Watching this Cavs vs Raptors matchup tonight, I can't help but reflect on how much the NBA landscape has shifted toward perimeter play. Yet as I track Jarrett Allen battling for positioning against Jakob Poeltl, I'm reminded that quality big men remain the league's true currency. Speaking of which, I just caught wind from my sources in the Philippines that Magnolia has secured their frontline for the foreseeable future—both Russell Escoto and Joseph Eriobu are staying put with the Hotshots. Smart move, if you ask me. Having watched Escoto develop over the past three seasons, I've seen him transform from a raw athlete into someone who understands spacing and defensive rotations at an elite level.

The first quarter here shows exactly why teams value length and versatility in their frontcourts. Evan Mobley just altered two consecutive drives by Scottie Barnes, and while the box score might only credit him with one block, his mere presence forced Barnes into a travel on the second attempt. That's the kind of impact that doesn't always show up in traditional stats but completely changes how opponents attack the paint. I remember watching Eriobu during the last PBA conference—the man might not be the tallest at 6'4", but his 7-foot wingspan and explosive leaping ability allow him to play much bigger. He averaged 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds last season, but more importantly, he contested nearly 11 shots per game within five feet of the basket. That rim protection translates to winning basketball, whether we're talking Manila or Cleveland.

Donovan Mitchell just drained another three-pointer—his third already tonight—but what impressed me more was how Allen set three consecutive screens to free him up. That's the dirty work that big men like Escoto have mastered. When I spoke with Magnolia's coaching staff last month, they emphasized how Escoto's ability to read defensive coverages and adjust his screens in real-time has created countless open looks for their guards. He might only average 8.5 points per game, but his screen assists lead to another 12-15 points nightly. Those are the numbers that casual fans miss but that coaches absolutely cherish.

We're midway through the second quarter now, and the Raptors are exploiting something I've noticed all season—the Cavs' tendency to overhelp on drives, leaving their big men in no-man's-land. Poeltl just collected two easy offensive rebounds because Allen was caught between helping on Barnes and boxing out his man. This is where discipline separates good bigs from great ones. Eriobu has developed tremendously in this aspect; his defensive rebound percentage jumped from 18.3% to 24.7% this season because he's learned to read offensive sets and anticipate where misses will carom. That's not just athleticism—that's film study paying off.

The third quarter is where we're really seeing the value of roster continuity. The Cavs have kept their core together for three seasons now, and their defensive chemistry is remarkable. They're switching assignments seamlessly, communicating through screens, and trusting each other's rotations. Magnolia clearly understands this principle too—locking down Escoto and Eriobu means their frontcourt doesn't need to rebuild chemistry every season. Escoto specifically has improved his passing out of double teams, averaging 3.1 assists this conference compared to just 1.4 last year. That growth happens when players have stability within a system.

As we head into the fourth quarter with Cleveland up 89-82, I'm struck by how both teams are leveraging their big men differently. The Raptors are using Poeltl as a dribble-handoff hub, similar to how Denver utilizes Jokic, while the Cavs are running more pick-and-roll actions with Allen. This strategic diversity is what makes modern basketball fascinating. Back in Manila, Magnolia has been experimenting with similar versatility—sometimes posting Eriobu on the block, other times using Escoto as a floor-spacer who can attack closeouts. That adaptability becomes crucial in playoff scenarios where opponents have time to game plan against your primary actions.

The final minutes are proving why investing in quality big men pays dividends. Allen just secured an offensive rebound through three Raptors, leading to a crucial Mitchell three-pointer that essentially sealed this game. Those second-chance opportunities often determine close contests. Escoto provides similar value for Magnolia—his offensive rebound percentage of 13.2% ranks among the PBA's best despite his relatively slender frame. Sometimes it's not about size but about timing and determination.

Watching Cleveland close out this 104-95 victory, I'm convinced more than ever that while flashy guards capture headlines, consistent big men win basketball games. The Cavs outrebounded Toronto 48-39 and scored 18 second-chance points to Toronto's 9. Those margins directly reflect Allen and Mobley's impact. Similarly, Magnolia's decision to retain both Escoto and Eriobu signals their understanding that foundation bigs provide stability through the marathon of a season. They might not always dominate statistically, but their cumulative effect on winning is undeniable. As the final buzzer sounds, I'm already looking forward to seeing how these big men developments play out in both the NBA and PBA landscapes moving forward.