Trade reaction: Swapping Lions

Alaska's new muscle
(photo credit: Inquirer.net)

With PBA action in full swing, the Star Hotshots have opted to send 6"4 power forward Jake Pascual to the Alaska Aces for 6'3 wingman Rome dela Rosa.

The former San Beda Red Lions players will each address glaring needs for both teams, which is why the trade makes a lot of sense on the surface. It is no secret that the Aces could use all the height and heft that they can get with all the injuries and team-administered suspensions while the Hotshots are still looking to plug a few holes in its rotation.

We also commend both teams, specifically coach Chito Victolero, for coming up with a "clean and fair" trade. As per reports, Coach Chito called his once-upon-a-time MBA point guard rival Coach Alex Compton to discuss the deal which was obviously well-received.
 

Starting over again

Say hello to Cyrus Baguio, shooting guard for Phoenix Petroleum.

I remember the first time I saw Baguio play. I was studying in LSGH, rooting for the back-to-back seeking DLSU Green Archers in the 1999 UAAP Finals. I didn’t know much about the UST Growling Tigers as my understanding of the sport was still developing, but from Games 1 to 3, I knew that Baguio was special.

He was a high-flyer by trade, an unstoppable slasher who would (and did) dunk on sleeping fools with no hesitation. He is basically cut from the same cloth as a Terrence Romeo. Pass? Just give them the ball and get out of the way.

What now, Alaska?

DEFIANT
(Photo credit: Spin.ph)

Following yesterday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 6 defeat at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, a friend of ours over at Twitter said that this latest predicament does not hurt as much for the Alaska Aces’ #GatasRepublik .

She even joked about how they have lost so many times on that stage that they have grown apathetic and numb to the sensation of losing, disappointment, and pain in general.

But what is there to be sad about, really?

More than just Racal

RAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

Do not get us wrong, the Alaska Aces' rookie small forward Kevin Racal has been downright awesome in their last two victories in the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals. From not being able to get any floor time to averaging 27 minutes in the two games that he as played, Racal has filled a much-needed role for the Aces in their championship bout versus the Rain or Shine Elastopainters.

But it is not just Racal.

It is the entire team that has put in the work. Sure, newly-crowned Best Player of the Conference Calvin Abueva's numbers have risen (his rebounding numbers have grown in the last three games of the Finals), but it is the Aces' overall tenacity and commitment to playing with energy and focus that has helped them to force a 3-2 count in the Best of Seven series.

The question now is, can they force a 3-3- tie?

2015 PBA Draft - 1st round Grades

"Here's the ball rook, run with it"
(Photo credit to the owner)

While the mood was unceremoniously subdued by new PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa's announcement that no trades were to take place in the 2015 PBA Draft proceedings, it was still quite a haul for most PBA teams, the applicants and their followers.

Honestly, this year's draft made the most sense for all the teams involved since most went to address their immediate needs rather than just blindly bobbing for apples. A few surprises/highlights include the Sinag/ Gilas Cadet alumni being picked early, Coach Yeng Guiao's "we need a big/ wing but we'll draft a surprise PG pick anyway just to mess with you mock draft nerds," and above all-- Roi Sumang "dropping" all the way down into the 3rd round after being projected as a possible and legitimate first round talent.

Because the 2015 PBA Draft went all the way down to the 6th (!) round and we, admittedly, have little to no idea about some of the names chosen, we'll stick with handing out grades for the 1st round selections.

1. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters - Moala Tautuaa
When Tautuaa opted to throw his hat into the PBA D-League last year in hopes of joining the 2015 PBA Draft, TNT basically moved some parts to ensure that they will be able to acquire his services (or Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.'s, who opted not to join). Looking at the 6"7 Fil-Tonggan, it's easy to understand why TNT would go for him at this spot after losing Ali Peek to retirement and now Kelly Williams to injury and Jay Washington to a trade. He looked pretty solid while playing in the ABL and D-League, he has the size, speed and strength to combat any PBA big man, 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo included.
Grade: A