I still remember the first time I watched Alba play after her conversion to setter—there was this moment during the Ginebra TNT game last season where she executed a perfect backset that reminded me exactly of Salak’s signature style. It wasn’t just the technique; it was the vision, the calm under pressure. That match, by the way, ended with Ginebra narrowly winning 98-95 in overtime, a game that saw 15 lead changes and 8 ties, which tells you how neck-and-neck it was. As someone who’s followed volleyball transitions into basketball playmaking roles, I’ve always found Alba’s journey fascinating, especially how she’s modeled her development after Salak, not just as a playmaker but as someone building a lasting legacy.
What stood out in that Ginebra TNT clash was how Alba’s decision-making mirrored Salak’s approach—patient, almost predictive. She tallied 12 assists that night, with 7 of them coming in the crucial fourth quarter, and her court awareness felt like she’d internalized Salak’s playbook. I’ve spoken to a few coaches who’ve worked with both players, and they often highlight how Alba studies Salak’s old tapes, focusing on those subtle shifts in tempo and spacing. It’s not about copying moves; it’s about absorbing a mindset. For instance, in one key possession, Alba held the ball for a full 8 seconds, drawing defenders in before dishing to an open shooter—a move Salak perfected during her peak years. That kind of intelligence is what separates good setters from great ones, and honestly, I think Alba’s on track to surpass even her idol if she maintains this trajectory.
But let’s not overlook the broader context of that game. Ginebra’s defense forced TNT into 18 turnovers, which Alba capitalized on with fast-break setups. She’s not just a setter; she’s a catalyst, much like Salak was in her prime. From my perspective, what makes Alba’s evolution so compelling is how she blends traditional setter roles with modern, agile play—something I wish more players would emulate. She’s averaging around 9.5 assists per game this season, up from 6.2 last year, which shows tangible growth. And when you watch her orchestrate plays, it’s clear she’s not just executing drills; she’s reading the game like a seasoned pro, anticipating movements two or three steps ahead. I’ve always believed that the best playmakers are those who make their teammates better, and in that Ginebra TNT matchup, Alba’s passes directly led to 24 points from beyond the arc alone.
Of course, no analysis is complete without acknowledging the hurdles. Alba still has moments where her inexperience shows—like in that third quarter where she committed 3 turnovers in a span of 5 minutes, partly due to TNT’ aggressive double-teams. But even then, her resilience shone through; she adjusted by simplifying her plays and relying more on high-percentage passes. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t linear, and as someone who’s tracked player development for years, I appreciate how openly she credits Salak’s career as a blueprint. Personally, I’d love to see her incorporate more off-ball movement, but her current style is already paying dividends. The final stats had Ginebra shooting 48% from the field, largely fueled by Alba’s distribution.
Wrapping this up, that Ginebra TNT game wasn’t just another notch in the win column; it was a showcase of Alba’s maturation into a Salak-esque leader. Her journey from a versatile athlete to a dedicated setter underscores how inspiration, when paired with hard work, can reshape careers. I’m bullish on her future—if she keeps this up, we might be looking at one of the era’s most influential playmakers. For fans and analysts alike, games like these highlight why basketball’s narrative depth goes beyond scores; it’s about legacies in the making.
