Ababou’s benching baffles, angers Ginebra fans in loss to B-MEG

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

Where in the world was Dylan Ababou?

The star rookie remained glued to the bench for 48 minutes, and all he could do was watch as his Barangay Ginebra Kings succumbed to the B-MEG Llamados, 96-88, in Sunday’s night’s Manila Clasico showdown.

Ababou wasn’t injured, meaning the decision to bench him rested solely on the Ginebra coaching staff. In a report by AKTV’s Jessica Mendoza during the game, she said the coaches decided to use John Wilson instead of Ababou for defensive purposes.

PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa, who was doing analyst work for the television, questioned the decision. “Magaling din naman dumepensa si Ababou ah. At ‘di hamak namang mas marunong siyang maglaro kesa kay Wilson,” said Lastimosa.

Wilson ended up playing a total of just eight minutes, going scoreless and grabbing two rebounds. In his first game this tournament, against Air 21, Ababou scored nine points in 23 minutes and helped Ginebra to victory.

Ababou’s benching earned for Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen the ire of Ginebra fans.

“Bad coaching by Coach Siot tonight. He should have used Dylan Ababou,” wrote Paolo Miguel Cedeño on Twitter.

“J. Wilson didn’t contribute a single point. I can’t remember a game that Ababou scoring zero. Wrong move, Siot,” wrote Jo Nio.

“Hindi ko maintindihan ang laro ng Ginebra bakit ganun rotation? Who’s better, Canaleta or Ababou?” asked Jaypee Miguel.

At least one executive of San Miguel Corporation, which owns Ginebra, also wondered why Ababou remained on the bench.

“For those who are asking, Dylan was not injured or sick tonight. And yes, I’m asking the same question as all of you are,” wrote SMC official Noli Eala on Twitter.

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