Rounding out the Gilas 12

No Kelly? Bring in Arwind.

Kelly Williams. Jared Dillinger. Sonny Thoss.

Of the initial 15-man Gilas Pilipinas pool released by the Philippines' men's basketball team head coach Chot Reyes, only 12 remain standing. Not because they were the shoo-ins or favorites to make the spot, but because after potentially having what seemed to be the greatest frontline combination in the history of Philippine basketball Gilas finds itself short of three key players.

There's former PBA Most Valuable Player Kelly Williams whose rare combination of size, speed and athleticism on both ends of the floor make him the ideal partner for Gilas anchor Marcus Douthit as a weak side rebounder and help defender (Ranidel de Ocampo comes in more for offense). Unfortunately, Williams' battle with a rare blood disorder has put him on the sidelines (indefinitely we hope) so there's that.

PBA Commish Cup Finals: Wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska

Young Blood Reachin'

It was time.

The Alaska Aces are the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup champions thanks to a dominant 3-0 sweep of the injury-riddled Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. They did it through team work. They did it through hard work and perseverance. They did it together.

Credit goes to Ginebra and head coach Alfrancis Chua for their magical run to the Commish Cup Finals after a woeful 7th seed finish at the end of the eliminations. They lost reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa to a knee injury, had to change import early and fought through all the chemistry woes that have hounded them early this season.

Newly-minted Best Player of the Conference L.A. Tenorio spearheaded Ginebra's attack the whole way. Ginebra responded to their "substitute" leader and gamely fought toe-to-toe with the Aces' youth and vigour. Ginebra was determined to not go out without a fight. They were putting it all out there, they were the more physical team. They were loose and carefree on the court. For the first three quarters, Ginebra played like Ginebra.

Alaska Aces: The Mantle of the Bat

Luigi Trillo: Rightful Successor

In the Alaska Aces' storied franchise history, Tim Cone would be its Bruce Wayne a.k.a. The Batman. Though he has severed all ties and moved on with his coaching career, he will always be the man that brought the team to prominence. The 13 titles that he won for the Aces in the course of over 20 years will remain untouched. No matter how they broke-up, it is what it is.

But just like in the comic book world, there are always successors-- both unworthy and worthy. Dick Grayson, Jason Tood and Tim Drake. All three wore the bright colored Robin costume at one point or another. In reference, Grayson would be Joel Banal. He has all the tools to succeed Cone, but he was his own man. He had his own style, and last year it showed that it just wasn't a good fit.

PBA Commish Cup Finals: A lesson in coaching

If there's any truth to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel head coach Alfrancis Chua giving a referee the finger in last night's Game 2 loss to the Alaska Aces (which it probably has because Chua has reportedly been summoned by Commissioner Chito Salud), don't blame him. Blame the referees.

But that's not because the referees were making calls in favor of the Aces, on the contrary they've been calling it for Ginebra dating as far back as the team's magical late-eliminations run. We're not going to say that Ginebra's being favored and buying wins, but we are going to leave it at them getting the lighter end of the stick.

PBA Commish Cup Finals: Didn't you get the memo?

The Boss' D won it for the Aces in Game 1

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the PBA Commissioner's Cup Best-of-Five Finals between the first seed Alaska Aces and the seventh seed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Why we opted to open this entry with that statement should be a no brainer for those of you who were able to witness the Wednesday night massacre of a hapless Ginebra side. Did they celebrate too early as  one of our favorite PBA legends-turned-TV's most Povedan-sounding analyst Jojo Lastimosa hint during their semifinals conquest of the badly-depleted Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters?

It sure seemed like it.

Tenorio for PBA Commish Cup BPC

It's Caguioa's team. But Tenorio's show.

Lewis Alfred Tenorio is a winner.

He's won in high school, he's won in college and ultimately, in the professional ranks. When he was (surprisingly) traded to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, he not only became a winner, he instantly became a house hold name.

"The best point guard in all of Philippine basketball TODAY wears jersey number 5 for Ginebra."

Not a lot of people could argue with that. Jimmy Alapag? He's up there, he used to hold the throne-- but that was when he could play a full 40-45 minutes non-stop without any injuries to think about. Alex Cabagnot? He had a brief run with the crown. Jayson Castro? Still too quick for his own good at times. Our idol Paul Lee? He's a (extra half-rice) combo guard.

The Beast for PBA Commish Cup BPC

No stopping the Beast

The PBA Commissioner's Cup was supposed to be the one conference that would break the spirit of Alaska Aces' heralded rookie Calvin Abueva. It's where gargantuan imports would reign supreme, and Abueva's rookie rivals, top overall pick 6"10 Junemar Fajardo and the Meralco Bolts' 6"5 Cliff Hodge would be able to prove their worth.

Why wouldn't it be? Abueva after all is a hustling, rebounding, do-it-all and win-at-all-costs SIX FOOT ONE AND A HALF tall forward. He was supposed to hide in the shadows behind bigger teammates Sonny Thoss (who would naturally slide down to the power forward spot to make room for 6"9 import Rob Dozier at the center position) and even bossom buddy Gabby Espinas.

But how did the rookie touted as "The Beast" respond?

PBA Commish Cup Finals: Alaska vs Ginebra

Author's note: Before we get to the PBA Finals preview, let's just make one thing clear: we are bloggers. We aren't paid to do this, so it doesn't matter if we end up being wrong with our "Fearless Forecasts." We're basing our predictions on who we feel and think will win based on what we've seen during games. You can call out all the sports commentators that you idolise, and they'll hand you a politically correct "50-50." This blog is all for fun, we'd love to hear from you so share away. We don't mind you calling us "haters" or what not, as long as it's all in good, Pinoy basketball fun. Okay? 

Kung ayaw niyo talaga, e di gumawa kayo ng blog.

PG JVee Casio/RJ Jazul vs LA Tenorio

Thoss vs Tenorio

The two guys who were indirectly traded for one another will finally get to square off on the biggest stage of them all. On one hand you have the heir apparent to the PBA point guard throne, the other you have a guy who jumped from being one of the elite scorers in the amateurs to crashing the party of the would be "next in line" floor generals. If Casio approaches this series with his guns holstered, it's going to get ugly fast. Tenorio is the better defender and craftier scorer who will get the calls. If Casio isn't on the floor for the Aces, they'll have a lot of trouble getting into their sets (a.k.a. Calvin Abueva will run amock which could either be good or bad). Our advice to Jazul? Keep shooting and keep Tenorio on his toes. Tire the sumb*tch out.
Adv. Ginebra

PBA Commish Cup Semis: Never Say Die

The 6th Man cometh

Barangay Gineba San Miguel, after a slow start and 7th seed finish at the end of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Eliminations, are back in the PBA Finals after dismantling the mighty Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters.

Say what you will about Ginebra, but they won the series and bonded together over the course of the conference. From a team that appeared to have absolutely no identity and chemistry, they've once again become a league powerhouse thanks to the great efforts of head coach Alfrancis Chua.

Before we proceed, our hats off to the Texters for putting up a heroic effort and going toe-to-toe with Ginebra until tonight's epic Game 5. Just imagine that the guys who are leading this team have been pulling "double duties"for so long, burning themselves out with their mother team and then also suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas. Fatigue and injuries spelled the Texters doom yet again-- Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger, Jimmy Alapag (who suited up and played because that's just how the Mighty Mouse rolls) and then tonight, Ranidel de Ocampo.

Mixers' Pride

They'll be back.

Mirroring the current (or soon to be) faith of the Chicago Bulls in the on-going NBA Playoffs, the San Mig Coffee Mixers have nothing to be ashamed of despite being sent home by the Alaska Aces.

The team, already facing a rash of injuries to top stars, fought valiantly and could've easily won a game or two had they managed to protect their lead in the 3rd to 4th quarters. Had they been able to sustain their momentum, it would be the Mixers and not the young Aces barging into the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals to defend their hard-earned title.

Alas, their hurting and now humbled stars could only do so much.

Cool, clutch Casio

Sinong nagsabing SHOOTER lang ako?

Five years ago if you were to tell us that JVee Casio would be playing on a title contender in the PBA as one of its leading men, we'd sign off on it in a heartbeat.

But if you were to add that he'd be playing point guard... Maybe not so much.

See, Joseph Evans Casio has a God given gift: to break the hearts of many opponents and their fans with heart-breaking triples. To shoot his team back into games and on to victories be it blowouts or buzzer beaters. Casio will score, he is a scorer by trade. To say otherwise would be blasphemous. He is a caricature of Ren Ren Ritualo straight out of a Washington Young "Pupung" comic strip.

PBA Commish Cup Semis: The Exorcism of Luigi Trillo

The MAN for the job.

There was a point in this series wherein it seemed that no matter how far the Alaska Aces have gone under young head coach Luigi Trillo, that they would never rid themselves of the ghost of Tim Cone. It's bad enough that they haven't beaten Cone until this series, but also because it was starting to make every single reason that Cone et al came up with seem true.

You can't win big in the PBA without stars. You can't win big in the PBA without money. You. Just. Can't. Win.

But after four grueling, intense and highly entertaining games, the Aces have not only triumphed over Cone and the depleted San Mig Coffee Mixers, they have managed to exorcise their own demons and proven themselves worthy of their now growing Gatas Republik's adoration.

PBA Commish Cup Semis: A different look

What was supposed to be a walk-in-the-park for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel ended up a nightmare that opened a can of worms no thanks to the ever-defiant Talk ‘n’ Text Tropang Texters.

Playing minus Gilas Pilipinas shoo-ins and resident superstars; PBA MVP Jimmy Alapag, Jared Dillinger and another former PBA MVP Kelly Williams, the Texters rallied around their trademark defense paired with some sweet shooting courtesy of new import, the smallest of the current lot, 6”5 Tony Mitchell.

Just when everyone with half a basketball brain thought that Ginebra would be able to unleash the full fury of their 7”0 monster Vernon Macklin, the Texters showed the locals could take care of business on their own. Ranidel de Ocampo was Macklin’s primary defender, but then came a barrage of Texters’ reserve big men in Rich Alvarez, John Ferriols and the ever-reliable Ali Peek (who’s coming off a back injury) not to mention the great adjustment made by Coach Norman Black.

PBA Commish Cup Semis: No fluke as Aces repeat

The Beast: All heart, all hustle

Just when you thought that the on-going (and highly/somewhat surprisingly entertaining) semifinals saga between the Alaska Aces and San Mig Coffee Mixers couldn't get any more dramatic, last night happened.

In front of over 23,000 strong, the Aces and Mixers put on a defensive clinic with the latter pretty much in control early in the game. The Mixers were bent on distancing themselves from the Aces, showing a level of basketball that only a true Hall of Famer coach like Tim Cone could draw up. Import Denzel Bowles, though still far from his 2012 form, was putting in work, Marc Pingris threw out all the distractions of "dirty play" aside and was a monster and Mark Barroca supplied the firepower missing from quarterfinals breakout star, backup Alex Mallari.

With resident superstars PJ Simon and 2x PBA MVP James Yap nursing injuries and going through shooting slumps, the Mixers still found ways to get it done thanks to their suffocating half court defense that left the Aces reeling and looking a lot like they did back when Joel Banal was at the helm (seems like a lifetime ago doesn't it?).

Room for Arwind

Disrupting Gilas Pilipinas’ hard-earned and –fought chemistry would be the last thing we’d like to do. Hell, even dividing the online (hardcore) Pinoy basketball community is not something we wake up wanting to do either. But if there’s anything that the recently concluded PBA All Star Game showed, it’s that Gilas might be missing a superstar (or two) in its fold.

We don’t have to discuss the history and all the drama in detail, we know the back story more or less: “The Silent War,” “One player per team,” and “Injured or risk of injury.” Oh, and there’s also the “we’ve done our part before, so let’s see the rest do theirs” shtick.

Of the PBA All Stars that competed last Sunday night, Petron Blaze’s Arwind Santos stood out with his double-double effort of 27 points, 13 rebounds and 2 steals in 40 minutes of action.

So who really won?

So who really won?

Politics is an ugly thing, and it applies not only to our much-ridiculed government or church. It is part of everyday life, of trying to be “politically correct” in each and every scenario and “doing the right/ just thing” at all times.

In a previous entry we wrote about how the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Basketball team should take their exhibition game against the PBA All Stars as more than just a tune-up match. No, we weren’t asking that Gilas head coach Chot Reyes et al unleash 7”0 naturalized center Marcus Douthit on the undersized PBA selection or that they start showing off each and every set in the playbook. We simply wanted both teams to engage in a good, old-fashion “I’m better than you” brand of basketball.

Ceasefire

From one hurting MVP to another

Who will benefit the most from the PBA All Star Break?

Anytime an "old" team can enjoy a day off or two, it's always a plus going into any series. While you can say that the same break allows younger teams to be even fresher, it actually hurts them more than it helps.

Younger teams tend to lose its overall focus and tenacity on the floor, susceptible to being rusty and just approaching the next game with either too much or little energy needed to compete. Any athlete would tell you that a day or two's rest would be enough in a long series because it allows them to stay sharp both mentally and physically.

But an old team that's been there and won it all? A team that's riddled with a malady of injuries and off-court issues?

Untamed

Running on primal instincts

There is a universal truth when it comes to the beings that roam this very world that we find ourselves fortunate enough to be part of. That no matter the education, the training or coaching, when things become increasingly challenging, nay, competitive, that every one, be it man, woman or beast, reverts to doing what they know instinctively. They no longer think, they just act in the manner that comes natural to them.

And for the Alaska Aces' 6"1 1/2 rookie Calvin Abueva, that means playing with fire, getting into the head of his opponents and occasionally, flopping to sell the contact and get the calls from the referees. There are no Xs and Os at times, Abueva leaves that up to his teammates. He runs the floor, goes hard and does whatever he pleases when he is given the basketball. It's the primal instinct to compete, to win.