Gilas Pilipinas: The Natural

Photo courtesy of pba-online.net

His name is Marcus Douthit, and at 6"10 he is arguably the biggest yet most underscored storyline in the current renaissance enjoyed by Philippine basketball when it comes to international meets.

Time and again many have gone into detail about how incompetent our big men were down the block as compared to our Asian brethren. That despite being dominant at the local front, they're easily reduced to second-guessing fools who feel that all they have to do is concentrate on one end of the floor and leave the rest to the smaller guys.

Gilas Pilipinas: Instant offense

Photo courtesy of Interkasyon.com

Make no mistake about it, come the FIBA Asia tournament this August, Gilas Pilipinas' Gary David will be ready to drop buckets or die trying.

There is no way to go about it really, David is a scorer by trade. He puts the "shooting" in "shooting guard." He is cut from the same cloth as the likes of Vergel Meneses, Nelson Asaytono, Mark Caguioa and lately of upstarts Jericho Cruz, Kevin Alas and Terrence Romeo.

Gilas Pilipinas: True Pinoy Grit

Photo courtesy of damarre.wordpress.com

For all the stories, myths and urban legends thrown around about one Johnny Abarrientos and his exploits in the late 90s, we argue that Jimmy Alapag has earned to be mentioned in the same breath, if not higher.

The body of work, the championships and arguably our biggest Abarrientos VS Alapag tie-breaker: longevity and consistency.

But let's get to the "who's better" debate some other time. We are here to talk about Alapag, no longer in his prime and even a lock to NOT start for Gilas Pilipinas come the FIBA Asia tournament next month. His inclusion was born more out of "experience" and "familiarity" with head coach Chot Reyes' system more than actually being one of the best at his position today (he's still up there, but younger guys have slowly closed the gap-- Gilas teammate L.A. Tenorio, JVee Casio, Alex Cabagnot, Mike Cortez and Paul Lee).

And nobody does it better... Eala reassigned

Photo courtesy of sports.nfo.ph

In an obvious public relations damage control effort, San Miguel Corporation opted to "reassign" their trusted Basketball Operations Consultant Noli Eala following the intense social media backlash brought about by vexed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fans in the aftermath of their head coach's, Alfrancis Chua's, resignation.

The move to reassign the one-time PBA Commissioner comes not only at the heels of Chua's resignation but also after Eala's hit-and-miss performance since he came on board early in 2011. The then Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas head was brought into Team SMC after a "falling out" with the SMART Gilas Pilipinas men's national basketball program (here's a quick link to our idol FireQuinito's old entry) bankrolled by Team Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) and was bent on helping all three of Team SMC's Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams to acquire premium talent albeit at the cost of overall team chemistry.

Gilas Pilipinas: The Specialist

Photo courtesy of interaksyon.com

Name one basketball skill and chances are Larry Fonacier's probably performed it in one of the many stops in his decorated and multi-titled basketball career.

Shoot from the outside? Hit clutch baskets? Jumpshot? Layup left hand? Layup right hand? Use the glass? Stop and pop? Pick and roll? Pick and pop? Teardrop?

Check.

Drama hits Ginebra

Photo courtesy of Yahoo.Ph

What a strange way for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to start their PBA Governor's Cup campaign.

First was the unseen retirement of one of our all-time favorites, Rudy Hatfield. Not only did the team lose one of its veteran anchors, it lost one of its better low post defenders with Hatfield choosing to close one of the more impressive 14-year careers this side of Philippine basketball.

And because we're talking about the league's most popular ball club here, the drama didn't end there. After coming off a surprise Commissioner's Cup Finals runner-up finish, head coach Alfrancis Chua opted to resign for "personal reasons" which many insiders believe was caused by all the coaching rigodon Ginebra and its owning San Miguel Corporation family did the last few weeks.

Hustle like Hatfield

Photo courtesy of interaksyon.com

After 14 years (on and off) with the Philippine Basketball Association-- from Tanduay Rhum to Coca Cola and finally to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Rudy "The H-Bomb" Hatfield is finally calling it a career. This, after a so-so campaign in recent conferences following his nth comeback in the professional ranks.

We were not mistaken when we Tweeted the other day that Hatfield "reinvented" the way Filipino small forwards played the game. Back in the old days, small forwards were cast as one of the following: spread the floor wing shooter, defensive stopper or Mr. Intangibles. The guy who does the little things that almost go unseen by the not so educated basketball mind. It was almost, always one of the three. Can't be all (even the great NBA legend Magic Johnson had to concede on playing great lockdown defense, while Larry Bird lacked athleticism so there's always something holding small forwards back).

Gilas Pilipinas: The Stopper

Photo courtesy of pbafans.blogspot.com

When was the first time you saw Jean Marc Pingris play basketball?

Was it with the San Mig Coffee Mixers? When he was finally lauded as the league's best defensive player once a more prized basketball peer was moved out? Was it with the BMeg Llamados when he served as the ideal complementary piece to a rising superstar triumvirate? Or was it when he was a highly touted rookie with tons of potential and athleticism rocking corn rows and sporting a huge tattoo on his bicep?

We remember the wild beast with immense swagger back in a Philippine Basketball League All Star Slam Dunk contest. At the time, Pingris had no chance of winning against legit high-flyers and basketball aerial wizards (Nino Canaleta was only good at one thing then, and that was dunking it Dr. J style). How could he? He had an obvious advantage at 6"5 with little to no effort to really dunk the basketball (we're not talking about Michael Jordan here).

Gilas Pilipinas: The Great Big Hope

Photo courtesy of Interaksyon.com

The future of Philippine basketball is in good hands.

Whatever the 6"9 Cebuano giant and Gilas Pilipinas rookie Junemar Fajardo does or brings to the table for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming FIBA Asia games-- be it backstopping Marcus Douthit as the team's main anchor or "learning" on the bench ala Japeth Aguilar in previous years (highly unlikely), rest assured that you are looking at the man that will become the pillar for Team Pilipinas just like Asi Taulava did the last decade.

Despite the presence of Douthit, Aguilar and the possible and expected rise of 7"0 Greg Slaughter, the brunt of carrying the legacy of all great Filipino big men rests on Fajardo's broad shoulders. He has the hands for it, he has the size, speed and (as proven by his quick recovery from surgery) the grit to be the country's bannerman for years to come. Are we asking that Gilas head coach Chot Reyes eschew his preferred "small ball" and even ignore Douthit on the block? No. Are we asking that Fajardo gets more touches? No.

Gilas Pilipinas: Aguilar makes the cut

Photo courtesy of pba.inquirer.net

Hear us out.

Granted, we've been one of the biggest Japeth Aguilar haters/ trollers this side of the Pinoy Hoops Internet kingdom but all in good reason. The newly-minted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel big man has often drawn our ire/ frustration/ disappointment only because we expect so much. The physical tools are undeniable, the desire to play and fearlessness is admirable-- but at this point in Aguilar's now seasoned PBA career, we want more.

It's official: Gilas Pilipinas names final 12

Photo credits: pba.inquirer.net

Ladies and gentlemen, mga kababayan, here is your Gilas Pilipinas:

Jimmy Alapag, PG

Lewis Alfred Tenorio, PG

Jayson Castro, PG/SG

Jeffrei Chan, SG

Gary David, SG

Larry Fonacier, SF

Gabe Norwood, SF

Marc Pingris, PF

Ranidel de Ocampo, PF

Japeth Aguilar, PF

Marcus Douthit, C

Junemar Fajardo, C

We will breakdown each player in our succeeding entries, stay tuned.

Win an All-Access VIP pass to the D Rose Tour activities in Manila

Last month, adidas Basketball announced the D Rose visit to Manila. The last stop of his world tour, Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls will be engaging in various activities with fans and the media, including the Rose Originals Party, Fans’ Day, 3 on 3 Grand Finals, and Media Day.

D Rose fans also have a chance to meet and greet Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose by participating in the Rose Tour Promo hosted by adidas, which runs until August 5, 2013. Every single receipt of  P2,000 from participating adidas stores entitles customers to participate in the raffle draw. 5 lucky winners will get a 3-day all-access VIP pass to the D Rose Tour activities, while 20 winners will get tickets to the Rose Originals party.

Don’t cry for Olsen

And then... there was none.

It’s official.

After weeks of speculation, the Petron Blaze Boosters have decided to drop rookie head coach Olsen Racela in favor of the more seasoned Gee Abanilla. This, after Racela’s failed Philippine Cup campaign and the huge “what if” that clouded the Boosters’ Commissioner’s Cup stint.

From what we’ve gathered, Racela has been moved to sister team San Mig Coffee Mixers and “demoted” to assistant coach under Hall of Famer Tim Cone and alongside his peers Johnny Abarrientos, Jeffrey Cariaso among others.

KKS final, final, FINAL Gilas Pilipinas’ 12

Break glass in case of emergency.

We're halfway done with June which could only mean that August a.k.a. "FIBA in Manila" season is just around the corner. With that, we present to you our final, final, pinaaaaaaaaaaaka-FINAL (last na to pramis) Gilas Pilipinas 12-man roster:

First Five: PG LA Tenorio/ SG Jeffrei Chan/ SF Gabe Norwood/ PF Sonny Thoss/ C Marcus Douthit

There are a lot of cases in basketball, be it local or foreign, wherein talent is enough to win games. We’ve seen it time and again, when a n actual team with a balanced roster is defeated by a rag-tag selection led by a prodigy (we don’t even have to look that far, with names such as the NBA’s Cleveland days LeBron James, pre-Big Three/ post-Shaq Dwyane Wade and pre-muscle memory injury Derrick Rose and in the Pinoy hoops scene- Meralco/GlobalPort’s Sol Mercado who was going all HAM before a trade, injury and a questionable coach derailed his Most Improved Player 2012 campaign).

Barangay Overkill. Much.

Dugong Pinoy...
...Lahing Ginebra?

What happens if Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, now blessed with 6"9 athlete Japeth Aguilar, is able to somehow pry veteran 6"9 Fil-Tonggan Asi Taulava from the hands of Team MVP?

Then it only solidifies our claim that this team has nowhere been near it's given "underdog" moniker not since reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa's blonde-bombing rookie year (when they actually played guys named Ronald Magtulis and Banjo Calpito heavy minutes). Never say die? How can a team that is supposed to win big be "never say die?" The new battle cry should be "play to your standards" if anything.

Seriously, why Ginebra is still in hot pursuit of an aging role player is beyond us. Aside from Aguilar, they already have little (if not mis-)used players such as Rico Maierhofer, Billy Mamaril, Willy Wilson, Rudy Hatfield and not to mention the resurgent Kerby Raymundo.

Who is the Best Pinoy Big Man today?

Where would you rank RDO and The Boss?

One of our friends over at Facebook.com/KiliKiliShot (shoutout to boss Dexter Cumigad and his family, thank you for reading our stuff) asked who we feel are the best big men in the Philippine Basketball Association today. The easiest way out of course is to simply go with the numbers, but contrary to popular belief-- numbers lie.

A guy could average only 6 points and 7 rebounds for his team but still have the most dominating presence on the hard court (think Belga, who makes use of his height, heft and six fouls to the hilt every time). So here's a list of who we feel are the league's best big men- taking one per team of course and ranking them altogether. And just to spice things up, we're not simply going to go with the guy who starts the game at center or is marked as one. We're going to rank the Top 10 bigs who play the position for their teams when the games are tight and shots or stops need to be made.

10. Jay-R Reyes (Meralco Bolts)
How long before we finally give up on the former U.P. Maroon and Gilas Pilipinas campaigner? No matter the extended minutes, international training and exposure, it seems that Reyes just isn't meant to dominate the sport after glimpses of near-Kerby Raymundo potential. He has the post-up moves and range, but as with some players, it comes down to putting it all together and being consistent. The silver lining for Reyes of course is, being a young player in the pros, he has time to find a niche. With all the scorers that the Bolts have on the roster (starting with star guard Mark Cardona), perhaps Reyes can concentrate more on playing defense and grabbing more rebounds (then maybe the offense can come later).

9. Doug Kramer (Barako Bull Energy Cola)
We are big Kramer fans. We fill that he is the most under-rated and under-utilized quality role-playing big man in the PBA today. No, he is not gifted with back-to-the-basket abilities like teammate Enrico Villanueva, but he has found a role in the pros and has stuck to it the last three to four years. Kramer does his best work setting hard screens, boxing out, rebounding and knocking down kick-out/ dump mid-range jumpshots. He's not a guy who'll average 15 and 10 a night, but he'll contribute right away given the minutes.

NBA MVP D Rose is coming back to Manila

Derrick Rose is coming (back) to Manila!

Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose headlines the D Rose Tour, where the 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player visits Europe and returns to Asia for the third time. The latter includes a 3-day visit to Manila, Philippines from September 14-16. This marks the return of Rose since he last arrived in the country for a pair of exhibition games in July 2011.

Inspired by the exciting and attacking on-court play and smooth, understated off-court style of Derrick Rose, fans attending the tours will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and have unique access to Derrick through a multitude of premium, exclusive events.

What's next for ABL San Miguel Beermen?

New league, new life for the ABL MVP

Congratulations to the newly-crowned ASEAN Basketball League champions, San Miguel Beermen!

After an impressive campaign that saw the team finish the eliminations atop with a 25-4 record, the Beermen have not only exalted revenge on the Indonesia Warriors but also reclaimed a bit of national pride for the Philippines as a whole. Though opting to carry their brand rather than the name Philippines or Pilipinas, the Beermen are our own and it is only right that each and every player on the roster be recognized for their efforts.

Leading the charge is this season's ABL Most Valuable Player Asi Taulava, who at 40 years of age was still able to play 22 games and put up 10 ppg and 7rpg in about 27 minutes of action a game. This, after being dismissed as a "washed up, has been out for a big paycheck" by some circles. We admit to feeling the same way-- but never to the extend that the beefy 6"9 Taulava can no longer contribute to a winning team.

Is Olsen safe?

Life was probably simpler for Coach O
back when he was playing

In case you haven't already heard, there's a "coaching re-organization" reportedly in the works within the San Miguel Corporation ranks. This, after the abrupt dismissal of Gee Abanilla as head coach of the De La Salle Green Archers in the collegiate ranks (which is banked by Danding Cojuangco of Team SMC).

Some circles say that Abanilla is on his way to playing a role for one of Team SMC's PBA ballclubs, another  have him being given the boot because of a lackluster coaching job in a recently concluded pocket tournament.  How this affects Racela is simple: either Abanilla (or someone flying under the radar) is out to get his spot or as shown with Cojuangco's patience for the former DLSU coach, Racela is next to go given his so-so performance as head coach of the Petron Blaze Boosters in the PBA.

But what did they really expect when they handed Racela the head coaching gig?

Barangay Phi Slama Jama

Japeth like it's hot!

After weeks of speculation, 6"9 wunderkind Japeth Aguilar finds himself with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel-- his 4th team in a very young, up-and-down PBA career. Will he finally find a niche in Philippine hoops and breakthrough as every one hopes him to, or will he plateau as a slam dunking, sweet shooting athlete who bites at every pump fake thrown his way by guys shorter than him?

If you thought that Aguilar had everyone watching him succeed/ fail his first few years, then things are about to get even crazier from here on out.  

Four-team trade gets greenlight; JWash to Batang Pier

For the record, our favorite "scooperoo" and arguably the most polarizing local sports commentator Mr. Snow Badua reported it first as a "deal in the works."

Just a few hours after Talk'n'Text sent National team campaigner Jared Dillinger to Meralco, another trade has been green-lighted by the PBA this time involving some of the more popular and promising young talents in the land.

Where did THIS J-Wash go?

Barako Bull Energy Cola

Elmer Espiritu

Let's all be honest here, who expects Espiritu to actually break BB head coach Bong Ramos' rotation? With the recent acquisition of high scoring guard Ronjay Buenafe, JC Intal and Allein Maliksi are bumped up to their natural small forward positions. Having the same body type, Espiritu will be the third man out. We'd love to think that the former UE Red Warrior could get minutes at the four spot, but his thin frame doesn't help his case one bit.

Grade: B-

DareDevil on the move, but Ronjay biggest steal

Finally an end to the dry spell.

The PBA teams are back in the limelight following a three-team trade that involves two legit 20 point scorers, a high post big man and energy/ rotation guys. And since we haven't really posted anything substantial the last few days, let's cut this intro short and proceed with the topic at hand:

Dillinger will electrify the Bolts...
... IF he gets back to 100%

Meralco Bolts
Jared Dillinger (SG/SF)
It's funny how the world of Philippine basketball works: languish as a confused player in an even more confused coach's rotation to start your professional career, still be good enough to be called for national team duties, put on a solid showing under a new head coach enough to earn a semi-starting gig, get in a freak accident and ultimately be sent packing to the "B" (sister) team.

Should Dillinger be able to come back from his injuries, then he'll start as the Bolts' go-to-small forward right away. Given resident franchise player Mark Cardona's recent struggles and so-so performances, Dillinger steps in as a legit offensive force who can play both inside and out. Defensively, Dillinger has been putting up a string of solid performances with Gilas Pilipinas and even over at TNT. We've been saying this since day one, Dillinger has more upside than our boy Gabe Norwood over at Rain or Shine as a high-scoring big guard who can play positions 1, 2 and 3.

Grade: A- (only if he comes back strong)

The Dream Match to end it all

Dream Match III: if only to see
Kiefer vs Mac/Yeo/Cortez

There you have it.

The PBA Green Archers were able to repeat versus rivals PBA Blue Eagles in this afternoon's ho-hum battle at the SM MoA Arena dubbed "Dream Match II: The Revenge." Well, if the script were to be followed, the Eagles were supposed to win this one to force a nail-biter of a third and deciding match (ala celebrated promoter Don King's brand of boxing).

But the Archers wouldn't have any of it. Mac Cardona, free from the burden of having to play a passive role with his mother team Meralco's three-ball happy Dribble Drive Offense, played like he had a score to settle with everyone from the Eagles' side of things. He dropped in threes, made his patented tear drop hook shots and even threw in some mean mug swag "anong height mo" theatrics here and there for good measure.

So should a third match be played, with the Archers now up 2-0 in this mini cash cow of a side event by the PBA? Yes. But IF and WHEN current amateur superstar known to most as "The Phenom" Keifer Ravena turns pro (or is eligible to do so).

Belga knows basketball

Enforcer ba kamo? Watch the "sipit."

Minsan lang tayo mag-Filipino sa blog na ito na alay natin sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi dahil sa galing tayong elitistang iskwelahan na hindi marunong bumigkas ng "R," kundi para maipabot natin sa ibang lahi ung galing at husay ng Pilipinas basketball.

Hindi namin lubos na maisalaysay yung kagalakan namin nung napabalitang isasama sa Gilas Pilipinas tune-up si Rain or Shine 6"6 big man Beau Belga. Matagal na namin itong kinakampanya. Marami nagsasabing barubal at marumi maglaro si Belga, madalas ung mga fangirls/gays na ang mga iniidolo kasi ang tinatamaan ng mala-Brazo de Mercedez BENZ ni Belga.

Pero lingid sa kanilang kaalaman, si Belga ay marunong maglaro ng basketball. Sabi nila, ito daw ang pinakamalaking line-up ng Gilas. Siguro nga. Pero kung sina Japeth Aguilar at Greg Slaughter lang din, aanhin mo ang height kung kulang pa sa diskarte (lalo na kung ung isa e allergic sa poste)?

Rounding out the Gilas 12

No Kelly? Bring in Arwind.

Kelly Williams. Jared Dillinger. Sonny Thoss.

Of the initial 15-man Gilas Pilipinas pool released by the Philippines' men's basketball team head coach Chot Reyes, only 12 remain standing. Not because they were the shoo-ins or favorites to make the spot, but because after potentially having what seemed to be the greatest frontline combination in the history of Philippine basketball Gilas finds itself short of three key players.

There's former PBA Most Valuable Player Kelly Williams whose rare combination of size, speed and athleticism on both ends of the floor make him the ideal partner for Gilas anchor Marcus Douthit as a weak side rebounder and help defender (Ranidel de Ocampo comes in more for offense). Unfortunately, Williams' battle with a rare blood disorder has put him on the sidelines (indefinitely we hope) so there's that.

PBA Commish Cup Finals: Wala pa ring tatalo sa Alaska

Young Blood Reachin'

It was time.

The Alaska Aces are the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup champions thanks to a dominant 3-0 sweep of the injury-riddled Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. They did it through team work. They did it through hard work and perseverance. They did it together.

Credit goes to Ginebra and head coach Alfrancis Chua for their magical run to the Commish Cup Finals after a woeful 7th seed finish at the end of the eliminations. They lost reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa to a knee injury, had to change import early and fought through all the chemistry woes that have hounded them early this season.

Newly-minted Best Player of the Conference L.A. Tenorio spearheaded Ginebra's attack the whole way. Ginebra responded to their "substitute" leader and gamely fought toe-to-toe with the Aces' youth and vigour. Ginebra was determined to not go out without a fight. They were putting it all out there, they were the more physical team. They were loose and carefree on the court. For the first three quarters, Ginebra played like Ginebra.

Alaska Aces: The Mantle of the Bat

Luigi Trillo: Rightful Successor

In the Alaska Aces' storied franchise history, Tim Cone would be its Bruce Wayne a.k.a. The Batman. Though he has severed all ties and moved on with his coaching career, he will always be the man that brought the team to prominence. The 13 titles that he won for the Aces in the course of over 20 years will remain untouched. No matter how they broke-up, it is what it is.

But just like in the comic book world, there are always successors-- both unworthy and worthy. Dick Grayson, Jason Tood and Tim Drake. All three wore the bright colored Robin costume at one point or another. In reference, Grayson would be Joel Banal. He has all the tools to succeed Cone, but he was his own man. He had his own style, and last year it showed that it just wasn't a good fit.

PBA Commish Cup Finals: A lesson in coaching

If there's any truth to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel head coach Alfrancis Chua giving a referee the finger in last night's Game 2 loss to the Alaska Aces (which it probably has because Chua has reportedly been summoned by Commissioner Chito Salud), don't blame him. Blame the referees.

But that's not because the referees were making calls in favor of the Aces, on the contrary they've been calling it for Ginebra dating as far back as the team's magical late-eliminations run. We're not going to say that Ginebra's being favored and buying wins, but we are going to leave it at them getting the lighter end of the stick.

PBA Commish Cup Finals: Didn't you get the memo?

The Boss' D won it for the Aces in Game 1

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the PBA Commissioner's Cup Best-of-Five Finals between the first seed Alaska Aces and the seventh seed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Why we opted to open this entry with that statement should be a no brainer for those of you who were able to witness the Wednesday night massacre of a hapless Ginebra side. Did they celebrate too early as  one of our favorite PBA legends-turned-TV's most Povedan-sounding analyst Jojo Lastimosa hint during their semifinals conquest of the badly-depleted Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters?

It sure seemed like it.

Tenorio for PBA Commish Cup BPC

It's Caguioa's team. But Tenorio's show.

Lewis Alfred Tenorio is a winner.

He's won in high school, he's won in college and ultimately, in the professional ranks. When he was (surprisingly) traded to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, he not only became a winner, he instantly became a house hold name.

"The best point guard in all of Philippine basketball TODAY wears jersey number 5 for Ginebra."

Not a lot of people could argue with that. Jimmy Alapag? He's up there, he used to hold the throne-- but that was when he could play a full 40-45 minutes non-stop without any injuries to think about. Alex Cabagnot? He had a brief run with the crown. Jayson Castro? Still too quick for his own good at times. Our idol Paul Lee? He's a (extra half-rice) combo guard.

The Beast for PBA Commish Cup BPC

No stopping the Beast

The PBA Commissioner's Cup was supposed to be the one conference that would break the spirit of Alaska Aces' heralded rookie Calvin Abueva. It's where gargantuan imports would reign supreme, and Abueva's rookie rivals, top overall pick 6"10 Junemar Fajardo and the Meralco Bolts' 6"5 Cliff Hodge would be able to prove their worth.

Why wouldn't it be? Abueva after all is a hustling, rebounding, do-it-all and win-at-all-costs SIX FOOT ONE AND A HALF tall forward. He was supposed to hide in the shadows behind bigger teammates Sonny Thoss (who would naturally slide down to the power forward spot to make room for 6"9 import Rob Dozier at the center position) and even bossom buddy Gabby Espinas.

But how did the rookie touted as "The Beast" respond?

PBA Commish Cup Finals: Alaska vs Ginebra

Author's note: Before we get to the PBA Finals preview, let's just make one thing clear: we are bloggers. We aren't paid to do this, so it doesn't matter if we end up being wrong with our "Fearless Forecasts." We're basing our predictions on who we feel and think will win based on what we've seen during games. You can call out all the sports commentators that you idolise, and they'll hand you a politically correct "50-50." This blog is all for fun, we'd love to hear from you so share away. We don't mind you calling us "haters" or what not, as long as it's all in good, Pinoy basketball fun. Okay? 

Kung ayaw niyo talaga, e di gumawa kayo ng blog.

PG JVee Casio/RJ Jazul vs LA Tenorio

Thoss vs Tenorio

The two guys who were indirectly traded for one another will finally get to square off on the biggest stage of them all. On one hand you have the heir apparent to the PBA point guard throne, the other you have a guy who jumped from being one of the elite scorers in the amateurs to crashing the party of the would be "next in line" floor generals. If Casio approaches this series with his guns holstered, it's going to get ugly fast. Tenorio is the better defender and craftier scorer who will get the calls. If Casio isn't on the floor for the Aces, they'll have a lot of trouble getting into their sets (a.k.a. Calvin Abueva will run amock which could either be good or bad). Our advice to Jazul? Keep shooting and keep Tenorio on his toes. Tire the sumb*tch out.
Adv. Ginebra

PBA Commish Cup Semis: Never Say Die

The 6th Man cometh

Barangay Gineba San Miguel, after a slow start and 7th seed finish at the end of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Eliminations, are back in the PBA Finals after dismantling the mighty Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters.

Say what you will about Ginebra, but they won the series and bonded together over the course of the conference. From a team that appeared to have absolutely no identity and chemistry, they've once again become a league powerhouse thanks to the great efforts of head coach Alfrancis Chua.

Before we proceed, our hats off to the Texters for putting up a heroic effort and going toe-to-toe with Ginebra until tonight's epic Game 5. Just imagine that the guys who are leading this team have been pulling "double duties"for so long, burning themselves out with their mother team and then also suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas. Fatigue and injuries spelled the Texters doom yet again-- Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger, Jimmy Alapag (who suited up and played because that's just how the Mighty Mouse rolls) and then tonight, Ranidel de Ocampo.

Mixers' Pride

They'll be back.

Mirroring the current (or soon to be) faith of the Chicago Bulls in the on-going NBA Playoffs, the San Mig Coffee Mixers have nothing to be ashamed of despite being sent home by the Alaska Aces.

The team, already facing a rash of injuries to top stars, fought valiantly and could've easily won a game or two had they managed to protect their lead in the 3rd to 4th quarters. Had they been able to sustain their momentum, it would be the Mixers and not the young Aces barging into the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals to defend their hard-earned title.

Alas, their hurting and now humbled stars could only do so much.

Cool, clutch Casio

Sinong nagsabing SHOOTER lang ako?

Five years ago if you were to tell us that JVee Casio would be playing on a title contender in the PBA as one of its leading men, we'd sign off on it in a heartbeat.

But if you were to add that he'd be playing point guard... Maybe not so much.

See, Joseph Evans Casio has a God given gift: to break the hearts of many opponents and their fans with heart-breaking triples. To shoot his team back into games and on to victories be it blowouts or buzzer beaters. Casio will score, he is a scorer by trade. To say otherwise would be blasphemous. He is a caricature of Ren Ren Ritualo straight out of a Washington Young "Pupung" comic strip.

PBA Commish Cup Semis: The Exorcism of Luigi Trillo

The MAN for the job.

There was a point in this series wherein it seemed that no matter how far the Alaska Aces have gone under young head coach Luigi Trillo, that they would never rid themselves of the ghost of Tim Cone. It's bad enough that they haven't beaten Cone until this series, but also because it was starting to make every single reason that Cone et al came up with seem true.

You can't win big in the PBA without stars. You can't win big in the PBA without money. You. Just. Can't. Win.

But after four grueling, intense and highly entertaining games, the Aces have not only triumphed over Cone and the depleted San Mig Coffee Mixers, they have managed to exorcise their own demons and proven themselves worthy of their now growing Gatas Republik's adoration.

PBA Commish Cup Semis: A different look

What was supposed to be a walk-in-the-park for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel ended up a nightmare that opened a can of worms no thanks to the ever-defiant Talk ‘n’ Text Tropang Texters.

Playing minus Gilas Pilipinas shoo-ins and resident superstars; PBA MVP Jimmy Alapag, Jared Dillinger and another former PBA MVP Kelly Williams, the Texters rallied around their trademark defense paired with some sweet shooting courtesy of new import, the smallest of the current lot, 6”5 Tony Mitchell.

Just when everyone with half a basketball brain thought that Ginebra would be able to unleash the full fury of their 7”0 monster Vernon Macklin, the Texters showed the locals could take care of business on their own. Ranidel de Ocampo was Macklin’s primary defender, but then came a barrage of Texters’ reserve big men in Rich Alvarez, John Ferriols and the ever-reliable Ali Peek (who’s coming off a back injury) not to mention the great adjustment made by Coach Norman Black.

PBA Commish Cup Semis: No fluke as Aces repeat

The Beast: All heart, all hustle

Just when you thought that the on-going (and highly/somewhat surprisingly entertaining) semifinals saga between the Alaska Aces and San Mig Coffee Mixers couldn't get any more dramatic, last night happened.

In front of over 23,000 strong, the Aces and Mixers put on a defensive clinic with the latter pretty much in control early in the game. The Mixers were bent on distancing themselves from the Aces, showing a level of basketball that only a true Hall of Famer coach like Tim Cone could draw up. Import Denzel Bowles, though still far from his 2012 form, was putting in work, Marc Pingris threw out all the distractions of "dirty play" aside and was a monster and Mark Barroca supplied the firepower missing from quarterfinals breakout star, backup Alex Mallari.

With resident superstars PJ Simon and 2x PBA MVP James Yap nursing injuries and going through shooting slumps, the Mixers still found ways to get it done thanks to their suffocating half court defense that left the Aces reeling and looking a lot like they did back when Joel Banal was at the helm (seems like a lifetime ago doesn't it?).

Room for Arwind

Disrupting Gilas Pilipinas’ hard-earned and –fought chemistry would be the last thing we’d like to do. Hell, even dividing the online (hardcore) Pinoy basketball community is not something we wake up wanting to do either. But if there’s anything that the recently concluded PBA All Star Game showed, it’s that Gilas might be missing a superstar (or two) in its fold.

We don’t have to discuss the history and all the drama in detail, we know the back story more or less: “The Silent War,” “One player per team,” and “Injured or risk of injury.” Oh, and there’s also the “we’ve done our part before, so let’s see the rest do theirs” shtick.

Of the PBA All Stars that competed last Sunday night, Petron Blaze’s Arwind Santos stood out with his double-double effort of 27 points, 13 rebounds and 2 steals in 40 minutes of action.

So who really won?

So who really won?

Politics is an ugly thing, and it applies not only to our much-ridiculed government or church. It is part of everyday life, of trying to be “politically correct” in each and every scenario and “doing the right/ just thing” at all times.

In a previous entry we wrote about how the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Basketball team should take their exhibition game against the PBA All Stars as more than just a tune-up match. No, we weren’t asking that Gilas head coach Chot Reyes et al unleash 7”0 naturalized center Marcus Douthit on the undersized PBA selection or that they start showing off each and every set in the playbook. We simply wanted both teams to engage in a good, old-fashion “I’m better than you” brand of basketball.

Ceasefire

From one hurting MVP to another

Who will benefit the most from the PBA All Star Break?

Anytime an "old" team can enjoy a day off or two, it's always a plus going into any series. While you can say that the same break allows younger teams to be even fresher, it actually hurts them more than it helps.

Younger teams tend to lose its overall focus and tenacity on the floor, susceptible to being rusty and just approaching the next game with either too much or little energy needed to compete. Any athlete would tell you that a day or two's rest would be enough in a long series because it allows them to stay sharp both mentally and physically.

But an old team that's been there and won it all? A team that's riddled with a malady of injuries and off-court issues?

Untamed

Running on primal instincts

There is a universal truth when it comes to the beings that roam this very world that we find ourselves fortunate enough to be part of. That no matter the education, the training or coaching, when things become increasingly challenging, nay, competitive, that every one, be it man, woman or beast, reverts to doing what they know instinctively. They no longer think, they just act in the manner that comes natural to them.

And for the Alaska Aces' 6"1 1/2 rookie Calvin Abueva, that means playing with fire, getting into the head of his opponents and occasionally, flopping to sell the contact and get the calls from the referees. There are no Xs and Os at times, Abueva leaves that up to his teammates. He runs the floor, goes hard and does whatever he pleases when he is given the basketball. It's the primal instinct to compete, to win.

PBA Commish Cup semis: Aces score 1st win over Cone

Dozier's making Bowles look old

After nine failed attempts over the course of a season and a half, Luigi Trillo and the Alaska Aces were finally able to beat former coach Tim Cone and the San Mig Coffee Mixers with a convincing 86-67 victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Just when it seemed that beating the Mixers was a gargantuan task that the Aces would never be able to accomplish, the Red and Black came out with a different mindset and game plan altogether: attack the rim. In Game 1, the Aces appeared to be at ease with trading jumpshots with the Mixers as they were playing exceptional defense on each other. Tonight, despite another strong effort on the defensive end by the Mixers early in the first, the Aces were just relentless.

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.

Can the Aces really win over the Mixers?

Who's yo daddy?

Another San Mig Coffee Mixers game for the Alaska Aces, another painful loss that appears to know no end.

What is it with these two teams-- the way they cancel each other out and pretty much play at an equal footing not 'til the closing moments where the Mixers' veteran leadership and overall court savvy comes in to play? The victory was there for the taking for the hard-fighting Aces. They took every jab, straight and hook from the mighty Mixers and were unnerved by it all.

But when it mattered most, the Mixers stuck to who they were under coach Tim Cone, while the Aces faltered-- revealing their own coach's, Luigi Trillo's, lack of composure at the end. Why did Trillo opt to sit star guard Cyrus Baguio for majority of the 4th quarter when they needed some scoring to possibly break away?

Revival

Remember when RDO, today's best Pinoy big man,
was left off the national team years back?
It's because of Kerby. And Kerby's reminding us why.

There's something in the air...

... it stands tall amidst the deafening chants of over 14,000 strong, most of which wear red, black and white proudly as colors. It is enough to rejuvenate tired old bones, wounded and almost forgotten army generals who once stood proud at the forefront of several conquests.

Out of the ashes the forgotten arose, defying the hands of time, ignorant of the way of the basketball. This is a new era, where athletes come in droves taller, bigger, faster and highly trained with new knowledge shared faster and more simpler. The old guards are supposed to stand aside, they're supposed to know their place as they have already paid their dues and paved the way for the next generation as those before them.

But not these soldiers, or at the very least, not yet.

PBA Commish Cup semis: Ginebra makes a statement

"WTF Jerome? I had centers
in college that play D better than you."

What in the blue mfkng hell was that?

The favored Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters suffered a humiliating and near-devastating 81-104 blowout at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to kickstart their PBA Commisioner's Cup semifinals showdown. This, after appearing to have recovered mid-conference and looking as poised as ever to march on to their nth PBA Finals

Well, don't tell Ginebra that.

PBA Commish Cup semis: Alaska vs San Mig Coffee

P*tangina banggaan to!

Trust that you've read our "emo" piece on the Alaska Aces and the San Mig Coffee Mixers going into their PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals match-up. Now, we're breaking down the match-ups and as always, going out on a limb to test our credibility (what?) and pick a winner.

PG JVee Casio/ RJ Jazul vs  Mark Barroca/ Joe DeVance
We've seen JDV being given the freedom by Mixers coach Tim Cone to run the point as an out-of-this-country sized point guard lately, and we are banking on even more ball-time for JDV. Casio and Jazul, though great offensively, are not as established defensively as Meralco's Chris Ross which allows JDV to dribble whenever and wherever he wants. This is going to be a problem for the Aces because JDV will undoubtedly set up shop down low and pretty much punish his pint-sized counterparts. If you're holding out for a Casio vs Barroca showdown, they'll cancel each other out. And as far as we've known Cone, he's not the type who's content with guys canceling one another. He wants the advantage-- and his name is JDV.
Adv. Mixers

Case of the Ex

Cone's superstars take on Aces' hustlers

Remember that ex-girlfriend/boyfriend of yours back in the day who you thought was the one you'd end up marrying someday? The one you'd spend crazy times with, experiment on (we'll leave this up to your imagination) and sincerely, at the bottom of your heart, feel will be the one who'd always be there for you as you would for them?

"The one that got away."

Well, we doubt that San Mig Coffee Mixers head coach Tim Cone feels the same for his former team of so many years, the Alaska Aces-- but there's undeniable history and a touch of bitterness there. Though they "broke up" in good terms and both parties have nothing but commendations, praises and the like for one another, the fact of the matter is that Cone left the Aces because he felt like they couldn't win anymore. They were (obviously) no match for the "richer" teams that would just treat independent ones as "farm teams," plucking superstars left and right even if they're offered the same amount of money (on paper anyway)

PBA Commish Cup semis: Talk 'n' Text vs Ginebra

Best PG in the PBA
might be decided in this series

What a funny coincidence, having two low-seeded teams going at it for the right to advance to the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals. On one side you have the 6th seeded Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters which thoroughly man-handled the (reeling) 3rd seeded Petron Blaze Boosters. On the other, you have the 7th seeded Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, arguably playing their best basketball under Coach Alfrancis Chua, overcoming the odds and winning over 2nd seeded Rain or Shine Elastopainters.

And though we love and appreciate Ginebra's mighty run, there's no denying that from the looks of things, they are about to hit a brick wall which will effectively end their heroic and magical run.

See, the Elastopainters were supposed to win. They were complete, they were healthy and they have bigs in just about every position. Unfortunately, they took Ginebra lightly and didn't seem to have the right mentality going into the Playoffs and that's what cost them the series (with the defiant Ginebra veterans taking full advantage).