HoopWatch

The beleaguered former Blue Eaglet MVP Ken Baracosso had three open lay-ups, and he missed all of them. The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles had a chance to blow the ball game wide open earlier today, but with those three open lay-ups and one traveling violation on a fast break, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons were able to keep the game close in the first half. It was tied at the end of the first quarter at 21-all. And it was only a slim six-point margin by half time.

Finally, Coach Norman Black has realized how many easy shots should have been made. Sayang! He benched Ken at the start of the third canto until the lead ballooned to as high as 36. Ateneo won 93-59, with Ken having to show just a field goal made. His defense was not that felt by the Maroons either. One of the most inefficient displays I have seen in years.

Baracosso was expected to fill JC Intal’s shoes in the Blue Eagle line-up, but he has been a disappointment for the past four years. He was a sensation in his high school days. But his transition to the college game was anything but easy. He has the height, the skills and the versatility. He could have easily replaced the now-pro Larry Fonacier, as they have the same built. But he never really developed his shooting. He could cut to the basket, but could never finish it. He is fast on the break, however, he could not somehow make the hoop.

The Ateneo community has waited for too long for Baracosso to blossom. He has had a lot of chances, and has wasted a lot of playing time, but he has never really developed into the dominant player he should have been. His stay on the court hurt the Eagles more than benefit them. That’s why I am clamoring, as well as other Ateneans may, please just bench Ken Baracosso.