PBA: Cortez and Pumaren, reunited

Chemistry - either you have it or you don't. The above quote was said in the medical drama series Grey's Anatomy, but with Mike Cortez' fantasy league MVP performance on Friday with his former De La Salle University Green Archers coach Franz Pumaren at the helm, it looks like the same adage holds true in the game of basketball. It has been almost a decade since Cortez walked away from college basketball and his then-coach Franz Pumaren. And although the two kept mum about the status of their relationship after the Archers' bitter loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, which ended La Salle's streak of four straight titles back in 2002, fans wondered and were worried about how the two would get along in the PBA. These issues were addressed in Cortez' first game with Pumaren, as the Cool Cat scored 24 points with six rebounds, six assists, and five steals versus only one turnover in 24 minutes of action, to give the Express their first back-to-back wins in the young season. The former La Salle point guard has made his rounds throughout the league, going through Alaska, San Miguel Beer, and Ginebra San Miguel, while surviving several injuries along the way. He has always been an efficient facilitator on the floor, but it looks like it is in Pumaren's system where he will thrive best. Cortez played 10 more minutes than his season average on Friday. And while it is his clutch shooting that bailed the Express out in the final minute, it was his presence on the floor that brought stability to the Air 21 offense. At one point in the second quarter, Cortez dished out four straight assists: two to John Wilson for open treys, and another two for open looks for James Sena at the post. What made the difference this time though, was Air21's opponent recognizing Cortez as a scoring threat. The Cool Cat drove inside, and when the Barako defense collapsed, he conveniently found Wilson open on the wings. The guard's defense was steady too. Cortez picked up five steals, leading to fastbreak situations that yielded open looks for his teammates. He did all of that with only one turnover. But what made the night most memorable for Cortez and the Express was the former's last five points which won them the game. Down four after back-to-back hits by Barako, Cortez nailed a three with 1:16 left in the game to cut the lead to one. Cortez would hit again soon after, a tough step-back jumper against a taller Sean Anthony, to grab the lead for good. At the post-game interview, Pumaren and Cortez were all smiles as they sat in-front of the scribes. Pumaren made it light, choosing to joke about how Cortez' performance can be credited to Air 21's new practice facility. "It's hard. Coach's practice is too long," said Cortez, while confirming that he will be turning 32 the next day. "That's why I only played him 24 minutes. He's tired already," added Pumaren. "May kusa to eh. Tomorrow is his birthday so may pizza to'. This is a very good birthday gift." The two laughed. Cortez, though, was more than just an aging man. He was and will always be a Pumaren boy. "Here if he has the opportunity to take over, he can," were Pumaren's last words. For a veteran point guard who spent most of his career having to feed other star players, this was Cortez' reward. Here was some affirmation, securing his purpose, securing his value. Here was his old coach, giving him the option to take over the game just as he used to. - AMD, GMA News