PBA Philippine Cup Finals: Ginebra (1) vs TNT (3)

Author's note: Before we proceed, we would like to once again take this time to thank everyone who made the PBA Philippine Cup bubble. Sure, we made fun of certain teams and players on social media-- but that doesn't take away from how thankful we all are for being able to have something 'normal,' and how it took our minds away from this pandemic (if only for 3-5 hours a day).

So here we finally are. The PBA Philippine Cup (Bubble Season) Finals match-up pitting the Barangay Ginebra versus TNT Giga. The clear-cut favorites, going into the season following the injury to San Miguel Beer's living legend Junemar Fajardo which put a halt to their mighty romp.

On one side, you have last season's PBA Governor's Cup champions Ginebra which lost 7"0 slotman Greg Slaughter but ultimately gained another conference's worth of chemistry with ace guard Stanley Pringle. Where super scoring import Justin Brownlee left off, Pringle pretty much picked up together with new recruits veteran lefties Jared Dilligner and Jeffrei Chan. 

In the off-season they added promising rookie Arvin Tolentino and during the bubble Coach Tim Cone made full use of his roster by giving extended minutes to his younger players which allowed back-up center Prince Caperal to showcase his wares.

Then there's the TNT Giga.

They added the man we dub as 'The Natural' in Ray Ray Parks, Jr. And followed it up by adding much-improved defensive big Poy Erram while giving away next to nothing.

That's it. End of conversation.

Rising Higher: Thank You Kelly

Thank you Kelly
(Photo: Inquirer.net)

This took a while to compose, mostly because this writer was caught up in all things pandemic and trying my best to keep a sane outlook in spite of the now regular "death alerts" on social media. It's pretty much academic by now, never a day goes by wherein you don't see one of your friends mourning the loss of a loved one.

"Condolence" is the new "Kamusta ka na?" in the year 2020.

So before we all start sulking again, let us celebrate the PBA career of one "Machine Gun" Kelly Williams, the former PBA MVP who opted to retire just a few weeks before the PBA restart instead of suiting up for the TNT Giga.

Overall, Williams' best body of work came in his first few years in the PBA. When he starred for the now defunct Santa Lucia Realtors (later on bought by today's Meralco Bolts) alongside aging stars Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino. He led a team of underdogs, with teammates Denok Miranda, Bitoy Omolon, Paolo Mendoza and Joseph Yeo to a title and several deep playoff runs. When the Realtors were about to fold, they sent him to TNT with defensive hound Ryan Reyes where they would enjoy even more title runs together while quietly serving as TNT's pillars with Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo.

I remember watching Williams in the PBL, where his team (Viva was it?) was bannered mostly by UAAP powerhouse FEU stalwarts Miranda and chief rival Arwind Santos. Williams could run, rebound, and basically do all the things you'd want or dream of from a 6"7 wing. He didn't have much of a jumpshot, but prior to Williams we just haven't seen that kind of monster from a local (if Danny Seigle were a legit U.S. 2, then Williams is a 3 who bullied the smaller Filipino competition).

"Ako ang nagtanim, iba ang umani."

Katropa U

Trying the college approach.
(Photo credit: Inquirer.net)

When Nash Racela took over for Jong Uichico as head coach of TNT Katropa in the off-season, he made two things clear: 1) the return of the dribble drive offense and 2) TNT will play like a college team.

So far, both points have come into fruition though the team is currently standing on a shaky win-loss record. Honestly, they could have easily been closer to the top, but they were surprisingly bested by cellar-dwelling sister teams Meralco (Ed Daquioag went HAM) and NLEX (Pampanga homecourt).

A closer look at TNT shows that 10 guys are playing 20+ minutes per game with six scoring in double digits. What is even more surprising is that Larry Fonacier is leading the team in minutes with 28mpg 11ppg 3rg 2apg followed by star guard Jayson Castro 27/19/3/6, while both coming off the bench. They are supported by Troy Rosario 25/13/7/1 , Ryan Reyes, 24/7/3/3, Roger Pogoy 23/6/3/1, Ranidel de Ocampo 22/13/6/3 and Kelly Williams 21/10/6/1.

The Revival

Calling the shots
(Photo credit: Inquirer.net)

We owe TNT Katropa head coach Jong Uichico an apology.

For a while there, when Coach Jong appeared to be running everything through Jayson Castro reminiscent of how his mentor Ron Jacobs rode “Da Bull” Nelson Asaytono in the late 90s at San Miguel, we started to believe that this guy was nothing more than a relic. A relic who insists on running outdated hero/ isolation plays in an ever-evolving sport of spread-out offenses and taller three-point specialists.

What made it even worse is that, he seemed to be changing the philosophies and culture of the very team that pioneered and mastered this new, Euro-style of play in the PBA.

Again, we owe him an apology.

The Final Cut

Two of the best.
(Photo credit: Nuki Sabo, PBA Images)

Or cuts.

Though we are not privy to the Gilas Pilipinas on-goings, it would not be much of a stretch to say that it was probably quite a painful task to cut proven stars, point guard L.A. Tenorio and small forward Calvin Abueva, from the Final 12 that will represent the country in the coming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July.

With all due respect to the Final 12, which we will write about on a separate entry, Tenorio and Abueva are arguably the best players at their natural positions today.

The road less traveled

Asi needs better passing options
(Photo credits to Sports5)

This is not how a "feel good" story such as the NLEX Road Warriors' 42-year-old starting center Asi Taulava's should be going.

Trying his very best to postpone his retirement and prove his worth to Philippine basketball (which he doesn't really have to, being a certified future PBA Hall of Famer), Taulava finds himself trying to lead a hapless team that suffered yet another setback this PBA Governor's Cup just a few hours ago to the GlobalPort Batang Pier squad. Hell, even his coach (Boyet Fernandez) has been quoted to be missing some of his old wards from another team because he says that he just doesn't have the right tools to get the job done.

Let's see here: imports Kwame Alexander (40 mpg 21 ppg 14 rpg 2 apg) and Michael Madanly (30 mpg 19 ppg 3 rpg 3 apg), Taulava (30 mpg 16 ppg 10 rpg 1 apg), Nino Canaleta (20 mpg 8 ppg 4 rpg 1 apg), a revived Enrico Villanueva, healthy Jonas Villanueva (30 mpg 6 ppg 3 rpg 4 apg), a "one more match" Mac Cardona (20 mpg 9 ppg 4 rpg 2 apg) and under-rated shooter/defender John Wilson. Plus two stretch fours in Aldrech Ramos and Mark Borboran.

So what else is missing?

Take the lead

Jayson Castro the Leader
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The knock on Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters star combo guard Jayson Castro has always been "he can't do it without Kuya Jimmy (Alapag)." Even when he was hailed as FIBA Asia 2012's "Best Point Guard in ALL of Asia," a lot of people (us included) chose to remain quiet, if only to not draw the ire of the patriotic, instead of celebrating his rare feat.

Because that whole tournament, it was Jimmy Alapag and L.A. Tenorio running the offense. Because Castro was used more like a 6th man, off-the-bench scorer. Because he was the featured piece on offense instead of the guy who makes everything work.

Quite simply, because Jayson Castro, in the FIBA Asia tournament, and the whole TNT run of titles, was the star player yes, but not the "lead" player.

Blurred Lines

The Blur
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Consider yourself warned.

Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters' lead point guard Jayson Castro (William) has been on a tear this conference and his team could've easily been 4-1 instead of 3-2 (no thanks to old teammate and now Ginebra star Japeth Aguilar). It's pretty clear that Castro is trying to put the past behind him-- unable to "follow up" on his FIBA Asia "Best point guard in Asia" tag upon his Texters return last conference. There are no excuses really, since the guy who is now considered his full-on rival and widely recognized today as the "Best point guard in the Philippines" L.A. Tenorio, served flag and country just the same.

Surely, you can't be the "Best in Asia" if there's someone else who is considered better in your own country right?

2014 FIBA World On Our Minds

Should Gilas Pilipinas send all 12 to Spain?
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

We know, we know.

It's too early to be posting about Gilas Pilipinas, its 2014 FIBA World campaign, and wether we should change the line-up or not. We also understand that the 12 players who gutted it out through this year's FIBA Asia en route to a silver medal finish are more than deserving to be sent to Spain. That any or all talks about any player from Asia's finest Jayson Castro to little-used big man Junmar Fajardo are to be on the positive slant given their now "revered" status.

But don't bet on foreigners to egg Gary David through another one of his now infamous shooting slumps. Or that Gilas can afford and withstand another mid-game scoring drought against NBA to EuroBasket-level competition.

Gilas Pilipinas needs tweaking. But not as much as some would think. They don't need an overhaul of talent, they just need some upgrades here and there when it comes to personnel. Here's a shortlist of players we feel can help the Gilas cause at the Worlds and who we're "okay" with taking out of the current line-up:

PBA Commish Cup semis: Proud Texters fight back

Before RDO's clutch 4th quarter and Castro's blurry ways,
Alapag was there to save the day for TNT

For the first three quarters, it appeared as though the resurgent Barangay Ginebra San Miguel were well on their way to having one foot placed at the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals' doorstep. They were cohesive on the floor, scoring from all angles and getting major contribution from just about anyone and everyone that Ginebra head coach Alfrancis Chua brought in.

Then came the 4th quarter.

That's when the battle-tested (or should we say "weary") Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters, down 0-1 in the Best-of-Five and already at the brink of suffering yet another defeat, took a gallant stand. At the forefront was future PBA Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Alapag, our bet to make the save, finishing with 17 points and 8 assists while playing a team second-best 35 minutes. Jayson Castro also showed up, appearing to have realized that while LA Tenorio is a passable defender, Castro has a few inches and pounds over his Ginebra counterpart. That, plus noone would ever confuse Tenorio's backup, Josh Urbiztondo, with a young Wyne Arboleda.

On even ground (?)

Ready to rumble!

The "other" PBA Philippine Cup semifinals pairing of the three-peat seeking Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters versus the Alaska Aces was supposed to be a yawner. Save for some fireworks brought about by rookie Calvin Abueva, the Texters are expected to just run right through the Aces and move on to the Finals.

The Aces made a case for themselves in yesterday's, ugly, grind-it-out game.

While we're still sticking to the Texters winning the series, it's just highly entertaining to see the Aces fighting tooth and nail against the league's best team for the last two-three (even more) years. This, from an Aces team that last season looked lost and ready to close shop after the unceremonious divorce with long time coach Tim Cone (who's part of the other semifinals pairing between San Mig Coffee and Rain or Shine).

Does Alaska have enough?

Let's get physical!

The Alaska Aces are back!

News of the team's "death" was greatly exaggerated, and thanks to the ever competitive brain-thrust led by boss Wilfred Uytengsu the Aces are back in the quarterfinals where they are to face three-peat Philippine Cup championship seeking Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters.

But do they really stand a chance? Most say that their sweep of the Meralco Bolts should be taken as a clear indication that they can wether the vaunted "dribble drive offense" used by the sister teams. Sol Mercado initiates and creates, Ronjay Buenafe and Sunday Salvacion look for the kick-out passes, Mac Cardona looks for seams and cracks to contribute and Cliff Hodge takes care of the hustle and energy. Over at TNT, there's Jayson Castro leading the charge with Ryan Reyes' unguardable corner pocket threes, Larry Fonacier's sniping from all over, Ranidel de Ocampo just waiting his turn and of course, ever-reliable Jimmy Alapag.

The Talk 'n' Text Juggernaut

Texters' looking at the right direction

This was supposed to be the conference wherein the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters' winning ways would hit a snag given the change in coaching personnel. This was supposed to be the "transition period" as guards Jayson Castro and Ryan Reyes takeover the team full-time from PBA MVP Jimmy "Mighty Mouse" Alapag.

Well after last night's drubbing of rivals Petron Blaze Boosters to finish with an 11-2 slate, it seems that there's just no stopping the Texters' "juggernaut" no matter the cards dealt to them. Head coach Norman Black has the Texters playing more defensively and half-court oriented as opposed to the former regime's. Guys are finding ways to win, gutting it out via team plays more than one-on-one forays.

Grind-it-out Basketball for Black, Texters

Offense wins games,
defense wins championships

Six undefeated games in and we are seeing newly appointed Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters' head coach Norman Black's imprints on a team that has been winning so much the last two-three years. This isn't the same Texters squad that would simply run right through the competition with their high-octane offense solely dependent on their uber-talented roster. This is a team that is learning the beauty of ugly "70-75 points endgame score" basketball.

While former head coach Chot Reyes has led this team to several Finals appearances and titles behind the aforementioned scheme with a defense that was just as okay, Black's version of the Texters is just scarier-- if you could even call it that since we don't know of any team last season and the one before that would openly say that they'd like to face the Texters in a seven-game title series.

SMART Gilas 2 needs to muscle up

Doug Kramer deserves a look

What's done is done, and yesterday's loss-- no matter how painful, will and should be treated as just another learning curve that our SMART Gilas Pilipinas men's basketball team has to go through to reclaim our once mighty status this side of the world.

Though the loss cost as a shot at the FIBA Asia title, let's all remember that there's still the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships which serves as qualifier for the FIBA Worlds. Let's not get ahead of ourselves now, and just stick to trying to win in Asia no matter the level of competition or play. Here are some guys, Team SMC or MVP, who should or deserve a look when it's time for Coach Chot Reyes et. al. to reassess the team and see where we need beefing up.

Hopefully, when we say "reassess and build," Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan is still at the forefront of our courageous efforts and not divorcing the program like he did with his Alma Mater.

Tactical error

Can't win 'em all

Now that the smoke has cleared and the dust has settled somewhat, the losing part of last night’s epic PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 7—the  Talk ‘n’ Text Tropang Texters should keep their heads unbowed for putting up an awesome display of heart and fight.

They were ahead by nine points midway in the fourth quarter in a grind-it-out game they had no business in winning since it wasn’t their style. The overtime forcing free throws off a foul by Kelly Williams on B-Meg super import Denzel Bowles shouldn’t be taken against the former PBA Most Valuable Player.

Tim Cone, Denzel Bowles reward BMeg planet

Monster Bowles took over in OT

What a game!

It came down to a battle of attrition, with the BMeg Llamados fighting back to force overtime after the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters started falling down one after the other in the 4th quarter.

Import Donnel Harvey fouled out. James Yap-stopper Ryan Reyes hurt his knee on a drive. Ali Peek fouled out. Ranidel de Ocampo went down. Jimmy Alapag, who was playing like the reigning PBA MVP and was making up for lost time with an efficient and explosive scoring display, was suffering from cramps. Jayson Castro, injured ankles, knees, hamstrings and all, came back to play but it just wasn't enough in the end.

Play to win

Regardless of the conclusion of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals later on today, we've been treated to two conference's worth of prime time, premium basketball action. The players are literally leaving everything out on the floor and the fans, in turn, are responding to it by filling the venues, watching online and missing out on their favorite tele-novelas.

Both the BMeg Llamados and Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters have been fighting tooth and nail thus far, and the Finals MVP will surely be given to the individual who deserves it most (unlike some instances regarding the Season MVP wherein guys win via media votes and not by what they have done the whole season). That being said, here are the frontrunners (and maybe darkhorses) when it comes to the Finals MVP award.

And yes, KKS only recognizes locals and not the imports no matter how Godly they are on the floor. They don't need the added publicity or write-ups anyway right?

The nominees:

BMeg solves TNT Matrix in Game 1

PJ Simon shines
over Yap for BMeg

If this game is any indication of what we're going to be watching, nay, witnessing for the next two weeks then they should just move the games from the SMART Araneta Coliseum that fits 17,000 plus max to the Quirino Grandstand where hundreds could enjoy it live.

The BMeg Llamados took control of the game early, surprisingly deciding to run with the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters before finally slowing the game down and playing it per possession. Coach Tim Cone entrusted the scoring to under-rated scorer PJ Simon, who pretty much had a field day on the floor by using his speed against Ryan Reyes and height over Jayson Castro. Simon was doing it all on the floor, even playing big point guard no thanks to a rather subpar performance from 2x MVP teammate James Yap.

Championship Swag

TNT: Grace under pressure

Just the other day the Barako Bull Energy, their believers and even some underdog-rooting converts (such as this writer) were a step closer to making it into the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals. Their story was to be told for weeks, years and even ages. The "little engine that could," the "David" to the mighty Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters' "Goliath." They were only a game away.

Unfortunately, tonight happened.