Cabagnot Conundrum

The Crunchman Saveth?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

A few weeks ago, we felt that it was rather unfair for Global Port Batang Pier's neophyte head coach Pido Jarencio to single out his starting point guard Alex Cabagnot amid their losing ongoing losing streak.

If you walked up to us and said that the Batang Pier lost their first eight games because Cabagnot was averaging 10.38 points to go with 5.88 assists per game, we'd have laughed at your great and admirable grasp of the sport. Looking back at Cabagnot's career since 2005, the man's averaged 11 points and 5 assists.

Yes, he's had incredible, clutch games here and there, but overall, Cabagnot is an 11 points and 5 assists man-- which isn't bad on the PBA level mind you, given the years of consistent play.

Salvaging the PBA All Star Weekend

So far, so bad.

In terms of achieving an "All Star Weekend" atmosphere, the PBA in general is doing a great job bombing promotions and marketing wise. We understand that they have no control over the airing of the festivities, but with the digital era upon us there's no reason for the league's annual showcase to not even make it to the Top Trending Hashtags on Twitter.

But instead of simply nitpicking, let's try to help the league we all love. The gate attendances for games are up, but as shown in last night's televised "Greats vs Stalwarts" game, not a lot of folks bothered to shell out money to watch what is really, a hodge-podge of a joke (with all due respect to the PBA Hall of Famers who put in the work-- shout out to the legend Noli "The Tank" Locsin).

The activities are: 3 point shootout, Obstacle/ Skills Challenge and the Slam Dunk competition.

Learning curve

In a PBA Philippine Cup preview this writer previously wrote for SolarSportsDesk.Ph, we noted how Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was still a work in progress and even went as far as to rate them lower than their would be semifinals conquerors, the San Mig Coffee Mixers who had to "settle" for the 2nd overall pick (Ian Sangalang) in the 2013 PBA Draft compared to their 1st pick (Greg Slaughter).

We were chastised, called out and even swam the murky waters of blasphemy. That how we suddenly turned "haters" overnight and that Ginebra is THE team to beat given their towering frontline and supposedly retooled, more potent wing position.

This went on all throughout the conference (and rightfully so) thanks to Ginebra's run at 1st place of the standings. Athletic 6"9 beanpole Japeth Aguilar finally had his chance to showcase his talents while Slaughter showed everyone that while he wasn't on rival giant, Petron Blaze's, Junemar Fajardo's level yet, he was going to be a force in the paint for a long time. Throw in veterans L.A. Tenorio who was coming off a banner year and former PBA Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa and yeah, Ginebra fought for every win and deserved to be the number one seed.

Scripted

Maybe we should all just stop with the conspiracy theories and just enjoy the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals as non-fans of both Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee Mixers.

It is a disservice after all, to the hard-working men who wake up in the morning, endure several exhausting routines and drills, and get a cheap shot in the rib or an elbow right on the kisser by day’s end. These are our modern day action stars, nay, heroes. They fight for the names printed on their jerseys, and the adoring masses who take an hour or two of their precious time to cheer them on.

So to the PBA players, fans and our readers, to you we sincerely apologize with all the “scripted” semantics.

Why Manila Classico SHOULD go the distance

Where's Japeth?

Sports-entertainment related conspiracy theories aside, one cannot deny that the on-going semifinals slugfest between sister teams Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee Mixers is worth its lofty box-office hype billing.

After all, on one side you have a "reborn" franchise, looking to re-establish itself among the upper echelon of Philippine basketball teams and on the other, an already proud yet "under the radar" dynasty thanks to the unwritten pecking order in their own corporate umbrella. While Petron Blaze/ San Miguel and Ginebra have long been established as Team San Miguel, the "glamor boys" of the PBA are lost in the mix despite just being a few titles short of Petron Blaze/ San Miguel's (Ginebra doesn't even belong in that "who's got more rings" discussion among the sisters).

In Game One, we saw the Mixers lording it over a hapless Ginebra squad which were probably tired from their quarterfinals match-up with the Alaska Aces. The Mixers, thanks to their veteran line-up bannered by 2x PBA MVP James Yap, PJ Simon and Marc Pingris not to mention Hall of Fame coach Tim Cone, simply out-smarted the young yet green Ginebra.

The Top 10 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals Storylines

Aguilar kontra Pingris,
Ginebra vs San Mig Coffee

While we await the winner of Game 2 of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee Mixers match-up slated later today, here are a few of the "must watch/ interesting/ keep an eye out for" things we expect or have seen from the above mentioned pairing and the other one between the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and the Petron Blaze Boosters.

Forgive us for not making any updates the last few days (and during the quarterfinals) because of this writer's daughter's birth (7.3 lbs, born last January 26, 2014!). That being said, you can always check out our PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals (and Quarterfinals) Preview on SolarSportsDesk.ph where we are graciously and generously provided some bandwidth to try our very best to sound as analytical as possible (please bear in mind that we are very happy to be part of the contributors line-up, meaning, we have some leeway to throw in some written jabs here and there while you, the reader, have all creative freedom to call us names and what not).

The most entertaining allegation would be that this writer is a "San Mig Coffee fan."

Without further adieu, we bring to you the "Top 10 2014 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals Storylines:"

10. Tim Cone is on track to be the PBA's Ric Flair
The winningest coach in all of Philippine professional basketball is further cementing his place in Philippine basketball history which would pretty much vindicate his transfer from the Alaska franchise over to powerhouse (literally, figuratively and financially) San Mig Coffee. It took Cone 22 years to win 13 titles with Alaska, now he is on track for his 3rd title since his controversial transfer in 2011. If Cone and his Mixers should win it all, well, "Whooooooooooooo 16x!!!" 

Ginebra: flawed, but good

Iba na ang matangkad. At MAGALING.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has taken the Philippine Basketball Association by storm, now up the Philippine Cup standings with an impressive 9-1 slate.

At the forefront of the attack is floor general L.A. Tenorio whose veteran smarts and point guard savvy remains unmatched. His teammates trust him, rumored, former headcases and divas follow his every marching order without question and there is arguably no other Filipino basketball player today that is universally loved and respected regardless of affiliation.

While the Ginebra faithful continue to wait for their former PBA MVPs Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand to play their way back to form, another player has emerged to make a case for the league's ultimate individual accolade.

Coming of Age

Aguilar has been dominant
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

If you were 6”9 tall, can run the floor like a guard, knock down jumpers with little to no effort AND make the highlight reel-worth shotblock, best bet is you’d take the PBA by storm and post 19 points and 10 rebounds a game.

Japeth Aguilar is such a man. Even if it took him roughly 4 PBA years to get there.

Meralco's power surge zaps Ginebra

It was bound to happen sooner or later.

That the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel camp, now powered by a towering frontline to backstop last season's PBA MVP runner-up L.A. Tenorio and former PBA MVP Mark Caguioa, will be demystified right before our very eyes. That the 7"0 Greg Slaughter and vastly improved (nay, more comfortable) 6"9 Japeth Aguilar would be cut down to size and made to look like a collegiate freshmen by a guy dismissed as too unfocused/ temperamental for the pro ranks (Meralco Bolts' 6"7 off season recruit Rabeh Al Hussaini).

For all things said against Bolts' head coach Ryan Gregorio, he and lead assistant Jong Uichico came up with arguably the most brilliant strategy against the previously unbeaten Ginebra team.

Of Kings and Princes

Romeo and Caguioa
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Many have so valiantly tried, sacrilegiously dared even, to unseat the one true King. He wears no crown, though his on/off headband (depending on the season and hairstyle) could be considered as such. They have opted to award princes with fancy titles, if only because they cater to different markets most of which are still learning the game.

And even when the times have changed with the King left to see his peers dismissed with an air of nostalgia, the masses quick to embrace new idols and champions, the King rises from his throne to quash all newcomers right where they stand.

Thy King’s name is Mark Caguioa of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, his Kingdom, as it has been the last decade or so, is the PBA. Championship runs, individual accolades and All Star Selections or not.

Here, he is King of the masses.

The "Other" Ginebra Big Man

Ginebra has another big man in tow
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The first time I saw JayR Reyes, now of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, was at the 3rd year high school prom of one of my exes. The first thing everyone noticed was how insanely tall the guy was as compared to the rest of the evening’s escorts/ dates (myself included and back then I stood a lanky 5”10). From then on I decided to keep an eye out for the guy in case he makes it big in the sport that I love (because, in a world of sports blogger hopefuls, who doesn't).

Because, really now, how many 6”5 and up high school kids living in Manila back in the day were not part of some basketball program?

The next time I heard about Reyes, or got to see him play was when he suited up for the U.P. Fighting Maroons. He was raw as hell, but was in pretty good, athletic shape for a guy his size. He could run with the forwards so that’s a plus moving forward to a possible career in the professional ranks.

The Blueprint

A man with a plan
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

When Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team manager Alfrancis Chua threw a fit last season just weeks after steering the club to a surprise run at a PBA Commissioner’s Cup 1st runner up finish, it was met with a lot of surprise and apprehension from various camps.

Some circles reported that Chua’s then departure was brought about by the sudden, mid-season changes in his staff, others say it was the nagging player trade scenarios. Others say that Chua simply had enough of the top brass and how things were being run by some choice personnel.

Whatever it may be, there were a lot of compromises and concessions made which ultimately led to Chua’s return (and promotion) while also appearing to have “free hand” over team decisions (which is the role of a manager anyway) and how Ginebra would move forward as they slowly transition away from the storied “Mark Caguioa Era.”

KKS 38th Leo Awards' Picks

Sa iyo ang Asya, pero akin ang Pinas
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

What a year it has been for Philippine basketball! We've seen a top heavy 2012 PBA Draft that features some of the league's fastest rising stars, was treated to an "old school vs new school" Philippine Cup Finals between Rain or Shine and erstwhile champs Talk 'n' Text, witnessed the "choke-gate," saw the rise of a "new" Alaska, celebrated (and cried) with Gilas, among other great feats.

Now we take this opportunity to give credit where it is due and name the PBA stars who have competed and entertained millions of Filipinos all across the globe with their passion, excellence and overall on court brilliance.

All Defensive Team
PG L.A. Tenorio, SG Chris Ross , SF Calvin Abueva, PF Arwind Santos, C Junemar Fajardo
Sounds just about right from positions one to five, you have the steals, blocks and rebounds leaders all in one lot and save for maybe the still improving Ross, the five would be pillars of the PBA for the next two to four years.

Watch the throne

It's good to be King
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

I see you. I recognize the hunger in your eyes. The bloodlust flowing through your body and escaping your pores in an invisible crimson. I have what you want. I have what you need. But you will not take it from me. I deny you the right. I deny you the validation. 

I am King.

L.A. Tenorio put the whole of Philippine basketball on notice with tonight's 34-point masterpiece over the latest to challenge his lofty position as the country's premier point guard. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel won over the Meralco Bolts, 98-85. Tenorio put any of Meralco's Chris Ross' ascension and claim to the point guard throne on hold.

Not tonight. Maybe not for a little while.

Gilas Pilipinas: Take the lead

Photo courtesy of Interaksyon.com

Following in the footsteps of all the great Filipino point guards before him, Lewis Alfred Tenorio will spearhead Gilas Pilipinas’ medal-finish dreams in the coming FIBA Asia tournament this August.

Tenorio has earned the mantle from Gilas teammate Jimmy Alapag the last two years. He is the top Filipino playmaker today given his ability to play different styles. He can play uptempo like Alapag and Alex Cabagnot, he can slow it down in the halfcourt a la Wynne Arboleda and Mike Cortez or he can even call his own number and score at will like Paul Lee and Jayjay Helterbrand.

Gilas Pilipinas: Instant offense

Photo courtesy of Interkasyon.com

Make no mistake about it, come the FIBA Asia tournament this August, Gilas Pilipinas' Gary David will be ready to drop buckets or die trying.

There is no way to go about it really, David is a scorer by trade. He puts the "shooting" in "shooting guard." He is cut from the same cloth as the likes of Vergel Meneses, Nelson Asaytono, Mark Caguioa and lately of upstarts Jericho Cruz, Kevin Alas and Terrence Romeo.

And nobody does it better... Eala reassigned

Photo courtesy of sports.nfo.ph

In an obvious public relations damage control effort, San Miguel Corporation opted to "reassign" their trusted Basketball Operations Consultant Noli Eala following the intense social media backlash brought about by vexed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fans in the aftermath of their head coach's, Alfrancis Chua's, resignation.

The move to reassign the one-time PBA Commissioner comes not only at the heels of Chua's resignation but also after Eala's hit-and-miss performance since he came on board early in 2011. The then Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas head was brought into Team SMC after a "falling out" with the SMART Gilas Pilipinas men's national basketball program (here's a quick link to our idol FireQuinito's old entry) bankrolled by Team Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) and was bent on helping all three of Team SMC's Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams to acquire premium talent albeit at the cost of overall team chemistry.

Drama hits Ginebra

Photo courtesy of Yahoo.Ph

What a strange way for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to start their PBA Governor's Cup campaign.

First was the unseen retirement of one of our all-time favorites, Rudy Hatfield. Not only did the team lose one of its veteran anchors, it lost one of its better low post defenders with Hatfield choosing to close one of the more impressive 14-year careers this side of Philippine basketball.

And because we're talking about the league's most popular ball club here, the drama didn't end there. After coming off a surprise Commissioner's Cup Finals runner-up finish, head coach Alfrancis Chua opted to resign for "personal reasons" which many insiders believe was caused by all the coaching rigodon Ginebra and its owning San Miguel Corporation family did the last few weeks.

Barangay Overkill. Much.

Dugong Pinoy...
...Lahing Ginebra?

What happens if Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, now blessed with 6"9 athlete Japeth Aguilar, is able to somehow pry veteran 6"9 Fil-Tonggan Asi Taulava from the hands of Team MVP?

Then it only solidifies our claim that this team has nowhere been near it's given "underdog" moniker not since reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa's blonde-bombing rookie year (when they actually played guys named Ronald Magtulis and Banjo Calpito heavy minutes). Never say die? How can a team that is supposed to win big be "never say die?" The new battle cry should be "play to your standards" if anything.

Seriously, why Ginebra is still in hot pursuit of an aging role player is beyond us. Aside from Aguilar, they already have little (if not mis-)used players such as Rico Maierhofer, Billy Mamaril, Willy Wilson, Rudy Hatfield and not to mention the resurgent Kerby Raymundo.

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.