CAN Barangay Ginebra wrap it up in Game 6? Or, better yet, will the Gin Kings finish it tonight?
Can and will are worlds apart.
If we say “can,” there is some doubt as to the ability of someone to consummate a targeted plan. Meaning, there are conditions that are to be fulfilled to the fullest to attain a goal. Hitch-free to nail it.
But if we say “will,” there is that element of certainty. Meaning, there is no ifs and buts in executing to the fullest a mission. Just do it.
But San Miguel Beer (SMB), the Ginebra nemesis, can bounce back from the Game Five setback on two conditions:
1) Play not only good basketball for 48 minutes but SMB must play its best basketball for 48 minutes.
2) Bad officiating must not get in the way or else, the Beermen are history after tonight’s Game Six.
To be honest, San Miguel Beer was set to complete a 48-minute destruction job when it led Ginebra by five, 83-78, with mere ticks remaining in Game Five.
But misbehaving referees failed to call blatant fouls being committed against Beerman June Mar Fajardo, paving the way for Ginebra’s 87-83 escape act in Sunday’s tussle, moving the Gin Kings to within a game of winning the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
We all know that referees’ calls—or non-calls—are always pivotal, especially when a game is being fought tooth-and-nail, such as Game Five.
They are humans, yes, and can commit, will commit, mistakes.
However, when referees’ miscues turn from bizarre to obvious, woe to the afflicted. Spoiled easily would be a team’s mission order.
But I still insist team players, and coaches especially, must not be swayed by our referees’ calls.
To the players, just play your game. Letting the referees get to your head will only derail your focus.
To the coaches, just stick to your game plan. Letting the referees get your goat will eventually cost you the game, if not the crown.
Perfect officiating has been as elusive as an eel for the longest time. It can never be attained, it will never happen; not in this lifetime. Utopia.
THAT’S IT A change of heart is not that bad, really. When it’s done for the good of the majority, and in conjunction with the urgent call of the times, by all means, let us reconsider. That is the essence of the decision to bring us back to the basketball calendar of the Asian Games. Basketball being our national pastime, it pains many, especially both the purists and the patriotic lot, if the sport is not represented by a Philippine contingent to the Asiad from August 18 to September 2 in Indonesia. Our sports leaders heeded the people’s will and what a commendable act; it deserves more than a pat on the back. The quintet, definitely formed in haste, may not be as competitive but then again, the dictum “it is not in the winning, but in the competing,” is at play here. A commitment also to international brotherhood in pursuit of solidarity through sports is what matters in the end. Cheers to the Terrific Trio of SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) and PBA (Philippine Basketball Association). Their turnaround was a master stroke.