The Ginebra Blueprint (Part 2)

Team continuity and good looks help too.
(Photo credit to the owner)

(... continued)

Here’s a rundown of the PBA teams who could try to be like Ginebra/ build a fanbase like Ginebra (if they haven't already):

Alaska – they almost came close to becoming the new Ginebra until Management decided to pull in the reins a bit and go back to their identity as prim and proper, clean-cut subdivision basketball players (aided by a few trabahador imports, of course).

Blackwater, Phoenix, Mahindra – young franchises who; if they play their cards right and not be involved in lopsided deals, could build on young, proven collegiate talent + established veteran names who are looking for one last shot at the limelight, could  go somewhere. Manny Pacquiao's popularity certainly gave Mahindra a bit of an early lead though.

The Ginebra Blueprint (Part 1)

Lahing Ginebra, laking Ginebra
(Photo credit: Inquirer.net)

The Philippine Basketball Association appears to be at a complete loss when it comes to trying to achieve even a quarter of the Manila Classico live audiences for games that do not feature Barangay Ginebra (and in some ways, Star Hotshots).

Just how on earth did Ginebra grow into such a cash-cow, given the fact that it has hardly been in the PBA Finals while also being a non-family friendly brand in itself? Is it really because of Robert Jaworski, Sr.’s magic? The man dubbed as the “Living Legend” has been retired for nearly two decades now. Is it because of the “masa” charm of their players? Greg Slaughter, Sol Mercado and Chris Ellis do not exactly connect with the stereotype.

So what gives?

KKS Trade Reaction: Cortez to GlobalPort

Back in green... NEON green, that is.
(Photo credit: Aktv)

GlobalPort Batang Pier recently acquired the services of veteran point guard Mike Cortez from the Blackwater Elite for Ronald Pascual in what has mostly been an under-the-radar sort of trade.

Under-the-radar, since there was little to no fanfare surrounding the deal involving an oft-injured 35-year-old and the little-used sophomore. Though this could very well be a "low risk, high reward" type of deal should things go as planned for both teams.

Why, you ask?

When you wish upon a STAR

Keep on
(Photo credit: Inquirer.net)

Other than Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Japeth Aguilar, we have grown fond of mocking and ridiculing STAR Hotshots head coach Jason Webb at every chance we get on social media. To be clear, we are making fun of them NOT as human beings, but rather as ill-equipped basketball personalities.

Aguilar being the “has all the athletic gifts of an NBA talent but the IQ of a JV player” and Webb, well, let us talk about how Coach Jason’s first season as a legitimate PBA head coach went shall we?
To recap, STAR finished the season with a 10 wins and 19 losses record: 4-7 in the Philippine Cup, 5-6 in the Commissioner’s, and finally 1-6 in the Governor’s. It could very well be concluded that the mid-season acquisition of RR Garcia, Rodney Brondial and Jake Pascual distorted whatever mediocre-level chemistry was present in the team. Sure, Garcia suddenly emerged to play big minutes, but it is not like they gave up any of their core rotation guys to acquire his services (they traded away rookies Mark Cruz and Norbert Torres if we remember correctly).

Should everything be blamed on Coach Jason?

The Revival

Calling the shots
(Photo credit: Inquirer.net)

We owe TNT Katropa head coach Jong Uichico an apology.

For a while there, when Coach Jong appeared to be running everything through Jayson Castro reminiscent of how his mentor Ron Jacobs rode “Da Bull” Nelson Asaytono in the late 90s at San Miguel, we started to believe that this guy was nothing more than a relic. A relic who insists on running outdated hero/ isolation plays in an ever-evolving sport of spread-out offenses and taller three-point specialists.

What made it even worse is that, he seemed to be changing the philosophies and culture of the very team that pioneered and mastered this new, Euro-style of play in the PBA.

Again, we owe him an apology.

The Challenge

Big Mac attack
(Photo credit: philstar.com)

Just when our FIBA ranking went a spot higher (from world-ranked number 28 to 27), here we are shooting ourselves in the foot by not sending our best players (be it in the pros or the amateurs) to an international meet.

Ang kulit naman, oo.

An entirely new set of players will be donning Gilas Pilipinas jerseys in the FIBA Asia Challenge Cup in Tehran, Iran on September 9 to 18. While some are proud alumni of the Gilas Cadets squad, the Gilas 5 team is missing quite a lot: naturalized center Andray Blatche, proven PBA veteran stars, amateur standouts Bobby Parks Jr. and Kiefer Ravena, and more importantly—head coach Tab Baldwin.

Back on track

Sol Train cometh

Historically speaking, we have always been pretty hard on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel's Sol Mercado. If you were to check our Twitter posts about him, we almost always critique him for being the same damn player today as when he entered as the 5th pick in the 2008 PBA Draft.

But that is only because we saw a lot of tools in the Biola University product which could have made him one of the premier players in the league. Hell, he even looked like he was ready to break through the glass ceiling that one season with the Meralco Bolts before they inexplicably sent him elsewhere. Last year with Ginebra, we thought that he could contribute under then head coach Frankie Lim. Not a lot, but there is always some use for a power guard in a league that is known for its physicality.

Graduation day

The Future is NOW.

Ladies and gentlemen, here is your Gilas Pilipinas 5.0 24-man pool: amateur standouts Mon Abundo, Mac Belo, Kemark Carino, Carl Cruz, Ed Daquioag, Russel Escoto, Kevin Ferrer, Alfonzo Gotladera, Jonathan Grey, Jiovani Jalalon, Chris Javier, Ray Parks, Jaymar Perez, Von Pessumal, Roger Pogoy, Kiefer Ravena, Arvin Tolentino, Mike Tolomia, and Arnold Van Opstal; PBA players Yutien Andrada, JP Erram, Matt Ganuelas, and Almond Vosotros; and the ABL’s Matthew Wright.

With the FIBA Asia Challenge Cup all set for September and the PBA locked in its season-ending Governor’s Cup, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) have opted to send amateur stars mostly from their Cadets training pool. While no Olympic berth is at stake in the Tehran tourney, the top five teams in the FIBA Asia Challenge Cup will earn an extra berth for their subzones (i.e. Southeast Asia for Philippines, Thailand, etc.) in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup. 

Four-man race

TNT's Teen Titans

When was the last time that the PBA had four neophytes all going neck-and-neck for the season’s top rookie plum?

It’s almost always a two-man race: Kelly Williams and Arwind Santos, Gabe Norwood and Jarred Dillinger, Junemar Fajardo and Calvin Abueva, with a darkhorse or two coming out of the woodwork. But four guys? The top four picks all delivering in the minutes given to them right away?

We have: TNT Katropa’s Moala Tautuaa (20mpg 11ppg 4rpg 1apg) and Troy Rosario (24mpg 13ppg 5rpg 1apg), Rain or Shine’s Maverick Ahanmisi (21mpg 9ppg 4rpg 3apg) and Meralco’s Chris Newsome (28mpg 12ppg 4rpg 3apg), all engaged in a tight stats battle. They play different roles for their respective teams, but there is no denying that they have already made a name for themselves in the pros.

Supernatural

Peerless.

We have simply run out of adjectives for TNT Katropa’s Jayson Castro at this point.

From averaging 32mpg, 19ppg 4rpg 4apg in the first two conferences of the PBA season, the FIBA Asia recognized “Best Point Guard in Asia” has gone absolutely berserk in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup with a 25mpg 23ppg 6rpg 8apg clip. Let those numbers sink in for a minute. Castro has been so good that he has helped his team go undefeated in four games despite the insipid play of import Mario Little.

PBA All Star Friday: Some Stars, No Fans

The PBA All Star Festivities opened with a whimper, yesterday Friday, with the SMART Araneta Coliseum not even being close to a third of being full. And to think that this is the first time after seven years that the nation’s capital was hosting the prestigious annual showcase.

So what went wrong?

As a marketing professional, allow us to share some insight since this is part of what we do when we are not busy sharing our thoughts on the local basketball front.

adidas releases D Rose 7

adidas D Rose 7

As Derrick Rose prepares for the bright lights of New York City, adidas Basketball starts the next chapter of his signature series with the D Rose 7.  Inspired by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the D Rose 7 is a tribute to Derrick’s beloved hometown of Chicago and the city that raised him.

The D Rose 7 echoes the resilience of Rose’s passion for the game and perseverance through every challenge. The silhouette introduces unique elements of strength and for the first time, incorporates full-length BOOST through a design inspired by fire and one’s willingness to rise from the ashes.  Built for unmatched flexibility and comfort, the D Rose 7 is designed to harness the raw energy of Derrick’s style of play, including powerful strikes against defenders in traffic and speed at both ends of the floor.

“Chicago’s always been my home and this shoe represents the city that made me the man I am today. From how I play the game, how I live my life and how it’s prepared me for my next step in New York,” said Rose.  “It’s the perfect tribute to the city and fans that helped raise and support me.  It’s built for my game and gives me an added incentive knowing that I’m carrying my city with me on every play.”

Straight outta patience

#wenotme , definitely.

Because we are ‘hood like that.

Seriously though, it must be tough to be an Alaska Aces fan these days. The system that is being run by coach Alex Compton obviously works thanks to the four PBA Finals trips but you cannot help but question if your team is actually good enough to win it all.

Good enough; if only Coach Alex would play certain guys longer, or maybe not choose to sit down whoever’s having a near-career night, maybe go younger, and so on.

“This is Alaska! We are #wenotme ! You are not allowed to play 35 minutes, score 30 points and grab 15 rebounds unless you are an import! Sit down! Where’s Tony? Ref, suuuuuubbbbb...”

You get the picture.

Starpower

Encore
(Photo credit: Aktv)

While we have always been critical of the PBA All Star Game format for some of the players who are voted/ selected, we will be the first ones to admit that we don’t mind a fun-filled weekend wherein we are able to see our favorite players ham it up, dance, dribble and dunk with the 4th d, defense, being the last thing in play.

Voted as the North All Stars starters are:  Terrence Romeo, Mark Caguioa, Calvin Abueva, Marc Pingris and Japeth Aguilar. They will be joined by Jayson Castro, Alex Cabagnot, Gabe Norwood (Marcio Lassiter’s replacement), Paul Lee, Ranidel de Ocampo, Stanley Pringle and Troy Rosario, and coached by Rain or Shine’s Yeng Guiao.

For the South, it will be San Miguel’s coach Leo Austria and starters James Yap, Scottie Thompson, Greg Slaughter, June Mar Fajardo and Joe Devance. Coming off the bench are Jeffrei Chan, JR Quinahan, Jericho Cruz, Chris Ross, Mark Barroca, RR Garcia, Carlo Lastimosa and Asi Taulava.

Do we like the rosters?

The Mightiest?

#PUSO... wait, what?
 

Before we proceed, let us first congratulate the Mighty Sports – Philippines team that swept the recently concluded 2016 William Jones Cup en route to the gold medal.

We would like to commend Al Thornton, Vernon Macklin, Zach Graham, Migchael Singletary, Hamady N’Diaye,Dewarick Spencer, Troy Gillenwater, Jason Brickman, Jeric Teng, Leo Avenido, Sunday Salvacion, Larry Rodriguez, TY Tang and head coach Bo Perasol for a job well done. They opted to wear the “Philippines” on their jerseys, and they did not embarrass us in any point of the tournament.

They did however, directly or indirectly, send a few wrong messages.

Starting over again

Say hello to Cyrus Baguio, shooting guard for Phoenix Petroleum.

I remember the first time I saw Baguio play. I was studying in LSGH, rooting for the back-to-back seeking DLSU Green Archers in the 1999 UAAP Finals. I didn’t know much about the UST Growling Tigers as my understanding of the sport was still developing, but from Games 1 to 3, I knew that Baguio was special.

He was a high-flyer by trade, an unstoppable slasher who would (and did) dunk on sleeping fools with no hesitation. He is basically cut from the same cloth as a Terrence Romeo. Pass? Just give them the ball and get out of the way.

Adidas unveils James Harden PEs Crazylight 2016 Liberty

Inspired by the great red, white and blue and James Harden's freedom to create on the hardcourt, adidas recently unveiled an
all-new Harden PE, the Crazylight 2016 Liberty edition.

The white and gray surging camouflage upper is set upon full-length BOOST, which is housed by blue and red herringbone-styled traction rubber and a loaded spring plate in the outsole. The laces continue the theme as a red and blue blend sit atop a blue mesh tongue with Harden branding at the top. A blue heel cup hosting red three stripes rounds out the silhouette, culminating in a shoe built for the game’s fastest players.

Motoring on

Revilla and now teammate Taha
(Photo credit: PBA.inquirer.net)

We will be the first ones to say that when Chito Victolero resigned as acting head coach (in lieu of head coach/ newly-elected Senator Manny Pacquiao), we readily expected the Enforcers to go back to their expansion team ways and maybe just look forward to next season's PBA Draft.

Chris Gavina, Victolero's replacement, is not having any of it. In the on-going PBA Governor's Cup, the Enforcers are currently lording it over with an unblemished 3 wins, 0 losses slate anchored on the steady play of import James White (39mpg 28ppg 13rpg) and locals Aldrech Ramos (29mpg 14ppg 3rpg), L.A. Revilla (31mpg 9ppg 6rpg 4apg) and Nino Canaleta (30mpg 11ppg 3rpg).

FIBA OQT: Gilas vs Tall Blacks

We did our best.
(Photo credit: FIBA.com)

The Olympic Dream felt achievable versus France, the way Gilas played the other night and all, only for the New Zealand Tall Blacks to shut the door on our faces just hours ago.

We all thought that our country's bread and butter when it came to the sport of basketball is our ability to run and wreak havoc, that we were arguably the best at it among all six combatants in the FIBA OQT. We also flirted with the notion that despite being ranked just a few spots below the Tall Blacks, that we had a realistic shot at beating them and somehow making it into the next round. 

No and no.

FIBA OQT: Gilas vs Les Bleus

"Ming Ming Brothers"
(Photo credit: smartgilasbasketball.com)

What. A. Rush.

This, coming from an overseas-based basket-blogger christened by most as a "hater" for simply calling out his (or any) team's short-comings on the basketball court. If you wanted to read about someone endlessly praising your favorite player and or team, then simply look elsewhere. Look to the mainstream reporters and "analysts" who are afraid to call a spade a spade, by virtue of simply not wanting to "bite the hand that feeds them."

If you want to talk about basketball, about what player/team A or X did right or wrong, then please read on. Let the joyful exchange of ideas and light banter, all taken in harmless stride, flow.

Di ka nagkulang.

Still The Beast
(Photo credit: cnnphilippines.com)

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

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

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

Laban Pilipinas!

Laban!

And then there were 12.

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

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

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

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

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

The Final Cut

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

Or cuts.

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

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

Tried, tested... and waiting

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

Welcome to PBA fandom limbo.

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

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

Okay, okay. Sorry. Moving on.

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

Will you still love me tomorrow

#WhatIf
(Photo credit: spin.ph)

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

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

Fourteen Strong

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

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

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

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

On the bubble

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

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

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

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

Para sa bayan ?

(Photo credit: Rappler.com)

This was bound to happen.

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

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

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

Gilas OQT preps are in full swing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our RoS story and what's next

Photo credit: Sports5.ph

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

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

How good was Cornley?

Course correction

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

Well, someone has to say it.

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

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

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

What now, Alaska?

DEFIANT
(Photo credit: Spin.ph)

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

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

But what is there to be sad about, really?

More than just Racal

RAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH
(Photo credit: PBA.Inquirer.net)

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

But it is not just Racal.

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

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

KKS Trade Reaction: STAR Reloaded

Garcia the STAR
(Photo credit: Interaksyon.com)

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

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

Which brings us to the STAR Hotshots.

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

KKS Trade Reaction: Dehesa to GlobalPort

Dehesa moving up
(Photo credit: Rivals.ph)

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

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

KKS Trade Reaction: Monfort to NLEX

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

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

Until he got drafted into the PBA.

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

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

On to the grades then.

PBA CC Finals: 3 Alaska vs 5 Rain or Shine

#IndieWars
(Photo: GMAnews.tv)

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

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

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

No drama, just basketball.

adidas unveils new James Harden PEs

Photo credit: adidas

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

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

Dare to dream

Bring him in
(Photo credit: Rappler.com)

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

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

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

Rio?

Anything is possible.

PBA CC SF: 2 Meralco vs 3 Alaska

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

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

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

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

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

Babyfat Assassin FTW 

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

Grudge Match
(Photo credit: Spin.Ph)

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

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

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

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

So how does SMB beat RoS?

PBA CC Playoffs 2 Meralco vs 7 NLEX

Newsome's Time
(Photo credit: PBA Inquirer)

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

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

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

PBA CC Playoffs: 1 San Miguel vs 8 Star

Ngiting Gary D.
(Photo by: PBA Inquirer)

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

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

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

Now?