PBA: Barako Bull Energy 2012 Draft preview

(Updated August 16) 2011-12 season recap:

• Philippine Cup: 6-8 (7th) lost 0-1 in the quarterfinals to Talk 'N Text
• Commissioner’s Cup: 4-5 (5th) lost 2-3 in the semifinals to Talk 'N Text
• Governor’s Cup: 4-5 (8th) lost a knock-out game to Powerade

What happened? With their line-up of aging superstars and scrappy role players, the Barako Bull Energy were pegged as the typical low-seeded playoff fodder for the likes of Talk N’ Text and Petron. They started the season as expected, finishing near the bottom of the standings in the Philippine Cup, and were eliminated early in the playoffs. The Energy made some noise in the Commissioner’s Cup. The improved play of Danny Seigle and Willy Miller combined with the veteran “craftiness” of Mick Pennisi earned them the moniker, “Manong Republic.” They ended the eliminations in the middle of the pack, but managed to barge into the semifinals against Talk N’ Text. They played tough, smart basketball, pushing the series to a rubber match, only to fall to the younger and deeper Tropang Texters. Unfortunately, Barako Bull could not build on the momentum of the previous conference, come the Governors’ Cup. They ended the eliminations with their lowest seeding of the entire season and could not break into the playoff round as they were eliminated in a KO match versus the Powerade Tigers. Where do they go from here? Barako Bull can’t stay status quo and remain a middling team in a top-heavy league. They have to make moves to give their line-up depth and youth. Unfortunately, the Energy have no moveable assets which can be the centerpiece of a franchise-altering trade. They did take a step forward in trading for Doug Kramer, adding a high energy player that doesn’t need touches to be productive. However, the Energy might be forced to settle for moves like this, adding promising, young role players to bolster their core, due to a lack of other options. What do they need most? The Energy need a playmaker. The point guard rotation for Barako Bull is composed of journeymen Celino Cruz and  second-year player Shawn Weinstein. To relieve their two “true” point guards, they turn the offense over to the shoot-happy hands of Willie Miller and Ronald Tubid for significant stretches of the game. The Energy need someone who can run their offense and settle the team down in the clutch. The Barako Bull big men aren’t know to be post players while most of their swingmen are spot-up shooters. It’s important that they draft someone who can attract the offense and dish to the guys open underneath or out in the wings. Possible trades Right now, the most enticing assets that Barako Bull has are their numerous picks in a deep draft. A straight swap of the fifth pick for proven a point guard like Chris Ross or Mike Cortez would provide more immediate results, rather than getting young talent from the draft. This will help the Energy win now while their core is still healthy and able to play at a high level. They can also package their second round picks for a young playmaker that could be a step away from taking the next step, like Chris Timberlake, Rudy Lingganay, Eric Salamat or Pong Escobal.  - AMD, GMA News