On import changes, Meralco's backcourt woes and Gilas 2 PG

Vroman will beast the PBA. Bet on it.

Wow. Safe to say that no one outside of the Ginebra camp saw this coming-- Chris Alexander, the Gin Kings' 7"1 import who led them to their last title has been sent home in favor of NBA vet and FIBA champion Jackson Vroman.

Alexander was reportedly sent off the same afternoon Vroman checked in to the Gin Kings' practice-- that's just cold man. Only a no conscience, unsympathetic and cold blooded individual would do something so business-like and calculating.

What's that? Noli Eala's in charge of San Miguel's basketball operations? Oh, okay.

PBA's Vince McMahon is definitely back to what he does best.

SMART Gilas Tropang Texters

If there's anything that was proven in yesterday's 110-98 victory over the gigantic frontline of the Alaska Aces, it's that the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters are the best, star-studded line-up in all of Philippine basketball.

Gaano kaya kaiba ung kalalabasan ng 2009 FIBA-Asia
kung nakapaglaro si RR imbis na si Willie Miller bilang PG?

Yes, Barangay Ginebra has the household names, but they never seem to be truly healthy and could only boast of one guy who's the best at his position at this point (Mark Caguioa). Rival Petron also has some solid star power but not as established as those of the Gin Kings and not on the same plateau as the Texters. BMeg? Well, we'll just have to wait another conference before coach Tim Cone finally figures out that new recruit JC Intal is no Marcio Lassiter/ Scottie Pippen and that he can't win with three scorers playing heavy minutes at the perimeter without at least one of them being a lockdown defender (they should've pushed to get Dylan Ababou, hey maybe they could consider stealing Bitoy Omolon from Air21).

Is chemistry really the issue for Ginebra?

Chemistry issues? Nah.
Talent redundancy is.

Three games into the PBA Commissioner's Cup and the crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings find themselves sitting pretty with a 2-1 slate. Thanks to a powerhouse line-up that is once again being bannered by prized wards Mark Caguioa (18 ppg) and Jayjay Helterbrand (5.5 apg, 1 spg) plus 7"1 import Chris Alexander (24 rpg), it seems that there's just no stopping the Gin Kings.

Still, chemistry-issues have been raised by no other than Gin Kings' coach Siot Tangquincen.

Based on what we've seen so far and already know, chemistry issues has never been a concern for this team. Had it been hastily assembled or made of newbies ala Air21, then yeah, but it still features the same old backcourt and anchor in the paint (Eric Menk) and even its newest additions-- Kerby Raymundo and the returning Rudy Hatfield are at one point or the other, all played competitive ball together either in PBA All Star games or, better yet, the country's national team.

Rain or Shine settles for Dubai split

Kelangan ng alisin si Norwood
para kay Paul Lee

Well, you can't just go to another country, play in back-to-back games and expect to win them all.

Such is the case for the still maturing Rain or Shine Elasto Painters who settled for a 1-1 even split in their Dubai games as part of the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup. They won their first assignment over the hapless Barako Bull Energy, which lost over rated import Dermarr Johnson to a groin injury early in the game, 99-95.

And just when you thought that the young team was building momentum (no excuses to offer since they have a lot of young legs on the roster and coach Yeng Guiao loves to shuffle his guys), they lose to the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings 89-88.

Granted, they could've easily won the game against the Gin Kings had the referees not been ultra sensitive to contact to any of the guys in red, but the blame's still on RoS for not keeping their heads in the game.

The Pinoy Michael Jordan (2 of 2)

Here's the second part of this little write-up that has (surprisingly) amassed a couple hundred views since its posting just a few days ago. Hope you enjoy and yes, comments/ rebuttals are most certainly welcome and will not be deleted/ screened.

The style. The hair. The Swag.
Yeah, MC47's Jordan-like.

5. Mark Caguioa (Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings)

Filipinos are a smiling, happy bunch. We celebrate the littlest things, dance to the silliest of songs and laugh to the most awful “Boy Pick-Up” joke known to mankind. The same could be said of our current crop of professional basketball players, that they treat games as such, and are sportsmen first (speaking in terms of majority the majority of course—so that excludes San Beda’s fiery head coach Frankie Lim, and a couple years back, Rain or Shine’s Yeng Guiao). But Caguioa isn’t like most. He’s cut from the same cloth as PBA legends who would literally spit on their opponent’s face, throw elbows and just mean mug fools all game long. This is where MC47 takes after MJ—the swagger, the will to win, the hatred to lose and the enigmatic, kept personality that either wins fans or throws them off. People love MJ for who he is on television. But those who have played with or against him, despise him (if you belong to today’s generation, think Kobe Bryant before his stint with the USA Redeem Team).

If at first you don't succeed...

Rabeh: big man who could
balance the Tigers' attack

After PBA Commissioner Chito Salud vetoed the initial trade that would've sent the Powerade Tigers' super rookie Marcio Lassiter to the Petron Blaze Boosters for little used sophomores Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra, a new deal is reportedly in the works.

Clearly, both teams are in connivance to somehow make sure that Lassiter ends up with the Boosters regardless of the names that they have to send over to the Tigers. As of this writing, rumors have it that temperamental power forward Rabeh Al Hussaini will take Baclao's spot in the revised offer.

Personally, this would be a better deal since it gives the Tigers a reliable, scoring big man and a back-up guard rather than a player whose best (defensive) years were spent in college (the added weight obviously hasn't helped Baclao one bit-- it has only slowed him down and made him even more of a liability since his offensive skills are quite limited inside the shaded lane as a drop-pass/ offensive rebound/ putback option).

Strugg-LEE-ng: Waiting on Paul Lee

Forgive the Quinito/Halili-esque title, but two games into the PBA Commissioner's Cup, it's pretty clear that Rain or Shine's star rookie Paul Lee is underperforming in, quite expectedly, their two losses.

Lee: Sana ibabad ako ni Coach

Averaging an acceptable, yet paltry for superstar standards, 9.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals, 2 turnovers in 25.5 minutes, Lee appears to be a bit tentative on the floor and is not his usual, cerebral self.

Granted, playing in only 25 minutes and relinquishing lead star role to top-of-the-key, iso-happy, undersized power forward import Duke Crews will do that to anyone but that's where Lee's all around offensive brilliance is being missed. Compared to last conference, Lee was playing catalyst for RoS by virtue of getting to the rim and dishing out kick-out drives. This time? Not so much.

DENIED! Protecting the PBA from its teams

Mahirap utakan ang mautak

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud recently vetoed the controversial trade proposal between the Powerade Tigers and Petron Blaze Boosters-- as he should, citing imbalance of power within the league and a rather "fishy" motive for one of the teams involved.

And while the uneducated are quick to crucify Kume for his actions and are starting to tag him as a closet MVP supporter, the only big acquisition made by TNT is Japeth Aguilar from Burger King/ Air21. And that was more on Aguilar's off court drama of wanting to play for flag and country rather than MVP forcing his hand (because had he wanted to, this writer is pretty sure they'd get more than just Aguilar who up to this very day, is just another pre-three point sniping Nino Canaleta).

To protect the league from spoiled teams who try and actually succeed in buying out the competition, here's a suggestion:

KKS Fantasy: Creating SMART Gilas 2, Chot-style

Can't have Gilas without these two

Run and gun, attack relentlessly, hustle, bump and tumble. Smash mouth basketball that puts a premium on outscoring the opponent at every turn, and when possible, to run them right out of the gym.

From his title run earlier in 2000 with Coca Cola to his current CV-filler with Talk 'n' Text, Coach Chot's style is his and his alone in the local basketball scene. Robert Jaworski preached rugged defense, Tim Cone wanted fluidity through set plays, Jong Uichico tinkered with his line-up to play textbook basketball, Rajko Toroman called for hundreds of double picks for his point guard and Yeng Guiao pretty much let his players do whatever the hell they wanted on the floor.

Reyes has a little bit of everything mentioned above in his sleeve.

Chot Reyes’ Redemption Tour starts NOW

Chot Reyes
SMART Gilas  2 Head Coach 

It’s official.

After months of speculation (media and fans) and preparation (for those directly involved), Chot Reyes has officially been named head coach of the SMART Gilas Men’s Basketball program. Succeeding Serbian Rajko Toroman, this will be Reyes 2nd time at the helm after a disastrous 2007 campaign wherein the country finished 9th in the FIBA-Asia.

Reyes will be vacating his post as multi-titled coach at Talk ‘n’ Text to give way to Norman Black of Ateneo de Manila University after the UAAP season (can’t let anything get in the way of that elusive five-peat now).

Time to shine for ex-Realtors/ Bolts

Playing time at last for Isip and Bitoy

Someone tell the chinky-eyed beauty Ms. Sheila Lina that it’s okay now, she can finally jump for joy, exchange pleasantries and high fives as her team, the Air21 Express (former Shopinas.Com), has finally salvaged a victory in its young PBA career.

Thanks largely to the “mana from heaven,” known in these circles as being awarded the rights to 6”11 import Marcus Douthit, the Express won over sister team Barako Bull Energy, 97-88. But at the same breath, credit should also be given the Express’ new recruits—underrated forwards Nelbert “Bitoy” Omolon and Mark Isip who last saw meaningful action with this writer’s old love, the Santa Lucia Realtors (once Team MVP took over and overhauled the line-up, Omolon was under utilized by coach Ryan Gregorio while Isip bounced around the league like a modern day Chris Bolado).

Run and gun Aces are having fun

Pagdating sa takbuhan, me tulog
si Tenorio at Baguio sa kalaban

New conference, new style.

In yet another display of its high octane, perimeter freelancing style, the Alaska Aces eked out a victory over the powerhouse-yet-struggling Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings 76-74. The game was ugly, almost unbearable given the way both teams were shooting the basketball but all that filthy television soon became a joy to watch in the last two minutes of the game.

Trading clutch baskets after another, the Gin Kings looked to be going home with another win thanks to ballsy shots by Kerby Raymundo and Mark Caguioa. Hell, this writer was ready to start with this write-up until that smart play by L.A. Tenorio-- a four point play off a one-motion foul by Mike Cortez when the Gin Kings were up by three.

The Pinoy Michael Jordan (Part 1 of 2)

G.O.A.T.

In celebration of the widely-recognized, Greatest of All Time, Michael Jordan’s 49th birthday (though KKS will always be quick to give an appreciative nod to Mr. Bill Russel and his untouchable 11 NBA World Championships), here’s this writer’s take on the Top Ten guys who were arguably the closest we’ve had to our own version of the Global Icon.

10. Gary David (Powerade Tigers)

One of today’s most feared and respected gunners, David often finds himself in the Jordan role of lead arsenal. Winning games mostly on sheer Jordanesque will in an un-Jordan-like come-from-behind fashion (don’t really recall a year in those 6 rings campaign wherein MJ was a clear cut underdog), David is a tribute to the “young” MJ who was dropping 30 and 40 point games but couldn’t break even owing to a so-so roster and subpar coaching (sorry Doug Collins fans). Only setback why David isn’t higher on this list is his age and ring count.

Powerade Tigers keep on roaring

With Baylon gone, David and Perasol
are the last "old" guys left standing

Last night's game against the Rain or Shine Elasto-Painters put to light what Philippine basketball fans are growing to appreciate and love more and more about the Powerade Tigers'-- they are indeed the new Barangay Ginebra, a deserving heir apparent to the "Never Say Die" slogan that has been preached for years, with their mighty 122-120 come from behind win.

Once again, the Tigers drew firepower from supernova KKS Bataan Bomber Gary David who channeled his inner Ray Allen to score 32 points on a 7 of 12 clip from the three point line. Then there's the impressive debut of NBA veteran and former SMART Gilas naturalization prospect, 6"11 import, Dwayne Jones who finished with 34 points and 21 rebounds.

Tinamaan ng LIN-tik; PBA stars who can do a Lin

Much has been written and said bout the New York Knicks’ and the NBA’s current attraction and Media-love, the Chinese/ Chinese-Taipei-American point guard Jeremy Lin. And while this writer usually steers clear of anything NBA-ish as he prefers something close to the heart, we can’t help but give credit where it’s due—while throwing in our two hopias worth of commentary and fantasy basketball talk.

Lin: Carpe Diem

Lin’s sudden “emergence” can be taken in different ways. An undrafted 23-year-old who was a week away from being cut from the roster before finally being given his break pretty much sums up the whole “Lin-derella” story for most. Personally though, this writer sees it more as all the right pieces falling together at the right time.

The Knicks were starting to become irrelevant again despite adding starpower with Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and latest acquisition Tyson Chandler. They were losing games and didn’t know what to do despite the obvious talent at their disposal. And if that wasn’t enough, the wheels started falling off due to injuries to their stars (they’re also still waiting on Baron Davis, who will most likely eat up Lin’s minutes once he’s back).

Boosters look rusty

Walang himala! Asan na ung laro ni Arwind?

Two games, both losses, into the Commissioner’s Cup and the Petron Blaze Boosters find themselves at the bottom of the standings in games that showed an uncharacteristic lack of focus, interest and energy.

Save for star import Nick Fazekas who has dropped back to back 30 point games, the Boosters seem to be having problems rotation-wise with the personnel on the floor. Given the names on the coaching staff and on the roster, we’re pretty sure that they’ll turn it around in this shortened conference in time for a Playoff push but still, you don’t really expect a perennial title contender losing by 20 to a chief rival’s “still in its infancy stages” basketball team.

Borboran, Bolts win over Boosters

Me dahilan kaya pinag agawan
ng SMC at MVP teams si Borboran

In a game dominated by both teams' imports, Petron's Nick Fazekas (33 points) and Meralco's Jarid Famous (26), the real key was the role played by the Bolts' Mark Borboran who finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds while shutting down Petron star Arwind Santos.

While the first quarter started off in close fashion, the Bolts soon pulled away thanks to its fluid fastbreaking offense generated by forcing turnovers on the listless Boosters. Alex Cabagnot seemed lethargic early in the game, Chris Lutz was having trouble finding his usual scoring seams and Arwind Santos, now back to playing small forward, found himself switching from Borboran to Spider monicker rival Gabby Espinas on several instances (Spiderman vs Gagamboy).

Who's the next Rudy Lingganay?

From the ABL to the PBA

Before being stuck in Bo Perasol's Powerade doghouse in the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup Finals, point guard Rudy Lingganay was making a strong case for himself as a decent player in the country's premier basketball league.

In 25 games, Lingganay averaged an acceptable 5.16 points and 1.96 assists in only 13 minutes of burn as 3rd string PG in the Tigers' rotation. The only thing Lingganay needs to work on is his paltry three point shooting clip (29%) but other than that, he brings a lot to the table with his hard-nosed man-to-man defense that is almost Derek Fisher-like.

That being said, not a lot of people know that Lingganay's mildly successful leap into the PBA was brought about by his superstar worthy playoff stint in the ASEAN Baketball League last season. Despite not making it to the Finals, Lingganay spearheaded the Westport KL Dragons' playoff campaign alongside current AirAsia Patriots import Nakiea Miller and Filipino Patrick Cabahug.

Ababou's Chance

It's only been a game but in 20 minutes for his new team-- the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, PBA rookie and UAAP UST Most Valuable Player Dylan Ababou's future looks brighter than ever.

Ababou > Intal

Granted, he finished with only 2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 fouls and a turnover, but it's clear that he is a lock as the Gin Kings' small forward of the present and foreseeable future. Once he gets his feet wet within the Kings' offense, Ababou's high basketball IQ will take care of the numbers. No, we don't really expect him to drop huge scoring efforts-- we'll leave that to Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and import Chris Alexander, but it's safe to say that Ababou will serve as the team's glue guy on both ends of the court.

While some fans cried over the loss of JC Intal who was traded to BMeg to play "Scottie Pippen/ Marcio Lassiter" to James Yap's "Michael Jordan/ Gary David," Ababou is a definite upgrade by a wider margin than most would think.

Ginebra: Still Never Say Die?

Congratulations to the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings for salvaging a win in last night's "sibling rivalry" main event against the Petron Blaze Boosters, 84-82. Winning behind a last second shot by star Jayjay Helterbrand over the outstretched arms of PBB import Nick Fazekas, fans raved about the Gin Kings' mighty victory over a worthy opponent.

Underdog pa din ba? 

Our argument here is, why are Gin Kings fan still riding the "Never say die" train when it's pretty clear that their squad has been out of the "underdog" tag since building their Helterbrand-Mark Caguioa-Eric Menk core the last few years?

Aces run wild

Skyrus a.k.a. KKS Freestyler

What a difference doing away with a former coach's offensive playbook does to a player! Cyrus Baguio (25 points, 7 assists), in his best all-around outing since donning the Alaska Aces' red, black and white, led his team to a 109-100 victory over the listless Rain or Shine Elastopainters.

Unlike Friday's opening day loss to the Barako Bull Energy, the Aces looked a lot more comfortable in running a simpler, "look for the open man/ who's interested" style of play under coach Joel Banal. Really, this team has the firepower to compete with the best, and they just showed it tonight.

ABL collision course: San Miguel, AirAsia

Seven games (for the defending champions Thailand Slammers anyway) into the 3rd season of the ASEAN Basketball League's and this writer can already see the writing on the wall. The entry of another team from the Philippines, in the form of the San Miguel Beermen, has pretty much sealed the deal for a title showdown with back-to-back finalists (and season one champs) AirAsia Philippine Patriots.

That's not a knock on the Slammers or the current standings leader, the Malaysia Dragons, but something that people are pretty much sold on from here on out. It's almost as predictable as the UAAP season has been the last few years, with everyone knowing that it's going to be Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University slugging it out for the title year in and year out (or until the De La Salle alumni go back to their tried and tested winning formula of picking high school Fil-Ams from the West Coast).

Opening to controversy

What better way to open the league's second conference following a highly successful Philippine Cup than with hints of controversy. From a "denied on all fronts" sale, a trade that has been put "on hold" to threats of a possible "product/ franchise pullout"-- and we haven't even touched on the giants that have been flown into the country at that!

Hold on, Tigers 

San ba talaga kuya?

"Hindi naman ako tanga" is what PBA commissioner Chito Salud was quoted as saying in regards to the trade involving Powerade's Marcio Lassiter for Petron's "forgotten" 2011 picks Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra. The thing that doesn't make sense is that, Powerade is letting go of a budding superstar for two guys who have struggled since making it into the pros-- it would've been easier to digest had Powerade struggled as a team but they're coming off a Finals run with Lassiter at the forefront. Or, if there were reports about Lassiter ruining team chemistry-- and if you follow these guys over on Twitter, you'd pretty much know that they like playing together so...

Why Rajko decided to stay

Too good not to post. I played versus my cousin once during a flood at Dimasalang. Sarap. Enough said.

Rajko now with San Miguel Corporation

What did they expect me to do?

In what should be considered as the biggest steal by San Miguel Corporation's sports arm from the clutches of Manny V. Pangilinan's kingdom (trumping the soon-to-be-finalized acquisition of Marcio Lassiter, an MVP-funded SMART Gilas product who plays for Powerade but is going to be gift wrapped to SMC's Petron squad), Serbian and former Gilas head coach Rajko Toroman will now be playing consultant for SMC's four professional basketball teams.

The ASEAN Basketball League's San Miguel Beermen and the Philippine Basketball Association's Petron Blaze Boosters, B-Meg Llamados and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings (and, quite possibly, Powerade Tigers) are now all going to benefit from having Toroman on their side in a predictable, yet surprising nonetheless, move.

NLEX wins 2nd PBADL title behind future PBA stars

Uhm, dunk ko to bro!

In what is starting to become a mirror image of the Philippine Basketball League's "dying" years where Harbour Centre was pretty much plucking collegiate players left and right on its way to several titles, the Philippine Basketball Association's Developmental League has just crowned the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned NLEX Road Warriors as its defending champions for its 2nd Aspirants' Cup.

Headlined by a powerhouse crew that could very well be the face of PBA franchises in the coming years, the Boyet Fernandez-coached Road Warriors dismantled the hard fighting Freego Jeans of coach Leo Austria that was backstopped by mostly Adamson Falcons (let this team's performance serve as stern warning to the rest of the UAAP).

Unfair? More on Lassiter deal

Kung ganito pa din laro ni Baclao ngayon, wala na
tayong pinag uusapan pa sana. Kaso hindi. 

Powerade's super rookie Marcio Lassiter for Petron's slumping sophomores Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra. It's almost a done deal-- with a Thursday meeting among the PBA board the only remaining roadblock (which will ultimately be put aside as it always does with a couple of trademark Commissioner Chito Salud adjustments).

Petron (and San Miguel Corporation) fans are up in arms trying to defend their impending acquisition. Deflecting accusations of greed and self-preservation to their erstwhile rivals, the Manny V. Pangilinan group of companies. If there is any truth to the "Powerade on sale" rumors, then fans are quick to point out that this would be similar to what the Texters did when MVP bought out the Santa Lucia Realtors franchise but not before trading two star players to their own team.

Captain Kirk wants in; Foreign invasion looms

The inevitable has finally come to haunt the league after years of desperately trying to keep it at the backburner. A foreigner has come out of the woodwork, fanbase in tow, wanting to join the country’s premiere basketball organization.

Should the PBA open its doors to foreigners?

Kirk Long, the revered blonde shooting guard of the great Ateneo de Manila University basketball program, is knocking on the PBA’s doors in hopes of making it to next year’s draft. An ace defender and knockdown shooter, Long belongs to a short list of “complete package” players much like ADMU alumna and Talk ‘n’ Text “do it all sub” Larry Fonacier.

We’ve tackled this issue in 2010, and just like that unwanted ex-girlfriend, it has come back to haunt us until someone finally grows a set and turns it down or approves it (that’s you Mr. Commissioner and the rest of the PBA board).

But what kind of basketbol-blogger would we be if we didn’t come up with possible solutions that hopefully, would be read by the powers that be and considered in the whole scheme of things (or not)? Here’s a short list of what the PBA can do to protect itself from foreign applicants.

1. Minimum of 8-years residency

-         Sounds just about right for guys like Kirk Long who has played both high school and college ball in the country. This protects us from all the other imports that college teams have been recruiting lately (hello San Beda, UST, FEU) and builds familiarity with Filipino basketball fans and not just those in Manila alone.

-         It also protects schools and organization from wannabe thugs and malcontents because they are developed by local establishments at an early age instead of when they reach adulthood and just play for pay/ perks/ titles (and trust me, there have been quite a lot of unreported cases going around).

2. Maximum of 2 foreigners per team, but not on the floor together

-         And because we live in a league ruled by two opposing superpowers and about two (or three) independent franchises, they’re bound to bend the rules at some point so here’s our safety net. Maximum of two foreigners per team, but they are not to play alongside each other (differing from the MBA’s format wherein teams like the Laguna Lakers fielded in Chris Clay and Jeff Flowers at the same time).

3. All foreigners are to be drafted in the 2^nd round

-         Maybe we should’ve started with this. To protect our homegrown talent (even Fil-Ams), foreigners are to be drafted only from the second round onwards. The playing time would probably differ once the season starts, but priority should be given to Filipinos. This isn’t the NBA. This isn’t the NATIONAL basketball association. It’s the PBA. P for Philippines. Our boys like JVee Casio and Paul Lee should always come first. Keifer Ravena should enjoy the greatness of being recognized as a possible number 1 draft.

Those are the 3 arguments that KKS has if the PBA should consider a “foreign invasion.” Your thoughts?

Blue vs Green: Archers on top 117-104

Respect the Don

Before Manny V. Pangilinan started bankrolling the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles cause, before De La Salle University was celebrated for its top notch guards- Mike Cortez, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Mac Cardona, Joseph Yeo and JVee Casio-- there was the instigator of the Archers' title run in the late 90s.

Don Carlos Allado, in his most dominant outing since-- well, he's DLSU days, scored 23 big points and hauled down 7 rebounds against an ADMU frontline that has been the best in the last decade. Enrico Villanueva, Doug Kramer and Japeth Aguilar all tried to keep Allado at bay, but there was no stopping "The Don" from winning it for his team.

It also didn't help the Ateneo cause that Allado benefited from playing alongside what is arguably the cream of the UAAP crop in recent memory. Cortez was orchestrating like it was 2000-2001, Cardona (minus the headband) had the old swag, smirk and teardrops back, Ritualo was Ritualo, Yeo was doing his Ninja thing and, well, Casio was burying back breaking, Mico Halili - "I HATE YOU CASIO!" threes time and again.

On the Bluer (literally and figuratively) side of things, the Eagles couldn't catch a break. Enrico Villanueva tried his best to break into the Archers' interior defense (which isn't much given that this was only an exhibition match), but the PBA rust definitely showed. Take nothing away from Allado, but even in his best day back in 1998, the guy wasn't much of a defender. Villanueva, being stuck playing behind Eric Menk, has lost most of his Samson machismo and jersey-popping swagger and it showed. Hell, even Carlos Sharma, a relatively solid big man but not a star like his Atenean half-brother Rabeh Al Husaini (who sat out the game with an injury), wasn't giving Villanueva anything easy.

And for all the recent accolades and citations, Norman Black did a poor job coaching the Eagles this time out. They weren't defending, opted for too may isolation plays for Villanueva and JC Intal, and when it was pretty clear that they weren't going to win this one, didn't bother to use his bench and use Wesley "Bang Bang" Gonzales (who was reportedly hurt, and we guess that it's not that he would've done anything other than start a possible riot given his history with the Archers' Cardona).

The Archers were blowing out the Eagles by as much as 21-- and they weren't even using the bigote-less birthday boy Franz Pumaren's dreaded defensive press.

It was THAT much of a blowout.

Still, credit goes to the players, alumni and organizers for a great, sold-out Sunday game. Perhaps they should consider shelving this for another five years, since we've already seen two exhibition games featuring the same players.

OR

It's time for a UAAP-NCAA PBA All Stars showdown. Better yet, a UAAP-NCAA vs UE PBA All Stars game. Imagine a line-up of Denok Miranda, Jayson Castro, Arwind Santos, Gabby Espinas and Beau Belga going up against Paul Lee, James Yap, Ronald Tubid, Mark Borboran and Nino Canaleta with Paul Artadi and Bonbon Custodio coming off the bench.

Friend @iamtheblur suggested a San Beda-San Sebastian All Stars match. But this writer argues that we won't be treated to a #dreamgame in that one, it would turn out to be a UFC match-- and that's from the bleachers section alone. Lol.

On the table: Lassiter to join Petron

Lassiter: One conference rental for Powerade (?)

And the rich keep getting richer.

The Petron Blaze Boosters and Powerade Tigers are already in the final stages (read: just waiting for the approval of PBA Commissioner Chito Salud) of a deal that will send this year's 4th overall pick Marcio Lassiter to Petron in exchange for 2010 top pick Noy Baclao and 3rd overall Rey Guevarra.

And yes, Petron does have all Top 3 picks of the 2010 draft on their roster and now, will have 2 of the clear frontrunners in Chris Lutz and Lassiter.

Still Furious

Lost in the superb performances by KKS Bataan Bomber Gary David, KKS Captain Crunch Alex Cabagnot, Spiderman Arwind Santos and KKS Mr Cool Chris Lutz in the recent Philippine Cup was the reemergence of the most feared scorer in all of Philippine Basketball-- no other than Barangay Ginebra's Mark "The Spark" Caguioa.

He's baaaaaaaaacccckkkkk...

Though the Gin Kings failed to advance to the Pinoy Cup Finals, it was more due to an inconsistent coaching ploy (a so-so commitment in developing young talent) rather than the players-- specially Caguioa's overall performance. There was also an added distraction lingering over the Gin Kings' camp, with Caguioa's bossom buddy and backcourt partner Jayjay Helterbrand creating some drama with his "one conference contract" (which has ultimately and fortunately for Ginebra fans, extend until the end of the season).

But above all that, Caguioa continued to deliver for his team despite playing with young guys Rob Labagala, John Wilson, JC Intal and Rico Villanueva one night and then Mike Cortez, Helterbrand, Willy Wilson, Nino Canaleta (KKS will never call Canaleta KG-- ang layo ng laro ninyo boss) and Billy Mamaril the next. There were games that the Gin Kings could've easily won had their coaching staff decided to field in the right players around Caguioa given certain situations which could've helped their chances going into the semifinals, but that's all in the past now.

Will Caguioa come back strong in the Commissioner's Cup to reclaim his throne as being the PBA's Top Gun? Or has he already lost it (together with his first step due to age and injuries) to Powerade's hot-shooting Bataan Bomber and young guns like Rain or Shine's Paul Lee and Petron's Chris Lutz?

Back in the fold (?)

It's been a busy off-season for the PBA these past few days, headlined of course by the great Kerby Raymundo and Dylan Ababou to Ginebra trade that sent JC Intal to B-Meg and Ronald Tubid and Reil Cervantes to Barako Bull, followed by Meralco's pick-up of Paul Artadi for Chico Lanete and Air21's (formerly Shopinas.Com) shoring-up defensively with the acquisition of Bitoy Omolon and Mark Isip.

Big Daddy Douthit to provide Air21 with veteran
savvy, championship poise and muscle

There's also the impending return of naturalized center and SMART Gilas standout Marcus Douthit, who will suit up mid-February with Air21which hopefully increases the team's chances to secure a victory in their young team's history. Right now, all Air21 really needs is a pass-first point guard who will utilize a projected line-up of RJ Jazul, Omolon, Isip and Douthit with promising frontliners Magi Sison and Elmer Espiritu ready to come off the bench. Pong Escobal has always been a favorite, but his speed has become an issue in the pros.

Either way, their chances have definitely increased and things are looking up for the Lina franchise.

But all that has been trumped by the reported re-acquisition of the Powerade franchise by San Miguel Corporation which could very well hurt the PBA on all fronts. Granted, SMC and Powerade has denied it, dismissing the news as a "non-issue," but as the old adage goes, "if there's smoke, there's sure to be fire."

There has been reports that a "super rookie" from the Powerade camp is being offered for a trade, which in turn might start a domino effect. Much like how Santa Lucia made sure to make a lot of money out of its championship roster before selling to Team MVP (instead of simply holding on to the players like Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes, Joseph Yeo and Denok Miranda).

On a positive note, Gary David received a 3-year extension worth the max contract of P 420,000 a month-- and rightfully so. If the Powerade sale does go through, let's all pray that the Bataan Bomber goes to a title-worthy team and not be left behind as he always does.

With the success and fame being enjoyed by the league, its teams and players, what it doesn't need is a PR hit (4th SMC team in a league that already features 2 teams each for MVP and the Linas). Perhaps the PBA can look into another franchise from the amateurs to make the leap into the pros? Invitational style?

KKS Pinoy Cup All Stars

Two of the best.

While everyone's favorite local basketball league is on break and building up for the Commissioner's Cup, KKS would like to pay tribute to the top guys who carried their teams much to the delight of their employers and fans. The Philippine Cup gave fans all over more reason to watch the games (live even) with the emergence of new and younger talents (and not just on the SMART Gilas front at that).

Without further adieu, here's KKS Starting 5 followed by the reserves-- guys who can easily suit up (if allowed by their respective teams) for SMART Gilas 2.0 (if both MVP and SMC camps are still playing fair by then given their history and the circumstances).

The starters

PG Alex Cabagnot - Petron (league leader with 6.87 assists per game)
Mr Clutch/ Crunchman/ Cool Whip/ KKS' Captain Crunch made a huge case for "Best PG in the land" (before reigning MVP veteran Jimmy Alapag reclaimed his throne in the semis almost to say "not yet, kid") and evolved into a surprisingly clutch (believe me, he was nowhere this clutch back with Santa Lucia or Coca Cola) point guard who doesn't mind attacking the rim when it presents itself. Future looks bright for Petron with Cabagnot at the helm-- who has proven to be quite durable over the years.

SG Gary David - Powerade (league leader with 25.79 points per game)
Best Player of the Conference. Mico Halili's El Granada. KKS' Bataan Bomber. You pick which monicker sounds fresher/iller/nastier. No explanations needed for BPC.

SF James Yap - BMeg
Enjoying what is arguably his most efficient performance to date (including the 2x MVP years), Yap found a sense of purpose under new BMeg head coach Tim Cone. No longer the predictable, isolation heavy player of years passed, Yap looked to be more comfortable playing without the ball and was often in constant motion. Yes, there are still days when he comes out gunning a little too much, looking for superstar calls and just standing idly by at the 3 point line, but they are soon becoming few and far between. What's scary is, Cone and the BMeg management seem to be building a 90s Chicago Bulls type of team with Yap as MJ, new recruit JC Intal to play Pip, Joe DeVance as Toni Kukoc and Marc Pingris as Dennis Rodman. X-factor will be the continued development of rookie Mark Barroca, and where his game fits in the scheme of things.

PF Arwind Santos - Petron
So he disappeared in the semis versus Talk 'n' Text and lost his "alpha dog" tag to teammate Cabagnot. But there's still no doubt that pound for pound, Santos remains to be the league's best and most complete player-- ever. This conference, he moved back to his natural power forward spot where he brought back flashes of his FEU days (read: what Calvin Abueva is now for San Sebastian). Is he still on track for that elusive MVP title where he almost always finishes second? Of course he is, but he'll have to bounce back in a big way for Petron next conference.

C Jay-R Reyes - Alaska
His team failed to get anywhere under new coach Joel Banal, but there's no denying that the Philippine Cup was Reyes' "coming out" party. The skillset has always been there, it was just the way Reyes approached the game that has kept him from rising within the power forward ranks. Sonny Thoss is a workhorse, but not as gifted offensively. Reyes provides the Aces with interior scoring much like Kerby Raymundo did for Purefood years back (thus, KKS' Kerby 2.0 monicker for the ex-UP center) and also comes up big on the boards as well. If he keeps this up, Alaska is looking at a great Twin Tower combination that could trump Santa Lucia's Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino pairing years back (in the sense that, both Reyes and Thoss are hard-working young men).

The back-ups

PG JVee Casio, PG L.A. Tenorio, SG Jeffrei Chan, SG Mark Caguioa, SF Chris Lutz, SF Marcio Lassiter, PF Gabby Espinas, PF JayR Quinahan, C Doug Kramer, C Sonny Thoss