My take on the recent trade:
Like most of you, I am also sad that Jonas, JC and Aldrech were traded to another team. It is always sad to say goodbye and even more difficult to get to know and like the new ones.
We all know that being traded is part of a player's professional career. Even the great ones with big names were traded -- Miller, Abarrientos, Fernandez and who could forget, Jerry Codiñera.
This is the BIG reason why I always say, as a fan, we should be routing more for the team and its tradition, rather than individual players.
So adieu Jonas Villanueva, JC Intal and Aldrech Ramos and bienvenue Alex Mallari, Leo Najorda and Lester Alvarez!
Let's get to know the three new Mixers:
1) Leo Najorda is a pretty good defender with steady offense. He has good outside range and can also play hard-nose defense. Something which SMCM needed during the last 2 series with ROS.
NAJORDA, Leomar
Birthday: February 16, 1982
Place of Birth: Ilocos Norte
School: San Sebastian College
Jersey Number: 14
Height: 6′-3″
Draft year: 2005
Position: Forward
2012-2013 AFC Average Stats:
Games played: 14
21.43 minutes played
40% field goals
26.9% 3-points fg
67% freethrows
7.64 points
3.36 rebounds
0.93 assists
0.29 steals
0.07 blocks
1.07 turnovers
2.64 Personal fouls
19.71 Efficiency
2) Lester Alvarez, in the few games I have seen him play, can be a good shifty point guard with decent perimeter shooting. He can be a good back-up for Mark Barroca if given playing time.
ALVAREZ, Lester
Birthday: September 18, 1988
School: Adamson University
Jersey Number: 5
Height: 5′-9″
Draft year: 2012 (15th overall, Barako)
Position: Guard
2012-2013 AFC Average Stats
Games played: 9
11.22 minutes played
32% field goals
35% 3-points fg
No freethrows
3 points
1.22 rebounds
0.44 assists
0.33 steals
0.00 blocks
0.44 turnovers
0.78 Personal fouls
11.35 Efficiency
3) Allex Mallari, personally chosen by Coach Tim Cone to be part of the Mixers, is an athletic big guard with dependable outside shooting, and good play-making skills. Much compared to the game of Jared Dillinger and can be another Gabe Norwood in the making, much is expected on this player to make it big with SMCM given the playing time and exposure he will be getting from the coach. Mallari can create a lot of mismatches for the Mixers once he fully imbibe the triangle system.
MALLARI, Alex
Birthday: March 26, 1987
Place of Birth: California, U.S.A.
School: Lewis – Clark State
Jersey Number: 20
Height: 6′-4″
Draft year: 2012 (No. 3 overall, Petron)
Position: Guard
2012-2013 AFC Average Stats
Games played: 9
15.78 minutes played
32% field goals
33% 3-points fg
33% freethrows
4.33 points
2.00 rebounds
1.11 assists
0.78 steals
0.11 blocks
1.89 turnovers
2.11 Personal fouls
13.01 Efficiency
Why is the trade good for SMCM?
1. SMCM got three new players that can give them more "teeth" in defense and more fluidity in offense.
2. Let's admit it, we got three new players who are younger, with fresher legs and lesser injuries. JC and Jonas were so laden with their injuries that before they recover from one injury, it will take them time to get into full health and game shape, then when they are given playing time, most likely they get injured again.
3. We solidified the weakness in the rotation which is the point guard spot (Mallari and Alvarez) and another wing man defender (Najorda)
What SMCM lost in the trade...
1. A little bit of chemistry. With the new players coming including the import, it will take some adjustments for the team to bring the 4 new players into the system
2. Experience. Jonas, JC are considered veterans of the game and was there during BMEG's Commisioner's Cup title run.
3. Good Rookie in Aldrech who I think would have blossomed in SMCM if he had been given more playing time.
So there you go, the trade over-all for me was good. We got what the team needed and hopefully this will result to an even better defense, more solid offense, more ball rotation, more wins, PBA title #10.
God Bless and Good Luck San Mig Coffee Mixers!
Stats taken from www.pba-online.net
