Laban Pilipinas!

Laban!

And then there were 12.

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

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

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

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

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

The Final Cut

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

Or cuts.

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

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

Tried, tested... and waiting

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

Welcome to PBA fandom limbo.

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

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

Okay, okay. Sorry. Moving on.

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

Will you still love me tomorrow

#WhatIf
(Photo credit: spin.ph)

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

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

Fourteen Strong

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

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

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

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

On the bubble

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

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

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

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

Para sa bayan ?

(Photo credit: Rappler.com)

This was bound to happen.

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

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

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

Gilas OQT preps are in full swing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our RoS story and what's next

Photo credit: Sports5.ph

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

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

How good was Cornley?

Course correction

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

Well, someone has to say it.

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

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

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

What now, Alaska?

DEFIANT
(Photo credit: Spin.ph)

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

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

But what is there to be sad about, really?

More than just Racal

RAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

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

But it is not just Racal.

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

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

KKS Trade Reaction: STAR Reloaded

Garcia the STAR
(Photo credit: Interaksyon.com)

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

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

Which brings us to the STAR Hotshots.

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

KKS Trade Reaction: Dehesa to GlobalPort

Dehesa moving up
(Photo credit: Rivals.ph)

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

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

KKS Trade Reaction: Monfort to NLEX

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

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

Until he got drafted into the PBA.

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

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

On to the grades then.

PBA CC Finals: 3 Alaska vs 5 Rain or Shine

#IndieWars
(Photo: GMAnews.tv)

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

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

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

No drama, just basketball.

adidas unveils new James Harden PEs

Photo credit: adidas

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

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

Dare to dream

Bring him in
(Photo credit: Rappler.com)

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

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

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

Rio?

Anything is possible.

PBA CC SF: 2 Meralco vs 3 Alaska

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

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

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

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

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

Babyfat Assassin FTW 

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

Grudge Match
(Photo credit: Spin.Ph)

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

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

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

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

So how does SMB beat RoS?

PBA CC Playoffs 2 Meralco vs 7 NLEX

Newsome's Time
(Photo credit: PBA Inquirer)

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

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

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

PBA CC Playoffs: 1 San Miguel vs 8 Star

Ngiting Gary D.
(Photo by: PBA Inquirer)

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

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

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

Now?

PBA CC Playoffs: 4 Ginebra vs 5 Rain or Shine

RISE
(Photo credit: PBA.inquirer.net)

This is going to be a slobber-knocker.

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

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

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

PBA CC Playoffs: 3 Alaska vs 6 Tropang TNT

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

We are in for a basketball classic.

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

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

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

Off the track

Still a G
(PBA.Inquirer.net)

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

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

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

Life goes on

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

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

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

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

Blik N U, D N Q Pgod

(Photo credit: Interaksyon.com

Mahirap maging isang Lewis Alfred Tenorio.

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

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

Life without Gary

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

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

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

KKS reaction: Gary David, UFA

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

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

Cruising along

Wilkerson
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

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

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

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

We will tell you what changed.

Checking on Gilas

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

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

So here is where we are right now:

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

Yikes.

Tempered expectations

(Photo credit to the owner)

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

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

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

We would argue that it is a little of both.