PBACC The Quarterfinals: Talk'n'Text vs Barako Bull

Buddy and Sol(s)
(Photo credits to the owner)

A long-established league powerhouse battling the playoffs' darkhorse/ underdog/ "they're not supposed to be there!" A team with so much firepower, you could field in their 2nd unit and have them play 3/4s of the game and they'll probably still be good enough to score 90 points at least. A team with so little firepower, they are actually forced to play two point guards and hope one of them feels like scoring game by game.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet your favorites to make it to the next round: Jayson Castro's Talk'n' Text Tropang Texters versus the over-achieving, Sol Mercado's Barako Bull Energy Cola.

Mind, body and Sol

Oye mi canto, we hear you Sol Train
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It's been a while, Mr. Mercado.

Starting anew with the Barako Bull Energy Cola after surprisingly being dealt by the San Miguel Beermen last conference (we honestly believe that whoever is in charge of that operation would trade his own mother for the right price/ player should push come to shove), point guard Sol Mercado is showing flashes of his old, "Sol Train" self (before getting hurt and slowed down a bit) with averages of 36.1 mpg, 14 ppg, 42.1%-2 pt, 11.1%-3 pt, 3.7 rpg, 4.7 apg.

We must admit, it was rather difficult to watch Mercado with the Beermen as he transitioned from lead, combo guard to a role-playing starter who had to split time with his "brother" Chris Ross, a player who, for all his tenacious defense, has about as many moves on offense as a basketball newbie.

With the Energy, Mercado is back to his old ways though with a lot more maturity and a fresh, new team-first mindset.

Here comes the Carnival

Mark Yee has given
Kia some inside swag
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

When playing coach Manny Pacquiao openly declared that his Kia Motors Carnival (then Sorento) is in the PBA to compete and serve as a reflection of his boxing fire, many brushed it off as false bravado. Admittedly, we were just waiting for any trade patterns so we can proclaim this expansion team as yet another "farm" team for the PBA powerhouses.

Well, guess we were wrong on that one.

They managed to win a game versus Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup before, predictably and expectedly, sucking the rest of the way. This conference, they brought in a giant of an import in Puerto Rican behemoth P.J. Ramos (who is better than advertised, props to his agent Ms. Sheryl Reyes) while adding some firepower by way of former ASEAN Basketball League MVP Leo Avenido and point guard Rudy Lingganay-- so yeah, they're not in this league to simply make Pacquiao an even bigger household name than he already is. They're actually in the PBA to win games and compete (which a few years ago shouldn't be an issue, but thanks to the likes of Barako Bull, GlobalPort and the original Air21, is already a feat in itself nowadays).

So how are the Carnival doing?

The Right Fit

The real deal. Sorry Ms. Sheryl!
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It's that time of the PBA season once again wherein teams try their very best to remain (or be) competitive by adding a foreign reinforcement. The trouble with this set-up is that it's a hit-or-miss affair, since you're never truly guaranteed of having the right chemistry or wins, not until the import comes over and actually plays a few games with the team.

There are those who have solid credentials but never really lived up to the hype, some who were able to deliver, and other unknowns and sleepers (Terquin Mott, Devin Davis and Damien Owens from an era ago, Diamon Simpson, AZ Reid, Marqus Blakely) who pretty much take their teams to the promise land and even come back several times to help their team keep that winning tradition. Sometimes, it's not all about the credentials. Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith when it comes to adding an import. But it would be absurd for a team to throw team chemistry and addressing certain needs out the window if only to get a name. Right?

Well, some times.

Here's our take on the PBA imports that we've seen so far:

Two can play at that game

Just the other day it was announced that long-time Team MVP affiliate/ Gilas Pilipinas reinforcement Marcus Douthit was going to suit up for Blackwater Elite in lieu of the injured Chris Charles in the newly-opened PBA Commissioner's Cup.

How easy it was to acquire Douthit's services, who has gone on media to openly admit that he's not in game shape, is not the issue here. It's the team he plays for, and the uniforms that they've suddenly gone on to wear this conference that's a bit bothersome.

You may call us out for counting our chickens before they hatch here, but those blue and yellow colors do not exactly fit the "BLACKWater Elite" mold now does it? They wore black, white and red last conference, much like their product colors, so where on earth did this yellow and blue print come from?

Did Team MVP finally do it?

The Farm

It won't be long until another "sponsor"
 asks for Garcia
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

"Old McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O
And on his farm he had a cow, E-I-E-I-O
With a moo moo here,
And a moo moo there,
Here a moo, there a moo,
Everywhere a moo moo, 
Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O"

If the PBA does not act on the matter soon, this problem will turn into a cancer that will ultimately rob the league of all of its hard-earned glory and integrity as Asia's "first" organized professional basketball body.

Rumors have it the Barako Bull Energy Cola, long known in most circles as a conduit team that would rather sell its top players than win a title (and reward what little fanbase it has), is on its way to either be sold to an outside corporation (please let this be the case) or, formally change its name to Air21 with old, notoriously business-minded (read: trade nut) hand Lito Alvarez back calling the shots.

PBA KO Phase Predictions: SMB Bracket

Here's the thing, you scrap and claw your way in knockout games versus quality teams... only to win the chance to face a well-rested (and by then Alex Cabagnot incorporated), top seeded San Miguel Beermen squad.

Sucks.

Well, if you were one of the four teams under the SMB bracket, you'll take your chances considering the opposition. The Texters are the only solid team here, with Ginebra still in a funk and learning the Triangle on the fly and both farm teams Barako Bull and Global Port (oh hush now) well, ready to just roll over and die at the whim of some higher power.

4 Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters vs 9 Barako Bull Energy Cola

Life after Romeo
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

With all due respect to some of our favorite PBA players: Denok Miranda, Dorian Pena and RR Garcia, the Energy do not stand a chance on God's green earth against a recommitted Texters camp that is looking to continue on adding to its championship legacy.

For the Texters to win, they just need to play solid Texters basketball (which is like asking for the sun to come out each and every day so yeah, sucks for the Energy) and not fall into the trap of playing down to the opposition. They'll be able to let their aging core catch a breather with this one, but only after a defiant stand by the Energy's veterans who are sure as hell going to try to go out with a loud bang. We hope to see more of rookies Matt Rosser and Kevin Alas, to gauge where they are at this point in their young careers and for coach Jong Uichico to see if they can be called upon to contribute more minutes as the team goes deeper into the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Cellar Dwellers

Walang aayaw! Think positive!
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Every one saw this coming with the PBA choosing to expand from 10 to 12 teams this fresh PBA season. That the newcomers, Kia Sorento and Blackwater Elite, will have to go through the dreaded "transition" phase and suffer losses (and blowouts) here and there before they are able to get the right tools to start making waves in the pros.

But to say that we all thought that it would be THIS bad, throw in perpetual bottom feeder Barako Bull Energy Cola, would be an understatement given the supposed "abundance" of available basketball talent in the country (okay, someone pry Patrick Cabahug and Jerick Canada off newly crowned ASEAN Basketball League champions Hi Tech Bangkok City already). Some games, they're in it, others, fans feel like they were robbed of their hard-earned money. This is how a league loses supports on long tournaments and conferences. People do not want to see teams getting blown out of the water on a regular basis. We want to see action, competition-- we want to see fireworks.

Here are our thoughts on the three teams that are currently languishing at the bottom of the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup standings:

Changing of the guard(s)

While the PBA Philippine Cup Finals is on-going (and currently in favour of the San Mig Coffee Mixers given their 3-1 advantage of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters), four teams loosely associated with the San Miguel Corporation umbrella made some "game-changing" trades in preparation for the coming PBA Commissioner's Cup.

We've always said that, if a team is bent in changing it's team's overall philosophy it needs to do only one of two things: 1) trade the token star player or 2) trade the guy with the most clout: the point guard.

You can change coaches all you want, but as long as a certain influencer is on the basketball court, then you'll never be able to truly install whatever offensive or defensive philosophy you want. It works in some cases (mostly in a short period though, think Ato Agustin-Petron), but long term you want to build on new pieces and just have a fresh approach to the game.

Here's our take on the trades that were recently approved by the PBA Commissioner's Office.

Your Bullish Ways

Lastimosa has proven rather solid
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Six games into the PBA Philippine Cup, we can now dismiss any and all alibis and arguments made by the Barako Bull Energy Cola camp as to why they did what they did in the 2013 PBA Draft.

“Win now?”

The Energy Cola are currently on a four-game losing streak, pushing the team to the bottom of the standings with a 2-4 slate—just a win better than sister team Air21 Express. The 2013 PBA rookies that they could’ve landed, namely Terrence Romeo, R.R. Garcia and Nico Salva, are doing wonders for GlobalPort Batang Pier. The names that they got in return are either injured or PBA journeymen/ role players at best.

But still we gave head coach Bong Ramos and his motley crew a chance—a chance to prove themselves after having the misfortune of going to a powerhouse, “dog-eat-dog” team.

Dynamite.

Danny Seigle, recognized as Philippine basketball’s “Dynamite” for his incredible scoring prowess and for redefining the Filipino small forward position, is almost a clear example of life imitating art. Drafted in 1999 and an annual candidate for PBA Most Valuable Player, Seigle is almost at the twilight of his illustrious basketball career peppered with a myriad of injuries.

Why do we say that Seigle's case is "life imitating art?" In 2008, director Darren Donofsky Aronofsky and writer Robert Siegel teamed up for a brilliant sports-drama film “The Wrestler” which starred famed actor Mickey Rourke. The piece was astutely moving and heart-wrenching in the sense that it was raw and brutally honest recounting the life of an aged sports entertainer still clinging to all the glory of his now lost youth.

He was hanging and carrying on despite his advanced years—if only for the love of entertaining his adoring fans. Or angling for one last paycheck. Or simply because it was all he had left.

One. More. Match.

A Necessary Evil

Fan or not, you have to feel for these two
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

At present, there are over twenty names on the Barako Bull Energy roster including their late draft picks Jeric Fortuna, Carlo Lastimosa, Darwin Cordero, Jett Vidal and Mike Silungan not to mention new recruits through draft day trades Denok Miranda, Willie Miller, Magi Sison and Mark Isip.

We’ve considered all angles and arguments for and against this much-maligned franchise which, if it hasn’t been before, has been branded as a clear-as-egg-white “San Miguel Corporation farm team.” We’ve already touched on how this team was a darkhorse contender during its early years in the PBA, now there’s just no denying how it’s only in the league for the best interests not of its players or fans but for its benefactors.

Ang Binangga, Nagiba

Parang kelan lang nung unang sumabak ang Barako Bull (Red Bull noon) sa PBA dala ang kakaibang kalibre ng basketball sa pangunguna ni ngayong Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. Matatapang, pisikal, agresibo at walang takot. Karamihan ng mga player nila hindi kilala at galing kung saan pero walang takot kung makipagsabayan sa mga superstar ng liga. Nauna sila Jimwell Torion, Junthy Valenzuela at Davonn Harp, sumunod ung era ni Enrico Villanueva.

Yun ung Barako Bull na gusto naming balik-balikan sa ilang taong pamamayagpag ng PBA. Hindi yung Barako Bull ngayon na walang bayag. Barako Bull na walang magawa tuwing magkakaroon ng magagaling na manlalaro kapag naglalambing na ang mga "Kuya."

Hindi naman kami tanga, alam naman namin ang kalakaran at naiintindihan ito.

Pero huwag naman sana bastusan.

KKS 2013 PBA Mock Draft Version 3 FINAL

Jeric Teng: What going HAM in the UAAP Finals
on national TV can do to your PBA Draft stock
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The first time we did this, there were a lot of top-Peso names on the list that we could easily throw out there in any order and no one would've raised an eyebrow or posted a seven-tweet rant calling for our heads (in case you haven't, feel free to follow us on Twitter through @kilikilishot).

When the second version came out, we had an idea more or less of who are going to apply and where they'd land-- 1st or 2nd round. Thanks to an insider whose identity we've promised to keep under wraps (till maybe he himself makes the sports headlines), high profile names such as those of the Gilas Cadets, Chris Banchero and later on Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. have been omitted from our list.

Now, we present to you our FINAL 2013 PBA Mock Draft-- based on what we've heard, read, researched, know and also, on what the other PBA teams (who haven't sent any feelers yet) need going into the next PBA season. 

Ang batang Maliksi

Ang batang Maliksi
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

When the San Mig Coffee Mixers’ Allein Maliksi first came into the league by way of the Barako Bull Energy, he quickly started to make a name for himself as a wiry and creative scorer reminiscent of 90s Pinoy superstars Kenneth Duremdes, Vergel Meneses and Bong Alvarez.

You know what we’re talking about. Guys who just make the game look easy, shooting jumpshots, driving to the hoop and throwing in a dunk or two from time to time.

So it really shouldn’t be much of a surprise to see Maliksi finding a niche with the Mixers this PBA Governor’s Cup (or even when he was briefly sent to Barangay Ginebra then back to Barako Bull). The 2011 PBA D-League Best Player of the Conference is blessed with a PBA stardom-ready body frame standing 6”3 and weighing a fit 180 lbs. (again, Duremdes II). Despite playing only 24 minutes a game, Maliksi is averaging a respectable 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in Mixers’ head coach Tim Cone’s “new” spread-out offense wherein everyone gets a chance to score.

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.

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.

Four-team trade gets greenlight; JWash to Batang Pier

For the record, our favorite "scooperoo" and arguably the most polarizing local sports commentator Mr. Snow Badua reported it first as a "deal in the works."

Just a few hours after Talk'n'Text sent National team campaigner Jared Dillinger to Meralco, another trade has been green-lighted by the PBA this time involving some of the more popular and promising young talents in the land.

Where did THIS J-Wash go?

Barako Bull Energy Cola

Elmer Espiritu

Let's all be honest here, who expects Espiritu to actually break BB head coach Bong Ramos' rotation? With the recent acquisition of high scoring guard Ronjay Buenafe, JC Intal and Allein Maliksi are bumped up to their natural small forward positions. Having the same body type, Espiritu will be the third man out. We'd love to think that the former UE Red Warrior could get minutes at the four spot, but his thin frame doesn't help his case one bit.

Grade: B-

DareDevil on the move, but Ronjay biggest steal

Finally an end to the dry spell.

The PBA teams are back in the limelight following a three-team trade that involves two legit 20 point scorers, a high post big man and energy/ rotation guys. And since we haven't really posted anything substantial the last few days, let's cut this intro short and proceed with the topic at hand:

Dillinger will electrify the Bolts...
... IF he gets back to 100%

Meralco Bolts
Jared Dillinger (SG/SF)
It's funny how the world of Philippine basketball works: languish as a confused player in an even more confused coach's rotation to start your professional career, still be good enough to be called for national team duties, put on a solid showing under a new head coach enough to earn a semi-starting gig, get in a freak accident and ultimately be sent packing to the "B" (sister) team.

Should Dillinger be able to come back from his injuries, then he'll start as the Bolts' go-to-small forward right away. Given resident franchise player Mark Cardona's recent struggles and so-so performances, Dillinger steps in as a legit offensive force who can play both inside and out. Defensively, Dillinger has been putting up a string of solid performances with Gilas Pilipinas and even over at TNT. We've been saying this since day one, Dillinger has more upside than our boy Gabe Norwood over at Rain or Shine as a high-scoring big guard who can play positions 1, 2 and 3.

Grade: A- (only if he comes back strong)

Team Bully loses 4th straight

Uhm, Danny, me nakalimutan ka ata
 (Photo courtesy of Inquirer.Net)

After a mighty 3-1 romp to kickstart the PBA Commissioner's Cup, the Barako Bull Energy find themselves losing four in a row to drop near the bottom of the standings. This, despite having arguably one of the most brilliant basketball minds on the planet serving as team consultant (can't argue with his FIBA championship now) and a collection of players who are arguably near the All Star level.

While we will not question the "Rajko system" run by Coach Bong Ramos, we find that this team fell victim to their early hot start. That complacency started to creep in as well as over-confidence. When they were winning, they played great defense and moved the basketball to find the open man. In their losses, it was almost always Josh Urbiztondo or a Mark Macapagal and even a come-backing JC Intal who appears to be trying to win games all by their lonesome.