2014 PBA Rookie Draft - 1st Round Reactions

Easy, ladies. Easy.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Star SUPREME

It's been a few days now since the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft and while just about every other sports writer has offered his two cents' worth of "grading PBA teams" in general, we'd like to take a different route and chip in a few words on the players.

Here we try to discuss the players selected in the 1st round, their possible strengths and weaknesses (based on what we've seen of them and some online statistics) and where they fit in their newfound PBA teams.

And just for kicks, we'll also throw in some grades to the PBA teams: A, B, C or D with A being the best/ wise decision and D the WTF?!? grade.

12. Blackwater Elite - Juami Tiongson, PG
With their rumored original pick Jericho Cruz going early, the Elite went for a projected starting point guard and possible "face" in the Atenean. While there were other, more potent players left in the pool, Tiongson is considered as a proven commodity in most circles owing to his championship pedigree which doesn't come easy. Skills wise, Tiongson has room to improve specially with his outside shooting which is a must for under-sized PBA guards. How he fares against the league's bigger, explosive guards is going to be an issue on defense though. A possible Tiongson-Alex Nuyles would be fun to watch, with the team's "backcourt tandem of the future" being quite easy on the eyes for the ladies as well.

Player comparison right now: No stop and pop TY Tang
Grade: B, a safe pick for the Elite

When stardom beckons

It's time to move up for Alas

When news broke out that the Gilas Cadets are finally moving on to the next chapter of their young basketball careers by applying for the 2014 PBA Draft, it was met with a lot of approval and cheers from the Filipino basketball community.

After all, we're talking about guys who've spent a good portion of their collegiate and post-collegiate careers playing for flag and country instead of turning pro outright and securing themselves financially. The risks, the sacrifices, as shown and proven by the unfortunate injury to Team USA hopeful and NBA star Paul George are real. Yet they chose to suit up, playing in different Asian tournaments (and more) at a bargain price if only to proudly wear PILIPINAS on their chests.

Kevin Alas, Ronald Pascual, Matthew Ganuelas Rosser and Jake Pascual have all decided to join the coming 2014 PBA Draft, while their brother Garvo Lanete has opted to stay put with the Gilas Cadet program for maybe another year to further hone his craft.

From the ABL to the PBA for Leo Austria

Will Austria have the reigning
PBA MVP's support?
How about the other MVP?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It pays to be loyal.

Formerly “disgruntled” ASEAN Basketball League San Miguel Beermen champion coach Leo Austria has recently been rewarded for his patience and trust with the franchise, being signed to a one-year pact to coach the “original, iconic” team of the same name in the Philippine Basketball Association.

If he’ll be able to finish the aforementioned contract is another story altogether.

See, the Beermen (formerly Petron Blaze Boosters) has run through a gauntlet of coaches since 2010: from Ato Agustin, Olsen Racela (with Rajko Toroman as active consultant), Gee Abanilla and the now axed Biboy Ravanes (with Todd Purves as active consultant). For all the on court drama of the so called “Petronovela,” there’s really not much you can expect from a team that has no continuity from the sidelines.

adidas signs Toronto Raptors star

adidas signs Kyle Lowry

adidas today announced a partnership with Toronto Raptors star point guard Kyle Lowry. The eight-season NBA veteran is coming off of a career-best season in which he averaged 17.9 points, 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game while leading his team to its first playoff berth in five seasons.

“I’m really excited to continue my career with adidas and join a brand that I think compliments my aggressive playing style and future goals,” Lowry said.

The 6-foot Philadelphia native is known throughout the league as a fearless multifaceted offensive player, disruptive defender and superior rebounder at the point guard position.

The Unknown

Will he play with PUSO?
(Photo courtesy of SolarSportsDesk.Ph)

"The boys may not be afraid yet, but we're getting a bad feeling. This passage, with its "decaying coconuts" and forest "darkness" hints that nasty things are on the way. No wonder the littluns start freaking out." - excerpt from "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

The unknown and our fear of it is the "darkness" that we speak of, of the "nasty things" being on its way.

As Gilas Pilipinas flies out West to Miami, Florida to train for the coming FIBA World Cup tournament to be held in Spain, there's a lingering sense of doubt among fans. Realistically speaking, no one is expecting a podium finish this time around. Logic dictates that our team can win a game or two at best, but overcoming the powerhouse European teams and America might be a little out of the question.

The sense of the unknown or doubt, comes by way of one Andray Blatche. The man who is being touted as our new hero, to replace the one that has spent the last four or five years bringing us back to Asian basketball contention-- Marcus Douthit.

Ang Angas ng Pilipinas

Hindi lang ito tungkol kay Paul Lee, na siyang nag hatid sa Pilipinas ng kauna unahang  medalya ng bansa sa FIBA Asia Cup na ginanap sa Wuhan, China kontra sa home team.

Tungkol ito kay head coach Chot Reyes at sa mga players na sina L.A. Tenorio, Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, Gary David, Jared Dillinger, Jay Washington, Japeth Aguilar, Ranidel de Ocampo, Beau Belga, Junemar Fajardo at Marcus Douthit.

May mga pagkakataon na parang hindi naka angkla sa panalo ang koponang binansagan natin na Gilas Pilipinas. Minsan, parang naglolokohan lang sila. Minsan, parang wala ung kumpyansa at tiwala sa sarili. Minsan, parang payag sila na matalo na lang ng basta basta at isugal ang pangalan ng bansa.

Papunta naman na tayo ng Espanya, bakit pa nga ba magpapakahirap?

The Last Home Stand

In retrospect, the failed PLDT Gilas Last Home Stand was meant to raise money for charity and not simply for the enjoyment of basketball fans. Life, real life, is always bigger than basketball. The local organizers, Manny V. Pangilinan et. al., had nothing but great and meaningful intentions.

So to them, we say "thank you" and that we honestly hope that they continue with such efforts in bringing world class talent to the Philippines all for a good cause.

Were we disappointed with the outcome?

Yes, because no one really bothered to clarify that an actual 5 on 5 game was NOT going to happen. PLDT was correct in saying that they never promised a game, although they made a damn good job of teasing it with their faulty marketing exploits.

Maybe we should blame ourselves, yes, us, the Filipino basketball fantards who were spoiled with the Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant game vs the PBA and Gilas selections that we thought that: "hey, since they're bringing in about 10 to 12 NBA starters, maybe they're going to play versus our Gilas!"

Well, guess not.

PBA Dispersal Draft: Blackwater Elite

Back to main man status for Nuyles?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The Blackwater Elite are here to compete.

Coach Leo Isaac and co. went into the PBA Dispersal Draft with clear direction and purpose, opting to tab names who are ready to contribute and make a name for themselves in the PBA (if they haven't already).

Drafted by the Elite are: Danny Ildefonso, Alex Nuyles, JR Cawaling, Eddie Laure, Bryan Faundo, JP Erram, Paul Artadi, Gilbert Bulawan, Bambam Gamalinda, Chris Timberlake, Norman Gonzales and Bobby Celiz.

Based on the names above, our projected starting five are: PG Artadi SG Nuyles SF Cawaling PF Faundo C Ildefonso

PBA Dispersal Draft: Kia Motors

Manny Knows.
Photo courtesy of Rappler.com

When it was announced over the grapevine that world boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was going to try his luck in the PBA as a possible playing coach, we dismissed it as a publicity stunt more than anything. We were not worried because we fully expect Pacquiao to serve as token team mascot/ crowd drawer while Kia Motors gets its feet wet in the pros.

We were not worried because while no one will ever confuse Pacquiao for Talk 'n' Text star Jayson Castro or newly-minted Grand Slam San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone, we knew that Pacquiao and Kia would probably get the best available names to form a competitive line-up come the PBA's 40th season.

Well, we're not so sure about that any more.

Coaching Carousel: Team MVP Edition (Uichico to TNT)

Jong Uichico, arguably the most successful of the Ron Jacobs coaching apostles, will be back on the sidelines in the coming 40th PBA season by way of the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters.

See, personnel wise, there shouldn't be anything wrong with the Texters. That they should've won or at the very least challenged the San Mig Coffee Mixers the entirety of this season instead of winning big in the elimination rounds of the three conferences before bowing out in the Playoffs.

Save for a few additions, this is still now Gilas Pilipinas' head coach Chot Reyes' Texters. They lost Ali Peek to retirement and added two versatile scores in Nino Canaleta and Danny Seigle while keeping the core in place, so you could understand where management's frustrations with Black would come from.

Coaching Carousel: Team MVP Edition (Part 1: Black to Meralco)

For the Meralco Bolts and reportedly soon-to-be former head coach Ryan Gregorio, it was a hard four years.

They inherited a once proud Santa Lucia Realty franchise that saw it's two young stars, Ryan Reyes and Kelly Williams, shipped to their older brother Talk 'n' Text. A couple of promising talents (Joseph Yeo, Denok Miranda) were also sent elsewhere. So, to fill the void, the Bolts opted to bring in Mac Cardona as their franchise player to team up with the likes of aging bigs Marlou Aquino and pre-Team Ageless Asi Taulava.

It was rough. Cardona was dumped, another exiled Texter in Jared Dillinger was brought in and more trades were made to help the Bolts' campaign. This season, the team fielded in a not too shabby starting or best five of Mike Cortez, Gary David, Jarred Dillinger, Reynel Hugnatan and Rabeh Al Husseini.

That's actually not a bad five, with Danny Ildefonso and Cliff Hodge coming off the bench.

Thoughts on the PBA Leo Awards 2014

The first of many.
Ladies and gentlemen,
your undisputed PBA MVP

They finally got it right.

After a year (or two, or three) of head scratching awardees that left a lot of room for debate, the Philippine Basketball Association finally got it right (in terms of current public perception anyway) with this year’s Leo Awardees.

Here, we take a look at the winners and some names that were left off contention if only to reward or acknowledge that certain player/s efforts. In case people forget, this season had that “rushed” feeling in terms of games being played on a daily basis, conferences being tweaked and shortened all for the FIBA cause.

Now, before you argue that the players are generously paid for the services they render, please be mindful that they are human beings who push their bodies to a level that the everyday Twitter hater could only dream of. That being said, nothing beats a full day’s rest (or more) so we pretty much owe it to the guy to thank them even if it’s only by way of this small market blog.

Sportsmanship Award: Willie MillerFormer two-time PBA Most Valuable Player Willie Miller is what Filipino basketball is all about: competitive and bruising yet stylish and fun. While his body no longer allows him to post the same numbers that has helped him become “The Thriller,” it’s refreshing to know that he still plays the game with gusto and joy and passing it to the next generation.

Gilas Pilipinas gears up for FIBA Asia Cup

Gilas call-up after 
Year of redemption for JWash

If we are to be taken seriously by other countries as a resurging basketball power, then we should move on from last year's inspiring silver medal finish in the FIBA Asia Championship Cup (which is also the last of its kind in terms of being a FIBA World Cup Qualifier).

It begins with consistency, and we're not talking about finishing 3rd or 4th time and again. We're talking gold or silver at worst for Gilas Pilipinas or whichever incarnation of the country's men's basketball team follows suit. Iran is definitely a lock, China has been having some coaching and personnel problems but they'll always be there. From the third spot down, it's an open field.

For the coming FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China in July 11 to 19, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes has opted to bring in some of his pool players/ new recruits in an effort to keep his cards close to his chest and keep his core guys well rested.

The holdovers are Ranidel De Ocampo, LA Tenorio, Gary David, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo and naturalized center Marcus Douthit (in what might be his last tour of duty should NBA center Andray Blatche suit up in the FIBA World Cup). Out from the 2013 Silver Medal team are Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier and Jeff Chan.

And the number 1 pick in the 2014 PBA Draft goes to...

Two balls. One well covered box. A dutiful PBA Commissioner who doesn't seem to understand the concept of showmanship.

How appalling.

Where's the drama? Where's the "ït" factor? The surprise?

As you may know, prior to the PBA Governor's Cup Finals Game 1 between the grand slam-seeking San Mig Coffee Mixers and defiant Rain or Shine Elastopainters, there was a "draw" held to choose which among the Elastopainters (via Meralco) and GlobalPort Batang Pier will get to pick first in the next PBA Draft. Now, in the NBA, they do this via lottery. With a lot of balls, and a couple of teams in the running.

Up for sale

Here's a question that the media and those in the know seem to keep skirting around on: which PBA team will Manny V. Pangilinan buy for his NLEX Road Warriors?

We already know that NLEX wants in. Bad. We've heard Alaska rumors. Now we've been hearing a lot of Air21 rumors. Of the "Joseph Yeo Gentleman's Agreement" (didn't know that there was honor among thieves) getting in the way. Of how there are two teams (Air21 and, since their name was thrown out there earlier, Alaska) that are up for sale.

TWO.

Is it too late for either Blackwater or Kia to step in and buy the other one? Or maybe it's just a ploy being used by NLEX to help speed things up. As a bargaining chip against the team that they really want to purchase. Would make a lot of sense really-- say that there's this other team that's also up for sale but cheaper, but you're still taking to the concerned party out of delicadeza and so on.

Of pride and chemistry

Another season of woes for SMB
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

With yesterday's PBA Governor's Cup Quarterfinals loss, the San Miguel Beermen's 2013-2014 campaign has finally come to a merciful end.

At the start of the season, penciling the Beermen in as one of the title favorites for any conference was as acceptable as dipping fishball in Mang Jose's secret recipe sarsa. It was that much of a no brainer.

They had the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Arwind Santos in tow, freed from the redundancy that is Jay Washington. Bigger things were on the horizon for 6"9 Junemar Fajardo. Gilas standouts Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter were at the brink of legitimate PBA superstardom. Alex Cabagnot, point guard extraordinaire, would have so many weapons at his disposal for the easy, text book passes (and even the fancy ones that he breaks out from time to time).

And yet they finished the PBA Philippine Cup third.

THIRD.

Trust the system

Ang bagong tanod
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

This is no longer your father's Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The plays are not as simple as dumping it into the post, having one guy dribble the air out of the basketball for the Michael Jordan play or just relying on pure, helter-skelter, hit or miss we'll take it offensive "sets" of the storied Robert Jaworski, Sr. era that won more on heart and passion for the game rather than deploying an educated enough strategy to neutralize the opponent.

This is Jeffrey Cariaso's Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. They are in the process of running the complex triple post offense commonly known as the Triangle Offense. And for once, they don't look like an undisciplined lot waiting for a savior.

I'm a Luigi Trillo Guy

Calvin Abueva. Luigi Trillo Guy.
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Calvin Abueva. Gabby Espinas. Vic Manuel.

They're rough, they're not your typical, cookie-cutter, clean-cut Alaska Aces of past and present. They come with a certain level of self-assurance and air that rubs people the wrong way most of the time.

They're all Luigi Trillo guys (plus, maybe when he finally gets his minutes, Ryan Buenafe).

Only, what happens now that Trillo has opted to leave his post as Aces head coach (just a season removed from leading the team to a surprise PBA Commissioner's Cup championship)? Will the Aces' proud management opt to keep them in the fold? Or trade them elsewhere if only to fit the way the Aces' have been traditionally known for?

A Brand New Day

Ginebra? Running the Triangle? Ok...
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

I was a Ginebra die-hard.

From the moment I picked up the sport some time in 1995, during the 2nd of what would eventually become 3 Michael Jordan eras (although the last one was more of an irrelevant, yet nostalgic, time), I would ultimately learn about the Philippine Basketball Association and watch games until I was won over by a certain team and its passionate, charismatic approach to the game.

No, my parents weren't Ginebra fans. My mom was Alaska all the way, primarily because of Jojo Lastimosa and his sexy legs. My dad never had an inkling for the sport so yeah. I wasn't "born and bred" a Ginebra fan much like today's kids are or claim to be.

PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals: Texters vs Mixers

When was the last time in PBA Finals history wherein you felt that both teams, namely the Talk ‘n’ Text Tropang Texters and San Mig Coffee Mixers, were so evenly matched from coaching staff to players, that you sincerely felt that the series could go either way and no one would have a problem with the end result?

The Texters and Mixers both feature PBA Hall of Fame Coaches in Norman Black and Tim Cone, are led by some of the league’s “who’s who” when it comes to skills, talent and popularity (with the Mixers’ enjoying love from the average basketball fans and the Texters’ by way of the purists who don’t mind “ugly” wins) and could easily represent the country in any or all international meets right here, right now (an honor bestowed and earned by the core of the Texters’).

This series promises to be an intense basketball clinic, owing to both teams’ ability to play and guard both styles of fundamental basketball: run and gun and halfcourt.

Making the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals even more interesting is the fact that it’s a Best-of-Five affair—which forces both teams little to no time to execute and adjust their respective game planes. 

It’s a well-known fact that Black has mastered the art form of game plane execution probably and most likely built around advanced scouting while Cone is the King of pre/in/post game adjustments so that chess match should be quite entertaining and educational.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals!

The Cinderella Man

Air21's Cinderella Man
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

If you were to tell us at the start of the PBA Commissioner's Cup that the Air21 Express would make a run to the PBA Finals, we'd just give you a dismissive look. Or whatever counts as one on whatever social media platform.

More so if you were to tell us that it would be journeyman Sean Anthony, leading the Express' to glory. Then we'd probably not give you the time of day. At all.

Nothing against the career "8 points, 5 rebounds in 23 minutes" averaging, energetic small/power forward, but he has always been more of what former PBA player and UAAP Most Valuable Player Rich Alvarez should've been had he opted to get stronger for the pros and maybe address some facets of his game.

Un-beastly

Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

When was the last time you saw Calvin Abueva play like Calvin Abueva?

We've seen flashes here and there, but where's the reigning PBA Rookie of the Year? Where is the energy guy the first year in San Sebastian? Or the triple-double monster the last year? Who's this 6"1 guy who looks like Abueva, plays a bit like Abueva, but doesn't have the same effect on the game like Abueva?

In 51 games last season, Abueva averaged somewhere around 26 minutes a game, with 12 points and 9 rebounds plus a bunch of intangibles-- from setting low post screens, playing the pay-war game and just making plays for his team en route to the ROY plum. This year, in 27 games, his minutes are down by about 6 a game with his numbers somewhere around 8 points and 7 rebounds.

But no one is afraid of the man they call "The Beast" anymore.

Let it go

Photo courtesy of Sports5

No one saw this happening.

Air21 Express, the lowly PBA Commissioner's Cup 7th seed (and unheralded, unpublicised "sister" team), beat the San Miguel Beermen not once, but twice. For two straight games, a team of PBA discards and some collegiate fraternity boys looking to relive the good old days beat one of the recognised powerhouses of the PBA.

Ouch.

On the bright side, the Beermen made it to the Playoffs as the 2nd seed while going through a MAJOR off-season retooling by way of acquiring Sol Mercado and making Chris Ross (who was acquired just a conference or two back) the lead guard. They still have the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player (which keeps on feeling more and more like a joke these days) in Arwind Santos and the league's potentially most dominant player in the young Junemar Fajardo so the pieces are still there.

NBA All Star PG signs with adidas

Two seasons after making a mark in the NBA as one of its rising point guards, the Portland Trailblazers' Damian Lillard and adidas recently announced a long-term partnership extension. The young NBA All Star will continue to be an integral part of adidas Basketball's marketing campaigns.

“I’ve had the opportunity to wear a lot of great product, help design special versions of shoes, be a part of TV commercials and travel the world with the brand. I’m excited for what the future holds for me and adidas.

The 6th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Lillard is averaging 21 points, six assists and four rebounds per game for the Trail Blazers.

Other adidas athletes include Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, WNBA MVP Candace Parker and FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi FC Barcelona.

About adidas 
adidas has been providing innovative products for the world’s best athletes for more than 50 years, from past legends to today’s superstars, such as Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard and Candace Parker.  On April 11, 2006 adidas and the National Basketball Association signed an 11-year global merchandising partnership making the adidas brand the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League (D-League) beginning with the 2006-07 NBA season.

# # # 

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/adidas

2013 PBA Draft "Discards" Expansion Team

What might have been for Revilla.
(Photo courtesy of TheLasallian.com)

There are ten teams plying their trade in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Just last year, the league held it's annual PBA Draft wherein bright, young talent were acquired. Some of them were signed to lucrative contracts and have quickly grown to become household names, and then there were those who were not as fortunate.

Come the PBA's 40th Season, the league has agreed to increase their fold by accepting three more teams in NLEX, Blackwater/ Ever Bilena and Kia Motors. This in itself will create more roster spots, nay, jobs for displaced 2013 PBA Draft hopefuls as well as other young (and maybe some old) PBA talent.

Here we try to create a legit 2013 PBA Draft Free Agent basketball team that would only show how deep the pool was or promising some of the unsigned names were. A competitive line-up of young studs who were just unfortunate to have not had the chance to showcase their talents due to already loaded PBA teams.

Cabagnot Conundrum

The Crunchman Saveth?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

A few weeks ago, we felt that it was rather unfair for Global Port Batang Pier's neophyte head coach Pido Jarencio to single out his starting point guard Alex Cabagnot amid their losing ongoing losing streak.

If you walked up to us and said that the Batang Pier lost their first eight games because Cabagnot was averaging 10.38 points to go with 5.88 assists per game, we'd have laughed at your great and admirable grasp of the sport. Looking back at Cabagnot's career since 2005, the man's averaged 11 points and 5 assists.

Yes, he's had incredible, clutch games here and there, but overall, Cabagnot is an 11 points and 5 assists man-- which isn't bad on the PBA level mind you, given the years of consistent play.

Gilas Pilipinas: A cut above the rest

While being mindful of showing their cards (running any FIBA World Cup-meant offensive and defensive sets), Gilas Pilipinas showed everyone watching the recently concluded 2014 PBA All Star Game why this is the ensemble that's Spain-bound later this year.

Unlike last year's meet, Gilas Pilipinas took care of the PBA All Star selection early and never looked back. Resident sniper Jeffrei Chan was at his sharpest, while Marcus Douthit made some key defensive stops to make sure that the message was sent right away.

Gilas Pilipinas isn't clowning around this time.

7-0 / 0-7

"F this 0-7."
Photo courtesy of Sports5

While the PBA Commissioner's Cup is on pause to give way to the PBA All Star Weekend, let's take a look at two teams that have gone opposite directions this conference. Atop the standings with an unblemished 7-0 win-loss slate are the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters while dead last are the GlobalPort Batang Pier who carry an unenviable 0-7 card.

It didn't take long for the Texters to get back on track with newcomer Nino Canaleta and hard-working import Richard Howell in tow. The Gilas Pilipinas core of Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier and Ranidel de Ocampo are averaging around 20-22 minutes a piece and contributing as always, while Howell drops a steady 20-20 points-rebounds a game.

Salvaging the PBA All Star Weekend

So far, so bad.

In terms of achieving an "All Star Weekend" atmosphere, the PBA in general is doing a great job bombing promotions and marketing wise. We understand that they have no control over the airing of the festivities, but with the digital era upon us there's no reason for the league's annual showcase to not even make it to the Top Trending Hashtags on Twitter.

But instead of simply nitpicking, let's try to help the league we all love. The gate attendances for games are up, but as shown in last night's televised "Greats vs Stalwarts" game, not a lot of folks bothered to shell out money to watch what is really, a hodge-podge of a joke (with all due respect to the PBA Hall of Famers who put in the work-- shout out to the legend Noli "The Tank" Locsin).

The activities are: 3 point shootout, Obstacle/ Skills Challenge and the Slam Dunk competition.

KKS' Picks: The PBA All Star Reserves

What might've been for Gilas Pilipinas.
(Photo credit: Sports5)

This year's PBA All Star game hopes to serve as one of many tune-up matches for the Gilas Pilipinas men's basketball team. On paper, the game promises to be a blockbuster, heavyweight match-up between those who were chosen to represent the country versus those who were not as fortunate for one reason or another.

Already named to the PBA All Star Starting Five are: Mark Barroca, James Yap, Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael and Greg Slaughter.

Of the five starters, only Barroca merits to really be called an All Star starter given his performance in the PBA Philippine Cup en route to a Finals MVP trophy. Yap only returned to form somewhere in the semifinals and finals, while the troika of Ellis, Baracael and Slaughter largely benefited from what one may call as the equivalent of the NBA's Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady's "China" votes (only in this case, "China" is "Barangay Ginebra.")

Based on stats alone, we could name three guys who could easily supplant the above-mentioned and we're more than happy to give them their due as we name our PBA All Star Reserves to round out the Magic 12. To be clear, we're not trying to make any predictions here, since the selection of the reserves will fall onto the PBA coaches' shoulders led by PBA All Star team head coach Tim Cone, but we're going with the guys who made a name for themselves in the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup and at the very least, deserve a look.

1) Arwind Santos (SF/PF San Miguel Beermen) 17.1 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg
For all the social media negativity cast on the REIGNING PBA Most Valuable Player about him being a "stat-padder," you can't call out a player for hauling down over ten rebounds a night. The points, yes, probably. But rebounding is a different art form altogether that, when approached timidly or lackadaisically, you could easily get your mouth popped by someone more tenacious (think of it as going for a 50/50 rebound versus a Marc Pingris-- yeah, you need to be alert on that one 24/7). Santos made a good account of himself last conference, proving that while he lacks the superstar one-on-one iso game people expect from a league MVP, he is still pretty solid nonetheless.

The Fireman and his Batang Pier

I never really got to watch the "real" Pido Jarencio. The man, the legend, the UST Glowing Goldie and PBA "Fireman" whose shooting was almost (legend has it) at par as PBA Hall of Famer Allan Caidic.

Instead, my mental image of Jarencio was a short-shorts wearing veteran who would come in to either spell a winded Vince Hizon or Jayvee Gayoso and knock down a "legs wide open" three from the corners every now and then for Barangay Ginebra in the mid-90s. He was out of basketball shape, appeared to be on his last legs, but was just a feel-good favorite because he looked like someone I'd bump into in pick-up games (you know, that village vet who is always hanging by the playground waiting, preying on the young ones).

When he finally retired and resurfaced as a head coach in college, it was during my 2nd year with the Black-Gold, Black-White. He took a team of several unheralded wingmen and a center to the Finals, much to the surprise of the college ranks (and every single Thomasian who weren't expecting much post-Cyrus Baguio and Alwin Espiritu or better yet, post-Aric del Rosario).

Changing of the guard(s)

While the PBA Philippine Cup Finals is on-going (and currently in favour of the San Mig Coffee Mixers given their 3-1 advantage of the Rain or Shine Elastopainters), four teams loosely associated with the San Miguel Corporation umbrella made some "game-changing" trades in preparation for the coming PBA Commissioner's Cup.

We've always said that, if a team is bent in changing it's team's overall philosophy it needs to do only one of two things: 1) trade the token star player or 2) trade the guy with the most clout: the point guard.

You can change coaches all you want, but as long as a certain influencer is on the basketball court, then you'll never be able to truly install whatever offensive or defensive philosophy you want. It works in some cases (mostly in a short period though, think Ato Agustin-Petron), but long term you want to build on new pieces and just have a fresh approach to the game.

Here's our take on the trades that were recently approved by the PBA Commissioner's Office.

2014 Philippine Cup Finals Reaction

Now it can be told.

This writer purposely and consciously refrained from updating this blog simply because we chose to be more fan than analyst. Though we provided some with our Finals Preview over at SolarSportsDesk.Ph, nothing beats just taking a step back and appreciating the beauty of the game-- specially when your team (Rain or Shine Elastopainters) is playing the PBA's "glamour boys" (San Mig Coffee Mixers).

It's good versus evil. The handsome hardcourt heartthrobs doing battle against the gillage (gilid of the village) goons The prince pitted against the pauper.

Going into the Finals, we weren't as sold on our chances as some other fans were. They were elated because they felt the Elastopainters had a legit shot at their head coach's, Yeng Guiao's, first-ever All Filipino championship after dominating the standings. We weren't sold because opposite Guiao is head coach Tim Cone and his quest to win "number 16."

Learning curve

In a PBA Philippine Cup preview this writer previously wrote for SolarSportsDesk.Ph, we noted how Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was still a work in progress and even went as far as to rate them lower than their would be semifinals conquerors, the San Mig Coffee Mixers who had to "settle" for the 2nd overall pick (Ian Sangalang) in the 2013 PBA Draft compared to their 1st pick (Greg Slaughter).

We were chastised, called out and even swam the murky waters of blasphemy. That how we suddenly turned "haters" overnight and that Ginebra is THE team to beat given their towering frontline and supposedly retooled, more potent wing position.

This went on all throughout the conference (and rightfully so) thanks to Ginebra's run at 1st place of the standings. Athletic 6"9 beanpole Japeth Aguilar finally had his chance to showcase his talents while Slaughter showed everyone that while he wasn't on rival giant, Petron Blaze's, Junemar Fajardo's level yet, he was going to be a force in the paint for a long time. Throw in veterans L.A. Tenorio who was coming off a banner year and former PBA Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa and yeah, Ginebra fought for every win and deserved to be the number one seed.

Scripted

Maybe we should all just stop with the conspiracy theories and just enjoy the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals as non-fans of both Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee Mixers.

It is a disservice after all, to the hard-working men who wake up in the morning, endure several exhausting routines and drills, and get a cheap shot in the rib or an elbow right on the kisser by day’s end. These are our modern day action stars, nay, heroes. They fight for the names printed on their jerseys, and the adoring masses who take an hour or two of their precious time to cheer them on.

So to the PBA players, fans and our readers, to you we sincerely apologize with all the “scripted” semantics.

The Leading Men of Petronovela

After a fiery start in the PBA Philippine Cup, the Petron Blaze Boosters find themselves looking for religion as they are now down 1-3 to the Rain or Shine Elastopainters in their semifinals duel.

As much as Petron fans would like to believe that this series is still salvageable, and that if there's any PBA team that can come back from the ashes it would be their guys, it's hard to imagine the Elastopainters losing three straight after maybe a ten game stretch wherein they only lost one (Game 3 to the Boosters). To win, the Boosters will need to work as a cohesive unit immune from individual forays and exploits. There was a time in basketball when all you needed was maybe two to three monster players supported by a couple of bums and presto: instant championship parade.

Well, the Elastopainters are made of mostly "bums" save for maybe two or three 1st round picks the last few years, so what's the Boosters' excuse?

Why Manila Classico SHOULD go the distance

Where's Japeth?

Sports-entertainment related conspiracy theories aside, one cannot deny that the on-going semifinals slugfest between sister teams Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee Mixers is worth its lofty box-office hype billing.

After all, on one side you have a "reborn" franchise, looking to re-establish itself among the upper echelon of Philippine basketball teams and on the other, an already proud yet "under the radar" dynasty thanks to the unwritten pecking order in their own corporate umbrella. While Petron Blaze/ San Miguel and Ginebra have long been established as Team San Miguel, the "glamor boys" of the PBA are lost in the mix despite just being a few titles short of Petron Blaze/ San Miguel's (Ginebra doesn't even belong in that "who's got more rings" discussion among the sisters).

In Game One, we saw the Mixers lording it over a hapless Ginebra squad which were probably tired from their quarterfinals match-up with the Alaska Aces. The Mixers, thanks to their veteran line-up bannered by 2x PBA MVP James Yap, PJ Simon and Marc Pingris not to mention Hall of Fame coach Tim Cone, simply out-smarted the young yet green Ginebra.

The Top 10 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals Storylines

Aguilar kontra Pingris,
Ginebra vs San Mig Coffee

While we await the winner of Game 2 of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee Mixers match-up slated later today, here are a few of the "must watch/ interesting/ keep an eye out for" things we expect or have seen from the above mentioned pairing and the other one between the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and the Petron Blaze Boosters.

Forgive us for not making any updates the last few days (and during the quarterfinals) because of this writer's daughter's birth (7.3 lbs, born last January 26, 2014!). That being said, you can always check out our PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals (and Quarterfinals) Preview on SolarSportsDesk.ph where we are graciously and generously provided some bandwidth to try our very best to sound as analytical as possible (please bear in mind that we are very happy to be part of the contributors line-up, meaning, we have some leeway to throw in some written jabs here and there while you, the reader, have all creative freedom to call us names and what not).

The most entertaining allegation would be that this writer is a "San Mig Coffee fan."

Without further adieu, we bring to you the "Top 10 2014 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals Storylines:"

10. Tim Cone is on track to be the PBA's Ric Flair
The winningest coach in all of Philippine professional basketball is further cementing his place in Philippine basketball history which would pretty much vindicate his transfer from the Alaska franchise over to powerhouse (literally, figuratively and financially) San Mig Coffee. It took Cone 22 years to win 13 titles with Alaska, now he is on track for his 3rd title since his controversial transfer in 2011. If Cone and his Mixers should win it all, well, "Whooooooooooooo 16x!!!" 

Gun for hire: Canaleta to Talk 'n' Text

KG is taking his talents to TNT
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

And the rich continue to get richer.

The Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters, in an effort to ensure that they are armed to the teeth (if they aren't already) going into their PBA Philippine Cup Quarterfinals Best-of-Three with the San Mig Coffee Mixers, have recently acquired the services of Air21 Express' leading scorer Nino Canaleta. The 6"6, 185 lbs. sharpshooter averaged a team-best 16 points to go with 6 rebounds while not necessarily being the Express' 1st option on offense.

While logic dictates that Canaleta will struggle with the Texters being that he is the "new kid in town," we don't see him having a hard time adjusting to his teammates who, for the last few championship years, are the PBA embodiment of "playing for each other." The Texters thrive in the team concept as evidenced by the success that they've garnered and also with their dribble-drive motion offense (although head coach Norman Black has successfully added some new/old halfcourt elements here and there the last year or so).

NBA All Star 2014 unis are in!

NBA All Star 2014 Uniforms

PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 16, 2014) – adidas, the official on-court apparel provider for the National Basketball Association (NBA), today unveiled the uniforms and apparel for the 63^rd NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 16 in New Orleans, La.

Designed by adidas, the uniforms are inspired by New Orleans’ rich and unique culture, featuring vibrant Mardi Gras colors and shiny brass and silver accents on a short-sleeved silhouette. The NBA All-Star logo appears on the chest of the blue “East” and red “West” jerseys in the shape of the fleur-de-lis, the official symbol of Louisiana, with a purple “W” or green “E” cut out to identify the conference of each player.

Better luck next conference

Before the Tius and Tengs, there was Yeo
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

With a disappointing 3 wins and 10 losses card, the Air21 Express find themselves out of contention in the on-going PBA Philippine Cup. The silver lining here of course, is that they're guaranteed an import of about 6"11 in height (Marcus Douthit PBA tour anyone?) next conference thanks to the league's newly-adopted "handicap" rule.

Also, moving forward, the Express hope to ride another strong performance from the captain of "Team Ageless" Asi Taulava who averaged 13 points and 14 rebounds a game as well as newly-minted "chief gunner" Nino Canaleta who led the team in scoring with 16 points to go with 6 rebounds. And, if Mark Cardona could ever go back to playing with confidence and fire under "homeboy" head coach Franz Pumaren, then you're looking at another 20-point scorer who could either start or come off the bench to provide that spark.

But above all, there's the rising play of Joseph Yeo who has made the difficult transition from hotshot scorer throughout his basketball career to a hybrid or combo guard who can make plays for himself and others.

The People Vs Calvin Abueva

Wouldn't be surprised if they
called this foul on Abueva.
Seriously. (Photo courtesy of Sports5)

What's in a name?

Turns out, a season's worth of flops, aggressive play and unapologetic behavior on way to a PBA Rookie of the Year citation is going to get you under a bad light in terms of PBA sanctions and what not. To make matters worse, it seems that this ill reputation is something that can't be shed after a season-- the blasted thing carried over to the on-going PBA Philippine Cup apparently.

So when the subject of this piece, the Alaska Aces' reigning PBA ROY Calvin Abueva and the Meralco Bolts' Jared Dillinger figured in an awkward scuffle just days ago, everyone in the room knew that fines were going to come in by way of the diligent PBA Commissioner Chito Salud.

What we didn't expect was how ridiculous the penalties would be.

Pushing through plateaus

Casio needs to take the big leap
while Abueva struggles
(photo courtesy of Sports5)

Don't blame Calvin Abueva for the Alaska Aces' mildly surprising 4 wins, 9 losses slate in the on-going PBA Philippine Cup.

There's plenty of that to go around. Despite the impressive numbers shared by starters Sonny Thoss (16 points, 9 rebounds), JVee Casio (14, 3 and 3 assists), Cyrus Baguio (13, 3, 3), Gabby Espinas (11, 9) and Abueva (10, 8), the Aces are struggling more because they've become rather bland. Yes, the names on the roster are almost the same to when they punked their way into a PBA Commissioner's Cup title last season, but the fire and energy just isn't.

And while Abueva continues to find that balance between a flopper and token energy guy, the Aces need to come up with surprises to battle the strengthened/ overhauled PBA teams. Though we have nothing but love for the blue-chip recruits in ASEAN Basketball League Most Valuable Player Leo Avenido, Ryan Buenafe and Ping Exciminiano, it appears as though the three have yet to really learn the Aces' offensive sets as proven by the little amount of minutes they get on the floor (aging small forward Tony de la Cruz logs close to 19 minutes a game). 

A Tall Story: Japeth vs The Legends (2/3)

In part one, we tackled how Barangay Ginebra San Miguel's 7"0 rookie Greg Slaughter would fare against arguably three of the better local names over 6"9 in Philippine basketball history. Now, we're going to take a look at how Slaughter's frontline buddy, the freakishly athletic 6"9 beanpole Japeth Aguilar, would do against Yancy de Ocampo, Marlou Aquino and or Asi Taulava (prime, since he's still playing).

vs De Ocampo
From a perimeter-oriented big man standpoint, de Ocampo and Aguilar are pretty much on the same boat only; de Ocampo has long established himself as an outside bomber while Aguilar's penchant for taking ill-advised threes didn't sit well with his coaches early in his PBA career. In a street ball duel, Aguilar would block the snot out of de Ocampo and just spike any and all attempts to the other court. In a game however, a motivated de Ocampo would make use of all of his little tricks (elbows and all), playing a grounded style. Also, Aguilar's knack for jumping at every shot thrown in his vicinity (thus the x number of times he has bitten on pump fakes) might put him in foul trouble. Then again, Aguilar's strength is his on and off-the-ball activity which negates whatever lack of fundamentally sound technique he has on both ends of the floor. In a team concept, five on five, de Ocampo MIGHT get a slight advantage if only because of his more polished game. But the way things are right now, with Aguilar not even in his prime-- just the way he his eyes out and leg muscles ready to explode at the very sight of a possible shot block/ dunk, de Ocampo doesn't stand a chance.

Team Ageless

When Asi Taulava first went to the ASEAN Basketball League in what many thought would be his "swan song" after two unimpressive seasons in the PBA with the Meralco Bolts, it was met with nary a whimper. There he was, a former PBA Most Valuable Player, probably looking for one last paycheck and maybe to cash in on his name/brand.

There's nothing wrong or shameful about it, business is business. Some guys are able to quit when they are ahead, others, keep on pushing until either their minds or bodies break. At the end of the day, these men (old, injury-riddled or in-denial) are just that, men-- men who need to provide for themselves and their loved ones. What good is looking back in a once illustrious career if you can't enjoy the fruit of your labors all the way to retirement?

So when his handlers coined "Team Ageless," we were part of the many who dismissed it and just said: "best of luck to you Asi, for all the years playing for flag and country and just being an all-around good guy despite your larger-than-life size, thank you."

One ASEAN Basketball League season, championship and Most Valuable Player later, we were all proven wrong.

Don't call it a comeback

Danny Ildefonso has found a new home in the PBA.

The former two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, now near the twilight of his illustrious basketball career, was left homeless early in the on-going PBA Philippine Cup after his team of xx years-- the Petron Blaze Boosters (former San Miguel Beermen) decided not to renew his contract. To his rescue are the Boosters' umbrella corporation rivals, Team Manny V. Pangilinan by way of the Meralco Bolts which were lacking in skilled, post players.

In a match seemingly made in heaven, Ildefonso had a successful debut last Saturday for the Bolts (winning 92-88 in overtime over the Air21 Express) finishing with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists on top of setting brilliant screens and picks for his shooters and just working like the skilled veteran he is off-the-ball.

A Tall Story: Gregzilla vs Asi, Marlou and Yancy (1/3)

The Rock vs Gregzilla

Bonel Balingit, E.J. Feihl, Marlou Aquino, Andy Seigle. Asi Taulava. James Walkvist, Yancy de Ocampo, Ervin Sotto, Mark Andaya, Samigue Eman.

Save for maybe two to three names that really stand out in the above mentioned list, my generation grew up embracing this simple truth when it comes to Filipino bigs: they are slow, lanky, uncoordinated and most of the time, are made to look like circus attractions rather than athletes, dare say, basketball players even.

So when we say that we've come a long way from the jolly-giant Balingit and the "I'm an MVP caliber player, but I'll only play that way when my contract's up" Aquino, then you could very much take that to the bank with the likes of Ginebra's 6"9 Japeth Aguilar and 7"1 Greg Slaughter and Petron Blaze's Junemar Fajardo.

Habla Espanol Gilas Pilipinas?

The dream continues for an archipelago of 7,107 islands lying in the South East of Asia.  After salvaging the Silver medal in last year's FIBA Asia Worlds-qualifying tournament, the Philippines -- bannered by a 12-man roster aptly called "Gilas Pilipinas" sets its sights on the FIBA Worlds to be held this 2014 in Spain.

But just how far can we dream, really?