Di ka nagkulang.

Still The Beast
(Photo credit: cnnphilippines.com)

Hindi niyo ako masisisi kung isa ako sa nalungkot sa balitang hindi nasali si Calvin Abueva sa Gilas Pilipinas 12 na lalahok sa FIBA Olympic Qualifiers nitong Hulyo.

Matagal na akong fan ni Abueva, mula nung nag ingay siya sa NCAA bilang rebounder/ energy guy para sa San Sebastian Stags. Hindi siya ang bida noon, si Jimbo Aquino pa. Isang linggo inaya ako nung mga dati kong katrabaho na Team B ng Stags parehas nung nag aaral pa sila para maglaro sa skwela nila. Sabi ko, wala akong laro kundi rumebound, depensa, at paminsan minsang jumpshot. Sabi nila, ayos na yun. Tumira na lang ako sa labas, sila naman yung sa ilalim talaga.

Sempre, bilang ang laro ko talaga e wing noong high school (nasira na laro ko noong college alak, babae, aral-- mostly babae), game ako. So sumama ako. Di nila sinabi na mga Team B din pala kalaro nila. Na yung mga alumni magdadatingan. So nakilaro ako ng isang game full court. Ganda ng court sa Baste ung sa taas ng isang building doon. Maya maya, 2nd game na, may dumating, kasing laki ko lang pero batak. Si Abueva daw. E hindi pa ko nanonood ng NC noon (sino ba nanonood at that time), siguro mga tatlong baba lang sa court, nag pa sub out na ako.

Laban Pilipinas!

Laban!

And then there were 12.

Before we proceed, we would kindly like to take this modicum of space to show love to Kelly Williams, Moala Tautuaa, Greg Slaughter, Marcio Lassiter, Paul Lee, L.A. Tenorio and Calvin Abueva. They did not make the final cut for different reasons, but we all know that these men would shed blood, sweat and tears to represent flag and country under different circumstances.

To them, our whole-hearted respect, appreciation and love.

We would also like to show love to our Gilas Cadets, the ones who voluntarily showed up at the PBA big boys’ practices—Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Tolomia, R.R. Pogoy and Mac Belo. They didn’t have to, but they did. They will have their turn (should rumors prove to be correct) sooner rather than later.

So here we are, just a week away from the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers to be held right in our very own backyard. Gilas coach Tab Baldwin has named his Final 12, and there is no point in wondering or fantasizing about who is and isn’t there, how and why.

The Gilas OQT 12 has been named, and it is our duty to support them without waver.

The Final Cut

Two of the best.
(Photo credit: Nuki Sabo, PBA Images)

Or cuts.

Though we are not privy to the Gilas Pilipinas on-goings, it would not be much of a stretch to say that it was probably quite a painful task to cut proven stars, point guard L.A. Tenorio and small forward Calvin Abueva, from the Final 12 that will represent the country in the coming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July.

With all due respect to the Final 12, which we will write about on a separate entry, Tenorio and Abueva are arguably the best players at their natural positions today.

Tried, tested... and waiting

AZ and Black Sakuragi
(Photo credit: GMAnetwork.com)

Welcome to PBA fandom limbo.

While we cannot fault the PBA for taking an extended break between conferences to help turn the spotlight on Gilas Pilipinas' FIBA Olympic Qualifiers' journey, we often catch ourselves wondering why the league couldn't just proceed with the Governor's Cup and maybe take a two-week break come FIBA time?

Pardon our selfishness, but isn't that why the imports (plus Asian imports) are there? To cover for the locals-- specially the ones on loan to Gilas?

Okay, okay. Sorry. Moving on.

PBA head coaches have opted to bring in old names to reinforce their teams, though only Marques Blakely (Star) and Arizona Reid (SMB) will suit up for their original teams.

Will you still love me tomorrow

#WhatIf
(Photo credit: spin.ph)

Twenty-four names forming the Gilas Pilipinas pool were given to FIBA by head coach Tab Baldwin early this year. By now, we all know that he has trimmed it to 14 and will most likely cut two more names (or put them on the FIBA OQT reserve list). And, while we do not want to throw shade at any of the 14 men who made the cut, we just wanted to take this opportunity to see where those who did not make it stand.

The Replacement : Moala Tautuaa
Tautuaa has always been considered as “Naturalized Player Plan B” should Andray Blatche not return in game shape for Gilas. Some have reported that Tautuaa was supposed to reinforce the Cadet squad in the a FIBA-sanctioned tournament recently held in Thailand, but opted to go on break instead. As a basketball fan and patriot, that is kind of off-setting. But Tautuaa probably had his reasons, and in his place Troy Rosario basically killed it as the Cadets’ senior, local, reinforcement.

Fourteen Strong

Asia's Best
(Photo credit: gmanetwork.com)

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas finally announced its 14-man Gilas line-up set to represent the country in the coming International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July.

Making the final cut for Head Coach Tab Baldwin are: Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, Troy Rosario, Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, June Mar Fajardo, Marc Pingris, Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio, Ray Parks, Terrence Romeo, Ryan Reyes, and Andray Blatche.

Some of the names that did not make it include: Marcio Lassiter, Paul Lee, Greg Slaughter, Kiefer Ravena, Mike Tolomia, Kevin Ferrer and Mac Belo (read: we will go back to these gentlemen in a later entry).

On the bubble

The Future
(Photo credit: Arvin Lim, news.abs-cbn.com)

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin is all set to announce his final 14-man roster for the coming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, to be held next July, later today. Unfortunately, it has come down to a matter of "who is still healthy/ willing to play for flag and country" this deep into the local basketball calendar.

Still on the list are: Marcio Lassiter, Junemar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Ranidel de Ocampo, Troy Rosario, Calvin Abueva, Marc Pingris, Gabe Norwood, Ryan Reyes, Ray Parks, Jayson Castro, LA Tenorio, Terrence Romeo, Kiefer Ravena, Moala Tautuaa, Jeffrei Chan. Already assured of a slot is naturalized center Andray Blatche, who is thankfully in shape this time around.

A few entries ago, we came up with a list of 12 guys. But since we are now allowed 14, it is time to revisit that list and maybe address a few areas of concern.

Para sa bayan ?

(Photo credit: Rappler.com)

This was bound to happen.

Outgoing Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan recently confirmed that steps have already been taken to form a new Gilas Cadet squad akin to the SMART Gilas group of 2009. This is primarily due to the recent adjustments made by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to its basketball calendar.

See, the FIBA will no longer hold qualifying continental tournaments beginning 2017 and will instead hold a series of home-and-away matches in a year. This will basically make it difficult for the SBP and the Philippine Basketball Association (and any other professional league such as the NBA) to simply gather an All Star cast pre/mid/post season, send them to boot camp, and expect a medal finish.

They could, or we could, but just imagine how “empty” the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) would look if in a span of a three-conference season, the best players keep being pulled in and out of their mother teams who are not at all interested in a FIBA Gold Medal but more so on the TV-brand exposure that they can get whenever their team goes deep into the Playoffs.

Gilas OQT preps are in full swing

Who's joining Blatche?
(Photo credit: FIBA.com)

The month of May is almost coming to an end, which leaves Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin less than 50 days to trim down his 24-man pool to about 13-14 players.

From the PBA we have: Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Ranidel de Ocampo, Ryan Reyes, Mo Tautuaa, Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, L. A. Tenorio, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Marcio Lassiter, June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Paul Lee, Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, and Marc Pingris.

From the amateur ranks we have Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Ferrer, Mac Belo, R. R. Pogoy, Russell Escoto and, fresh from his stint in the NBA D-League, Bobby Parks, Jr.

Slaughter and Rosser have already formally begged off from Gilas OQT duty owing to injuries, Tautuaa is no longer needed as Blatche is on his way back to serve as our naturalized reinforcement, while most of the amateurs have been sent to secure the SEABA gold medal: Ferrer, Belo, Pogoy and Escoto with PBA rookie Troy Rosario in tow.

Oh, hey, look! We were able to trim down the roster to 15 (16 if you count Blatche who is a lock):

Our RoS story and what's next

Photo credit: Sports5.ph

Unless it has not been made any more obvious, we are Rain or Shine Elastopainters fans. Since Yeng Guiao took over the reins and imprinted his basketball philosophies on an otherwise fresh yet bland product. Our loyalty to RoS was further cemented of course, when they drafted Paul Lee in 2011.

The first title, in 2012, came at the expense of then San Mig Coffee Mixers (now STAR Hotshots) which was still trying to build chemistry with 1st year head coach Tim Cone. We can still remember pieces of that championship run, and though RoS has always played with grit and intensity, the championship was gift-wrapped for them by super import Jamelle Cornley who would also later on win the Best Import award.

How good was Cornley?

Course correction

Welcome home. Now stay home.
(Photo credit: Spin.ph)

Well, someone has to say it.

Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. is NOT NBA material. Not yet, anyway.

We won't follow other writers who have nothing but good words to say about Parks, Jr. from the sacrifice that he made in playing in the Philippines to help his late father, to his time at National University. Instead, we will give interested readers an honest take on Parks, Jr. the basketball player and NBA hopeful.

He suited up for NU from 2011 to 2013, was recognized as the "face" of its basketball (and probably, at the time, its overall sports) program and averaged a stellar 20 ppg 7rpg 3apg 1spg 1bpg in his UAAP run wherein he was the MVP in seasons 74 and 75. He was that gifted. He was also featured on offense. A lot. NU basically ran everything through and by Parks, Jr. which is and was a far cry from all the stellar and creative offensive sets they ran post-Parks, Jr. en route to a UAAP crown just a few seasons ago.

What now, Alaska?

DEFIANT
(Photo credit: Spin.ph)

Following yesterday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 6 defeat at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, a friend of ours over at Twitter said that this latest predicament does not hurt as much for the Alaska Aces’ #GatasRepublik .

She even joked about how they have lost so many times on that stage that they have grown apathetic and numb to the sensation of losing, disappointment, and pain in general.

But what is there to be sad about, really?

More than just Racal

RAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

Do not get us wrong, the Alaska Aces' rookie small forward Kevin Racal has been downright awesome in their last two victories in the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals. From not being able to get any floor time to averaging 27 minutes in the two games that he as played, Racal has filled a much-needed role for the Aces in their championship bout versus the Rain or Shine Elastopainters.

But it is not just Racal.

It is the entire team that has put in the work. Sure, newly-crowned Best Player of the Conference Calvin Abueva's numbers have risen (his rebounding numbers have grown in the last three games of the Finals), but it is the Aces' overall tenacity and commitment to playing with energy and focus that has helped them to force a 3-2 count in the Best of Seven series.

The question now is, can they force a 3-3- tie?

KKS Trade Reaction: STAR Reloaded

Garcia the STAR
(Photo credit: Interaksyon.com)

Once there was a wide-eyed young man named Jason who was given a champion car by his parents, who were both established champion racers. At the prodding of his parents, Jason quickly signed up for a race with the same car only to find himself falling short-- again and again.

That was when Jason realized that it might not be as easy as inheriting a simple champion car. That maybe, the driver needs to be up to that level as well.

Which brings us to the STAR Hotshots.

If you are a STAR fan who had to endure two conferences worth of abysmal coaching and subpar play, then please allow us to congratulate you. Your team was supposed to suck for a few more years owing to the title romp you enjoyed under the Tim Cone (and Joe DeVance) era. That was supposed to be the tradeoff for all those championshipsssss. But well, head Coach Jason Webb just found himself a few more "championship" pieces, young ones at that, to hopefully get back in the title race.

KKS Trade Reaction: Dehesa to GlobalPort

Dehesa moving up
(Photo credit: Rivals.ph)

We honestly do not know what is going on with the GlobalPort Batang Pier. One day they look and sound like they genuinely wish to build something special; to become Playoff contenders, the next day we hear that the owner has been calling out his players/ employees on his personal Facebook page, the coach gets "benched/ demoted" and this guy or that guy is going to be sent to this team or that team by next conference.

Are they a farm team? Are they the new "Barako Bull" of the PBA? Will Stanley Pringle/ Terrence Romeo be able to build and cement their PBA legacies under one franchise?

KKS Trade Reaction: Monfort to NLEX

Where did this guy's game go?
(Photo credit: Slamonline.ph)

Remember when we used to laud Marnel "Mac" Baracael as possibly the best two-way and PBA-ready player of the SMART Gilas I lot? A roster that boasts of Chris Tiu, JVee Casio, Mark Barroca and even the then unproven Fil-Am pair of Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz? We were that high on him, because he was that good a player.

Until he got drafted into the PBA.

For whatever reason, Baracael lost his way from being a legit "3 and D" guy who could cover spots 1 to 4 and somehow transformed into a mindless jackass, err, jacker. Defense? What defense?

This is why Emman Monfort's name is on this entry's title and not Baracael's. Because the 5"6 point guard who came out of the Ateneo basketball program has managed to make a name for himself in the pros, even when most had him pencilled as a future non-rotation player a.k.a. ABL/ D-League/ PCBL starter (this writer included).

On to the grades then.

PBA CC Finals: 3 Alaska vs 5 Rain or Shine

#IndieWars
(Photo: GMAnews.tv)

If the PBA were the WWE, then this match-up would be the equivalent of when Daniel Bryan finally FINALLY (and we think that's the only time they really went at it for a title) squared off with CM Punk for the heavyweight title in Over The Limit 2012. They are the Internet, Indie-darlings; the ones that "couldn’t really fill up a room;" the ones that only purists would truly love and appreciate for who they are and what they do in the ring.

Ladies and gentlemen the PBA gives to you, the Alaska Aces versus the Rain or Shine Elastopainters.

Finally, a PBA Finals that (hopefully) spares us from charges of game-fixing, ref-magic and the league being “scripted.” Both teams are widely recognized as almost impartial, having no affiliation with either the San Miguel (San Miguel, Ginebra, Star) or MVP (TNT, Meralco, NLEX) blocs. They also have little to no weight, when it comes to referees allegedly calling games in their favor. Hell, these two teams are the ones who usually find themselves on the receiving side of the shorter end of the stick if you will, so there.

No drama, just basketball.

adidas unveils new James Harden PEs

Photo credit: adidas

Designed to complement the Houston Rockets’ home and away uniforms, adidas introduces the latest James Harden PEs of the Crazylight Boost 2.5.

Home
The “Home” edition features a black and white upper with dual tones for clean yet bold design, while the shoe is also constructed with engineered webbing along the forefoot for added breathability. Red hits deliver pops of color on the outsole, heel tab and custom “13” wordmark to cap off the home tribute.

Dare to dream

Bring him in
(Photo credit: Rappler.com)

There is reason to believe in Gilas Pilipinas and its Coach Tab Baldwin other than blind fanaticism or patriotism.

With 65 calendar days left until the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (which opens in Manila from July 5 onwards), Coach Tab has finally submitted a 24-man pool to FIBA headquarters. We already know that 6"11 naturalized center Andray Blatche is a lock, and though we would have wanted maybe a name or two from the PBA to be added, the overall list sure as hell makes as believe that we could, at the very least, salvage even TWO preliminary wins (which in turn would allow us to advance into the next round, possibly even deeper).

Not a moral victory. Not a single win. But two wins. Three. Four. Maybe more.

Rio?

Anything is possible.

PBA CC SF: 2 Meralco vs 3 Alaska

This is why he's here
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

Just a couple of entries ago, we remember mentioning how the Meralco Bolts and the Alaska Aces are arguably the only PBA teams that would remind you of how college ball is played: all grit, hustle, frenetic pace, some ugly offense here and there but more or less players running their respective systems to a perfect "T."

Now, we will be able to see which team runs the better set/s and who will advance to the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals.

There are also other interesting back stories here; such as how former Aces coach Luigi Trillo is now part of the Bolts' team. For those who are new here, Trillo is the man behind the Aces' resurgence post-Tim Cone. He is the guy who drafted Calvin Abueva and changed a then dated culture/ philosophy. He is also the guy who brought in another current Aces' star: Vic Manuel. Good or bad, he has a lot of inside track on the Aces' core players.

Sige na nga, count na natin yung Ryan Buenafe potential "look at me now" revenge game.

Babyfat Assassin FTW 

PBA CC SF: 1 San Miguel vs 5 Rain or Shine

Grudge Match
(Photo credit: Spin.Ph)

In a grudge match of the PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals, San Miguel will need to overcome bullish Rain or Shine once again if they are looking to continue their Grand Slam bid. The only problem here is, they are facing a team that appears to have found a wide body, literally, to even out the playing field.

Oh, and that SMB's 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo is coming off an injury (caused by RoS' Jireh Ibanes in that same Semis match-up mentioned above).

So here is what we know: RoS beat SMB in the eliminations thanks to then import Mo Charlo's 35 points and 13 rebounds debut. It was also a close 108-105 match, which could've easily been in favor of SMB had Fajardo been in the shape that he is in now (still not 100%, but definitely getting there).

In that match SMB's Tyler Wilkerson posted 33 and 10, Marcio Lassiter and Alex Cabagnot provided 18 a piece and Chris Ross had 12. On the flip side, it was JayR Quinahan with 15, Chris Tiu and Maverick Ahanmisi with 13 each and Jeff Chan with 12-- basically, typical RoS stats with just about everyone who saw action scoring a point or two.

So how does SMB beat RoS?

PBA CC Playoffs 2 Meralco vs 7 NLEX

Newsome's Time
(Photo credit: PBA Inquirer)

Al Thornton (43m/36/p/12r/2a) is a motherf'n beast.

He is also 6"7 and playing one-legged, which means that the NLEX Road Warriors' prolific import plays right into the hands of the Meralco Bolts' strengths-- its frontline.

Bolts Coach Norman Black will most likely take Thornton out of the equation by using equal parts of Cliff Hodge (30/10/8/2), Kelly Nabong, Brian Faundo and then some. All while banking on Chris Newsome (27/12/4/3), Jared Dillinger (24/11/4/2), Baser amer (20/8/1/2) and veteran point guard Jimmy Alapag (19/7/2/3) to provide import Arinze Onuaku (42/21/19/3) with all the help he needs on the opposite end.

PBA CC Playoffs: 1 San Miguel vs 8 Star

Ngiting Gary D.
(Photo by: PBA Inquirer)

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

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

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

Now?

PBA CC Playoffs: 4 Ginebra vs 5 Rain or Shine

RISE
(Photo credit: PBA.inquirer.net)

This is going to be a slobber-knocker.

Rain or Shine, Yeng Guiao, Beau Belga-- they are all ghosts of Ginebra's colorful past. Their physical, bully-ball style, the psy-war that almost, always unnerves Ginebra's towering futures Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, the way RoS just doesn't really give a rat's ass on how dirty you think they are playing, for as long as they get the victory.

That is how Ginebra basketball was played during Robert Jaworski, Sr.'s reign. That was how Pinoy basketball was played by all back in the day: down and dirty. Nothing fancy, just ugly and brutal.

"Kung ayaw mo masaktan, mag chess ka na lang."

PBA CC Playoffs: 3 Alaska vs 6 Tropang TNT

He's baaaaaack
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

We are in for a basketball classic.

Before we proceed, was there ever a need for the Alaska Aces to switch back to original import Robert Dozier, Jr. after his replacement Shane Edwards masterfully led them, technically, all the way up to the 3rd spot in the PBA Commissioner's Cup?

Well, Coach Alex Compton appears to think so as he chose to activate Dozier, Jr. in yesterday's game versus the NLEX Road Warriors. The Aces will rely mostly on the exploits of Calvin Abueva (28m/18p/8r/3a), Chris Banchero (25/9/4/1), RJ Jazul (25/11/3/2), Sonny Thoss (24/10/4/1) and Vic Manuel (21/14/5/1), since based on the NLEX game it appears that Dozier, Jr. will need maybe another game or two to really get back into the scheme of things.

The problem here is that, they are going to face the defending CC champions who could've easily been atop the standings had they not been hit with the Ivan Johnson drama early which almost put their campaign at risk. It took time for them to regroup around David Simon (37/24/16/3), but make no mistake, TNT is a lot better than their 6th seeding suggests.

Off the track

Still a G
(PBA.Inquirer.net)

Someone please nudge NLEX Road Warriors head coach Boyet Fernandez awake, as he is continuously driving the team bus aimlessly in circles.

How else can you explain the team's current PBA Commissioner's Cup 5 wins - 5 losses predicament, despite the presence of a legitimate NBA offensive talent in import Al Thornton (who is really, a one-legged scoring dynamo), revived play of 6"10 former PBA MVP Asi Taulava and the emerging Sean Anthony? The Philippine Cup was no different, and even last season: NLEX would look like a legitimate powerhouse team with the right balance of veterans and young guns one day, and look like a team that is just trying to make it through another respectable season.

No rings, just some wins to go with some losses.

Life goes on

Front and center: The Beast
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

Proving to one and all that there is more to life than being sweeped in a Finals and historically overturned in the next, the Alaska Aces are back in the hunt this PBA Commissioner's Cup with a 6 wins and 3 losses record. The Aces even has a chance to make the top spot, if they can salvage their last two games versus the league-leading Meralco Bolts and NLEX Road Warriors.

Leading the charge is import Shane Edwards (37mp 23ppg 13rpg 3apg) who appears to be here to stay after replacing Rob Dozier, Jr. early this conference. He is followed by Calvin Abueva (27mpg 17ppg 8rpg 3apg), Vic Manuel (22mpg 14ppg 5rpg 1apg), Sonny Thoss (24mpg 10ppg 4rpg), Chris Banchero (26mpg 9ppg 3rpg 4apg) and RJ Jazul (24mpg 10ppg). Save for old hand Thoss, the Aces are going with a new approach it seems as we no longer see heavy minutes given to the likes of Cyrus Baguio, Tony dela Cruz and Dondon Hontiveros. Starting point guard JVee Casio is still on the sidelines nursing an injury, if we remember correctly.

Now here is the question in everyone's minds: do the Aces have enough to challenge their grandslam-seeking tormentors, the San Miguel Beermen?

Blik N U, D N Q Pgod

(Photo credit: Interaksyon.com

Mahirap maging isang Lewis Alfred Tenorio.

Andyan na yung kinukutya ka ng buong Barangay, tuwing masama ang laro mo, dahil nauna mo ng nasabi na "tao ka lang" at "pagod ka na din." Nasa hulog naman yung sinasabi mo e, ikaw kaya ang magensayo at malaro di lang para sa Barangay Ginebra kung hindi para na din sa Gilas Pilipinas ng ilang sunod na taon?

Kahit lumaklak ka pa ng lifetime supply ng Gatorade at anong promo pa ng "ganado" ang ibenta ng marketing department ninyo, sempre ang tao, napapagod.

Life without Gary

No David? More Baby Fat Assassin!
(Photo credit PBA.Inquirer.net)

The Meralco Bolts, currently carrying a league-best 6 wins and 2 losses slate in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, seem to be doing all the right things on the basketball court in spite of the recent off-court drama involving now former star guard Gary David (who has been relegated to the Unrestricted Free Agent list).

Head coach Norman Black has done a tremendous job in turning things around for the team after an abysmal Philippine Cup performance wherein the Bolts just looked lost and uninterested in winning. From the iso-heavy Ryan Gregorio years, the Bolts are flourishing under Black’s “spread the wealth” style of basketball that rewards hard-workers and preaches defense first.  Last season (in the very same conference), we saw flashes of this very same style although with older and inconsistent pieces (mostly anchored by veteran Reynel Hugnatan; who enjoyed an All Star year) around do-it-all import Josh Davis.

KKS reaction: Gary David, UFA

After choosing to sit out the 2nd half of an elimination match between his Meralco Bolts and sister team NLEX Road Warriors, Gary David finds himself in an even deeper hole than anyone ever expected.

We all thought that the story was over, since the Bolts’ management were said to have been “ok” with the idea of suspending and fining David for his insubordination, but now we are receiving reports that the former Gilas stalwart has been demoted to the unrestricted free agency list.

Cruising along

Wilkerson
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

If you are wondering why we keep harping about the fact that this season might very well be a grand slam one for the San Miguel Beermen, it is simply because, well, it is.

Not only are the Beermen near atop the current PBA Commissioner's Cup standings, after already securing the PBA Philippine Cup championship just weeks ago, but they are looking at a depleted field of opponents who are trying to salvage what they can this conference. The defending champions, Tropang TNT, suffered a huge blow with the exit of original import Ivan Johnson. Then there are the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, who lost a slim-fast Wayne Chism and have now opted to go small with a wing/guard Mo Charlo.

And of course, there are the Alaska Aces who are also atop the standings but we all know how that story will end should they meet the Beermen in the Finals-- because really, other than the imports, what has changed for both camps?

We will tell you what changed.

Checking on Gilas

We are officially just four months away until we welcome the men's national basketball teams of France, New Zealand, Senegal, Canada and Turkey for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament set to open on the 5th of July.

Which means, if our very own Gilas is even entertaining thoughts of salvaging at least a victory, then the practices need to be increased; and attendance, a must. Unfortunately for head coach Tab Baldwin, that is not the case.

So here is where we are right now:

Paul Lee is still out nursing whatever. Ian Sangalang is most likely going to be taken out of the pool owing to his subpar PBA season play and non-attendance of practices. Jayson Castro's old achilles injury is acting up again. And the Gilas pool, the original one asked for by Coach Tab, have yet to all suit up together for a single, full-on contact practice.

Yikes.

Tempered expectations

(Photo credit to the owner)

When Tropang TNT rookie forward Moala Tautuaa was picked 1st overall in this year's PBA Draft, expectations were high because of his size, lineage and pedigree. After all, we are talking about a 6"7 beast of a man who could easily be playing a more contact sport such as American football or even pro-wrestling.

The full-on beard just added to the intimidating exterior.

Unfortunately, a lot of TNT fans have been disappointed so far with Tautuaa's performance despite a respectable 21mpg 12ppg 4rpg 2apg batting average. But is Tautuaa really underperforming? Or is he just caught in a roster that is loaded with top-notch forwards, including 2nd overall pick Troy Rosario?

We would argue that it is a little of both.

The Right Gear

No joke.
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

So who’s laughing now?

Around this time last season, the Mahindra Enforcers (then Kia Motors/ Carnival) were being ridiculed not entirely for their poor performance (which was expected of a debuting franchise) but mostly because they opted to parade global boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as their playing-head coach. To make matters worse during the off-season, the team decided to trade their 2015 PBA Draft 2nd overall pick (which Tropang TNT would turn into wonderkid Troy Rosario) to acquire the services of journeymen: sideshow dunker turned sniper Nino Canaleta and one-time Gilas reserve Aldrech Ramos.

Blackwater Rising

Who's the Man?
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

It took about a year or so plus a series of trades (lopsided at the time)  before Blackwater Elite's management and head coach Leo Isaac's patience finally paid off-- and how.

The Elite no longer appear lost on the hardcourt, with an obvious pecking order be it on offense or defense. Veteran point guard Mike Cortez (35mpg 10ppg 4rpg 6apg) leads the team and gets his youngsters Carlo Lastimosa (33mpg 30ppg 4rpg 3apg), JP Erram (18mpg 4rpg 1apg), Reil Cervantes (26mpg 20ppg 3rpg 1apg) and rookie Art dela Cruz (30mpg 12ppg 6rpg 3apg 4spg) in positions where they can be most effective. The addition of selfless, do-it-all import Malcom Rhett (45mpg 18ppg 15rpg 5apg) has also allowed the locals to flourish even more this PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Currently in the middle of the tournamenet with a 2 wins and 2 losses slate, the Elite are looking at making the Playoffs yet again after last conference's breakout performance which doesn't really seem too far-fetched all things considered.

See, Lastimosa has started to blossom as an elite PBA scorer, Erram's quickly becoming a decent, mobile 4-man with a pocket jumper, dela Cruz continues to make smart plays all over the court and, if we can see more of this "efficient" high-scoring Cervantes instead of the old ball-hogging, YOLO one, then the Elite could really do some damage against the more favored teams come playoff time.

If one were to nitpick, the Elite should consider developing a contingency plan should Cortez be sidelined in games (foul or injury). Currently on the roster as Cortez' back-up are Jerick Canada (a bit slow), Raffy Reyes (undisciplined), Almond Vosotros (shooter) and Juami Tiongson (blah)-- none of which, be it in the pros or amateurs, are even near Cortez' level of play. Another area of concern are the minutes being given the players mentioned above (import not included as this is expected of him), though they are all relatively young players so they shouldn't be burning out real soon.

Now if only our boy Almond can get some love from Coach Leo at the 2 spot...

A ringing endorsement

The struggle is real for Star
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

When Jason Webb took over the Star Hotshots’ bench in the preseason, we had a feeling that things might get rough at first. Still, we believed that everything will be just fine since he is taking over an already-made group of champions (grand slam ones, at that) and did not really need to make a world of adjustments.

A conference and two games into the second of the PBA season we are just as worried as the next Star fan.

Thoughts on Ivan the Terrible

Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net

“The last straw that broke the camel’s back.”

That is all we can say about the polarizing PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa’s decision to fine Tropang TNT import Ivan Johnson Php 250,000 and ban him from the league, for life.

Let us try to figure this one out bit by bit. Johnson was ejected in the first half of yesterday’s match versus sister team Meralco, whose resident enforcers were probably given the greenlight to get chippy with him (Kelly Nabong and Bryan Faundo were involved, go figure) based on his history of being temperamental. He was ejected, and somehow Narvasa got in his way as he exited the premises so he decided to hurl a few expletives at the league commissioner.

Legendary

Championship # 3
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net)

What the San Miguel Beermen were able to accomplish just a few nights ago versus the Alaska Aces in Game 7 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals goes beyond historic.

How can you not call and recognize it as something more, when the team was all but left for dead following a zero wins to three losses predicament heading into Game 4? That even if they had won Game 4, historically speaking, the leading team usually ends it in the 5th (while in a few cases, in the 6th).

Still, no comebacks. Never. No team in the history of the PBA has forced a Game 7 after falling 0-3. No team in the history of professional, documented basketball, has ever come back and won four games straight en route to a championship.

The 2016 PBA Philippine Cup San Miguel Beermen are legendary.

Dreaming with a broken heart

Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net

When you're dreaming with a broken heart/ The waking up is the hardest part/ 
You roll outta bed and down on your knees/ And for a moment, you can hardly breathe/

- J. Mayer, 2009

Is it safe to come out yet? Is the sun not going to burn a hole in my heart?

What is left of it, anyway.

We have been very honest about the Alaska Aces being our 2nd favorite PBA team (next only to the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, mostly for their similarities from style of play to overall team values), and it pains us to see them on the losing end of what will go down as THE most historic PBA Philippine Cup Finals (or any PBA Finals at that) versus the eventual champions San Miguel Beermen. How can you not feel sorry for Coach Alex Compton and his wards; after going up 3-0 against a 2x PBA MVP-less Junemar Fajardo bunch, they squander Game 4 then 5, 6 and finally, 7, all in heartbreaking fashion.

What is next for the Aces? How can you rebuild from this?

On the wings of love

Trade looming?
(Photo credit to Rappler.com)

With the recent acquisition of Barako Bull Energy Cola by newcomers Phoenix Petroleum, we cannot help but feel the budding romance in the air.

Romance, in the sense that the next two conferences (and or more) will probably be a Team San Miguel Corporation lovefest by way of most of the guys on the Phoenix roster being sent “back” to the one they truly love be it San Miguel, Ginebra or Star. This in turn will corroborate and confirm everyone’s hunch that yes, Barako served as a true farm team and that most of its players were simply out on loan (remember Joseph Yeo’s “Gentleman’s Agreement?”).  Bye-bye Barako farm team, the players get to be sent to winning franchises and we are finally (hopefully) rid of lopsided trades from here on out.

Unfortunately, not everyone will enjoy a happy-ending, or we don’t see ALL of the guys from Barako going back.

On History and Pressure

The jugular
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net)

Coach Alex Compton erred when he said that the pressure was not on his Alaska Aces but rather the defending champions, Coach Leo Austria and his San Miguel Beermen.

See, when news broke out that the Beermen would be going into the PBA Philippine Cup Finals minus 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, which is currently tied at three games apiece with the deciding Game 7 to be held Wednesday, no one had them winning versus the number one seeded Aces. Most experts, bloggers and amateur social media commentators were raving about the Aces’ teamwork and hustle, which could only be thwarted by the giant presence the 6”10 Cebuano. Take him out of the game and suddenly, the Beermen find themselves on even ground as the Aces man for man—only, the latter has been playing on a high level together for so long under Compton from guys 1 through 15 while the Beermen pretty much run everything, offense or defense, through their big man.

Asterisk

Should an asterisk really be placed on this 2015-2016 PBA Philippine Cup Finals? Because one of the many combatants is out with an injury? But isn't basketball a team sport won, lost and above all, played, by 5 men on the court and about 7 to 9 more on the bench?

As an Alaska Aces fan, why would you rob yourself of glory when it appears that fate itself is rewarding you for your efforts?

As a San Miguel Beermen fan, why would you discredit the 13-14 other men on the roster for all they have done this conference just because 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo is sidelined?

This is just how things turned out. It is quite a bitter pill to swallow (specially for SMB fans), but what can anyone do? Pretty sure that the Aces would want to face SMB both at full strength, but wouldn't it be a disservice to SMB if the Aces were to say "wala si Fajardo e, so walang kwenta sila kalaban." 

Thanks for the memories

As per numerous reports, the Philippine Basketball Association and its fans are finally saying goodbye to the Barako Bull Energy Cola franchise.

This, after about near a decade of lopsided, shady trades and serving as conduit for mostly San Miguel Corporation-backed teams (San Miguel, Ginebra and Star). To say that we will finally be rid of the shady transactions with Barako's exit might be a bit too optimistic though, since business is still business in a league that has seen star players shipped to another for cash and under-the-table/ off-court agreements.

But hey, at least we got rid of the biggest culprit out there.

When was it? When they traded so many star players for next to nothing? For when they were truly given a chance to rebuild through the PBA Draft, they chose to spit on all of our faces and trade their first rounders away? When this team returned with an even shadier product that we honestly have not seen on the market, that was the end of it all. It was a farm team that owed so much to so many, from the outside looking in.

Last season, they made quite the impression as a bear competitive squad. Only for key guys to be traded. Denok Miranda had a stellar Philippine Cup before the mess that somehow sent him to GlobalPort, Alex Cabagnot back to San Miguel and Sol Mercado to Barako Bull. Then they acquired Joseph Yeo and Dylan Ababou at season's end and really made a run. Only for those guys to somehow lose minutes, ride the bench and be traded pre- this season. 

They say that the players didn't mind being dealt here and there or wearing that shameful red, yellow and black. As long as they were being paid on time for services rendered, it was all good.

But what about the younger players who want glory and fame? What about RR Garcia who deserves to be on a winning team given his stellar play and college resume? What about Mac Baracael? JC Intal?

These players deserve a shot at winning. Willie Wilson has worked so hard for so long, now putting up 20-20s, to be wasting his career away at some garbage team. 

Let us not confuse Barako Bull with Red Bull. Sure, Mr. George Chua is present for both teams, but the morals, the winning mindset and pride of being a competitive PBA franchise-- those traits separate the two Chua ballclubs.

Goodbye Barako and good riddance.

Gilas, sigh.

Photo credit to PhilStar.com

I care.

For flag and country, to see the fulfillment of every single Filipino basketball enthusiast's dream.

To see our players, the word PILIPINAS, on the grandest stage of the sport that we have all come to love and adopted as our very own. There are different styles, the flashy American one, the finesse/ skilled European one, and our own physical/ barbaric ways to name a few. We are not very good at it, or at the very least that is how it currently looks because we have never made it that far not since the early days, but we care.

I care.

PBA Finals Preview: Alaska vs San Miguel

#smcbetterworld #grandslamdreams
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net)

In the end, it was all but a matter of time for these two great PBA franchises to once again lock horns in the PBA Finals.

On one side are the Alaska Aces, the very epitome of selfless team play and current proof that you do not always need to have the best players in the league to win big (though it sure as hell helps to make life a lot easier).  The Aces are banking mostly on Vic Manuel (24mpg 16ppg 8rpg 1apg), Calvin Abueva (21mpg 13ppg 9rpg 2apg) and Sonny Thoss (24mpg 11ppg 6rpg 2apg) while maximizing whatever they can get from JVee Casio, Cyrus Baguio, Chris Banchero and the rest.

On the other are the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, armed to the teeth with arguably some of the best at their respective positions today. They are led by the reigning, defending 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo (36mpg 23ppg 14rpg 2apg), 1x PBA MVP Arwind Santos (34mpg 16ppg 7rpg 2apg), Alex Cabagnot (32mpg 15ppg 4rpg 5apg) and Marcio Lassiter (24mpg 10ppg 4rpg 2apg) while getting ample support from Chris Ross (21mpg 5ppg 3rpg 4apg 1spg), Ronald Tubid and Ryan Arana to name a few.

Built versus bought. Good versus evil. Stars versus super-duper stars.

The story and plotlines are endless.

That being said, let’s get to the numbers and match-ups:

Alaska
101ppg (3), 49rpg, 45% from 2 (2), 39% from 3 (1), 21 apg (2), 7spg

*(ranking this conference)

San Miguel
97ppg, 50rpg,  43% from 2, 31% from 3, 20apg, 7.3spg

PG Casio/ Jazul/ Exciminiano vs Cabagnot/ Ross
This one is going to be tricky for the Aces, since they will need to keep rotating at the PG spot in hopes of neutralizing Cabagnot who is SMB’s linchpin on offense. We wouldn’t be too surprised if Banchero or Exciminiano get more daylight in this series. Ross will make Casio irrelevant.
Adv. SMB

SG Baguio/ Banchero vs Lassiter
How do you stop Lassiter when he’s in rhythm? Pressure.  Lots of it. Fight through whatever screens and stick to him. This basically means that the Aces will have to rotate their guards more actively in this series than the one versus Globalport.  Or, they could just hope and pray that Lassiter goes through one of his notorious funks—you know, the times when he plays so many minutes but does not appear to be interested in playing at all (has happened a few times, once in the RoS series even).
Adv. SMB

SF Abueva/ Hontiveros vs Tubid/ Lutz 
Abueva’s antics will not work on Tubid. Not when they are out in the perimeter. Out there, it is going to be a surefire flop-fest between these two gentlemen. Abueva’s advantage lies when he switches to help down low, where his Cabalen rival Arwind Santos awaits. Hontiveros might make a few shots, maybe they can play him at the 2 spot in stretches to play alongside Abueva.
Adv. AA

PF Manuel vs Santos/ Espinas
The Beermen came prepared. Santos vs Abueva is the dream match-up of course, but we just do not see Manuel switching to 5 and being forced to guard Fajardo (that would be a massacre and waste of Manuel’s contributions). As good as Manuel has been this conference, Santos is even better guarding traditional and not so heavy power forwards. Why? The 4 spot is Santos’ natural defensive position. And if you just so happen to be about the same size and height, he has no problem proving yet again how he built his reputation over the years. Should Coach Leo Austria move Santos to check Abueva, Espinas vs Manuel should be very entertaining; with the advantage going to Manuel.
Adv. SMB

C Thoss vs Fajardo
Is Fajardo hurt or was he just caught with a stinger? As of this writing, Team SMC has been saying that there is no real, serious injury and that they are just waiting for the MRI results. Still, if Fajardo isn't 100%, then Thoss will be able to hold his own against him. If he sits the series out entirely, then that's a different story since SMB will be forced to rely on JayR Reyes and Yancy de Ocampo at the slot. Solid, but not half the threat as Fajardo (unless of course someone dangles a huge bonus in front of Yancy's eyes).
Adv. SMB IF JMF is healthy, tied if not

How SMB wins
If they simply listen to Coach Leo and follow their game plan by moving the ball first instead of dumping it into Fajardo (who still does not know how to kick the ball out) and watching his greatness, this team is near unbeatable. No, they do not need to balance everyone’s minutes out and have their core group play 25 minutes tops. That is not their style. They are a throwback team in the sense that the first five plays a third of the game while the rest play ¼. It’s the same even in the late 90s and early 00s with Olsen, Dondon, Danny S and Danny I. They had solid players off the bench, but the stars are the stars for a reason.

How Alaska wins
Relentless pressure. This is an intelligent team that follows their gameplan to a “T.” They do not enjoy half the firepower of SMB, but because they are a disciplined unit, they are able to make up for each other’s weaknesses by playing together. They have enough bigs to not over-react to anything Fajardo does in the paint, no matter how dominant he looks (yes, we are expecting a borderline 50-20 game somewhere in this PBA Finals). There is no need to double Fajardo, but there is a great need to zero in on Cabagnot, Lassiter and Santos. One failed pick and roll/pop switch, the defense crumbles and the Beermen either finish with an easy Fajardo 2 or an open Lassiter/ Santos 3. 

And also, if Fajardo doesn't play, advantage goes Alaska. If he plays at 50-70%, Thoss can take him. 

X-factors
SMB: Gabby Espinas, Ronald Tubid and Ryan Arana
The Aces will try to get rough and physical at some point, it’s up to SMB’s enforcers to respond in kind

AA:  Chris Banchero
Either versus Cabagnot or Lassiter, Banchero’s under-rated defense will be put to the test in this series

Prediction: SMB if Fajardo is 100%, Aces if Fajardo sits the series out.

Who do you think wins? @kilikilishot on Twitter

Men on a mission

We NOT Me #15
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.Net)

Milk-men, that is.

So after plowing through the competition in both the elimination and quarterfinal rounds, the Alaska Aces find themselves back in the PBA (Philippine Cup) Finals for the 29th time (this must be some sort of local record) and gunning for championship number 15. Truthfully, there has been no other team as consistent and relentless as the Aces since last season which only tells you how hard this team competes under coach Alex Compton et al.

Sure, the San Miguel Beermen have taken home the titles while the Rain or Shine Elastopainters are always up in the Top  (both teams are currently entangled in their own semifinals showdown), but we often see those two dropping in performance from time to time. The Aces? They start games slow, but when they are able to bring in their 2nd unit (usually anchored by Calvin Abueva and Vic Manuel) that is when they are able to really turn things around and provide stellar defensive basketball.

adidas unveils Andrew Wiggins PEs Crazylight Boost 2.5

adidas recently unveiled special player's exclusive colorways of the Crazylight Boost 2.5 in recognition of the Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins' steady rise to superstardom. The 20-year-old on-court play and family history were the inspiration behind the new designs, as per the adidas press release.


North Star
Using the Timberwolves' colorways and the state motto - L'Etoile du Nord or The Star of the North, the shoe is constructed with a metallic heel counter and silver detailing. It also features a black and blue Primeknit upper with seamless integration of mesh tooling and deep blue accents throughout.

Marita


Next is the "Marita" which is named after Wiggins' mother Marita Payne-Wiggins, and her success as an Olympic sprinter who helped Canada win two silver medals in the 4x100 and 4x400-meter relays in the 1984 Summer Games. They feature a silver to red gradient upper, blending Primeknit threads with forefoot mesh to deliver added breathability on the hardwood. Silver accents along the midsole, heel cap, collar lining and laces are paired with a red and white outsole for a true Canadian tribute. Gold hits to the upper’s foil treated seam and AW logo cap off the hometown exclusive.

The "North Star" and “Marita” colorways are available for Php7995 at select adidas stores and other local sports outlets.

Join the conversation @adidashoops on Twitter and Instagram with #CrazylightBoost.

A tale of two semifinals

Surprise X-factor for Aces
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net)

You will have to excuse us at some point if we are unable to post entries about the must-see semifinals matches: Globalport vs Alaska and San Miguel vs Rain or Shine. How can we, when both series have proven to be quite riveting and entertaining thus far while also being played consecutively?

Hindi mo pa na-aabsorb yung nangyari dun sa isang series, maglalaro na yung sa kabila.

Honestly, we feel that they could space the games a bit more, by a day even. But then we understand that the PBA is probably rushing the schedule a bit to hopefully fit in their Gilas-related efforts. That being said, here are a few notes that we have taken from both match-ups.

Alaska vs Globalport

- Alaska will let Terrence Romeo have fun, because they recognize that when his shots are not falling he will force the action and alienate his teammates completely

Rebirth of the Alpha

Natural Born Killer
(Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.Net)

Thank you Terrence Romeo not only for that sizzling 41-point performance to open the PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals between your lower-seeded Global Port Batang Pier versus the mighty Alaska Aces, but for also bringing back to the hearts of many the role of the Alpha.

Sure, we have seen some 30 and 40-point games from the likes of 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo and the supernatural (that is what we are calling him nowadays) Jayson Castro, but nothing quite like how Romeo did or does it. The willingness to take responsibility and accountability, win or lose. The selfish, bastardly mindset to brush off teammates and just shoot at will. To ignore the offensive sets because he recognizes that he IS the offense.

The Alpha. The Scorer. The Killer.

New Year’s Resolutions and Wishes

Season's greetings!
(Photo credit to Inquirer.net)

Happy New Year everyone! Hope that you are all safe and happy (with all ten digits on your hands). Here is our fantasy-list of resolutions/ wishes for all 12 PBA teams moving forward:

Alaska Aces – let the kids play!
For a team that plays with so much hustle and tenacity, we have always admired the Aces for still being able to hold on to that overall team discipline both on and off the court. They are the PBA’s greatest asset IMHO, and a franchise that is worth emulating from coach to player. This being said, we would like to see less of the aging Tony dela Cruz and more of Rome dela Rosa and Kevin Racal please.