On History and Pressure

The jugular
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net)

Coach Alex Compton erred when he said that the pressure was not on his Alaska Aces but rather the defending champions, Coach Leo Austria and his San Miguel Beermen.

See, when news broke out that the Beermen would be going into the PBA Philippine Cup Finals minus 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, which is currently tied at three games apiece with the deciding Game 7 to be held Wednesday, no one had them winning versus the number one seeded Aces. Most experts, bloggers and amateur social media commentators were raving about the Aces’ teamwork and hustle, which could only be thwarted by the giant presence the 6”10 Cebuano. Take him out of the game and suddenly, the Beermen find themselves on even ground as the Aces man for man—only, the latter has been playing on a high level together for so long under Compton from guys 1 through 15 while the Beermen pretty much run everything, offense or defense, through their big man.

Asterisk

Should an asterisk really be placed on this 2015-2016 PBA Philippine Cup Finals? Because one of the many combatants is out with an injury? But isn't basketball a team sport won, lost and above all, played, by 5 men on the court and about 7 to 9 more on the bench?

As an Alaska Aces fan, why would you rob yourself of glory when it appears that fate itself is rewarding you for your efforts?

As a San Miguel Beermen fan, why would you discredit the 13-14 other men on the roster for all they have done this conference just because 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo is sidelined?

This is just how things turned out. It is quite a bitter pill to swallow (specially for SMB fans), but what can anyone do? Pretty sure that the Aces would want to face SMB both at full strength, but wouldn't it be a disservice to SMB if the Aces were to say "wala si Fajardo e, so walang kwenta sila kalaban." 

Thanks for the memories

As per numerous reports, the Philippine Basketball Association and its fans are finally saying goodbye to the Barako Bull Energy Cola franchise.

This, after about near a decade of lopsided, shady trades and serving as conduit for mostly San Miguel Corporation-backed teams (San Miguel, Ginebra and Star). To say that we will finally be rid of the shady transactions with Barako's exit might be a bit too optimistic though, since business is still business in a league that has seen star players shipped to another for cash and under-the-table/ off-court agreements.

But hey, at least we got rid of the biggest culprit out there.

When was it? When they traded so many star players for next to nothing? For when they were truly given a chance to rebuild through the PBA Draft, they chose to spit on all of our faces and trade their first rounders away? When this team returned with an even shadier product that we honestly have not seen on the market, that was the end of it all. It was a farm team that owed so much to so many, from the outside looking in.

Last season, they made quite the impression as a bear competitive squad. Only for key guys to be traded. Denok Miranda had a stellar Philippine Cup before the mess that somehow sent him to GlobalPort, Alex Cabagnot back to San Miguel and Sol Mercado to Barako Bull. Then they acquired Joseph Yeo and Dylan Ababou at season's end and really made a run. Only for those guys to somehow lose minutes, ride the bench and be traded pre- this season. 

They say that the players didn't mind being dealt here and there or wearing that shameful red, yellow and black. As long as they were being paid on time for services rendered, it was all good.

But what about the younger players who want glory and fame? What about RR Garcia who deserves to be on a winning team given his stellar play and college resume? What about Mac Baracael? JC Intal?

These players deserve a shot at winning. Willie Wilson has worked so hard for so long, now putting up 20-20s, to be wasting his career away at some garbage team. 

Let us not confuse Barako Bull with Red Bull. Sure, Mr. George Chua is present for both teams, but the morals, the winning mindset and pride of being a competitive PBA franchise-- those traits separate the two Chua ballclubs.

Goodbye Barako and good riddance.

Gilas, sigh.

Photo credit to PhilStar.com

I care.

For flag and country, to see the fulfillment of every single Filipino basketball enthusiast's dream.

To see our players, the word PILIPINAS, on the grandest stage of the sport that we have all come to love and adopted as our very own. There are different styles, the flashy American one, the finesse/ skilled European one, and our own physical/ barbaric ways to name a few. We are not very good at it, or at the very least that is how it currently looks because we have never made it that far not since the early days, but we care.

I care.

PBA Finals Preview: Alaska vs San Miguel

#smcbetterworld #grandslamdreams
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net)

In the end, it was all but a matter of time for these two great PBA franchises to once again lock horns in the PBA Finals.

On one side are the Alaska Aces, the very epitome of selfless team play and current proof that you do not always need to have the best players in the league to win big (though it sure as hell helps to make life a lot easier).  The Aces are banking mostly on Vic Manuel (24mpg 16ppg 8rpg 1apg), Calvin Abueva (21mpg 13ppg 9rpg 2apg) and Sonny Thoss (24mpg 11ppg 6rpg 2apg) while maximizing whatever they can get from JVee Casio, Cyrus Baguio, Chris Banchero and the rest.

On the other are the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, armed to the teeth with arguably some of the best at their respective positions today. They are led by the reigning, defending 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo (36mpg 23ppg 14rpg 2apg), 1x PBA MVP Arwind Santos (34mpg 16ppg 7rpg 2apg), Alex Cabagnot (32mpg 15ppg 4rpg 5apg) and Marcio Lassiter (24mpg 10ppg 4rpg 2apg) while getting ample support from Chris Ross (21mpg 5ppg 3rpg 4apg 1spg), Ronald Tubid and Ryan Arana to name a few.

Built versus bought. Good versus evil. Stars versus super-duper stars.

The story and plotlines are endless.

That being said, let’s get to the numbers and match-ups:

Alaska
101ppg (3), 49rpg, 45% from 2 (2), 39% from 3 (1), 21 apg (2), 7spg

*(ranking this conference)

San Miguel
97ppg, 50rpg,  43% from 2, 31% from 3, 20apg, 7.3spg

PG Casio/ Jazul/ Exciminiano vs Cabagnot/ Ross
This one is going to be tricky for the Aces, since they will need to keep rotating at the PG spot in hopes of neutralizing Cabagnot who is SMB’s linchpin on offense. We wouldn’t be too surprised if Banchero or Exciminiano get more daylight in this series. Ross will make Casio irrelevant.
Adv. SMB

SG Baguio/ Banchero vs Lassiter
How do you stop Lassiter when he’s in rhythm? Pressure.  Lots of it. Fight through whatever screens and stick to him. This basically means that the Aces will have to rotate their guards more actively in this series than the one versus Globalport.  Or, they could just hope and pray that Lassiter goes through one of his notorious funks—you know, the times when he plays so many minutes but does not appear to be interested in playing at all (has happened a few times, once in the RoS series even).
Adv. SMB

SF Abueva/ Hontiveros vs Tubid/ Lutz 
Abueva’s antics will not work on Tubid. Not when they are out in the perimeter. Out there, it is going to be a surefire flop-fest between these two gentlemen. Abueva’s advantage lies when he switches to help down low, where his Cabalen rival Arwind Santos awaits. Hontiveros might make a few shots, maybe they can play him at the 2 spot in stretches to play alongside Abueva.
Adv. AA

PF Manuel vs Santos/ Espinas
The Beermen came prepared. Santos vs Abueva is the dream match-up of course, but we just do not see Manuel switching to 5 and being forced to guard Fajardo (that would be a massacre and waste of Manuel’s contributions). As good as Manuel has been this conference, Santos is even better guarding traditional and not so heavy power forwards. Why? The 4 spot is Santos’ natural defensive position. And if you just so happen to be about the same size and height, he has no problem proving yet again how he built his reputation over the years. Should Coach Leo Austria move Santos to check Abueva, Espinas vs Manuel should be very entertaining; with the advantage going to Manuel.
Adv. SMB

C Thoss vs Fajardo
Is Fajardo hurt or was he just caught with a stinger? As of this writing, Team SMC has been saying that there is no real, serious injury and that they are just waiting for the MRI results. Still, if Fajardo isn't 100%, then Thoss will be able to hold his own against him. If he sits the series out entirely, then that's a different story since SMB will be forced to rely on JayR Reyes and Yancy de Ocampo at the slot. Solid, but not half the threat as Fajardo (unless of course someone dangles a huge bonus in front of Yancy's eyes).
Adv. SMB IF JMF is healthy, tied if not

How SMB wins
If they simply listen to Coach Leo and follow their game plan by moving the ball first instead of dumping it into Fajardo (who still does not know how to kick the ball out) and watching his greatness, this team is near unbeatable. No, they do not need to balance everyone’s minutes out and have their core group play 25 minutes tops. That is not their style. They are a throwback team in the sense that the first five plays a third of the game while the rest play ¼. It’s the same even in the late 90s and early 00s with Olsen, Dondon, Danny S and Danny I. They had solid players off the bench, but the stars are the stars for a reason.

How Alaska wins
Relentless pressure. This is an intelligent team that follows their gameplan to a “T.” They do not enjoy half the firepower of SMB, but because they are a disciplined unit, they are able to make up for each other’s weaknesses by playing together. They have enough bigs to not over-react to anything Fajardo does in the paint, no matter how dominant he looks (yes, we are expecting a borderline 50-20 game somewhere in this PBA Finals). There is no need to double Fajardo, but there is a great need to zero in on Cabagnot, Lassiter and Santos. One failed pick and roll/pop switch, the defense crumbles and the Beermen either finish with an easy Fajardo 2 or an open Lassiter/ Santos 3. 

And also, if Fajardo doesn't play, advantage goes Alaska. If he plays at 50-70%, Thoss can take him. 

X-factors
SMB: Gabby Espinas, Ronald Tubid and Ryan Arana
The Aces will try to get rough and physical at some point, it’s up to SMB’s enforcers to respond in kind

AA:  Chris Banchero
Either versus Cabagnot or Lassiter, Banchero’s under-rated defense will be put to the test in this series

Prediction: SMB if Fajardo is 100%, Aces if Fajardo sits the series out.

Who do you think wins? @kilikilishot on Twitter

Men on a mission

We NOT Me #15
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.Net)

Milk-men, that is.

So after plowing through the competition in both the elimination and quarterfinal rounds, the Alaska Aces find themselves back in the PBA (Philippine Cup) Finals for the 29th time (this must be some sort of local record) and gunning for championship number 15. Truthfully, there has been no other team as consistent and relentless as the Aces since last season which only tells you how hard this team competes under coach Alex Compton et al.

Sure, the San Miguel Beermen have taken home the titles while the Rain or Shine Elastopainters are always up in the Top  (both teams are currently entangled in their own semifinals showdown), but we often see those two dropping in performance from time to time. The Aces? They start games slow, but when they are able to bring in their 2nd unit (usually anchored by Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel) that is when they are able to really turn things around and provide stellar defensive basketball.

adidas unveils Andrew Wiggins PEs Crazylight Boost 2.5

adidas recently unveiled special player's exclusive colorways of the Crazylight Boost 2.5 in recognition of the Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins' steady rise to superstardom. The 20-year-old on-court play and family history were the inspiration behind the new designs, as per the adidas press release.


North Star
Using the Timberwolves' colorways and the state motto - L'Etoile du Nord or The Star of the North, the shoe is constructed with a metallic heel counter and silver detailing. It also features a black and blue Primeknit upper with seamless integration of mesh tooling and deep blue accents throughout.

Marita


Next is the "Marita" which is named after Wiggins' mother Marita Payne-Wiggins, and her success as an Olympic sprinter who helped Canada win two silver medals in the 4x100 and 4x400-meter relays in the 1984 Summer Games. They feature a silver to red gradient upper, blending Primeknit threads with forefoot mesh to deliver added breathability on the hardwood. Silver accents along the midsole, heel cap, collar lining and laces are paired with a red and white outsole for a true Canadian tribute. Gold hits to the upper’s foil treated seam and AW logo cap off the hometown exclusive.

The "North Star" and “Marita” colorways are available for Php7995 at select adidas stores and other local sports outlets.

Join the conversation @adidashoops on Twitter and Instagram with #CrazylightBoost.

A tale of two semifinals

Surprise X-factor for Aces
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net)

You will have to excuse us at some point if we are unable to post entries about the must-see semifinals matches: Globalport vs Alaska and San Miguel vs Rain or Shine. How can we, when both series have proven to be quite riveting and entertaining thus far while also being played consecutively?

Hindi mo pa na-aabsorb yung nangyari dun sa isang series, maglalaro na yung sa kabila.

Honestly, we feel that they could space the games a bit more, by a day even. But then we understand that the PBA is probably rushing the schedule a bit to hopefully fit in their Gilas-related efforts. That being said, here are a few notes that we have taken from both match-ups.

Alaska vs Globalport

- Alaska will let Terrence Romeo have fun, because they recognize that when his shots are not falling he will force the action and alienate his teammates completely

Rebirth of the Alpha

Natural Born Killer
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.Net)

Thank you Terrence Romeo not only for that sizzling 41-point performance to open the PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals between your lower-seeded Global Port Batang Pier versus the mighty Alaska Aces, but for also bringing back to the hearts of many the role of the Alpha.

Sure, we have seen some 30 and 40-point games from the likes of 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo and the supernatural (that is what we are calling him nowadays) Jayson Castro, but nothing quite like how Romeo did or does it. The willingness to take responsibility and accountability, win or lose. The selfish, bastardly mindset to brush off teammates and just shoot at will. To ignore the offensive sets because he recognizes that he IS the offense.

The Alpha. The Scorer. The Killer.

New Year’s Resolutions and Wishes

Season's greetings!
(Photo credit to Inquirer.net)

Happy New Year everyone! Hope that you are all safe and happy (with all ten digits on your hands). Here is our fantasy-list of resolutions/ wishes for all 12 PBA teams moving forward:

Alaska Aces – let the kids play!
For a team that plays with so much hustle and tenacity, we have always admired the Aces for still being able to hold on to that overall team discipline both on and off the court. They are the PBA’s greatest asset IMHO, and a franchise that is worth emulating from coach to player. This being said, we would like to see less of the aging Tony dela Cruz and more of Rome dela Rosa and Kevin Racal please.