While our hard-fighting Gilas Pilipinas team was battling it out against the much heralded Croatian team, a familiar face was watching the game live from the stands. A face, that has become the ticket meal of the entire PBA the last few years, the iconic face that belongs to one James Carlos Yap.
Two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, recently crowned grand slam champion.
Unfortunately, he wasn't on the hard court helping the national cause. No, he had to buy a ticket to the game much like every one else in attendance. You could defend his or his management's decision all you want, but we here live by one simple rule: if you're going to battle the best, then you have to send your very best.
Yap and his 2x PBA MVP award is proof that he definitely belongs on Gilas.
Showing posts with label Jimmy Alapag. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jimmy Alapag. Show all posts
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
2014 FIBA World Cup: Croatia (16) vs Philippines (34) IR
First and foremost, MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!
What. A. Game.
After trailing by as much as 15 points in the 1st quarter and a half, Gilas made a game off their debut against one of Europe's finest in Croatia thanks to the efforts of naturalised centre Andray Blatche and the (surprisingly) 4th point guard in the rotation, captain Jimmy Alapag. True enough, Gilas found itself flat-footed early, unable to make shots versus the taller Croatians and pretty much jittery on the floor. Blatche was left to go isolation, much like he did the entire pre-FIBA tune-up campaign for Gilas, which wasn't bad since he was the only guy who could get buckets for us, but wasn't good either because it was messing up our spacing and dribble drive game plan.
If anything, this game can be summed up as Croatia probably taking us for granted early, and the proud men of Gilas just playing with all heart and effort. We caught them off-guard, being one of the virtual unknowns in the tournament and were fortunate enough to have been able to make shots in the end to force over time and salvage a respectable 81-78 loss.
Here's an amateur's take on the positives and negatives that we can learn from the game against Croatia:
Positive:
- Andray Blatche is versatile. He's clearly a walking mismatch at 6"11, with the hybrid forwards of Croatia unable to keep in step owing to Blatche's speed and ball handling skills (which is quite exceptional really and something we never saw in the NBA). Though Blatche is not a force in the paint, he makes up for his big man shortcomings by playing like a little man on the court. He helps spread the floor for our shooters, can drive to the hoop when he wants and has no problems whatsoever in taking (and making treys). Truth be told, Blatche helps our cause in making the game faster-- which gives us more attempts down the floor.
What. A. Game.
After trailing by as much as 15 points in the 1st quarter and a half, Gilas made a game off their debut against one of Europe's finest in Croatia thanks to the efforts of naturalised centre Andray Blatche and the (surprisingly) 4th point guard in the rotation, captain Jimmy Alapag. True enough, Gilas found itself flat-footed early, unable to make shots versus the taller Croatians and pretty much jittery on the floor. Blatche was left to go isolation, much like he did the entire pre-FIBA tune-up campaign for Gilas, which wasn't bad since he was the only guy who could get buckets for us, but wasn't good either because it was messing up our spacing and dribble drive game plan.
If anything, this game can be summed up as Croatia probably taking us for granted early, and the proud men of Gilas just playing with all heart and effort. We caught them off-guard, being one of the virtual unknowns in the tournament and were fortunate enough to have been able to make shots in the end to force over time and salvage a respectable 81-78 loss.
Here's an amateur's take on the positives and negatives that we can learn from the game against Croatia:
Positive:
- Andray Blatche is versatile. He's clearly a walking mismatch at 6"11, with the hybrid forwards of Croatia unable to keep in step owing to Blatche's speed and ball handling skills (which is quite exceptional really and something we never saw in the NBA). Though Blatche is not a force in the paint, he makes up for his big man shortcomings by playing like a little man on the court. He helps spread the floor for our shooters, can drive to the hoop when he wants and has no problems whatsoever in taking (and making treys). Truth be told, Blatche helps our cause in making the game faster-- which gives us more attempts down the floor.
Laban Pilipinas
Mamaya lamang ay magsisimula na ang pinakamalaking kampanya ng ating Pilipinas men's basketball team sa 2014 FIBA World Cup. Bagamat tanggap na ng sambayanan na halos saling pusa lang tayo sa torneyo at makikigulo lang sa unang bahagi ng kompetisyon, dapat natin tandaan na sa basketball, walang imposible. Ung mga paborito at dehado, minsan, nagkakabaligtaran ng nilalarong posisyon. Minsan, ung dehado, nakakanakaw. Nakakabulag. Sa basketball, ang sarap mangarap. Ang sakit matalo, pero ang sarap mangarap.
Jimmy Alapag. LA Tenorio. Paul Lee. Jayson Castro. Gary David. Jeffrei Chan. Gabe Norwood. Marc Pingris. Ranidel de Ocampo. Japeth Aguilar. Junemar Fajardo. Andray Blatche. Chot Reyes.
Larry Fonacier, Marcus Douthit at ang mga iba pang naging bahagi ng kampanyang ito.
Jimmy Alapag. LA Tenorio. Paul Lee. Jayson Castro. Gary David. Jeffrei Chan. Gabe Norwood. Marc Pingris. Ranidel de Ocampo. Japeth Aguilar. Junemar Fajardo. Andray Blatche. Chot Reyes.
Larry Fonacier, Marcus Douthit at ang mga iba pang naging bahagi ng kampanyang ito.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
The Last Home Stand
In retrospect, the failed PLDT Gilas Last Home Stand was meant to raise money for charity and not simply for the enjoyment of basketball fans. Life, real life, is always bigger than basketball. The local organizers, Manny V. Pangilinan et. al., had nothing but great and meaningful intentions.
So to them, we say "thank you" and that we honestly hope that they continue with such efforts in bringing world class talent to the Philippines all for a good cause.
Were we disappointed with the outcome?
Yes, because no one really bothered to clarify that an actual 5 on 5 game was NOT going to happen. PLDT was correct in saying that they never promised a game, although they made a damn good job of teasing it with their faulty marketing exploits.
Maybe we should blame ourselves, yes, us, the Filipino basketball fantards who were spoiled with the Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant game vs the PBA and Gilas selections that we thought that: "hey, since they're bringing in about 10 to 12 NBA starters, maybe they're going to play versus our Gilas!"
Well, guess not.
So to them, we say "thank you" and that we honestly hope that they continue with such efforts in bringing world class talent to the Philippines all for a good cause.
Were we disappointed with the outcome?
Yes, because no one really bothered to clarify that an actual 5 on 5 game was NOT going to happen. PLDT was correct in saying that they never promised a game, although they made a damn good job of teasing it with their faulty marketing exploits.
Maybe we should blame ourselves, yes, us, the Filipino basketball fantards who were spoiled with the Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant game vs the PBA and Gilas selections that we thought that: "hey, since they're bringing in about 10 to 12 NBA starters, maybe they're going to play versus our Gilas!"
Well, guess not.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Coaching Carousel: Team MVP Edition (Uichico to TNT)
Jong Uichico, arguably the most successful of the Ron Jacobs coaching apostles, will be back on the sidelines in the coming 40th PBA season by way of the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters.
See, personnel wise, there shouldn't be anything wrong with the Texters. That they should've won or at the very least challenged the San Mig Coffee Mixers the entirety of this season instead of winning big in the elimination rounds of the three conferences before bowing out in the Playoffs.
Save for a few additions, this is still now Gilas Pilipinas' head coach Chot Reyes' Texters. They lost Ali Peek to retirement and added two versatile scores in Nino Canaleta and Danny Seigle while keeping the core in place, so you could understand where management's frustrations with Black would come from.
See, personnel wise, there shouldn't be anything wrong with the Texters. That they should've won or at the very least challenged the San Mig Coffee Mixers the entirety of this season instead of winning big in the elimination rounds of the three conferences before bowing out in the Playoffs.
Save for a few additions, this is still now Gilas Pilipinas' head coach Chot Reyes' Texters. They lost Ali Peek to retirement and added two versatile scores in Nino Canaleta and Danny Seigle while keeping the core in place, so you could understand where management's frustrations with Black would come from.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Gilas Pilipinas gears up for FIBA Asia Cup
Gilas call-up after Year of redemption for JWash |
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.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals: Texters vs Mixers
When was the last time in PBA Finals history wherein you felt that both teams, namely the Talk ‘n’ Text Tropang Texters and San Mig Coffee Mixers, were so evenly matched from coaching staff to players, that you sincerely felt that the series could go either way and no one would have a problem with the end result?
The Texters and Mixers both feature PBA Hall of Fame Coaches in Norman Black and Tim Cone, are led by some of the league’s “who’s who” when it comes to skills, talent and popularity (with the Mixers’ enjoying love from the average basketball fans and the Texters’ by way of the purists who don’t mind “ugly” wins) and could easily represent the country in any or all international meets right here, right now (an honor bestowed and earned by the core of the Texters’).
This series promises to be an intense basketball clinic, owing to both teams’ ability to play and guard both styles of fundamental basketball: run and gun and halfcourt.
Making the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals even more interesting is the fact that it’s a Best-of-Five affair—which forces both teams little to no time to execute and adjust their respective game planes.
It’s a well-known fact that Black has mastered the art form of game plane execution probably and most likely built around advanced scouting while Cone is the King of pre/in/post game adjustments so that chess match should be quite entertaining and educational.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Gilas Pilipinas: A cut above the rest
While being mindful of showing their cards (running any FIBA World Cup-meant offensive and defensive sets), Gilas Pilipinas showed everyone watching the recently concluded 2014 PBA All Star Game why this is the ensemble that's Spain-bound later this year.
Unlike last year's meet, Gilas Pilipinas took care of the PBA All Star selection early and never looked back. Resident sniper Jeffrei Chan was at his sharpest, while Marcus Douthit made some key defensive stops to make sure that the message was sent right away.
Gilas Pilipinas isn't clowning around this time.
Unlike last year's meet, Gilas Pilipinas took care of the PBA All Star selection early and never looked back. Resident sniper Jeffrei Chan was at his sharpest, while Marcus Douthit made some key defensive stops to make sure that the message was sent right away.
Gilas Pilipinas isn't clowning around this time.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
7-0 / 0-7
"F this 0-7." Photo courtesy of Sports5 |
It didn't take long for the Texters to get back on track with newcomer Nino Canaleta and hard-working import Richard Howell in tow. The Gilas Pilipinas core of Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier and Ranidel de Ocampo are averaging around 20-22 minutes a piece and contributing as always, while Howell drops a steady 20-20 points-rebounds a game.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Gun for hire: Canaleta to Talk 'n' Text
KG is taking his talents to TNT (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
The Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters, in an effort to ensure that they are armed to the teeth (if they aren't already) going into their PBA Philippine Cup Quarterfinals Best-of-Three with the San Mig Coffee Mixers, have recently acquired the services of Air21 Express' leading scorer Nino Canaleta. The 6"6, 185 lbs. sharpshooter averaged a team-best 16 points to go with 6 rebounds while not necessarily being the Express' 1st option on offense.
While logic dictates that Canaleta will struggle with the Texters being that he is the "new kid in town," we don't see him having a hard time adjusting to his teammates who, for the last few championship years, are the PBA embodiment of "playing for each other." The Texters thrive in the team concept as evidenced by the success that they've garnered and also with their dribble-drive motion offense (although head coach Norman Black has successfully added some new/old halfcourt elements here and there the last year or so).
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Habla Espanol Gilas Pilipinas?
The dream continues for an archipelago of 7,107 islands lying in the South East of Asia. After salvaging the Silver medal in last year's FIBA Asia Worlds-qualifying tournament, the Philippines -- bannered by a 12-man roster aptly called "Gilas Pilipinas" sets its sights on the FIBA Worlds to be held this 2014 in Spain.
But just how far can we dream, really?
But just how far can we dream, really?
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Blurred Lines
The Blur (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters' lead point guard Jayson Castro (William) has been on a tear this conference and his team could've easily been 4-1 instead of 3-2 (no thanks to old teammate and now Ginebra star Japeth Aguilar). It's pretty clear that Castro is trying to put the past behind him-- unable to "follow up" on his FIBA Asia "Best point guard in Asia" tag upon his Texters return last conference. There are no excuses really, since the guy who is now considered his full-on rival and widely recognized today as the "Best point guard in the Philippines" L.A. Tenorio, served flag and country just the same.
Surely, you can't be the "Best in Asia" if there's someone else who is considered better in your own country right?
Monday, September 23, 2013
Uphill Climb for Texters
Boracay? Kami? Pang abroad kaya kami pag championship bonus. (Photo courtesy of Sports5) |
Well, the champion Texters are a prideful bunch.
Last night, they were able to force a deciding duel with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for the 8th and final spot. Should they lose, then that's it for the Texters. But you just don't go counting out a team that's pretty much been in every single PBA playoff scenario the last three years.
Not when Jimmy "Mighty Mouse" Alapag can still lace it up it and continue to knockdown back-breaking, "straight from the parking lot" long threes.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
System under maintenance
Teams are actually OUTWORKING the Texters (Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV) |
Lend your core players and staff for flag and country, try to create a stop-gap in the PBA by bringing in some young talent and a high-scoring import in Tony Mitchell, then have them all come back together to try and make another playoffs push as is the Texters norm the last three years.
Except, instead of a power surge that would lead to productivity in all fronts, the Texters overall system came crashing down on their way to the bottom of the PBA Governor's Cup standings.
Friday, September 13, 2013
Petron SMASH!
Even new recruit Doug Kramer's bought into the Petron system (Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV) |
That was the message sent by the Petron Blaze Boosters last night en route to their 122-88 trashing of heated rival Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters. The Texters, which boasts of four core Gilas players (not to mention the brain/financial thrust) , were never really in it no thanks to the Boosters' unforgiving defense and high octane, sweet-shooting offense.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Pakitang Gilas: Life after FIBA Asia 2013
Back to the crazy that is the PBA (Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV) |
We take a look at how the Gilas Pilipinas roster is doing in the on-going tournament, ranking them from 11 to 1 based on their performances.
11. Jimmy Alapag, PG, Talk 'n' Text
The captain has been busy chilling with family in the U.S. Having played for the country for so long the last decade, who's going to complain if Alapag opts to sit out the rest of the conference?
10. Jeffrei Chan, SG, Rain or Shine
4 games 22mpg 6ppg 2rpg 3apg
Did Chan shoot himself dry in the FIBA Asia? The Negros Sniper is going through a lengthy shooting slump as of late, dating back to the last conference (good thing it didn't show as much in the FIBA Asia tournament). Fortunately for Chan, he has guys like Paul Lee and Ryan Arana picking up the offense. If he's not too careful, Chris Tiu is going to take his spot as his team's best shooter from deep.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Mi sueno Espanol
Durant vs Norwood. 2014 FIBA World. If we're lucky. Or unlucky. (Photo lifted from the Internet) |
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) |
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.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Pilipinas to the (FIBA) World
His name is Jean Marc Pingris. (Photo courtesy of InterAKTV) |
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.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Gilas puts Jarvis Hayes, Qatar on Lockdown
Photo courtesy of Philip Sison |
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)