Dondon, Tubid in race to top

San Miguel Beer hotshot Dondon Hontiveros and Barangay Ginebra backcourt defender Ronald Tubid are two opposing forces in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup finals.

They’re bitter rivals on the court, often matched up against each other. Hontiveros is known for his offense and Tubid, his defense. Their roles are different but they’ve got one thing in common – the drive to make it all the way to the top.

Hontiveros, 29, has played on only one title team since breaking into the PBA with Tanduay from the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 2000. He was on coach Joseph Uichico’s squad that won the 2005 Fiesta Conference crown with import Ace Custis.

Tubid, 25, is making his finals debut. Playing in the title series is just half the thrill for Shell’s second round draft pick in 2003. To complete the ride, Tubid wants a championship.

Hontiveros said it feels strange playing against his former coach. Uichico moved from San Miguel to Ginebra in the offseason.

"Mixed emotions," he said. "Coach Jong knows me and I know him. We’re close friends. Now, I’m looking for a way to put one over him. It may not seem right but that’s basketball. I have a job to do."

Hontiveros said he expects to take on Mark Caguioa defensively throughout the series – an assignment he shares with Lordy Tugade, Willy Wilson and Chris Calaguio. "Willie (Miller) and Mark are my toughest assignments because they’re like bowling balls—they’re fast and strong," he said.

Although San Miguel will try to disrupt Ginebra’s up-tempo game with a deliberate slow-down pace, Hontiveros said coach Chot Reyes is flexible and may just let the players go with the flow.

"It’s hard to say how the series will go," said Hontiveros. "In an instant, Ginebra can explode. If we can stay with them and play our defense, we’ll be okay. Both teams will give it their all and in the end, the team that plays with the extra effort will win. It will take hard work and heart."

Hontiveros, whose parents are retired law enforcers, said he learned a lot playing for the national team and the experience will come in handy down the stretch in the finals. "What I learned is anything can happen in an instant," he said. "You have to be always ready because anybody can step up. We can never take anyone for granted."

His special motivation to win the title is giving something back to Reyes who’s in his first conference with San Miguel.

"When I was playing for Cebu in the MBA, coach Chot worked for the MBA with commissioner (Ramon) Fernandez," said Hontiveros. "He always encouraged me, told me to play my game, that I had potential. He never put pressure on me. Then, he picked me for the national team. Now, it’s my turn to win one for him."

Tubid is one of four Ginebra players never to play in the finals. The others are Mark Macapagal, Billy Mamaril and Mike Holper. His mission is to walk away from the series with a title in the bag.

"My job is to play defense," said Tubid. "My PBA idols are all defensive players – Glenn Capacio, Jun Marzan and Chris Jackson. To beat San Miguel, we’ve got to play smart and play with a lot of heart."

Tubid has played for five PBA coaches so far and he’s learned rich lessons from each one. Perry Ronquillo taught defense and was a motivator. John Moran stressed discipline and hard work. Leo Austria gave him confidence in offense and defense. Bo Perasol also emphasized defense and brought God into the equation. Finally, Uichico made Tubid understand his role in an organized team system.

Tubid’s main task is to contain San Miguel’s high scorers like Hontiveros and Danny Seigle. He’ll willingly sacrifice his body to take the charge. He’ll dive for loose balls with reckless abandon. He’ll outjump centers who are bigger and taller. His intensity drives Ginebra fans wild. Tubid is a human dynamo.

Hontiveros versus Tubid is just one of the many classic matchups in the finals.