a team that drafted him, needs to step up but that could be easier said than done since he and the TnT group should expect a grueling and physical series to which RoS has been known for.

On the other side, Chism will get plenty of help from the gunners. Paul Lee is deadly and lethal, making unpredictable moves that place him among the top guards in the PBA today.

Gabe Norwood is another quiet assassin who is expected to make a difference while controversial Beau Belga will need to provide the physical defense to which he is known for.

Questionable is sniper Jeffrei Chan who has so far been out of action due to injury although he is expected to suit up by the time Game 1 is played on April 15, 2015, Wednesday.

Hence aside from the imports, it seems to somehow to point who which Gilas Pilipinas member would shine the brightest. Castro? De Ocampo? Lee? Chan? Norwood? Belga?

Take your pick!