PBN Special Report: Filcosplay Freelancers

October 11, 2007

Makati (AP) -- Jubilation filled the Filcosplay Forum as the Filcosplay Freelancers celebrated yet another league victory. Despite struggling in the beginning of the season after a 0-10 slump, the Freelancers got a big break when Caerid Alt Mer purchased the team. "I saw an opportunity and took it," Alt Mer explained. "I knew that it would be a challenge to take the bottom team of the division and make something out of it, but it's been a blast. Everyone's done a great job so far this season and we're looking to reach the top."

Part of their success can be attributed to the acquisition of the Marikina Titan's former backup center, Kero Chan. Although his starting stints were rocky, he eventually started putting up big numbers, now averaging 15.8 points and 7.8 rebounds a game. Chan was more impressive, however, during international games, scoring 22.4 points and 8.6 rebounds. He even had an impressive career high in one game against the -Lighting- Coyotes, scoring 34 points while pulling down 17 rebounds.

Despite Chan's star performances, Alt Mer has always stressed player rotation and providing everyone with playing time. Noir Valentine, Xian ChiXian and Erlou Maturan have become solid contributors despite being reserves initially. Others, however, have not fared so well, mixing lackluster performances with brilliant ones. "Everyone has their own issues," Erlou noted. "Some are not used to this level of competition while others can't keep up with our fast-paced playing style, but we're still a young team and I think the other players will find their niche."

"I know that I've run out of gas the last few games," John Duquesne, the reserve center explained, "but I've been training hard and conditioning myself." Other players weren't as understanding. "I know I've been streaky, but that's only because I don't get consistent minutes," Dante May Cry, the team's reserve power forward pointed out. "I'm not being given the opportunity to prosper in the team. What's the use of all my training if I don't get a chance to show what I can do on the court?"

"With a team of 12 players, of course there'll be issues about playing time," Retsuya Aoyama, the reserve shooting guard explained, "but Coach Alt Mer is doing his best to give everyone playing time." Others disagree, however. "We all want to do well and put up huge numbers," Pedro Penduko, the point guard reasoned, "but it's just impossible with the limited minutes we're getting. You can try to please everyone, but I don't think they'll be too happy when we start losing more than we're winning."

"Look," Frap Uccino rebuked, "we're all getting our chances to shine. So far, we've been on an incredible winning streak." Despite losing a couple of international games, the team's record since Alt Mer has been an impeccable 10-0, but they haven't had to face the best teams in the division either.

Frans Pumaren (analysis) -- Although the Freelancers have had an incredible season so far, they are overburdened by players of varying skill levels who are demanding more playing time. I believe the situation is reaching critical mass, and it's only a matter of time before the team implodes.

Jojo Lastimosa (analysis) -- The Freelancers have a lot of hurdles to overcome, but Alt Mer has the leadership capability to bring them all the way to the finals. Misunderstandings will occur, but I think everyone on the team knows that they need to work together to reach the top.

Their roster is pretty solid, with a combination of solid starters and effective reserves. At this point, they stand heads and shoulders above the rest, but will they be able to maintain this line-up and level of intensity until the end of the season?

Disclaimer: Kero Chan and all players, managers, and owners are fictionalized characters participating in the Basketball MMORPG, Cyberdunk.