Ricky Rubio to #TakeOnManila

As part of the adidas #TakeOn Tours, Minnesota Timberwolves Guard and Spain National Team player, Ricky Rubio will be making a stop here in the Philippines this month.

 

Rubio, who was the youngest player to ever play at the Spanish ABC league at age 14 and youngest to play in th Olympic basketball finals, is set to share his talents with one of Asia’s biggest basketball nation.

 

Fans can expect a little more than just basketball from Ricky this August 21-23 in a series of activities meant to bring him closer to the Filipinos.

 

For the latest news about his visit, follow adidas PH on Twitter and Instagram with #TakeOnManila and adidas Basketball on Twitter and Instagram with #TakeonSummer for more exclusive content.

Oh Captain, Our Captain

The Mighty Mouse Returns
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Even with news of his "un-retirement" making most of the local sports headlines, we will remain adamant  in our belief that there is not a single thing that Jimmy Alapag, retired Talk'n'Text Tropang Texter and soon to be Meralco Bolts point guard for 2015-2016, could ever do that would change our opinion of him as being one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball.

He could slit a little puppy's throat in front of a bunch of toddlers, right now, and we'll still be like: "still one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball" (although we sincerely hope that Alapag doesn't get any ideas with us saying that BTW).

So why did Alapag decide to unretire and lace up his sneakers after all the ceremonies and festivities January of this year? Why on earth would you give up a managerial position, to lead one of the league's best teams that require little to no rebuilding at the moment, to go back and be "one of the boys?"

2015 PBA Mock Draft V 4.0

Ginebra fans should be on
the lookout for this kid
(Photo credit to the owner)

Before the official list of 2015 PBA Draft applicant is made public, reportedly next Monday, we are revisiting our mock draft with what we hope is the final and true order (all things considered). We already know that some prized names such as 2x UAAP Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks, Jr., his rival Kiefer Ravena, and even promising big man Arnold Van Opstal will hold out for another year.

In our honest opinion, this year's draft has a lot of promise and potential but not much of the PBA ready superstars. There seems to be a lack of Paul Lee-like sleepers, the Gilas cadets look more like serviceable role players than future stars and even the projected number one pick, 6"7 Fil-Tonggan Moala Tautuaa, hasn't really dominated the amateurs in a way that Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, Rommel Adducul and even Jervy Cruz did moving up the ranks-- which is big, considering we live in a day and age wherein everyone just about blows everything out of proportion.

1. Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters (from Blackwater) - Moala Tautuaa, 6"7
For all good things about Troy Rosario, how he's improved and made the most of the chances given him since breaking into the spotlight by way of the UAAP Finals (SEAGames, FIBA 3x3), we have a feeling that the Texters will find it rather difficult to pass on a specimen like Tautuaa. Between the two, Tautuaa is the more polished offensively though quite lacking in range. He is basically a heftier, full-bearded Kelly Williams (who is out with an MCL injury btw)-- not a center per se, but a strong presence in the paint who can run and cover a lot of ground on both ends of the court.

2. Mahindra Enforcers/ Kia Carnival - Troy Rosario, 6"7
If Coach Manny Pacquiao has proven one thing last season, it's that he is not in the league as a mere "joke." They competed quite well in the last two conferences behind the coaching brilliance of lead assistant Chito Victolero, and it only makes pure basketball sense to go for Rosario and pair him-- pick and roll, pick and pop, with point guard L.A. Revilla whose stock should be on the rise for next season.

Gilas 3

No Kraken? No problem!
(Photo credits to the owner)

The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) has finally sent an official request to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for the following players to be part of head coach Tab Baldwin's Gilas 3 men's basketball team:

Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gary David, Gabe Norwood, Aldrech Ramos, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Kelly Williams, Asi Taulava, Terrence Romeo, JC Intal, Sonny Thoss, Dondon Hontiveros, Calvin Abueva, June Mar Fajardo* (injured/recuperating), Marc Pingris* (on official leave-family matters), LA Tenorio* (health reasons)

* - already begged off

Ladies and gentlemen, your Gilas 3 (more or less) for the coming FIBA Asia tournament this September 23 in China.

#BeerYear

Dynasty.
(Photo credit Sports5.ph) 

It has been a very good harvest for the San Miguel Beermen at the close of the PBA's monumental 40th PBA season. We saw two more teams added into the already unpredictable mix of PBA franchises duking it out conference after conference, not to mention us having to bear with the "joke" that is Manny Pacquiao, certified PBA playing-coach, plus the first ever jam-packed opening game held at the jaw-dropping Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

So in a way, it is only fitting that the league's oldest remaining ballclub has finally rid itself of its demons a.k.a. Petronovela and has continued its winning tradition. This year, the Beermen took home both the PBA Philippine and Governor's Cup though in contrasting styles versus the same opponent (Alaska Aces). In the first conference, while you could say that the Beermen looked dominant, they traded for old hand Alex Cabagnot to replace starting point guard Sol Mercado. This didn't have much of an effect, and the Finals dragged on to the whole seven games that took an Arwind Santos ballsy clutch triple to seal the deal.

In the third conference, versus the very same Aces, the Beermen just steamrolled right through with Cabagnot being a huge factor on both ends. Sure, they had the services of super import AZ Reid, but the Aces were armed by Best Import awardee Romeo Travis and we doubt that they would use his shortcomings as an excuse.

Life at the crossroads

Is Almazan the future for RoS?
(Photo credit: Sports5.Ph)

Before we begin, we would like to share with you a piece of trivia from Takehiko Inoue's Slam Dunk manga about a team that made it into the Inter-High competition. No, we will not touch on Shohoku's triumphs but rather the team that they first faced in the IH-- Toyotama.

In the series, Toyotama is a rough and tough team from the Osaka prefecture. They were known for their run and gun offense, which helped them through the years with previous head coach Kitano Jiei. Problem is, making it into the Inter High and finishing in the Top 8 was as high as the team could go for years and years until Coach Jiei was removed in favor of a defensive minded coach.

Let's stop with the trivia right there, and switch to real life, PBA action.

The Rain or Shine Elastopainters under head coach Yeng Guiao has continued to be quite the competitive squad in the PBA. They've made at least 1 PBA Finals appearance in the last three or four seasons, and have almost always finished deep in the Playoffs before bowing out to some Team SMC/ MVP super group. They employ a run and gun strategy, anchored on hard-nosed rough and tough defense but not the Xs and Os type.

Saging lang ang may puso

Hindi ko na kayang itago yung pagkadismaya ko sa mga paborito nating koponan at manlalaro sa PBA kaya kesa pagandahin ko pa sa wikang Ingles, sa sariling wika na lang natin isulat ang lahat. Para mas maintindihan ninyo ang pagkainis naming mga Pilipino. At para malaman na lang din ng lahat na may pakailam din naman po kami sa Gilas Pilipinas, sa estatura ng basketball sa bansa at kung paano tayo makaka angat muli sa mundo-- o kahit papaano, sa Asya man lang.

Eto ang alam ko: hindi tayo makaaangat, o mas liliit ang ating pag-asa kung hindi natin ipadadala yung mga nararapat. Kung hindi natin ipadadala yung pasok sa sistema. Kung hindi natin padadala yung naturingan pinaka magaling sa bansa.

Oo, hindi All Star team kundi National team ang dapat nating buoin. Pero kingina naman, andyan na e. Nanalo na tayo noon. Silver. Pilak. Ang sarap pare. Bakit pa tayo bababa ulit? Bakit kailangan basagin pa natin ulit yung andyan na, sasaksakan na lang natin ng mas magagandang mga piyesa?

Hindi na naman pwede magpahiram. O sige, pwede, pero iisa lang. Naka-sama pa ata. Dati, San Miguel lang ang may ganoong pautot. Ngayon, sumali na din yung Rain or Shine. Alaska din pero nagiba ata ng timpla, pwede ng dalawa.

Sa naulat, eto yung mga imbitado na at pawang kumpirmado mag ensayo: Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Matt Rosser, Larry Fonacier, Cliff Hodge, Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger at Gary David. Yung mga may konting pabebe pa, sila Terrence Romeo, Dondon Hontiveros, Sonny Thoss at Beau Belga.

Asaan yung Marcio Lassiter? Yung L.A. Tenorio daw pinayagan. Si Junemar Fajardo injured daw. Si Greg Slaughter wag na yun, bagal nun. Si Calvin Abueva? James Yap? Si Chris Lutz? Alex Cabagnot? Asaan yung mga superstars? Paul Lee? Gabe Norwood? Jeff Chan?

Ano to, last minute na naman? Kelangan binyagan si bagong Kume Chito Narvasa, at siya naman magmakaawa sa mga teams na baka pwedeng unahin ang Gilas?

Asaan na yung #Puso natin? Bakit pahirapan na lang lagi kung magpapahiram para sa bayan? Hindi naman ganito noon a? Yung hinawakan ni Yeng Guiao na Powerade Pilipinas, samut sari din naman sila noon a. Wala naman issue. Kasi Team MVP ang sponsor? Kingina naman. Bakit, pag ka Team SMC ang sponsor, sigurado kayo na hindi din sila mamimirata? Pera pera lang din naman iyan di ba?

#Puso hindi #Bulsa

#Bayan hindi #Sarili

Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Is it wrong to call Intal...
The Franchise? Tagal ma trade e.
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

My name is Angel Velasco, and I am the advocate for the bastard incarnates, Barako Bull Energy Cola. Our mantra is Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Denok Miranda? Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Sol Mercado? Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Dave Marcelo? Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Joseph Yeo? Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

EAT.

SLEEP.

TRADE.

REPEAT.

To infinity and beyond

Sino Coach ko ulit?
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Where do we go from here, STAR Hotshots?

The architect of your 1st PBA Grand Slam (plus two other titles during his tenure), Tim Cone, is now officially out of the door and with him-- his greatness, coaching philosophies, Triangle Offense and so on. In his place will be Jason Webb, as announced in a joint press conference that should've been exclusively for Cone-- but hey, it's San Miguel Corporation, who has little to no coaching experience both in the amateurs and professional ranks.

Great. Just great.

Here is a guy who, among all of Cone's deputies, has the least experience and doesn't really look like he's meant for the part. There's always that one guy who, in team meetings, school group projects, who is the leader. Then there's the other guy, the second guy, who just pushes the rest and makes it happen. You see it in basketball, during timeouts. The coach does his thing and gives instructions, the lead assistant whispers in the ears of the rest. Eggs them on. Tells them what to do. Clarifies things. There are guys in the huddle that would make you think "ah, this guy will be a head coach someday."

But Webb?

Wired towards the future

How many solid point guards
do you have as back-up, Cool Cat?
(Photo credit Sports5.ph)

Since its inception in 2010 after buying out the Santa Lucia Realty franchise, the Meralco Bolts have always been known or regarded to as Manny V. Pangilinan's "other PBA team." They are not as decorated as sister team Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters, they hardly make deep playoff runs despite being given some TNT pieces to work with (at one time or another: Mac Cardona, Asi Taulava, Marlou Aquino, and now Jared Dillinger and Gary David). And even when they managed to snag a legitimate PBA grand slam coach in Norman Black for this season, it was widely received as Black's demotion for not continuing in Chot Reyes' TNT's championship ways, than the Bolts moving in the right direction.

Well, after Season 1 of the "Black Magic" Era, we can all say that they were wrong.

It wasn't a demotion for Black, it was a challenge. A new project wherein he can build the foundations of a competitive basketball team that plays the right way. Those who paid enough attention to the Bolts would tell you that they are no longer the team of yesteryears' and that they are playing true to who they are, with a definitive character or team identity.

Tim Cone to Ginebra

Sorry Johnny, Coach Tim and RdR
will be taking their talents to Ginebra
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

When we were first indoctrinated into the world of the Philippine Basketball Association in 1996, it was during the PBA Governor's Cup Finals-- a best-of-seven affair between the grandslam seeking Alaska Milkmen and the crowd darlings, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

On one side was the most charismatic head coach/ player in the history of the game, Robert Jaworski, Sr., commanding the likes of Noli Locsin, Bal David, Marlou Aquino and Vince Hizon. Now while we weren't familiar with the PBA brand of play, we already had a working idea of how basketball players should look and talk like thanks to the NBA. Let's just say that based on body fat percentage and muscle tone alone, none of the Ginebra players fit the mold save for maybe Vince Hizon. Yet they were the crowd darlings, they were fighting tooth and nail with a team that looked so fluid, so sexy, that it was hard NOT to root for the obvious underdogs.

Who exposed us to this title bout? Our mom. Who was an Alaska fan at the time, thanks to Jojo Lastimosa's looks and game. She was probably trying to turn us into Alaska fans too, but we ended up liking the other team. Anyway, Alaska was being coached by a dirty blonde who almost always finished every play drawn in the huddle with an "aight" or "all right?"

His name is Tim Cone.

#MeNotWe

Play him or trade him.
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Dear Alaska,

While we love what you have done in the last few years, primarily what former head coach Luigi Trillo introduced and what Alex Compton is currently trying to perfect, please be assured that we are not at all fond of how one Calvin Abueva is being treated/ utilized.

He is easily your best player. And this guise of #wenotme is starting to look stupid, when all the "comeback" games are born or produced by this very simple reason: your first unit sucks in general, so the second unit has to work double-time to first erase the deficit, and second, win games. And you know who is anchoring that second team?

Calvin "why is he still playing 28 minutes or less" Abueva.

The road less traveled

Someone find Asi a playmate
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Logically speaking, it is never wise to go out on public to say that you're actually considering building your team around a 42-year old center-- no matter how "ageless" he appears to be. It reeks of desperation, of failure to find another, younger, talent to go with.

And that is why the NLEX Road Warriors and their head coach Boyet Fernandez need to make some major changes going into the 2015 PBA Draft and next season.

Sure, Asi Taulava has been nothing short of "PBA Mythical Five worthy" the last two years since his return from the ASEAN Basketball League (wherein he left as the reigning Most Valuable Player), but in today's young PBA there should be more emphasis on running and scoring from all angles rather than just waiting to see what sticks and whoever catches fire.

#KangCone

To put things in perspective, polarizing sports writer/ reporter Snow Badua was the first to hint at a possible coaching change that could greatly affect the PBA landscape. Today, Badua's "tweeter hint" actually made it to the mainstream media, with no less than veteran sports guys from Nelson Beltran of The Philippine Star to Fidel Mangonon III of Spin.Ph writing about this quite sensitive and surprising topic.

"Tim Cone to Ginebra."

That's basically how we can best sum it up. It hasn't happened, there are no announcements or formal statements yet, but you know what they always say about there being fire when there's smoke in the area. When reached for comment, even Coach Tim said something along the lines of him "serving at the pleasure of Mr. Ang."

Which means, it is possible. It isn't true, at least not yet, but it is possible if San Miguel big boss Ramon Ang wants it to happen.

Will it work for Ginebra though?

Yes. Of course it will. It may take a while, or maybe they'll be champions overnight, but it will work. Tim Cone's 18 PBA championships among other impressive feats say it will. Triangle? He's been running more motion offense with STAR Hotshots as of late. So he can switch to that. Or he can just stick to his Triangle, which Ginebra's already familiar with thanks to former 1-conference coach Jeffrey Cariaso, and have Greg Slaughter look like the dominant 7"0 he's hyped to be (instead of looking like the Andy Seigle to Junemar Fajardo's prime Marlou Aquino).

Sucks for STAR, but they have the names on that roster, plus championship pedigree to rise above it with any veteran or young coach.

Ginebra?

They need a lot of coaching and managing.

Tim Cone's just the guy. The veterans will listen to him. L.A. Tenorio won't stomp his foot on the hardcourt, make stupid faces and throw tantrums. Coach Tim knows how to massage L.A.'s ego. Mark Caguioa? He'll respond to Coach Tim. The championships will make him respond. Plus, he's in that age and point in his career wherein he'd be a perfect Jolas option.

So we're not worried about Ginebra, and or STAR.

We're worried about Coach Tim.

We kind of saw this coming.

When he chose to leave Alaska and sign "with the devil," we knew that it was only a matter of time before he was made into a pawn by the SMC umbrella. This is the very same Team SMC that rotates coaches for fun, declares "co-coaches," hires Team Consultants in the guise of Coaches, and what not.

Purefoods has a long, lasting legacy and great integrity when it comes to sticking to coaches. But at the end of the day, whoever is there, is still under Team SMC. And if Mr. Ang wants you to move, you move.

Or you hope that you can land a gig with Team MVP.

So what about Coach Tim?

Well, if he is indeed to move to Ginebra, then this should be a fun project for him. To jumpstart a perennial losing basketball program, and reward its millions of fans all over the world (you won't believe how popular Ginebra bench players are even here in the Middle East). It's a challenge-- specially after jumping from Alaska to STAR, and winning a grandslam and just knowing that he could win more titles with that roster.

But how about his legacy?

He'll move to Ginebra. But will he be in control? Who's to say if one day, Mr. Ang wants him to move yet again-- to San Miguel, back to STAR, or we'll be damned, Barako Bull or Global Port?

Worse, what if one day, Mr. Ang and whoever is calling the shots make Coach Tim "co-coach?"

This is the drawback when it comes to making deals with the "crossroads demon."

#KangCone ?

Trust us, it won't stick. Because Coach Tim will turn Ginebra into a multi-title team should he really move there.

But, we just hope he'll be the one calling the shots and that Ginebra will be his last stop.

All hands on deck

"You reach, I teach"
(Photo credit to the owner)

Once the curtain unfolds and the spotlight is at its brightest to signify the PBA's 41st season, it would be very wise to consider the GlobalPort Batang Pier as the true darkhorse should things go as planned.

Yes, Coach Pido Jarencio still needs to watch more film and yes, Terrence Romeo will probably never pass the ball to someone who doesn't know what to do with it, but no, this team will definitely not stay in the cellar in any of the next three conferences.

Why?

Because this is a team. Despite the media hype, hoopla and hate thrown towards the polarizing Romeo who finds himself with a veteran sage now at his disposal by the name of Joseph Yeo.

Isn't Yeo a mirror image of Romeo and how his career might pan out?

2015 PBA Draft: Team Needs

Who needs who?
(Photo credit: Interaksyon.com)

While we await the winner of the PBA Governor's Cup Finals Best-of-Seven series between the Alaska Aces and San Miguel Beermen to formally end the league's 41st season, here's a picture of what we can expect come the 2015 PBA Draft.

Based on how the teams fared this season, we already have a working idea of who-picks-where for the coming draft. Some names have already announced their intent (primarily highly touted 6"7 Fil-Tonggan Moala Tautuaa), while some names are still playing in minor leagues both locally and internationally (keep doing what you're doing Bobby Ray!).

Now the fun part: do teams go for "best available talent" or do they address specific "team needs?"

Here's how we think the teams will approach the 2015 PBA Draft, based on their overall performance this season and who they should be looking out for:

Troubled Waters

Reil "KOBE!" Cervantes.
Franchise player.
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

Here's where Blackwater Elite finds itself at the end of its maiden season:

Call them this year's biggest loser: PBA wins and losses -wise and also, 2015 PBA Draft -wise. The awful performance was expected, given the fact that the team was barred from making any direct hires from their promising PBA D-League roster and was pretty much asked to form a roster out of discards and no-names.

But then, the franchise's only glimmer of hope, their salvation, the coveted 2015 PBA Draft Number One Pick-- was foolishly sent in a hullabaloo of a trade which involved NLEX, Rain or Shine and Talk'n'Text.  The team lost its 1st pick to TNT to acquire the services of Larry Rodriguez.

Ninong Knows...

The power to surprise
(Photo credit: Sports5.ph)

... and that's not a joke.

Get it?

Daniel Orton sure did.

When Manny Pacquiao, global boxing icon, sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer and whichever title he'd like to be added next to his name from here on, opted to throw his gloves hat into the Philippine Basketball Association by way of expansion team Kia Motors, it was met mostly in a negative way.

Here's a guy who thinks he can just buy his way into the PBA, make himself head coach and worse-- skip the years of basketball training and education and actually don a legitimate basketball jersey with the letters PBA patched on it as compared to those who keep trying their luck in ballclub tryouts and the annual draft again, and again, and again.

Well, while the team finished their campaign with a paltry 10 wins vs 24 losses, they proved to one and all that they're not here just to feed Pacquiao's insatiable thirst for the spotlight. They showed everyone that they are in the PBA to compete, just like every other PBA team (okay, except for maybe that ONE team).

How does their marketing campaign go again?

"The power to surprise."

PBA GC Finals: (1) Alaska vs (2) San Miguel

Will the Muscle Man
be as effective vs SMB?
(Photo credit: Sports5.Ph)

This is starting to become more than just a rivalry between two stellar Cabalen basketball prodigies.

Welcome to the PBA Governor's Cup Best-of-Seven Finals between the conference's number one ranked Alaska Aces and their Philippine Cup Finals nemesis and champion, second-seeded San Miguel Beermen.

It wasn't a walk in the park then for the Beermen en route to the title, we don't see it being any different now in the season-ending championship series.

This series goes beyond Calvin Abueva and Arwind Santos fighting for the title of Pampanga's Best.

Waiting for Gilas 3

What is head coach Tab Baldwin and everyone else from Gilas Pilipinas waiting for? Where is the pool of available PBA players? Why are we not hearing of any practices, tune-up games and pocket tournaments while the rest of Asia is busy with the very same things? Will Andray Blatche be able to suit up, CBA contract and all?

As we write this piece, we have come to the realization that perhaps the focus of Gilas 3 should be to simply outscore opponents rather than trying to find the right balance between offense and defense. Don't get us wrong, we're not trying to sell you on the idea of abandoning defense altogether, we're just saying that perhaps we should go for broke and maximize our scoring prowess rather than always trying to match-up to our opponents.

Instead of bringing in two way players who are average on offense and defense but acceptable for both, why not bring in prime offensive weapons instead? No matter how you put it, basketball it still decided by the team that is able to score more than his opponent. Fact.

Dethroned

Old timers need some help
(Photo credit to Sports5.ph)

As you get older, there are certain things that you slowly realize:

Your timing is off; your mind knows what you want to do, but there seems to be a split second lapse between judgment and action.

You find yourself needing to exert more effort, to something that you would routinely perform. Be it running, jumping, hustling.

And when you find yourself in front of a wide-eyed youngster, who you know will always go left on a crossover, which he does, and you smile to yourself thinking "I got you!" only to hear the whistle-- or worse, lose your man completely as you turn your around and see him waltzing in for an easy lay-up.

Age. It happens to the best of us.

With yesterday's unceremonious sweep at the hands of the Alaska Aces in the Semifinals of the PBA Governor's Cup, the Purefoods STAR Hotshots find themselves officially dethroned in the 40th season of the league after taking home all three titles just the year before.

Is it time to rebuild?

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."

PBA GC SF: (1) Alaska vs (5) STAR

The series' X-factor is in this picture,
but not who you would think
(Photo credit to Sports5.ph))

Forget Manila Classico (which celebrates the fanbases more than it does the actual two teams since performance/ championships-wise, they are simply non-equals), this is the real rivalry that has more history and bad blood to it than anything else in the last four-five years.

Ideology vs machinery. Building a team the right way in hopes of winning championships vs one that can just as easily acquire any given player to fit its needs en route to a title romp. At the end of the day, this is what it all boiled down to from the outside looking in specially for head coach Tim Cone. A new challenge, more money, job security and so on vs a franchise that has been repeatedly rumored to be up for sale since when? 2012? We've been hearing about it for two-three straight seasons now.

There is no loyalty in professional sports, only business.

STAR has the, well, starpower. Alaska has the hustle and endless amount of energy.

Something's got to give.

You're on your own

"Where my teammates at?!"
(Photo credits to the owner)

Sound the alarm.

We only have a few weeks left before the FIBA Asia - 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic qualifying tournament opens in China in September 5. That being said, while other Asian teams have already declared their intended pool and rosters (even participating in several tune-up tournaments as of this printing) we Filipinos could only wonder who's going to even be invited to Gilas camp headed by coach Tab Baldwin.

Here are some of the things we've heard so far: there's a concern among non MVP teams regarding the whole "lend us your players or face media backlash" ploy. Which doesn't help that they (the Gilas heads) have already been accused at one point or another of whispering sweet nothings into the ears of the players that were loaned to them (hello, L.A. Tenorio). Which also doesn't help the fact that we're asking teams to lend their employees, who they pay for and take care of, to play elsewhere-- FREE and risk getting hurt and so on.

PBA GC QF: (4) GlobalPort vs (5) STAR Hotshots

Pambansang Ex-Husband
kontra Pambansang Ex-Boyfriend.
Allegedly. Hihi.
(Photo credits to Sports5.ph)

"To be the man, you have to beat the man."

Call it a "rite of passage" for Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle and the rest of the "young" GlobalPort Batang Pier squad who are making their first trip into the PBA Playoffs. Standing in the way? The defending champions STAR Hotshots who started the conference (and basically the entire season) jet-lagged from their Grand Slam high from last year.

Lately? We've been seeing Marc Pingris once again pulling his shorts up and crouching low. We're seeing James Yap making clutch plays over the toughest of defenses. Marqus Blakely is back to being Black Sakuragi (which is somewhat racist, when you think about it) though in a more toned down manner.

Romeo has been frothing at the mouth for an opportunity to play at this level of basketball. He's a high stakes player, built for superstar-making games. There are only two teams that you need to be at your best to become a household name in the PBA: Ginebra, and STAR (Purefoods).

It's the Golden Ticket to the PBA's Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory of Superstardom.

PBA GC QF: (3) Rain or Shine vs (6) Barako Bull

Belga ain't got no time for that
(Photo credit to Sports5.ph)

So much for the JC Intal two-week love-fest.

Since Intal, Dylan Ababou and later Joseph Yeo all took turns winning the PBA Governor's Cup Best Player of the Week award, Barako Bull Energy has stagnated somewhat losing most of their last games which cost them the twice to beat incentive. For some inexplicable reason, a team that looked like it had the league's best defense anchored by the most dominant presence in the PBA today (Liam McMorrow) complimented by young and hungry talent, basically fizzled out and lost sight of the big picture (making the Playoff; winning a title).

Yeo has slowed down. Intal has disappeared. Ababou is back to playing spot minutes.

Yep, same old Barako Bull.

Which doesn't bode well going up against a now in-tune Rain or Shine Elastopainters that has finally learned to play with a legitimate post-up threat in import Wendell McKines.

PBA GC QF: (2) San Miguel vs (7) Meralco

Meralco needs another vintage performance
from El Granada to win
(Photo credits Sports5)

"Oh, so you helped oust your sister team? You better make damn sure you win."

Fantasy monologue from Manny V. Pangilinan to his Meralco Bolts team, which lost to Kia and helped close the door on sister team's Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters chances of making the Playoffs.

Uh-oh.

They won against San Miguel, 106-95 with Andre Emmet exploding for 31 points and 11 rebounds plus the aide of a vintage Gary David performance with 23 markers. That being said, AZ Reid was not at his very best (sick), while Junemar Fajardo was left all by his lonesome by his local brethren.

Now?

Fajardo is playing like he always does. Reid is back to being Mr. A to Z. The rest of the crew are delivering, namely Marcio Lassiter and Alex Cabagnot. This Beermen, which finished 2nd overall, look like the same Beermen squad that won the PBA Philippine Cup (only with Reid cast in the Arwind Santos role).

Can the Bolts beat the Beermen?

PBA GC QF: (1) Alaska vs (8) Ginebra

Whichever team controls the paint,
controls the series
(Photo credits to Sports5)

This is not going to be pretty.

For the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel faithful, there's no harm in entertaining thoughts of an upset. Basketball is a fair and just sport-- the ball is round, shots can go in or out, players can get sick/ hurt/ cause drama on any given day. There is always a chance of winning.

But in this series? Versus a healthy and well-oiled Alaska Aces squad that quietly snuck its way atop the PBA Governor's Cup standings with arguably the most low-profile, no, under-rated import in Romeo Travis leading the way?

Slim to none. The chances are slim. To. None.

Damian Lillard in China

The NBA Portland Trailblazers' All Star point guard Damian Lillard recently tipped off the adidas Take on Summer Tour of Tokyo, Japan, China, and Paris through July 1.

Lillard is interacting with fans from all over, with basketball demonstrations and pick-up games, in-store appearances, interviews and more. adidas will also launch an exclusive Take on Summer collection which includes the D Lillard 1 in solar orange, inspired by the long, bright days of summer.

Currently, Lillard is in the middle of the China tour which will have him visit several places-- perhaps I should file a quick vacation and head back East.

Stars are bland

Look up, look up!
(Photo credits to Sports5)

Definitely not a typo.

The re-christened, yellow-and-red sporting STAR Hotshots are finding it even tougher to defend their third and final crown from last season's grand slam romp, specially with the absence of future cornerstone 6"7 Ian Sangalang. Head coach Tim Cone has stuck mostly to playing an eight-man heavy rotation, with other guys playing sparingly by design.

Thus far, the Hotshots' record is five wins versus five losses. Stuck somewhere in the middle of the Playoff hunt.

Leading the team's hope for a last title defense are returning import Marqus Blakely (39 mpg 23 ppg 13 rpg 3 apg), Marc Pingris (29 mpg 8 ppg 6 rpg 2 apg), Joe DeVance (29 mpg 11 ppg 3 rpg 2 apg), Alex Mallari (28 mpg 10 ppg 3 rpg 3 apg), Mark Barroca (29 mpg 10 ppg 4 rpg 3 apg) and 2x PBA MVP James Yap (25 mpg 11 ppg 4rpg 1 apg). Guys like Justin Melton and PJ Simon are contributing as well, though it appears that they are having some trouble meshing with the rest or excelling in limited minutes (specifically Simon).

A (national) cause for concern

Gilas Cadets
(Photo credits to Rappler.com)

Do we keep sending an all star selection, be it of the professional or amateur lot, hastily assembled and asked to achieve great things or do we start building a more concrete program with a more familiar roster?

That is the conundrum that currently hounds the state of basketball in the country. Sure, the Gilas Cadet squad under head coach Tab Baldwin and bannered by promising collegiate stars Kiefer Ravena, Troy Rosario and Almond Vosotros got the job done. But against subpar teams in the South East Asian region (basketball-wise), there was the Thailand and Indonesia games (in the medal rounds) that felt a little too close for comfort.

Both Thailand and Indonesia sent a bunch of veterans who were already familiar with one another. The same could be said for the teams that we will be facing in the FIBA Asia tournament-- Iran and Korea have legitimate basketball programs anchored on guys who are in their prime. China is slowly rebuilding around a younger core. Japan is trying to look for a system that would work for them in this new age of basketball (they just need more shooters, IMHO). India is the sleeping giant (literally and figuratively) once they start paying more attention to basketball and not much on the hours-long cricket matches.

Cruising along

Teamwork.
(Photo credits to Sports5)

We could still recall when GlobalPort Batang Pier team owner Mikee Romero proudly declared that he was going to bring his basketball winning ways from the amateurs (PBL, ABL) into the PBA. We met it as just another positive statement, from a greenhorn who doesn't really understand how the true yet dirty hierarchy of the league works.

Specially for a farm team.

Which they said they were not. Which their fans bought into. Until of course, trades started to become the norm and elite or promising names (players and coaches) walked in and out of their team practices.

But lately, they've been winning.

All thanks to one man's vision, and another man's growing love/ hate reputation.

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.

2015 PBA Mock Draft V 3.0

Come at me, bro.
(Photo credits to spin.ph)

Will Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. fulfill his NBA dreams? Or will he be forced to "settle" for this side of the world's oldest play-for-pay basketball league? Is Moala Tautuaa really that good? What if Troy Rosario ends up being the same player as one former UAAP All Star Kelvin Gregorio?

Ladies and gentlemen, here is the third version of what is starting to look more and more like a thin 2015 PBA Draft field (talent-wise). This time, we are going with "what the team needs right now" over the "best available talent" thinking to fill out the rest of the First Round.

12. Rain or Shine Elastopainters - Glenn Khobuntin, 6"4
Tailor-made for Yeng Guiao, fits the new RoS "TV friendly faces" image that the team has come to embrace the last two seasons. Perimeter big in the mold of old wards Ronnie Matias and Larry Rodriguez, though not as skilled.

11. Blackwater Elite (from Talk'n'Text) - Maverick Ahanmisi, 6"2
This team desperately needs a go-to-guy. There's that Ryan Wetherell cat and all the hype about him while playing in Vince Hizon's FBA... but if the UP MBT could win a legitimate basketball title over there the way their roster is right now...

Kamusta mga ka-Barangay?

Even when he's trying to be physical,
Slaughter still looks SAWFT
(Photo credits to Sports5)

We will be very honest with you:

We love head coach Frankie Lim for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Because he's like the "daddy" that a team loaded with egos, and fans who are borderline fanatics and sometimes even, illogical, need. While some circles were busy ranting about who should and shouldn't have been traded, or how Player A should get more minutes than Player B because "he is good-looking and could dunk so he should be a borderline PBA superstar, right?"-- well, CFL has basically stuck to his guns, played the guys he wants to play, and still doesn't give a rat's ass what you think of the team's first Asian import and how much he should've/ should've not played.

Eight games. Three wins. Five losses.

They score 93. Give up 95. Rebound 49. Give up 50. Dish out 18 versus 15. Foul 26. Get 27. Turn the ball over 14. Force 13.

The numbers are close.

The road less traveled

Asi needs better passing options
(Photo credits to Sports5)

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

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

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

So what else is missing?

What If: Tanduay Rhum Masters

Ano apelido ni Punisher? ... Ano.
Punisher Ano.
(Photo credits to the owner)

Somewhere in 1998-1999 the Philippine Basketball Association found itself in a bit of a bind no thanks to the sudden rise of the Metropolitan Basketball Association which was backstopped by network giant ABS-CBN. To combat this growing threat, the league welcomed a lot of new talent by way of the "direct hire" process as well as adding an expansion team financed by Lucio Tan, Jr.: the Tanduay Rhum Masters.

The Rhum Masters were making waves in the now defunct Philippine Basketball League, where they were earlier known as the Stag Pale Pilseners, winning championships left and right under a young and fiery pony-tailed coach named Alfrancis Chua and players like Marlou Aquino, Eric Menk, Cris Cantonjos and Mark Telan being part of the roster at one point or another. So "graduating" into the PBA was the next logical step. They were able to buy into the league, elevate 6 players directly from their PBL line-up and also acquire the 1999 top overall pick which would turn out to be one Earl "Sonny" Alvarado.

There were a lot of names on that 1999 roster, the ones that we remember the most being: Alvarado, Menk, Telan, Cantonjos, Jason Webb, Pido Jarencio and Jayvee Gayoso. So yes, that was a nice mix of young yet proven PBL talent, Webb, and two wise Ginebra sages.

Sorry for singling Webb out. But he was basically what Simon Atkins is today for NLEX (no offense, not a lot of stats, but serviceable).

Back to the story.

#TankSoHard

Too good to be tanking, yes?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The best thing to ever happen to Blackwater Elite's Marcus Douthit this PBA Governor's Cup, is the 2015 South East Asian Games where he is on loan to the Gilas Pilipinas team.

That's it.

Is he (still) paying for the sins of that disastrous post FIBA World Gilas stint in Korea? Wherein he bore the brunt of the blame, for being unable to do an Andray Blatche and basically carry a fatigued and injury-riddled team to a medal finish? Why on earth did he sign up with the Elite in the first place? Oh, yeah, the Team MVP ties which is becoming as clear as the team's bootleg Talk'n'Text jerseys.

We feel that Leo Isaac can coach in the PBA. We feel that Douthit (43 mpg 2- ppg 13 rpg 3 apg) still has some gas left in the tank.

Please call again later

Did Captain Jimmy retire a bit too early?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

So winning a (single) championship DOES take a toll on a team when asked to do it all over again the very next conference.

No one bought it in the PBA Commissioner's Cup with the sudden drop in performance of the San Miguel Beermen but now we see that the same conference's title-winners, Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters, are suffering the same slow-start fate as the PBA Philippine Cup champions. On a side note we'd like to half-heartedly apologize to the San Miguel Beermen (we still think they could've and should've done better, given their overall roster), on another, we'd like to think that if a team like the Purefoods Star Hotshots could manage to rattle off four straight, then so should the other souped up teams like SMB and TNT (at least two consecutive titles, yes?)

So here is where the Texters are, currently:

Three wins and four losses.

Aces Full

Nung nagsabog ang Diyos
ng kagwapuhan sa mundo,
ganito din katindi box out ni Banchero
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It is quite astonishing how the Alaska Aces, now with a 5 wins and 2 losses slate, are managing to stay under the radar while we are all busy celebrating the Ginebra castaways over at Barako Bull, the "revived" San Miguel Beermen and the whole "Sanchir-drama" over at Ginebra.

Don't be surprised if you find Alaska making another deep Playoff run despite having a rather low-key yet ultra-efficient import in Travis Romeo (35 mpg 27 ppg 13 rpg 3 apg). Calvin Abueva (15 mpg 7 ppg 6 rpg 1 apg)? He flirted with a near triple-double last night versus Kia Carnival, but this PBA Governor's Cup campaign for the Aces has been more about their excellent guard play than Abueva's "somewhat controlled" high-octane reputation and performance.

5 wins and 2 losses?

Credit the Aces' guard play.

Seven foot syndrome

Land of the Giants
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

There used to be a period in the Philippine Basketball Association wherein foreign reinforcements were hired mostly for their high-flying, prolific scoring and ultraelectromagnetic athleticism ways.

Nowadays?

We are seeing less and less of the pure "scorers" and more of the seven foot kind-- a testament to how far local basketball talent has come, and where we are currently left lacking.

Sure, there are 6"5 imports running around the league nowadays who are more do-it-all than gunslingers, but all eyes will always be given to the 7"0 specimens-- be it from the fans, media and even (and more importantly) opposing PBA teams.

Dear Beau

(Photo courtesy of Sports5.ph)

Idol, kamusta ka na?

Sana mabuti ang kalagayan mo matapos yung matinding bugbugan nung nakaraang PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals. May dinadaing ka ba na injury? Nagiba kasi yung laro mo matapos yung Ginebra SMASH game. Parang lumugar ka lang bigla ulit, nawala yung idol namin. Papitik pitik, pasundot sundot, pero halos hindi naramdaman. Sa Finals? Habang naghahari yung pagkalaki laking import ng TNT at minamama yung mga kakampi mo, ikaw yung inaasahan ng Bayan ng RoS na reresbak para sa amin.

Pero asaan ka ba nun?

There's a new kid in town

Kia's L.A.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5.ph)

Much like how the Clippers have managed to steal some of the Lakers' thunder in Los Angeles, there is a PBA point guard who is slowly turning heads and opening eyes with his heady yet exciting brand of basketball by the name of L.A...

... Revilla, not Tenorio.

Now on his second year of professional basketball after playing only three (!) games last season with GlobalPort Batang Pier, Revilla is quickly making believers out of those who would bother to watch Kia Carnival games as its starting floor general. This year, Revilla is averaging 27 mpg, 9 ppg, 4 rpg and 4 apg which will surely increase if his current run in the ongoing PBA Governor's Cup continues. In the league's season-ending tourney, Revilla is putting up 34 mpg, 13 ppg, 5 rpg and 5 apg taking over a team that's being "coached" by Manny Pacquiao (Chito Victolero needs/ deserves a pay raise IMHO).

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.

Team #NSD

(Photo credits to the owner)

So it's a Friday weekend (here in the Middle East anyway) and we are catching up on our steady dose of Upper B basketball talk (if you haven't already, please checkout buhaybasket.com which is basically the new/ another version of FTS or Bro Show or Goat or whatever only a lot more entertaining whenever Jai Reyes is given air time). On this episode, they were asked by one of their many followers about naming a Team Never-Say-Die first five (minus Ginebra players, of course).

Basically, the names that were mentioned are: Marc Pingris, Paul Lee, Dondon Hontiveros, Cliff Hodge and whichever among Yousef Taha, Jerwin Gaco, Alex Nuyles, etc.

We are not going to say that they were wrong, just that we would probably go another way.

Step up to the plate

Under-rated Coach Koy
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Call this the ex-Barangay Ginebra, now Barako Bull revenge tour.

How else would you call it after a former Ginebra reserve turned Barako star has been cited as the PBA Governor Cup's Player of the Week for the third straight time? JC Intal was the first, Dylan Ababou next and now, Joseph Yeo (who was probably, the one guy that Ginebra fans didn't want to see go after his sterling first two conferences with the team)

Koy Banal has done a masterful job coaching this team to a clean 4-0 record, making full use of their prized import Liam McMorrow (38 mpg, 25 ppg, 22 rpg) )who is basically a faster version of what PJ Ramos was to Kia in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. For the most part, Intal (29 mpg, 15 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg) has been pretty solid before all the trade rumors started popping up while Joseph Yeo (29 mpg, 13 ppg, 3 rpg, 4 apg) is slowly starting to feel comfy back in a "designated scorer" role that he used to have almost exclusively with DLSU and as an off-the-bench weapon with Santa Lucia (the Petron/ San Miguel years were rough, and we only have 2 conferences to enjoy with Ginebra). Ababou (18 mpg, 10 ppg, 2 rpg) on the other hand is proving all of his doubters wrong and is just being the most efficient player on the floor at all times regardless of who is up against (only Chris Tiu and Larry Fonacier, IMHO, play as smart or smarter given the same "limited" athleticism).

A Captain for the Barangay

How will Slaughter respond to CFL?
(Photo credits to the owner)

Admit it or not, Ginebra fans have long flirted with the idea of having Yeng Guiao as its coach: an old school cat, much like their legendary Robert Jaworski, Sr., fearless, charismatic and all-around Pinoy macho on the sidelines.

But they also want someone who is approachable and accessible, who knows his Xs and Os, calls out referees but then accommodates #selfie requests and open practices.

It seems that they have found just the man for the job in Coach Frankie Lim.

Though Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is still a few wins and a healthy Greg Slaughter short of looking like a legitimate title contender in the on-going PBA Governor's Cup, Coach Frankie has succeeded in taking full control of an otherwise proud yet flailing, egocentric individual-filled franchise while keeping expectations of arguably the toughest and most demanding fans in the country at bay.

A special thanks to our friends at HumbleBola.com for providing us with the numbers which shows Ginebra averaging 93 ppg, 42% 2 point field goals, 31% 3 point field foals, 42 rpg, 16 apg, 13 topg and 8 spg versus 96 ppg, 47% 2, 34% 3, 48 rpg, 18 apg, 18 topg and 5 spg (in four of the five games played-- give them a break, it's the weekend lol) under Coach Frankie. Basically, while the numbers are down (because of the initial losses suffered early), the team is starting to respond well defensively in terms of getting more steals and forcing turnovers (which would and should, theoretically, ignite their running game).

adidas teams up with Marvel's Avengers

This spring adidas will introduce a new collection of kids footwear and apparel inspired by three superheroes of the new blockbuster Marvel Studios film, Avengers: Age of Ultron, which hit theaters worldwide last April.

The adidas Avengers collection will feature exciting new designs reflecting the unique personalities of three of the film's superheroes: Hulk, Iron Man and Captain America. Both lines, which cover infants, little kids and youth boys alike, offer full head-to-toe outfits including tees, shorts and accompanying shoes and accessories with matching colours to ensure a wardrobe with fresh new looks for every true Avengers fan!

May's kids collection will be complemented by adult running shoes in four matching designs. The adult line includes a silver-green adidas adizero Prime BOOST™ that will be featured in the film with an exciting new Avengers character. For the biggest fans and a united look this colour-way will be a key feature within the kids' collections!

The new adidas Avengers collections go back to the classic roots with footwear inspired both by the original comics' style and the graphics of the movie. Various models include running silhouettes for adults and kids as well as low and mid cut multipurpose silhouettes specifically designed for kids. This includes the Response BOOST Ltd that features adidas' premium BOOST™ technology paired with Marvel's greatest superheroes design as the primary source of inspiration. adidas BOOST is a breakthrough technology that provides the highest Energy Return of any foam cushioning in the running industry. Along with BOOST foam cushioning, adidas adizero Prime BOOST upper consists of adidas Primeknit, a digital knitting technology using the latest engineering methods to develop an upper that is lightweight and fits like a second layer of skin, providing added performance benefits. Each section of the adidas Primeknit upper is carefully engineered to provide a precision fit for a secure, comfortable run.

The collection is available on www.adidas.com/avengers.

Trade Rumors

Nice Photoshop skills. But trade still in limbo
(Photo credits to the owner)

While we await the final decision/ approval of the PBA Commissioner's Office, let's take a seat and digest the possible transactions that have already seen the light of Internet day (which, in reality, sounds more like gossip than news but hey, whatever sells right?).

First up is the blockbuster deal that would involve sister teams Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel, and conduit Barako Bull Energy Cola. In this trade, Ginebra will get the services of Marcio Lassiter, San Miguel gets JC Intal and Barako lands Mac Baracael.

Sure, it involves sister and farm teams but when was the last time we had a trade of almost equal value in the PBA?