Young, wild and free

So this is Junemar's league, huh?
(Photo credit to the owner)

Just when you thought that the Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters needed a back-to-the-basket center to combat 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo and champs San Miguel...

... they added a face-up, burly "center" who really plays more like a small forward in 6"7 Moala Tautuaa, another 6"7 rebounding sniper in Troy Rosario, and a 6"4 hard-nosed banger (who is arguably their best low post player outside of star Ranidel de Ocampo) in Larry Rodriguez.

Why play traditional when you can play position-less?

The long and winding road

How far can Asi take NLEX?
(Photo credit to the owner)

While their elders, Talk'n'Text and Meralco, enjoy having youthful bigs to continue building their foundations around, head coach Boyet Fernandez and his NLEX Road Warriors find themselves stuck in the mud with aging frontliners who are an injury away from retirement.

Sure, Asi Taulava (fresh from another tour of duty with Gilas 3) and Enrico Villanueva are still fearsome names and that Asi has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts the last three seasons, but can a team really pin their hopes on a 40+ year old with limited low post offense? How about Villanueva? He hasn't been the same since suffering an injury after a stint with Barako Bull and has played more like a TV-friendly version of 90s role player Chris Bolado than the "Raging Bull" we once knew.

These proud veterans are backed by Rob Reyes, Eric Camson, Mark Borboran and Jeckster Apinan. They are a solid, role-playing bunch, but not in the same area as TNT's Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario, and Meralco's returning Rabeh Al Hussaini.

Definitely nowhere near.

Here comes the boom

Welcome to Junemar's world
(Photo credit to GlennMichaelTan.com)

Last season, the San Miguel Beermen were finally able to put it all together.

They brought in a true player's coach in Leo Austria, finally bought into the "less is more" mindset and let go of some more star caliber players for role playing ones and basically streamlined their offense to Junemar Fajardo 1, everyone else 2. 

The end result? Two championships in three conferences.

Nothing to see here

Still waiting for Garcia's break out year
(Photo credit to the owner)

Because really, are there actual fans of the following teams and not just of the individual players who were "carried over" from their idol's former squad?

Barako Bull Energy Cola
If only this team weren't so blatant in being the league's premier farm team, we would actually vouch for this line-up. RR Garcia, JC Intal, Mac Baracael, Jervy Cruz and either the old Mick Pennisi (seriously, this guy should consider retiring soon) or Prince Caperal. Then there are guys like Chico Lanete, Josh Urbiztondo, James Forrester, Emman Monfort and Willy Wilson coming off the bench. Okay, maybe they have a surplus of point guards, but this should make for an exciting run-and-gun squad right?

Right.

Who pads his stats first? Last season, it was Denok Miranda who was able to stat-pad his way out of the Energy camp. Will it be Intal, who is coming off a solid Gilas 3 stint? Will it be Garcia, the former UAAP MVP, who we thought would break out last season after being freed from the burden of having to play with college buddy/ rival Terrence Romeo only to learn that hey, maybe Garcia's not THAT special after all? Or will it be Baracael, who will most likely go back to his stretch four roots and remind us of how special a player he looked back when he played for Gilas I?

Your guess is as good as ours. Coach Koy Banal will make this team compete, but at day's end when they start winning someone's bound to pull the plug. Remember Joseph Yeo last conference? When he started running his mouth about how "free" they were? Yeah, he got traded soon. But not before BB's winning streak fizzled out..

Electric Avenue

The Prodigal Son returns
(Photo credit to the owner)

To borrow a line or two from the great Guyanese-British musician Eddy Grant's hit song, "We(are) gonna rock down to Electric Avenue, and then we'll take it higher (higher)."

Higher, because that is where head coach Norman Black is destined to bring the revamped Meralco Bolts. Last year, the team had to make do with the oft-injured Mike Cortez at point guard and whoever was healthy and available enough to masquerade at center. It got so bad that the Bolts had to play center-by-committee, since no one was fit enough to really play the position.

Their best low post player?

Swiss Army knife Reynel Hugnatan (who was greatly rewarded for his efforts, earning his first PBA All Star selection), who easily gives up about 5 to 6 inches to the likes of 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, PBA MVP Asi Taulava and Greg Slaughter.

This coming season the Bolts have been rewarded by the basketball Gods with the addition of unretired floor general Jimmy Alapag and big man Rabeh Al Hussaini.

A puncher's chance

Show them who's Boss
(Photo credit to the owner)

Dear Alaska Aces fans, welcome to Rain or Shine Elastopainters territory.

Before you start telling us off about how different our teams our, just hear this RoS fan for a minute. We rose to the top somewhere in 2012, when we beat a champions-in-the-making STAR Hotshots side and continued to reach the Finals the next two to three years only to fail time and again to some established powerhouse. Your team? Well after the Cone Era, you beat Ginebra in the Finals, regrouped with a new coach but the same gung-ho style (although much freer), and reached the Finals again (twice) just last season only to fall to San Miguel.

Welcome to basketball bridesmaid purgatory.

On the offensive

Your team or mine?
(Photo credit to the owner)

How many players does it take to score a basket?

This is going to be Coach Pido Jarencio's biggest challenge as he leads a retooled Global Port Batang Pier squad that does not only feature elite scorer Terrence Romeo and the promising Stanley Pringle, but also veteran assassin-by-trade Joseph Yeo, trigger happy point man Jonathan Uyloan and rookie Roi "I'm not a basketball diva" Sumang. 

Granted, the Batang Pier squad enjoyed some success when they played a three guard unit with Asian import Omar Krayem-- but that was more to Krayem's versatility and efficiency than Coach Pido's Xs and Os. Krayem pretty much covered for Pringle and Romeo, sliding comfortably at the small forward spot.

Yeo? We are not too sure he can play defense like Krayem. We don't think he will have any troubles deferring to the younger guys on offense (having played with Mac Cardona early in his career), but it's on defense where this Romeo-Pringle-Yeo troika might fail. Remember, Batang Pier had Krayem AND Denok Miranda last conference to "save" Romeo and Pringle.

Free Rein

Make or break
(Photo credit to the owner)

It is a great time to be a fan of STAR Hotshots basketball.

Sure, you can look at it from the other end of the spectrum since they recently lost their grand slam coach Tim Cone and the walking mismatch that is Joe DeVance, but then you should consider that no triangle means more running and gunning. More points. More fun.

At the very least, that is what we feel Coach Jason Webb is going for.

adidas showcases 3D printed footwear

The future looks bright
(Photo courtesy of adidas)

adidas recently unveiled the future of performance footwear with Futurecraft 3D, a unique 3D-printed running shoe midsole which can be tailored to the cushioning needs of an individual’s foot. The 3D concept is part of the ‘Futurecraft series’, a forward-looking initiative that places open source collaboration and craftsmanship at the heart of design to drive innovation across all elements of production.

adidas Futurecraft 3D on YouTube

In its 3D concept, which provides the ultimate personalised experience for all athletes, adidas created a unique combination of material and process. The production breakthrough will take the running shoe standard to the next level, offering unprecedented individualised support and cushioning for every foot, to enable athletes to perform at their best.

The Suicide Squad

ChampionshipSSSSS or bust.
(Photo credit to the owner)

When it is all said and done, Earl Timothy Cone will most likely be lauded as the greatest PBA coaching mind to ever grace this side of the sporting world. His 18 PBA championships has launched him above his very own local idol, the late great Baby Dalupan, if his impressive feat of winning two Grand Slams in different eras with different teams hasn't already.

But just when you thought that there was no challenge left for Coach Tim to overcome, here comes what is arguably the most Herculean of tasks bestowed upon him: to reward the millions of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fans by turning the once underdogs turned under-achievers into a legitimate, PBA champion team.

See, Ginebra isn't the Los Angeles Lakers of the PBA. They are the New York Knicks. Loved. Popular. But hardly any rings to show for. Who is the PBA's Lakers? That's their sister team Purefoods. The Boston Celtics? That's San Miguel Beer. It is all about the championships, always.

When San Miguel brass opted to extract Cone from STAR where he was comfortably gearing up for multiple title runs, they knew that they were already sacrificing the identity of Ginebra. With Cone, they will no longer be underdogs. They haven't been underdogs in a long time, really. Never say die? What's that? The title drought was more due to poor coaching, the support of fans going into their players' heads turning them into basketball divas and overall just subpar play.

Don't blame the refs

Fat Andray wasn't a match for fit Yi
(Photo credit to the owner)

After all that has happened in the recently concluded gold medal match of the 2015 FIBA Asia tournament between eventual champions China and our very own Gilas Pilipinas, we feel that some circles are selling the Chinese short because of what is now being called as dubious officiating.

See, even before the match started our minds were already conditioned not to expect a fair fight. Then came Manny V. Pangilinan's series of tweets about how the team bus was delayed/ eventually replaced, the Philippine contingent having difficulty getting tickets and even of how our basket was surprisingly being "fixed" during warm-ups while the Chinese were already busy doing their lay-up rounds.

We were in China, the crowd was already hostile from the start. The Chinese were never known to be the hospitable bunch when it came to foreigners seeking glory in their lands. What did we expect? Some Filipino hospitality? For them to lay out the red carpet for their "enemies?" No. It was poor sports/ gamesmanship, sure. But to the Chinese, they took everything that they could to ensure victory-- both on and off the court. Because there was no one who stood up to say that "hey, this is wrong (we are looking at you, FIBA)," then the Chinese just went about their business at the expense or every single Filipino basketball fans' hopes and dreams.

Trade reaction: Joe DeVance to Ginebra

JDV to Ginebra
(Photo credit to the owner)

This is the sad reality of the current state of Philippine basketball: there are the major players, the independents, and those who exist only to serve and appease the former.

Let us take a look at the most recent trades which involved the following teams: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, STAR Hotshots, GlobalPort Batang Pier and Barako Bull Energy Cola. Two are sister teams, one has been a long time conduit while another seems to be well on its way as an insurance policy type of conduit. Needless to say, these four teams have always transacted with one another. They have never bothered to look elsewhere for trades most of the time. And as much as we would like to quit saying that yes, there are farm teams in the PBA, well, there are farm teams in the PBA.

If you would like to disagree, let us break down the trades then shall we?

Salamat Gilas 3

#PUSO
(Photo credit to the owner)

Mga kababayan ko
Dapat lang malaman niyo
Bilib ako sa kulay ko
Ako ay Pilipino
Kung may itim o may puti 
Mayroon naman kayumanggi
Isipin mo na kaya mong
Abutin ang iyong minimithi 

- Magalona, F.

Tapos na ang FIBA Asia 2015 kung saan naiuwi ng ating Gilas 3 ang pilak habang ang host country na Tsina ang siyang nag uwi ng gintong medalya. Marami tayong pwedeng sabihin tungkol sa nasabing laro na katatapos lang, pero hindi tayo ganong klaseng basketball fans. Hindi tayo casual lang na biglang sumuporta sa koponan natin kasi nakapasok sa Finals. Manalo o matalo, lamyado o hindi, suporta pa din tayo. Kaya sa Tsina, saludo kami sa mga manlalaro niyo na para bang nagbabadya na kayo na muli ang magiging Asian basketball powerhouse sa susunod na mga taon.

Are you not entertained?

EASY! EASY!
(Photo credit to FIBA.com)

After all the drama and hardships leading into the formation of the team, Gilas 3 is back in the semifinals of the FIBA Asia tournament wherein we have a realistic chance of defending our precious "golden" silver or better yet-- winning it all en route to a seat in the 2016 Rio Olympics to do battle with the world's best basketball players.

But first, we need to beat Japan tomorrow before we even entertain thoughts of facing either defending champions and longtime tormentors Iran or the "rebuilt" basketball dynasty that is China.

If the game versus Lebanon is to be of any indication, you could say that we are on the right path though there are some things that we still need to work on if our goal indeed is to not simply enjoy a podium finish but rather facing global basketball superpowers like US, Spain and Argentina, among others. Today, Jayson Castro and Andray Blatche proved that they are arguably the best 1-2 punch in all of Asian basketball, maybe rivalling/ besting Iran's Nikkhah Bahrami and Hamed Haddadi even. Castro was just in a world of his own: finishing with 25 points, blitzing into the lane and besting his young Lebanese counterpart. Blatche? Though he started the tournament out of shape, the 6"11 reinforcement is starting to show flashes of his natural form by dropping 25 points and 17 rebounds on a Lebanese side that just didn't have anyone to match him with.

Blatche is big, quick, strong and finesse but at the same time he doesn't seem to mind getting his hands dirty when called upon.

87 - 73

The Beast, unleashed
(Photo credit FIBA.com)

There are no words at the moment to best describe how our very own Gilas Pilipinas beat the reigning FIBA Asia champions Iran in yesterday's 2nd round match-up of the very same tournament.

On one side, Iran was blowing through the competition by a margin of at least 40 points. They were running their sets, dominating from start to finish, and doing it all despite the relatively subpar efforts from resident stars Nikkhah Bahrami and Hamed Haddadi (Mahdi Kamrani and up-and-coming star power forward Mohammad Hassanzadeh were doing much of the damage early on for German Coach Dirk Bauermann). They were simply that good.

For our Philippine team, well, we started the FIBA Asia tournament by losing a big lead-- and the game to then unranked Palestine. We proceeded to blow out Hong Kong and Kuwait, as was expected, but then struggled against a Japanese side to start the 2nd round-- a team that Iran basically pummelled into submission by a margin of more than 30 points. Oh, and Andray Blatche hurt his ankle in that same game, a night versus this heavyweight match-up with Iran. Also, we have yet to really see Dondon Hontiveros, JC Intal and Terrence Romeo light guys up from beyond the arc.

So yeah, forgive us for not liking our chances against Iran.

Trade reaction: Arana to SMB, Pascual to Barako, 2016 2nd round pick to RoS

Underrated
(Photo credit to the owner)

Being a true blooded Rain or Shine fan (and a proud La Sallian for about the bulk of my life in the academe), this one stings quite a bit since Ryan Arana has always been a favorite of mine. Drafted 12th overall in the 2nd round of the 2007 PBA Draft, Arana has found a niche in the PBA even before Coach Yeng Guiao introduced his gung-ho style to the team (which all but liberated Arana).

Here's how the most recent PBA deal went:

A time to believe

"May nag-text, si Junemar."
(Photo credit to FIBA.com)

You'll have to forgive me for being unable to provide post-game, couch potato analysis of Gilas 3's initial three games into the FIBA Asia tournament currently being held in some half-empty gym somewhere in China. This proud OFW was on a much-needed, first-ever annual vacation leave (to Manila) and spent most of his (days and) nights shopping, eating pork and or keeping in step with the #AlDub phenomena.

Rest assured however that we were still able to follow all three matches: the shock loss to Palestine and the expected consecutive drubbing of Hong Kong and Kuwait.

While we didn't end up as the Group Leader, we are still fortunate enough to make it into the next round which is the start of the knockout stage. Don't expect Gilas 3 to take opponents lightly from here on out, now that they had their pants pulled from under them their first game into the tournament. No, we fully expect Coach Tab Baldwin to keep pressing our guys to play at a high level since we firmly believe that his job is also on the line.

You do not get the services of Andray Blatche, and whoever this mystery US scout is that was added to the team just recently, to lose to an unranked Palestine basketball team that only had 3 legitimate, top-notch basketball players.

In the next round, we're grouped with Gold medalists Iran, followed by Japan, India, Palestine and Hong Kong. Of the teams, Iran is most likely to secure top seed while Japan, Palestine and India are possible sleepers (with Palestine already owning a victory on us).

Still, there's a lot of hope for Gilas 3 to make it into the next round should we continue to play heads' up basketball.

Calvin Abueva has been a true revelation here; when he wasn't even considered by Coach Tab Baldwin for the team. The man known as "The Beast" has cut down on his theatrics and simplified his game back to when he was playing college ball at San Sebastian-- attack the rim basketball on offense, tenacious and intense on defense.

This has allowed Coach Tab to relegate former Gilas defensive/ energy guy Gabe Norwood to the bench (keeping him fresh for the next round/s), with newbies Matt Rosser and JC Intal also looking for minutes behind Abueva. Speaking of which, Rosser has provided Gilas with a defensive spark as an awesome weakside/ help shotblocker while Intal has proven himself worthy of his spot by hitting the occasional jumpshot/ three pointer when presented him. Sure, he still makes some bone headed plays here and there owing to his hesitant style of play, but it's not like he's a complete dud when he's on the court.

Andray Blatche's conditioning is still a concern, since he seems to be good for only 20-25 minutes of solid play. Versus Palestine, he started off hot and went cold in the 2nd half-- while others would argue that it was because Palestine went exclusively to playing zone defense, Blatche made it easier for them since he was hardly moving without the ball. In the next two matches against Hong Kong and Kuwait, Blatche picked his spots and sizzled more in the 2nd half but not after making some silly fouls which were obviously meant to get him subbed out of the game for a breather.

Make no mistake about it, Gilas needs Blatche to win versus Iran. And Korea. And China. And those souped up Middle Eastern teams that we might run into if we are to make it to the next round.

As for our bigs: Sonny Thoss, Ranidel de Ocampo, Asi Taulava and Marc Pingris-- they are all proving that there is life for Philippine basketball sans 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo. Sure, Fajardo's the definite future of the game, but don't count out the old standard bearers just yet. Thoss has been moving his feet quite well in this tournament while proving to be a heavy force in the paint on both offense and defense, de Ocampo has embraced his new role as the resident enforcer, Pingris has been on and off due to foul trouble while Taulava continues to shine in limited bursts. With Blatche at the helm, we don't really need any of our local bigs to dominate the ball or call for isolations, so we don't really miss Fajardo as much as most of his fans would care to argue for.

Now about our guards... we're stuck with Dondon Hontiveros. He's been okay, some vintage streaks here and there, but well... it was either him or Gary David. And we've had enough of David when he suited up for Gilas 2.

As for Jayson Castro, he's currently our top scorer with 15.7 ppg (Blatche is second with 15.3 ppg). What's nice about Castro is he's doing it in a very controlled manner-- he's no longer just barrelling into the lane for kamikaze drives and or the occasional kickout pass/ turnover. He's taking confident threes, driving when the opponent is sleeping and just bullying guys here and there when he feels like it. Basically, Castro has evolved into the point guard that we've all prayed he'd be (Jimmy Alapag's feel for the game and IQ plus Mark Caguioa's explosive scoring ability).

Then there's Golden Boy Terrence Romeo, who will probably see an out-of-this-world surge in popularity once his Gilas 3 campaign is said and done (if he hasn't already). Despite playing behind Castro and continuing to figure out his spots versus complex, "one-on-one forays unfriendly" zone defenses, Romeo still managed to be the team's 3rd best scorer with 13.7 ppg while not alienating any of his seniors.

Moving forward, Gilas needs to stay focused and not let up. This team is still not there cohesion-wise. The system that they're running... they often drop it in favor of one on one plays. Against a well-disciplined team like Iran and Korea, who basically run the same things from start to finish, this could spell our defeat. As far as breaking zone defenses... our shooters need to make shots. OR, Blatche, Abueva and Castro need to break it with elite-level plays.

What we love about Gilas 3 however, as compared to Gilas 1 and 2, is its consistency in terms of defense and effort. While we can't always score, we can count on Abueva, Rosser, Norwood, Pingris and Castro to come up with stops and lock guys up. We'll see how our defenders fare from here on out with the level of competition going up in the coming days.

Gold, silver or bronze.

Laban Pilipinas!

All In

There is more to these two words than just being a new marketing campaign for a local mobile network just so happens to be footing the bill for Gilas 3. These words, though short and straight to the point, reflect how every living Filipino basketball fan- regardless of PBA allegiance, should feel about the Gilas 3 team that is on its way to China for the coming FIBA Asia tournament.

Can the media do us all a big favor and stop featuring outsiders? Can they please stop quoting those who chose not to play for flag and country owing to whatever? We do not care about them, they will not be playing this September 23. They are nuisances, collectively, since they chose not to be part of the task at hand. They chose not to speak up, they chose to sit this one out, and even if we have every right to crucify and chastise them, the mere fact that we aren't, should be enough. So please, we do not care if Junemar Fajardo wants to visit the team in their final practices. Or if L.A. Tenorio, Marcio Lassiter and even Paul Lee get the green light.

The focus should be on Gilas 3.

Are we there yet?

Riding in Tandem: Asia Beware
(Photo credit to the owner)

If Gilas 3's silver medal finish in the just concluded 34th William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei is to serve as a preview of things to come, considering that we didn't have the services of naturalized center Andray Blatche, then there is real hope for a podium finish come the FIBA Asia tournament just a few weeks from now.

Again, it would be wise to not expect Gilas 3 to win the gold outright and qualify for the 2016 Olympics. But salvaging maybe a bronze or silver isn't that out of the question even with a roster robbed of 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, shooters Marcio Lassiter and Jeff Chan and the on-court wizardy of Paul Lee.

Here's a quick post-tournament review of our guys' performances, what they need to work on and if they can make the final cut of 12 players (plus 2 reserves).

Terrence Romeo: Grade A

The man who literally stole the limelight and hearts not only of the Filipinos but also of the Taiwanese crowd (hi Jenny Yu!). It seems as though Romeo is indeed quite the fast learner, after his dreadful Estonia campaign wherein he tried his streetball approach only to fail miserably. He's either attacking the basket or taking the 3. If there's no room to operate, he doesn't spend too much time with the ball and simply rotates it to someone else.

Jayson Castro: Grade B

Castro was solid but not stellar, still it was good enough for him to take home a Mythical Five selection in the Jones Cup which says a lot about how the Asian basketball community looks at his play. A lot of folks got the "cruise control" feel from Castro in this one, which we minded at first but big picture-wise, considering that Castro is an injury waiting to happen all by himself, we'll take it for now. Basta pag FIBA Asia na, ratratan na ulit.

Jimmy Alapag: Grade INC

Injured quads. Got to shake of that rust cap. Didn't play enough minutes (or games, in general) to really merit a score here. Whatever, we all know what Captain Jimmy is all about-- and even if he has stepped away from the game for a few months, we can always count on the Mighty Mouse when it counts.

Gary David: Grade B

While David wasn't lighting the competition up per se, he still looked a lot better in this Jones Cup than the one we saw in 2013.A lot of folks are already saying that David's spot on the roster is on the line with guys like Rosser and Intal in the mix, but if you ask us, there's always a need for a creator/ shooter specially in international meets.

Dondon Hontiveros: Grade B

Sure, when Hontiveros is cold he's basically cold the entire game, but even if that's the case you can still always count on his superb perimeter defense despite the wear and tear. With the lack of natural shooters on the roster, David and Hontiveros are practically locks on that final 12.

Matt Rosser: Grade B

Jack-of-all-trades type who can defend and pester guys from 1 to 3. His offense was a little shaky in a few games, but when he commits to the drive and teardrop he's basically automatic. His only flaw is when he half-asses the drive, and looks to pass, he usually telegraphs it by slowing down two or three steps to look for anyone to kick it out to.

Gabe Norwood: Grade B

We saw glimpses of FIBA Gabe here and there, was probably challenged by the number of wings Coach Tab brought along for this trip. Anyway, we're not even worried for Gabe at this point. His experience, athleticism and decision making still makes him the best option to play both roles of point-forward and star stopper.

JC Intal: Grade C

We love JC Intal's effort and commitment for flag and country. But he's still not the same old JC Intal from Ateneo. When he just chooses to score, rebound or pass, he looks like a natural. When he catches the ball and overthinks the game, tries to be fancy, tries to create for another-- he just messes it up and looks like an amateur. Hopefully, this Gilas run will help him continue going back to his "Rocket" ways. 

Ranidel de Ocampo: Grade A

Sure he started the tournament sidelined, but de Ocampo quickly showed why he's arguably the best damn power forward in the PBA today once he joined the madness that is Gilas 3. From knocking down the 3 balls, making basic pick and roll/ pop plays to even delivering the occasional wayward People's Elbow to Jones Cup fugazis-- RdO's already locked in on the FIBA Asia tournament.

Marc Pingris: Grade B (sentimental A)

While Ping didn't really have one of his signature defensive games. much has to be said about his overall commitment to the Gilas program. Right now, we're hearing news of him possibly being traded by his PBA ball club as a form of "punishment" for choosing to play for Gilas 3 which could be destructive for him legacy/ career-wise (specially if they simply choose to not play him at all instead of trading him left and right). But Pingris has made it known that he doesn't care about the politics, as long as he can proudly serve flag and country.

Troy Rosario: Grade C

This kid is the future. Works the baseline, rebounds, hustles, can even be relied upon to keep in step with Asian small forwards from time to time thanks to his solid lateral footwork. We didn't see a lot of Rosario in this tournament, but he'll definitely be one of the anchors for the Gilas program in the next couple of years (specially if he can develop a pocket post move or two).

Aldrech Ramos: Grade D

Ramos has the looks and the stretch 4 skills, but the commitment and heart on the court needs to show. We love how he's a part of the program now, if only to expose him to star caliber teammates and competition. What he does with the whole Gilas learning program moving forward in his basketball career is entirely up to him.

Moala Tautuaa: Grade A

Sweet baby Jeezus this dude is a monster! That putback jam on Quincy Davis' poor bald noggin', going coast to coast with ease for a man of his size and strength... basically got us singing: MOVE B, GET OUT THE WAY! Oh, he's not eligible for FIBA Asia unless Andray Blatche doesn't suit up-- which is an alternate reality that we don't want to happen.

Sonny Thoss: Grade C

Whatever happened to Thoss? The way he's been playing the last two years, you'd think that a Monstar from Michael Jordan's mid 90s starrer- Space Jam stole his talent or something. Sure, we saw some flashes, but overall Thoss looked slow and sluggish. Hell, his 42-year old, 6"10 xx lbs. teammate definitely out-hustled and out-worked from where we are seated.

Asi Taulava: Grade A

One more time, for flag and country. Taulava has paid his dues and then some. He has played for Pilipinas and carried the cudgels for us after Marlou Aquino with no complaints, even if there are still some circles who would call out his true citizenship. The nice thing about Taulava right now is that, he's at the point in his career wherein he can just play basketball and not worry about being scouted by NBA agents or what not. The door for that has long been closed. He's there to help Pilipinas win and make history. Sure, his offense is definitely limited, but he's playing more like the blue collar guy we've all needed/ wanted him to be.

Calvin Abueva: Grade A

No scouting reports here for you, all we can say is that he is just as effective anywhere he plays and in whatever role you ask him to perform. Romeo stole the show, Castro was the established star, but Abueva definitely is going to be the X-factor/ game-changer that not a lot of Asian teams have on their rosters.

There are still some questions with Gilas 3 such as if and when Andray Blatche returns, will he be in shape and if Jordan Clarkson is (1) FIBA eligible (2) allowed by the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers to play more than 3 games and (3) how his addition will affect overall team chemistry given the number of days left on the calendar until the FIBA Asia tournament.

Laban Pilipinas!

The Learning Curve

"Yo Jim, who's the kid with the blonde hair?"
(Photo credit to the owner)

First and foremost, it would be very wise indeed to temper expectations.

If you've been following both this blog and our Twitter page @kilikilishot, you'd probably crucify us for asking Gilas 3 to try and win big now in the ongoing 2015 William Jones Cup (and continue to do so en route to FIBA Asia). But, since this is the blog behind the Twitter account and here we are allowed to put more thought in what he type on the keyboard, we should all take a step back and belive in the process-- even if it means losing more games from here until September 23, when the FIBA Asia tournament commences.

Terrence Romeo, Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Gary David, Dondon Hontiveros, Calvin Abueva, JC Intal, Gabe Norwood, Matt Rosser, Aldrech Ramos, Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, Moala Tautuaa, Troy Rosario, Sonny Thoss and Asi Taulava.

Those are the guys that we brought to Chinese Taipei for the Jones Cup, with naturalized center Andray Blatche attending to some personal issues back in the United States. Head coach Tab Baldwin has been tinkering with his line-up so far, Yeng Guiao-style, in hopes of developing on-court chemistry among certain players who you would otherwise not expect to even look one another in the eye.

Against all odds

Talk about having to earn your keep
(Photo credit to the owner)

The late Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, was once quoted for saying that "the strongest steel goes through the hottest fire." While we're not entirely sure that Gilas 3 has gone through the "hottest" of ordeals (yet, or maybe they're in the middle of it), they sure as hell aren't enjoying the cool breeze as they prepare for the FIBA Asia tournament this coming September 23.

Consider the following "challenges" that Gilas 3 has endured/ is enduring: the continued SMC player drama; Andray Blatche being overweight, losing an uncle and needing to tend to his ailing mother; Kelly Williams, on the very first official practice day for Gilas 3, tearing his MCL; JC Intal losing his father-in-law; expected injuries/ player-maintenance and the team's overall inability to practice as one, complete (and healthy) unit.

It would be very wise to temper all expectations, folks.

Let the madness ensue

Saan po yung biyaheng TNT?
(Photo credit to the owner)

Really, let it ensue. Let the madness that is the PBA pre-season wheeling and dealing commence!

Troy Rosario to Talk'n'Text, Kevin Alas to NLEX, Aldrech Ramos, Rob Reyes and Nino Canaleta to Mahindra

How can you not love this trade for TNT? They just landed this year's coveted 1st (Moala Tautuaa) and 2nd (Rosario) picks which basically ensures that they will remain a dominant force in the league for years to come. Don't hate on this so much if you happen to be anti-Team MVP, since this is basically the 2015 version of the 2010 mugging of Air21 wherein San Miguel basically and literally bought that year's 1st and 2nd picks-- Noy Baclao and Rabeh Al Hussaini. What goes around, comes around right? On the flip side, sister team NLEX will have to wait until sophomore Kevin Alas recovers from injury but once he does they should have one of the more exciting backcourts with Alas and rookie Garvo Lanete outside of GlobalPort's looming three-headed monster of Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle and Roi Sumang.

Thoughts on RoS' 2015 PBA Draft

Yung itsurang "uhm, sure kayo? Touch move?"
(Photo credit to the owner)

Admittedly, we are Rain or Shine Elastopainters fans.

We never hid it from anyone, though we do try our very best to remain objective anytime we get into the PBA Playoffs (ilista mo na yan!)/ Finals (forever bridesmaids). So this is basically our way of sharing with everyone here, our thought-process and feeling during the 2015 PBA Draft which we monitored online from overseas.

That's how much we love RoS, basketball and the PBA.

Yung tipong nagnanakaw kami ng tingin sa ibang window, kunwari nagta-type o may inaaral habang asa gitna ng office hours, tapos yung amo namin andun lang sa kabilang side ng kwarto patingin tingin kung nag bib0usy-busyhan lang kami o full on petiks ba.

Let's start with our first round draft pick, 3rd overall: MAVERICK AHANMISI

The Search for the Next Filipino Sniper

The GOAT
(Photo credit to the owner)

Time is quickly running out as you just spent what felt like a lifetime watching a brilliantly executed offensive play push the enemy ahead by two and on the cusp of the title.  The whole arena is on fire while your point guard screams at you and your teammates to get into position for one last shot at victory with no timeouts left to call. All the players, offense and defense, rush down the hardcourt. The mood is chaotic. You could barely hear your teammates and coaches on the bench screaming what play should be run and who should bring the ball down.

It doesn’t matter.

While the defenders try to stop the ballhandler, to whom you’ve already decided to put your whole trust on even before the game started, you run to the wings just above the three-point line.  Your man steps in front of you, so you take a strong cut in, only to run back out. You’ve been in this situation before. The math is simple: three is greater than two. This is why you’re here. Your man scrambles back, but is blindsided by a sturdy pick set by your favorite nuthouse of a power forward. Your point guard makes quick eye contact and in that same breath the dotted texture of the basketball is all that you feel on your fingertips.

The crowd is silenced. Every one falls helpless as you let it fly. There is no point in boxing out for the rebound as the buzzer rings.

2015 PBA Draft - 1st round Grades

"Here's the ball rook, run with it"
(Photo credit to the owner)

While the mood was unceremoniously subdued by new PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa's announcement that no trades were to take place in the 2015 PBA Draft proceedings, it was still quite a haul for most PBA teams, the applicants and their followers.

Honestly, this year's draft made the most sense for all the teams involved since most went to address their immediate needs rather than just blindly bobbing for apples. A few surprises/highlights include the Sinag/ Gilas Cadet alumni being picked early, Coach Yeng Guiao's "we need a big/ wing but we'll draft a surprise PG pick anyway just to mess with you mock draft nerds," and above all-- Roi Sumang "dropping" all the way down into the 3rd round after being projected as a possible and legitimate first round talent.

Because the 2015 PBA Draft went all the way down to the 6th (!) round and we, admittedly, have little to no idea about some of the names chosen, we'll stick with handing out grades for the 1st round selections.

1. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters - Moala Tautuaa
When Tautuaa opted to throw his hat into the PBA D-League last year in hopes of joining the 2015 PBA Draft, TNT basically moved some parts to ensure that they will be able to acquire his services (or Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.'s, who opted not to join). Looking at the 6"7 Fil-Tonggan, it's easy to understand why TNT would go for him at this spot after losing Ali Peek to retirement and now Kelly Williams to injury and Jay Washington to a trade. He looked pretty solid while playing in the ABL and D-League, he has the size, speed and strength to combat any PBA big man, 2x PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo included.
Grade: A

2015 PBA Draft Complete Results

Our heartfelt congratulations to the following amateur standouts who were selected in the recently concluded 2015 PBA Draft.

2015 PBA Draft 1st pick overall
Moala Tautuaa - Talk n Text
(Photo credit to the owner)

View the full list of draftees and which team they went to here:

Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters
1.1 Moala Tautuaa (PF)
3.9 Michole Sorela (C)
4.7 Joshua Cobillo (SG)
5.5 Emilian Vargas (SG)

Mahindra Enforcers 
1.2 Troy Rosario (PF)
2.2 Bradwyn Guinto (C)
3.2 Leodaniel de Vera (SF)
4.2 Michael Vincent DiGregorio (SG)
5.2 Alexander Austria (SG)

An uphill climb

The Beast, unleashed.
(Photo credit to the owner)

Here's a simple challenge for the everyday white collar, suit-wearing employee:

The most common and widely accepted way of tying a necktie is the everyday man's four-in-hand knot. You know it as your "go to" move when you're late for a meeting and don't really mind an uneven knot for as long as it looks like a God damn necktie tied around your neck. Did you know that there are 17 more ways (probably even more) to tie it? One of the more complicated ones is called the Christensen knot.

Now imagine entering a necktie-tying speed contest, versus natural Christensen knot users, while you only learned the blasted thing about a week ago.

The above scenario pretty much captures Gilas 3's current predicament, losing 2 games to unranked FIBA teams over in a pocket tournament in Estonia, somewhere in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. The first loss was to the Netherlands, 62-89, wherein Gilas 3 was pretty much made to look like a bunch of amateurs that have never organized correct basketball. The second was against host Estonia, 80-90, wherein Gilas 3 looked like they were able to adjust to some of the things that were going on but in reality it was more of the host country opting to sit their stars in the 4th quarter and take their "foot off the gas" so to speak.

This is going to be a process.

Small moves, new beginnings

Still waiting for Jervy to live up
to his Baby Patrimonio potential
(Photo credit to the owner)

Finally, a couple of PBA off-season deals that we could write about!

Who would've thought that it would be the GlobalPort Batang Pier squad of Boss Mikee Romero doing all the wheeling and dealing off/ pre-season? And no, it's not to serve at any of the two giant corporation's pleasure even but to actually try and continue building a legitimate darkhorse contender for the coming season.

There are rumors however that this is only the beginning, and that more trades will follow suit. No worries, the more trades and transactions there are going into next week's 2015 PBA Draft, the more copies we can write, rave and rant about!

Tuloy ang ligaya kahit off-season!

Jervy Cruz to GlobalPort, Jewel Ponferada + 2015 PBA Draft 2nd round pick to Rain or Shine

#ThankYouKuyaMarcus

Gilas I is Douthit
(Photo credit to PhilStar.com)

For all the on and off court success enjoyed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' Gilas men's basketball program, we wouldn't fault the casual fan if they thought that it has always been this way form the very start.

Because quite honestly, it wasn't.

It took the addition of 6"11 US NCAA Division 1 standout Marcus Douthit of the Providence College Friars to get the program going from "just another basketball team" to "Asian basketball powerhouse" somewhere around 2009 to 2010.

See, the Gilas program was initially meant to do away with hastily forming a PBA All Star team whenever an international meet would come up. Most of the players who signed up for the program were fresh out of college: Mark Barroca, JVee Casio, Dylan Ababou, Mac Baracael and Chris Tiu. They then added some more names such as Japeth Aguilar, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz, but overall they were a bunch of snot-nosed college kids being asked to reclaim Asian basketball supremacy for the Philippines-- even if they were coached by Serbian Rajko Toroman.

Quite the tall order, really.

For flag and country

Against all odds
(Photo credit to the owner)

While we do not condone the actions of those who begged off from being part of the Gilas 3 men's basketball team, we cannot and will not crucify them for it either

As we have previously mentioned, we will just keep moving forward with the names that we have. From top to bottom, "PBA wish list" aside, we are looking at Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Gary David, Dondon Hontiveros, Matt Rosser, Calvin Abueva, Gabe Norwood, JC Intal, Ranidel de Ocampo, Troy Rosario, Moala Tautuaa, Aldrech Ramos, Sonny Thoss, Asi Taulava and Andray Blatche.

You could throw in retired/unretired Jimmy Alapag, and you are looking at 16 proud and willing basketball players who should be celebrated rather than questioned.

Ricky Rubio to #TakeOnManila

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Oh Captain, Our Captain

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

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

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

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

2015 PBA Mock Draft V 4.0

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

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

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

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

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

Gilas 3

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

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

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

* - already begged off

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

#BeerYear

Dynasty.
(Photo credit Sports5.ph) 

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

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

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

Life at the crossroads

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

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

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

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

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

Saging lang ang may puso

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#Puso hindi #Bulsa

#Bayan hindi #Sarili

Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

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

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

Denok Miranda? Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Sol Mercado? Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Dave Marcelo? Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Joseph Yeo? Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

EAT.

SLEEP.

TRADE.

REPEAT.

To infinity and beyond

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

Where do we go from here, STAR Hotshots?

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

Great. Just great.

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

But Webb?