Top 10 storylines for PBA's 37th season

PJ, Jerwin, you go here, aaaaaayyyttt?

1.  Tim Cone VS Joel Banal, Fred Uytengsu, Joaqui Trillo, E.Cow, Mang Tom and the Alaska Aces
There's no other game on the calendar that has sparked more pre-season interest than this one. Tim Cone's new team, the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados takes on his "leftovers" the Alaska Aces led by former assistant Joel Banal.  Banal has gone on record to say that they will keep the triangle with a few adjustments here and there based on their revamped, ultra-athletic line-up that features four rookies. Cone on the other hand is trying his darnedest to speed-teach the triangle to his new wards by adding former Alaska players both on his coaching staff (Johnny Abarrientos, Jeffrey Cariaso) and roster (John Ferriols).

2.  Chot Reyes VS The World
He failed to lead Talk 'n' Text to a rare grandslam last season but is still recognized as the best "new age" coach in the PBA today (two championships in three tries will do that for anyone).  Problem is, a lot of off-court drama is currently hounding Reyes-- be it fisticuffs with Cabalen coaches or him being rumored to be plotting against SMART Gilas head coach Rajko Toroman in an effort to takeover the Serbian's position.

3.  Last hurrah for Jayjay Helterbrand?
Helterbrand signed a one-conference contract with Ginebra to "challenge" himself and I don't blame him. He's been injured a couple of times the last two or three years and has watched younger guys like Mike Cortez and Rob Labagala take over his starting PG spot.  Of course, he could come back strong and prove us all wrong, but if he chose to retire to be with his daughters back in the US, I'll agree that he sure had one hell of a PBA career.

4.  JVee Casio VS Paul Lee
People have created an image of Casio as being ultra-clutch and after seeing his performance with SMART Gilas, I'd be hard-pressed to disagree.  But, to say that Lee is not on that level, or over it even, is the biggest farce this side of Davonn Harp being 100% Filipino.  Lee is deceptively quick, bigger, stronger and has the PBA-ready game that Casio could only dream of (Casio is a one-dimensional clutch shooter who can't defend anyone taller than him).  The one thing I fear most is that Casio could end up having a short career owing to his size and speed.  He's a step slower than the elite guards (someone actually argued that Casio's "explosive" on this blog once, apparently he hasn't seen just how fast PBA PG back-ups Paul Artadi, Rob Labagala and Josh Urbiztondo are.)
5.  Barako Bull: Ang bumangga giba!
They're baaaaaaaaaaack!  And with new recruits like beefy bruiser Jondan Salvador playing alongside Dorian Pena, every other opposing big man in the PBA is in for a world of hurt.  Seriously though, a rotation of Willie Miller, Paul Artadi, Danny Seigle, Salvador and Pena should be considered a serious threat and darkhorse in the coming Philippine Cup.

6.  Talk 'n' Text VS elitist image


After 3 years with Gilas; still all height, no skills?



Unlike our friends in the Internet basketblog world who dare not name names, Nora Aunor has been confirmed in some (mostly showbiz) circles to be TNT's muse in this Sunday's opening rites.  It doesn't take a scientist to see that this is a PR stunt designed to not only boost Aunor's career (she's TV5's biggest acquisition/draw to date) but to also change the perception built around Camp TNT for years.  It's sad really, the way this team has elite talent in Jayson Castro, Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, Ranidel de Ocampo and Ryan Reyes but none of the die-hard masa fans.  I guess that's what having a fashion-forward head coach and a coaching staff/ management team dominated by Ateneans does to your image.

7.  Japeth Aguilar VS haters
While I agree that Aguilar will become a huge draw in the PBA given his flashy, high-leaping ways and unparalleled athleticism, his game is still as raw as when he left Ateneo years back.  Aguilar still hasn't learned to use his height to his advantage, doesn't have the defensive discipline to even rival 90's giant Bonel Balingit or possess a go-to-move that is a must for dominant/ franchise big men (Dennis Espino- series of fakes, Marlou Aquino - kili kili shot, Philip Cesar - elbow, erhm, hook, Danny Ildefonso - mid range jumper, etc.)

8.  Dylan Ababou VS Allein Maliksi
It's funny how the tables have turned for both players who came from the same UAAP UST title team.  One guy went on to win MVP, the other bounced around amateur leagues before cracking a starting line-up (and winning a rather questionable MVP award).  In recent tune-up matches, Maliksi has been leading the way for the Barako Bull which still awaits the return of Ababou from his tour with SMART Gilas.  Come game day, who will be the better player and future star?

9.  Julius Pasculado
The Internet basketblog world's most searched individual has been signed by Alaska as a possible back-up for starting PG L.A. Tenorio or to be transformed to a safety SG (given his height).  Now that he's on a PBA roster we'll get to see if he can live up to all the love and hype.

10.  Barako Bull/ Shopinas.com VS lopsided trades
New names, new look but still the same old management and bosses.  Money's on the Bulls' trading Danny Seigle, Dylan Ababou and even Willie Miller before the year ends.

As the new season's slogan says, "Kampihan na!"

Basta ako, B-Meg ako. Tim Cone e.