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."

The Living Legend

June Mar Fajardo. 6x PBA MVP.
Photo: CNN Philippines

Author's note: Isn't it funny how just a week or two ago, most of us were scrambling, racing against time, trying our best to meet deadlines, submit reports, pay bills and so on? Now we find ourselves trying our best to live each day to the fullest, trying our earnest not to cross the line between being safe and paranoid altogether. 

Here is our long overdue take on the greatness of one Philippine Basketball Association player, an individual who, no matter what happens moving forward, has already cemented his legacy and name in just about every Filipino sports annals. 

Happy reading, and please do stay at home if you can. 

Just about every sports writer/ influencer/ fan/ blogger has already written about the PBA's unrivaled 6x Most Valuable Player June mar Fajardo. Of how a quiet 6"10 Cebuano rose to fame from the province, before moving to the ASEAN Basketball League as a sparingly used bench warmer (we can't even call him a role player at the time) and then the PBA. Sure, he still looks lost in the scheme of things whenever he is asked to play for flag and country. But when given the time, the play, the opportunity to show his wares, he has always handled himself pretty well against the best of them.

And not once did we hear any news of him not wanting to play. If he's healthy, he'll suit up. In spite of the fact that whoever's been coaching the national team, tends to run a more perimeter oriented style rather than making full use of Fajardo and the 6"11 import Andray Blatche.

He'll suit up for flag and country. No questions asked.

Make a stand

Standhardinger: Out of place
(Photo: Inquirer Sports)

The San Miguel Beermen are off to another mediocre start to the 2nd conference of yet another PBA season following a championship run.

Tell us if you've heard this story before: the Beermen put up a world-class, titan-like basketball display in the Philippine Cup versus worthy adversaries, only to look like mere mortals as their superstar core of multi-time MVP Junemar Fajardo, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter are either saddled by injuries or play below par owing to fatigue.

But isn't this why they got Christian Standhardinger and this season, the flamboyant Terrence Romeo? Management did a heck of a job in fortifying their 2nd unit, throw in the help of a solid import in Charles Rhodes, the improved play of Matt Roster and Von Pessumal and the bruising Kelly Nabong, and you pretty much have a unit that could start in the Playoffs for any other team.

On paper, that is.

So far, the biggest disappointment has to be Standhardinger-- he of mighty FIBA Asia credentials, a thoroughbred who was primed to become Fajardo's bosom buddy in the post the way Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino flourished together with the Santa Lucia Realtors a decade or so ago.

The Filipino-German has found it hard to get solid minutes under Coach Leo Austria, and when he does, he mostly plays a garbage man's role to Fajardo. There's playing the weak side, then there's being asked to simply get out of the way-- Standhardinger appears to be playing more to the latter. What's odd is, Standhardinger can't seem to post-up PBA competition the way he is able to awkwardly manoeuvre in the paint versus FIBA bigs to get scoring position.

If you were to ask us, we'd openly accept that the SMB core guys, who all play at least 31 mpg, sit the 2nd conference (or maybe have their minutes cut down to the mid 20s mark) and have the 2nd unit take over. That's Standhardinger, Romeo, Rosser, Pessumal and an import, Rhodes. You simply cannot convince us that that unit can't get the team to the Playoffs at least, with Fajardo, Ross and Lassiter chipping in from time to time.

It's just unfortunate how SMB fans, who have already grown accustomed to this 2nd conference dip shoot down the rest of their roster if only to save their core starters' reputation. As though the Beermen's 2nd unit were composed of guys who'd be best of playing in minor leagues.

The only probable and logical reason we can come up with, why this has been tolerated for so long, is that Coach Leo and or management is mindful of their core starters' numbers, minutes and salary. They get paid a lot, so best to really get their money's worth, right?

We're not asking Standhardinger to suddenly average 20-10 in lieu of Fajardo, simply, for him (and the rest of the guys) to not look so lost out there on offense and not hesitate to maybe take a few shots here and there.

Your thoughts?

Top heavy

Championship-hungry
(Photo credit: abs-cbn.com)

While the league is having its PBA All Star Break, allow this writer to make his (hopefully) triumphant return with this "catch-up" entry.

So far, we've seen a lot of impressive performances from most of the PBA imports: Alaska's Corey Jefferson and Phoenix's Jameel McKay are lighting it up while Blackwater's Greg Smith is beasting the boards. Ginebra's Justin Brownlee is also low-key doing his thing, being the most versatile of the lot and leading the imports in terms of sharing the basketball and keeping his teammates involved.

As for the locals, 3x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo and other bonafide stars have taken the backseat as expected. The guards: Castro, Romeo and Alex Cabagnot have managed to stay afloat, thanks to their passing skills. Still, it's quite clear that teams are relying heavily on their imports this conference to help get them into better PBA Playoffs seating.

Dear Asi

The Rock (in a hard place)
(Photo credit: Interaksyon)

Dear Asi,

Hello to my favorite 6”10 Fil-Tonggan, a giant of a man whose ready smile and dimples continue to pierce the hearts of many. I know you blocked me on twitter, because of something I said about you two years back about my opinion on why TnT let you go.

I said that it came down to setting an example to the rest of the team, that maybe someone somewhere believed that you weren’t playing hard enough, which is why up to that point you only had one title to your name. I tagged you because I felt like maybe you’d acknowledge it, or argue that “it’s a business, you a**hole,” but you chose to block me to this day, but it’s all good. Back then I was still in my 20s, now I’d like to believe that I’m wiser in my early 30s, being a father and all. What I’m trying to say is, maybe this time, I could get through to you in a better manner.

See, recently you said that you wanted out of the NLEX Road Warriors after newly-installed head coach Yeng Guiao pretty much turned you from being an ageless juggernaut the last two years into a, well, bit player with limited to no touches. You went from getting consecutive isolation plays in the post, with your young teammates slowing the tempo, to, well, being lost in trying to set screens and trying to move your feet from the perimeter which was never your forte.

Homecoming

Welcome home.
(Photo credit to the owner)

Though it may have taken a while, and may even only be temporary, but for the time-being 2x UAAP MVP and NBA hopeful RayRay Parks is finally “home.”

Home to strut his wares for neophyte Alab Pilipinas in the coming ASEAN Basketball League season; home to showcase just how far he has grown as a basketball talent and person; home to prove all of his critics and those he deem as “haters” wrong.

Parks will be joining an Alab team that badly needs his starpower, though it is not exactly lacking in terms of talent or firepower. Joining him are Paulo Hubalde, JR Cawaling, Robby Celiz, Jeric Fortuna, Anthony Gavieres, Jens Knuttel, Jovet Mendoza, Val Acuna, Hans Thiele and imports: (ASEAN) Laurence Domingo, Igee King, (World) Lee Sueng Jun and Lee Dong Jun.

2016 PBA GC QF: 2 San Miguel vs 7 NLEX

SMB's Spiderman and Crunchman (ugh, Quinito)
(Photo credit: PBA.inquirer.net)

Is NLEX ready for the semis? Is Coach Boyet Fernandez going to be around for next season? Will he call another ill-opportune timeout and have his assistant Adonis Tierra save his ass through the media?

Or will San Miguel move one step closer to defend their remaining title from last season?

Check-out our QF preview/ prediction and hit us up @kilikilishot on Twitter!

PBA CC Playoffs: 1 San Miguel vs 8 Star

Ngiting Gary D.
(Photo by: PBA Inquirer)

It is funny how life, truly is, shaped like a wheel-- or a basketball even.

One day you find yourself atop, enjoying the warm sunshine and the loving caress of a well-trained and highly-skilled athlete, the next you are making ugly, brutal, anal sex with a sweaty, smelly, slimy, hard court with spit, shit and dirt on it.

That is how we can best describe the lives of both the conference-leading, Grand Slam-seeking San Miguel Beermen and the "happy to just win games and save face" Star Hotshots. Just a few years ago, Star was atop the mountain while the Beermen were caught in an ugly basketball-novela.

Now?

Here comes the boom

Welcome to Junemar's world
(Photo credit to GlennMichaelTan.com)

Last season, the San Miguel Beermen were finally able to put it all together.

They brought in a true player's coach in Leo Austria, finally bought into the "less is more" mindset and let go of some more star caliber players for role playing ones and basically streamlined their offense to Junemar Fajardo 1, everyone else 2. 

The end result? Two championships in three conferences.

PBA GC SF: (2) San Miguel vs (3) Rain or Shine

JMF and AZ are going to be
tough to handle in the paint for RoS
(Photo credit to Sports5.Ph)

In-season na ba magtanim ng strawberries?

Here's the deal: Rain or Shine lost to San Miguel, 91-104, in the eliminations despite having awesome performances from Wendel McKines (19 points, 10 rebounds), Jericho Cruz (11 p), Gabe Norwood (12 p) JR Quinahan (12 p) AND Paul Lee (17 p 6 r 3 assists). How did the Beermen do it? Arizona Reid (36 p 11), Junemar Fajardo (22 p 18 r) and a little bit of everything from everyone else.

That was in the Eliminations. When Marcio Lassiter was being hounded by trade rumors and wasn't at his very best. Now? We just saw Lassiter mercilessly drill three ball after three ball to bury the Meralco Bolts and lead the team into this very same Semifinals match that we're trying to break down.

Sure, RoS has Jeffrei Chan back. But what and who is a three-point specialist like Chan when compared to a two-way player like Lassiter (IMHO arguably the best today)?

As an RoS fan, please let us speak in a more honest tone for this "analysis."

Believe in the Reid

AZ be like "so many stars to pass to!"
(Photo credits to Sports5)

Two (and a half) conferences previously played. Two PBA Best Import Awards. Zero titles.

This is what drives the San Miguel Beermen's 6"5 import, Arizona Reid, in the ongoing PBA Governor's Cup wherein his team is tied with the Alaska Aces on top with a 7 wins and 2 losses record.

This is why he came back, wearing different threads but still sporting the same "attack first" mentality.

A new day for the Beermen

Infectious energy and hustle from Mr. A to Z
(Photo credits to Sports5.ph)

We will be the first ones to admit it.

We were unfair, unjust and downright mean.

Mean, in expecting the San Miguel Beermen to just steamroll through the opposition the rest of this season after their PBA Philippine Cup title romp which appeared to have put all of their fans' frustrations of the last few years re: on and off-court chemistry to rest. Unfair and unjust, in writing and tweeting so many things about how the Beermen perhaps needed a shake-up, or that guys were "coasting" rather than just buying into the whole "they are tired/ exhausted/ injured" excuse.

So after spending much of the PBA Commissioner's Cup looking and playing like an expansion team, the Beermen are now back in the PBA Governor's Cup with a much more respectable 4-2 win-loss record. Now THIS, is what we expected last conference. A team that's just loaded with superstars, even if they unloaded some guys during the start of the season and since then, should always be in contention atop the standings and nowhere near the cellar.

We are sorry for the hate in the 2nd conference, but in some ways, we were also right.

The Disease of More

Anyare?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The great Miami Heat team president and former head coach Pat Riley is known for many things on the basketball court, but his greatness and wisdom traverses the constricting 94 x 50 feet measurement of paint and Maple wood.

Somewhere during our adolescence, we stumbled upon one of his leadership lectures' handout which preached about "The Disease of Me"-- now we can't recall the manuscript as it was written, but do remember something about "how much easier it is to be selfish, instead of being part of a team and learning to sacrifice."

And that brings us back to the continued struggles of the San Miguel Beermen.

Because seriously, this team needs some hour(s)-long counselling.

The Hangover

Where to, Captain?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

What's going on with the San Miguel Beermen?

The newly-minted PBA Philippine Cup champions find themselves winless in three games so far in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, despite the superhuman efforts of 6"9 reinforcement Ronald Roberts and the supposed "powerhouse" frontline pairing of him and reigning PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo.

To make things worse, their most recent defeat came at the hands of newcomers, then-winless, BlackWater Elite which are more and more looking like their rivals, Team MVP's, farm team.

Head coach Leo Austria was reported to have said something like being "embarrassed" about his team's display so far.

As he should.

The 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Finals so far

Win or lose, the Aces' loyal fans
are starting to grow in number with each day
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

If only we could extend this 2015 PBA Philippine Cup series from a Best-of-Seven to maybe a Best-of-Eleven or Thirteen or Fifteen or... then we'd be constantly be treated to hard-fought, instant classics akin to the same competitive fire of yesteryears (when players weren't multi-millionaire franchises scared of being called out on social media and played all out if only to make a name for themselves). Oh yes, the PBA Finals that has the San Miguel Beermen ahead 3-2 against the Alaska Aces have drawn in so much interest that even fans of other basketball teams have gone on to either 1) watch the games on television or live or 2) wish that their own teams played with the same intensity and desire.

Here's what we know: the Beermen are an invincible unit when their "Fab 5" are on the court: that's reigning PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, former PBA MVP Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter. These five guys are absolute beasts and could easily be the starting core for Gilas 3.0 (barring any politicking and drama).

Resbak

There is a wise old saying that goes something like: "you will never know who your true friends are, not until you are in the face of adversity."

If you have been paying attention to the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup Best-of-Seven Finals between the Alaska Aces and San Miguel Beermen, "adversity" would be putting what the Beermen are going through a bit too kindly.

See, this is a team whose core has been together for maybe a good two or three years now but has always fallen short-- be it to injuries, drama or personal agendas by certain players. This season however, they have bought into a more "team oriented" philosophy and are actually going out of their own way in standing up and stepping up for a fallen comrade. Now you can see them laughing at one another, with one another. Now they just keep playing when someone takes a bad shot or, like Chris Lutz in Game 1, makes a giant booboo. They are there for one another, there is an obvious bond nowadays that was not always as transparent in recent memory.

Chinito

May pagka Rukawa din tong
Chinito ng Ginebra e no? Supladong magaling.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Kelan nga ba huling nag parada ng kilalang Chinito ang koponan ng Barangay Ginebra San Miguel? Ang naalala ko lang talaga noon, si Wilmer Ong at Benny Cheng. Halos dalawang dekada na ata ang nakalipas, ilang manlalaro na ang nagsuot ng jersey ng Barangay, pero iilan lang ang tumatak sa mga puso at isipan ng madla.

Mapait man ang sinapit na kapalaran ng Barangay, wag sana natin ibaon na lang sa limot na bago pa lang ang sistemang ipinatutupad ng head coach na si Jeffrey Cariaso. Hindi lang bago, kundi komplikado. Hindi ito basta na lang takbo tapos tira. O kaya kasing simple ng basta libre, pasa, tira. Hinde, maraming anik anik ang kinakailangan sa Triangle Offense na kami man ay hindi pa lubos itong naiintindihan. Mga bagong manlalaro, mga bagitong superstar-in-the-making. Pero itong conference na ito, nakita din natin ang isang player na umangat ang laro ng husto.

Si Joseph Yeo, bagong Ginebra player. Swerteng napunta sa Ginebra dahil sa tinatawag na "Gentleman's Agreement." Nag iba ang laro ni Yeo mula ng nabigyan ng puwang maging main man ng Air21 nung nakaraang taon matapos mabaon sa bangko ng San Miguel Beermen (na pinasakit niya sa pagtawag dito na #LarongMayaman.

Iba ang may pinagsamahan

Larong mayaman?
Basta laro lang.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Iba talaga yung kasama mo yung mga tropa mo, mga kuya at bunso, mga kakosang alam mo na lalaban kasama ka pagnagkagipitan o kaya pag gumawa ka ng kalokohan at nagkahulihan, e magsisinungaling para sayo kahit hindi mo senyasan. Alam ng mga manginginom yan. Ng tropa. Yun ung mga oras na nahuli ka ni misis gabi umuwi tapos tatanungin niya sempre si kumpareng kasing pulang kamatis at amoy chico mo pero susubukan kang ipagtanggol at ilusot para sa isa pang bagong umaga.

Ganyan ang takbo ng San Miguel Beermen ngayon. Noon, nananalo sila (sa simula) dahil sa likas na galing at talento lang ng mga manlalaro nila. Ngayon, iba na. Hindi na sila nag kakanya kanya, hindi nagdadamutan o nagtatampuhan sa loob ng court. Kung sino lamang, diskarte. Kung sino ang mainit, doon tayo. Walang pa-MVP. Kung gusto mo magpaka star, magpaka star ka sa loob lang ng sistemang tinatakbo ng Coach. Yun nga pala isa pang malaki, iisa lang ung nasusunod ngayon sa bench, si Coach Leo Austria.

The Top 10 story lines in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Part 2

Author's note: Apologies for splitting the Top 10 list into two. We're not thinking about the hits (we don't have advertising at the moment. *tear* In case you're interested, send us an email or leave a comment with your contact details.), rather, the original format was hellaciously long. Enjoy.

5. #TeamAgeless

Fajardo vs Aguilar
Photo courtesy of Solar Sports Desk

Does Asi Taulava have it in him to lead the NLEX Road Warriors back to another darkhorse run? When will Jayjay Helterbrand buy into the "new school" and admit to himself that Ginebra's "Never Say Die" era is long dead and gone (because, on paper, when was the last time you looked at the Ginebra roster and thought that they wouldn't be a shoo in for at least a 4-5 seed each conference? The Magtulis-Calpito-Cabatu era comes to mind) Will Mark Caguioa ever learn to trust his younger teammates? And finally, when all is said and done, body of work versus body of work, will Jimmy Alapag rank higher than Johnny Abarrientos in the hearts and minds of the every day Filipino basketball fan?

4. The Japeth Aguilar Experiment
Because 18-18 in an opening day game doesn't make an Best Conference of the Player awardee, or even an MVP. What has he learned from Spain? Has he learned any thing at all? Have we given up on Aguilar? Not yet? Why? Which position on the floor does Aguilar really want to play in the PBA? Will he go in hiding again once the PBA's elite defenders rough him up? Or are we on the verge of seeing a transcendent talent finally rise and triumph after all the trials and tribulations?

Oh, and the #KagatSaFakeJapethWatch has officially started.

The Top 10 story lines in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Part 1

Author's note: My sincerest apologies to all of our friends who were expecting about 11 more 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Previews prior to the start of the conference. See, we just relocated overseas and though this writer was able to finish the previews-- he did not save them on any other medium aside from MS Word on his trusty, old Macbook Pro. The very same Macbook Pro which is operating minus a serviceable battery, and, just two days ago, lost its hard drive for good (read: system crash, with mounting error which is the killing blow really). Why this writer is writing and referring to himself in the 3rd person, is quite stupid. Entertaining, humorous, but stupid. Happy reading from the beautiful Gulf Coast!

More teams, more competition. The Gilas boys are back with their respective teams so don't pencil Purefoods in as repeat Grand Slam champions just yet. Here are a few other things that we feel are the conference's top story lines:

Para sayo ang jumpshot na to!
Photo courtesy of Sports5

10. Manny Pacquiao, playing coach
You do realize that sooner than later, we'll just have to embrace the fact that somehow, an individual with no adequate training to play the sport of basketball on the highest level whatsoever, made it into the league simply by his non-basketball yet other-worldly credentials. As an athlete, Pacquiao is undoubtedly as fit (if not fitter) than the likes of PBA athletic specimens Jayson Castro, Calvin Abueva and whichever cross fit crazy name you'd like to throw into the discussion. As a basketball player however, despite his claims of playing the sport constantly-- his shot mechanics alone pretty much shows how good he really is on the hard court. The only time Pacquiao is allowed to score in an actual PBA game is in the All Stars, other than that, whichever player allows Pacquiao to score on him should be revoked of his professional license and will forever be known as an embarrassment not only to himself but to the sport in general.

9. #LetAbuevaBeAbueva
We're not claiming to be privy with Abueva's contract terms, but as far as we know he's on the last year of his rookie deal which can only mean one thing: he's out for blood. Like most players angling for a bigger pay, keep an eye out on The Beast this season and do not be surprised if he is either playing more than his usual 25 minutes, grabbing headlines and wanting more touches or he somehow goes out to the media and destroys the whole #wenotme rainbows and candies slogan of the Alaska Aces if only to put himself on a better position negotiations-wise. Other things we'd like to see from Abueva so he could make that one, giant leap into PBA go-to-guy superstardom: improved handles and a reliable jump shot. In an All-Pinoy conference, expect Abueva to go berzerk on both ends of the floor.