Merger gives Blades right chemistry

The gods may finally be smiling on coach Nash Racela and the Batangas Blades. Among all the teams that have merged, they are the ones who have benefited the most, having acquired the core of the Manila Metrostars’ 1999 national champion team.

"We have really good chemistry, and we’re strong at every position now," says Racela. "The players have really prepared."

The backcourt alone is versatile enough, with 1999 Most Valuable Players Alex Compton setting the tone during practices with his rigid discipline. Compton, to his relief, will finally be getting some rest, and will play the bulk of his minutes at shooting guard.

"I intend to play Alex about 35 minutes a game," Racela reveals. "He’s been averaging 42-45. And I’d be wasting all the talent I have."

Tony Boy Espinosa starts at the point. But former national player Ralph Rivera, once the most popular player in the league, has fully healed from his knee operation and has his confidence back. Jonathan Serrano, the sturdy Manila back-up guard, can also bring the ball up.

The Blades’ surprises, though, lurk in the paint. Defensive Player of the Year Romel Adducul has vastly improved his free throw shooting and helped the improvement of his back-up Chris Corbin, while 6-5 Fil-Am Stephen Antonio, once playing center, will now be a match-up problem at small forward.

"Stephen has been the revelation," Racela continues. "In all our scrimmages and games, he scores in double figures and pulls down almost ten rebounds a game. I’m impressed."

Let’s not forget the original Blades franchise player, Eddie Laure. Joining Adducul and Peter Martin on the RP men’s team, the lean left-hander has improved by leaps and bounds. Now, he no longer has to carry the entire load for the Blades -- which makes the team that much more exciting to watch.

Every team longs for the right blend of youth and experience. With the merger with Manila, Batangas finally has it.