Seeing some of the PBA's best hooping against Pinoys in the Japan B.League would be a treat.
Just as the San Miguel Beermen and the TNT Tropang Giga were being pummeled in the EASL Champions Week, Japan B.League export Thirdy Ravena sent out a tweet that lit Twitterverse on fire and provoked a myriad of reactions.
That tweet may have also created a bit of tension between Thirdy—and, by extension, his Japan B.League brethren—and the PBA’s players. And that tension, real or not, serves as the perfect backdrop of this hypothetical “civil war” between the country’s best hoopers, with one squad playing in the Land of the Rising Sun and the other hooping in the Pearl of the Orient.
And the matchups in this imaginary civil war would be quite intriguing. But first, here are some house rules that guided the selection process:
1. Everyone signed to the Japan B.League is eligible because the “You’re either with us or against us” idea is in play.
2. PBA players who reportedly considered playing in the Japan B.League or had serious offers are out. No divided loyalties in this battle for pride.
With that being said, here are the possible matchups:
Scottie Thompson vs Kiefer Ravena
The Phenom’s steady playmaking against the reigning PBA MVP’s all-around brilliance is what this matchup is all about. Thompson, though, impacts the game a lot more than Ravena, particularly on defense and in rebounding. That could spell the difference.
Cjay Perez vs Ray Parks Jr.
This is a fascinating matchup between two prolific scorers, though The Predator might have a slight edge in sheer shot-making ability. But Parks is a better shooter and a much more capable defender overall.
Calvin Abueva vs Dwight Ramos
Ramos isn’t backing down from anyone, but he’ll have his hands full against the highly physical Abueva. The Beast will use brute force, along with his usual mind games, against The Saint, who will counter with finesse, athleticism, and heady decision-making.
Justin Arana vs Carl Tamayo
Tamayo is arguably the most skilled young big in Philippine hoops, capable of getting it done inside and out. Arana is more traditional and is starting to come into his own after a slow start to his rookie season.
June Mar Fajardo vs Greg Slaughter
This battle of behemoths figures to be old school, with both The Kraken and Gregzilla looking to dominate the paint. Fajardo mostly wins, but Slaughter has the size to play the former straight up.
Jamie Malonzo vs Thirdy Ravena
High-flyer vs high-flyer, anyone?
RR Pogoy vs Matthew Wright
Snipers with similar styles, plus a history of head-to-head matchups in the PBA.
Don Trollano vs Jordan Heading
Unsung, silent-types, but can both score and defend.
These lineups in a five-game home-and-away series. Who are you taking?