The Kia Pick Conundrum

Tapos hindi sumali sa Draft e no?
TROLLOLOL
(Photo credits to the owner)

Kia Carnival is recently making the wires thanks to their openness to trading away their 2015 PBA Draft Pick (which could go as high as number 2) if only to land a proven, PBA superstar name. Talk'nText name has been floating around, but they already have the 1st pick (courtesy of Blackwater) so why would they want to let go of one of their stars?

Then again, we're looking at a loaded Texters' team that could add both Moala Tautuaa AND Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. in one killing.

So TNT's Jayson Castro's name has been mentioned, as well as the Purefoods' young backcourt tandem of Alex Mallari and Justin Melton, but are they really worth the 2nd pick? A Tautuaa? A Parks, Jr.?

Here we try to make sense of it all, and which teams should offer which players for the 2nd pick.

PBACC The Finals: Rain or Shine vs Talk'n'Text

The Blur vs Angas ng Tondo
(Photo credits to the owner)

It was but only a matter of time before the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters met anew in a stage as big as the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals.

And we are not saying that simply because they finished one (RoS) and two (TNT) at the end of the conference's Elimination round. No, we are saying that because of the simple fact that both teams feature the most number of players that were loaned to the Gilas Pilipinas basketball program: Ranidel de Ocampo, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, now team manager Jimmy Alapag and (at one point) Kelly Williams for TNT and Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jeffrei Chan and Beau Belga for RoS.

Which basically means that we will get to see how far the above-mentioned players have come, thanks to the extended, rigorous and taxing international training and exposure that they have all enjoyed. Though TNT enjoys a slight advantage of course, since their brain thrust (coaching staff, managers, scouts, etc.) ARE Gilas Pilipinas.

And though we are proud RoS fans, we will try our very best to breakdown the series and come up with a logical and reasonable fearless forecast.

Let's go:

2015 PBA Mock Draft V 2.0

Top 5 sleeper
(Photo credits to owner)

Remember when we said that it was a bit early to be writing about the 2015 PBA Draft, given the scarcity of names that are sure to apply? Well, we are starting to hear more and more of young, collegiate talent that are foregoing their final UAAP/NCAA years if only to try their luck at the pros (UE's Roi Sumang being the biggest newsmaker to date).

Just bear in mind that the PBA Draft order isn't final (we'll know at season's end) but here's more or less something to work with (thanks to that PBADraft website whose owner I don't know, but props to him/ her).

Let's go.

KKS Fantasy: If Team MVP were to trade within

Just a few days ago, two teams under the San Miguel umbrella engaged in some player trades/ acquisition with the aide of two other "rumored" sister farm teams to increase their chances of winning moving forward. This has been a constant (a rather tiring one, even) for Team SMB which has led us to wonder why the teams under the great Manny V. Pangilinan umbrella aren't doing the same.

You could argue that it's because Talk'n'Text, the Team MVP's flagship and answer to San Miguel Beermen, has been winning so much that trades aren't really all that necessary,but we feel that Meralco and NLEX could use a little help here and there as far as some pieces are concerned.

Basically, since we have time to spare (our team-  Rain or Shine already booked a seat in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals and is just waiting for the Purefoos - Talk 'n' Text winner), here's something of a fantasy trade scenario that we feel could help all Team MVP franchises right away:

Make it Rain (or Shine)

He's got the whole world, in his hands
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

While other teams thrive on running complicated sets, system and Xs and Os, it seems as though the Rain or Shine Elastopainters have found a winning formula that appears to be, on paper, simpler:

Familiarity.

You cannot argue with results, as the team is now on the verge of its 5th PBA Finals appearance since head coach Yeng Guiao took over in 2011. The core of the team remains the same: built through high draft picks with the longest tenured being Jireh Ibanes (drafted in 2006) followed by the 2008 pair of Gabe Norwood and TY Tang. After that, they kept building through picks and some under-the-radar trades (they were busiest during the early Guiao years) that has built what is now known as the RoS' brand of basketball.

Fun, fast and physical.

Trade Reaction: T.M.B.T.M.

The Prototype returns
(Photo credits to the owner)

Too many bigs to mention.

In an unforeseen and yet unsurprising summer trade that is about as crazy as #LaBoracay when you consider how ho-hum player transactions have been the last few years (no thanks to farm teams), Ginebra, Global Port, San Miguel and Barako Bull engaged in a six-player deal that basically rotated the teams' back-up big men.

We're calling it "crazy," if only because it gave us something to talk about on social media and grants our wish to "free" some of the players involved. "Crazy," because the trade practically unmasked the whole FARM TEAM concept out for even the most nitwit-test of nitwits.

Sinong hindi farm team?

(Unsolicited) Advise Ganda

Is this the year when
The Rocket finally takes off?
(Photo credits to the owner)

E di wow.

Since it's the Holy Week and every one outside of the BPO industry back home is on break, here is our way of reflecting and soul-searching (after fulfilling our Christian obligations of course). We list down the Top 5 PBA Players who need to reinvent/ adjust their game to maybe fulfill their potential as true basketball players, or even, superstars.

5. JC Intal, Barako Bull
Though he is having his best season to date with averages of 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists per game this season, we feel that there's still hope for the former UAAP Ateneo de Manila superstar than just being a household PBA role player. He has the pedigree, the body, the face, the athleticism and skillset to be a legitimate PBA superstar. He's even married to one of local showbusiness' hottest TV personalities. Basically, all of the tools to be a premier player. What's lacking in Intal is basic, ruthless aggression. Some players have it, some don't. Some guys like to get their hands dirty, get into the shaded area without a care for their bodies. Just as long as they get the job done. Some guys, well, they're happy with taking jump shots, easy lay-ups and dribbling up top to show their handles. Intal has shown a knack and willingness to get dirty back in college. We haven't seen it in the PBA thus far. To us, it's what has been keeping him from breaking through that "glass ceiling" of sorts.

PBA meets Asia... sort of.

Mahdi Kamrani in the PBA would be awesome
(Photo credits to the owner)

For the season-ending PBA Governor's Cup, the league will allow teams to field not one but two imports-- the first being a "traditional" or American/ European/ etc. import (6"5 ceiling for the top 8 teams, while the bottom 4 enjoy an unlimited height ceiling) and the second, which is optional, an Asian import no more than 6"3.

Which, in today's day and age, makes that Asian import a shooting guard/ small forward at the very least and no more.

The idea, approved by PBA chairman Patrick Gregorio, is quite intriguing and novel. It was done in good taste, with the best of intentions to help spice up the 3rd and final conference as well as expose our players and the fans to other Asian stars.

Our only concern here is that, why put a (such a low) height restriction on the Asian imports?

For the uninitiated, Asian guards and wings are no better than the ones that we already have in the PBA-- with our guys even being slightly better as our training is more to the likings of NBA players while other Asian countries develop their players to suit the FIBA style of basketball (which is, unfortunately, considered as "amateur-ish").

Trade reaction: Ginebra's Ababou, Forrester for Barako's 1st round pick

Kampihan na talaga.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Well, so much for newly-installed head coach Frankie Lim's Ginebra youth movement.

In a trade that comes as manna from heaven in the middle of some Arabian dessert for those involved and their supporters, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has sent the little-used pair of Dylan Ababou and James Forrester to Barako Bull Energy Cola for the team's 2015 PBA 1st round draft pick (which is projected to be somewhere from the 4th to 5th).

For Ginebra, this spares the new coach from the burden of being asked by the thousands of kabarangays in having to play the two when they still have some more established, somewhat "immovable" veterans on the roster. Now, the team's rotation of shooting guards and wings involve "only" Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Joseph Yeo, Josh Urbiztondo, Mac Baracael and Chris Ellis. And based from what we saw in the Rain or Shine quarterfinals game, it seems that management is still convinced that Caguioa, Helterbrand and Urbiztondo have a lot left in the tank and deserve to play together some more (ugh).

This, plus the fact that they could possibly get a top-tier rookie in the 2015 PBA Draft-- anyone from U.E.'s Roi Sumang, DLSU's Norbert Torres, San Beda's Garvo Lanete and maybe some hipster pick in one of those ASEAN Basketball League Fil-Ams not named Moala Tautuaa.

Resbak ng Barangay

Ang gulo ng barangay ninyo.

Pero hindi namin kayo masisi, maraming turuan, bulungan, palakasan at anjan na din yung "ano ang nagawa mo para sakin/ samin" na pag-iisip. Ngayon, susubok na naman kayo ng bagong liderato na ang paniniwala ay magbabalik sa dating sigla ng barangay. Ilang beses na ba kayo nagpalit ng pinuno sa loob ng isang kampanya? Paanong magkakaroon ng pagbabago at progreso kung halos tatlong buwan pa lang e palit na agad ng sistema?

Mabuhay ka, bagong Ginebra head coach Frankie Lim!

PBACC The Semifinals: Rain or Shine vs Meralco

Powerade Pilipinas reunion, sort of
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

While the other series will be a beautiful case of high-caliber basketball, this one between the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and Meralco Bolts will be a dog fight.

Not because they are not as well-coached as Purefoods and Talk'n'Text, no, but because both teams run a blue collar, smash mouth kind of basketball that is often wild and woozy (yet highly entertaining, specially when Beau Belga forgets his manners or Gary David waxes hot from down town).

But you know what? If they play their cards right, whoever wins this series will most likely be fresher come the PBA Finals since you just know that the other series will take its toll at some point on either Purefoods or TNT not just physically, but mentally.

As long as the Elastopainters/ Bolts can make this series a short one, of course.

PBACC The Semifinals: Talk'n'Text vs Purefoods

Puso kontra tapang
(Photo credits to the owner)

From a championship pedigree standpoint, you could very well conclude that this is THE PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals match-up disguised as a Best-of-Five Semifinals pairing between two of the winning-est teams in the last five-six years.

The Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters, coached by Jong Uichico versus the Purefoods Star Hotshots and coach Tim Cone.

Pilipinas basketball does not get any better than this: the core of the Gilas Pilipinas national team (from players to brain thrust) versus a team that is so good (as proven by their Grand Slam credentials), one could actually argue for them as a version of Gilas in an alternate universe. While the Texters enjoy proven depth with its veterans, the Hotshots' 2nd unit of mostly up-and-coming names are certified by the number of titles under their belts (which, from what we have seen thus far, they seem to keep wanting to add to).

The kids are all right

You either die a hero,
or live long enough to be the villain
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Last night the PBA Commissioner's Cup 8th seed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was dealt yet another crushing quarterfinals loss, this time by their new-found box office adversaries, Rain or Shine Elastopainters.

We are going to leave the uncertainty of how the endgame played out to the experts (Mike Dunnigan didn't have possession, Jeffrei Chan poked the ball at maybe a millisecond before the shotclock buzzed, was out of bounds, went in to chase after it while every one else was waiting for a whistle that never came, took a step into the court from outside, took another step, retrieved it and went for the easy lay-up), what we'd like to discuss is every thing else that was wrong for Ginebra moving forward.

Like Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand, two former PBA MVPs, playing heavy minutes despite their mileage (Caguioa is 35, Helterbrand 38). You say that they were making baskets out there for the team, sure, but so would a Joseph Yeo and L.A. Tenorio had they been given the minutes and touches.

PBACC The Quarterfinals: Purefoods vs Alaska

"Siya na naman?!"
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Do you believe in fate?

It seems that it cannot be helped. Purefoods head coach Tim Cone will never, truly be rid of his Alaska ties (we doubt he'd want to anyway), and now he finds himself squaring off with the very same team in the 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup Quarterfinals if only to win another championship.

Coach Tim has done a marevelous job in adding substance to what was once simply a "glamour" team. He taught every one from James Yap to Jerwin Gaco how to play the right way, how to read and react to offenses and defenses, and to basically how to keep winning.

On the other side of the fence, Coach Alex Compton inherited a team of hungry young rascals and veterans, shaped them into something of a more cohesive unit who enjoy playing together. Now, JVee Casio and RJ Jazul don't shun away Calvin Abueva whenever he pesters them for the basketball. Now, Abueva knows where he's supposed to be and how he can help. Yes, the antics are still there, but finally, they have allowed "Abueva to be Abueva."

Which means all hell is going to break loose when Abueva crosses paths with Yap.

PBACC The Quarterfinals: NLEX vs Meralco

Blue collar basketball
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

"Walang kapatid-kapatid, walang kaibi-kaibigan."

Sorry. Couldn't help it. Couldn't help quoting a former President turned Mayor-on-redemption on this one simply because it will be the first time (in recent memory) that we'll see two of Team MVP's squads facing one another in the Playoffs (something that we've been quite used to with Team SMC). Basically, this is the Team MVP version of a Purefoods vs Ginebra, with Talk'n'Text playing the crown jewel San Miguel role.

Two teams that are built on fundamentally sound basketball, no superstar plays, no isolation-heavy star guards trying to carry his team onto greatness. Just good, clean almost college-like basketball featuring two of the more disciplined coaches out there today in Meralco's Norman Black and NLEX's Boyet Fernandez.

PBACC The Quarterfinals: Talk'n'Text vs Barako Bull

Buddy and Sol(s)
(Photo credits to the owner)

A long-established league powerhouse battling the playoffs' darkhorse/ underdog/ "they're not supposed to be there!" A team with so much firepower, you could field in their 2nd unit and have them play 3/4s of the game and they'll probably still be good enough to score 90 points at least. A team with so little firepower, they are actually forced to play two point guards and hope one of them feels like scoring game by game.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet your favorites to make it to the next round: Jayson Castro's Talk'n' Text Tropang Texters versus the over-achieving, Sol Mercado's Barako Bull Energy Cola.

PBACC The Quarterfinals: Rain or Shine vs Barangay Ginebra

Angas ng Tondo vs The Spark
(Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net)

For all intents and purposes, there is definitely no love lost in this quarterfinals pairing of the number 1 seeded Rain or Shine Elastopainters, which enjoys a twice to beat advantage, and the 8th seeded Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The Elastopainters are the league's hottest team, with arguably the most consistent performance in his young career EVER from star guard Paul Lee, while Ginebra just keep on losing winnable games much to the dismay of their fans. There's also the whole "L.A. Tenorio tantrum watch" -- you know, when the man tasked to lead the Ginebra faithful to glory stomps his foot, makes that stink face and just brushes off everyone on the floor including his own coaches and teammates.

Can Ginebra do it?

Yes, they can.

Will they be able to do it?

Denied, Eliminated

Giants in the PBA
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It's tough playing in the PBA-- with the demand and expectation of management, family, friends and fans. To try and play at a very high level, and once there, to maintain it all throughout a grueling season of limited respite and recluse.

While eight teams will carry on into the Playoff rounds of the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup, four will be denied entry. Three of which have already been made clear to the masses: newcomers Kia Carnival and Blackwater, and newly-minted PBA All Filipino Cup titlist San Miguel Beer. The fourth one will be decided later on today, if it's going to be the AFC 2nd placers Alaska, or Global Port (depending on how Alaska's match versus Barangay Ginebra turns out).

Silver lining of course is that the four eliminated teams of this conference (plus performance in the 1st conference, so there's some math to be done) will be allowed to bring in imports of unlimited height (compared to the Top 8's 6"5 ceiling) plus an Asian reinforcement of their choosing (6"4 ceiling).

Here we take a look at what went right and wrong for the three teams that have been eliminated, and how their chances are going into the next conference.

Trade reaction: Nuyles for Cervantes

Fair trade. Yes?
(Photo courtesy of Spin.ph)

We are for parity and fair basketball transactions.

That is why we cannot help but laud Kia Carnival and Blackwater Elite, both PBA newcomers, for the recent trade that basically addresses both teams' needs-- sending Alex Nuyles to the Carnival and Reil Cervantes to the Elite. No under the table shenanigans. No near-retirement veteran for up-and-coming star. No top draft picks and cash.

Just a basketball man's man trade featuring two guys who can help their new teams right away.

On paper at least.

Don't call it a comeback

Kala niyo sawa na kami mag-champion?
(Photo credits to the owner)

Coach Cone was not brought into the Purefoods' fold to win a championship. He wasn't brought in to simply win a PBA Grand Slam (though that could have easily been one of the targets/ objectives).

He was brought in to (re)establish a (new) dynasty in Philippine basketball.

Name any past or present San Miguel Corporation-employed head coach in the last ten to fifteen years that was given as much leeway and power as Cone. You'll have to go back two more decades or so, to the days of the iconic Robert Jaworski, Sr. and Ron Jacobs, to truly understand how much creative control and power Cone was given when it comes to the direction of the team, player trades and acquisition and basically what sort of product to put on the basketball court.

The Big Chill

The High Headband
Photo courtesy of Sports5

Beau Belga's now legendary crotch-chopping of thousands of Ginebra die-hards aside, the Rain or Shine Elastopainters' have benefited largely from head coach Yeng Guiao's "gut-feel" to bring back the multi-skilled Wayne Chism to replace burly big man Richard Jackson as their PBA Commissioner's Cup reinforcement.

Though Jackson was quite the force in the paint, helping the Elastopainters to a 3 wins - 2 losses slate, Guiao was always on the lookout for Chism who was unable to start the conference due to prior international commitments. But once Chism was available, Guiao stayed true to his word (reports have it that he told Chism that he'll be back as RoS import despite a so-so 2013 campaign wherein he posted averages of 33.8 mpg, 17.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.8 apg) to give the high headband-wearing import another chance.

In 3 wins and 1 loss so far, Chism has averaged a stellar 38.7 mpg, 33.5 ppg, 15 rpg, 2.3 apg statline while providing the Elastopainters with whatever is required on the floor. If it's defense, Chism patrols the paint like a natural power forward-center would. On offense, if they need him to play up top and iso, then he can do that with ease and even play point-forward. If the team needs him to play off the ball, then he just goes down into the paint and waits his turn.

KKS Gilas 3.0 (Part 3)

The future of Philippine basketball
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Ladies and gentlemen, our KKS Gilas 3.0 starters:

C Junemar Fajardo
Gilas coach Tab Baldwin didn't have to beat around the bush on Fajardo's inclusion. As it stands, Fajardo is the present and future of Philippine basketball much like Yao Ming was for China and Hamed Haddadi is for Iran. He is the pillar in which the program will be anchored on for the foreseeable future, alongside fellow giant Greg Slaughter. In the instances wherein he played in FIBA World, Fajardo showed that he has the smarts and muscle to hold his own in the paint against legitimate NBA big men.

Thoughts on Ginebra vs RoS

"Pre yan ba yung Ginebra na
kinalakihan natin? Lambot e."

- For all things Mark Caguioa, and that mini run he fueled in the 4th quarter to push them to a 79-71 lead, he's no longer the same guy who should be playing 25 plus minutes a game. He's no longer the star of this franchise. Paul Lee was killing it last night, finishing with 18 points and 11 assists while playing point and shooting guard. Ginebra's coaching staff recognizes Caguioa's limitations on defense so they "hid" him and put Ellis on Lee, but that whole statement is just sad.

- Ginebra enjoyed a big lead in the 1st quarter thanks primarily to going exclusively inside to Mike Dunnigan and Greg Slaughter. When RoS started running, Ginebra went small to match. In a game of small ball, based on rosters along, RoS has a slight advantage no matter how you look at it (because Wayne Chism can run, Dunnigan can't, and Belga can anchor the offense and defense at the 5 spot, while the 4 man by default for Ginebra- Japeth Aguilar, Mac Baracael, Chris Ellis, are STILL all too raw skills-wise).

- L.A. Tenorio is practically useless these days. His offense is inconsistent, and he can't guard Paul Lee. Where was Josh Urbiztondo? Not saying he can guard Lee, just asking.

KKS Gilas 3.0 (Part 2)

Ang Dalubhasa RdO
(Photo courtesy of Paul Ryan Tan)

A lot of thought should go in the creation of your second unit-- specially if you have a free hand to choose from an entire pool of PBA, professional and amateur talent. But, the line-up shouldn't be made just because they are the best available talent after the 1st unit.

No, you need balance.

You need your 2nd unit to compliment the 1st: if your starting five loves to run, then you need to make a decision of you want your 2nd unit to be able to do the same to maintain the momentum, or if your 2nd unit will be of a different style to help keep opponents guessing (read: Tim Cone's current Purefood's 1st line-up which is offensively gifted, and the 2nd unit which plays stingy defense first and foremost).

With all things considered, and with Abueva and Sangalang as our 11th and 12th guys on the roster, here's the 2nd unit of the KKS Gilas 3.0:

Trade reaction: Espinas for Baclao, 2017 pick

"Iwan mo ko, bro?"
(Photo courtesy of Spin.ph)

News have it that the Alaska Aces have decided to send gung-ho power forward Gabby Espinas to GlobalPort Batang Pier for Nonoy Baclao and a future draft pick. This comes as a bit of a surprise since prior to his injury, Espinas has enjoyed a "revival" of sorts with the Aces as its resident enforcer and bossom buddy to star Calvin Abueva. On the flip side, Baclao continues to milk every ounce of a professional career from being part of a UAAP Dynasty (much like his brethren JC Intal of Barako Bull).

Though it's an unfair comparison since Espinas was sidelined, here are both men's numbers: GE 8 season games played so far averaged 12.6 minutes, 8.3 points, 5 rebounds on 54.1% shooting. NB averaged 13 minutes, 3.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and shot 40.3%.

One guy is injured/ coming off an injury while the other is basically just a token warm body who somehow finds a way to get his minutes. Almost like it's mandated in his bloody contract that he needs to play 10 minutes a game at the very least no matter how little he does on the floor for the team.

Uphill climb for the Beermen

From A to Z, Reid does it all for SMB
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The good: the San Miguel Beermen are starting to actually resemble the PBA Philippine Cup champion version of themselves. The bad: they need to win their remaining games to get proper Playoff positioning, and teams to not win so much. The ugly: one of their two remaining games will be against old rivals, Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters which is currently seated atop the standings with a 6-2 win-loss record.

So that's the Beermen's current predicament: an uphill climb to stay relevant in what was supposed to be "phase 2" of their Grand Slam quest this season. If they can't win against the Texters (and Global Port), then they'll have to pray the best they can and maybe go on a tour de force of church visits from Manila to Pampanga to Cebu to hope that they can make the playoffs (re: other teams start losing, scoring margin computations, etc.).

But can they do it?

KKS Gilas 3.0 (Part 1)

In this three-part series, we want to discuss the 12 men who we believe deserve to be on the final Gilas 3.0 roster headed by coach Tab Baldwin. First off are the 11th and 12th players who we feel should be more of the "utility" kind in terms of being able to contribute in so many ways and not just being typecast into one specific role (re: scorer, defender, rebounder).

Though the 11th and 12th guys don't always get to play or enjoy heavy minutes, we feel that the way the sport is being played nowadays is to make full use of every single man on the roster. This way, scouting reports in short tournaments (such as FIBA's) is thrown out the window because teams are unable to readily prepare for all 12 guys on the court. Against two, three players sure. But having to plan and set up defenses to combat 12 individual styles?

Not sure if even the best coaching minds could solve that one.

So without further ado, here's our pick for Gilas 3.0's 11th and 12th men:

Reinventing the PBA All Star Game

Here's something for all you fantasy basketball lovers out there and in a way, to "revitalize" the PBA All Star Weekend and increase the stakes a bit: a pocket tournament that will feature the best that all of the league's factions have to offer.

We all know that there are two major forces that is moving the PBA: Team San Miguel Corporation (San Miguel, Ginebra, Purefoods) and Team Manny V. Pangilinan (Talk'n'Text, Meralco, NLEX). We also know that there are two full-fledged independent teams in Alaska and Rain or Shine while rumors are rampant about how Barako Bull and GlobalPort are both farm teams looking to sell its prized players to the highest bidder. And since the jury's still out on newcomers Blackwater and Kia (plus they don't really have top-tier talent at the moment), we opted to include them into the "farm" All Stars.

Hope this fun little boredom-killer of a post gets you excited and who knows, it might just be picked up by the pros as a possible money-making machine. Because seriously, who really wants to see the "North" play against the "South?" Might as well just rename it to "Manila-Pampanga et. al. vs Cebuanos and friends."

The Ineligibles

Arguably one of the best Fil-Am talent
out there (he's in the NBA!)
but unfortunately, #FIBAineligible

With the local media trying its very best to squeeze any buzz out of Los Angeles Lakers' Filipino-American rookie Jordan Clarkson recent comments that he would "love to represent the Philippines," it should be noted that under current FIBA rules, he is ineligible to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas 3.0 or any version that comes after until that FIBA rule is amended.

Sorry to burst your bubble folks.

Just a few minutes ago, former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes went on Twitter to post how simple it is for families living overseas who are seriously considering having their sons play for us:





Of course, this is easier said than done since this information is probably not passed on to every single Overseas-based Filipino family. Chances are, they'll only learn about this when their sons start making waves in the basketball scene (wherever they are) which is almost, always when it's too late (because we don't really see any 10-15 year old kids being scouted at such an early, under-developed age owing to all the logistics and financing needed for it).

What's wrong with Alaska?

The struggle is real for Baguio and co.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

For all the heat that the PBA Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen are getting for their current pitiful PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign, the team that they beat-- the Alaska Aces, are not doing so well either. The team has been under-performing and uncharacteristically not "fighting" in games that many are starting to buy into the rumors and ask if this team is really going to be sold soon thus their players' lackadaisical approach.

Well, blame it on the import that they started the conference with. After that, blame it on the players simply being tired from that grueling, balls-out of a PBA Finals that was one of the best any Filipino basketball fan has seen in years. Blame it on head coach Alex Compton for failing to better prepare his team this conference. And then, only then, yes, maybe blame it on that ugly rumor that keeps lingering around.

The Aces opted to start the 2nd conference with a defensive-minded import in the 6"9 DJ Covington who played four games and averaged somewhere around 22 ppg and 9 rpg in 29 minutes which resulted in a 2 wins-2 losses record. The knock on Covington was that he wasn't much of a "go-to-guy" for the Aces, but then again he was already long established as a guy who plays defense first, offense second. Basically, he's built for Coach Compton's #wenotme style as another rock solid role player. Plus, 22 and 9 doesn't seem all that bad if you look at the number of minutes he plays versus other imports who go almost without rest.

2015 PBA All Star Game: Thoughts on the South Squad

On to the 2015 PBA All Stars South Selection then; surprisingly though the fans (and coaches) got this one right more than the North squad so we're quite happy and impressed with it all. Though there are still some snubs here and there (Alex Cabagnot and Vic Manuel to name a few), it's all for the fans anyway so let's all just have fun with this shall we?

Starters

Mark Barroca, PG, Purefoods
Can't have the starting point guard of last season's Grand Slam winning team off the list yes?

James Yap, PG, Purefoods
Mr. PBA. He is the man that has willingly accepted the role of torch-bearer for the league, and despite all the criticisms, he deserves everyone's applause. Kasi kung si Caguioa ang ginawang torch-bearer, e di ang aangas na siguro ng buong liga, at lahat ng manonood ngayon nakaka alienate din yun sa fans na hindi naman lahat e gusto maging gangsta.

Greg Slaughter, C, Ginebra
Seven foot wonder, double double guy. A little soft, but skilled. Pinoy Pau Gasol-lite.

Junemar Fajardo, C, San Miguel
Another yes. I'd like to see this combo for Gilas 3.0, not alternating, but starting. TOGETHER. Get a 6"8 naturalized scorer who can play some D at the wing and we're good.

Asi Taulava, C NLEX
Wait. Another center? But hey, who doesn't love Asi? Specially if this is indeed his last ASG.

2015 PBA All Star Game: Thoughts on the North Squad

The PBA Commissioner's Cup will be taking a brief respite from all the high-octane action and "Joke-gate" as they take the PBA All Star Weekend to Palawan as a fitting way of thanking their fans (that's you and me) while also recognizing some of the best players today.

Now while we don't want to rain on any one's parade here, we wish that the PBA would actually go back into bringing in the "best of the best" to play in the ASG instead of merely making it a "wide open, who's got more fans to vote you in even if you're a bit player" race. Looking at both starting line-ups for the North and South teams, there are quite a number of guys who honestly shouldn't even be starting based on stats and overall impact for their mother teams.

"E sikat e."

Let's take a look at the North Squad:

Mind, body and Sol

Oye mi canto, we hear you Sol Train
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It's been a while, Mr. Mercado.

Starting anew with the Barako Bull Energy Cola after surprisingly being dealt by the San Miguel Beermen last conference (we honestly believe that whoever is in charge of that operation would trade his own mother for the right price/ player should push come to shove), point guard Sol Mercado is showing flashes of his old, "Sol Train" self (before getting hurt and slowed down a bit) with averages of 36.1 mpg, 14 ppg, 42.1%-2 pt, 11.1%-3 pt, 3.7 rpg, 4.7 apg.

We must admit, it was rather difficult to watch Mercado with the Beermen as he transitioned from lead, combo guard to a role-playing starter who had to split time with his "brother" Chris Ross, a player who, for all his tenacious defense, has about as many moves on offense as a basketball newbie.

With the Energy, Mercado is back to his old ways though with a lot more maturity and a fresh, new team-first mindset.

2015 PBA Mock Draft V 1.0

Number 1 or Number 2?
(Photo courtesy of SLAM.ph)

Though we personally believe that it's a tad bit too early for this (most of the names we want/expect aren't even in yet!), there's no harm in sharing our 2015 PBA Mock Draft now is there? Some of the names are a given, but the manner or order in which they will be drafted should be a bit of a surprise.

Here. We. Go.

12. San Miguel Beermen - Norbert Torres, 6"6
Go big or go home, Arnold Vosotros is a nice option as well but it would be hard for other teams not to tab the burly Green Archer (even if he is still a project at best) in the 2nd round. Call this a back-up plan for the Beermen in case any of their bigs get hurt OR a very good trade chip.

11. Rain or Shine Elastopainters - Aljon Mariano, 6"3
San Miguel will hope to land Mariano (there's a whole story here, but we won't go into that for now), but we feel that head coach Yeng Guiao will find it very hard to resist the fundamentally sound Cabalen who is basically another Ronnie Matias or Larry Rodriguez in the making.

10. Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters - Glenn Khobuntin, 6"4
Remember when Jayson Castro talked about how his team needs some bad boys? Well, okay, Khobuntin's not exactly going to rough anyone up but he does look the part. A solid wingman who can easily transition to either a PBA 3 or 4, Khobuntin will be a great understudy for veteran Ranidel de Ocampo as the season progresses.

Take the lead

Jayson Castro the Leader
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

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

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

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

Power Surge

The sitcom can wait for now,
welcome back El Granada!
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

After a mediocre first few years in the PBA after buying out the Santa Lucia Realty franchise, the Bolts are finally looking like a Manny V. Pangilinan-owned team thanks to their hot start in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. Head coach Norman Black has done quite a remarkable job in being able to find balance in what was once a predictable one-man show squad (first it was supposed "franchise" player Mac Cardona, then it was Gary David's turn, then they tried it again with Jarred Dillinger but that didn't pan out quite well).

This time, every one gets to touch the basketball despite or in spite of David's current "return to form" (pwera bati). The Bolts play defense first, mostly on hustle and hunger thanks to import Josh Davis who everyone thought was a bad fit at first (probably still is, because of redundancy in talent and the failure to address the team's need for a legit center, but you can't argue with results which is shown on the win column), the offense second. Their sets aren't that complicated when you look at it, just good old-fashioned textbook basketball plays run on a very high level which is a testament to Black's coaching genius.

Lethal Weapon II

"Dito mo bigay sakin yung bola,
tapos alis ka sa daan ko ha?"
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

His humorous fascination of making it home in time after games to watch the ABS CBN hit telenovale "Forevemore" aside, the Rain or Shine Elastopainter's Paul Lee has definitely reinvented himself in the on-going PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Currently averaging 18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists on 47% shooting from 3 and 38 from 2 in five games played, Lee has regularly shown a knack for taking over games and willing his team to victory.

Keyword: regularly, not consistently, but regularly.

This conference however, we may be looking at the evolution of the man hailed as the "Lethal Weapon." Though he's still playing under 30 minutes (26.8 mpg), which is not something you'd expect from of a player of his caliber, he is definitely making an early case for himself as PBA Best Player of the Conference with one superb performance after another.

Here comes the Carnival

Mark Yee has given
Kia some inside swag
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

When playing coach Manny Pacquiao openly declared that his Kia Motors Carnival (then Sorento) is in the PBA to compete and serve as a reflection of his boxing fire, many brushed it off as false bravado. Admittedly, we were just waiting for any trade patterns so we can proclaim this expansion team as yet another "farm" team for the PBA powerhouses.

Well, guess we were wrong on that one.

They managed to win a game versus Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup before, predictably and expectedly, sucking the rest of the way. This conference, they brought in a giant of an import in Puerto Rican behemoth P.J. Ramos (who is better than advertised, props to his agent Ms. Sheryl Reyes) while adding some firepower by way of former ASEAN Basketball League MVP Leo Avenido and point guard Rudy Lingganay-- so yeah, they're not in this league to simply make Pacquiao an even bigger household name than he already is. They're actually in the PBA to win games and compete (which a few years ago shouldn't be an issue, but thanks to the likes of Barako Bull, GlobalPort and the original Air21, is already a feat in itself nowadays).

So how are the Carnival doing?

The Hangover

Where to, Captain?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

What's going on with the San Miguel Beermen?

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

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

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

As he should.

Natural Born Killer

He shoots, he scores.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The last of a seemingly dying-breed in this day and age of social media marks and "experts," GlobalPort Batang Pier's resident star Terrence Bill Romeo continues to shine for his team this PBA Commissioner's Cup with one sterling performance after another.

It's hard to be a natural born killer, scorer, like Romeo nowadays since if ever a basketball player would score 30 points in a hotly-contested game, marks would look at the other numbers-- how many shots did he take, how many misses, the number of assists he issued and what not (specially if his team is on the losing end). This scenario has caused a lot of superstars, here and abroad, to change their game to try and please the masses. Some specialists are even left off teams simply because they're dismissed as one-trick ponies who are of no good to anyone when unable to score or do a certain task that they're known for.

Romeo continues to open the gates to superstardom when the "experts" leave him off the discussion because "he's too ___" or "he doesn't do ____."

The Right Fit

The real deal. Sorry Ms. Sheryl!
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It's that time of the PBA season once again wherein teams try their very best to remain (or be) competitive by adding a foreign reinforcement. The trouble with this set-up is that it's a hit-or-miss affair, since you're never truly guaranteed of having the right chemistry or wins, not until the import comes over and actually plays a few games with the team.

There are those who have solid credentials but never really lived up to the hype, some who were able to deliver, and other unknowns and sleepers (Terquin Mott, Devin Davis and Damien Owens from an era ago, Diamon Simpson, AZ Reid, Marqus Blakely) who pretty much take their teams to the promise land and even come back several times to help their team keep that winning tradition. Sometimes, it's not all about the credentials. Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith when it comes to adding an import. But it would be absurd for a team to throw team chemistry and addressing certain needs out the window if only to get a name. Right?

Well, some times.

Here's our take on the PBA imports that we've seen so far:

Two can play at that game

Just the other day it was announced that long-time Team MVP affiliate/ Gilas Pilipinas reinforcement Marcus Douthit was going to suit up for Blackwater Elite in lieu of the injured Chris Charles in the newly-opened PBA Commissioner's Cup.

How easy it was to acquire Douthit's services, who has gone on media to openly admit that he's not in game shape, is not the issue here. It's the team he plays for, and the uniforms that they've suddenly gone on to wear this conference that's a bit bothersome.

You may call us out for counting our chickens before they hatch here, but those blue and yellow colors do not exactly fit the "BLACKWater Elite" mold now does it? They wore black, white and red last conference, much like their product colors, so where on earth did this yellow and blue print come from?

Did Team MVP finally do it?

Barangay Schizophrenia

Should they run? Go big?
Or maybe, they should play a little D.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

"A mental disorder that makes it hard to: Tell the difference between what is real and not real; Think clearly; Have normal emotional responses; Act normally in social situations"

How hard is it to be a member of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel family? The pressure to deliver, put on a show for fans, please the management and hope not to be traded/ fired after a tumultuous conference-- just how hard is it to be #LahingGinebra?

After letting go of Jeffrey Cariaso and his Triangle Offense, Ginebra openly declared that they will return to the old, "run and gun" system that has made them a household name, loved by thousands (or millions) of kabarangays here and abroad. Expectations were high following this piece of news, since it meant that no longer will established scorers such as former PBA MVP Mark Caguioa, L.A. Tenorio, Joseph Yeo and even a Josh Urbiztondo be shackled and forced to "make the extra pass" or the "correct play" in the half court. It also teased the possibility of breakout conferences for 6"9 Japeth Aguilar and wingman Chris Ellis. Yes, a run and gun system does not fit into prized 7"0 center Greg Slaughter's strengths per se, but what is 1 man, even at 7"0, when you can, theoretically, get production from basically 3/4 of your roster?

Instant classic

Pampanga's, no, the PBA's BEST.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Kindly excuse us for this rather late reaction to what has turned out to be an amazing, "instant classic" PBA Philippine Cup Finals between the eventual champs San Miguel Beermen and hard-fighting Alaska Aces.

To be quite frank, we were simply left in awe about how the Best-of-Seven series (which went the full distance) captured the magic of true Filipino basketball. Nothing fancy, no shootouts or one team trying to showboat over the other, but just quality, grind-it-out, matira matibay basketball. What was first being sold as a "vintage" match-up between two of the most dominant teams in the mid 1990s, quickly became a series of its own with the Aces' inspiring run to the top behind a battlecry that preaches #wenotme and the Beermen's quest to quash any #larongmayaman tags and to exorcise whatever demons and drama it has had to deal with the last two or three years.

For the champions, the Beermen, Arwind Santos stood tall when his young fellow PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo was under attack. He set the tone early in the series by not letting the Aces' and its star Calvin Abueva get into any of his teammates' heads by way of physicality. Santos let his game do the talking, even when he wasn't exactly taking the lead role on offense. He battled like the Arwind Santos of old. He was probably pushed into going back to his old self by the challenge that is the young Abueva. We were all reminded, in a span of seven games, why every one thought of Santos as a one of a kind talent in the whole Philippine basketball world. At the same breath, we were also left to rue what could have been, had this Santos showed up the previous years, and maybe joined Gilas Pilipinas as arguably the best and most versatile wing/high post defender in the land.

The 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Finals so far

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

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

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

Larong Pinoy

Patay kung patay basketball.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Sa kasagsagan at kasikatan ng Alaska Aces ngayon dala ng kanilang kakaibang laro sa PBA Philippine Cup Finals kontra San Miguel Beermen, marami ang nagsasabi na dapat isama si Calvin "The Beast" Abueva sa susunod na Gilas Pilipinas. Marami ang nagsasabi, at ipinaglalaban, na ang kanyang stilo-- na minsan ay parang barumbado sa mata ng iba,ay ang tunay na uri ng basketball sa Pilipinas at siyang dapat dalhin sa FIBA maging sa Asya o buong mundo kung papalarin.

Yung buong pusong lumalaban, hindi nag aalinlangan, hindi takot masaktan o matamaan, hindi iniisip yung susunod na kontrata, posibleng endorsements o kahit na ano pa. Yung naroroon sila bilang basketbolista, bilang manlalaro, para manalo at hindi para magpasikat.

Pero gagana ba talaga ang mga tulad ni Abueva sa FIBA? Ngayon pa lang, marami nagsasabi na mapapaaway ang Pilipinas. Na posible tayong mapahiya. Na "hindi basketball" ang laro natin mga Pilipino kung hindi "basket-brawl."

Resbak

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

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

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

O Captain! My Captain!

#ThankYouJimmy

"O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people are all exalting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring,"

Write no sad poetry as Walt Whitman for one Jimmy Alapag-- the man who has brought glory to the Philippines through the sport of basketball despite standing 5"9 in a sport dominated by 6"0 point guards and above. Yesterday he announced his retirement in near quiet fashion, being given a press conference in the middle of an action-packed PBA Finals, when his resume would demand at least an hour-long sit down interview with daresay the most popular talk show host today Vice Ganda, erm, Boy Abunda.

We still remember the young Alapag, back when he was brought in for a tryout by now Talk'n'Text head coach Jong Uichico for the national team in 2002. He injured his hand before he could even make an impact with the training pool, so we had to wait another year to see just how good he really was at the time. His stock dropped so bad, that he went 10th in the 2003 PBA Draft wherein a bunch of now long established role/ bit players and forgotten names went ahead of him.

The Expendable

From near-franchise player
to rumored trade bait
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

What started as just another Holiday story from polarizing sports writer Snow Badua to pass the time has suddenly spread like wildfire on social media, with many still trying to make sense of the whole situation. Apparently, the Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters are looking at trading the recognized, still-in-his-prime, Best Point Guard in FIBA Asia, Jayson Castro to Kia Motors for a possible top pick in the coming 2015 PBA Draft.

Just in case you haven't heard yet, already jockeying for the Top Pick honors are 6"7 Fil-Tonggan Moala Tautuaa, 6"4, 2x UAAP Most Valuable Player Bobby Parks, Jr., Ateneo high flyer Chris Newsome (possibly) and even Ateneo ace, reigning UAAP MVP Keifer Ravena.

So what the reports are saying, if there's any truth to it, is that the Texters are looking to use Castro as live bait if only to land one of those three to four high profile names right away. It seems a bit off however, considering Castro is arguably the best combo guard in the PBA today (when healthy) and is looking like he's starting to slowly inherit the team from veteran Jimmy Alapag.

PBA Philippine Cup Finals: San Miguel vs Alaska

Pampanga's Best
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Welcome to the PBA Philippine Cup Best-of-Seven Finals wherein arguably the two most complete basketball teams, San Miguel and Alaska, square off to decide which proud franchise brings home the coveted Jun Bernardino Trophy.

On one side is powerhouse San Miguel Beer, now seemingly exorcised of all its demons and drama, which is looking to win its first All-Filipino championship since the glory days of the now exiled Danny Ildefonso and Danny Seigle in 2001. On the other side are the Alaska Aces, a team that has slowly rebuilt its basketball program to fit the modern era and its new core of mostly blue collar talent.

Here we try to look at the match-ups, where the strengths lie for each team and who can turn the tides when need be. Based on the names on the roster, it's easy to give San Miguel the advantage but then you realize that the Aces feature guys who are just as good yet have managed to fly under the radar owing to their #wenotme battlecry.