Just A Random Quote

This comment was made after the Ateneo Blue Eagles' tune-up games against one of those Philippine Basketball Association Development League, the team where, obviously, former Green Archers forward is currently playing for.

And with this, I want to take a look at Bacon Austria's performance on both ends of the court. Reviewing Season 73, we all know that the Blue Squad had a love-hate relationship with him. At times, he was jacking up unnecessary jumpers (worse, even treys), but on the other side, he can play great defense against most of the elite forwards in the UAAP, and can even run breaks alongside Eric Salamat and Kirk Long.

That is why, even with shaky game performances, fans of the Blue Eagles still held on to Bacon's words that he is part of a team that can deliver four straight championships. Despite having difficulty to slide to the SF spot (having played as a Center for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets), Norman Black would opt to put him in situations when defense and transition baskets are needed the most.

As for Bagatsing, we wouldn't say that he has been a very consistent player,but during Season 72, he had his own share on the offense. He seldom makes good three-pointers, and his game stays on the perimeter (Franz Pumaren even commented two years ago that he, alongside Kish Co, could be a "JV Casio" in the making). Apparently, he fell short of expectations, and worse, was not able to give himself a chance to redeem himself, having been intimidated after all the bantering thrown around by dLSU alumni and Green Archer fans.

Had he been given that opportunity, would he improve? Perhaps, under Dindo Pumaren's system, he might play the role of Paul Zamar and the rest of the Red Warriors swingmen. He might just be the person to rely on when lanes are clogged and the Archers need to score from the outside (much like what swingman Sam Marata is doing right now). Only problem is, as evident in this comment, is that he lacked the abilities to play defense. Imagine putting a burly Bacon Austria who can score off him both in jump shots and post moves, and worse, had he been assigned to check Kirk Long who is more athletic and could get past him in more ways than one, he would have difficulty.

Better off without this guy? With Marata and Webb around, seems like the Archers really don't need him.