KKS 2013 PBA Mock Draft Version 1

Please bear with us if our list is a little rough, we're still trying to make sense of all the PBA transactions (which pick was traded to whom, for what, who owns this, who owns that) and are just working around it the best we can. That being said, since we're almost at the end of another magnificent PBA season, it's about damn time to start looking ahead (specially for fans of teams that have no realistic chance of suddenly breaking into the conference finals) and see what's in store.

We'll make about one or two more versions of this 2013 PBA Mock Draft depending on the guys who apply or are deemed eligible. For now, here's our bet for the 1st round Top 10 picks:

1. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Greg Slaughter, 7”0, C
Let’s put it this way, if Tim Cone could make slow-footed, 7”2 E.J. Feihl look like an offensive threat in the late 90s (we’ve never seen him jump high enough to dunk the basketball consistently during his short-lived PBA career), then Slaughter is going to be a force in the pros. The Atenean giant can catch the ball and finish with either hand (over-looked skill these days), always has his hands straight up to contest shots and more importantly, is a willing banger. He’ll also have the luxury of playing alongside a bevy of shooters/ scorers which leaves the paint exclusively to him.

2. Rain or Shine Elastopainters – Ian Sangalang, 6”6, PF/C
While there are those batting for Raymond Almazan, we feel that Yeng Guiao will go with Sangalang—and not just because they’re from the same Northern region. Based on what we've seen so far, Sangalang already trumps his peers and even predecessors with a refined offensive repertoire. He can play inside, outside, has no qualms dribbling end to end and can even stroke it from deep when called upon. Put this guy beside a Beau Belga or JayR Quinahan and you are looking at a Marlou Aquino-Dennis Espino in Santa Lucia kind of pairing that can push RoS to the top right away.

PBA Trade Rumor: The Ninja to Air21

Ritualo. Atkins. Sharma. Yeo. #ibalikangbigote
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

If reports are correct, then arguably one of the most prolific collegiate scorers in history is going to get a chance to resuscitate his PBA career in the next few days. Joseph Yeo, the now de facto 11th to 12th man of the Petron Blaze Boosters, is part of a looming semi-blockbuster trade that also indirectly involves long time PBA All Star and national team player Kerby Raymundo of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Next is our attempt at breaking down this possible trade, naming winners and losers, and even looking at what's in store in the near future.

The Beast: Chasing History

Can The Beast mirror The Tower of Power?
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

Ever found yourself in a race against time? Trying desperately to catch up to someone or something you love or hold dear, finding yourself now at only an arm's length-- may be less. The dream is almost at hand, literally.

The Alaska Aces' mercurial rookie power forward Calvin "The Beast" Abueva, in just two PBA conferences (41 played games to date), has already proven himself worthy of his collegiate moniker. He has already hushed even the harshest of critics. All his haters are now busy just ignoring his antics, or simply waiting for the next epic "flop" that they can blow up over social media.

They no longer question his game. His mental toughness. His desire to be the best. They question the flops, but they no longer question Abueva.

Watch the throne

It's good to be King
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

I see you. I recognize the hunger in your eyes. The bloodlust flowing through your body and escaping your pores in an invisible crimson. I have what you want. I have what you need. But you will not take it from me. I deny you the right. I deny you the validation. 

I am King.

L.A. Tenorio put the whole of Philippine basketball on notice with tonight's 34-point masterpiece over the latest to challenge his lofty position as the country's premier point guard. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel won over the Meralco Bolts, 98-85. Tenorio put any of Meralco's Chris Ross' ascension and claim to the point guard throne on hold.

Not tonight. Maybe not for a little while.

The Future of the PBA

All eyes on Talk 'n' Text
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

When it comes to building dynasties be it in the real world or in the realm of Philippine basketball, there's always a need for continuity. For someone to start laying the foundations on the way to creating a "Golden Era" which will either face an expected downfall or continue on its path of excellence.

Since we were exposed only to the PBA of the 90s and beyond, we can only pull on a couple of PBA Dynasties: Alaska, San Miguel, Purefoods and Talk 'n' Text. These teams enjoyed a two to three year championship contender window based on its personnel. Other teams managed to win a title or two owing to good fortune (Red Bull: Yeng Guiao, Santa Lucia: Kelly Williams, Ginebra: Mark Caguioa, etc.), but the four mentioned above were more or less the perennial contenders duking it out time and again.

They were built slowly and methodically, pieces were brought in to fit certain holes and not simply "made to fit." There was continuity and camaraderie. There was little to no change in the personnel or the way things were ran. These are some of the things that make a Dynasty. And today, we take a look at three PBA teams that are on their way (if not already there).

2014 FIBA World On Our Minds

Should Gilas Pilipinas send all 12 to Spain?
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

We know, we know.

It's too early to be posting about Gilas Pilipinas, its 2014 FIBA World campaign, and wether we should change the line-up or not. We also understand that the 12 players who gutted it out through this year's FIBA Asia en route to a silver medal finish are more than deserving to be sent to Spain. That any or all talks about any player from Asia's finest Jayson Castro to little-used big man Junmar Fajardo are to be on the positive slant given their now "revered" status.

But don't bet on foreigners to egg Gary David through another one of his now infamous shooting slumps. Or that Gilas can afford and withstand another mid-game scoring drought against NBA to EuroBasket-level competition.

Gilas Pilipinas needs tweaking. But not as much as some would think. They don't need an overhaul of talent, they just need some upgrades here and there when it comes to personnel. Here's a shortlist of players we feel can help the Gilas cause at the Worlds and who we're "okay" with taking out of the current line-up:

On the shoulder of giants

Emman Monfort stands tall
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

In a decade long war,  an army already on the losing end lies in wait. Grizzled veterans, keeping an eye out on any semblance or opportunity for greatness. Underlings, green and raw, bold and battle crazy looking to make a name for themselves.

One of them watches the trenches, waiting for daylight. One of them breathes in the thick and heavy air of dawn, unshaken, unnerved. His name is Emman Monfort, he of the Barako Bull Energy Cola, drafted and almost forgotten because of his diminutive 5"7 frame and limited skill set. He was over-looked because at the time, he deserved to be. He was picked 16th overall in the 2012 PBA Draft because there were more established collegiate names before him. All that was really going for him was his Ateneo de Manila University pedigree, the winning tradition, the championships.

Waiting for Big Game James

James Yap, off-target
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

Five points and (almost) four rebounds in 36.5 minutes of action in two games for the San Mig Coffee Mixers this PBA's season-ending Governor's Cup.

No, those aren't Yancy de Ocampo or Rafi Reavis' averages. Those are resident superstar and 2x PBA Most Valuable Player James Yap's output in their first two games. A woeful five points on a dreadful 0/7 clip from the arc and 2/24 from inside with Yap's only saving grace coming from the free throw line where he has managed to go 6/6.

Finals Rematch, Finals Preview

Amoy rematch.
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

In a rematch of last PBA Governor's Cup Finals, the defending champions Rain or Shine Elastopainters hacked out a gritty 79-75 win over now "rivals" San Mig Coffee Mixers.

It got testy, chippy, physical and had that feel of a PBA Finals. Beau Belga, recently cheered by thousands- millions of Filipinos, was welcomed back to the loving arms of PBA fans with a resounding chorus of boos after a series of, well, classic Belga defensive plays. James Yap had fans screaming, but Chris Tiu had his supporters at the SM Mall of Asia Arena just the same.

J-Wash's New Groove

No longer No. 23
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

Displaying the all-around game expected of him since being selected 1st overall in the 2005 PBA Draft, Jay Washington is off to a good start with new team Global Port Batang Pier after last night's 101-94 drubbing of the Air21 Express.

The 31-year-old backstopped high-scoring import Markeith Cummings (who scored a crazy 37 points in just 41 minutes), finishing with a superb stat line of 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in 36 minutes which is arguably the most he's played in recent memory. While we've maintained that Washington isn't a go-to-guy, he is a great complimentary piece when paired with an elite scorer. In this shooting guard-type import-laden conference, Washington will be able to be just that.

Mi sueno Espanol

Durant vs Norwood. 2014 FIBA World.
If we're lucky. Or unlucky.
(Photo lifted from the Internet)

A year from now, twenty four teams from all over the world will take part in what promises to be the most spectacular basketball event in recent memory—if only because our very own, newly-minted FIBA Asia silver medalists Gilas Pilipinas will take the Spanish hardcourts with the very best.

We’re talking about none other than the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup (formerly FIBA World Champsionship). As of press time, already qualified are USA (Olympics), Spain (host country), Australia and New Zealand (representing FIBA-Oceana which, you guessed it, only has two teams to speak of), and of course the Asian finalists: Iran, Philippines (that’s us) and Korea.

So what are our chances, really?

When Silver really means Gold

Asia's best big man
meets Asia's best little man
(Photo courtesy of InterAKTV)

Words cannot express how euphoric Gilas Pilipinas’ magical run en route to the FIBA Asia Finals was. The goal was simple and clear: to put Philippine basketball back on the map. To have our Asian brethren recognize that we are, and have always been, a formidable opponent on the hard court if not for a just suspension brought about by local megalomaniacs and sycophants who couldn’t let go.

We lost our stranglehold on Asia’s Top 5 somewhere at the start of the new millennium, the Middle and Western teams rose into power while we were putting up a circus back home. We didn’t know if our players were progressing or not, because we weren’t looking outside. But once the suspension was lifted, our eyes were opened. Asia has closed the gap—Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, teams that we used to dismiss decades ago (or at the very least, not worry about as much as we do China and Korea), hell, they not only closed the gap but they happily kicked us off the Top5- Top 10 even.

But through the unified efforts spearheaded by Manny V. Pangilinan et. al., Pilipinas basketball is back.

Pilipinas to the (FIBA) World

His name is Jean Marc Pingris.
(Photo courtesy of InterAKTV)

Now is not the time for what ifs and showing people up. It's not about who stuck with Gilas Pilipinas right from the start and who didn't. Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, after our sweet victory over longtime tormentors Korea, went on record to "forgive" all the haters. It is not the time to hate.

It is the time to DREAM.

When Korea came storming back in the 4th quarter, there was a sudden hush heard all throughout the SM Mall of Asia Arena. It was 2011 all over again. Or the FIBA Asia before that. Or the one prior. All the way back to 1986 and maybe even longer. Forget trying to get over the "Great Wall," it's Korea that has seemingly broken our hearts over and over again with booming triples and their drive and kick game which is arguably on some sort of ninja mastery passed through generations.

But then the crowd started cheering, egging our Gilas players who were already without Marcus Douthit to keep on pushing. They believed. We believed. They were up one. But Jimmy Alapag was on the floor. He of the many Gilas heartbreaks the last decade or so. He was with friends. He was before family. There was no way he'd go down without a fight.

Here comes the BOOM

Locked and loaded.
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

As though mimicking a used FPJ-storyline in which the valiant hero gets his ass-handed to him early by the bigger, moustached-wearing baddie before finally serving up an ass-whopping of his own, Gary David has finally come through for Gilas Pilipinas in the ongoing FIBA Asia tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

It took a lot of missed shots and gimmes, constant cheering from the Arena crowd never before heard of not since the days of the legendary Sonny Jaworski, Sr. and most of all- patience for David to finally lay claim as the team's chief gunner on the floor. Making up for lost time, David was in a clear rhythm right off the bat (22 points, 4/6 on 3s) , knocking down contested and uncontested threes, driving to the rim and just having this air of confidence in him that was missing the last few days.

Gilas is No Iran

Someone finally caught up with The Blur
(photo courtesy of Interaksyon.com)

With the FIBA Asia Group E top seed already secured (thanks to manna from heaven a.k.a. Qatar winning over Chinese Taipei, 71-68), Gilas Pilipinas only had to play up to its standards to dispose of an outmatched Hong Kong team that is already on its way out of the tournament.

Only it didn't.

True, Gilas still won 67-55, but not in the manner that everyone thought, hell, KNEW, they would. Here's a team (HK) that's being constantly blown out by their opponents since the start of the tournament. Now, we see them hauling down rebounds (Duncan Reid with 12 points and a game best 19 rebounds) and knocking uncontested three pointers to take early leads. To say that it was mind-boggling would be an understatement.

Gilas puts Jarvis Hayes, Qatar on Lockdown

Photo courtesy of Philip Sison

So much for Qatar's undefeated FIBA Asia campaign.

Gilas Pilipinas brought the Qataris back to earth with a dominant performance of their own, leading the entire night and just putting on the pressure. Be it points coming from Marcus Douthit, long bombs c/o Jeffrei Chan, Gary David finally deciding to join the fun or Japeth Aguilar turning the game into his personal resource for a future YouTube mix tape, Gilas was not going to be denied.

We needed the win because we can't allow the Group E leaders, Qatar and Japan, to break away. We needed the win to continue to validate the whole Gilas basketball program and show its worth versus top tier competition. We needed the win because hey, this is the Philippines and basketball games mean as much to us as life itself.

Back in harness

Photo courtesy of TeamPilipinas.nfo

After a heart breaking loss to Chinese Taipei, Gilas Pilipinas knew that its breathing room or margin of error just got smaller. It was with this mentality that they took to last night's drubbing of the proud Japanese team, scoring at will and working both ends of the floor non-stop.

Leading the charge and ultimately setting the tone was center Marcus Douthit. He was aggressive right from the opening buzzer, demanding for the basketball and just shooting over counterpart reinforcement JR Sakuragi and Joji Takeuchi. This was the Douthit that we were accustomed to, not the 12 and 10 one we saw in the first rounds who was happy to just wait for his turn in the offense. From jumpshots to jumphooks, Douthit was relentlessly attacking which helped open up the floor for Gilas.

Where's Our Daddy?

Photo courtesy of The Philippine Star

Big Daddy Marcus Eugene Douthit that is.

Three games into the FIBA Asia 2013 and it seems clear that we are not looking at the same Marcus Douthit of Gilas Pilipinas past. Averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds, Douthit needs to be more assertive in the paint if we are to make it through the next rounds and even win over top tier competition.

Ginto na naging bato pa for Gilas

Fonacier on fire in the 3rd

We had a 13 point lead going into the final canto of arguably the most emotionally-fueled game of the first round given the off-court, political drama versus Chinese Taipei.

And somehow, someway, we managed to blow it in a lengthy lull to start the 4th quarter. A lull that has been somewhat of a curse on this Gilas Pilipinas team which often leaves us to second-guess head coach Chot Reyes but then again he knows more about basketball then we do so we'll keep our "couch potato rants" under control.

After riding the hot shooting of Larry Fonacier in the 3rd quarter, everything fell apart for Gilas. The referees will find ways to impact the game for or against us. That's a given. It also helped that the Taiwanese are arguably the most skilled foul-baiting floppers this side of the world- arms flailing and all  (we wonder if they got that from being a football country-- sorry, couldn't help it). So yeah, we fell apart. Gary David, Jayson Castro and Jeffrei Chan all playing together, all great scorers, but all one-on-one guys not one of which can really call a legit play without undermining the other.

Are you not entertained?

Better yet, "are you still not impressed?"

Mr. President

Gilas Pilipinas, from head coach Chot Reyes to captain Jimmy Alapag all the way down to the designated ball boy appear to have heard the cries of disgruntled Filipino hoops fans (us included) after their subpar FIBA Asia debut. Tonight, we were treated to the brand of basketball that we've come to know this incarnation of the country's Men's basketball team. The one that kept clawing back from the hands of a possible defeat en route to the Jones Cup title a year back. The one that we've bought into, trusting that they have the best shot as any to make the medal rounds and even book a ticket to Spain.

Going into their second game in as many nights, Gilas started a bit sluggish. Adjustments were made by Coach Reyes but the Jordanians kept on drilling three after three right on our mugs despite a decent defensive stand. Gary David (who was given the greenlight to start the game) once again struggled from the field; making all the hype about him due for a breakout game have to wait for another day.

Gilas wins over KSA; fails to impress

A win's a win for Gilas Pilipinas

Debuting before a lazy yet good-sized drizzly Thursday FIBA Asia crowd, Gilas Pilipinas managed to salvage a 78-66 win over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This, after powerhouse Iran flexed its muscles with a dominant 90-point win earlier in the day.

So we didn't blow the Arabs out of the murky Manila Bay waters. Hell, we could barely make enough shots to ensure that we save face and not lose the support of the home crowd which were expecting a Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton style blowout. But as team captain and spiritual leader Jimmy Alapag said in one of his post-game interviews, "a win's a win."