Ivan Johnson of Talk N Text (dark) vs Solo Alabi of Barako Bull (light). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
As the physicality of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Rain or Shine and Talk N’ Text gets more commonplace, one man still stands out like a “menacing” thumb.
That man is Texters import Ivan Johnson, according to Painters head coach Yeng Guiao.
“He’s been a menace,” Guiao said after his team took Game 6, 101-93. “I think he’s mentally unstable and that’s good for us.”
READ: https://sports.inquirer.net/179217/painters-repulse-texters-forces-game-7
Johnson had two episodes in the fourth quarter, which drew the ire of Guiao, after he chased Chris Tiu and hit Paul Lee in the face.
Tiu tried to intercept the pass meant for Johnson on the break when the import lost it and assumed a fighting position against the Painters guard.
A few possessions later, Johnson was at it again when he hit Lee’s face when the Painters guard was attempting a jumper.
“He knew he would get Paul’s face,” Guiao said. “I don’t understand.”
What baffled Guiao the most was the lack of flagrant fouls that could have been called on Johnson.
“What do you need to do to get a flagrant?” Guiao asked. “He kept on bumping us again, and he wasn’t even called a technical.”