Road rage

Time to man up.
(Photo credit: Spin.ph)

We don't know about you, but it would be wise to be on a "Yeng Guiao watch" from here on out.

The NLEX Road Warriors are still winless in the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup despite Guiao's old hand Wayne Chism's stellar numbers (39mpg 26ppg 17rpg 2apg) all across the boards. Last conference, we gave NLEX a pass because it was Guiao's first with the team. Now, well, we aren't really seeing any improvements.

Hell, they seem to have gotten worse.

Life without Gary

No David? More Baby Fat Assassin!
(Photo credit PBA.Inquirer.net)

The Meralco Bolts, currently carrying a league-best 6 wins and 2 losses slate in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, seem to be doing all the right things on the basketball court in spite of the recent off-court drama involving now former star guard Gary David (who has been relegated to the Unrestricted Free Agent list).

Head coach Norman Black has done a tremendous job in turning things around for the team after an abysmal Philippine Cup performance wherein the Bolts just looked lost and uninterested in winning. From the iso-heavy Ryan Gregorio years, the Bolts are flourishing under Black’s “spread the wealth” style of basketball that rewards hard-workers and preaches defense first.  Last season (in the very same conference), we saw flashes of this very same style although with older and inconsistent pieces (mostly anchored by veteran Reynel Hugnatan; who enjoyed an All Star year) around do-it-all import Josh Davis.

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?"

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.

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.

System under maintenance

Teams are actually OUTWORKING the Texters
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

It's tough being the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters these days.

Lend your core players and staff for flag and country, try to create a stop-gap in the PBA by bringing in some young talent and a high-scoring import in Tony Mitchell, then have them all come back together to try and make another playoffs push as is the Texters norm the last three years.

Except, instead of a power surge that would lead to productivity in all fronts, the Texters overall system came crashing down on their way to the bottom of the PBA Governor's Cup standings.

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).

Lesson in Humility

"Umuwi ka na baby..."

So 6"9 Japeth Aguilar's NBA dreams has hit another setback; this time by being cut from the NBA D-League team Santa Cruz Warriors' final 10 man season roster.

Well, we hate to say it if only because the meek and shallow minded would easily dismiss us as another Japeth-hater. First, you have to be worth a damn to have "haters." Second, we call Aguilar out for his flaws, in hopes that he or anyone close to him Googles his name on a daily basis and lands on this humble blog that's as honest as they come. We're not obsessed fanatics here, we won't pat your back after a bad game. We'll call it as we see it, and if you're serious about what you want to be (which, we presume is a legit and elite Filipino basketball player) then maybe you can consider what we (and other basketball fans like us) have to say.

Okay, back to Aguilar and his failed, most aggressive (to date) and nth attempt to be the next Jeremy Lin.

What's up Boss Mikee?

Hey Coach Glen, let the kids play!

The PBA's leading scorer the last two-three seasons, Gary David, is finally back for the GlobalPort Batang Pier following a bunch of missed games due to nagging injuries. Though David came up with another brilliant scoring display last Friday versus the struggling Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, it wasn't enough to give the Batang Pier their 2nd win in 9 games.

Expect David to burn the twine yet again alongside 2x PBA MVP Willie Miller and the 2012 PBA Draft "steal"Jason Deutchman-- these three guys can all bury the shot from deep all day when given the go signal. But that's not where we're going with in tonight's entry. We'd like to focus more on the wishy-washy handling of the rotation and the players that are starting to get more minutes on the floor.

New blood for Batang Pier

Loving the hustle of Mandani and co.

Finally. Though PBA neophytes GlobalPort Batang Pier are currently languishing at the bottom of the Philippine Cup standings with a 1-4 record, there's a lot of excitement in the air for Coach Glen Capacio et.al. because of the youth and excitement they're bringing into the games as of late.

At the forefront is old reliable, 2x PBA Most Valuable Player Willie Miller defying father time and even making up for the absence of last year's MVP bride's maid Gary David. Though it took a game or two for Coach Glen to figure it out, it was pretty obvious that Miller as a team player is a better fit for the Batang Pier squad rather than mainstay and team owner Mikee Romero's so-called "franchise player" David simply because he does more (when he's motivated and not running on dead legs).

Pulling for Japeth to make it but...

Hilaw pa din ba si Japeth?

Like any proud Filipino basketball fan, news of a local wanting to make it to the biggest stage of them all-- the National Basketball Association (NBA), will always be met with nothing but cheer and support. So now that news of 6”10 athlete Japeth Aguilar is trying his darndest to make a summer league roster (via the San Antonio Spurs), it is only fitting that we give him all the love that we can.

Before Aguilar, only two Filipino players in recent memory were really mentioned in the same stratosphere as the NBA. There’s the legendary and iconic Johnny Abarrientos, an MVP point guard who was well ahead of his time, followed by reigning Philippine Basketball Association MVP Mark Caguioa who was rumored as being scouted at one point during his younger years with Ginebra. Of the two, it was the same old story—they were great players, elite probably, but were just too short.

Welcome to the PBA Global Port Batang Pier

The dream has finally turned into reality.

Champion sports aficionado and shipping mogul Mikee Romero has finally turned his boyhood dream into reality: earning the PBA Board of Governors' nod in acquiring the Powerade Tigers franchise thus joining Asia's pioneering basketball league of over thirty-five years.

What this means:

1. No more drama
Last season's magical, Cinderella story run to the Finals and superstar Gary David's "takeover" of the league was marred by rumors of the Tigers' demise. There were reports that the team was for sale and worse, on the verge of being disbanded with all of its players, coaches and staff left under the cold and lonely rain. Well, Romero's multi-million Peso acquisition assures us all of continuity in terms of the players-- since the core guys; David, JVee Casio, Rabah Al Hussaini and Sean Anthony are signed to long-term contracts while the reserves led by Rey Guevarra, Rommel Adducul, Rudy Lingganay and Jondan Salvador.

SMART Gilas 1: Revisited

What if?

Now that the season is over and we know where each of the concerned pieces stand, this writer can not help but picture what might have been had all the original, dreamt players taken part of the highly successful SMART Gilas program. Though there were about five or six players who chose to skip the national program and move on to the pros, let's single out three who could've improved our chances: Rabah Al Hussaini, Noy Baclao and Paul Lee.

Al Hussaini, at a beefy 6"5, would've been a joy to watch offensively for Gilas. A traditional post big who can knock down mid range jumpers, the former King Eagle would've commanded respect and helped open up the floor for naturalized center Marcus Douthit. Anyone who's ever played the game would tell you that having a big who can anchor the offense down low is always a plus, because it makes things easier for everyone. Guys can roam freely and choose their spots on the floor and makes the defenders extend outside if used correctly.

Stubborn Energy

Di pa sila tapos!

Just when we were ready to write them off, the Barako Bull Energy won over the Meralco Bolts in a pulsating Sunday afternoon game, 81-79. The victory created a playoffs scenario for the 6th and final semis slot among the Energy, Bolts and Powerade Tigers.

This could've and should've been prevented outright by the Energy had they managed to hold on to their 17-point in-game lead. Of course, Coach Junel Baculi and his boys led by a motivated Danny Seigle will take the W and it's not everyday that you can weather a 40-point explosion from Bolts import Mario West.

What to make of Powerade

Yan yung larong Arriba Letran!  

Are they here to stay, buying time or are on they way out?

Those are the questions tacked on the insides of my brain whenever the Powerade Tigers hog the limelight by virtue of the scoring prowess of ace Gary David. It's really hard to measure the value of a PBA superstar specially when you know he's on a team that's probably not going to make deep runs for the foreseeable future.

Not when they opted to trade away David's true successor and the 2nd most important player in their rotation the last two conferences in rookie Marcio Lassiter. Yes, JVee Casio has been gifted with more than the lion's share of Skip Bayless' precious "clutch gene" but you don't build teams around point guards. It's either a wing or a big. That's it.

Done Deal

Rabeh: Dominant when/if focused

Try as we may to believe that the PBA is one and on the same page in ensuring that fans get their money's worth in games which requires healthy competition and league-wide balance, at day's end it's still a business wherein winning at all costs will always be at the minds of players, officials and most of all, team owners.

Weeks after the initial trade between Powerade and Petron Blaze was vetoed (and met with so much venom you'd think the San Miguel franchise suddenly became the local, basketball version of the WWE heel stable Evolution), it's now back on the table with the same lead players but different support/ spare parts.

If at first you don't succeed...

Rabeh: big man who could
balance the Tigers' attack

After PBA Commissioner Chito Salud vetoed the initial trade that would've sent the Powerade Tigers' super rookie Marcio Lassiter to the Petron Blaze Boosters for little used sophomores Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra, a new deal is reportedly in the works.

Clearly, both teams are in connivance to somehow make sure that Lassiter ends up with the Boosters regardless of the names that they have to send over to the Tigers. As of this writing, rumors have it that temperamental power forward Rabeh Al Hussaini will take Baclao's spot in the revised offer.

Personally, this would be a better deal since it gives the Tigers a reliable, scoring big man and a back-up guard rather than a player whose best (defensive) years were spent in college (the added weight obviously hasn't helped Baclao one bit-- it has only slowed him down and made him even more of a liability since his offensive skills are quite limited inside the shaded lane as a drop-pass/ offensive rebound/ putback option).