2. Pekanbaru Jaguars(SGP #1)
Plus :
- Very defensive team.
- Deadly inside or outside game, especially when needed.
- Unselfishness to move the ball around.
Minus :
- No true scorer. Horrible offensive game if shots aren't going in.
Summary :
The Defending Champions of S16, Jaguars haven't yet shown some dominance in S17. Suffered some early season lost to Xavis and STN saw Jaguars sitting at 6th on Great 8, before crawling their way back to top 4. New acquisition, Pakistani NT Arief Salim, came at the right time when Jaguars need some concentrate on inside presence. Although not yet adapted, Salim still managed 15ppg and 7rpg in only 23mpg, include the remarkable 29pts (14-18 FG) against Lycans super bigman Fang Shuang Xiang and Cristiano Cozzi. This season, Jaguars looks like on their way again to defend their title after racking seven straight wins. And now the real test come when they visit the Cheesecake arena on next Tuesday.
Prediction : #2
1. Cheesecake (SGP #8)
Plus :
- Wingman Power. With some SF that can score anywhere. Simply unguardable.
- Collection of blue-collars bigmans that are good enough to compete.
- Improved team defense, make Cheesecake almost have no weaknesses
- This team can win on road games.
Minus :
- No major weaknesses. Only that their opponent will always tempt to guard outside.
Summary :
After a dissapointed S16, Cheesecake buckled up again this season. With the arrival of two six-figures Tümay Öztoygar (9.3ppg 14.3rpg) and Severino Peres (15.6ppg 7.1apg). Both has made Cheesecake suddenly stand tall among the elites. Vincenc Katić turned unstoppable, improved from 20ppg to 28ppg this season. With Viktor Sramek (19.1ppg 3apg 4rpg) as his sidekick, they are the best tandem after Fat-A Yeo Tse Hui and Gian Montecucco. As some consisten plays continues, there's no surprise to see Cheesecake standing at top position on Great 8.
Prediction : #1