The New Breed

I just met him and this is crazy. Familiar, eh?

He's not some hunk model, nor some matinee idol, on one of EDSA's billboards showing off a good set of six-pack wonder. But he get equally gets (or even more) shrieks from girls and enough admiration (or what do you call it?) from boys.

What will make you notice him? It's kinda typical. The shaved head, basketball headband, amazing black high-cut Nike shoes, tattoos. And that mole on his nape.

Photo from Never Say Die

We've seen guys channel headbands in the PBA and it's like one of the staples in hoops fashion. But man, I love the shoes. I know nothing about Kobe 1, 2, 3 etc. or Lin something. It just suits him. And what about the mole?! That single mole on the nape defines it all for me. I'm talking about appeal.

Christopher Allan Ellis is the name. Well-known as Chris Ellis in the basketball world. 6'6". Fil-Am Swingman. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Rookie. 6th Draft Pick Over-all. #34. Played for Smart Gilas and the NLEX Road Warriors.

Photo from Never Say Die

I am not spared from the mini fan girl depression of not having Chris Tiu in BGSM. Why? The guy is such a sweet deal. That's, of course, because he's Chris Tiu! You know him, right? There's no point in discussing him here. :) A lot of people voiced out their sentiments and disappointment about the matter. Points were given. Sides taken. Even Ate Stephanie Magno (@tepmags) made The Chris Debate. Carlo Pamintuan of FTS (From The Stands Podcast) said, "I wanted Chris Tiu to be with the most loved franchise in the league. It's the perfect marriage." He couldn't have said it any better. Or so I thought.

"It's a  choice between the man who can make Ginebra a better half-court team and the man who can make Ginebra a better running unit. It's a choice between the undeniable and unexpected," said Mico Halili. But is it really unexpected? Mock drafts reveal that Ginebra really wanted Ellis. And, before, I was like "Who the hell is this Ellis?" I even half-expected future trades involving Tiu going to Ginebra (for a fangirl like me, half-expecting means expecting 100%).

But as people said, give the guy a chance; and chance I've given. Other fans who have watched tune up games would agree that our rookies are doing pretty good.

I have watched three of Ginebra's preseason games. I am not statistical-savvy nor the analyst-type; I am about to say the following things based on my own humble opinion and a little bit of research.

He's aggressive. The Ginebra mythos, according to Martin Sarmenta, "Give me the ball, I'll make magic" nags out of him. "Ellis with a slam (vs. Qatar tune-up)!" He might miss a shot but he'll surely kill (not the Rain or Shine type of kill) for the rebound or make a splendid putback (vs. Alaska tune-up). Nobody available on the inside? Don't fret my dears; count on him on the outside. Bang! He'll surely deliver.

Tune up game with Qatar in Ronac Art Center.

"Chris Ellis is a goose bumps-instigating type of talent. The combination of freakish athleticism, ball-handling and play making skills, and that smooth outside stroke, has never been put together on a 6-6, long and agile Pinoy body," wrote Robi Raya on slamonline.ph.

Proof is this. This guy is jumping here and there. He buries treys so smoothly I want to describe it like a cannonball hitting bull's eye. Oh, the projectile. And yes, he dunks. He flies.

Rajon Rondo of NBA Celtics even said Chris Ellis and Bobby Ray Parks can make it to the NBA if they want to. Ah, his ultimate dream to be in the NBA.

But the good thing here is the boy isn't just all about physicality. He plays with big heart. Some news has it that his mom said Ginebra is the team that Chris really wanted to play for. He even tweeted "..we will be menacing come September 30" which Ate Tepu (@tepmags) replied with "Please, it has been four long years" to which he answered with "I will do everything in my power". Yes, just like the Twilight phrase.

He also said this:

Credits to Limuel Rivera (@iamLIMsane) 

Now, I believe that he is just the right guy. The new breed in his own right. In him is the passion, the Never Say Die spirit. That winning spirit from the Jawo era, Bal David era and Mark Caguioa era. Too early to say? Maybe. But that's where we will be. 

I have so much respect for Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and the rest of the team. I know they aren't done yet. But as I project it, our Never Say Die team is in good hands. Oh yeah, a bright future. 

In the recent tune up game with Alaska (even in the game vs. Australia U18), this dude is the last player to exit the gym. Why? He's being lined up by people who wanted pictures/autographs/kisses like a blockbuster movie! And the attitude, you ask? Dude is down-to-earth and kind and cool. He is approachable. He didn't even get to sit down to untie his shoes. He scored 17 points 6 rebounds 2 assists 1 steal, highest scorer of the team followed by Caguioa. 

I'm looking forward to hearing shrieks from a lot of girls but let it be known that I am your self-proclaimed number 1 fan. (Buhat-bangko na. :P ) My sister is asking me "Paano na si Jayjay?" Helterbrand will always be my first love. Let's not argue with that. But this guy, you should understand me, he is something. 

The so-called Happy Shot. | Limuel Rivera (@iamLIMsane) 

No pressure, my dear. Just do your thing, work magic. I know you'll give all your heart and all you've got for it. Surely, greatness will follow. 

Enough. Let's just wait for the 38th season to see what I'm talking about. I really hope that Ellis would make that Solenn-leap slamonline.ph was talking about. 

So, is everybody ready? Fasten your seat belts. Flight #34 will take off on September 30. 

P.S.

You recognized me. That was awesome. :)