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.

The road so far

How long can The Rock carry NLEX
(Photo credit to the owner)

It is never easy being the youngest in the family: sure, you get spoiled from time to time being, literally, the "new kid in town" but it also means that you are probably getting a lot of hand-me-downs from your older brother/s or sister/s. We cannot speak for the affluent, but for us middle to low class citizens, that means having to deal with wearing your big brother's signature basketball shoes for the majority of your basketball-formation age.

Until of course you actually can ball OR is old enough to really throw a huge selfish fit that your parents have no choice but to buy you your own kicks.

Well, that is what Coach Boyet Fernandez and his NLEX Road Warriors had to deal with their first time out in the PBA. They were given a broken down team, with spare parts coming by way of sister teams Talk'n'Text and Meralco, and really did not stand a modicum of a chance at competing fairly against the powerhouse teams.

This season however, Coach Boyet is making it work (currently with a 4 wins and 5 losses card) thanks to Sean Anthony (35mpg 19ppg 13rpg 4apg) and the ageless Asi Taulava (33mpg 20ppg 13rpg 2apg) leading the way. Both of whom could be called as "hand-me-downs" if you will, but don't tell them that. Hell, you could even say that their old teams would probably want them back in the fold in some manner (both TNT and Meralco could use a lot of Taulava, even Anthony)

Oh Jimmy, My Jimmy

He still has it.
(Photo credit to the owner)

When Jimmy Alapag decided or agreed to unretire and suit up for the Meralco Bolts, just months after announcing his then official retirement, it was probably done in hopes of being one of the missing pieces to a budding contender. Because surely, who on God's green earth would give up the wonders of retirement, easing into a front office- good paying job and being able to spend more time with his family to play for such a lousy team that is currently at the bottom of the PBA Philippine Cup with a 1-8 record?

We accept the fact that Alapag is a modern day national hero; but we didn't know that he was a willing martyr to boot.

In nine games played, Alapag is averaging 21mpg 5ppg 1rpg 5apg and shooting 28.2% from 2 and 21.2% from 3-- most of these numbers are career lows FYI. The Bolts' system has been so chaotic, that we see Alapag playing heavy minutes one night, then handing over the keys to rookie shooting guard/ small forward Chris Newsome rather than the guy who was supposed to be his understudy coming out of college, another rookie, Baser Amer.

What in the blue hell? What is going on here?

Faulty wiring

Meralco needs to let the kids play
(Photo credit to the owner)

Please excuse the above shameless pun of a title, but that is probably the best way to describe what is happening to the now 0 wins and 4 losses Meralco Bolts in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.

After quite an impressive showing last season, the Bolts were supposed to move up this year thanks to the acquisition of point guard Jimmy Alapag (doesn’t get better than this guy, IMHO), big man Rabeh Al Hussaini and rookies Chris Newsome and Baser Amer to name a few. Sure, they lost an energy wing guy in Sean Anthony, but overall the talent level was supposed to have gone up—on paper at least.

They were SUPPOSED do a lot of positive things but so far, all we have seen is a lot of sloppy play and inconsistency from Coach Norman Black’s team.

Electric Avenue

The Prodigal Son returns
(Photo credit to the owner)

To borrow a line or two from the great Guyanese-British musician Eddy Grant's hit song, "We(are) gonna rock down to Electric Avenue, and then we'll take it higher (higher)."

Higher, because that is where head coach Norman Black is destined to bring the revamped Meralco Bolts. Last year, the team had to make do with the oft-injured Mike Cortez at point guard and whoever was healthy and available enough to masquerade at center. It got so bad that the Bolts had to play center-by-committee, since no one was fit enough to really play the position.

Their best low post player?

Swiss Army knife Reynel Hugnatan (who was greatly rewarded for his efforts, earning his first PBA All Star selection), who easily gives up about 5 to 6 inches to the likes of 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, PBA MVP Asi Taulava and Greg Slaughter.

This coming season the Bolts have been rewarded by the basketball Gods with the addition of unretired floor general Jimmy Alapag and big man Rabeh Al Hussaini.

Oh Captain, Our Captain

The Mighty Mouse Returns
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Even with news of his "un-retirement" making most of the local sports headlines, we will remain adamant  in our belief that there is not a single thing that Jimmy Alapag, retired Talk'n'Text Tropang Texter and soon to be Meralco Bolts point guard for 2015-2016, could ever do that would change our opinion of him as being one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball.

He could slit a little puppy's throat in front of a bunch of toddlers, right now, and we'll still be like: "still one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball" (although we sincerely hope that Alapag doesn't get any ideas with us saying that BTW).

So why did Alapag decide to unretire and lace up his sneakers after all the ceremonies and festivities January of this year? Why on earth would you give up a managerial position, to lead one of the league's best teams that require little to no rebuilding at the moment, to go back and be "one of the boys?"

2015 PBA Mock Draft V 4.0

Ginebra fans should be on
the lookout for this kid
(Photo credit to the owner)

Before the official list of 2015 PBA Draft applicant is made public, reportedly next Monday, we are revisiting our mock draft with what we hope is the final and true order (all things considered). We already know that some prized names such as 2x UAAP Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks, Jr., his rival Kiefer Ravena, and even promising big man Arnold Van Opstal will hold out for another year.

In our honest opinion, this year's draft has a lot of promise and potential but not much of the PBA ready superstars. There seems to be a lack of Paul Lee-like sleepers, the Gilas cadets look more like serviceable role players than future stars and even the projected number one pick, 6"7 Fil-Tonggan Moala Tautuaa, hasn't really dominated the amateurs in a way that Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, Rommel Adducul and even Jervy Cruz did moving up the ranks-- which is big, considering we live in a day and age wherein everyone just about blows everything out of proportion.

1. Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters (from Blackwater) - Moala Tautuaa, 6"7
For all good things about Troy Rosario, how he's improved and made the most of the chances given him since breaking into the spotlight by way of the UAAP Finals (SEAGames, FIBA 3x3), we have a feeling that the Texters will find it rather difficult to pass on a specimen like Tautuaa. Between the two, Tautuaa is the more polished offensively though quite lacking in range. He is basically a heftier, full-bearded Kelly Williams (who is out with an MCL injury btw)-- not a center per se, but a strong presence in the paint who can run and cover a lot of ground on both ends of the court.

2. Mahindra Enforcers/ Kia Carnival - Troy Rosario, 6"7
If Coach Manny Pacquiao has proven one thing last season, it's that he is not in the league as a mere "joke." They competed quite well in the last two conferences behind the coaching brilliance of lead assistant Chito Victolero, and it only makes pure basketball sense to go for Rosario and pair him-- pick and roll, pick and pop, with point guard L.A. Revilla whose stock should be on the rise for next season.

Wired towards the future

How many solid point guards
do you have as back-up, Cool Cat?
(Photo credit Sports5.ph)

Since its inception in 2010 after buying out the Santa Lucia Realty franchise, the Meralco Bolts have always been known or regarded to as Manny V. Pangilinan's "other PBA team." They are not as decorated as sister team Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters, they hardly make deep playoff runs despite being given some TNT pieces to work with (at one time or another: Mac Cardona, Asi Taulava, Marlou Aquino, and now Jared Dillinger and Gary David). And even when they managed to snag a legitimate PBA grand slam coach in Norman Black for this season, it was widely received as Black's demotion for not continuing in Chot Reyes' TNT's championship ways, than the Bolts moving in the right direction.

Well, after Season 1 of the "Black Magic" Era, we can all say that they were wrong.

It wasn't a demotion for Black, it was a challenge. A new project wherein he can build the foundations of a competitive basketball team that plays the right way. Those who paid enough attention to the Bolts would tell you that they are no longer the team of yesteryears' and that they are playing true to who they are, with a definitive character or team identity.

PBA GC QF: (2) San Miguel vs (7) Meralco

Meralco needs another vintage performance
from El Granada to win
(Photo credits Sports5)

"Oh, so you helped oust your sister team? You better make damn sure you win."

Fantasy monologue from Manny V. Pangilinan to his Meralco Bolts team, which lost to Kia and helped close the door on sister team's Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters chances of making the Playoffs.

Uh-oh.

They won against San Miguel, 106-95 with Andre Emmet exploding for 31 points and 11 rebounds plus the aide of a vintage Gary David performance with 23 markers. That being said, AZ Reid was not at his very best (sick), while Junemar Fajardo was left all by his lonesome by his local brethren.

Now?

Fajardo is playing like he always does. Reid is back to being Mr. A to Z. The rest of the crew are delivering, namely Marcio Lassiter and Alex Cabagnot. This Beermen, which finished 2nd overall, look like the same Beermen squad that won the PBA Philippine Cup (only with Reid cast in the Arwind Santos role).

Can the Bolts beat the Beermen?

2015 PBA Mock Draft V 3.0

Come at me, bro.
(Photo credits to spin.ph)

Will Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. fulfill his NBA dreams? Or will he be forced to "settle" for this side of the world's oldest play-for-pay basketball league? Is Moala Tautuaa really that good? What if Troy Rosario ends up being the same player as one former UAAP All Star Kelvin Gregorio?

Ladies and gentlemen, here is the third version of what is starting to look more and more like a thin 2015 PBA Draft field (talent-wise). This time, we are going with "what the team needs right now" over the "best available talent" thinking to fill out the rest of the First Round.

12. Rain or Shine Elastopainters - Glenn Khobuntin, 6"4
Tailor-made for Yeng Guiao, fits the new RoS "TV friendly faces" image that the team has come to embrace the last two seasons. Perimeter big in the mold of old wards Ronnie Matias and Larry Rodriguez, though not as skilled.

11. Blackwater Elite (from Talk'n'Text) - Maverick Ahanmisi, 6"2
This team desperately needs a go-to-guy. There's that Ryan Wetherell cat and all the hype about him while playing in Vince Hizon's FBA... but if the UP MBT could win a legitimate basketball title over there the way their roster is right now...

Trade Rumors

Nice Photoshop skills. But trade still in limbo
(Photo credits to the owner)

While we await the final decision/ approval of the PBA Commissioner's Office, let's take a seat and digest the possible transactions that have already seen the light of Internet day (which, in reality, sounds more like gossip than news but hey, whatever sells right?).

First up is the blockbuster deal that would involve sister teams Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel, and conduit Barako Bull Energy Cola. In this trade, Ginebra will get the services of Marcio Lassiter, San Miguel gets JC Intal and Barako lands Mac Baracael.

Sure, it involves sister and farm teams but when was the last time we had a trade of almost equal value in the PBA?

Exercise in futility

At the start of the PBA season, it was agreed upon by the PBA board that teams will be allowed an optional, secondary import of Asian lineage as long as he stands 6"3 and below (the first being the "regular" import of 6"5) for the season-ending PBA Governor's Cup. Truth be told, the idea in general is more of a marketing/ public relations-driven campaign to further the brand instead of improving the level of play in the league.

We already know that the Filipino basketball talent is at par (if not better) than most in the East Asian region. We have known this for so long, specially if we are talking about guys who stand 6"3 and below. This is why every one from Johnny Abarrientos, to Kenneth Duremdes and now Jayson Castro and Paul Lee are able to make their foreign counterparts look a step and skillset slower and lower. So we could fully understand why some of the PBA teams deemed it unnecessary to add another name on the roster, limit their locals' minutes and add to the payroll.

Why?

Because it is "optional."

2015 PBA Mock Draft V 2.0

Top 5 sleeper
(Photo credits to owner)

Remember when we said that it was a bit early to be writing about the 2015 PBA Draft, given the scarcity of names that are sure to apply? Well, we are starting to hear more and more of young, collegiate talent that are foregoing their final UAAP/NCAA years if only to try their luck at the pros (UE's Roi Sumang being the biggest newsmaker to date).

Just bear in mind that the PBA Draft order isn't final (we'll know at season's end) but here's more or less something to work with (thanks to that PBADraft website whose owner I don't know, but props to him/ her).

Let's go.

KKS Fantasy: If Team MVP were to trade within

Just a few days ago, two teams under the San Miguel umbrella engaged in some player trades/ acquisition with the aide of two other "rumored" sister farm teams to increase their chances of winning moving forward. This has been a constant (a rather tiring one, even) for Team SMB which has led us to wonder why the teams under the great Manny V. Pangilinan umbrella aren't doing the same.

You could argue that it's because Talk'n'Text, the Team MVP's flagship and answer to San Miguel Beermen, has been winning so much that trades aren't really all that necessary,but we feel that Meralco and NLEX could use a little help here and there as far as some pieces are concerned.

Basically, since we have time to spare (our team-  Rain or Shine already booked a seat in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals and is just waiting for the Purefoos - Talk 'n' Text winner), here's something of a fantasy trade scenario that we feel could help all Team MVP franchises right away:

PBA meets Asia... sort of.

Mahdi Kamrani in the PBA would be awesome
(Photo credits to the owner)

For the season-ending PBA Governor's Cup, the league will allow teams to field not one but two imports-- the first being a "traditional" or American/ European/ etc. import (6"5 ceiling for the top 8 teams, while the bottom 4 enjoy an unlimited height ceiling) and the second, which is optional, an Asian import no more than 6"3.

Which, in today's day and age, makes that Asian import a shooting guard/ small forward at the very least and no more.

The idea, approved by PBA chairman Patrick Gregorio, is quite intriguing and novel. It was done in good taste, with the best of intentions to help spice up the 3rd and final conference as well as expose our players and the fans to other Asian stars.

Our only concern here is that, why put a (such a low) height restriction on the Asian imports?

For the uninitiated, Asian guards and wings are no better than the ones that we already have in the PBA-- with our guys even being slightly better as our training is more to the likings of NBA players while other Asian countries develop their players to suit the FIBA style of basketball (which is, unfortunately, considered as "amateur-ish").

PBACC The Semifinals: Rain or Shine vs Meralco

Powerade Pilipinas reunion, sort of
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

While the other series will be a beautiful case of high-caliber basketball, this one between the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and Meralco Bolts will be a dog fight.

Not because they are not as well-coached as Purefoods and Talk'n'Text, no, but because both teams run a blue collar, smash mouth kind of basketball that is often wild and woozy (yet highly entertaining, specially when Beau Belga forgets his manners or Gary David waxes hot from down town).

But you know what? If they play their cards right, whoever wins this series will most likely be fresher come the PBA Finals since you just know that the other series will take its toll at some point on either Purefoods or TNT not just physically, but mentally.

As long as the Elastopainters/ Bolts can make this series a short one, of course.

PBACC The Quarterfinals: NLEX vs Meralco

Blue collar basketball
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

"Walang kapatid-kapatid, walang kaibi-kaibigan."

Sorry. Couldn't help it. Couldn't help quoting a former President turned Mayor-on-redemption on this one simply because it will be the first time (in recent memory) that we'll see two of Team MVP's squads facing one another in the Playoffs (something that we've been quite used to with Team SMC). Basically, this is the Team MVP version of a Purefoods vs Ginebra, with Talk'n'Text playing the crown jewel San Miguel role.

Two teams that are built on fundamentally sound basketball, no superstar plays, no isolation-heavy star guards trying to carry his team onto greatness. Just good, clean almost college-like basketball featuring two of the more disciplined coaches out there today in Meralco's Norman Black and NLEX's Boyet Fernandez.

Power Surge

The sitcom can wait for now,
welcome back El Granada!
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

After a mediocre first few years in the PBA after buying out the Santa Lucia Realty franchise, the Bolts are finally looking like a Manny V. Pangilinan-owned team thanks to their hot start in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. Head coach Norman Black has done quite a remarkable job in being able to find balance in what was once a predictable one-man show squad (first it was supposed "franchise" player Mac Cardona, then it was Gary David's turn, then they tried it again with Jarred Dillinger but that didn't pan out quite well).

This time, every one gets to touch the basketball despite or in spite of David's current "return to form" (pwera bati). The Bolts play defense first, mostly on hustle and hunger thanks to import Josh Davis who everyone thought was a bad fit at first (probably still is, because of redundancy in talent and the failure to address the team's need for a legit center, but you can't argue with results which is shown on the win column), the offense second. Their sets aren't that complicated when you look at it, just good old-fashioned textbook basketball plays run on a very high level which is a testament to Black's coaching genius.

The Right Fit

The real deal. Sorry Ms. Sheryl!
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It's that time of the PBA season once again wherein teams try their very best to remain (or be) competitive by adding a foreign reinforcement. The trouble with this set-up is that it's a hit-or-miss affair, since you're never truly guaranteed of having the right chemistry or wins, not until the import comes over and actually plays a few games with the team.

There are those who have solid credentials but never really lived up to the hype, some who were able to deliver, and other unknowns and sleepers (Terquin Mott, Devin Davis and Damien Owens from an era ago, Diamon Simpson, AZ Reid, Marqus Blakely) who pretty much take their teams to the promise land and even come back several times to help their team keep that winning tradition. Sometimes, it's not all about the credentials. Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith when it comes to adding an import. But it would be absurd for a team to throw team chemistry and addressing certain needs out the window if only to get a name. Right?

Well, some times.

Here's our take on the PBA imports that we've seen so far:

That New, Old Black Magic

The Bolts are winning despite David's struggles,
just as Black designed
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

And just when you thought that the professional game has passed Norman Black after looking every bit like a coach who just spent the last near decade or so in the amateurs, the man turns things around after what was initially deemed a "demotion."

See, Black was coming off a surreal five-peat championship quest with the Ateneo De Manila University-- a feat that probably won't be matched very soon. To reward him for his winnings and loyalty, he was handed the keys to run the college team's financier's crown jewel in the Philippine Basketball Association: The Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters. He made good in his first season back in the pros, winning a title and all-- but then it became pretty obvious that the title was more a "last hurrah" for his predecessor's system rather than Black's.

What followed was a series of disappointing finishes, with the Texters losing out on PBA Finals appearances and even semifinal showdowns which they're almost always a part of during the Chot Reyes Era.