The Stage is Set: PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals 2011

As the title said, the stage is set. It's between two bigtime teams, the Talk N' Text Tropang Texters up against the Ginebra Gin Kings.  I will give a  head to head match-up between these to PBA powerhouses. The Tropang Texters had an easy semis against a tired Air21 team and simply out muscled their way towards the Finals. Meanwhile, the Gin Kings almost had the same fate but Smart-Gilas fought back in Game 3, and the series had been physical.

Backcourt

The Kings's backcourt of Caguioa, Miller, Tubid, and Cortez practically carried this team all the way. Mark Caguioa has been sensational all playoffs reminding us of the "Spark" we once knew. Tubid has been steadily rising during the playoffs, even playing his best ball yet. Miller, on the other hand, has been still Miller. How about the Cortez's game in Game 4. I thought he was wearing a La Salle jersey rather than Ginebra's.  On the flip side, TnT's Alapag, Castro, and Reyes, has been a steady force for Coach Chot. Jimmy Alapag as we all know, has been great steering this star-studded line up. His stop-and-pop very dangerous. I have always set my eyes on Castro even during his PCU days. He could spell problems for Ginebra's old legs, as he is living up to his moniker, "Blur." With all of Castro's and Alapag's offense, stood Ryan Reyes' defense. He is their anchor defense in the perimeter, but watch out for his deadly three's. I still go for Ginebra.

Frontline

TnT clearly has an advantage here as Ali Peek, Kelly Williams, Ranidel de Ocampo have been dominating teams. Add Harvey Carey and they are one scary team.  They're offense-defense as Peek and de Ocampo could put up huge numbers against Ginebra's thin bigs. TnT leads the league in rebounding. Meanwhile, the only inside presence for the Gin Kings had been their import. Rudy Hatfield has to do double against TnT as Menk and Villanueva is still sidelined. Mamaril and Yancy de Ocampo just aren't enough. TnT by a mile.


Imports

Paul Harris has been a complete compliment to the style of play of the Texters. He does not have to do all the scoring. Meanwhile Brumfield although has been great for Ginebra is going to have a tough time inside. Harris don't have to guard Brumfiled as TnT has enough big men to handle Nate. Paul Harris will have his way against Nate Brumfield.

Coaching

Chot Reyes and Jong Uichico are two of the great coaches in the PBA. They are championship caliber.  I'd say they are pretty even. 


X-Factor

Ginebra's crowd could out number Talk N' Text's.

Here's to an exciting Championship Series.