PBACC The Semifinals: Rain or Shine vs Meralco

Powerade Pilipinas reunion, sort of
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

While the other series will be a beautiful case of high-caliber basketball, this one between the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and Meralco Bolts will be a dog fight.

Not because they are not as well-coached as Purefoods and Talk'n'Text, no, but because both teams run a blue collar, smash mouth kind of basketball that is often wild and woozy (yet highly entertaining, specially when Beau Belga forgets his manners or Gary David waxes hot from down town).

But you know what? If they play their cards right, whoever wins this series will most likely be fresher come the PBA Finals since you just know that the other series will take its toll at some point on either Purefoods or TNT not just physically, but mentally.

As long as the Elastopainters/ Bolts can make this series a short one, of course.

PBACC The Quarterfinals: Rain or Shine vs Barangay Ginebra

Angas ng Tondo vs The Spark
(Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net)

For all intents and purposes, there is definitely no love lost in this quarterfinals pairing of the number 1 seeded Rain or Shine Elastopainters, which enjoys a twice to beat advantage, and the 8th seeded Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The Elastopainters are the league's hottest team, with arguably the most consistent performance in his young career EVER from star guard Paul Lee, while Ginebra just keep on losing winnable games much to the dismay of their fans. There's also the whole "L.A. Tenorio tantrum watch" -- you know, when the man tasked to lead the Ginebra faithful to glory stomps his foot, makes that stink face and just brushes off everyone on the floor including his own coaches and teammates.

Can Ginebra do it?

Yes, they can.

Will they be able to do it?

The Big Chill

The High Headband
Photo courtesy of Sports5

Beau Belga's now legendary crotch-chopping of thousands of Ginebra die-hards aside, the Rain or Shine Elastopainters' have benefited largely from head coach Yeng Guiao's "gut-feel" to bring back the multi-skilled Wayne Chism to replace burly big man Richard Jackson as their PBA Commissioner's Cup reinforcement.

Though Jackson was quite the force in the paint, helping the Elastopainters to a 3 wins - 2 losses slate, Guiao was always on the lookout for Chism who was unable to start the conference due to prior international commitments. But once Chism was available, Guiao stayed true to his word (reports have it that he told Chism that he'll be back as RoS import despite a so-so 2013 campaign wherein he posted averages of 33.8 mpg, 17.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.8 apg) to give the high headband-wearing import another chance.

In 3 wins and 1 loss so far, Chism has averaged a stellar 38.7 mpg, 33.5 ppg, 15 rpg, 2.3 apg statline while providing the Elastopainters with whatever is required on the floor. If it's defense, Chism patrols the paint like a natural power forward-center would. On offense, if they need him to play up top and iso, then he can do that with ease and even play point-forward. If the team needs him to play off the ball, then he just goes down into the paint and waits his turn.

Thoughts on Ginebra vs RoS

"Pre yan ba yung Ginebra na
kinalakihan natin? Lambot e."

- For all things Mark Caguioa, and that mini run he fueled in the 4th quarter to push them to a 79-71 lead, he's no longer the same guy who should be playing 25 plus minutes a game. He's no longer the star of this franchise. Paul Lee was killing it last night, finishing with 18 points and 11 assists while playing point and shooting guard. Ginebra's coaching staff recognizes Caguioa's limitations on defense so they "hid" him and put Ellis on Lee, but that whole statement is just sad.

- Ginebra enjoyed a big lead in the 1st quarter thanks primarily to going exclusively inside to Mike Dunnigan and Greg Slaughter. When RoS started running, Ginebra went small to match. In a game of small ball, based on rosters along, RoS has a slight advantage no matter how you look at it (because Wayne Chism can run, Dunnigan can't, and Belga can anchor the offense and defense at the 5 spot, while the 4 man by default for Ginebra- Japeth Aguilar, Mac Baracael, Chris Ellis, are STILL all too raw skills-wise).

- L.A. Tenorio is practically useless these days. His offense is inconsistent, and he can't guard Paul Lee. Where was Josh Urbiztondo? Not saying he can guard Lee, just asking.

PBA Semifinals Predictions: Rain or Shine vs Alaska

98-95.

Matira matibay basketball
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

That's how close the initial and only meeting between PBA Philippine Cup Semifinalists, the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and the Alaska Aces, was which basically decided which team will get a bye to the Semis and which will fall into the Knockout Phase.

After taking care of business against the hapless NLEX Road Warriors and the overwhelmed Meralco Bolts, the Aces are looking to continue building on their success with head coach Alex Compton. It seems like all the patience and trust is finally paying off for the once conservative franchise, with 3rd year pro Calvin Abueva putting up career numbers while also toning down all the crazy antics and flopping. It wouldn't be that much of a stretch to conclude that Abueva's increase in minutes is probably a product of his "good behavior" on the floor.

On the other side, the Elastopainters are off to prove two things: 1) they can finally win the Philippine Cup (All Filipino title) that has seemingly eluded head coach Yeng Guiao and 2) that the Gilas-topainters foursome of Beau Belga, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood and Jeffrei Chan have all reached that legitimate "higher level" in terms of basketball skill and IQ.

So here we are, in a seven-game series featuring the league's most credible "independent" teams.

Matira matibay.

Gilas Pilipinas gears up for FIBA Asia Cup

Gilas call-up after 
Year of redemption for JWash

If we are to be taken seriously by other countries as a resurging basketball power, then we should move on from last year's inspiring silver medal finish in the FIBA Asia Championship Cup (which is also the last of its kind in terms of being a FIBA World Cup Qualifier).

It begins with consistency, and we're not talking about finishing 3rd or 4th time and again. We're talking gold or silver at worst for Gilas Pilipinas or whichever incarnation of the country's men's basketball team follows suit. Iran is definitely a lock, China has been having some coaching and personnel problems but they'll always be there. From the third spot down, it's an open field.

For the coming FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China in July 11 to 19, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes has opted to bring in some of his pool players/ new recruits in an effort to keep his cards close to his chest and keep his core guys well rested.

The holdovers are Ranidel De Ocampo, LA Tenorio, Gary David, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo and naturalized center Marcus Douthit (in what might be his last tour of duty should NBA center Andray Blatche suit up in the FIBA World Cup). Out from the 2013 Silver Medal team are Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier and Jeff Chan.

2014 Philippine Cup Finals Reaction

Now it can be told.

This writer purposely and consciously refrained from updating this blog simply because we chose to be more fan than analyst. Though we provided some with our Finals Preview over at SolarSportsDesk.Ph, nothing beats just taking a step back and appreciating the beauty of the game-- specially when your team (Rain or Shine Elastopainters) is playing the PBA's "glamour boys" (San Mig Coffee Mixers).

It's good versus evil. The handsome hardcourt heartthrobs doing battle against the gillage (gilid of the village) goons The prince pitted against the pauper.

Going into the Finals, we weren't as sold on our chances as some other fans were. They were elated because they felt the Elastopainters had a legit shot at their head coach's, Yeng Guiao's, first-ever All Filipino championship after dominating the standings. We weren't sold because opposite Guiao is head coach Tim Cone and his quest to win "number 16."

Come Rain or Shine (A Fan Commentary)

Beau Belga or not, Yeng Guiao needs
to take a look at Jervy Cruz in 2014
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

This was supposed to be the year that the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, led by the bullish (he's not as temperamental as before though) Yeng Guiao, were able to break through the glass ceiling.

Why wouldn't they? They were coming off a hard-earned and well-fought for PBA Governor's Cup 2012 championship, three of their starters were "good enough" to crack the prestigious Gilas Pilipinas national team pool and they were going to have the reigning PBA Rookie of the Year Paul Lee back for the season after his debut got cut short by injuries.

A Gargantuan Task

Beat Petron? Tall task for RoS
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The Rain or Shine Elastopainters and their fiery mentor Yeng Guiao are in a bind.

Down 0-2 in their PBA Governor’s Cup Semifinals matchup against powerhouse Petron Blaze Boosters, the Elastopainters are finding it difficult to defend the crown they won a season ago behind a roster of no-names and journeymen. Forget that the games have been surprisingly close until maybe a late 4th quarter breakaway (Boosters’ Elijah Milsap going HAM in Game 1), the Elastopainters are one win away from being eliminated.

And it seems that there’s just nothing they can do about it.

PBA GovCup Semis: Petron vs Rain or Shine

Which Gilas player will shine
brightest this series?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

With all the PBA Governor's Cup 2013 title favorites able to make short-work of their playoff assignments (save for San Mig Coffee), let's move on to the semifinals and take a look at how the match-ups will unfold. First up are the league-leading Petron Blaze Boosters versus the defending champs, the Rain or Shine Elastopainters:

PG: Alex Cabagnot/ Chico Lanete vs Paul Lee/ Chris Tiu/ Jonathan Uyloan/ TY Tang

Perhaps the only chink in this rejuvenated and re-fueled Petron Blaze attack in this semifinals match-up is the guard position, wherein Rain or Shine's knack of playing about four (even five) guys at the point guard spot can easily disrupt the opposing team's scouting report. Cabagnot will put up the stats given the minutes, but this match-up will depend on what we'll see from reigning PBA Rookie of the Year Paul Lee.  If Lee comes in with the mindset to attack, Cabagnot will be on the defensive and Petron might need to dust off little-used defensive hound Denok Miranda. Tiu, Uyloan and Tang can all stay in front of Lanete and put up points.

Adv. Rain or Shine
Just confirmed news that Paul Lee is out for 3 weeks with a muscle tear. Shit just got harder for Rain or Shine. Petron with obvious advantage now at PG spot.

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:

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.

Gilas Pilipinas: The Best Damn Pinoy Big Man Today

Photo courtesy of pba-online.net

Junemar Fajardo will have his day. Sonny Thoss is getting it. Asi Taulava is a reminder of what could've been had he chosen to polish his post game and demanded for the ball like he should've. Danny Ildefonso is happy mentoring the young ones. Beau Belga is a creation of everything good about the old school enforcers and today's hybrid forward/centers.

But there is only one who can lay claim to the title of being "The Best Pinoy Big Man Today." That man is no other than 6"5 Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters and Gilas Pilipinas starting forward Ranidel de Ocampo.

Gilas Pilipinas: Aguilar makes the cut

Photo courtesy of pba.inquirer.net

Hear us out.

Granted, we've been one of the biggest Japeth Aguilar haters/ trollers this side of the Pinoy Hoops Internet kingdom but all in good reason. The newly-minted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel big man has often drawn our ire/ frustration/ disappointment only because we expect so much. The physical tools are undeniable, the desire to play and fearlessness is admirable-- but at this point in Aguilar's now seasoned PBA career, we want more.

Who is the Best Pinoy Big Man today?

Where would you rank RDO and The Boss?

One of our friends over at Facebook.com/KiliKiliShot (shoutout to boss Dexter Cumigad and his family, thank you for reading our stuff) asked who we feel are the best big men in the Philippine Basketball Association today. The easiest way out of course is to simply go with the numbers, but contrary to popular belief-- numbers lie.

A guy could average only 6 points and 7 rebounds for his team but still have the most dominating presence on the hard court (think Belga, who makes use of his height, heft and six fouls to the hilt every time). So here's a list of who we feel are the league's best big men- taking one per team of course and ranking them altogether. And just to spice things up, we're not simply going to go with the guy who starts the game at center or is marked as one. We're going to rank the Top 10 bigs who play the position for their teams when the games are tight and shots or stops need to be made.

10. Jay-R Reyes (Meralco Bolts)
How long before we finally give up on the former U.P. Maroon and Gilas Pilipinas campaigner? No matter the extended minutes, international training and exposure, it seems that Reyes just isn't meant to dominate the sport after glimpses of near-Kerby Raymundo potential. He has the post-up moves and range, but as with some players, it comes down to putting it all together and being consistent. The silver lining for Reyes of course is, being a young player in the pros, he has time to find a niche. With all the scorers that the Bolts have on the roster (starting with star guard Mark Cardona), perhaps Reyes can concentrate more on playing defense and grabbing more rebounds (then maybe the offense can come later).

9. Doug Kramer (Barako Bull Energy Cola)
We are big Kramer fans. We fill that he is the most under-rated and under-utilized quality role-playing big man in the PBA today. No, he is not gifted with back-to-the-basket abilities like teammate Enrico Villanueva, but he has found a role in the pros and has stuck to it the last three to four years. Kramer does his best work setting hard screens, boxing out, rebounding and knocking down kick-out/ dump mid-range jumpshots. He's not a guy who'll average 15 and 10 a night, but he'll contribute right away given the minutes.

Belga knows basketball

Enforcer ba kamo? Watch the "sipit."

Minsan lang tayo mag-Filipino sa blog na ito na alay natin sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi dahil sa galing tayong elitistang iskwelahan na hindi marunong bumigkas ng "R," kundi para maipabot natin sa ibang lahi ung galing at husay ng Pilipinas basketball.

Hindi namin lubos na maisalaysay yung kagalakan namin nung napabalitang isasama sa Gilas Pilipinas tune-up si Rain or Shine 6"6 big man Beau Belga. Matagal na namin itong kinakampanya. Marami nagsasabing barubal at marumi maglaro si Belga, madalas ung mga fangirls/gays na ang mga iniidolo kasi ang tinatamaan ng mala-Brazo de Mercedez BENZ ni Belga.

Pero lingid sa kanilang kaalaman, si Belga ay marunong maglaro ng basketball. Sabi nila, ito daw ang pinakamalaking line-up ng Gilas. Siguro nga. Pero kung sina Japeth Aguilar at Greg Slaughter lang din, aanhin mo ang height kung kulang pa sa diskarte (lalo na kung ung isa e allergic sa poste)?

Why Beau Belga is an All Star

2x PBA MVP and.. the All Star

When was the last time that you really found it in your heart to cheer for the bad guy?

Denzel Washington in Training Day? Wreck-it-Ralph before he turned over a new leaf? Cruela DeVille or that villainess from The Devil Wears Prada (for our female readers)? How about in the Philippine Basketball Association-- have you ever really cheered for the bruisers, the enforcer: the guy who's brought into the game to dish out fouls faster than a  food attendant on a McDonald's freebie breakfast burger day?

For the record, the Rain or Shine Elastopainters' beefy center Beau Belga has logged in career averages of 6 points and 5 rebounds in almost 21 minutes of burn since being drafted 7th overall by Purefoods in 2008. He's never averaged in double figures and would probably be the last guy most PBA Fantasy Team owners would want to take into their rosters.

It's official: PBA names Anti-Gilas

Can the two Cabalens
co-exist to defeat Gilas?

After much online speculation and the PBA's official tallying of the votes for this year's All Star Game to be held at Digos, here's the official line-up of the team that will test the mettle of the SMART Gilas Pilipinas team coached by Chot Reyes.

PG: Alex Cabagnot, JVee Casio; SG: James Yap, reigning PBA MVP Mark Caguioa, Cyrus Baguio; SF: Calvin Abueva, Chris Ellis, Marcio Lassiter; PF: Nino Canaleta, Arwind Santos, Jay Washington; C: Beau Belga

Missing are breakout stars Sol Mercado (he's part of another All Star select team but is a lock to replace the hurting Casio) and Chris Ross, and maybe even guys like Mike Cortez (who's having a stellar season after being reunited with college coach Franz Pumaren) and reigning PBA Rookie of the Year Paul Lee.

The Prototype

The Prototype

There was a time when PBA commentators would readily hand out monikers to just about anyone and everyone-- stars or not. Some of which became legendary thanks to that player's on-court skills, others stuck because it was simply the humorous thing to do.

It has always fascinated us how noone really came up with a moniker for one Gabby Espinas. We're not talking about the Espinas of today who has proven to be a solid contributor for the Alaska Aces, or the Espinas that was drafted by the San Miguel Beermen (now Petron Blaze Boosters) and buried on the bench behind a bunch of frontline veterans. We're talking about the Philippine Christian University-era Gabby Espinas, the man who won Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player in the NCAA (which was tarnished the year after when the league opted to give the same ROY-MVP double award to FOREIGNER Sam Ekwe) and was posting crazy, Calvin "The Beast" Abueva numbers even before The Beast came into the scene.

Nothing but bricks for Elasto Painters

Jeff Chan needs to find his touch

When the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters started turning heads last season, it wasn't only because of fearless rookie Paul Lee, Jeffrei Chan turning into the new Allan Caidic, the blatant rugged style of play or Gabe Norwood's string of polarizing performances. The team won so much because guys were making shots. This season, the team still finds themselves in the middle of the hunt (currently sitting pretty with a 5-3 mark that could've easily been 6-2) but missing arguably their most treasured asset.

The three-ball.

So far, this team is chucking up way too many shots from downtown and not converting. The usual suspect, Chan, is coming off an injury from his shooting hand so he has a valid excuse. The same cannot be said however for sweet-shooting bigs Beau Belga and JayR Quinahan who appear to be holding back on their gunslinging ways and opting to play closer to the basket (where they're not as effective on offence despite their hulking frames).