PBA KO Phase Round 2 Predictions: RoS Bracket

Expect fireworks.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Well look what we have here: for the first time in a very long while, one of the teams that will advance to the PBA Finals will not be the Purefoods franchise. This, after a heart-breaking loss to a balanced Meralco Bolts franchise that didn't even have a superstar game from main man Gary David (where did that perfect game from James Sena come from?!).

Now, in a rather odd ball of a set-up, two teams will slug it out for the right to face the waiting PBA Philippine Cup 2nd seed Rain or Shine Elastopainters. On one side there's the Alaska Aces, a team that could've easily finished 1 or 2 if not for some lapses and the other, the Bolts.

3 Alaska Aces vs 6 Meralco Bolts
The first and only time that these two teams met in the elimination round, the Aces put on a 105-64 ass whooping of a clinic on the hapless Bolts. The Bolts were never really in the game, with Vic Manuel, Dondon Hontiveros, Calvin Abueva and rookie Chris Banchero all takings turns just scoring at will and the Bolts clearly out of form with Gary David going 2/10 from the field.

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.

Coaching Carousel: Team MVP Edition (Part 1: Black to Meralco)

For the Meralco Bolts and reportedly soon-to-be former head coach Ryan Gregorio, it was a hard four years.

They inherited a once proud Santa Lucia Realty franchise that saw it's two young stars, Ryan Reyes and Kelly Williams, shipped to their older brother Talk 'n' Text. A couple of promising talents (Joseph Yeo, Denok Miranda) were also sent elsewhere. So, to fill the void, the Bolts opted to bring in Mac Cardona as their franchise player to team up with the likes of aging bigs Marlou Aquino and pre-Team Ageless Asi Taulava.

It was rough. Cardona was dumped, another exiled Texter in Jared Dillinger was brought in and more trades were made to help the Bolts' campaign. This season, the team fielded in a not too shabby starting or best five of Mike Cortez, Gary David, Jarred Dillinger, Reynel Hugnatan and Rabeh Al Husseini.

That's actually not a bad five, with Danny Ildefonso and Cliff Hodge coming off the bench.

And the number 1 pick in the 2014 PBA Draft goes to...

Two balls. One well covered box. A dutiful PBA Commissioner who doesn't seem to understand the concept of showmanship.

How appalling.

Where's the drama? Where's the "ït" factor? The surprise?

As you may know, prior to the PBA Governor's Cup Finals Game 1 between the grand slam-seeking San Mig Coffee Mixers and defiant Rain or Shine Elastopainters, there was a "draw" held to choose which among the Elastopainters (via Meralco) and GlobalPort Batang Pier will get to pick first in the next PBA Draft. Now, in the NBA, they do this via lottery. With a lot of balls, and a couple of teams in the running.

Don't call it a comeback

Danny Ildefonso has found a new home in the PBA.

The former two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, now near the twilight of his illustrious basketball career, was left homeless early in the on-going PBA Philippine Cup after his team of xx years-- the Petron Blaze Boosters (former San Miguel Beermen) decided not to renew his contract. To his rescue are the Boosters' umbrella corporation rivals, Team Manny V. Pangilinan by way of the Meralco Bolts which were lacking in skilled, post players.

In a match seemingly made in heaven, Ildefonso had a successful debut last Saturday for the Bolts (winning 92-88 in overtime over the Air21 Express) finishing with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists on top of setting brilliant screens and picks for his shooters and just working like the skilled veteran he is off-the-ball.

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.

Hooked

From superstar to reserve

The lights are at its brightest, men frolic to the stage as the music hits with the volume at its highest. The star steps into the light drowned by deafening silence. This is what we’ve been waiting for. This is what we’ve come to see.

Somewhere backstage a not so old yet not entirely youthful hand cradles spirits enclosed within a bottle. Cigarette smoke fills the air as her mascara runs down her cheeks with tears. She had her time on the stage. They used to cherish her.

Worshipped her. Loved her.

Strike First: David to Meralco, Cardona to Air21

Finally, a star that
#BansangMeralco can cheer for
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Just when we all thought that we'd be able to enjoy a reprieve from the highly addictive madness that is the Philippine Basketball Association once the PBA Governor's Cup Finals duel between Petron Blaze and San Mig Coffee is through, we are greeted with a barrage of pre off-season, marquee trades.

We've already touched on the recent trade that saw GlobalPort hotshot Gary David moving over to Meralco, now we breakdown the rest of the wheeling and dealing that went down the last few days. For argument's sake and our readers' reference, we've added their 2012-2013 season averages (minutes, points, rebounds and assists). Props to the folks behind www.pba-online.net 

Trade 1

Meralco
Gary David, SG (28.49 mpg 17.10 ppg 2.98 rpg 1.7 apg)
Go-to-scorer that fits Meralco's Dribble Drive Motion Offense owing to his range, up there in years (35) and mileage but is as proven as you can get.

El Granada looks to detonate anew

Gary David to Meralco 

After a year of frustrations and injuries, PBA scoring champion Gary David has been sent by GlobalPort to Meralco in a trade that also includes rookie A.J. Mandani for point guards and former PBL rivals Chris Ross and Chris Timberlake.

From the outside looking in, we love the trade solely for two reasons: it reunites David with a more "shooter-friendly" offense with Meralco's Dribble Drive and two, it gives him a new lease on life after "regressing" this 38th PBA Season. By that we mean, his scoring clip was going up the last five seasons-- scoring average of 15, 17, 18, 21 and 25 before going "down" to 18 again.

PBA GovCup Semis: Meralco - Designed to Fail?

Nag mukhang unggoy yung Meralco
sa pangit ng rotation
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Before anything else, we would like to give a shoutout to the Meralco Bolts for their gutsy stand despite the huge disparity in personnel and firepower in their series against the San Mig Coffee Mixers. Import Mario West put in an impressive and valiant effort despite clearly being hobbled by a shoulder injury he suffered the game before. 

But what we want to touch on this entry is to openly question just what the hell happened with the Bolts. Did they push and ride the “underdog” tag too much? Were players being withheld from being fielded in? What the hell kind of rotation and game plan was Bolts head coach Ryan Gregorio trying to play the entire series?

The way the series unraveled, the Bolts played small ball most of the time with veteran Reynel Hugnatan duking it out with San Mig Coffee’s Marc Pingris, Marqus Blakely and Rafi Reavis underneath. Spelling him was JayR Reyes, a 6”8 warm body with six handy fouls to give out at best.

PBA GovCup Semis: San Mig Coffee vs Meralco

With Maliksi out, PJ Simon's
got buckets on mind
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

With Game 1 already out of the way, things are looking mighty interesting between the San Mig Coffee Mixers and the Meralco Bolts. We breakdown the match-ups and take a look at the necessary adjustments we feel should be made if this series is to go the distance.

PG: Mark Barroca/ Alex Mallari vs Mike Cortez/ Chris Ross/ Chris Timberlake
In a nutshell, here's a token summary of how point guards are supposed to be: can play the half court, can run, be the designated bail-out scorer AND make game-changing stops every now and then. The Mixers' Barroca is steadily boosting his stock under the tutelage of assistant coach Johnny Abarrientos (and now also of Olsen Racela) while Mallari looks like he's found a niche in the pros as a "sparkplug" type. On the flipside, the Bolts have a troika of guards who also possess most of the above-mentioned qualifications save for one-- they can't shoot a lick. The Cortez acquisition gave them a heady floor general who can control the tempo, but it still didn't answer their need for another on-court offensive threat. Given the defensive nature of both teams, the point guard/s that can dictate the pace of the game will win it for his team—even if it means having to put their “scoring caps” on.

Adv. SMC

Let the madness begin... The Return of Asi

Can the Cool Cat shine anew in a different system?
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

So the two camps have finally reached a middle ground.

After weeks of endless discussion and possible (and fantasy) trade scenarios, the Meralco Bolts have agreed to give its rights to inactive (re: moonlighting/ reigning ASEAN Basketball Most Valuable Player) big man Asi Taulava to the Air21 Express in exchange for the (equally) resuscitated career of point guard Mike Cortez.

Now if you're naive enough to believe that Taulava is going to stay put and suit up for the Express and is in it for the long haul,  well, good for you. But it doesn't take much rewinding, research and exploring to connect the dots and see where this is going to.

KKS 2013 PBA Mock Draft Version 1

Please bear with us if our list is a little rough, we're still trying to make sense of all the PBA transactions (which pick was traded to whom, for what, who owns this, who owns that) and are just working around it the best we can. That being said, since we're almost at the end of another magnificent PBA season, it's about damn time to start looking ahead (specially for fans of teams that have no realistic chance of suddenly breaking into the conference finals) and see what's in store.

We'll make about one or two more versions of this 2013 PBA Mock Draft depending on the guys who apply or are deemed eligible. For now, here's our bet for the 1st round Top 10 picks:

1. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Greg Slaughter, 7”0, C
Let’s put it this way, if Tim Cone could make slow-footed, 7”2 E.J. Feihl look like an offensive threat in the late 90s (we’ve never seen him jump high enough to dunk the basketball consistently during his short-lived PBA career), then Slaughter is going to be a force in the pros. The Atenean giant can catch the ball and finish with either hand (over-looked skill these days), always has his hands straight up to contest shots and more importantly, is a willing banger. He’ll also have the luxury of playing alongside a bevy of shooters/ scorers which leaves the paint exclusively to him.

2. Rain or Shine Elastopainters – Ian Sangalang, 6”6, PF/C
While there are those batting for Raymond Almazan, we feel that Yeng Guiao will go with Sangalang—and not just because they’re from the same Northern region. Based on what we've seen so far, Sangalang already trumps his peers and even predecessors with a refined offensive repertoire. He can play inside, outside, has no qualms dribbling end to end and can even stroke it from deep when called upon. Put this guy beside a Beau Belga or JayR Quinahan and you are looking at a Marlou Aquino-Dennis Espino in Santa Lucia kind of pairing that can push RoS to the top right away.

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.

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.

What's next for ABL San Miguel Beermen?

New league, new life for the ABL MVP

Congratulations to the newly-crowned ASEAN Basketball League champions, San Miguel Beermen!

After an impressive campaign that saw the team finish the eliminations atop with a 25-4 record, the Beermen have not only exalted revenge on the Indonesia Warriors but also reclaimed a bit of national pride for the Philippines as a whole. Though opting to carry their brand rather than the name Philippines or Pilipinas, the Beermen are our own and it is only right that each and every player on the roster be recognized for their efforts.

Leading the charge is this season's ABL Most Valuable Player Asi Taulava, who at 40 years of age was still able to play 22 games and put up 10 ppg and 7rpg in about 27 minutes of action a game. This, after being dismissed as a "washed up, has been out for a big paycheck" by some circles. We admit to feeling the same way-- but never to the extend that the beefy 6"9 Taulava can no longer contribute to a winning team.

DareDevil on the move, but Ronjay biggest steal

Finally an end to the dry spell.

The PBA teams are back in the limelight following a three-team trade that involves two legit 20 point scorers, a high post big man and energy/ rotation guys. And since we haven't really posted anything substantial the last few days, let's cut this intro short and proceed with the topic at hand:

Dillinger will electrify the Bolts...
... IF he gets back to 100%

Meralco Bolts
Jared Dillinger (SG/SF)
It's funny how the world of Philippine basketball works: languish as a confused player in an even more confused coach's rotation to start your professional career, still be good enough to be called for national team duties, put on a solid showing under a new head coach enough to earn a semi-starting gig, get in a freak accident and ultimately be sent packing to the "B" (sister) team.

Should Dillinger be able to come back from his injuries, then he'll start as the Bolts' go-to-small forward right away. Given resident franchise player Mark Cardona's recent struggles and so-so performances, Dillinger steps in as a legit offensive force who can play both inside and out. Defensively, Dillinger has been putting up a string of solid performances with Gilas Pilipinas and even over at TNT. We've been saying this since day one, Dillinger has more upside than our boy Gabe Norwood over at Rain or Shine as a high-scoring big guard who can play positions 1, 2 and 3.

Grade: A- (only if he comes back strong)

PBA Commish Cup Playoffs: 1-0

What we've learned so far in the PBA Playoffs:
Cabagnot is still Alapag's b*tch.

Alaska Aces (1) vs Air21 Express (8): Aces advance to next round
That's all she wrote for the Express. Aces' went with a zone to take out Express import Mike Dunigan and dared anyone not named Nino Canaleta to beat them from deep. JVee Casio has risen from rookie teammate's magnetising shadow to stand out as the Aces' true leader on the floor with his steady and heady point guard plays. This guys is just amazing to watch, doesn't force shots (almost to a fault) and never, EVER, gives up his dribble until he finds an open man or a good look. Just sound team basketball for the Aces anchored on them having arguably some of the league's best players at each position save for power forward (which isn't much of a big deal given that center Sonny Thoss is doing just fine there playing alongside import Rob Dozier).

Rain or Shine (2) vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (7): Ginebra forces do-or-die Monday
The game was theirs for the taking but in true Elastopainters fashion, they started to become stagnant and predictable and almost ignorantly and bullishly kept going inside to Sundov in the 3rd quarter when  Ginebra made the necessary adjustment to send three guys over each and every time. Referees had an impact in the third quarter, but the Elastopainters were still in it so no excuses there. Bad game for Gabe Norwood, who was fighting tooth and nail in that "meaningless" Meralco game to avoid this match with Ginebra (and now we know why). He did absolutely nothing tonight, guarding pint-sized guards LA Tenorio and Josh Urbiztondo and failing miserably. Beau Belga and JayR Quinahan need to be called out as well, the Elastopainters need to make use of their advantage in depth (specially on the block) to the hilt on Monday's do-or-die game or just concede the series to Ginebra.

Into the PBA Commish Cup Playoffs (Part 2.2)

Ibalik ang bangis!

San Mig Coffee Mixers (4) vs Meralco Bolts (5)
No other playoff match-up could be as 50-50 as this one not only because of their "too close to call" rankings but also because one team is rising steadily while the other is suffering from a malady of injuries and off-court issues. As a basketball fan, we're quite pleased that the Mixers are back in the hunt to defend their title after a slow star and that the Bolts, dismissed as a team that's clearly tanking to get a better seeding at next year's PBA draft after the lopsided Sol Mercado trade, are back in the Playoffs.

PG Mark Barocca vs Chris Ross
It's going to be speed versus speed, with a slight edge to Ross for his defensive tenacity and rebounding. Barocca's not too shabby either and for the Mixers to win they'll need the former FEU stalwart to deliver offensively and defensively. It's going to be interesting on how these two will guard each other. Ross can't give Barocca too much daylight as the latter has shown an improvement from the outside. Barocca can't stick too closely to Ross because the Fil-Am will just blitz his way to the rim for the finish or a kickout to his shooters. Ross can guard Barocca straight up, but Barocca will have to watch out for Ross' outside passes so the entire Mixers will have to chip in to play safety at all times.

Adv. Meralco

Rookie watch: The Beast vs Cliff Hodge

You reach, I teach

We'll be the first to admit it.

While we always thought that the Alaska Aces' Calvin Abueva is the better player overall, we sided with the Meralco Bolts' Clifford Hodge and the latter having the better conference given his size. In case you're living under a rock, the current PBA Commissioner's Cup features a barrage of 6"9 and up imports that could only make life for the 6"1 (no way he's 6"3, have you seen him standing next to teammate Cyrus Baguio?) Abueva a living hell. Hodge, who stands at a legit 6"5, should be excelling this conference and playing at his regular power forward spot with ease.

Right?

Wrong.