Judging the "Chotness" of It All

     When the PBA changed the All Star game format back to a "Veterans vs RSJ (Rookies, Sophomores, Juniors)" this season, many assumed it was to take advantage of the rich rookie class that came from Smart Gilas.  While this may turn out to be a shrewd move, business-wise, an interesting by-product has come about.  Chot Reyes as, "national coach 2.0" may get an early aptitude exam as well.

     The Veteran All Star line up have been finalized:

Starters: Mark Caguioa, JC Intal, Mark Pingris, James Yap and Arwind Santos
Bench: Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, L.A Tenorio, Sonny Thoss, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, and Alex Cabagnot

     The RSJ Team, meanwhile, will have:

Starters: JVee Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou and Josh Urbiztondo
Bench: Japeth Aguilar, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Rico Maierhoffer, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Ross

     Apart from the weird starting line ups which features no centers, no point guards on one side and two on the other, what is most interesting is that, it is like Smart Gilas 1 versus Smart Gilas 2.  The veterans features 10 of the 16 players Chot named to the new national team pool.  Only controversial choices Rico Villanueva, Jason Castro, Larry Fonacier (plus Ranidel de Ocampo) are missing.  Meanwhile, the RSJ team features seven (eight if Al-Hussaini is included) of the Rajko-trained Gilas ballers in their team.  Missing only are non pros Chris Tiu, Greg Slaughter and Aldrech Ramos.  Of course, since the line ups are not complete, it hardly gives us an accurate picture, but it does pose some interesting questions.


The "Mama" Question

     One of the reasons Reyes gave about choosing more "experienced" veterans for Gilas 2 was that Gilas 1 players were too young, "minamama sila." (They were being bullied)  Gilas 2 is supposed to be an upgrade at every posotion. The game becomes interesting if only to see if these vets can indeed push these "kids" around.  Will Cabagnot or Tenorio quarterback better than Casio and Barroca? Can David and Yap's offense torch Lutz and Lassiter's defense? Will Thoss and Pingris' experience and strength dominate Aguilar and Al-Hussaini's youth and athleticism?

The Playbook Question

     Normally tactics go out the window, but this year could be different, if allowed.  Will Coach Bo Perasol give the RSJ team free reign? Will Coach Bo give assistant Charles Tiu a chance to run some old Gilas plays? Will Chot Reyes take this opportunity to introduce some of his plays to his new pool members to take advantage of the situation? 

The Mental Question

     Most interesting to see is if the players will see the game as an opportunity.  Will Gilas ballers take the selection of a new national pool as a slight and be determined to play well and prove Reyes wrong?  Will the vets take the game as an opportunity to justify not only their inclusion but their replacing of the original Gilas?  Will all the players just show up and give an exhibition match? 

     The problem many people see with All Star Games is that not enough is at stake.  This year's edition, though, may be different.  Depending on certain factors and mentalities, the game could be an explosive one, with great implications.

photos from interaksyon.com and pba.ph