Golden Gilas

Photo: Rappler.com

The Philippines' men's basketball team finally did it. We brought home the Gold Medal in the 2023 Asian Games, our first since 1962, and our first medal finish in basketball since 1998.

And even before we set foot on the hardcourt, we were already met with the following challenges:

A roster that was constructed and finalized with only days left before the tournament. A coach who took on the job despite having such a short turnaround time (following his predecessor's resignation) and only a handful of players available from the World Cup roster. So-called veteran sports journalists and columnists throwing salt at the team and spreading rumors of a pullout and a 'new coach' in the background.

Once in China, we won two games while losing via a blowout to eventual Gold medal match dance partners, Rondae Hollis Jefferson and the Jordan men's basketball team. There were chemistry issues, some rotation, and offensive sets that looked lacking-- obviously from a lack of preparation and time together. But the team kept pushing forward, kept hustling. There was a blown 20-point lead versus Iran. And there was the huge 20-point comeback versus hosts China.

Oh, that China match was one for the books.

[FIBA] Gilas loses to Jordan, Wins over Filipino fans

Photo: GMA News Online

What a second game for the revamped Gilas.

Gilas started off against the visiting Jordanian national team on the wrong foot, missing shots and defensive assignments-- a stark contrast to their impressive debut over a depleted Lebanon side. The visitors kept beating our guards to the rim, leaving 6x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo all by his lonesome on the receiving end of foul calls.

Things were getting so out of hand, that the home team found itself down by as much as 25 points, Fajardo in foul trouble, and none of our guards able to keep in step with Jordanian stars import Dar Tucker and point guard Freddy Ibrahim. But just when all seemed lost, the rest of the Filipino basketball community that are (surprisingly) not Ginebra fans, all got the 'Justin Brownlee experience' also comically known as 'Asa Kay Brownlee" on social media circles.

[FIBA] Win For All; Gilas 2023 triumphs over Lebanon

Photo: philstar.com

"Win For All."

The new FIBA World Cup tagline couldn't be any more fitting to our very own Gilas men's national basketball team, from having to go through so much off-court drama and uncertainties the last few years to finally appear to have a united front thanks to the 100% buy-in of the San Miguel group.

Because let us all be honest here, there are two basketball powerhouses in the country, be it on the professional or collegiate levels: the mighty San Miguel (SMC) and the MVP squad, which has been funding Gilas for the last decade or so. And though they may not openly say it, they are indeed the fiercest of rivals, so much so that making in-house talent (players and coaches) available wasn't always the easiest of tasks to accomplish.

That is until something magical happened last year. First, more San Miguel contracted players were made available to Gilas. Next, the group's crown jewel of a tactician, Barangay Ginebra's Tim Cone, was allowed to serve as consultant/ strategist for Gilas coach Chot Reyes. This, after the unceremonious exit of Tab Baldwin a few months prior, was nothing short of disastrous in terms of all things Gilas.

The Future

The kids are all right (photo: Spin.ph)

Just earlier this evening, the Ateneo-led, all-amateur Gilas Pilipinas Men's Basketball Team is flying out to Belgrade, Serbia to compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers. The team will be facing off against the hometown heroes and later on against the Domincan Republic. To say that this will be a tall order, would probably fit the bill both figuratively and literally.

So what are the expectations so far? 

Well, it would be nice if our boys could salvage a win, or at the very least, keep in step with these teams that are bringing in legitimate NBA players (Serbia has three to four if I remember correctly, including the titan-sized Boban Marjanovic).

Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from this team in the recent Clark Bubble. Sure, Tab Baldwin's back as the full time head coach, but they were missing some U.P. firepower by the names of Kobe Paras and Juan Gomez De Liano. To make up for this, they brought in more guys from Ateneo, while adding in representatives from DLSU and FEU. You'll have to forgive us for not being all too familiar with these kids outside of those who've already played a year in college. 

2019 PBA Draft Reactions - The Gilas 5

Gilas 2023
(Photo: ABS CBN Sports)

Here's what we know, based on facts:

The official announcement was posted on PBA.ph on December 5, just three days away from the actual 2019 PBA Draft which up to that point, was really not enjoying any buzz be it on the airwaves or on social media. See, the PBA Draft is the PBA's lifeblood in more ways than one. Not only are teams getting new players, but they are also counting on the new (old) fans of the aforementioned to jump in. As in previous years, you've got established college stars who enjoy massive followings entering the Draft and all of a sudden, their teams enjoy an increase in following. Best case study of course if Chris Tiu of THE Ateneo, who Rain or Shine picked years ago and voila, all of a sudden RoS had a lot of Tiu-pporters up to his last game.

Is that a thing? Tiu-pporters? Or are they really (blasphemously) known as Iglesia ni Chris Tiu?

Anyway, back to the PBA GILAS Draft.



Somehow, someway, the PBA, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the MVP group all met eye-to-eye and agreed that if we are to prepare for the 2023 FIBA World Cup which we will be co-hosting, then now's the time. We honestly don't know who selected these players, if it were entirely up to Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin (who is credited as the Sports Director), or if it were done by a panel-- and if the PBA teams were consulted and gave their nods.

So, again, based on facts, here's what we know for sure: The 5 Gilas picks will be signed to SBP contracts for the next 3 years. They will train with Gilas (we don't know where, might be in the ABL or pocket tournaments) with the SBP given the option to allow them to play for the PBA teams that drafted them at any point within the 3 years. They could play next season, or maybe not at all. The PBA teams have the rights to these players, but that's really not saying a lot given that we've seen 1st overall picks being traded for almost nothing.

Also, there's no guarantee of all five being starting players on the Gilas 2023 team. There's no guarantee that they'll even be part of Gilas by 2024. We've seen some Gilas I 'investments' that didn't really pan out the way we'd hope for (i.e. Jason Ballesteros), but for the most part we're truly hoping for the best for these guys.

Our reactions:

1. Columbian - Isaac Go, C
Going into the Draft, Gilas or not, Go was already being penciled in as the Number 1 overall pick. Personally we had our reservations (still do), but in today's PBA game dominated by a 5x PBA MVP who also happens to be a 6"10 giant, there's a premium on getting quality bigs. Go is far from being dominant based on his college and amateur stats, but he does have a lot of positives overall as a token role-playing big man with a soft touch. This could very well work into Go's favor, as the 3 years could help him really develop his game the way the above-mentioned multiple time MVP suited up for an ABL team first (and playing sparingly behind imports and Asi Taulava). Go can run, rebound, shoot open jumpers and use his frame to set solid screens. Right now, we view him as a soft Doug Kramer, which is big considering Kramer made a name for himself as a well-tenured big man in the pros.

2. Blackwater - Rey Suerte, SG
Blackwater needs firepower, and so does any basketball team. Suerte fits the bill as an explosive scorer who can get shots up in a hurry. Time spent with Gilas would be of great benefit as he can continue working on his weaknesses specially on the defensive end.

3. NLEX - Matt Nieto, PG
Based on what we've heard and read from just about everyone, Nieto will be this team's Chris Tiu. Maybe not the face (yet, because that's sure to be Kobe lol), but the 6"1 guard will be running the offense and should it be Tab Baldwin's system, he's already way ahead of the learning curve.

4. Alaska - Alyn Bulanadi, SG
Gilas I had Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter. Gilas 2023 will have Suerte and Bulanadi on opposite sides of the wing. Both need work defensively, and maybe add a bit of weight, but a 3-year program where they'll be tested versus international competition should more than make up for it.

5. Rain or Shine - Mike Nieto, SF 
We're big fans of this kid though he wasn't used as much at ADMU. We saw him play (with his twin) back in HS, so we know that they can ball out. Might not be the fasters or most athletic, but like Matt Mike is well-rounded and can hold his own defensively. Honestly speaking, the twins are proto-type Euro-like players. Or, if you want something closer to home, they can be groomed to look and play like our neighboring Korean rivals who are wide-bodied, skilled and quick in the guard positions.

Your thoughts? @kilikilishot on Twitter or leave a comment :)

Out of control

A moment of peace
(Photo: PhilStar.com)

We failed Calvin Abueva.

The Phoenix Fuel Masters, the Alaska Aces, his teammates past and present, his coaches, his inner circle, and most specially, his fans.

The clothesline on Terrence Jones, the disgusting display with a female fan who turned out to be an opposing player's partner, the on court antics and bravado that is starting to spill out off the court based on rumours and his semi-private life which became a bit of a circus late last year-- which we never really cared much for (if you've been reading our blog and Twitter long enough, you'd know that we never really bothered about who's sleeping with who).

We have empowered Calvin Abueva to the point wherein he thinks that his antics are acceptable. There's physical Filipino basketball, and then there's the ugly, brash, bully-ball reserved for the streets where if the player can't beat you in the game, he'd simply just go out there and try to hurt you. Basketball hooligans. Fake thuggery. He sure as hell wasn't doing a lot of bully-ball when they faced San Miguel last conference and the champions had enough of him and simply put Kelly Nabong in the game.

Abueva the person needs help, mentally.

He is a great basketball talent, he is athletic, he hustles, he scraps, he is a game-changer.

But year after year, we see him getting out of control. Coach Louie Alas and Coach Topex Robinson appear to have him on a very long leash. Coach Alex Compton had him on one too, save for Alaska's classy owner Mr. Wilfred Uytengsu who finally (probably) put his foot down and prioritised integrity over winning dirty.

He says that he reacted to the female fan who was hurling insults at him. How? By performing lewd acts for the public to see? Is this what a grown man, a father, would like for kids, his own, to see and emulate?

Fans should also be held accountable of course and display proper decorum, but the league should know better and hold seminars for their players to NOT react or at least have self-control. Abueva needs counselling. Anger management issues. We're not even entirely sure if he has anger issues, it's just the way he's wired it seems.

You can be tough on the court, but you can also be a gentleman off it.

The hit on Jones was warranted. He got hit on the nuts. But only after he stood over Jones who he knocked down in the first place. A hit for a hit.

But instead of going after Jones, he disguises his revenge in a cowardly basketball play. He yells at the referees to watch him. Then he goes on and chases the guy on a loose ball and blindsides him with a clothesline from behind.

From behind. He hit Jones. Jones hits back. He waits and sneaks in a clothesline from the back because you know, he got what was coming to him and now he needs his payback, macho man style.

The indefinite suspension is warranted. Ban him for a year, maybe even longer. Let him think it over. Let him heal. Maybe find peace first. The PBA needs to be strong and set an example, no matter how talented the player is.

Your thoughts on Abueva and his indefinite suspension?

Genesis

Here we go
(Photo: ABS CBN News)

In 2015, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. had a choice to make: prepare for the PBA Draft, which has been nothing short of a birth right given his rich pedigree and building accomplishments, or try for the NBA Draft and see how far his basketball skills were to take him.

He chose the latter, though he went undrafted and hardly made an impact in the Development Leagues. It took him four years of playing for Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League (where he is the reigning back-to-back-to-back ABL Local MVP) and some for Gilas Pilipinas, before he finally opted to apply for the PBA Draft wherein he was selected 2nd overall- something that probably had more to do with off-court politics than actual basketball skill.

Because let's all be honest about it, Parks, Jr. is the most polished basketball player we have ever seen since Willie Miller and Zandro Limpot, Jr.

Name a basketball move, be it for a guard or big, and Parks, Jr. probably has it nailed all the way down to the fundamentals.



We've been hard on Parks, Jr. on our old blog and on Twitter (where he blocked us following that disappointing NU-UST series), but it was never about because he was making incorrect plays on the court. It was more like, we expected more. Because of the skillset. Because of the proven track record.

The knock on Parks, Jr. is that he doesn't play with fire. With intensity. We see flashes, but in a full 48-minute game, you see him going through the motions. But with so much ease that you'd be wanting for more. The shots are effortless. Getting into scoring position for him is easy-picking. The only time we've ever seen him being locked up, is that NU-UST playoffs wherein Kevin Ferrer was blatantly holding on to his wrists Tyron Lue-Allen Iverson style (that the refs were not calling, and from what we can remember he injured that same wrist, which ultimately led to a subpar game for his standards).

Our knock on Parks, Jr., going into the NBA Draft, is that he didn't have any advantage going in. Versus Filipino competition-- slower, smaller, he was an A+, versus guys who were about the same size but more explosive than he was, well, there's a reason why he couldn't crack a starting spot in the D-League. He was a tweener. He has the smarts to run point, but not the range, speed or strength. He's not a natural explosive scorer, not a catch-and-shoot guy, so you couldn't put him at the 2. He plays more like a natural 3, and vs international competition where 3 guys are anywhere from 6"6 to 6"9, he's just a bit too short/ not as strong.

We said that he needed to zero in on a skill, and hard. Scoring? Passing? Running? Something. To an elite level. Just enough to get noticed.

But on the Asian front-- let's not lie to ourselves. In South East Asia? Parks, Jr. is better than 90% of the field. You have seen some of the best Asian-Americans/ Foreigners and how they were tasked to match up with Parks, Jr. and the Filipino made them all look like fools on the court.

Now with the Blackwater Elite, we are starting to see an even more polished game from Parks, Jr. Though a rookie, he is arguably the most battle-tested among his peers. The way he handles himself in games, the way he plays and 'controls' the match-- had he been playing since the Philippine Cup he'd probably be a lock for the Rookie of the Year award as early as July already. The way he is able to make Allein Maliksi and Roi Sumang, both one-trick pony scorers, look even better on the court, and how he is able to revive the play of Mac Belo-- Parks, Jr. is an elite player for sure.

Sitting here after years of frustration over our love-hate relationship with Parks, Jr.'s basketball odyssey, we could definitely say this: "Parks, Jr. is the real deal, and he is worth the wait."

No Drama

Jordan Clarkson, Pilipinas # 6
(Photo courtesy of Rappler.com)

Save for the pre-Asian Games run wherein it really felt like boardroom nerds just had to get themselves in the limelight somehow, this current edition and run of the Philippines' men's basketball team is exactly how we want our team: no frills, no TV specials (until after the job is done) and definitely no other name or brand but PILIPINAS shining through.

A no frills coach who surprisingly has been off-television character, saying all the right things and keeping most of his thoughts to himself. A team that has been forged by fire, reinforced by players with no hidden agendas (like a wishful thinking of maybe there are NBA scouts watching and that this could be their shot at the big time). And the whole PBA, suddenly in unison after their dirty laundry was brought out in the open (by design or not), united for a cause.

So please forgive us, SMART, Chooks-to-go, and whichever brand wants to be plastered on the jerseys.

Trade RXN: Standhardinger to SMB

Soon to be unleashed.

Ah, the controversial deal that helped open a can of worms which could possibly a) end the Chito Narvasa reign , b) force PBA teams to bolt and or c) earn us a FIBA suspension.

The cellar-dwelling Kia Picanto opted to send the rights to their 2017 1st round draft pick to powerhouse San Miguel in exchange for Rashawn Mccarthy, JayR Reyes, Ronald Tubid and a 2019 1st round draft pick. The Beermen then wasted little time in making it known and eventually using that pick on 6"8 Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger who held his own and averaged near double-doubles in FIBA play.

Let's break this trade down, shall we?

2017 PBA Mock Draft 2.0

Number 2? Or Number 1?
(Photo credit: Inquirer.net)

12. TNT - Louie Vigil, SF, 6"3
A bit under-rated, Vigil is a legitimate PBA 3 who can play both ends of the court. In college, he has shown that he can fill in the gaps when asked to defer to his superstar seniors AND also step up to plate as team alpha. TNT just hasn't been the same since they dealt Larry Fonacier and blindly expected Matt Ganuelas Rosser to fill in that void (they traded him for point man RR Garcia which was brilliant). This move also saves Troy Rosario from looking stupid trying to learn the small forward spot on the fly when he's a natural stretch 4.

11. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel - Julien Sergent, SF, 6"3
Sergent has all the tools that coach Tim Cone just loves to work with; Ginebra doesn't need him to contribute right away, so he can be used as a practice player to help him develop into either a stopper (which he showed flashes of for DLSU) or a finisher around the rim. That small forward practice battle with Aljon Mariano, Kevin Ferrer AND Art dela Cruz should be crazy fun.

10. TNT - Jett Manuel, 6"0
Ryan Reyes is old. UP is Team MVP's latest project. Everything just fits. TNT needs to reload shooter-wise and adding a scorer like Manuel gives them just that.

FIBA Asia Cup: Cursed

Not enough
(Photo credit: FIBA.com)

Against the South Korean men's basketball team, our Gilas Pilipinas (then, now... and the good Lord Almighty forbid, forever) appears to be cursed. There is just no other way to explain it.

We had a solid outing, our team shot 45% from the field, 44% from deep. We had 15 turnovers, sure, but that is still quite a respectable number when the opponent committed only three less. But what the hell- they shot 67% the entire night.

They shot 76% from three point territory, missing all but five of their 21 attempts. This was God's way of telling Magoo Marjon and friends to quit yapping about the whole "and the curse of Korea is about to be broken!" This was the Korean's way of telling us "that was 2013, this is 2017, get with the program."

FIBA Asia Cup: Thoughts on Gilas 3-0 start

PUSO

Three to nil.

Those are three wins over China, Iraq and Qatar in what was deemed by FIBA as the "group of death." Fortunately for us; China missed a few key players (though we were also without 3x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo AND naturalized reinforcement Andray Blatche), Iraq's still developing its young basketball program while Qatar is rebuilding.

We are not trying to take anything away from our Gilas team, because they fought tooth and nail for each one of those three victories. We are just saying that for the time being, it appears that the stars are aligning to our favor after years of heartbreak and close shaves.


First, let us all thank Chot Reyes for coming back and spearheading this program. He could've walked away and kept to his corporate role. He could've said "no thanks" after all the (unwarranted) backlash the last time he coached Gilas.

Thoughts on Gilas - Jones Cup 2017

The Future
(Photo credit: FoxSports.Ph)

We told you that it might take a while before we returned to blogging, didn't we?

The day job (which basically extends all the way into the night) is going strong. Those who are in the know hopefully understand why we're unable to provide any updates here or on Twitter as much as before. Long story short, we didn't want to write anything that we weren't invested in 100%. We've seen a few games here and there, but nothing quite up to par that will help us form strong arguments.

Still, while we couldn't quite sit down in front of the television (literally) to break down PBA games, we simply couldn't miss out on Gilas Pilipinas' campaign in the 2017 William Jones Cup. Here are a few things that we saw, a few conclusions, commendations and a little bit of that good old cool glass of Haterade.

1. Kiefer Ravena, The PointS Guard
While Gilas head coach Chot Reyes opted to start lightning quick Jio Jalalon, they played their best with the slower, more methodical Ravena running the show. While we're still unconvinced that Ravena can keep in step with PBA-level point guards, his feel for the game is unparalleled: correct passes, great reads and just sets the table up nicely. What or where Ravena is still lacking is finding the right balance between facilitating and dominating. For the most part, Gilas did quite well when Ravena opted to put his head down and call his own number. They say he's transitioning to PG because that's what is required for him to chase his NBA dream (and maybe even against PBA competition). We say that he's too talented to be penciled in a certain position, and deferring to lesser equipped teammates would simply be a waste.

Trade RXN: RR for MGR

Garcia to TNT, Rosser to SMB
(Photo credit: Gilas)

We never thought we'd see the day wherein San Miguel and TNT would see eye to eye and broker an even trade.

Hey #WeArePBA, also, what a time to be alive.

RR Garcia (18mpg 7ppg 1rpg 2apg) was supposed to be the next "great SMB point guard." It is a role that currently belongs to Chris Ross, after aging star Alex Cabagnot has made the full transition to shooting guard and backup Brian Heruela was found lacking. He showed flashes in the Philippine Cup, his first conference with SMB after being acquired from the Star Hotshots, but has obviously lost favor with the team.

Matt Ganuelas-Rosser (19-6-3-3), like Garcia, was also supposed to be the "next big thing" for TNT. Here is a 6"5 athlete who could run like a gazelle, dunk over the opposition, and basically do anything and everything that is required to win games. Only, he doesn't. Or he does, but only up to a certain point which, in his 3rd/4th season in, tells coaches and fans alike that perhaps he has hit a glass ceiling.

This trade could be a blessing for both.

#ManokNgBayan

Photo credit: Inquirer.net

Following today's PBA All Star game featuring the Luzon All Stars vs Gilas Pilipinas selection; Gilas head coach Chot Reyes finally named his SEABA 12 man line-up which will defend homecourt this coming May 12 to 18.

The 12 men are: Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, Andray Blatche, Junemar Fajardo, Jio Jalalon, Allein Maliksi, RR Pogoy, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario, Jayson Castro William and Matthew Wright.

Honestly, we love this nice mix of youth, spunk and skill, moving forward. There were a lot of question marks surrounding some of the names that were included in the pool-- primarily because Gilas was "limited" by the "1 player per PBA team" mandate, but Coach Chot was still able to form what we feel is quite a competitive line-up that can even go as far as competing in the next FIBA tournament.

Homecourt advantage

Dream BIG.
(Photo credit: smartgilasbasketball.com)

The dream has become so much bigger than simply ruling the South East Asian region. The dream is now to conquer Asia in hopes of making it into the global basketball conversation.

Call the upcoming SEABA tournament slated from May 12 to 18 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum as phase one.

We already know who is part of the 24-man Gilas pool:

The Cadets, who are mandated to suit up:
1. Carl Bryan Cruz (Alaska)
2. Kevin Ferrer (Ginebra)
3. Mac Belo (Blackwater)
4. Von Pessumal (Globalport)
5. Russel Escoto (Mahindra)
6. Ed Daquioag (Meralco)
7. Alfonzo Gotladera (NLEX)
8. Matthew Wright (Phoenix)
9. Mike Tolomia (Rain or Shine)
10. Arnold Van Opstal (San Miguel)
11. Jio Jalalon (Star)
12. RR Pogoy (TNT)

New breed

Green reunion at Gilas
(Photo credit: Spin.ph)

When Coach Chot Reyes said that we should be ready for a few surprises once he announces the 24-man Gilas pool, he didn't mention that we were in for a full-on youth movement altogether.

Still, he made a great point in saying that we are looking at the big picture which is 2019-2020 FIBA competition, while also utilizing some of the younger players who were part of his original Gilas silver medal program (and then some).

We are already quite familiar with the Gilas cadets and the following names such as Calvin Abueva (Alaska), Japeth Aguilar (Ginebra), Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort), Junemar Fajardo (San Miguel), Paul Lee (Star) and Jayson Castro (TNT), so here is our take on the "new guys" who were added into the mix to form a more youthful pool.

Ikaw na ba si Mr. (W)right?

The Wright stuff
(Photo credit: Sports5)

Yes, we just used that sappy line from a wonderful local ditty as our title and we feel no remorse or shame.

Why would we, when Gilas rookie and Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters' small forward Matthew Wright is making believers out of just about anyone who has seen him play in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup? Wright has impressed so far, with a high usage rate of 34 mpg and averages of 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.

Obviously, his familiarity with  head coach Ariel Vanguardia has played in the amount of minutes  that he is currently enjoying. He could be playing behind veteran teammate JC Intal, who is also having quite the conference, but Coach Ariel has often shifted the Fil-Canadian to either SG or SF, depending on the situation and match-ups.

KKS reaction: Chris Lutz to Meralco

Lutz to Meralco
(Photo credit Philstar.com)

From Beerman to Bolt.

After being relegated to the Unrestricted Free Agent list by mother team San Miguel Beermen, 6"3 guard Chris Lutz has been picked up the Meralco Bolts.

This is big news, considering that two rival corporate umbrellas were involved PLUS the fact that Lutz is the Beermen's original Gilas 1 pick from the 2011 PBA Draft. Career-wise, Lutz averaged 25mpg 8ppg 3rpg 3apg though his numbers have gone downhill from 2011 up to 2016.

All Ineligible/ Anti-Gilas

#whatif Anti-Gilas
(Photo credit Sports5.ph)

While we await the official announcement of Coach Chot Reyes’ Gilas 24-man pool (with the 12 former Gilas cadets already shoo-ins), here is an interesting thought: why not create a “practice team” of “FIBA ineligible” PBA players who are also, mostly, Gilas-caliber?

We are not trying to create any drama here, just that we feel that these guys could readily give Gilas a run for its money considering their overall talent and global experience pre-PBA.  Just to make it even more interesting, we would want maybe Coach Norman Black or Tim Cone to handle this roster:

Alex Cabagnot
Chris Ross
Stanley Pringle
Chris Newsome
Chris Banchero