Gani Lawal. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
ANTIPOLO CITY—Meralco has one of the best imports in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in Gani Lawal, who can dominate games on both ends of the floor.
Across the Bolts’ first six games, Lawal is the No. 4 scorer in the league averaging 28.5 points while also sharing the top spot in the rebounders’ list with Blackwater’s Alexander Stepheson with both big men grabbing 22 rebounds a game.
The Bolts, however, have been mediocre this conference and another setback came on Sunday in a 93-89 loss to Alaska that dropped them to 3-3.
And as great as Lawal has been, Black said his 6-foot-9 big man still has work to do as far as getting his teammates involved and limiting his turnovers are concerned.
“Gani’s been productive, let’s not kid ourselves, but at the same time he has to do a better job of making his teammates better because tonight he had one assist and eight turnovers and that’s really been the ratio since he’s been here,” said Bolts head coach Norman Black.
Lawal was once again magnificent for the Bolts putting up 27 points and 26 rebounds but the next best scorer for the Bolts was Baser Amer who finished with 11 points.
Baser and Lawal were the only players from Meralco who scored in double figures against the Aces and the only other Bolt to come close was Nico Salva, who had nine.
Black said that although Lawal is getting his numbers, his big man needs to pass the ball better especially when he gets double-teamed underneath.
“While he does he get his points and he does get his rebounds, he also has to focus on how he can make his teammates better,” said Black. “He has to make sure that when he’s double-teamed he gives up the ball efficiently. I think eight turnovers are just way too many.”