PBA Governor's Cup Finals: TNT vs Ginebra

Photo: GMA Network

It was just a matter of time.

With the mighty San Miguel Beermen going through a transition phase with a new head coach and ever-changing roster, Barangay Ginebra has slowly established itself as the San Miguel Corporation's top PBA team under the Tim Cone era. I can't remember the last time Ginebra did not win at least a championship (or made a deep playoff push) under Cone, and now, it truly looks like they have the right roster to cement a new Dynasty in the PBA.

On the other side of the fence, the MVP group's crown jewel has always been the TNT Tropang Giga. They've fallen off the grid for a while, looking for a new coach to succeed Chot Reyes (the dark Bong Ravena years), and it appears that they've found just the man in Jojo Lastimosa. Of course, at his disposal still lies Reyes and his son Josh, and probably the biggest asset of them all, Serbian tactician Lale Guronovic. Together, they have righted the TNT ship, and we have seen a more well-balanced roster that even uses traditional, heavy bigs (which has only sometimes been the case with Reyes' old TNT squads).

Post-PBA Bubble Thoughts

The Return of the Comeback in 2021

Happy New Year!

Here's a virtual hug and fist bump to all of our friends who continue to push through and soldier on in spite of the pandemic and this prolonged quarantine. This is probably for the best, although from where we're seated we could only hope and wish that our government continues to improve and learn where it can to be of better assistance to our countrymen. 

Okay, so we kind of blew it with the PBA Bubble Finals prediction. Though I did say that my gut feel was for Ginebra. I simply went with the more logical choice which was TNT who was rolling at the time and Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. who was looking every bit like the PBA superstar we all thought he'd become-- as early as what, four, five years ago?

Unfortunately, Parks, Jr. went down with an injury. The veteran anchor Jayson Castro followed suit and though RR Pogoy put up a valiant effort he was also hit by the injury bug. Ginebra? They stayed the course. Coach Tim Cone went to his trusted leader, L.A. Tenorio, to break down the TNT defense by outclassing his defenders.

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.

PBA Bubble SF: Phoenix (2) VS TNT (3)

To win, The Beast
needs to be Unleashed
(Photo by: Inquirer Sports)

This one’s got a lot of history
.

Although, we expect everyone to say all of the right things if only to move on from that incident. You know: the Calvin Abueva vs Terrence Jones skirmish that turned into a dance-off? Oh, and the  Abueva vs Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.’s GF mouth-off?

Both incidents of course helped lead to the lengthy suspension of Phoenix’ mercurial star forward Abueva. To his credit, ‘The Beast’ has been on his bests behavior while in the bubble, even if some players are starting to get physical with him (shout-out to Magnolia’s Jackson Corpuz).

So yes, there is bad blood there. Abueva was even quoted about how he apologized to Parks during a chance encounter inside the bubble— an episode that was flatly brushed off by Parks. Just keep an eye on those two. Parks will most likely not engage Abueva, but we’re willing to bet the farm that come Game 3,4 or 5, these two will be reacquainted soon enough. 

So here’s what we know, by the numbers.

Phoenix is shooting 35% from deep (thank you Matthew Wright) to TNT’s 29% (they just keep shooting 3s or die trying). They are also moving the basketball at a very efficient rate, with 25 assists per game (versus 17 tournovers) thanks in large part to Abueva (7 per game) and Wright (6). Big man Justin Chua is also making a good name for himself, leading the league in blocks per game with 2.

So where does TNT have the advantage? 

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."

PBA GovCup SF: Meralco vs TNT

McDaniels vs Durham
(Photo credit: Hoops PH)

Get ready for a slobberknocker of a Best-of-Five series between sister teams Meralco Bolts and the TNT Katropa.

Vastly improved, the Bolts finished the conference as the 2nd seed and easily disposed of the resurgent Alaska Aces behind the prowess of super-import Allen Durham and new recruits Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan. From where we are watching the games, it feels as though head coach Norman Black was able to address his team's weaknesses from previous conferences-- a need for a low post presence (this has been Durham's role from day one), a trusted scorer/ shot creator (Maliksi, who is absolutely the farthest thing from being gun-shy) and a rim protector (Almazan).

Sure, old hands Baser Amer and Chris Newsome are still delivering every now and then, but the addition of the above players makes the Bolts even more dangerous and well-rounded, similar to Black's previous champion teams. They're not really that exciting to watch, but they just keep wearing teams down be it a high-scoring affair or a grit-and-grind match.

It's going to be exciting when they finally lock horns with TNT, which beat them earlier this conference in a high-scoring affair (Durham finished with 43 while KJ McDaniels had 51).

For one, while the Bolts are the higher seed, the smart bet would be on TNT and their deep, superstar line-up. First, there's the returning Jayson Castro who has been playing like the FIBA Castro of old before suffering an injury mid-conference. In the Magnolia match-up, Castro outplayed a gauntlet of Grade A guards: Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon to steer TNT to a hard-fought victory.

Then you have McDaniels, who can do just about everything you'd want from an import who's asked to make plays and knock down shots. He also averages about 3 to 4 blocks per game so to say that he's more offensive than defensive minded would be a mistake. These two are followed by national players RR Pogoy (who is unfortunately hurt), Troy Rosario, Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes.

Then there's the new addition: Ray Ray Parks.

In the off-season, rumors had it that Parks was supposedly on his way to the Bolts to join his godfather Black. Unfortunately, that didn't pan out and he went to TNT (a move that was probably hastened by the mid-conference injury to Castro).

With TNT, we've seen glimpses, and it's quite obvious that Parks will be playing a major role in this series as a definite x-factor.

So, match-up wise, we're looking at both team's best 5 guys and how we expect it to go:

Castro VS Amer
For some reason, Amer almost, always plays well vs TNT. Perhaps it's by design, with Black wanting his trusted PG to attack Castro more in hopes of forcing him to play defense. But honestly, the way Castro has been playing this conference, we don't see Amer stopping Castro any time soon. Maybe get the pesky Caram in just to give Castro different looks. Or even Nard Pinto to rough the FIBA star up.

DiGregorio VS Newsome
Newsome has been steady for the Bolts as a role playing scorer. He's shown flashes of being "the Man," but from what we've gathered he's better off as someone who puts up points and does a little bit of everything through the whole game. More Pippen than Jordan. TNT will need MDG to wax hot from the outside to help space the floor a bit for Castro to operate. The real fun begins when old TNT hand Ryan Reyes gets his turn in, locks up Newsome, and knocks down corner threes. Then, the Bolts will have a big problem.

Parks VS Maliksi
Maliksi is not going to back down from Parks, that's obvious enough. He'll go at him for sure. And it does look like he's already gotten the green light from Black as well. Bong Quinto is another option here, but the onus will be on Maliksi to knock down shots from deep to open things up for Durham inside the paint and maybe mix it up from the outside. The problem here of course, is should (or when) Maliksi get the green light, he tends to lose control and jack up shots like there's no tomorrow. For Parks, with Castro and McDaniels taking care of the scoring, he'll be asked to contribute the way Pogoy does (knock down open shots, take over the offense when Castro isn't clicking, and play defense).

McDaniels VS Almazan
Almazan has been Alma-zing for the Bolts as their rim protector and weak side big man. This is going to be a rough and tough affair where we expect everyone from Almazan to Faundo to Hodge to take a crack at TNT's high-scoring import who plays the 4 position on paper, but is really a 3 by game.

Rosario VS Durham
Who is going to stop Durham? Will TNT let Durham get his, like they did in their October 12 match-up, or will they double him and force the Bolts' other guys to salvage the win? For TNT, we're not sure Taha can handle Durham in the paint one-on-one. So the best plan is to really pull the Bolts' big man outside with stretch 4s and 5s.

The Bolts' team will need to overcome TNT's starpower from the onset. Honestly, we feel that they need to force the issue a bit more and be the aggressor, they have the 'rough' players for it, nothing dirty like NLEX, just a bit more physical. If this turns into a high-scoring affair, TNT will win 9 times out of 10. But should the Bolts be able to secure the boards and max out each possession, they'll be able to steal a few games.

Still, TNT to advance.

Your thoughts?

@kilikilishot on Twitter

Playing catch-up

Author's note: It's been months since I posted on KKS2, I actually have a bunch of rough drafts in the oven but due to lack of time/ interest/ research, opted not to have you guys read it (and lose whatever modicum of admiration you have for this mediocre writer).

Who runs the GovCup?
(Photo credit: ABS CBN Sports)

KKS is a blog that I kept primarily to keep myself sane while overseas. While I was with my family, I needed something from home to keep my mind sharp and more importantly, my wits about. When we came back home after three years in the Middle East, the new job has kind of kept me away from the keyboard and television. I still tweet about the games, but as I've always said, writing is an art form that needs to be respected and honored with enough research. I don't just write random hot takes here, like I do when I tweet, I actually take time and watch film, break down plays, check out stats and so on. So we have something nice to talk about (hit me up on Twitter @kilikilishot). I'd like to think that as a writer, I've matured a bit, as with in real life. But basketball will always be a love of mine, it is a great source of entertainment/ joy/ pain/ anger. And I hope that you guys are able to drop by this blog every now and then to check on my latest works, short or long format, good or bad.

Many thanks for the continued trust and support!




So where were we?

Ginebra is in the semifinals after knocking out the grandslam-seeking San Miguel Beermen (who, from the outside looking in, looks like they need to consider a few player changes following that ugly fight during one of their practices). Justin Brownlee continues to stand tall as the barometer for imports, and it seems that he's a lock for yet another Best Import award should Ginebra continue to go deeper into the Governor's Cup.

TNT also managed to escape and unseat the defending Governor's Cup champions, Magnolia, with clutch free throws by new recruit Ray Ray Parks. It was a great match to say the least, and the game could've gone either way. It's just unfortunate that Magnolia appeared to have run out of gas in the end.

Just like the last two (or is it three) seasons, Meralco's doing quite well whenever Allen Durham is around. It's almost like the Ginebra puzzle, except that Durham plays in the paint while Brownlee plays outside. Basically, both teams seem to look average without those two super imports. The Bolts looked very impressive in dismantling the gritty Alaska Aces, and newcomers Raymond Almazan (rim protector) and Allein Maliksi (token scorer) brought the goods.

The TNT-Meralco sister team affair should be fun going into the next round.

Which leaves us with NLEX and Northport. Elbows, flops, ninja hood punches galore. I have no idea what happened or why NLEX approached the game with the intent to play physical to try and rattle Christian Standhardinger and co. Well, it didn't work. CSH flopped his way around the physicality, got the calls, and, well, NLEX' import failed to show up, which basically sealed their fate.

Who do you think will advance to the next round to face Ginebra? Will it be NLEX, the 1st seed, or Northport, which got a new lease on life despite the exit of super rookie Robert Bolick?

Terrence, who?

The right Terrence for TNT
(Photo courtesy

Looks like TNT Katropa finally found the right Terrence for them, huh?

Eight-year NBA veteran and current PBA Commissioner's Cup TNT super import Terrence Jones, that is. The former Kentucky Wildcat is averaging an impressive 34.5 peg 16.40 rag and 7.7 apg while shooting 41% from deep and 51% from two. Jones' all around brilliance has propelled TNT back to the top of the standings after the team's confusing/ disappointing play the last few conferences.

So here's where TNT is right now: 9-1 win-loss record, managed to do away with disgruntled, supposedly "future" cornerstones Terrence Romeo, Jericho Cruz and RR Garcia, and adding role players like the other Semerad twin and Don Trollano along the way. From the outside looking in, you'd think that they lost a lot of star power in the process, and perhaps they did, but they were able to pretty much simplify their game plan in terms of who is Alpha, Beta and so on.


Jones is Alpha. Clear cut. Beta is Jayson Castro, who was supposed to pass on the heavy burden of carrying the team to younger teammates. Turns out, there's little to no need for that, at least not in import-laden conferences. Castro may not be as Blurry as years back, but he isn't exactly on his last legs either. Now you've got Jones and Castro as the clear 1-2 punch, with other players knowing just when and where to be. Troy Rosario is back to doing Rosario things, and not pretending to be a small forward (hopefully, for international purposes, he can continue working on this). The addition of the other Semerad, and how he complements his twin, is pretty much what Rosario can go back to being. A tough enforcer who works the board on defense, and a sturdy screen setter with enough range to knock down any kick-out passes from the free throw line and out.

So just how far can Jones take TNT?

Honestly, Abueva-dance-gate kidding aside, we feel that he can take TNT all the way to the PBA Finals. The team looks like it is in great rhythm, they celebrate each other's made shots and plays, and  they do not ball watch anymore (which was a really odd sight to see last season, considering TNT has been the PBA's standard bearer for a more Euro-style of play).

Now what we'd really like to know is, how long are we going to keep calling Bong Ravena the "head coach?"

Also, you really mean to tell us that they couldn't simply have done this for Jimmy Alapag back then? You know, something like, he's "head coach" but you've got an import consultant, say a Rajko Toroman at the time, to be in his ear? Really? Really?

Your thoughts?

Out of control

A moment of peace
(Photo: PhilStar.com)

We failed Calvin Abueva.

The Phoenix Fuel Masters, the Alaska Aces, his teammates past and present, his coaches, his inner circle, and most specially, his fans.

The clothesline on Terrence Jones, the disgusting display with a female fan who turned out to be an opposing player's partner, the on court antics and bravado that is starting to spill out off the court based on rumours and his semi-private life which became a bit of a circus late last year-- which we never really cared much for (if you've been reading our blog and Twitter long enough, you'd know that we never really bothered about who's sleeping with who).

We have empowered Calvin Abueva to the point wherein he thinks that his antics are acceptable. There's physical Filipino basketball, and then there's the ugly, brash, bully-ball reserved for the streets where if the player can't beat you in the game, he'd simply just go out there and try to hurt you. Basketball hooligans. Fake thuggery. He sure as hell wasn't doing a lot of bully-ball when they faced San Miguel last conference and the champions had enough of him and simply put Kelly Nabong in the game.

Abueva the person needs help, mentally.

He is a great basketball talent, he is athletic, he hustles, he scraps, he is a game-changer.

But year after year, we see him getting out of control. Coach Louie Alas and Coach Topex Robinson appear to have him on a very long leash. Coach Alex Compton had him on one too, save for Alaska's classy owner Mr. Wilfred Uytengsu who finally (probably) put his foot down and prioritised integrity over winning dirty.

He says that he reacted to the female fan who was hurling insults at him. How? By performing lewd acts for the public to see? Is this what a grown man, a father, would like for kids, his own, to see and emulate?

Fans should also be held accountable of course and display proper decorum, but the league should know better and hold seminars for their players to NOT react or at least have self-control. Abueva needs counselling. Anger management issues. We're not even entirely sure if he has anger issues, it's just the way he's wired it seems.

You can be tough on the court, but you can also be a gentleman off it.

The hit on Jones was warranted. He got hit on the nuts. But only after he stood over Jones who he knocked down in the first place. A hit for a hit.

But instead of going after Jones, he disguises his revenge in a cowardly basketball play. He yells at the referees to watch him. Then he goes on and chases the guy on a loose ball and blindsides him with a clothesline from behind.

From behind. He hit Jones. Jones hits back. He waits and sneaks in a clothesline from the back because you know, he got what was coming to him and now he needs his payback, macho man style.

The indefinite suspension is warranted. Ban him for a year, maybe even longer. Let him think it over. Let him heal. Maybe find peace first. The PBA needs to be strong and set an example, no matter how talented the player is.

Your thoughts on Abueva and his indefinite suspension?

#NarvasaResign

Man on fire
(photo courtesy of Rappler,com)

It has been a while, and we are quite thankful that there are some of you who still patronize this page and digest whatever understanding of Philippine basketball we have to offer despite the dwindling number of entries.

We have apologized quite a few times already, so there is no point in adding yet another paragraph just to do so. Long story short: life happens.

That being said, PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa has recently come under fire after 1) approving a "lopsided" trade that sent the 2017 PBA Draft 1st pick Christian Standhardinger to the San Miguel Beermen and 2) revealing that it was TNT personnel Magnum Membrere who processed Standhardinger's Draft Application, which put TNT under a bad light obviously.

Trade rxn: Too many to mention

When NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao said that he was considering trading a few players to form the most competitive team possible; he damn well meant every single word.

The fiery head coach and his team figured in several trades that took place during the PBA All Star break that involved four other squads. There were some surprises-- considering the names that were included, and here we try our very best to make sense out of the Guiao-manufactured madness.

Meralco: Garvo Lanete
The Bolts decided to let go of the promising Grey (who kept opening eyes with his efficient play despite the obvious lack of hype and athleticism) to acquire former Gilas Cadet hand Lanete. Lanete comes in to possibly re-start his amateurs superstar partnership with the Bolts' lead point guard Baser Amer who is having a breakout in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. The move will also allow the Bolts to focus on rookie Ed Daquioag as their premier slasher/ creator coming off the bench, with Amer and Lanete as their lead 1-2 players from here on out.
Grade: B

Trade RXN: RR for MGR

Garcia to TNT, Rosser to SMB
(Photo credit: Gilas)

We never thought we'd see the day wherein San Miguel and TNT would see eye to eye and broker an even trade.

Hey #WeArePBA, also, what a time to be alive.

RR Garcia (18mpg 7ppg 1rpg 2apg) was supposed to be the next "great SMB point guard." It is a role that currently belongs to Chris Ross, after aging star Alex Cabagnot has made the full transition to shooting guard and backup Brian Heruela was found lacking. He showed flashes in the Philippine Cup, his first conference with SMB after being acquired from the Star Hotshots, but has obviously lost favor with the team.

Matt Ganuelas-Rosser (19-6-3-3), like Garcia, was also supposed to be the "next big thing" for TNT. Here is a 6"5 athlete who could run like a gazelle, dunk over the opposition, and basically do anything and everything that is required to win games. Only, he doesn't. Or he does, but only up to a certain point which, in his 3rd/4th season in, tells coaches and fans alike that perhaps he has hit a glass ceiling.

This trade could be a blessing for both.

The agony of defeat

Off to a good start
(Photo credit: pba.online.net)

You wake up at the sound of your morning alarm, ending your peaceful slumber that granted you a few hours’ rest. Today you should be getting ready for the PBA Finals press conference, to be held at some fancy buffet restaurant, ready to trade pleasantries and inside barbs with your opponents and the press. Today should’ve been the day that you take one step closer to greatness.

But it isn’t.

Instead you sit and sulk, wanting to avoid any sports replays or news. You’ll catch the game later, and will definitely attend your next team practice. But today just isn’t the day.

PBA Ph C SF 1 San Miguel v 4 TNT

Country's best players 1A, 1B
(Photo credit: pba-online.net)

Thank you Alex Cabagnot.

This corporate rivalry that has spilled on the hardcourt badly needed that "arrow" of yours, if only because Team MVP (through TNT Katropa) wasn't holding up its end of the bargain. While San Miguel Beer kept winning title after title, post-Chot Reyes TNT started to pile up the losses and early playoff exits.

Even their last title romp, over Rain or Shine just a few conferences back, can be marked with an asterisk because San Miguel's key players were hurt during that same conference so they can never really lay claim supremacy. Also, then TNT import Ivan Johnson simply went berserk against the whole league (in a good, basketball way of course)

So yeah, shoot those arrows and post those tweets. Keep them coming (because we sure as hell know that most of the guys on the roster, specially from TNT, won't really look to exchange violent, non-basketball related blows). Would love to see Gabby Espinas and Ranidel de Ocampo get into it. Maybe Arwind Santos and Kelly Williams. Ross' pesky defense versus Castro's genius.
Light up the fireworks.

Here are the match-ups:

PBA PhC QF: 4 TNT v 5 GP

To be the Man, you have to beat THE Man
(Photo credit: smartgilasbasketball.com)

This match-up is going to be quite interesting: a re-calibrated championship team going up against young up-and-comers who want to take over the basketball world.

Ladies and gentlemen the PBA gives to you: 4th seed TNT Katropa versus the 5th seed GlobalPort Batang Pier. On one side is the King of the Jungle, FIBA Asia all-star guard Jayson Castro, and on the other stands the young lion, Terrence Romeo.

But if you are expecting a plain, old school shootout between the two, we doubt that TNT's going to be a willing dance partner given their spread-out, "collegiate" approach.

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.

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.

Rocky Road

The Rock is on The Road to..
(Photo credit to the owner)

Well, the writing was indeed on the freaking wall.

The NLEX Road Warriors' 6"10 slotman Asi Taulava has officially requested team management for a trade after seeing his minutes and contribution to the team cut down by new head coach Yeng Guiao. This is not him being "selfish," but rather him coming to grips that Guiao's run and gun, spread-out offense is not suited for a low post banger such as himself. Specially not a 43-year-old one whose illustrious PBA career is already on borrowed time.

If you chanced upon our column on FoxSportsAsia.com; you would know that system-wise it was simply a bad fit for the Fil-Tonggan. Sure, he was averaging an "ageless" 14 points and 10 rebounds last season while also playing a lot as one of the team's anchors on both ends, but Guiao has never built his offense around one single player. He may give guys a few touches here and there (Paul Lee at Rain or Shine, Davonn Harp/ Enrico Villanueva at Red Bull), but he will never call successive plays for any one.

Encore

#ThankYouJimmy

We could hear the trumpets blasting with the soulful musings of one Shawn Corey Carter spreading what is as close to ghetto gospel as possible on the microphone:

Now can I get an encore, do you want more/
Cookin’ raw with the Brooklyn Pinoy boy/
So for one last time I need y'all to roar/

Now what the hell are you waitin for/
After me, there shall be no more/
So for one last time, nigga Pinas make some noise/

Come next PBA season when the Meralco Bolts take the floor, they will no longer introduce one of our beloved players. The team will be playing minus 11-time PBA All Star, 1x PBA MVP, 6x champion and more importantly, Gilas captain, Jimmy Alapag who has chosen to retire after “unretiring” last January 2015.

PBA Ph Cup/Season Preview

The Face That Runs The Place
(Photo courtesy: philstar.com)

The new PBA season opens this November 20 and while official line-ups have yet to be announced, we could more or less predict who is coming in as conference/season favorites (unless a league balance shaking scenario happens i.e. Tim Cone moving/being moved to Ginebra last pre-season).

The Favorites

San Miguel Beermen
The defending PBA Philippine Cup champions will once again rely on 3x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo to spearhead their title defense, with veterans Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter all ready to chip in. Honestly, the way the league is being officiated at the moment, there is just no way to stop Fajardo in the post. This basically means that teams will have to keep more than one guy on Fajardo, which in turn opens up the floor for SMB’s shooters to pick their spots. They lost little used Ryan Arana but somehow ended up with former high school phenom Keith Agovida AND, more importantly, UAAP MVP RR Garcia. Arnold Van Opstal won’t be a threat right away, but anytime you can have another warm body—standing at an athletic and well-cut 6”9 at that, is always a plus.