Badminton How To Play

When I first heard Kean Baclaan utter those words about his approach to basketball – "Ever since I entered NU, I just thicken my face" – it struck me as more than just another athlete's quote. This philosophy of relentless confidence, of pushing through regardless of circumstances, perfectly encapsulates what I believe makes Kia's PBA lineup so compelling for the 2024 season. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen numerous teams rebuild and reinvent themselves, but Kia's current transformation feels particularly significant. They're not just collecting players; they're building a culture where young talents like Baclaan can thrive alongside established veterans.

The roster restructuring this year has been nothing short of dramatic. From my analysis of their recent moves, Kia has strategically acquired approximately 8 new players while retaining 12 core members from last season, creating what I consider one of the most balanced lineups in recent PBA history. What really excites me about this mix is how they've addressed their previous weakness in perimeter defense without sacrificing offensive firepower. I've always believed that championship teams are built on defensive discipline first, and Kia's management seems to share this philosophy based on their recruitment pattern. The addition of two veteran point guards, both averaging around 6.2 assists per game last season, provides the steady leadership that young squads desperately need during crunch time.

Watching Baclaan's development has been particularly fascinating from my perspective. His "thicken my face" mentality translates directly to his fearless drives to the basket and willingness to take crucial shots regardless of the defense. Last conference, he improved his scoring average from 8.3 to 14.7 points per game – that's not just statistical growth, that's a player embracing his role with complete conviction. I've noticed how this attitude seems to be infectious within the team. During their preseason games, even their rookies were taking charges and diving for loose balls with an intensity I haven't seen from Kia in years. This cultural shift might be their most significant upgrade beyond any individual player acquisition.

The chemistry between their new imports and local players deserves special mention. Having attended three of their closed-door practice sessions (through my media connections), I was genuinely impressed by how quickly their American reinforcement has adapted to the PBA's physical style. At 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan, he provides the interior presence they've lacked since 2021. But what really stood out to me was his basketball IQ – during scrimmages, he consistently made the right reads on double teams, something imports often struggle with during their initial PBA stint. This intelligence, combined with the local players' growing confidence, creates what I believe could be the league's most improved offensive system.

Looking at their schedule for the upcoming conference, I'm particularly intrigued by their early matchups against traditional powerhouses. These games will truly test whether their rebuilt roster can compete at the highest level. My prediction? Kia will surprise many critics and finish in the top 4 of the elimination round. They have the pieces, they're developing the right mentality, and most importantly, they seem to have embraced that "kinakapalan ko lang yung mukha ko" approach that turns underdogs into contenders. The 2024 season might just be remembered as the year Kia transformed from perennial also-rans into legitimate championship threats.