Straight outta patience

#wenotme , definitely.

Because we are ‘hood like that.

Seriously though, it must be tough to be an Alaska Aces fan these days. The system that is being run by coach Alex Compton obviously works thanks to the four PBA Finals trips but you cannot help but question if your team is actually good enough to win it all.

Good enough; if only Coach Alex would play certain guys longer, or maybe not choose to sit down whoever’s having a near-career night, maybe go younger, and so on.

“This is Alaska! We are #wenotme ! You are not allowed to play 35 minutes, score 30 points and grab 15 rebounds unless you are an import! Sit down! Where’s Tony? Ref, suuuuuubbbbb...”

You get the picture.

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.

Life goes on

Front and center: The Beast
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

Proving to one and all that there is more to life than being sweeped in a Finals and historically overturned in the next, the Alaska Aces are back in the hunt this PBA Commissioner's Cup with a 6 wins and 3 losses record. The Aces even has a chance to make the top spot, if they can salvage their last two games versus the league-leading Meralco Bolts and NLEX Road Warriors.

Leading the charge is import Shane Edwards (37mp 23ppg 13rpg 3apg) who appears to be here to stay after replacing Rob Dozier, Jr. early this conference. He is followed by Calvin Abueva (27mpg 17ppg 8rpg 3apg), Vic Manuel (22mpg 14ppg 5rpg 1apg), Sonny Thoss (24mpg 10ppg 4rpg), Chris Banchero (26mpg 9ppg 3rpg 4apg) and RJ Jazul (24mpg 10ppg). Save for old hand Thoss, the Aces are going with a new approach it seems as we no longer see heavy minutes given to the likes of Cyrus Baguio, Tony dela Cruz and Dondon Hontiveros. Starting point guard JVee Casio is still on the sidelines nursing an injury, if we remember correctly.

Now here is the question in everyone's minds: do the Aces have enough to challenge their grandslam-seeking tormentors, the San Miguel Beermen?

Pain and Gain

Photo credit to ABS-CBNnews.com

You know what they say about life as a gym rat: "no pain, no gain."

The Alaska Aces' 6"4 power forward Vic Manuel is proof of those words having worked his way up the ranks enough to average a star-like 16ppg 8rpg 1apg 1spg 1bpg in only 24mpg of action. Manuel has been so consistent and solid; that it simply does not matter if he is starting for head coach Alex Compton or not since the results at game's end is almost always the same.

Did Manuel's steady ascension caught us off guard?

No, not really. Since you have to remember that this guy is a legitimate UCAA Most Valuable Player when he played for the PSBA Jaguars and also a former PBA D-League Best Player of the Conference awardee. So the game is there. Even when he was selected 9th overall in the 2012 PBA Draft by GlobalPort and played for that team and later Meralco before finally landing at Alaska, he was averaging a serviceable 8ppg to go with 4rpg in maybe 16-17mpg.

#MeNotWe

Play him or trade him.
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Dear Alaska,

While we love what you have done in the last few years, primarily what former head coach Luigi Trillo introduced and what Alex Compton is currently trying to perfect, please be assured that we are not at all fond of how one Calvin Abueva is being treated/ utilized.

He is easily your best player. And this guise of #wenotme is starting to look stupid, when all the "comeback" games are born or produced by this very simple reason: your first unit sucks in general, so the second unit has to work double-time to first erase the deficit, and second, win games. And you know who is anchoring that second team?

Calvin "why is he still playing 28 minutes or less" Abueva.

Trade reaction: Espinas for Baclao, 2017 pick

"Iwan mo ko, bro?"
(Photo courtesy of Spin.ph)

News have it that the Alaska Aces have decided to send gung-ho power forward Gabby Espinas to GlobalPort Batang Pier for Nonoy Baclao and a future draft pick. This comes as a bit of a surprise since prior to his injury, Espinas has enjoyed a "revival" of sorts with the Aces as its resident enforcer and bossom buddy to star Calvin Abueva. On the flip side, Baclao continues to milk every ounce of a professional career from being part of a UAAP Dynasty (much like his brethren JC Intal of Barako Bull).

Though it's an unfair comparison since Espinas was sidelined, here are both men's numbers: GE 8 season games played so far averaged 12.6 minutes, 8.3 points, 5 rebounds on 54.1% shooting. NB averaged 13 minutes, 3.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and shot 40.3%.

One guy is injured/ coming off an injury while the other is basically just a token warm body who somehow finds a way to get his minutes. Almost like it's mandated in his bloody contract that he needs to play 10 minutes a game at the very least no matter how little he does on the floor for the team.

The Untaming of The Beast

#LetAbuevaBeAbueva

The Alaska Aces are currently lording it over the new PBA season thanks to a hot 3-0 start in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.

They've dropped the nuances and intricacies of the Triangle Offense in favor of head coach Alex Compton's fast-paced, open-court style that he probably (most likely) inherited from his assistant coach Louie Alas after playing for him in the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association with the Manila Metrostars (with a few upgrades here and there owing to Compton's innate love for learning the game). This new style has resulted in higher scores, an uptempo approach that plays to the strengths of the Aces' boat load of high scoring (by career or by rep) guards and basically, because of the higher number of possessions on offense, every one is kept happy because they all get touches.

But none of them are probably happier than Calvin Abueva, who is currently on a tear of the league averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds in TWENTY MINUTES per game. Not to mention that he did put up an insane 26 points and 22 rebounds monster effort against league powerhouse Talk 'n' Text (plus sinking the Sam Cassell "big balls dance"-worthy game winner) just a few days back.

Up for sale

Here's a question that the media and those in the know seem to keep skirting around on: which PBA team will Manny V. Pangilinan buy for his NLEX Road Warriors?

We already know that NLEX wants in. Bad. We've heard Alaska rumors. Now we've been hearing a lot of Air21 rumors. Of the "Joseph Yeo Gentleman's Agreement" (didn't know that there was honor among thieves) getting in the way. Of how there are two teams (Air21 and, since their name was thrown out there earlier, Alaska) that are up for sale.

TWO.

Is it too late for either Blackwater or Kia to step in and buy the other one? Or maybe it's just a ploy being used by NLEX to help speed things up. As a bargaining chip against the team that they really want to purchase. Would make a lot of sense really-- say that there's this other team that's also up for sale but cheaper, but you're still taking to the concerned party out of delicadeza and so on.

I'm a Luigi Trillo Guy

Calvin Abueva. Luigi Trillo Guy.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Calvin Abueva. Gabby Espinas. Vic Manuel.

They're rough, they're not your typical, cookie-cutter, clean-cut Alaska Aces of past and present. They come with a certain level of self-assurance and air that rubs people the wrong way most of the time.

They're all Luigi Trillo guys (plus, maybe when he finally gets his minutes, Ryan Buenafe).

Only, what happens now that Trillo has opted to leave his post as Aces head coach (just a season removed from leading the team to a surprise PBA Commissioner's Cup championship)? Will the Aces' proud management opt to keep them in the fold? Or trade them elsewhere if only to fit the way the Aces' have been traditionally known for?

Un-beastly

Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

When was the last time you saw Calvin Abueva play like Calvin Abueva?

We've seen flashes here and there, but where's the reigning PBA Rookie of the Year? Where is the energy guy the first year in San Sebastian? Or the triple-double monster the last year? Who's this 6"1 guy who looks like Abueva, plays a bit like Abueva, but doesn't have the same effect on the game like Abueva?

In 51 games last season, Abueva averaged somewhere around 26 minutes a game, with 12 points and 9 rebounds plus a bunch of intangibles-- from setting low post screens, playing the pay-war game and just making plays for his team en route to the ROY plum. This year, in 27 games, his minutes are down by about 6 a game with his numbers somewhere around 8 points and 7 rebounds.

But no one is afraid of the man they call "The Beast" anymore.

The People Vs Calvin Abueva

Wouldn't be surprised if they
called this foul on Abueva.
Seriously. (Photo courtesy of Sports5)

What's in a name?

Turns out, a season's worth of flops, aggressive play and unapologetic behavior on way to a PBA Rookie of the Year citation is going to get you under a bad light in terms of PBA sanctions and what not. To make matters worse, it seems that this ill reputation is something that can't be shed after a season-- the blasted thing carried over to the on-going PBA Philippine Cup apparently.

So when the subject of this piece, the Alaska Aces' reigning PBA ROY Calvin Abueva and the Meralco Bolts' Jared Dillinger figured in an awkward scuffle just days ago, everyone in the room knew that fines were going to come in by way of the diligent PBA Commissioner Chito Salud.

What we didn't expect was how ridiculous the penalties would be.

Pushing through plateaus

Casio needs to take the big leap
while Abueva struggles
(photo courtesy of Sports5)

Don't blame Calvin Abueva for the Alaska Aces' mildly surprising 4 wins, 9 losses slate in the on-going PBA Philippine Cup.

There's plenty of that to go around. Despite the impressive numbers shared by starters Sonny Thoss (16 points, 9 rebounds), JVee Casio (14, 3 and 3 assists), Cyrus Baguio (13, 3, 3), Gabby Espinas (11, 9) and Abueva (10, 8), the Aces are struggling more because they've become rather bland. Yes, the names on the roster are almost the same to when they punked their way into a PBA Commissioner's Cup title last season, but the fire and energy just isn't.

And while Abueva continues to find that balance between a flopper and token energy guy, the Aces need to come up with surprises to battle the strengthened/ overhauled PBA teams. Though we have nothing but love for the blue-chip recruits in ASEAN Basketball League Most Valuable Player Leo Avenido, Ryan Buenafe and Ping Exciminiano, it appears as though the three have yet to really learn the Aces' offensive sets as proven by the little amount of minutes they get on the floor (aging small forward Tony de la Cruz logs close to 19 minutes a game). 

The Future of the PBA

All eyes on Talk 'n' Text
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

When it comes to building dynasties be it in the real world or in the realm of Philippine basketball, there's always a need for continuity. For someone to start laying the foundations on the way to creating a "Golden Era" which will either face an expected downfall or continue on its path of excellence.

Since we were exposed only to the PBA of the 90s and beyond, we can only pull on a couple of PBA Dynasties: Alaska, San Miguel, Purefoods and Talk 'n' Text. These teams enjoyed a two to three year championship contender window based on its personnel. Other teams managed to win a title or two owing to good fortune (Red Bull: Yeng Guiao, Santa Lucia: Kelly Williams, Ginebra: Mark Caguioa, etc.), but the four mentioned above were more or less the perennial contenders duking it out time and again.

They were built slowly and methodically, pieces were brought in to fit certain holes and not simply "made to fit." There was continuity and camaraderie. There was little to no change in the personnel or the way things were ran. These are some of the things that make a Dynasty. And today, we take a look at three PBA teams that are on their way (if not already there).

PBA Commish Cup Finals: Wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska

Young Blood Reachin'

It was time.

The Alaska Aces are the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup champions thanks to a dominant 3-0 sweep of the injury-riddled Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. They did it through team work. They did it through hard work and perseverance. They did it together.

Credit goes to Ginebra and head coach Alfrancis Chua for their magical run to the Commish Cup Finals after a woeful 7th seed finish at the end of the eliminations. They lost reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa to a knee injury, had to change import early and fought through all the chemistry woes that have hounded them early this season.

Newly-minted Best Player of the Conference L.A. Tenorio spearheaded Ginebra's attack the whole way. Ginebra responded to their "substitute" leader and gamely fought toe-to-toe with the Aces' youth and vigour. Ginebra was determined to not go out without a fight. They were putting it all out there, they were the more physical team. They were loose and carefree on the court. For the first three quarters, Ginebra played like Ginebra.

Alaska Aces: The Mantle of the Bat

Luigi Trillo: Rightful Successor

In the Alaska Aces' storied franchise history, Tim Cone would be its Bruce Wayne a.k.a. The Batman. Though he has severed all ties and moved on with his coaching career, he will always be the man that brought the team to prominence. The 13 titles that he won for the Aces in the course of over 20 years will remain untouched. No matter how they broke-up, it is what it is.

But just like in the comic book world, there are always successors-- both unworthy and worthy. Dick Grayson, Jason Tood and Tim Drake. All three wore the bright colored Robin costume at one point or another. In reference, Grayson would be Joel Banal. He has all the tools to succeed Cone, but he was his own man. He had his own style, and last year it showed that it just wasn't a good fit.

The Beast for PBA Commish Cup BPC

No stopping the Beast

The PBA Commissioner's Cup was supposed to be the one conference that would break the spirit of Alaska Aces' heralded rookie Calvin Abueva. It's where gargantuan imports would reign supreme, and Abueva's rookie rivals, top overall pick 6"10 Junemar Fajardo and the Meralco Bolts' 6"5 Cliff Hodge would be able to prove their worth.

Why wouldn't it be? Abueva after all is a hustling, rebounding, do-it-all and win-at-all-costs SIX FOOT ONE AND A HALF tall forward. He was supposed to hide in the shadows behind bigger teammates Sonny Thoss (who would naturally slide down to the power forward spot to make room for 6"9 import Rob Dozier at the center position) and even bossom buddy Gabby Espinas.

But how did the rookie touted as "The Beast" respond?

Cool, clutch Casio

Sinong nagsabing SHOOTER lang ako?

Five years ago if you were to tell us that JVee Casio would be playing on a title contender in the PBA as one of its leading men, we'd sign off on it in a heartbeat.

But if you were to add that he'd be playing point guard... Maybe not so much.

See, Joseph Evans Casio has a God given gift: to break the hearts of many opponents and their fans with heart-breaking triples. To shoot his team back into games and on to victories be it blowouts or buzzer beaters. Casio will score, he is a scorer by trade. To say otherwise would be blasphemous. He is a caricature of Ren Ren Ritualo straight out of a Washington Young "Pupung" comic strip.

PBA Commish Cup Semis: The Exorcism of Luigi Trillo

The MAN for the job.

There was a point in this series wherein it seemed that no matter how far the Alaska Aces have gone under young head coach Luigi Trillo, that they would never rid themselves of the ghost of Tim Cone. It's bad enough that they haven't beaten Cone until this series, but also because it was starting to make every single reason that Cone et al came up with seem true.

You can't win big in the PBA without stars. You can't win big in the PBA without money. You. Just. Can't. Win.

But after four grueling, intense and highly entertaining games, the Aces have not only triumphed over Cone and the depleted San Mig Coffee Mixers, they have managed to exorcise their own demons and proven themselves worthy of their now growing Gatas Republik's adoration.

PBA Commish Cup Semis: No fluke as Aces repeat

The Beast: All heart, all hustle

Just when you thought that the on-going (and highly/somewhat surprisingly entertaining) semifinals saga between the Alaska Aces and San Mig Coffee Mixers couldn't get any more dramatic, last night happened.

In front of over 23,000 strong, the Aces and Mixers put on a defensive clinic with the latter pretty much in control early in the game. The Mixers were bent on distancing themselves from the Aces, showing a level of basketball that only a true Hall of Famer coach like Tim Cone could draw up. Import Denzel Bowles, though still far from his 2012 form, was putting in work, Marc Pingris threw out all the distractions of "dirty play" aside and was a monster and Mark Barroca supplied the firepower missing from quarterfinals breakout star, backup Alex Mallari.

With resident superstars PJ Simon and 2x PBA MVP James Yap nursing injuries and going through shooting slumps, the Mixers still found ways to get it done thanks to their suffocating half court defense that left the Aces reeling and looking a lot like they did back when Joel Banal was at the helm (seems like a lifetime ago doesn't it?).

So who really won?

So who really won?

Politics is an ugly thing, and it applies not only to our much-ridiculed government or church. It is part of everyday life, of trying to be “politically correct” in each and every scenario and “doing the right/ just thing” at all times.

In a previous entry we wrote about how the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Basketball team should take their exhibition game against the PBA All Stars as more than just a tune-up match. No, we weren’t asking that Gilas head coach Chot Reyes et al unleash 7”0 naturalized center Marcus Douthit on the undersized PBA selection or that they start showing off each and every set in the playbook. We simply wanted both teams to engage in a good, old-fashion “I’m better than you” brand of basketball.