Barako Bull, Mbenga still positive despite loss

MANILA, Philippines – Barako Bull head coach Bong Ramos is still optimistic of the team’s chances to make the playoffs despite absorbing an 88-77 blow from Petron Blaze Boosters last night.

Their new import DJ Mbenga, the celebrated ex-Laker backup center, had a quiet debut finishing with 14 points and 12 boards.

Mbenga was clearly not yet in his game shape due to a three-month layoff after his eight-game stint in China prior to his arrival in the PBA.

“We still have a mathematical chance to make it,” said a subdued Ramos after the loss. 

With a 4-8 win-loss card, the Energy Colas need to sweep their remaining two games [against Rain or Shine on Friday and GlobalPort on Sunday] to stand a chance.  And they need Mbenga to better shape up fast.

“Wala pa talaga sa game shape [si DJ] pero kita mo naman sumusupalpal at intimidating sa loob,” Ramos continued.

Barako Bull remained bullish with their decision to bring in Mbenga as the coaching staff felt they needed an inside threat.  Ramos told Philstar.com that the decision to bring in Mbenga was already finalized even before their win against San Mig Coffee last week.

“Sa ngayon, we’re sticking with our decision. Kasi kahit nung nanalo kami against San Mig, no. 9 pa rin kami eh and besides naka-decide na kami even before that game. Naka-pirma na si Mbenga nun,” Ramos said. 

Mbenga showed flashes of that dominant inside force the Energy Colas are looking for.

The 32-year old former back-up of Andrew Bynum in the Lakers team that won NBA two titles at the turn of the decade swatted away two shots and altered several more last night. 

He was an intimidating force on the defensive end but far from the offensive skills of Brock, who can slash, pop jumpers and finish on one-on-one breaks. Add to that his unfamiliarity of the PBA that saw him rode the bench for long stretches due to foul trouble.

“It’s kind of tough. It’s like wrestling out there. It’s not the way that I expect it,” Mbenga said while walking out of the Smart Araneta Coliseum after the loss.  â€œBut you do whatever it takes to win.”

Ramos said they’ll talk things over today and map out their plan for their final two games hoping that it would not also be Mbenga’s last.

“Mag-uusap pa kami [ng coaching staff] bukas (today). Friday pa naman ang next game namin eh. Sa tingin ko may ibubuga pa siya (Mbenga). Tingnan na lang natin.”

And Mbenga is also bullish that Barako Bull can still make it to the next round.   

“I’ll do my best next game, I will be ready. We will do anything to get to the playoffs so we will try to win our next two games,” said Mbenga, who locked in his ears back to his headphones trying to block the loss and his lackluster debut off his mind.