This is my first official blog and i wanna talk about my favorite team in the Philippine Basketball Association. They already sold their franchise to Meralco last year and it broke my heart. After 17 years in the League, the owners decided to sell the team and move on. I guess business is not as good as before.
Sta. Lucia entered the league in 1993. They have managed to win only 2 titles in their 17 year stint in the league despite being a PABL powerhouse. Many believe that they underachieved though a number of really good players strut their wares wearing the SLR uniform. Here are my top 10 Realtors of all time. My picks were based on the longevity, performance, contributions and overall impact of a player to the team.
1. Dennis Espino - I think he is one of the most underrated player of all time. A very dependable player in the post. A descent defender and one of the pure local talent that stood his ground during the Fil-Am invasion. National team member, multiple Mytical Team and Defensive Team member. One time defensive player of the year. Although he did not came close to an MVP, i would still put him on top of the list because of his overall contribution to the team.
2. Kelly Williams – He is the first SLR player to be named MVP. Instrumental to the team’s first ever All Filipino Championship.
3. Marlou Aquino – He helped the team win it’s first ever Championship. A very good shot blocker and defender in the post.
4. Ryan Reyes – He only played a few years with SLR, but he helped the team win it’s first and only All Filipino Championship. He is the best defensive point guard in the league today.
5. Jun Limpot – He never won a Championship with SLR but for me he is one of the most exciting player the team ever had. He’s got everything, the talent, the height, the offensive firepower and a good defender. Too bad he never led the team to Gloryland.
6. Kenneth Duremdez – When they aquire Captain Marvel, everybody thought it is the Realtor’s time. He is one of the most talented player ever played in the PBA, but just like what Steady said, he left his talent and best days to Alaska.
7. Cris Jackson – Arguably the best defender on all position in the PBA. He can defend form the #1 to the #5 position. Undersize but very effective in defending bigger opponents.
8. Gerry Esplana – He is a big guard and a very good post up player for a point guard.
9. Romy de la Rosa – One of the best shooter the team ever had.
10.Paolo Mendoza – Shifted his game from Off Guard to Point Guard. A descent shooter.
This is my list, if you don’t agree with it, make your own.
Cris Tan - Hit the winning three for their first Championsip
Noynoy Falcasantos - An all around player. I remember him hitting a perfect 9 of 9 from the field, a perfect game for him.
Gerard Francisco - Finals MVP on their first Championship run.
Jose Francisco - The Pistolero (i just like his monicker)
Best imports:
Damian Owens, Ansu Sesay and Sean Green
Done...
1 comment:
Glad to see someone who supported the team as much as I did.
More notable players who wore the green and white jerseys of the team are:
1. Vergel Meneses from the original Presto team and later traded to Swift for Andy de Guzman.
2. Bong Hawkins from the original Presto team and later traded to Alaska for Bong Alvarez then Alvarez to Shell for Romy dela Rosa.
3. Ronnie Magsanoc traded from Shell for Gery Esplana.
4. Boyet Fernandez
5. Zaldy Realubit
6. Nelbert Omolon - won championship with the team. Scored back-to-back 40 points.
Other notable import: Fred Lewis Pea
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