Just flat better

SMC SUPREMACY. San Miguel Beer of Arwind Santos and Barangay Ginebra of Justin Brownlee face off in a series of PBA titles that once again underline the dominance of the SMC Group league. Photo by PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – The next confrontation of the finals of the Commissaires Cup between Barangay San Miguel Ginebra and San Miguel Beermen is the preparation of a classic.

Both teams are aligned with similar lists built, which does not surprise that the two franchises have been the most dominant of the PBA for 3 seasons.

SMB and Ginebra both have great local stars (June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter) complemented by reliable frontcourt comrades (Arwind Santos and Japeth Aguilar). Both clubs also have imports to Renaldo Balkman and Justin Brownlee that are almost impossible to stop at the PBA, while generals Chris Ross and LA Tenorio ignite powerful engines on both sides.

With other stars like Marcio Lassiter, Jeff Chan, Scottie Thompson, Alex Cabagnot and many others playing their respective roles, it's hard to imagine a series that counts not at least 6 games – especially if you take into account the history and pride of both teams.

Add experienced head coaches to the championship, Leo Austria and Tim Cone, and you'll have a chess match for every possession of every quarter of every game in this series.

But whoever wields the Commissioner's Cup trophy when the dust falls and the confetti falls from the sky, there is already a winner: the SMC group, which continues to dominate the PBA.

Come back to the start of the 2014-2015 PBA season, and you'll notice that SMC teams have won 8 of the 10 PBA titles that have been put in. In two weeks, that number will rise to 9 out of 11

With the exception of the Governors & # 39; Cup 2016 and 2017 (Ginebra) conferences, San Miguel won the other 6 titles mentioned above. Both teams non-SMC to avoid clean sweeping? TNT and rain or shine.

Previously, the SMC and MVP groups were the champions of the PBA, the other teams of the league sometimes playing the role of spoilers. But recently, the San Miguel Corporation took control of the competitive balance in the country's first basketball league while its contemporaries are trying to catch up.

Why is this so? One thing is certain: cheating has nothing to do with it. For all the quails of fans and opponents who claim that teams like the Beermen and Gin Kings are favored by the league – especially its referees – it is wiser to credit how these teams made sure to succeed now and in the future. the future

Does not like that KIA traded the first overall pick in the project, eventually becoming Christian Standhardinger at Beermen for a forgettable type of package? Do not blame San Miguel; point to Carnival, Dyip, Sorento, or whatever they want to call themselves this week.

Do not like that Ginebra, a perpetual-title contender, landed an established star like Chan to support her conference campaign? Ask Phoenix why he traded him for a future draft pick despite the already well-established Fuel Masters collection of young players.

And if you're a fan of TNT, Meralco or NLEX – ask your teams why they did not take advantage of the opportunity to improve their teams and hit as the SMC teams?

Min: TNT did not negotiate for the best general choice, which eventually became Mo Tautuaa, for an agreement involving Larry Rodriguez? Well, the Texters used Tautuaa to reach Terrence Romeo, but even though it was not enough to lead his new squad ahead of the SMB in the quarterfinals, despite a big lead in the important first match.

Does anyone remember what happened after this match, while TNT was thinking of filling a protest after taking advantage of a golden opportunity to oust the Beermen ? They decided not to give the coup de grace, and rightly so

Which brings me to my next point: the reason why SMB and Ginebra have not been usurped from their thrones, it's because these teams have been better. their opposition. The two clubs were not even in the top 4 in the standings after the playoff round of the Commissions Cup, but when it was time to get to the games that really mattered, they knew how to intervene and put an end to their games. opponents. ] Unrivaled

The arrival of Balkman and Brownlee imports have a lot to do with their improved game, but the best believe that the two guys would not be as commander on the ground if they did not join no teams with an established culture and foundation of victory

Here is a little secret in the PBA: imports do not change team. Most of the time, they improve what was already there – the good and the bad.

Those who expect a change in the hierarchy of the LRR will soon be disappointed. This does not mean that the current SMC team race will last forever, because nothing in the sport does, but the facts show that San Miguel and Ginebra are currently without equal. Even Magnolia, the other franchise of the company's trio, is a consistent title contender and was just in the final of the last conference – losing to San Miguel in 5 games.

TNT will still be a threat, especially with Romeo acclimatizing to his new teammates, but on many occasions the Beermen have proved their numbers.

NLEX is still in shock after losing Kiefer Ravena, who was sure to be the rookie of the year this season and accelerated her progression as a new face of the PBA. Meralco has made the final of the last two Governors' Cup Conferences, but it has become clear that the Bolts need an imposing type of import to get to the finals.

Teams like Rain or Shine and Alaska are always commendable, but even in conferences where they have a chance to win titles, this is more like a chance to punish than a chance to win. to a real opportunity.

We are in a grand finale, with the suspense of who will be the best, between San Miguel and Ginebra being the most exciting aspect of this season's PBA .

Do not forget who the real winners are. – Rappler.com