By: Dj Dalanao
For so many years, the PBA has been the go-to league for the best basketball talents in the Philippines. Unfortunately, only a select few are able to play in the PBA. It's therefore common to see a lot of PBA hopefuls who are making name in various ligang labas.
It's therefore a good thing that we are now introduced to players who were previously out of the radar, thanks to the MPBL. In the inaugural Anta Rajah Cup, Ian Melencio was the leading scorer for the Imus Banderas when he posted an average of 15.89 points per game. He likewise added an average of six (6) rebounds and 3.11 assists per game. Given such numbers, the league took notice of his talent.
Undoubtedly, Melencio is one of the steady guards who can facilitate any team's offense with his vision and quickness. With Imus, he is used to running the floor with the likes of Jenmar Bragais for easy fastbreak points.
But now that he will be playing with the Bacoor Strikers for the next two seasons, what can he contribute to the Striker's campaign?
He can help Gab Banal in scoring
Bacoor lost a reliable point guard when they traded Mikee Reyes for Rocky Acidre of Valenzuela Idols. Before he was traded, Reyes was averaging 11.4 points and 6.5 assists per game. With his departure, the Strikers need a true point guard who can help their main man Gab Banal.
It's a good thing that Melencio can finish at the rim. In the 2nd season of the MPBL, he registered an average of 9.56 points a game. Given his scoring ability, he can relieve some pressure from Gab Banal. He can even come in as a reserve so that the team can have a scoring option while Banal is resting.
But Melencio's scoring average may decline further since the offense of the Strikers revolve around Banal. We might see more of a dribble-drive offense wherein Melencio will use his quickness to drive to the basket then pass to an open Mark Montuano for a jump shot, to a cutting Gab Banal for an easy layup, or to a waiting King Destacamento for a slam or easy undergoal stab whenever a defender challenges his shot.
Will a dribble-drive offense work for the Strikers? Let's see in the coming season.
He can hustle for rebounds and steals
Melencio is listed as five (5) foot and eight (8) inches tall. While he is small in basketball standards, his sized didn't stop him from hustling for rebounds. In fact, he grabbed an average of 4.56 rebounds per game which is commendable given his size.
Furthermore, what Melencio lacks in size, he makes up in speed. His ability to run the floor quickly allowed him to record an average of almost 1 steal per game. He can surely disrupt the passing lanes and pressure the opposing guards.
He can handle pressure
Melencio is no stranger to crucial moments. He is used to being the go-to-guy in clutch time during his stint with Imus. While he may no longer be the first option down the stretch for the Strikers due to the presence of Gab Banal, he can certainly be the "X" factor when needed.
His overall effectiveness was in full display when he torched the Makati City Skyscrapers with 16 points at 70% shooting, five (5) rebounds and two (2) assists.
Perhaps his best buzzer-beating shot came at the expense of the Marikina Shoemasters. He was able to grab the offensive rebound and buried the easy put back to silence the home crowd of the Shoemasters. Yes, he lives for these moments.
Hardened by his experience during crunch time, Ian Melencio will surely be an asset for the Bacoor Strikers especially in the end game. Imagine having Ian Melencio drawing the defense and kicking out the ball to a waiting Gab Banal for the game winner. It could also be the other way around.
Gab Banal will definitely be Bacoor's triggerman at the dying seconds but if he will have teammates such as Ian Melencio who are also unafraid to take the big shots, then Bacoor will surely be a very dangerous team.
He can mentor the young guards
Melencio has not set foot in the professional ranks so far. While he has not yet reached the top, he definitely learned a lot of lessons through his journey in the various leagues he joined. He can impart such lessons to the younger guards of Bacoor, most especially to Paolo Castro who recently graduated from Olivarez College of the UCBL and RJ Ramirez who played for the FEU Tamaraws.
He will not only be a floor leader during games, he can also be a big brother or mentor in the locker room. This will be very important in the development of younger players and the improvement in the chemistry of the team as the season progress.
Having a leader and a mentor at the same time will truly be beneficial for any team. The Bacoor Strikers will definitely have an asset in Ian Melencio who can not only provide offensive firepower but also leadership.
Developing young talents is also a tried and proven formula for building a dynasty. If the Bacoor Strikers are able to nurture its young talents such as RJ Ramirez and Matthew Aquino, then it can be a championship contender for many years to come. As they say, Rome was not built in a day.
All told, Ian Melencio will be a great addition for the Strikers. Together with recent acquisitions Michael Mabulac and the returning Chris Sumalinog, the Strikers will have the right players to make it deep into the post season.
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