Both teams are in their grand slam year. San Miguel is the second team behind Crispa, who experienced the sweetness of sweeping the three conferences with a title. On the other hand, Alaska Aces (formerly Milkmen in 1996), after 7 years, has done the impossible by winning the grand slam in 1996.
What if both teams faced each other during a knock-out game? Assuming both players in each team is in their prime? Who gonna win?
Let's dissect it...
CENTER: Ramon Fernandez vs Poch Juinio
Is it too harsh to compare Poch to the "El Presidente"? MVP wise, its Don Ramon. But don't forger, Poch Juinio is the 1996 Most Improved Player of the Year. He is not an offensive threat like Fernandez, but with the system that Coach Tim Cone employ to the Aces (Triangle Offense), the core of that system is Poch himself. But the advantage goes to Don Ramon because he is very capable of playing multiple positions.
EDGE: Ramon Fernandez
POWER FORWARD: Alvin Teng vs Bong Hawkins
The Robocop vs. The Hawk. Primarily, Alvin Teng is one of the defensive soldiers of Norman Black. Though, smaller for his position, but he intimidates imports in terms of defense, especially when guarding Alvin Patrimonio. On the other hand, Bong Hawkins, is a lot heftier than Teng in that position, added to that he has also a mid jump shot that Alvin Teng lacks. He is also a ferocious defender especially when guarding tough imports.
EDGE: Bong Hawkins
SMALL FORWARD: Samboy Lim vs. Jeffrey Cariaso
The Sky Walker vs The Jet, both nicknames are synonymous with "air". Both has a good jumper and slashing ability. Shorter than Cariaso, Lim displayed "heart" in every game he's in. Moving the ball in every fast break, slamming the ball for an easy two. However, Cariaso is one of the scientific players in the Alaska roster. Not as aggressive as Lim, Cariaso displayed his game by quick release jump shot, or slashing to the hoop then dish out passes to Poch Juinio. He is also good passer compare to Lim.
EDGE: Jeffrey Cariaso (slight edge, if not with the injuries by Lim)
SHOOTING GUARD: Ricardo Brown vs. Jojo Lastimosa
The Quick Brown Fox vs. The Helicopter. During the 3rd conference, marks the return of Brown in the PBA. He is the first Fil-Am to win the MVP Award in 1985. He almost averaged 20 plus per game, a very consistent free-throw shooter averaging above .90 plus in the conference. On the other hand, Jolas, dubbed as "the Fourth Quarter Man", is not as a volume scorer like Brown, but the good thing about Jolas is he is a clutch player. A very high percentage shooter both field goal and free throw pecentages.
EDGE: Ricardo Brown
POINT GUARD: Hector Calma vs. Johnny Abarrientos
The Past vs. The Future. Donning the same jersey numbers, Johnny once said that he idolizes Hector Calma. Calma is the main orchestrator of the SMB. He is also a grand slam winner, by winning all the Finals MVP award during 1989. On the PBA Annual noted that ""Numbers just can't fully-determine this little guy's true worth - he just creates so many offensive situations which most often draw the line between victory and defeat." That's how Hector Calma played his role in SMB.
The Flying A is the 1996 MVP. He is the focal point of the Alaska during that time. He averaged close to double-double figures. Once remembered that Charlotte Hornets invited him to have a try-out for a spot in the team. A truly great point guard ever.
EDGE: NONE (They are just both amazing court-generals)
BENCH:
Yves Dignadice, Franz Pumaren, Elmer Reyes, Ato Agustin, Bobby Jose - SMB
Merwin Castelo, Roehl Gomez, Cris Bolado, Gilbert Reyes, Dickie Bachmann - ALASKA
EDGE: SMB
For me, I think 1989 SMB will win against 1996 ALASKA because of the flexibility of SMB in terms of their starting five and mostly the bench of SMB is very deep compare to ALASKA.
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