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Since wala pa separate thread for PBA, i decided to make one! Dito po natin i-post about the latest news, updates, and scores sa PBA.
I'll start po!
(http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/h/pba.inquirer.net/files/2013/10/600x399xPetron-vs-San-Mig-Coffe-Finals-Game-6_header.jpg.pagespeed.ic._LP4FE-QC7.webp)
Mixers go for the kill
They have overcome a scrambling 1-3 tournament start, survived a sudden death in the quarterfinals and withstood a battle in the semifinals.
And the San Mig Coffee Mixers now want to go all the way to the top.
The Mixers take the first of two cracks at closing out the PBA Governors’ Cup best-of-seven Finals, trying to finish off the embattled Petron Blaze Boosters in Game Six Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“As the series gets longer it gets tougher. Our mindset is that it’s going to be tougher than the last game,” said San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone.
Cone, however, stressed they would not give themselves extra load.
“I’ve been here before, and I don’t want to overstate the fact that they’re a good team. I don’t want to be prophetic saying they’re capable of turning the series around. We’re just gonna rely on our games and just play,” Cone pointed out.
Successful in the last two games putting the Boosters out of their comfort zone, Cone said the idea is to do the same in Game Six.
“We’ll try to find a way to keep them uncomfortable,” said Cone, a win away from leading San Mig Coffee to a 10th crown and a win shy of tying coach Baby Dalupan’s long standing, all-time record of 15 championships.
He just can’t rule out a Petron comeback.
“Right now, we’re down but definitely not out,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla.
There’s a situation right now at Petron, and it’s up for Abanilla to exploit it or blow it.
MVP winner Arwind Santos is in depth of despair following his poor showing in the last two games, and Abanilla has a good rallying point for his team right there.
Santos is begging for support while Abanilla is saying they’re not losing trust and confidence in their main man. The Boosters could be ready to rally around Santos.
Cone, meanwhile, insists they will just come out and play.
On the verge of completing a Finals upset, the Mixers would still rather just play and not put unwanted pressure on themselves.
For the record, the Purefoods/San Mig franchise has won two championships in four times they’ve taken the 3-2 lead from two-all. (SB)
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/32963/mixers-go-for-the-kill)
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Kerby reunites with coach Ryan at Meralco; Reyes to Ginebra
Even before the curtains close on the 2013 PBA season, another trade has been approved by the PBA Commissioner’s office.
The move has been circulating in basketball circles for quite a while already, and now the reunion between veteran big man Kerby Raymundo and his long-time mentor Ryan Gregorio has been sealed.
In a one-on-one swap, Meralco acquired the power forward from Orion, Bataan from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel for the Bolts’ Jay-R Reyes.
“Yes, it has been done… finally,” said our source, of the trade which was approved Tuesday afternoon.
The deal will be beneficial for both teams as Raymundo will provide the needed muscle inside for Meralco, while Reyes can beef up Ginebra’s frontline.
Both players will hopefully get the desired playing minutes on their new teams, as their spots as talented big guys are quite rare commodities these days.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/32949/kerby-reunites-with-coach-ryan-at-meralco-reyes-to-ginebra)
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PBA mulls kicking off Season 39 with simultaneous games
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association is looking at the proposal to hold simultaneous games in Manila, Cebu and Davao with a theme “Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao: One Nation” in the inaugurals of PBA Season 39 in Nov. 17.
“That’s the proposal of TV5 which looks okay with the board,” PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial told The STAR.
It’s going to be grand festivities starting at 2 p.m. with six teams, with their muses, parading at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, two at the New Cebu Coliseum and two at a Davao playing venue.
The Smart Araneta Coliseum match, to be tipped off at 3 p.m., will be telecast live on TV5, followed by the Davao game at 5 p.m. then the Cebu tiff at 7 p.m.
“The board is open to the proposal. It’s not simple. It requires much logistics. They’re now looking at how this can be done,” said Marcial of the innovative opening rites.
The PBA has never gone out of town for its inaugurals in its first 38 years of being.
The Big Dome, however, still serves as the main venue where incoming board chairman Ramon Segismundo of Meralco declares the season open.
The Smart Araneta Coliseum also hosts most of the games in PBA Season 39 that holds four regular double-headers in a week – Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
“It’s still part of the adjustment of the league calendar to give way to Smart Gilas’ participation in the last FIBA Asia tourney,” said Marcial.
The new PBA season ends by the second week of Aug. 2014, giving coach Chot Reyes and Gilas at least two weeks of dedicated training for the 2014 World Championship in Spain.
“Coach Chot has yet to sit down with the PBA board for his program. But before Aug. 2014, malamang nag-e-ensayo na sila at least once-a-week,” said Marcial.
Several stars in new teams and a bumper crop of rookies will be in showcase in the league’s new season.
Among the freshmen to watch are Greg Slaughter, Ian Sangalang, Raymond Almazan, Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia and Jeric Teng.
Their takers will be known on the 2013 Annual Rookie Draft set Nov. 3 at Robinson’s Place Ermita.
Barangay Ginebra is tipped to exercise its rights on the top pick on 7-foot-1 Slaughter while San Mig Coffee is expected to make 6-foot-7 Sangalang as the second choice.
From philStar.com (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/10/23/1248554/pba-mulls-kicking-season-39-simultaneous-games)
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Petron Blaze sets up winner-take-all match Friday
PETRON Blaze just showed the poise that made it a title favorite.
The Boosters bucked San Mig Coffee’s own tough stance to carve a 99-88 win Wednesday and forge a deciding match in their PLDT Telpad-sponsored PBA Governors Cup championship series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Elijah Millsap shook off an injured foot to score 30 points and had plenty of help in the endgame as Petron withstood a blown 16-point lead to level the best-of-seven series at three games apiece.
The do-or-die match is set Friday, also at the Big Dome, and that is one game Petron rookie coach Gee Abanilla is looking forward to.
“We’re just very happy with the opportunity presented to us,” said Abanilla.
“It’s a great honor to play an elite team like them, especially coached by a great coach Tim (Cone). We’ll come out prepared on Friday. It’s Game 7 of the Finals. It’s a dream of coaches and players.”
“We wanted to avoid a winner-take-all game, too many things can happen,” said Cone, whose charges failed to close it out after back-to-back victories in Games 4 and 5.
“We didn’t play really well tonight. We cannot play this team without all cylinders firing. We have to be very precise in our execution on both sides of the floor. But trying to beat them three games in a row is a huge mountain to climb.”
June Mar Fajardo notched 21 points and 14 rebounds, but it was the small lineup made up of Millsap, Arwind Santos, Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter and Alex Cabagnot which took the team home after San Mig charged back from a 43-59 deficit.
PJ Simon, Marc Pingris and Joe Devance took over the cudgels for Marqus Blakely in the fightback, but San Mig lost steam just when it mattered.
Blakely had 21 points and 11 rebounds of his own, but only two points in the decisive period and compounded that with two of his five turnovers.
Simon scattered 11 of his 14 points in the fourth, Pingris eight of his 13 and Devance six of his 17, yet their efforts were simply not enough.
James Yap also had 17 points but he went scoreless in the fourth period while Mark Barroca, key in their last two victories, was a virtual non-factor in the scoring end after being saddled by foul trouble early.
The reverse is true of Petron, especially in the case of Millsap.
The sore left foot bugging Millsap all tournament long and which seemingly got aggravated in the second quarter did not seem to affect his performance, especially in the crunch after the Mixers even took an 82-80 lead.
“My team drove me in the fourth. We don’t wanna lose,” said Millsap, who scored 13 of his points to more than match the entire Mixers’ output in the last 5:45 of the game.
Lutz scored on a couple of drives and had a block and a steal, Lassiter had a dagger of a 16-footer and Cabagnot ably orchestrated play while converting on a layup of his own.
Devance matched his conference-high of 17 with his third triple, tying the game for only the first time at 80, 7:42 left, and Blakely’s drive gave San Mig its first taste of the lead since surging to an early 11-6 spread.
Held to only two charities and 18 minutes in Game 5, Santos was all over the court in the first quarter with six points, three rebounds and as many assists and finished with 12 points and six rebounds in 37 minutes.
The newly-adjudged MVP also had six assists, his last feed to Millsap resulting in a fall away that made it 87-86 and got Petron’s stretch run in the last 4:50, helped along by Blakely’s miscues, fully going.
“We made a lot of errors,” noted Cone, whose team committed a total 14 turnovers. “We rushed our offense down the stretch.”
It was practically the same storyline in the third period as San Mig’s rally drew it within 59-61, but initially blew the chance to tie when Pingris missed from underneath.
And while the Mixers would go on to miss four of their next six shots, Millsap, Fajardo, Santos and Cabagnot were able to conspire for a 13-4 surge that made it an 11-point game going to the last 12 minutes of the contest.
Millsap went to work early and his teammates were ready to back him up.
Millsap led the Petron attack with 14 points, while drawing chief support from Fajardo and Santos, enabling him to play through what appeared to be a sprain after stepping on Alex Mallari’s foot on a drive.
For his part, Fajardo already had a double-double as early as the first half with 12 points and 10 rebounds and his undergoal stab and ensuing block on Pingris resulted in a Cabagnot freebie that made it a 52-39 count at the half.
Petron actually started taking took control of the game just barely five minutes into the game with a 13-0 run from a 6-11 deficit sparked by three charities by Ronald Tubid off Blakely’s foul and highlighted by a triple each by Cabagnot and Millsap.
Yap and Blakely each had 11 points at the half but making things look bleak for San Mig were the three fouls being carried by Mallari and Barroca with still plenty of time left before the turn that somehow took some edge off their effectiveness. (NC)
The scores:
Petron 99 – Millsap 30, Fajardo 21, Santos 12, Cabagnot 12, Lutz 11, Lassiter 7, Tubid 6, Kramer 0, Hubalde 0, Ildefonso 0.
San Mig Coffee 88 – Blakely 21, Devance 17, Yap 17, Simon 14, Pingris 13, Reavis 4, Mallari 2, Gaco 0, Barroca 0, De Ocampo 0.
Quarters: 28-19, 52-39, 74-63, 99-88
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/recap/33001)
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PBA Governors' Cup Finals Game 6
Official Game Statistics
(http://pba.inquirer.net/files/2013/10/102313-Petron-Blaze-99-San-Mig-Coffee-88-jpeg2-boxscores.jpg)
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*Petron import Elijah Millsap could only hope his brother, NBA star Paul Millsap, is around as he tries to chase a first-ever PBA championship.
Full Story (http://m.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/millsaps-wish-is-to-have-big-brother-paul-around-as-he-plays-biggest-game-in-pba)
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hinde ba halata na pina-abot ng game 7 ng sisters teams ang finals?
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PETRON starting guard Alex Cabagnot and import Elijah Millsap suffered injuries in Game Six of the PBA Governors Cup Finals against San Mig, but both are not about to quit.
Not with the championship on the line.
Cabagnot told Spin.ph at halftime of Game Six that he had again hurt the plantas fascia on his foot, which had already sidelined him for two games in the early part of the best-of-seven series.
"I heard it snap. I'm scared. It pains me so much," said the shifty guard as he limped out of the court to the dugout. "But I can't leave the team just like that."
"I'll still play this through. Kakayanin ko.Just pray that it doesn't get worse," he added.
On the other hand, Millsap suffered a sprain in the second quarter when he stubbed his foot against the floor after getting fouled on a drive by San Mig's Alex
Mallari.
The prolific import, who had already been advised against wearing low-cut shoes, was later seen changing from his Nike Kobe 8 System shoes to his street wear kicks, mid-top Air Jordan 3s, after the incident.
"Sabi n'ya masakit ang kaliwang paa n'ya," said a Petron staff of Millsap, who like Cabagnot started the second half but was in obvious pain. Petron consultant Todd Purves,however,said quitting is not an option. San Mig leads the series, 3-2.
"Everything is on the line now," he said.
"Everybody knows we can't quit."
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hinde ba halata na pina-abot ng game 7 ng sisters teams ang finals?
I dunno sir,,but if you can see naman how they played their guts out nung game 6,,mahirap sabihin na all those things are just plain hoax...
pwede siguro sa part ng officials,(like the stupid call dun sa 3-pont attempt ni cabagnot)
Im a san mig and a petron fan as well
,pero mahirap kasing sabihin na nagbigayan lang ang mga players..just my 2 cents 8)
Anyway,,Sir ZURCA thank you and gumawa ka ng separate thread sa PBA! astig ka talaga! ;D
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salamat sir dennis!
Boosters, Mixers duel for PBA glory, history
Game today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
8 p.m. – Petron Blaze vs San Mig Coffee
MANILA, Philippines - Game Seven always comes with all the drama and thrill only do-or-die matches provide. This one also comes in with a dash of history and dose of personal milestones.
Petron Blaze and San Mig Coffee both try to further embellish their respective legacy in the league as they fight for all the marbles in the final game of PBA Season 38.
It’s Game Seven with the Governors Cup crown on the line as the Boosters and the Mixers slug it out at 8 tonight before an expected sellout crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Either Petron Blaze, the league’s winningest ball club with 19 titles, reigns anew or San Mig Coffee makes the one final push it failed to deliver last year, the league’s 22nd Game Seven serves as a fitting climax to a season that saw Filipino cage stars return as a major force in regional basketball with their smashing success in the Fiba Asia qualifier.
Private shots at history also come into play as San Mig coach Tim Cone seeks to match the all-time best record of 15 championships owned by the legendary Baby Dalupan or Petron coach Gee Abanilla makes it on his own with a Cinderella finish as a rookie coach.
“Game 7 wasn’t something we particularly wanted to see at this point. But I’m happy for the fans because there is nothing more exciting than a Game 7 in a championship series,” said Cone. “Both teams have been slugging it out the whole series, so going to a Game 7 is a fitting end. We’re asking our guys to just embrace the whole experience and enjoy the ride.”
He added: “We like our chances.”
Like Cone, Abanilla is also upbeat of the Boosters chances, boosted by their morale-boosting 99-88 win last Wednesday that forced this Game 7.
“Definitely, we are going all out to get the most important win in our Governors Cup campaign,” said Abanilla. “Our objectives are still clear – we want to do things right, be good at it and continually improve ourselves.”
“Trying to beat them three in a row was a huge mountain to climb. We have no other recourse now but to go at it at a deciding Game Seven,” said Cone.
Elijah Millsap endured pain on his right foot, carrying Petron on his shoulders in the most critical situation as the Boosters smothered the Mixers, 99-88, Wednesday to force the no-tomorrow setto.
Millsap said he’s been playing through injury all year long and promised to be ready for his most important game in the local pro league tonight.
Both teams are not unfamiliar in showdowns like this – the San Miguel Beer/Petron franchise and the Purefoods/San Mig Coffee ball club have been both to seven Game Sevens, each one winning thrice and losing four times.
And both won their last crowns via the full distance of a best-of-seven title series – San Mig Coffee (then playing under the banner of B-Meg) in the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup and Petron Blaze in the 2011 Governors Cup.
The Mixers bungled a shot at back-to-back championships as they lost to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a sudden death in this very tourney last year.
Marqus Blakely was right there at the Big Dome, out on fouls as Rain or Shine completed its breakthrough title run and foiled San Mig’s own bid in the process.
Cone brought back Blakely purposely to finish an unfinished business in the PBA.
From philStar.com (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/10/25/1249207/boosters-mixers-duel-pba-glory-history)
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thnx sa update!
patayan na to mamya!
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tama.. patayan ito mamaya.. tingin ko dito dikitan laban dito...
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Final: San Mig 87-77 Petron from @pbaconnect (https://twitter.com/pbaconnect/status/393747520758616064)
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Blakely, Pingris come up big as San Mig slays Petron for Governors' Cup crown
The San Mig Coffee Mixers defeated the Petron Blaze Boosters 87-77 to claim the 2013 Governors' Cup title Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The two teams entered the final three minutes with San Mig ahead by four after an Elijah Millsap make, 78-74. The Petron import only managed a split in his next trip to the line, as the Mixers maintained a three-point lead with 2:24 remaining. Marqus Blakely then completed a steal, before soaring for a layup to pad their lead with 1:47 to go. Arwind Santos hit back quickly, but Blakely took it strong for an and one, 82-77.
Good defense from Marc Pingris leads to another San Mig possession with 69 seconds left in the game. The Gilas standout and Barroca then connected on their charities to seal the deal.
It's the tenth title for the San Mig Coffee franchise, their first since the 2012 Commissioner's Cup.
The Coffee mixers raced off to a 6-1 start in the first after a Marc Pingris one-hander. The Boosters then found their range, as Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter and Elijah Millsap connected with jumpers for an 8-6 edge, before Mark Barroca tied the game at 8-all.
James Yap and Pingris found their way around the Petron interior defense, before Barroca connected with a pull up for a 19-13 spread. But after a Millsap jumper, Doug Kramer and Chris Lutz converted to end the first with the two teams knotted up at 19 all.
Marqus Blakely and Alex Mallari pushed San Mig ahead to start the second, 25-21, before Millsap and Chris Lutz tied it up anew at 26-all. June Mar Fajardo then strung five straight for a 28-26 Petron advantage, before PJ Simon connected from deep to knot it up at 31-all.
Four straight from Blakely briefly gave San Mig the upper hand, but Fajardo couldn't be denied, getting one off the glass. James Yap continued to go hard for another bucket, while PJ Simon made it a four-point game in his team's favor with 67 seconds left in the half, 39-35.
Millsap briefly stopped the bleeding for the Boosters, but Barroca responded with his own jumper to sustain the advantage. Fajardo ended the second with a putback to make it 41-39 for San Mig after two.
It was a total team effort for San Mig after two, as Blakely, Barroca and Pingris all registered eight points each. The Coffee Mixers' import also had nine boards at the half with two steals and an assist. Yap and Simon chipped in six apiece, as Devance and Mallari scored three and two, respectively.
Fajardo led Petron with 12 points, six rebounds and a block, while Millsap had 11. Lassiter and Lutz had six and four points.
The Petron import sparked the start of the second half with a slam, before Arwind Santos connected with a jumper, 43-41. Blakely, Joe Devance and Pingris strung points together to give San Mig a slim lead, but two makes from Fajardo, followed by a Lassiter bucket made it 53-48 for the Boosters.
Four from Blakely and Pingris inched San Mig closer, before Simon started to sizzle for a 7-3 swing and a 60-56 lead. The Boosters responded with their own mini run, as a pair of charities from Fajardo, followed by an Alex Cabagnot long bomb had Petron leading 61-60, with 1:03 to go. A 5-0 run by San Mig gave the Mixers a four-point advantage heading into the payoff period, though, 65-61.
The Mixers looked to finish strong in the fourth, as four from Simon, followed by a Devance trey and a Pingris bucket stretched the lead to nine, 74-65. Millsap stopped the bleeding with a triple at the 7:09 mark, as James Yap snapped a two-minute scoring drought for both teams with two charities. Blakely cancelled out a Cabagnot triple with his own make, while Millsap tried to keep Petron afloat, 78-74.
From GMANewsOnline (http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/332567/sports/basketball/pba-blakely-pingris-come-up-big-as-san-mig-slays-petron-for-governors-cup-crown)
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Finished business: San Mig Coffee spills Petron to win 2013 Governors’ Cup
Finished business: San Mig Coffee spills Petron to win 2013 Governors’ Cup
The San Mig Coffee Mixers are finally the champions of the Governors’ Cup.
After losing in the title round last year, the Mixers outlasted the Petron Blaze Boosters, 85-77, in Game Seven of the PLDT Telpad finals on Friday before 21,319 fans at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum to take the crown.
Marc Pingris finished with 19 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks while anchoring the San Mig Coffee defense that ground the high-octane offense of Petron.
The title was the 15th for San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone, tying the record of legendary coach Baby Dalupan at the top of the PBA’s all-time list.
“I’m very humbled at the moment,” said Cone. “Our boys worked so hard for it.”
From InterAktv (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/finished-business-san-mig-coffee-spills-petron-to-win-2013-governors-cup)
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San Mig Coffee survives Petron to bag PBA crown
MANILA, Philippines — And the underdogs made it.
San Mig Coffee survived a grueling matchup with Petron Blaze and rose with an 87-77 win to bag the 2013 PBA Governor's Cup title before more than 21, 000 fans on Friday night, October 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Big man Joe Devance banked in two triples in a two-minute stretch that saw the Mixers turn a slim one-point lead into a 74-65 bubble with a little over 8 minutes left in the game.
The Boosters attempted to come back behind import Elijah Millsap, but the top-seeded Petron crew failed to get support from its locals as Junemar Fajardo missed 4 straight free-throws and league MVP Arwind Santos vanished in the most crucial moments.
With two minutes left and San Mig Coffee up, 78-75, the Boosters had a chance to draw closer before Millsap turned the ball over, enabling Mixers import Marqus Blakely to go all the way for an easy basket that gave his team an 80-75 lead with 1:47 remaining.
Santos sank a basket but Blakely quickly retaliated to bring the lead back to 82-77 with 1:09 left on the clock.
Marc Pingris split his charities in the ensuing play to make it 83-77 with 46.8 seconds remaining then Millsap and Santos failed to drain shot attempts for Petron.
However, James Yap could not pull the final nail on the Boosters' coffin, missing two free-throw shots to give Petron a final stab at a comeback with 30.4 seconds left.
Pingris then cemented his status as the PBA's top defender and swatted away a looper by Millsap, leading to title-sealing free-throws by Mark Barroca, who brought the lead to 85-77.
Pingris iced the win with two more free-throws to peg the final count at 87-77.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/42236-san-mig-coffee-pba-champions)
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PBA Governors' Cup Finals Game 7
The scores:
San Mig Coffee 87 - Blakely 19, Pingris 19, Simon 16, Devance 11, Barroca 10, Yap 8, Mallari 2, De Ocampo 2.
Petron 77 - Millsap 25, Fajardo 20, Lassiter 11, Cabagnot 8, Santos 7, Lutz 4, Kramer 2, Deutchman 0, Tubid 0.
Quarters: 19-19, 41-39, 65-61, 87-77
Official Game Statistics
(http://1-ps.googleusercontent.com/h/pba.inquirer.net/files/2013/10/600x779x102513-San-Mig-Coffee-87-Petron-Blaze-77-jpeg2-boxscores.jpg.pagespeed.ic.yyvvxzbak-.webp)
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San Mig Coffee wins PBA Governors' Cup
MANILA - San Mig Coffee drubbed Petron Blaze in the winner-take-all Game 7, 87-77, to clinch the PBA Governors’ Cup in front of more than 21,000 spectators at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.
After engaging the Boosters in three tight quarters, the Mixers unleashed a searing 9-2 run in the final three minutes to break away and secure the title.
Marc Pingris outplayed Petron’s bigman Junemar Fajardo and finished Game 7 with 19 points and 17 rebounds to go with his 5 blocks.
It was a redemption of sorts for the Gilas player, who failed to finish in their Game 6 loss to the Boosters due to a sprained ankle.
“Inisip ko talaga na laro lang talaga eh... hindi ko na iniisip yung naisprain ako nun Game 6, ang sabi ko lang samahan lang ako ni Lord, ginabayan ako't hindi sumakit ang paa ko,” said the 6’5” forward after the game.
“Sa lahat ng mga fans, kayo po ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa amin. Maraming salamat po sa pagpunta nyo rito.”
He was eventually named PBA Finals' Most Valuable Player.
Trailing San Mig by 2 points at the half, the Boosters stalked the Mixers in the third but could not get any closer than 5 points.
Things went awry for Petron when Marques Blakely started a 9-2 exchange via a transition play with 1:47 left to play in the fourth quarter.
In that telling run, only Mark Barroca managed to score for the Boosters, sinking both of his free throws with 21.3 seconds left in the game.
The win enabled San Mig coach Tim Cone to match the all-time best record of 15 titles set by PBA coaching legend Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan.
“I'm just very humbled at the moment... i think we're the underdogs coming in. Petron is such a well constructed team,” said Cone during the post-game interview.
“I'm so humbled because my idol Baby Dalupan, when I was growing up here, he was the guy, he was the man we all watched, and watched him coached Crispa and even Great Taste later on. It's so humbling to be able to tie a great man like that.”
San Mig Coffee also frustrated the campaign of Petron’s rookie coach Gee Abanilla, who steered the Boosters to a sensational 8-1 run in the eliminations only to lose in their best-of-7 title series versus the Mixers, 4-3.
Blakely tallied 19 points for San Mig Coffee, which also got 16 points from PJ Simon.
Elijah Millsap and Fajardo scored 25 points and 20, respectively, for Petron, which failed to get added scoring boost from the rest of its crew.
From ABS-CBNnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/10/25/13/san-mig-coffee-wins-governors-cup-title)
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Congrats San Mig Coffee (http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/088.gif)
(https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-c.ak/hphotos-ak-prn2/1380717_313991505405277_2124975758_n.jpg)
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/70bff581.gif) (http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/70bff581.gif) (http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/70bff581.gif)
(https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-h.ak/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/1377526_647334788644850_199002648_n.jpg)
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redemption for Blakely , when they lost against ROS last year,,medyo di pa siya ganun ka mature eh,,dami pa niyang errors and mabilis siyang ma foul trouble
expected na kay sakuragi yang game na pinakita niya, and napabilib nako ni poging mark ngayon,,before kasi di ako elibs sa kanya as a point guard
I feel sorry for arwind santos,,na-jinx yata siya sa pagkakuha ng mvp awards..
Sayang lang,,sana na prove niya na deserving siya sa award na un
too bad I missed this game, yung last championship nila kasi with bowles was too emotional,
Congrats coffee mixers! sana ibalik na yung Old monicker ,,hehe
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parang di ko feel ang PBA Finals pag sister teams ang magkalaban. :(
anyway, congratz SanMig and to Finals MVP (kahit inaasar ka ng biyenan mong si bossing na iyakin ka daw, hehe), Marc Pingris.
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Ping caps dream year with Finals MVP Plum
With four minutes left in Game 7, Marc Pingris raised his arms, signaling to the crowd to come alive after sensing that the win was within their grasp. In a move reminiscent of those fateful August nights, once again, Pinoy Sakuragi willed the crowd to go to their favor.
Twenty-three ticks remaining in the clock, Elijah Millsap, the will-driven Petron import tried one last gasp to revive the body of the Blaze Boosters. But there was Pingris, closing the door shut with a big block that cemented San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone’s 15th title in the league.
This night, he was more than just the team’s emotional leader. He was more than a defensive anchor. On October 25, 2013, Jean Marc Pingris was the leader of the San Mig Coffee Planet.
The scoreboard read: San Mig Coffee 87 – Petron 77. With 21,319 in attendance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Pingris, unable to resist his emotions, bowed near center court once again, just like when they clinched a seat in the FIBA World Championships.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord. Binigay namin lahat, win or lose,” said the 32-year-old power forward.
“Iniisip ko lang, laro lang talaga eh. Hindi ko na inisip yung sakit (ng katawan),” Pingris said.
Cone said, “He played really well today and today’s the deciding game.”
Playing well might be an understatement for “Ping”, as he averaged 12.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.5 blocks in the championship series.
In the title-clincher, he was sensational as he finished with 19 points, 17 boards, two dimes, and five rejections, including that deciding block on Millsap as Petron began to crumble and San Mig Coffee started to celebrate.
Whenever Pingris was given the spotlight, the fans chanted “M-V-P”. And rightfully so, he was named as the 2013 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals MVP.
Named as a member of the All-Defensive Team and the Mythical Second Team, not to mention his silver medal in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships, this award is just the cherry on top of the sundae for Pingris. And there is no doubt that on this fateful night, the deciding factor that gave the Coffee Mixers their 10th franchise title is the same one Pingris embodied during that Gilas stint – “Puso”.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/33133/ping-caps-dream-year-with-finals-mvp-plum)
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Grand PBA 2014 Season Opening Mulled
After Game Seven of the Petron Blaze – San Mig Coffee finale – the last game of PBA Season 38, the country’s premier cage league takes only a 22-day breather before reopening shop.
Being mulled is an innovative program spread over the country’s three major islands to celebrate the opening of the 2014 PBA Season on November 17.
A proposal being looked at is grand festivities highlighted by simultaneous games in Manila, Cebu and Davao with a theme “Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao: One Nation.”
Six teams, with their muses, parade at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, two at the New Cebu Coliseum and two at a Davao playing venue.
The Smart Araneta Coliseum match, to be tipped off at 3 p.m., will be telecast live on TV5, followed by the Davao game at 5 p.m. and finally the Cebu tiff at 7 p.m.
“The Board is open to the proposal. It’s not simple. It requires much logistics. They’re now looking at how this can be done,” said PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial.
The PBA has never gone out of town for its inaugurals in its first 38 years of being.
The Big Dome, however, still serves as the main venue where incoming Board chairman Ramon Segismundo of Meralco will declare the season open.
The Smart Araneta Coliseum also hosts most of the games in PBA Season 39 that holds four regular double-headers in a week – Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s still part of the adjustments the league made in its calendar to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ participation in the last FIBA Asia tourney.
The new PBA season ends by the second week of August 2014, giving coach Chot Reyes and Gilas at least two weeks of dedicated training for the 2014 World Championship in Spain.
Several stars in new teams and a bumper crop of rookies will be in showcase for the league’s 2014 season.
Among the freshmen to watch are Greg Slaughter, Ian Sangalang, Raymond Almazan, Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Jeric Teng, Nico Salva and Justin Chua.
Their takers will be known on November 3 when the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft is held at Midtown Robinson’s Manila.
Barangay Ginebra is tipped to exercise its rights on the top pick on 7-foot-1 Slaughter while San Mig Coffee is expected to make 6-foot-7 Sangalang as the second choice.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/33123/grand-pba-2014-season-opening-mulled)
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For Tim Cone, tying Baby Dalupan's record is 'very humbling'
Tim Cone has called the shots in the pro league long enough to know the significance of tying legendary tactician Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan atop the list of coaches with the most PBA championships.
Thanks to his charges’ collective desire and indomitable spirit in the stretch, Cone, 55, notched his 15th overall crown following San Mig Coffee’s remarkable 87-77 victory against favored Petron Blaze in their winner-take-all match in the PBA Governors Cup finals before an overflowing Friday night crowd at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
“It’s very humbling to tie a great coach and great man like that. I’m kind of speechless. I don’t know what to say,” pointed out Cone in a television interview as the Mixers celebrated their 10th overall title in franchise history.
“I wish he (Dalupan) had been here tonight. It would have been sweet to have him here,” said the American coach, who also essayed a Grand Slam in 1996 when he was still with Alaska, then led by former league MVP Johnny Abarrientos and former Rookie of the Year Jeff Cariaso, who now serve as his assistant coaches at San Mig Coffee.
While basking in the glow of his latest coaching victory, Cone couldn’t help but recall how he first lost to Dalupan, who recently turned 90, in a championship series before winning one title after another.
“A lot of people don’t know that my first finals appearance was his last championship. I was leading two-to-zero and he swept me three games in a row,” he shared, referring to how Dalupan and the Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, ironically the franchise now coached by Cone, stunned the Milkmen during the 1990 Third Conference finals.
Winning his record-tying title didn’t come on a silver platter for Cone.
The Mixers got off to an alarming start, dropping their first two and three of their four initial outings. Pushing the panic button, though, was far from Cone’s mind as San Mig racked up five straight wins to finish second behind topnotcher Petron Blaze in the sprint-like eliminations round.
In the quarterfinals, the Mixers were forced to play a sudden-death match with archnemesis Alaska Aces before they defeated the pumped-up Meralco Bolts in four grind-it-out games in the semifinals.
Getting over the Boosters in the finals proved tougher for the Mixers as they even trailed 1-2 in the series then took the next four of five games to seal their date with destiny, a year after falling short against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in another epic seven-game series.
“We never lacked faith. In fact, we felt early adversity will help us later on. Then we had that great series against Alaska. We went through the wringer on that. And then (we faced) Meralco, our corporate rival, and Petron. But our guys were incredible. I think we were just able to found a way to win. Our team has done a great job. It was really something special,” gushed Cone.
He also did not forget to pay tribute to their fans, collectively known as the San Mig Coffee Planet. “After we started zero-and two, I told them (on Twitter) ‘I’m sorry guys. But stay with us and we’ll make you proud later on.’ I’m really kilig that we were able to make them proud tonight,” he beamed. “This is really yours. I’m really proud of the fans. You’re really special.”
From Y! Sports Philippines (http://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--for-tim-cone--tying-baby-dalupan-s-record-is--very-humbling--114841596.html)
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Slaughter to join Ginebra practice
It appears that Barangay Ginebra will make Greg Slaughter the No. 1 overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft.
The 7-foot Slaughter was invited yesterday during the Kings’ practice session, and will be joining the team’s training on Tuesday, well ahead of the Nov. 3 Draft at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila.
Slaughter was invited by Ginebra team manager Alfrancis Chua, and was introduced to head coach Ato Agustin, and other team members like former Most Valuable Players Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand.
Ginebra owns the top pick in the Draft, the first time the team will pick first in 17 years, or since former Adamson University 6-foot-9 center Marlou Aquino was tabbed as the top pick of the team back in 1996.
Slaughter arrived Thursday evening after a month-long training in the US in preparation for his first season in the pro league. Chua called Slaughter’s agent, Charlie Dy, and asked if the onetime Ateneo player can drop by at the Acropolis Gym.
According to Dy, the team just asked Slaughter to join the practice, but there was no discussion about the Draft, saying: “no assurance, but that’s Ok.”
After playing for University of the Visayas, Slaughter transferred to Ateneo and helped the Blue Eagles win the last two titles of their historic five-peat (2008-2012). He also played for the original Smart Gilas Pilipinas under Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.
Agustin said the other day that the team is still clueless on who to pick in the PBA Rookie Draft as the team is also interested in former San Sebastian College stalwart Ian Sangalang, the NCAA MVP in 2012.
Sangalang was a rookie starter when the Stags bagged the 2009 NCAA title under Agustin.
However, following Ginebra’s invitation for him to join the practice session next week, it seems that Slaughter has the inside track to be the top pick in the Draft, unless the Kings will have a change of heart at the last minute.
Meanwhile, Barako Bull consultant Rajko Toroman said that his team will opt for the best available talent when they use their three picks in the first round.
The Energy Cola own the 4th, 5th and 6th selections in the first round and have invited FEU’s Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia, UST’s Jeric Teng and Jeric Fortuna, Ateneo’s Nico Salva and Justin Chua, former Smart Gilas player JR Cawaling and Arellano University’s James Forrester during recent practice sessions.
From Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/slaughter-to-join-ginebra-practice/)
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Abanilla sees hope from loss
Petron Blaze rookie mentor Gee Abanilla sees something positive from their Game 7 defeat to San Mig Coffee in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Abanilla said they can use their defeat as motivation as they move on for next season’s campaign, beginning with the Philippine Cup.
“I was disappointed not because we lost,” said Abanilla after the Blazers dropped an 87-77 loss to San Mig Coffee Friday.
“I knew that the players gave everything they got, and they really wanted to win this game. It’s very unfortunate that we fell short. But it’s a crash course for us, we’re grateful about it.”
Abanilla replaced Olsen Racela before the start of the season-endingconference. With a star-studded lineup reinforced by Elijah Millsap, younger brother of Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap, the Blazers faced high expectations.
After losing their first game in the eliminations, the Boosters won eight straight for a league-best 8-1 record going to the playoffs.
As the No. 1 team, Petron Blaze knocked out No. 8 Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals, and then dethroned Rain or Shine in four games of their best-of-five semifinal series.
In the Finals, the Boosters jumped to a 2-1 lead, but found themselves in a 3-2 hole after dropping Games 4 (88-86) and 5 (114-103). They won Game 6 (99-88) to force the sudden-death, but had no gas left in the tank in Game 7.
Abanilla remains positive.
“Looking ahead, this is just a baby step for us for something… I hope something greater. We’re just building an identity that we want in the future. Ultimately we want to be in a level that we can say we got the identity we want,” he said.
“Although we fell short… I think there’s a bright future ahead of us if we can just focus and build on things that we want to.”
Arwind Santos and Junmar Fajardo echoed Abanilla’s optimism.
“Dito masusubukan yung faith namin e, tiwala sa isa’t isa, tiwala sa Diyos. Hindi kailaangan mawala. Kailangan matuto kami, kailangan din hindi kami masyado magpa-apekto. Yung confidence namin hindi rin dapat na bumaba,” said Santos.
“Masakit dahil natalo, pero walang magawa e. May manalo, may matalo. Bawi kami next season,” Fajardo said.
Millsap said he would love to come back here and play for the Boosters.
“I had fun. It was a great experience for me. I learned a lot from these guys… love playing with these guys. I appreciate the fans support to the team. I enjoyed it here,” Millsap said.
From Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/abanilla-sees-hope-from-loss/)
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Ginebra may also invite Sangalang
Give others the same opportunity which Greg Slaughter will enjoy when he joins Ginebra’s practice session tomorrow.
That, in essence, was the advise of top Ginebra official Robero Non to the team’s coaching staff headed by Ato Agustin.
By inviting other prospects, according to Non, the coaching will have better analysis when they make a decision in choosing the top overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft on Nov. 3 at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila.
The outgoing chairman of the PBA Board of Governors said his staff should also invite other players, including former San Sebastian College standout Ian Sangalang, who is also worthy to be selected No. 1 overall.
The 7-foot Slaughter dropped by the Kings’ training at Green Meadows last Friday upon the invitation of team manager Alfrancis Chua, and was asked to join the practice session tomorrow.
Ginebra will pick No. 1 overall pick in the Draft, the first time the team will select first in 17 years, or since former Adamson University 6-foot-9 center Marlou Aquino was tabbed as the top pick of the team back in 1996 PBA Rookie Draft.
Slaughter arrived Thursday evening after a month-long training in the US in preparation for his first season in the pro league.
The 6-foot-7 Sangalang, on the other hand, won the NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2012 and was a key member of the Stags under Agustin that bagged the NCAA title in 2009 versus San Beda College.
FIL-AMS MAY PULL SURPRISES
James Forrester, a Filipino-American born and raised in Canada who owns a 41-inch vertical leap, could turn out to be a surprise first round pick in the Annual PBA Draft on Nov. 3 at Robinson’s Place in Ermita.
After seeing action for Arellano University in the NCAA, the son of Pampanga native, the former Letecia Parinas, has declared himself available for the pros and, most likely, be picked right in the first round like two other Fil-Am friends.
Forrester trained for one year with the IMG Academy in the United States before electing to pursue his PBA dream by suiting up with the Chiefs even as 6-foot-9 centers Isaac Holstein and Maika Usita also loom as good prospects.
Forester averaged 12.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and had a 37% three-point shooting clip while playing for Cagayan in the D-League, while Holstein led the D-League in blocks and played for Gilas Pilipinas in the Dubai Invitational in 2012.
With Greg Slaughter and Ian Sangalang expected to be picked first and second overall, respectively, and another big man in Raymond Almazan likely to wind up third, anything can happen for the rest of the first round with the three Fil-foreigners looming as worthy picks.
Former Ateneo star and UAAP Finals MVP Ryan Buenafe is also a good catch for any teams.
From Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/ginebra-may-also-invite-sangalang/)
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PBA aspirants get baptism of fire
Fueled by their basketball dreams, 77 out of the 85 aspirants came to the 2013 PBA Rookie Camp Monday at the Gatorade Hoops Center to take part in various skill-testing drills.
With tasks namely push-ups, bench press, pull-ups, sit-ups, and vertical leap at hand, the individual skill of the players were witnessed by team scouts looking to beef up their line-ups come Sunday at the Rookie Draft.
Echoing the sentiments of the majority of the rookies, Raymund Almazan said, “Kinakabahan ako pero excited sa mga ginawa namin.” The lanky Letran stud is seen as a shoo-in for the top three players picked in the 85-man pool.
The seven-foot Greg Slaughter, pegged as another of those top picks in the draft, said, “I’m not putting too much thought about it. I’m just focusing more on my preparation for the draft and to keep my focus for the task at hand.”
Slaughter was the tallest among the rookies as he was measured at 6-foot-11 and 5/8 inches, and has the longest wingspan at 85 inches. He also topped the vertical leap, and the bench press disciplines.
Ian Sangalang, the third of the potential top three centers, said, “Basta ako, focus lang ako sa mga gagawin. Big pressure yung dala ko ngayon dahil magaling yung mga kasabayan ko, pero gagawin ko lang yung best ko anuman yung mangyari.”
The former San Sebastian Stag who has been vocal on his intention to play for the crowd-favorite Ginebra bared that although he wants to play on his favorite squad, “kung hindi ako papalarin, kahit saan, lalaro ako.”
“I’m happy that I applied in a draft where the batch is very competitive. I just want to play basketball,” said second-generation and UST star guard Jeric Teng.
Cebuano Eliud Poligrates, pegged as a dark horse this coming draft, is confident that he can match up with the best young players coming into the rookie selection. “Alam kong kaya kong makipagsabayan sa kanila. Kaya ko to kaya magfo-focus lang ako sa game kung sakaling palarin ma-draft,” he said.
San Beda guard Anjo Caram, who is one of the smallest in the batch standing only at 5-foot-8, said that their height is not a disadvantage saying, “Mas mabilis kami kaya yun yung gagamitin namin. Wala naman sa height yan eh, sa puso pa rin yan para maglaro.”
LA Revilla, the 5-foot-8 La Salle guard, also said, “Wala naman sa akin yun eh. Actually, nandito kami sa situation na parang surreal pa sya. I’m just happy to see everyone today.”
“It’s a new experience,” said 5-foot-8 UST guard Jeric Fortuna. “I’m looking forward sa opportunity to play in a brand new atmosphere. I’ll just play hard to compensate yung disadvantage sa height.”
Shoreline Community College’s John Usita weighed the heaviest at 301 pounds. FEU’s Paul Sanga had 533 sit-ups to top the category, while UP’s Mark Lopez reigned in the pull-ups category by doing it 53 times.
Justin Brian Melton was also impressive in the draft combine as he had the most push-ups with 104 reps, while the trio of Slaughter, Melton, and Isaac Holstein had the highest vertical leaps by jumping 11 feet and six inches.
The Rookie Camp was managed by PBA head of referees Boy Cruz.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/33201/pba-aspirants-get-baptism-of-fire)
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wooh! excited nako sa draft! :'( :'( :'(
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PBA soars to great heights in 2013
SYDNEY – In an astounding achievement that soared way beyond expectation, the Philippine Basketball Association raked in a whopping total gross gate sales of over P200 million in the season just past.
It was a monster hit with a great gravy in seeing PBA stars — making up the Philippine team – win the silver medal that glitter like gold in the FIBA Asia Championship in August.
The PBA led the way in the resurgence of Philippine basketball, and this encapsulates the chairman’s and the commissioner’s report to be presented in the PBA annual planning session at the Westin Hotel here.
“During the turnover of the chairmanship last year, I was apprehensive as Season 37 was a banner year. I just told everybody then that ‘I’m a fighter and we’ll do it’ with nary a hint we would surpass what we had achieved in 2011-2012,” said Non.
“The just concluded season proved to be a bigger hit in terms of gate attendance, gate receipts and TV viewership. And it also happened that the country qualified for the World Cup in the same year,” Non also said.
The league chairman said the commissioner deserved as much credit.
“Credit should also go to the commissioner. The board just set the programs and policies. He’s the one who carries everything out. He did with much success,” Non pointed out.
Salud, meanwhile, thanked the wisdom and full support of the members of the board and the team owners.
“I had no basketball background and experience to talk about when I came in,” he said. “Every time there’s a crucial, pivotal issue, I consulted and asked advice from them.”
The board and the Commissioner’s Office worked hand in hand to serve their mandate, and the league reaped enormous results.
“We saw banner season each year since the time we reverted back to the three-conference format in 2010-2011. And we are back in the mainstream of consciousness of the fans,” said Salud.
“Before, the were those saying the PBA was slowly becoming a niche market – ‘tayo-tayo na lang,” Salud recalled. “But look now. The TV rating would show that’s not true. The gate attendance would show that’s not true.”
The league enjoyed tremendous increase in gross gate receipts in the last three years from P90 million in 2011, P114 million last year and over P200 million this year.
Another crowning glory for the league was all-time one-game record crowd of 23,436 that showed up in Game Three of the Ginebra-Alaska finale in the second conference.
Balanced and fierce competition was the main staple feeding the continuous growth of the PBA fan base.
For the record, six different teams made the finals in the 2012-13 campaign.
Talk n Text won the Philippine Cup over Rain or Shine, Alaska annexed the Commissioner’s Cup versus Barangay Ginebra, and San Mig Coffee topped Petron Blaze for the Governors Cup.
The previous year, three different teams – Talk n Text, B-Meg (San Mig Coffee) and Rain or Shine – also soared to the top.
Salud also stressed that they’re listening to the fans and that’s why they took the lead in the formation of the Philippine team that made the grade for the world championship in the last Asian meet.
“We were in Guangzhou, in the stands as (the original) Gilas Pilipinas placed fourth. We said ‘okay, let’s support the team. PBA players formed the team that qualified for the 2014 world meet. It captivated the hearts of our basketball-crazy nation,” Salud said.
The PBA officials said they can’t rest on their laurels.
“Our mandate from the team owners is to make the games more exciting and be responsive to the fans,” said Salud. “
All league officials here are committed in their aspiration to sustain the league’s searing momentum and maintain the resurgence of Philippine basketball.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/33209/pba-soars-to-great-heights-in-2013)
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Season of celebrations kicks off Nov. 17
SYDNEY – The Philippine Basketball Association celebrates the resurgence of the country in Asian basketball with grand festivities on opening day of its Season 39 highlighted by three matches in Manila, Cebu and Davao on Nov. 17.
Talk n Text opens its quest for a Philippine Cup “four-peat” versus Meralco at the New Cebu Coliseum while newly crowned Governors’ Cup champ San Mig Coffee tests the mettle of a new-look Barangay Ginebra San Muguel team at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The innovative PBA inaugurals also feature a game in Davao City pitting Commissioner’s Cup titleholder Alaska versus Rain or Shine.
This grand Season 39 opening-day extravaganza, the season calendar and import ceilings in the second and third conferences were among those approved on the continuation of the planning session by the PBA Board of Governors at The Westin here Wednesday.
On the sideline of the summit Wednesday morning, GlobalPort and Petron Blaze closed a trade deal involving guards Chris Ross and Denok Miranda.
Ross left the Batang Pier camp without playing a single regular PBA game with the Mikee Romero-owned ball club. GlobalPort acquired Ross in an earlier trade transaction with Meralco.
New PBA Board chairman Mon Segismundo vowed they would leave no stone unturned as they try to sustain the league’s incredible run in a year marked by the country’s return stint in the world championship.
He said several innovations and landmark activities are in store for the season, including the send-off for Gilas Pilipinas that competes in the 17th FIBA World Cup in Spain in September next year.
Of course, members of the national squad play for their respective PBA mother teams before regrouping as a band of brothers for the world meet –the country’s first in 36 years.
The league plays four play days (Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays) a week in a calendar purposely cramped by the Commissioner’s Office to give the Nationals some time to prepare for a respectable showing in Spain.
Segismundo is hopeful Gilas Pilipinas will land in the Top 16.
It’s still a three-conference season featuring a long all-Filipino tourney and the two import-laced sprints (the Commissioner’s and the Governors’ Cups).
The height ceilings for imports allow the return of Best Import winners Eric Dozier (Alaska) and Marqus Blakely (San Mig Coffee).
The Commissioner’s Cup limit is 6-foot-9 and the Governors’ Cup cap remains at 6-foot-5.
An innovation in height limit for imports in the second conference is the “equalizer rule.”
“To further equalize or balance the strength of the 10 teams, the last two placers in the Philippine Cup will be allowed to field an import with a limit of 6-foot-11 in the Commissioner’s Cup,” said commissioner Chito Salud.
For the record, the league allowed imports of unlimited height in the Commissioner’s Cup in the last two years.
The Philippine Cup calls for an inter-intra competition in the eliminations where competing teams play 14 games each. The top eight advance to the playoffs.
It also calls for the division of the 10 teams into two groups. Groupmates play just once and play teams from the other group twice. Air21, Alaska, Barangay Ginebra, Petron and Rain or Shine make up Group A while Barako Bull, GlobalPort, Meralco, San Mig Coffee and Talk n Text compose Group B.
It’s the same format used in the last Philippine Cup which ended with Talk n Text completing “an All-Filipino three-peat” on a four-game sweep of Rain or Shine in the Finals.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/33263/season-of-celebration-kicks-off-nov-17)
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Texters to begin 4-peat campaign vs Bolts
MANILA, Philippines – Talk 'N Text will kick off its Philippine Cup title retention bid when it takes on Meralco in the opening day of the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) Season 39 on November 17.
The Texters are gunning for a fourth-straight All-Filipino title when they square off with the Bolts at the New Cebu Coliseum.
In its most recent title win, Talk 'N Text swept Rain or Shine, 4-0, in their best-of-7 Philippine Cup championship series.
Also featured on PBA's opening day will be a hardcourt clash between reigning Governors' Cup champion San Mig Coffee and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and a match between Commissioner's Cup titlist Alaska and Rain or Shine.
The Mixers versus Gin Kings match will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while the Aces versus Elasto Painters joust will be staged in Davao City.
From ABS-CBNnews.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/11/01/13/texters-begin-4-peat-campaign-vs-bolts)
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Caguioa opens up on Ginebra’s shot at PBA Draft
MANILA, Philippines – Talks are ripe Barangay Ginebra would acquire Barako Bull’s rights for the No. 4 pick in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft through a trade deal that is part of the Kings’ massive buildup in an effort to be a real championship contender in the coming PBA season.
Outspoken Ginebra top gun Mark Caguioa fanned Friday these talks on his thoughts posted on his Twitter account.
Caguioa also made known his preference for the team to make 7-foot-1 behemoth Greg Slaughter the first choice overall in the annual draft set tomorrow at Robinson’s Place Ermita.
“Let me ask u. Would u drive to the basket if u see a 7’0 in front of u? Hell noh. Hehe,” Caguioa tweeted in support of a Slaughter pick instead of anybody.
Told by a Twitter follower that Slaughter barely jumps, Caguioa answered: “Cge tanungin rin kita kung 7’0 ka ba, tatalon ka rin ba? (Let me ask you, if you are 7’0, do you still need to jump?)”
It’s a foregone conclusion, though, that Slaughter, Ian Sangalang and Raymond Almazan will be the top three picks by Ginebra, San Mig Coffee and Rain or Shine, respectively, on Sunday.
The fourth pick would depend on whether PBA commissioner Chito Salud approves the reported trade plans of Barako Bull.
Apparently, the Barako Bull management has committed to trade its rights on the Nos. 4, 5 and 6 picks to Barangay Ginebra, Petron Blaze and Globalport, respectively.
Caguioa hinted it’s a done deal. “And abut the 4th pick I really don’t know who wer going to get,” he tweeted.
Ginebra is in a rebuilding process, first acquiring young center JayR Reyes for Kerby Raymundo then getting sophomore guard Emman Monfort for third-string playmaker Rob Labagala.
“The management is doing whatever it takes for all the millions and millions of fans of Ginebra to win a championship,” said Caguioa.
Once Slaughter comes in, Ginebra’s frontcourt will be as formidable as its backcourt featuring Caguioa, LA Tenorio, Monfort and Jayjay Helterbrand.
At the paint, Slaughter is to form an imposing Twin Tower with former Gilas Pilipinas teammate Japeth Aguilar. Help will come from Reyes, Billy Mamaril, Chris Ellis, Rico Maierhofer, Mac Baracael and William Wilson.
The team is likely to bolster its wing roster should it acquire the fourth pick.
Caguioa is happy with the camaraderie they’ve developed in their team, speaking highly of team manager Alfrancis Chua and role he plays.
“Why is this team so close? It’s because of coach Al. He plays an active role. He’s always helping coach Ato (Agustin) and the players,” said Caguioa.
“We eat together, laugh together. That’s why it’s sad when there’s one who gets traded. But we understand that part,” Caguioa added.
From philStar.com (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/11/01/1251899/caguioa-opens-ginebras-shot-pba-draft)
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Cone quick to shoot down rumor San Mig planning to trade rights to Sangalang to Ginebra in three-team deal
SAN Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone was quick to shoot down rumors that the Mixers plan to pick Ian Sangalang with the second selection overall so they can trade him to Barangay Ginebra.
Rumors spread on the eve of the rookie draft about an alleged plan for Ginebra to trade Dylan Ababou to Barako Bull for the fourth pick overall, which will then be used to pick former UAAP MVP RR Garcia who will then be sent to San Mig for the rights to Sangalang.
Cone, who is on vacation with his family in Subic, immediately nipped the rumor in the bud, saying San Mig has no plan to give away Sangalang when the team tabs the former San Sebastian star at No. 2 overall.
“We’re not gonna do Ginebra any favor by trading to them Ian, that’s for sure,” Cone said.
Cone, now tied with the legendary Baby Dalupan for the all-time league record of 15 titles after leading the Mixers to the last Governors Cup championship, said he is certain that Sangalang is bound to become one of the best players to come out of the 2013 batch.
“I think, It (the best choice in this pool) is a toss-up between Ian and Slaughter at number one. We just have to get him at number two. Slaughter, I believe, is going to Ginebra,” he added.
Cone bared that he has long kept an eye on the versatile Kapampangan from his college days with San Sebastian to his stint in the PBA D-League.
“I’ve seen him play there. And also in the D-League. He is an accomplished big man,” he said. “I think of all the people in the draft, he could step in and be an impact player right away. He’s got the agility to play in and out. He can defend bigger people.
“He can run the floor for a big man. He’s very skilled. To me, he’s the most accomplished player in the draft - the most PBA ready,” added Cone.
Sangalang, meanwhile, is bracing for a tough competition for minutes at San Mig.
“Oo madaming malalaki run. Pero sa akin, kahit saan ako mapunta okay sa akin. Importante maipakita ko worthiness ko na mag PBA,” said Sangalang.
Sangalang also said he has slowly come to accept that his dream of playing for Ginebra will not come true - at least, not on his rookie year.
“Oo, mukhang malabo na ko makuha doon (Ginebra). At ako naman, professional ako. Kahit saan ako mapunta, ibibigay ko 100 percent ko,” he added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/cone-quick-to-shoot-down-rumor-san-mig-planning-to-trade-rights-to-sangalang-to-ginebra-in-three-team-deal-v02)
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Suspense builds as whirl of trades set to spice up rookie draft proceedings
THE waiting game ends for the record 79 rookie aspirants on Sunday when the Philippine Basketball Association holds its highly anticipated annual draft at the Robinson’s Place in Malate, Manila.
Commissioner Chito Salud and new league chairman Ramon Segismundo of Meralco will welcome the biggest pool of rookie hopefuls ever since Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league institutionalized the draft in 1985, led by consensus top pick Greg Slaughter.
From an original number of 85 hopefuls, the final roster has been trimmed to 79 after two applicants withdrew while four others were stricken out of the list for failure to give a valid reason for their absence in the traditional rookie biometrics.
Still, the pool of talent remains one of the deepest and most talented seen in years, with the seven-foot Slaughter tipped to emerge as the year’s top overall pick during the proceedings that start at 4 p.m. and will be carried live over TV5.
Unless a last-minute change of heart takes place, the first three places are more or less settled with Slaughter set to be grabbed by Barangay Ginebra, former NCAA MVP Ian Sangalang to go to San Mig at No. 2 and Letran star Raymond Almazan to be made the No. 3 pick overall by Rain or Shine.
However, the proceedings should get pretty interesting after that with trades expected to be announced right on the draft floor for the picks owned by Barako Bull, which at the moment still owns the fourth to sixth selections overall.
Spin.ph has already reported that Barako Bull has agreed to trade the fourth pick to Ginebra for fit-again Dylan Ababou and the No. 5 selection to Petron for Mark Isip and Magi Sison.
Aside from that, there is also a pending trade for Barako Bull's No. 6 pick, which should go to Globalport in exchange for Denok Miranda.
Up until the eve of the draft, Alaska is also on the lookout for a trade for the eighth pick overall, with a trade offer from Talk 'N Text still on the table.
Those pending trades should dictate how the rest of the selections would go in a draft that coaches estimate would yield promising prospects until early in the third round.
Other than the three big men, among the potential first-round prospects include reigning UAAP MVP Terrence Romeo,one-time UAAP MVP RR Garcia, Jeric Teng, James Forrester, Alex Nuyles, Ryan Buenafe, and Nico Salva.
Globalpoort gets a crack at the pool with the seventh pick, followed by Alaska, Rain or Shine, and finally, San Mig Coffee at 10th to end the first-round selection.
Only Petron, Air21, and defending Philippine Cup champion Talk `N Text have no first round pick.
The decrease in the number of rookie roster stemmed from the last-minute withdrawal of Jeff Viernes and Mar Villahermosa.
Meanwhile, those stricken out of the list include Japs Cuan, Mark Berry, Franz Delgado, and Jumel Chien.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/suspense-builds-as-whirl-of-trades-set-to-spice-up-rookie-draft-proceedings)
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Mga sir,pagusapan natin ang PBA draft bukas. Gawa tayo mga mock draft,katuwaan lang.
Ok lang ba mga sir? Post ko yung akin mamaya
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Alaska leaning toward using first-round pick despite Talk 'N Text trade offer
SYDNEY – Alaska is looking to the future as it plans on what to do with its first-round pick in the PBA Rookie Draft this Sunday.
Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann said the Aces are looking to use the No. 8 pick overall on somebody who they hope will pay a handsome return of investment for the franchise a few years from now.
Bachmann said the team is keeping its fingers crossed that marquee players such as Jeric Teng of University of Santo Tomas and tryout invitees Justin Chua, James Forrester, Nico Salva and Ryan Buenafe will still be available by the time Alaska takes its turn during the draft.
“Nothing confirmed yet, but so far, we’re gonna draft. We just don’t know who is available. We don’t know who the other teams are gonna draft. We’re just waiting,” Bachmann said.
The Alaska official admitted the team is already gearing up for the future since some of its stars are not getting any younger.
“We’re also planning for the future - two years, three years down the road. We also have some not-so-old players like Dondon Hontiveros and Tony Dela Cruz,” he added, while stressing the Aces are looking to improve any spots on their roster.
Bachmann admitted the team is keeping an eye on Forrester, the former Arellano University Fil-Canadian guard, but is already conceding the versatile 6-foot-2 guard may be taken already when the Aces take their pick.
“He’s good but I know Forrester will go,” Bachmann said.
Meanwhile, the Alaska team governor admitted a trade with Alaska is seriously being pursued by Talk `N Text through fellow governor Patrick Gregorio.
But Bachmann said Alaska is so far non-committal on the Tropang Texters’ offer.
“Yes (they’re talking to us), but we’re still thinking about it pa. Nothing confirmed yet, because we’re still waiting for Luigi to decide,” said Bachmann who added that should a deal with Talk `N Text be agreed upon, a trade can still be consummated within the next two days before the draft.
“It can be anytime or maybe by tomorrow morning. We also have to get information on WSU (team owner Wilfred Uytengsu). He’s also abroad. We have to inform him also,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Aces will be in Cebu on November 7-9 where they will join a pocket tournament that also include Barako Bull, Globalport, and a team from Davao as part of their pre-season preparations.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/alaska-leaning-toward-using-first-round-pick-despite-talk-n-text-trade-offer)
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Source: Barako to trade No. 4 pick to Ginebra for Ababou, fifth pick to Petron for subs
JUST hours after giving active consultant Rajko Toroman the pink slip, Barako Bull is set to pull the trigger on two more trades that should shake up the picking order in the coming PBA rookie draft.
Putting premium on experience over youth, the Energy Cola, sources said, are set to trade the fourth pick overall in Sunday's draft to Barangay Ginebra for comebacking forward Dylan Ababou and the No. 5 pick to Petron for rarely used subs Mark Isip and Magi Sison.
The deals, once approved by the Commissioner's Office, will leave Barako Bull without a pick in the first round since it is also set to acquire Denok Miranda from Globalport in exchange for the No. 6 selection overall.
“Binigay na 'yung pick. Gusto nila yung Dylan. Kasi alam nila pagnakakuha ng kumpiyansa ulit yun, mahina ang 10 points na average n'ya kada game,” said the source in trying to make sense of the trades.
Ababou, a former star of University of Santo Tomas and a mainstay of the original Gilas squad, has sat out most of last season due to an ACL injury but has done well for Ginebra in the times that he was healthy.
However, giving him up means Ginebra can get a shot at acquiring blue-chip prospects like Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Alex Nuyles, James Forrester, and Jeric Teng.
The transactions should once again fan allegations that Barako Bull is being controlled by San Miguel Corp. and add another twist to the mystery surrounding the sudden departure of Toroman.
However, team insiders said Barako Bull is putting premium on experience as the ballclub prefers to make an impact this season instead of building up for the future.
The team insider also pointed out that Barako Bull has three more first-round picks in next year's draft.
According to a source, the trades are now awaiting the approval of PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who is still with the board of governors in Sydney for its annual planning session.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/source-barako-to-trade-no.-4-pick-to-ginebra-for-abalou-fifth-pick-to-petron-for-subs-v02)
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My PBA 2013 mock draft:
1. Slaughter(BGSM)
2. Sanggalang(SMCM)
3. Almazan(ROS)
4. Romeo(BGSM)
5. Teng(PET)
6. Garcia(GLO)
7. Foresster(GLO)
8. Salva(ALA)
9. Holstein(BGSM,pero tingin ko trade to sa BB,more of this below)
10. Chua
Second Round Notable names:
Fortuna,Buenafe,Poligrates,Usuita,Lastimosa among others.
Possible trades:
9th pick(BGSM) and Urbiztondo to Barako
Possible rin itrade yung 8th pick ng Alaska
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sana wag namang kunin ng Ginebra si Romeo.
May bwaya na nga sila (Caguioa) kukuha pa uli ng isang ball-hog. . wag naman. Dapat pati guards ng Gin Kings, balasahin. Kung ako management, si LA lang itira ko at di ko itrade si Ababou at sya gawin kung starting 2. At kung sa kanila 4th pick, si Teng na lang kunin.
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Breaking its silence, Barako Bull sticks with Ramos as coach, explains Toroman departure
BARAKO Bull has decided to stick with coach Bong Ramos as head coach, just days after giving Serbian coach Rajko Toroman the pink slip and on the day the team is expected to hug the the spotlight in the PBA rookie draft at the Robinsons Place in Malate, Manila.
Barako Bull team manager Raffy Casyao said management felt Ramos is the best man to lead the team in the transition from Toroman, who he said was only hired by the Energy Cola under a short-term arrangement aimed primarily as an apprenticeship for Ramos.
“We chose to stick with the old system. We feel disrupting or adapting a new system with just two weeks to go before the opening might be challenging for us in terms of adjustment,” Casyao told Spin.ph.
“Bong Ramos is the best coach to carry out the plays shared to us by coach Rajko."
At the same time, the amiable Barako official vehemently denied having considered ABL champion coach Leo Austria of San Miguel Beer for the position.
“No, it’s not true. He (Austria) was not considered. Hindi ko nga alam bakit may mga lumabas siyang statement. But that is his opinion,” said Casyao.
Ramos led Air21 Express (Barako Bull’s old franchise) to the semifinals of the Commissioner’s Cup with a ragtag team back in 2011. Ramos also steered the Aspac Texmaco of Indonesia to four straight titles in the National Basketball League.
“He is at par with the present pool of PBA coaches. Coach Bong is respected by our players,” added Casyao.
For his part, Ramos declared his readiness to lead the team which has undergone massive rebuilding the last five days and talked as if a couple of draft-day trades involving the team's fourth, fifth, and sixth picks overall are already as good as done.
The veteran bench tactician said he is excited with the prospect of having Dylan Ababou, Denok Miranda, Robert Labagala, Mark Isip and big man Magi Sison in the team. Labagala came in through the trade for Eman Monfort while the five others are supposed to arrive in trades for picks.
The holdovers are Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena, JC Intal, Elmer Espiritu, Mick Pennisi, Mark Macapagal, Keith Jensen, Ronjay Buenafe and Enrico Villanueva.
“We have a lot of veterans and experienced players in the team. It won’t be hard to put ourselves together on one page. Matatalino na ang mga yan,” said Ramos, who also coached the Brunei Barracudas for two seasons in the ABL.
“It’s just the continuity of our old system. Except for the newcomers, who we are still working on, wala kaming gaanong adjustments.
“Are we the darkhorse? Let’s just say we have the right (mix of) talent,” said Ramos, who was Toroman’s apprentice for 10 months.
Meanwhile, Casyao bared that Toroman was aware that his tenure with Barako Bull is only for one year.
“Since he took over as our team consultant, he knew that the partnership will not last long,” said Casyao, adding Toroman’s contract as team consultant is until February 2014.
"We know coach Rajko won't have a hard time looking for a new team to coach. Kaya we gave him a few months of allowance. He knows one year lang talaga s'ya with us. So we gave him three months of leeway kaysa naman itali pa namin sya hanggang February. That would've been unfair."
A source told Spin.ph that Koy Banal is still set to move from Petron to join the Barako Bull coaching staff.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/breaking-its-silence-barako-bull-sticks-with-ramos-as-coach-explains-toroman-departure-v02)
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2013 PBA Draft Results
As expected, 7-foot center Greg Slaughter was selected first overall by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Picking second, San Mig Coffee took former San Sebastian big man Ian Sangalang. Rain or Shine rounded out the top three by grabbing another center, Letran beanpole Raymond Almazan.
Barangay Ginebra acquired the fourth pick from Barako Bull and selected Arellano University’s James Forrester. UAAP MVP Terrence Romeo was picked fifth overall by GlobalPort, which received the pick that Barako Bull traded to Petron Blaze before it was moved again. GlobalPort also acquired Barako Bull’s sixth pick, which they used to select Romeo’s FEU teammate RR Garcia, and used their own seventh pick to take 6-foot-7 big man Isaac Holstein.
Alaska pulled a surprise pick at number eight with Ateneo forward Ryan Buenafe. Rain or Shine selected former Adamson star Alex Nuyles ninth overall and San Mig Coffee closed the first round by selecting Ateneo center Justin Chua with the 10th pick.
In the second round, Ateneo’s Nico Salva was selected 11th overall by GlobalPort and UST’s Jeric Teng fell to Rain or Shine at the 12th spot. Justin Melton (San Mig Coffee), Jeric Fortuna (Barako Bull), JP Erram (Talk ‘N Text), Eric Camson (Air 21), Robby Celiz (Talk ‘N Text), Chris Exciminiano (Alaska), Gayford Rodriguez (Rain or Shine) and Carlo Lastimosa (Barako Bull) rounded out the second round.
First Round
1. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – Greg Slaughter
2. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Ian Sangalang
3. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Raymond Almazan
4. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (from Barako Bull) – James Forrester
5. GlobalPort Batang Pier (from Barako Bull via Petron) – Terrence Romeo
6. GlobalPort Batang Pier (from Barako Bull) – RR Garcia
7. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Isaac Holstein
8. Alaska Aces – Ryan Buenafe
9. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Alex Nuyles
10. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Justin Chua
Second Round
1. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Nico Salva
2. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Jeric Teng
3. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Justin Melton
4. Barako Bull Energy Colas – Jeric Fortuna
5. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (from Alaska) – JP Erram
6. Air21 Express – Eric Camson
7. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters – Robby Celiz
8. Alaska Aces – Chris Exciminiano
9. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Gayford Rodriguez
10. Barako Bull Energy Colas – Carlo Lastimosa
Third Round
1. Air 21 – Joshua Webb
2. GlobalPort – Jopher Custodio
3. Barako Bull- Darwin Cordero
4. GlobalPort (from Ginebra)- LA Revilla
5. Petron – Sam Marata
6. Meralco – Anjo Caram
7. Talk ‘N Text – Eliud Poligrates
8. Alaska – Raymund Ilagan
9. Rain or Shine Ervic Vijandre
10. San Mig Coffee – JR Cawaling
Fourth Round
1. GlobalPort – PASS
2. Air 21 – Angelo Ingco
3. Barako Bull – Jett Vidal
4. Ginebra – John Usita
5. Petron: Nate Matute
6. Meralco: Mike Parala
7. Talk ‘N Text – Oping Sumalinog
8. Alaska – PASS
9. Rain or Shine – PASS
10. San Mig Coffee – PASS
Fifth Round
1. Air 21 -Randolph Chua
2. GlobalPort – PASS
3. Barako Bull – Mike Silungan
4. Ginebra – Alvin Padilla
5. Petron – PASS
6. Meralco – Mark Lopez
7. Talk ‘N Text – Byron Villarias
8. Alaska – PASS
9. Rain or Shine – PASS
10. San Mig Coffee – PASS
Sixth Round
1. GlobalPort – Pass
2. Air 21 – PASS
3. Barako Bull – PASS
4. Ginebra – Jens Knuttel
5. Petron – PASS
6. Meralco – Ron Guevarra
8. Alaska – PASS
9. Rain or Shine – PASS
10. San Mig Coffee – PASS
Seventh Round
1. GlobalPort – PASS
2. Air 21 – PASS
3. Barako Bull – PASS
4. Ginebra – PASS
5. Petron – PASS
6. Meralco – Mark Bringas
8. Alaska – PASS
9. Rain or Shine – PASS
10. San Mig Coffee – PASS
From InterAktv (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/2013-pba-draft-results)
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Chants of 'Ginebra, Ginebra' as Slaughter made No. 1 pick in surprise-filled PBA draft
GREG Slaughter as expected became the first pick overall of the 2013 PBA rookie draft, chosen by a Barangay Ginebra team that now looks to the 6-foot-11 center to become the dominant big man in the middle the Kings have not had since the glory days of Marlou Aquino.
Slaughter also becomes the second straight Cebuano after former college rival June Mar Fajardo to become head of the draft class in proceedings at the Robinson's Place in Ermita, Manila that took several surprise twists and turns after the top three selections.
Ian Sangalang, as expected, went to San Mig at No. 2 overall and Letran's Raymond Almazan went to Rain or Shine at No. 3, but the draft took a new turn when controversial deals Barako Bull made for the fourth to sixth picks overall were announced by Commissioner Chito Salud on the draft floor.
Barako Bull traded the No. 4 pick to Ginebra for Rico Maierhofer and Willie Wilson - a right the Kings used to select former Arellano standout James Forrester, kicking off the whirl of trades.
The Energy Cola then acquired Mark Isip and Magi Sison in a trade for the No. 5 pick, which Petron in turn sent to Globalport for sophomore Yousef Taha. The Batang Pier turned that pick into flamboyant FEU star Terrence Romeo.
Another trade for the No. 6 pick, which Barako Bull sent to Globalport for Denok Miranda, turned into another former Tamaraw RR Garcia, setting the stage for a reunion between two players who didn't always see eye to eye during their college career.
Globalport pulled off another surprise at No. 7 when it selected Isaac Holstein. Alaska then used the No. 8 pick on former Ateneo star Ryan Buenafe, Rain or Shine grabbed former Adamson standout Alex Nuyles at No. 9 while Jusitn Chua went to San Mig with the 10th pick overall.
The drafting went as far as the seventh round - the first time it happened in league history - with Meralco making Mark Bringas the 44th and final pick overall among a record 79 hopefuls.
Two consensus first-rounders who failed to make the Top 10 were the first to go in the second round, with former Ateneo stalwart Nico Salva going to Globalport at No. 11 overall and former University of Santo Tomas star Jeric Teng going to Rain or Shine at No. 12.
Also, Salva going to Globalport means teaming up with former college rivals Romeo and Garcia.
The rest of the second-round picks were Fil-Am Justin Melton (San Mig), former UST guard Jeric Fortuna (Barako Bull), JP Erram (Talk 'N Text), Eric Camson (Air21), Robby Celiz (Talk 'N Text), Ping Exciminiano (Alaska), Gayford Rodriguez (Rain or Shine) and Carlo Lastimosa (Barako Bull).
Rookie hopefuls selected in the third round include Joshua Webb (Air21), Jopher Custodio (Globalport), Darwin Cordero (Barako Bull), LA Revilla (Globalport, after trading its 2014 first-round pick to Barangay Ginebra in exchange for the Gin Kings’ 2013 third round pick, as well as their 2016 and 2017 second round selections).
Petron took in Sam Marata (25th), Meralco got Anjo Caram (26th), Talk ‘N Text added Eliud Poligrates (27th), Alaska went for Raymund Ilagan (28th), Rain or Shine selected John Ervic Vijandre (29th) while San Mig wrapped up the third round by taking in former San Miguel beer shooter JR Cawaling with the 30th pick.
The fourth round draftees include Angelo Ingco (Air21), Jett Vidal (Barako Bull), 6’9” hulking center John Usita (Barangay Ginebra), Nate Matute (Petron), Mike Parala (Meralco) and Chris Sumalinog (Talk ‘N Text).
Globalport, Alaska, Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee all passed.
The fifth round saw Randolf Chua going to Air21, Michael Silungan joining Barako Bull, Alvin Padilla moving to Barangay Ginebra, Mark Lopez going to Meralco and John Byron Villarias winding up with Talk ‘N Text.
In the sixth round, former FEU back-up guard Jens Knuttel went to Barangay Ginebra, while Meralco Ron Guevarra went to Meralco. Air21, Globalport, Petron and Talk ‘N Text elected to pass.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/chants-of-ginebra-ginebra-as-slaughter-made-no.-1-pick-overall-in-surprise-filled-pba-draft-v02)
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Ano nangyare?
Jeric Teng (2nd round, #12 pick lang)
JR Cawaling (3rd round, #30 pick), isa sa nucleus ng FEU ito dati
Mike Silungan (5th round), main man ng lowly UP Maroons ito dati
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After trade for Miller, Villanueva embraces leader's role at young Globalport side
ENRICO Villanueva doesn’t mind being traded away by Barako Bull to Globalport in a low-profile deal consummated ahead of Sunday’s PBA Annual Draft.
Villanueva found himself on the move again on Draft Day when he was sent by the Energy Cola to the Batang Pier for two-time league Most Valuable Player Willie Miller and Hans Thiele.
The veteran that he is, the big man out of Ateneo said as long as he can be of help to a young franchise such as Globalport, then he is more than willing to do his part.
“Kung saan ako makakatulong, magta-trabaho ako para manalo ng championship. Bawat player naman kasi `yun ang gustong mangyari,” said Villanueva, who already joined the Batang Pier in welcoming their rookie picks led by reigning UAAP MVP Terrence Romeo during the draft proceedings at Robinson’s Place Manila in Ermita.
“Definitely, if I got traded because they wanted me, they needed me, then I will be more than happy to help.”
Villanueva admitted not being surprised when he was told about the trade.
“Beterano na ako, kaya di na ako nasu-surprise sa mga ganyan.”
The former Gilas Pilipinas stalwart is expected to have an active hand with Globalport, where he stands to be one of the team’s veteran players along with Jay Washington and Sol Mercado.
“That’s what exactly Boss Mikee (Romero) told us, kaming tatlo nila JayWash and Sol 'yung magiging leaders ng team,” said Villanueva, looking splendid in a gray suit.
“We have to guide the younger guys because sinasabi nila sa akin kanina na ang average age ng team namin is 24, so sobrang bata talaga. “
But despite being a young franchise, Villanueva believes the future looks bright for the Batang Pier.
“I’m happy with the way we drafted. Instantly, magiging contender `yung Globalport not because of me but with our draft picks. Nag all-out si Boss Mikee para dito sa draft,” he said.
Globalport was the busiest team during the draft with six rookies. Apart from Romeo, the Batang Pier also picked RR Garcia, Isaac Holstein, Nico Salva, Jopher Custodio, and LA Revilla.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/after-trade-for-miller-villanueva-embraces-leaders-role-at-young-globalport-side)
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Ano nangyare?
Mike Silungan (5th round), main man ng lowly UP Maroons ito dati
I am surprised to see Mike Silungan drop all the way to the 5th round. While Silungan shoots way too many three-pointers, I didn't think that 40+ players would be picked before him. I thought he would be drafted late 2nd round/early 3rd.
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Amid furor over Barako trades, Salud insists he didn't perceive any 'blatantly one-sided' deals on draft day
PBA commissioner Chito Salud on Monday insisted he did not perceive any 'blatantly lopsided' trades during the PBA rookie draft amid the public outcry over Barako Bull's decision to trade its valuable first-round picks to Barangay Ginebra and Globalport.
Salud has come under fire from some fans for his perceived failure to veto the controversial draft-day trades that saw Barako Bull send the No. 4 pick overall to Ginebra for Rico Maierhofer and Willy Wilson and the fifth pick to Petron for rarely used playrs Mark Isip and Magi Sison.
That pick eventually landed on the lap of Globalport in a separate trade for Yousef Taha - a right the Batang Pier used to grab former Far Eastern University star Terrence Romeo.
Those deals - as well as a separate Barako trade for the No. 6 pick which Globalport got in exchange for Denok Miranda and used to take former UAAP MVP RR Garcia - have come under fire from fans, team officials and players in the media and on social networking sites.
Former league MVP Eric Menk best captured the public sentiment over the trades when he tweeted on his account @EMenk30: "Barako Bull proves again today that they are the most "unselfish" team in the PBA......"
Even PLDT head Manny V. Pangilinan couldn't resist commenting about the issue. He said in a rare tweet: "Barako gave up all its 1st round picks, and did its 2nd round. "The world wonders" - Admiral Chester W Nimitz."
Still, Salud said he didn't see any trades on draft day that can be perceived as "blatantly lopsided."
"A team can strengthen its lineup through trades and/ or draft picks. I did not perceive any blatantly lopsided trades during the draft," Salud said in a statement released to media outlets.
Salud also refused to wade into the dispute over the possible motives of Barako Bull in trading away the first-round picks amid lingering accusations that the Energy Cola franchise is being run like a "farm team" of San Miguel-owned ballclubs.
"If the issue is the strategy, wisdom, and rationale behind Barako's or any other team's decision to trade their picks for current stars or vice versa, that's obviously not within my province to explain or second-guess," said the lawyer.
League insiders also bared that trades for draft picks can be announced on the draft floor without prior approval from the Commissioner's Office - an arrangement agreed upon by the league board.
A source confirmed that Salud was informed about the Barako trades right on the draft floor, although it is believed that the commissioner still holds the power to shoot down "blatantly one-sided deals" in the days after the rookie draft.
But judging from his statement, it is clear Salud has no plan to do so with regards to Barako Bull's controversial transactions.
"It remains clearly and solely within the ballclubs' prerogative and the teams would thus be in the position to explain the direction they have chosen to take, provided of course there are no one-sided trades involved," he added.
"In any case, I keep a watchful eye on these things as our member teams are aware."
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/amid-furor-over-barako-trades-salud-insists-he-didnt-perceive-any-blatantly-one-sided-deals-on-draft-day-v02)
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Cone thrilled to add Chua, Melton to San Mig's bountiful rookie draft harvest
SAN Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone couldn’t hide his excitement over four major acquisitions from the rookie draft which should make the Mixers deeper and younger beginning next season.
The bountiful rookie harvest included two big men in Ian Sangalang (selected second overall) and Justin Chua (10th), an athletic point guard in Fil-Am Justin Melton (13th) and a swingman in JR Cawaling (30th).
Cone said outside the 6-foot-5 Sangalang, he felt Chua was a gem of a catch with the last pick of the first round because of his decent perimeter shooting size and the ability to guard big men on the low block.
“We wanted two bigs and we were looking at either for Chua or (Isaac) Holstein,” explained Cone after the draft that saw 44 of the record total 79 rookie hopefuls selected.
Cone, in fact, said he never thought Chua would still be available that late in the draft and in the process passed up on UST scoring machine Jeric Teng when the chance to grab the former Ateneo back-up center presented itself.
“I thought Chua is gonna go 5, 6 or 7 because when he came to our draft camp, he didn’t miss a shot, and that excited the coaching staff. He’s a big man who can shoot and he can defend big men,” he added.
Even Melton, the 5’11” guard from Angeles, Pampanga, caught the fancy of the multi-titled PBA mentor because of his athleticism.
“Melton is just too good of an athlete to pass up. He could jump out of the gym, incredibly quick, who just needs to work on his point guard skills and leadership skills,” said the 55-year-old San Mig bench tactician.
Since the reigning PBA Governors' Cup champions won't return to practice until November 11, Cone said he’ll begin working with Sangalang, Chua and Cawaling starting Wednesday to introduce them to his trademark triangle offense.
“We just have one week to prepare because we don’t start practice until Monday (November 11). I’ll try to work with the rookies and the coaching staff on Wednesday and Thursday,” said Cone.
“We’ll teach them some of the basics of the triangle (offense) and get (assistant coaches) Johnny (Abarrientos) and Jeff (Cariaso) to run the triangle with them so they’ll (rookies) have some basic before they go to camp.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/cone-thrilled-to-add-chua-melton-to-san-migs-bountiful-rookie-draft-harvest)
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Massive draft-day buildup proof Batang Pier mean business, says Washington
THE series of trades Globalport pulled off on Draft Day isn’t lost on veteran forward Jay Washington, who’s convinced the young franchise is out to make a statement in its second PBA season.
Washington said selecting the likes of Far Eastern University stars Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia by trading away promising Yousif Taha and veteran point guard Denok Miranda is proof the Batang Pier are serious in putting together the pieces of what he hopes would be a champion roster someday.
Globalport acquired the No. 5 pick from Petron by sending away Taha before promptly using the selection to get Romeo, the high-scoring reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player. Petron acquired the pick from Barako Bull in exchange for Mark Isip and Magi Sison.
The chance to pick Garcia, himself a former UAAP MVP, came when the Batang Pier traded Miranda to Barako for the No. 6 selection.
And for its own pick at no. 7, Globalport lost no time taking in Fil-Am big man Isaac Holstein.
“I just think it (trades initiated) shows how aggressive our management is. They (Globalport management) are not playing around. They mean business,” Washington told Spin.ph.as he joined owner Mikee Romero, team officials, and fellow players in welcoming their draftees on Sunday at Robinsons Place in Manila.
Globalport later added two-time UAAP Finals MVP Nico Salva to its rookie haul by tabbing the big man out of Ateneo at the start of the second round.
Other rookie picks by the Batang Pier in the late rounds include LA Revilla and Jopher Custodio.
The 6-foot-7 Washington, a former two-time Best Player of the Conference while playing for Petron, believes their rookies could easily make an impact if given the time to jell with the rest of the team.
“We’ve got a lot of quality picks that can help us win soon and contribute. We’re a totally different team after this draft. Now we just got to come together and see what we can do and jell together,” he added.
The 32-year-old power forward is also thankful that management has added veteran center Enrico Villanueva to the mix after Globalport shipped out former two-time league MVP Willie Miller and backup slotman Hans Thiele to Barako Bull on Draft Day.
“With Rico, he had many battles out there. His competitive level is very high. He’s another veteran who can lead young guys here, so definitely he’s gonna help,” explained Washington.
Globalport ended its maiden season in Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league with a 7-31 win-loss record overall, capped by its very first playoff appearance during the Governors Cup.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/massive-draft-day-buildup-proof-batang-pier-mean-business-says-washington)
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San Mig gets Holstein from Globalport in exchange for rookie Chua, Najorda
JUST two days after the PBA draft, San Mig Coffee sent rookie big man Justin Chua to Globalport in exchange for the Batang Pier’s own rookie draftee Isaac Holstein on Tuesday.
San Mig coach Tim Cone confirmed the deal, saying the Mixers had packaged No. 10 pick Chua with Leo Najorda to acquire the rights to Holstein, Globalport's No. 7 pick overall in Sunday's draft.
In explaining the deal, Cone said San Mig's loaded frontline would make it hard for Chua to progress in his first season and sees the former Ateneo mainstay getting a better opportunity with the Batang Pier.
“Yes, we actually traded Justin and Leo for Isaac Holstein because honestly, Globalport was just looking for someone who could contribute to their team right away,” Cone told Spin.ph.
“I mean, we have Ping (Marc Pingris), Rafi Reavis, Yancy de Ocampo, Ian Sangalang and Jewel Ponferada so Justin will have a real playing time crunch with us,” he said.
In contrast, the 6-7 Holstein can afford to spend some time developing under Cone's system while waiting for his own opportunity.
Cone admitted keeping an eye on the West Virginia University product before and after the draft.
“With Isaac, we have the time and patience to work with him because we’re a defensive team first. Isaac was our target all the time even after the draft,” added the multi-titled PBA mentor.
However, it is not yet clear if the trade for the two big men had been pre-arranged before the draft as part of a deal Globalport had with another San Miguel-owned team, Petron.
On Sunday, Globalport got the No. 5 pick overall by sending Yousef Taha to Petron, who had earlier acquired the draft pick from Barako Bull in a separate deal involving Mark Isip and Magi Sison.
Ironically, Globalport coach Junel Baculi had earlier told Spin.ph that the reason they passed up on Chua at No. 7 was because he is more like a "duplication" of Batang Pier mainstays Jay Washington and Jondan Salvador.
Now Chua is on Baculi's team.
The trade has been approved by the Commissioner's Office.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-acquires-holstein-from-globalport-in-exchange-for-rookie-chua-najorda)
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Selection headache for Ramos as trades leave Barako Bull with surplus of players
A FLURRY of trades in the offseason has left Barako Bull with a surplus of players, giving the coaching staff led by Bong Ramos a headache as it prepares to prune down the team two weeks before the PBA season.
No less than 27 players are in the team pool and a total of 24 players showed up in Barako's regular morning practice on Tuesday — 10 holdovers from the past season, eight coming from recent trade deals, five rookies from Sunday’s draft and a free agent.
Barako Bull acquired big men Willy Wilson and Rico Maierhofer from Barangay Ginebra during draft day after trading away its fourth pick - just one of several perplexing trades that drew criticism from fans and fanned accusations that the Energy Cola are a 'San Miguel farm team.'
The Energy Cola also gave up their fifth pick in exchange for Mark Isip and seldom-used big man Magi Sison of Petron (which traded the pick to Globalport for Yousif Taha) before totally skipping the first round by giving its sixth pick to Globalport for guard Dennis Miranda.
Before that, Barako Bull also swapped Eman Monfort for Rob Labagala of Ginebra.
Their top pick in the draft was 14th overall, which they used to take former San Miguel Beermen guard Jeric Fortuna. Carlo Lastimosa was the final pick of the second round, and he was joined by Darwin Cordero in the third round and Jett Vidal in the fourth.
Ramos said the coaching staff and management will have to trim down the bulging roster by Wednesday since the team is set to leave on Thursday morning for a four-team pocket tournament in Cebu.
“Meron na naman akong naisip na matitira but I still have to talk to management about it,” said Ramos.
There were also changes to the Barako Bull coaching staff with the arrival of Koy Banal, who is coming off a one-conference stint with Petron as one of Boosters coach Gee Abanilla’s assistants.
Despite the team coming under fire for what fans had lambasted as "lopsided" deals, Ramos said he is happy to have a pool of "tried and tested" players to choose from.
“Marami lang 27 (players) sa ngayon, pero kasi ang importante sa akin ngayon, yung sinasabi na beterano, tried and tested na sila sa PBA. Positive yun na nakikita ko sa practice. Pati attitude at intensity nila,” Ramos told Spin.ph after the team’s practice at the Gatorade Hoops Center.
Ramos said he intends to put together a full-court trapping team that has a lot of options on the half-court set.
“I think I will have a group na pang full-court, pang mabilis at pang set up,” explained the Barako Bull mentor.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/selection-headache-for-ramos-as-trades-leave-barako-bull-with-surplus-of-players)
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'Buff' Eric Menk shows up for Globalport practice as contract talks get underway
A BUFF Eric Menk surprised everyone including coach Junel Baculi when he showed up for Globalport's practice on Wednesday morning at the Moro Lorenzo gym inside the Ateneo campus.
“I heard the team is working on having him here pero I didn’t expect na ngayon siya darating,” said Baculi, who bared how team owner Mikee Romero has been personally batting for Menk’s inclusion in their team’s roster for the coming season.
Inactive since playing for San Miguel Beer in its successful title campaign in the ABL in June, the former PBA MVP is being eyed by Romero as the final piece in a massive offseason buildup that saw the Batang Pier collar top rookies and talented veterans.
More than Menk's presence, what surprised Baculi and Globalport's players was the well-chiselled physique and impressive play of the many-time All-Star despite months of inactivity.
“Pumayat si Eric. Mukhang kundisyon. 'Yung old moves niya andun pa rin,” said the fiery mentor.
Globalport veteran big man Jondan Salvador said of the 39-year-old power forward: “Okay naman siya. Parang nag-lose ng weight. Mukhang mas kundisyon nga siya ngayon. Nakasabay siya sa practice namin kanina. Nakatapos pa tapos nag-extra shooting pa siya after."
“Nag extra work out siguro yun for a few weeks, kasi andun yung kilos eh,” he added. “Game shape lang kulang sa kanya, kasi June 12 pa siya huli naglaro. Pero pagnakuha niya 'yun, babalik ang bagsik niyan. Beterano na 'yan nasa system na niya ang laro.”
Although Menk will be a big threat to him in the battle for playing time, Salvador said he doesn’t mind.
“Malaking addition sa amin si Eric Menk, syempre yung respect sa kanya ng mga big men … hindi nawawala yun,” said Salvador. “Eric Menk is Eric Menk!”
“Walang problema sa akin kung ako pa maapektuhan sa playing time, basta tayo lalaro kung mabibigyan ng time. Lagi naman tayong ganun eh. Always ready!” he added.
Meanwhile, Baculi bared that Globalport management is still in the thick of negotiations with Menk, who is an unrestricted free agent after being dropped from the lineup by Ginebra.
“Everything is not yet cast in stone, in as far as his career with the team is concerned. Pero our management is already working on it," Baculi said.
But there is no doubt in Baculi's mind that Menk will come in handy for him next season.
"We will need Eric in our frontline … He’ll be a big factor inside,” he said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/buff-eric-menk-shows-up-for-globalport-practice-as-contract-talks-get-underway)
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Garcia, Jeric Teng join PBA Millionaires' Club after agreeing to multi-year deals
Former UAAP MVP leads RR Garcia and University of Santo Tomas star Jeric Teng lead the new batch of rookie millionaires after reaching deals with their respective PBA teams on Thursday.
Garcia, the veteran guard out of Far Eastern University and former MVP of the UAAP, joined the PBA’s 'Millionaires' Club' after agreeing to a three-year contract with Globalport worth P8.5 million, according to his agent Ed Ponceja.
Selected sixth overall in the draft, Garcia is expected to receive the rookie maximum of P150,000 a month during his first year, P225,000 on the second year and P337,500 on his third and final year of contract.
The 6’1” Teng, on the other hand, signed a two-year deal with a Rain or Shine team which drafted him 12th overall in Sunday’s PBA rookie draft at Robinsons Place in Malate, Manila.
While details of the contract were withheld by Rain or Shine management, the sweet-shooting UST gunner will earn more or less P3.3 million excluding bonuses and other perks for the duration of his two-year deal, insiders said.
Former Adamson Falcon shooter Alex Nuyles, Rain or Shine’s ninth pick in the draft, will get roughly P3.9 million in his two-year deal under the Asian Coatings franchise co-owned by businessmen Raymund Yu and Terry Que.
Former Ateneo backcup big man Justin Chua has also inked a two-year deal with Globalport worth an estimated P3.5 million, while fellow Blue Eagle Ryan Buenafe is expected to get almost the same deal with the Alaska Aces.
The three top picks Greg Slaughter of Barangay Ginebra, Ian Sangalang of San Mig Coffee and Raymond Almazan are expected to sign lucrative three-year maximum rookie deals worth around P8.5 million by next week.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/garcia-jeric-teng-join-pba-millionaires-club-after-agreeing-to-multi-year-deals)
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Uichico puts premium on speed and heart for undersized SEA Games team
SHORT in height but loaded with speed and heart.
It’s how national coach Jong Uichico described the Philippine men’s basketball team bound for the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar following the announcement of the official lineup Thursday.
“It has to be a running team because we don’t have the size. So that’s what the lineup dictates,” said Uichico.
The 12-man lineup for the biennial meet didn’t include De La Salle big man Arnold Van Opstal and pro-bound players Raymond Almazan, Terrence Romeo, and RR Garcia, all of whom were originally named as part of the 19-man training pool formed a month ago.
“I don’t think they were permitted,” Uichico told Spin.ph, referring to the four players.
“The lineup was submitted yesterday (Wednesday). Mabilis lang talaga ang proseso, pero okay na naman. Whoever is in the pool, `yun na,” he added.
Almazan, Romeo, and Garcia were picked up in the first round during Sunday’s annual PBA draft.
Uichico said the team can no longer wait for the four players to show up in practice and will just proceed with its training since time is of the essence with just a month to go before the 27th edition of the meet gets underway.
The basketball competition is set on December 8-16 at the Zayar Thiri Indoor Stadium.
“If you make any changes in the lineup during the manager’s meeting sometime in December, it will have to be because the team has an injured player. Now, that’s what’s there. We don’t have much,” said Uichico, who’s also a deputy coach at Meralco.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios urged support for the SEA Games team.
“Coach Jong has assembled a competitive team from the best talent available to him to defend the SEA Games crown,” said Barrios. “Let us rally behind them as they prepare for the challenge ahead, and we wish them well."
With naturalized player Marcus Douthit and alternates Jake Pascaul and Prince Caperal as the only legitimate big men in the team, Uichico is putting premium on speed and quickness as its main assets.
Apart from Douthit, Caperal, and Pascual, also named to the team were Gilas cadets Kevin Alas, Garvo Lanete, Ronald Pascual, and Matt Ganuelas, along with college stars Bobby Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Ferrer, Jericho Cruz, and Mark Belo.
Except in 1989, the Philippines has won all the men’s basketball gold since it began participating in the SEA Games in 1977.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/uichico-puts-premium-on-speed-and-heart-for-undersized-sea-games-team)
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Trillo up against grand slam-winning pair in race for Coach of the Year award
LUIGI Trillo, the rookie coach who steered Alaska to the Commissioner’s Cup title last season, is up against Grand Slam winners Norman Black of Talk ‘N Text and San Mig Coffee’s Tim Cone in the balloting for the PBA Press Corps’ Coach of the Year award.
Black, who had his Triple Crown sweep with San Miguel in 1989, piloted the Tropang Texters to a third successive conquest of the Philippine Cup, while Cone, who had his Grand Slam in 1996 with Alaska, guided the Mixers to the Governors’ Cup title.
The awarding of the Baby Dalupan trophy to the Coach of the Year will be one of the highlights of the PBAPC’s 'A Banquet of Heroes' night presented by Meralco at Wack Wack on Tuesday where the finest performers of the past season will be honored.
Also up for grabs in the program that starts at 7 p.m. at Banquet B is the Executive of the Year trophy where Team PBA, led by chair Robert Non, commissioner Chito Salud and top Gilas-Pilipinas backer Manny V. Pangilinan of Talk ‘N Text, is the hot favorite.
Aside from winning a title in just his third full conference as coach, Trillo also guided Alaska to the best winning percentage last season, according to chief PBA statistician and PBAPC member Fidel Mangonon III.
The .636 winning percentage of the Aces for their 35-20 record was slihtly better than that of Black’s Talk ‘N Text crew, which had .625 (35-21). Alaska’s total victories was also 24 more than what it had in 2012 for the franchise’s second biggest turnaround.
Cone’s Mixers finished with a 38-26 record for the year, for a .594 clip which was third best in the league.
Also, Alaska’s 24-win improvement was the most by any team since Purefoods also posted the same in 2009, which, ultimately, gave Ryan Gregorio the Coach of the Year trophy.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/trillo-up-against-grand-slam-winning-pair-in-race-for-coach-of-the-year-award)
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Pingris bestowed Defensive Player of the Year award as Lassiter named comeback king
MARC Pingris of San Mig Coffee, Marcio Lassiter of Petron Blaze and Jervy Cruz of Rain or Shine, workhorses all, are up for special awards on Tuesday night when the PBA Press Corps’ 'A Banquet of Heroes' presented by Meralco is held at posh Wack Wack Golf Club in Mandaluyong.
Pingris will finally claim a place in PBA history as one of its finest defenders ever when he is awarded the Defensive Player of the Year trophy, even as Lassiter was unanimously chosen as the winner of the Bogs Adornado Trophy for the PBAPC’s Comeback Player of the Year.
Cruz, the former UAAP MVP with Santo Tomas, edged out Reynel Hugnatan for the Mr. Quality Minutes award after averaging close to nine points in less than 18 minutes of action in 52 games for the Elasto Painters.
The formal affair starts at 7 p.m. at the Banquet B Hall of the exclusive club where the Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year trophies, named after the legendary Baby Dalupan and the late Danny Floro, respectively, will also be handed out.
Luigi Trillo of Alaska, Norman Black of Talk ‘N Text and Tim Cone of San Mig are the candidates for the Coach of the Year honor, while Team PBA is the odds-on choice to win the Executive of the Year award.
Manny V. Pangilinan, the Talk ‘N Text and Meralco owner and president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, will talk of Gilas-Pilipinas’ journey in bringing the Philippines back to the World Basketball stage.
Members of the 1973 and 1986 Asian Basketball Confederation teams like Samboy Lim, Tonichi Yturri, Adornado, Yoyong Martirez, Manny Paner, Jimmy Mariano, among others, will be present to toast the current crop of nationals players.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pingris-bestowed-defensive-player-of-the-year-award-as-lassiter-named-comeback-king)
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PBA 39th Season (Philippine Cup) Opening Ceremony and Games (November 17,2013)
* 2:00 pm - Opening Ceremonies
* 3:00 pm - San Mig Coffee Mixers vs Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
* 5:15 pm - Meralco Bolts vs Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters (USEP Gym, Davao City)
* 7:00 pm - Alaska Aces vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (New Cebu Coliseum)
** The Meralco-TNT and Alaska-ROS games will be aired on a delayed basis.
(https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-h.ak/hphotos-ak-frc3/s200x200/1450297_508210412608283_448934413_n.png)
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Early Governors Cup exit a blessing in disguise for recharged Talk 'N Text
VETERAN forward Larry Fonacier said Talk ’N Text is fully recharged and all set for its bid for a fourth successive PBA Philippine Cup title.
The Fiba Asia stint of Fonacier, Jason Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo affected the Texters’ performance in the season-ending Governors’ Cup but now they hope to start the new season with a bang after a long break and a training stint at the Joe Abunassar Impact Basketball Center in Las Vegas.
Fonacier, one of the team’s acknowledged leaders, said they are determined to make up for their poor Governors Cup performance that saw them miss the playoffs after losing to Barangay Ginebra in the knockout match for the last quarterfinal berth.
But at the same time, Fonacier admitted the Texters' early Governors Cup exit was a blessing in disguise as it helped most of their top players recharge after a long season that saw them juggle commitments with both the PBA ballclub and the national team.
“Tamang tama lang ang timing before our first game on November 17 kasi last conference, yun ang pinakamatagal na break namin (after being eliminated), since we played a lot in the semis and finals (in previous seasons), so that break helped us,” Fonacier said.
Now the refreshed Texters are nearing top form again after putting in the work at the renowned Joe Abunassar Impact Basketball Center in Las Vegas.
“After our two-week training (in the US), medyo maganda na conditioning naming lahat,” Fonacier told Spin.ph.
With Gilas Pilipinas set to resume training for its Fiba World Cup campaign, Fonacier intends to spend more time in the gym to keep himself in the best shape of his career.
“Siguro, I just need to spend more time in the gym. Kailangang magpalakas ng katawan in this type of schedule,” explained the 31-year-old Talk ’N Text gunner, referring to the expected adjusted PBA schedule this coming season to give way to Gilas’ participation in the World Cup in Spain next year.
Fonacier, the 2011-2012 Philippine Cup Finals MVP, averaged 10.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 54 games this past season.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/early-governors-cup-exit-a-blessing-in-disguise-for-recharged-talk-n-text)
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Trillo hot pick for Coach of the Year award in 'Banquet of Heroes' gathering
A GATHERING of past and present cage luminaries will toast the brightest individual performers in the last PBA season when the PBA Press Corps’ 'A Banquet of Heroes' is presented by Meralco on Tuesday night at posh Wack Wack Golf Club.
The Coach of the Year and the Executive of the Year will be known in the formal affair that starts at 7 p.m. even as the journey of Gilas Pilipinas back to the World Championship stage will be recounted by no less than Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president and PBA team owner Manny V. Pangilinan.
Luigi Trillo of Alaska is the hot pick to win the Coach of the Year award, named after the legendary Baby Dalupan, while Team PBA, after a smashing take at the gates, is expected to romp off with the Danny Floro Executive of the Year trophy.
The Bogs Adornado trophy for the Comeback Player of the Year will also be handed out and the SK Zic-All-Rookie Team will be known even as LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra will accept the Accel Order of Merit award for being the player with most Player of the Week citations last season.
Gary David, who will play for new team Meralco when the 39th Season opens on Sunday, won the Scoring Champ title for the second straight year, while Marc Pingris of San Mig Coffee was the unanimous choice for a second Defensive Player of the Year trophy.
Quinito Henson, Sev Sarmenta and Erika Padilla will emcee the affair, where members of the 1973 and 1986 champion Asian Basketball Confederation (the forerunner of the Fiba-Asia) will be present to toast the Gilas Five.
Aside from Adornado, Manny Paner, Yoyong Martirez and Jimmy Mariano will be present for the 1973 team, while Samboy Lim, Hector Calma, Jerry Codinera, Tonichiu Yturri and Franz Pumaren will represent the 1986 squad.
The Inquirer’s Musong R. Castillo, the outgoing PBA Press Corps president, is inviting management, players and officials of the teams as well as fellow sportswriters to attend the affair.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/trillo-hot-pick-for-coach-of-the-year-award-in-banquet-of-heroes-gathering)
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PBA gives 1 million pesos to victims of Yolanda
The PBA, through the Commissioner and the Board of Governors, is donating P1 million to the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. to help in the relief efforts in areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda.
“We stand united in alleviating the hardships of our kababayans in this latest disaster,” said PBA chairman Mon Segismundo, who cited the donation as “proof of the strength of our collaboration and partnership between PBA and TV5.”
Tacloban City, the province of Leyte and other parts of the Visayas were ravaged by Yolanda the past weekend, with tens of thousands losing their homes, properties and loved ones.
The latest disaster to hit the country ranks among the worst in history.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/33709/pba-gives-p1m-to-victims-of-yolanda)
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Trillo, Team PBA big PBAPC awardees
LUIGI Trillo is not ashamed to say where he came from.
“Those were very dark years. You can say I learned the ropes the hard way,” the young Alaska coach said last night after beating out PBA Grand Slam winners Norman Black and Tim Cone for the PBA Press Corps’ coveted Coach of the Year award.
“It is just an honor for me and my family to even be mentioned in the same breath as coach Norman and coach Tim,” Trillo continued after his exploits were feted in a night of stars during the PBAPC’s “A Banquet of Heroes” Awards Night at Wack Wack Golf Club.
“This award is also indicative of the great team that we have at Alaska, from Fred (Uytengsu, the team owner) who has molded me into the coach that I am, to my coaching staff, the players and everyone else,” Trillo continued after receiving the trophy named after the legendary Baby Dalupan.
Team PBA, after a smashing take of over P200 million at the tills the past season, was the unanimous choice as Executive of the Year with past chairman Robert Non of Barangay Ginebra and commissioner Chito Salud receiving the trophy named after the late Crispa bossman Danny Floro.
Marc Pingris of San Mig Coffee was the MyPhone Defensive Player of the Year, receiving his trophy from Patrick Adrianne Cabusay, the marketing communications officer of Myphone, while Gary David, who was with Globalport last season, was the Scoring Champ for the second straight year.
Marcio Lassiter of Petron Blaze was the Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year; Jervy Cruz of Rain or Shine Mr. Quality Minutes while Chris Tiu of Rain or Shine, Alex Mallari of San Mig and Cliff Hodge of Meralco joined June Mar Fajardo of Petron and Calvin Abueva of Alaska in the All-Rookie Team.
Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio won the Accel Order of Merit award for the most Player of the Week citations the past season with three.
Trillo was a gamble Uytengsu took. Despite a horrid record with Adamson in the UAAP, Trillo delivered a title for the Aces in just his third Conference at the helm, guiding the franchise to a 4-0 sweep of Barangay Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/trillo-team-pba-big-pbapc-awardees-v02)
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Where is Danny I? Ildefonso's sudden exit from Petron shrouded in mystery
WHEN Petron revealed its final team for the coming PBA season on Wednesday, Blaze Boosters fans were shocked not by the names in the lineup but by one man that wasn't there.
For the first time since he was acquired by San Miguel Corp.'s flagship franchise from Shell in a draft-day trade in 1998, Danny Ildefonso's name was conspicuously missing from the team's official roster.
So what happened?
Team sources revealed that the 6-5 pride of Urdaneta, Pangasinan has indeed been released by Petron after practicing for the last time with the only team he has played for in his pro career on Tuesday afternoon.
"Last day na n'ya kahapon (Tuesday)," said the source. "He's no longer part of the team."
Ildefonso has remained silent on the issue, and efforts to contact him have failed, leaving fans perplexed over his sudden disappearance from the lineup.
The two-time MVP has no plan to retire and has in fact told Spin.ph as early as June that he was looking forward to signing a new contract with Petron at the end of his contract last season.
However, insiders suspect he may have incurred the ire of team officials for comments he gave in an interview with gmanews.com/news/sports on deals the ballclub has made over the years, from the trades involving Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros to the ouster of longtime teammate Olsen Racela as Petron coach last season.
The 15-year veteran has declined requests for an interview, but a person privy to the details said Ildefonso is now trying to meet with team officials - not to beg for a spot in the team but to apologize for whatever hurt his comments have caused.
Sources also said the many-time All-Star has no plan to move to another team and the only thing he wants at this time is to mend his relationship with his longtime team.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/where-is-danny-i-ildefonsos-sudden-exit-from-petron-shrouded-in-mystery-v02)
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Ginebra is consensus pick among PBA bigwigs as heavy Philippine Cup favorite
MAKING noise with its offseason buildup, Barangay Ginebra as expected emerged as the consensus pick to win the PBA's season-opening Philippine Cup.
From chairman Ramon Segismundo of Meralco to Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes to the rest of the league board of governors, league bigwigs pick the souped-up Kings as the team likely to emerge champions of the all-Filipino tournament.
The Kings were quick to plug their perennial problem down low by tabbing big man Greg Slaughter with the No. 1 overall pick in the last PBA Draft, and then further bolstered their roster by adding rookie James Forrester, center Jay-R Reyes, and guard Emman Monfort.
Obviously, Ginebra’s ambitious offseason acquisition didn’t escape the attention of the rest of the field.
“Hindi ko alam kung sino ang pipiliin ko, `yung puso o isip ko,” said Segismundo as each governors were asked of their top three teams in the coming conference. “Ang isip ko Ginebra, pero sa puso ko Meralco.”
“I feel it’s Ginebra, Globalport, and of course, Petron will be there,” said Alaska alternate governor Dickie Bachmann. “Hopefully, Alaska will be there in the top 4.”
“I think it’s Ginebra, San Mig, and Petron,” said Globalport’s Eric Arejola, who added defending champion Talk `N Text to his list, and of course, the Batang Pier as possible dark horse.
Although Reyes, also Sports5 TV head, acknowledged how Ginebra has become a completely different team this season, he said those which kept a solid core of lineup are still the ones to watch out for.
“On paper, Ginebra is the strongest, but games are played on woods,” said the Gilas Pilipinas mentor. "With that said, ang malakas talaga `yung matagal nang magkakasama and you have Talk `N Text and Rain or Shine. Of course, you can’t underestimate my good friend, Tim Cone and San Mig Coffee."
Ginebra governor and former chairman Robert Non said in jest it would really be good for the league especially in terms of gate receipts and television ratings, if the Kings will be able to end a five-year title drought.
But seriously, he said team chemistry will be the Kings’ major concern going to the season as only veterans Mark Caguioa, JayJay Helterbrand, and Billy Mamaril are the only holdovers from the last Ginebra team that won a championship in 2008.
“You can’t really tell until the team jells. You can’t say until the second phase of the tournament kung sino talaga `yung papunta dun. Sana nga kami `yun,” said Non, who nonetheless mentioned Globalport, Petron, and even Barako Bull as among the contending teams in the Philippine Cup.
Only vice-chairman Ely Capacio of Petron wasn’t around during the affair.
Here are the rest of the PBA governors’ picks.
Patrick Gregorio (Talk `N Text): Ginebra, Petron, Meralco (darkhorse)
Lito Alvarez (Air21 ): Ginebra, Meralco, San Mig Coffee
Rene Pardo (San Mig Coffee): San Mig, Alaska, Rain or Shine
Mamerto Mondragon (Rain or Shine): Petron, San Mig, Ginebra, Rain or Shine (darkhorse)
Manny Mendoza (Barako Bull): Petron, Ginebra, San Mig, Talk `N Text (darkhorse)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-is-consensus-pick-among-pba-bigwigs-as-heavy-philippine-cup-favorite)
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Lucio Tan's son rules out return to PBA, cites presence of San Miguel teams
TANDUAY Distillers is no longer entertaining the possibility of rejoining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), according to president and chief executive officer Bong Tan.
And its long-standing corporate war with the San Miguel Group of Companies has something to do with it.
The son of tycoon Lucio Tan, who made a rare appearance at the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup games on Thursday to watch the Boracay Rum Waves play National University-Banco De Oro, was asked the question in the wake of the PBA's decision to open its doors to expansion teams.
However, Tan quickly shook his head. Asked to elaborate, he simply said, “May San Miguel.”
Tanduay Distillers is a sister company of Asia Brewery, a direct competitor of San Miguel Corporation in the beverage industry, although both companies have a stake in Philippine Airlines.
The influx of new talent from the both college and developmental leagues have prompted the PBA to consider adding at least two more teams to the current 10-team field over the next two years.
Commissioner Chito Salud even hinted on Wednesday during the press conference of the league’s 39th season that there are in the middle of talks with "serious prospects."
Tanduay was one of the founding PBA teams in 1975 when the company was still owned by the Elizalde family until the franchise disbanded in 1987.
Twelve years after, the company returned to the pro league under the leadership of Bong Tan following a successful stint in the defunct Philippine Basketball League where it won multiple championships.
But the return stint of the company proved short-lived after the team got entangle in a web of controversies, eventually forcing Tan to sell the franchise to Bert Lina and FedEx by the end of the 2001 season.
Boracay Rum coach Lawrence Chongson, a person close to Tan, confirmed there are no talks within the company about the possible return of the Tanduay franchise to the PBA.
“Hindi napag-uusapan,” Chongson said.
Personally, however, the coach said he is open to Tanduay joining the pro league again after its stints in the PBL and being one of the pioneers in the PBA D-League.
“Pero ako, open ako. Ewan ko lang sa management. Pero kung ako lang, open ako,” said Chongson.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/lucio-tans-son-rules-out-tanduay-return-to-pba-cites-presence-of-san-miguel-teams)
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Douthit signs contract extension but Gilas still on lookout for new naturalized player
NATIONAL basketball team coach Chot Reyes said Marcus Douthit has been signed to a contract extension that will keep him with Gilas Pilipinas until next year’s Asian Games, but he admitted they are also on the lookout for another prospective big man as some form of 'insurance.'
Douthit’s new contract means Gilas Pilipinas will have a legitimate post threat against the continent’s best teams if the plan to send the star-studded team to Incheon, South Korea for the Asiad pushes through.
“Ni-renew na namin si Douthit and his contract is till Asian Games,” Reyes said.
“He’s going to be there (Asian Games), (extension but) whether it’s him, we’re gonna be using, that depends on whether, number one, will we find somebody better than him (Douthit) and number two, if we can get him (new prospect) through the natural process, so the best move for us is to sign him.”
The lookout for a backup naturalized big man makes sense, considering that Douthit is turning 34 by April 2014.
With age fast catching up and Douthit’s sitting out the latter part of the Fiba-Asia men’s basketball Finals last August because of injury, the need to find a younger big guy to fill in for the former Provident College center has become much more obvious.
With still nine months to go before the Fiba World Cup, Reyes said they are just happy to secure Douthit’s contract extension.
“Whatever happens for us, is we have a naturalized player,” he added.
The 6-foot-10 Douthit, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004 but never got to play in the NBA, averaged 11.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in the Fiba-Asia men’s championships last August.
He will be reinforcing the Gilas cadet squad next month when the Philippines tries to extend its basketball reign in the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/douthit-signs-contract-extension-gilas-looking-for-new-naturalized-player)
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PBA attendance record set to fall as facelift expands Big Dome's seating capacity
A major facelift of the Smart-Araneta Coliseum has been completed in time for the 39th season of the PBA that opens shop on Sunday, making it more competitive against the newer Mall of Asia Arena.
A source told Spin.ph the Big Dome has added to its seating capacity, improved its facilities and done away with the lower box section to be able to expand the patron section and its more expensive seats.
“Yung lowerbox seats dati, wala na yun. Seats have been improved. Tapos it will be categorized as Patron A and B na,” said an official who requested that he not be named.
Although the Big Dome has a bigger capacity, the MOA Arena generates more revenue since it boasts of more premium seats such as the lower box and patron compared to the circumferentially designed of the Big Dome.
In the last Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Alaska and Ginebra, the 17,856 crowd at the Mall of Asia yielded P5.7 million in earnings, almost double the amount gained by the record-breaking 23,436 crowd at Araneta Coliseum during Game Three of the semifinals that only netted P3.5 million.
“That’s the aim. We want to be competitive in terms of returns sa mga clients namin. With the present set-up kasi mas maliit `yung price level,” said the source, who bared Araneta Coliseum will also install state-of-the-art seats at the venue for more viewing pleasure.
With the new set-up, Araneta officials are optimistic breaking the current PBA game attendance will be more doable.
“Madadagdagan kasi ng seats eh, so we can accommodate more fans inside the coliseum,” said the source, who also take pride in the new look of the Big Dome’s façade.
Aside from this, fans also get to experience world class viewing with the venue’s refurbished comfort rooms, new and improved galleries, as well as the arrival of new food concessionaires.
The coliseum has already improved the dugout facilities, where 42-inch LCD monitors have been installed.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-attendance-record-set-to-fall-as-major-facelift-expands-big-domes-seating-capacity)
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2013-2014 PBA Muses :
* Air21 - Lauren Young
* Alaska - Mutya ng Davao 2013, Miss Fila Guia Hidalgo
* Barako Bull - Tereza Fajksova
* Ginebra - Marian Rivera
* Globalport - Maxene Magalona
* Meralco - Sophie Albert and Stephanie Rowe
* Petron - Gretchen Ho
* Rain or Shine - 2013 Mutya ng Asia Pacific, Koreen Medina
* San Mig Coffee - Isabel Oli
* Talk 'N Text - Chanel Morales and Danielle Montano Lee
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PBA preview: Meralco Bolts power up with rejigged team built to win in the present
Meralco Bolts
2012-2013 record: 23-24
Head coach: Ryan Gregorio
Rookie: none
Offseason additions: AJ Mandani, Nelbert Omolon, Gary David, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Kerby Raymundo
Gone from last season: Chris Ross, Chris Timberlake, Noy Baclao, Macmac Cardona, Jay-Arr Reyes, Josh Vanlandingham, Allan Mangahas
Holdovers: John Wilson, Cliff Hodge, Don Carlos Allado, Mike Cortez, Paul Artadi, Jared Dillinger, Reynel Hugnatan, Rey Guevarra, James Sena, Sunday Salvacion
Reserve: Kerby Raymundo
Strengths: Meralco opens with its most impressive lineup since entering the league in 2010 - the product of several deals coach Ryan Gregorio pulled off from last season that should give him his best shot at a championship since leaving Purefoods.
The arrival of key acquisitions Kerby Raymundo, Gary David and Rabeh Al-Hussaini is a sign that the Bolts did not build up for the future - they didn't take in a single rookie - but to win in the present.
The Bolts' starting five look impressive on paper. They are studded with top-quality players in every position, from Al-Hussaini at center to Raymundo or Reynel Hugnatan at the four spot to sophomore Cliff Hodge or Jared Dillinger at No. 3 to David at the off-guard spot and Mike Cortez at the point.
When the Bolts made the Final Four for the first time in their short history in the last Governors Cup, it came as a pleasant surprise for the team's officials and supporters. But this rebuilt team can be counted upon to not just make the playoffs but also go deep in the playoffs.
Weakness: The Bolts will need to have everyone clicking if they are to go all the way, but some of the players counted upon to deliver this season each have question marks beginning with Raymundo, who may no longer be the same player that won three championships with Gregorio at Purefoods.
The 6-5 pride of Orion, Bataan, in fact, is starting his first season at Meralco on the injured list as he is currently in the US to undergo strengthening on his right knee, which had slowed him down in his final conference with Ginebra last season.
Then there is Al-Hussaini, who has failed to stick with every team he has been with in a journeyman career. His reunion, in fact, with former college coach Norman Black at Talk 'N Text didn't last long. Now the former Ateneo star will have to prove doubters wrong if Meralco expects to be a top contender this season.
Season outlook: Gregorio has no doubt the right mixture of veterans and upcoming stars which, if it can all come together, can give Meralco a chance this season. But the problem is, Meralco's team looks so ordinary when ranged against the lineups of the league's elite.
Gregorio needs to once again weave his coaching magic to pull off a title out of his hat.
Power ranking
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Rating-Meralco-0001-edit-111513.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-meralco-bolts-power-up-with-rejigged-team-built-to-win-in-the-present)
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PBA preview: Barako Bull wastes golden opportunity and takes another step backwards
Barako Bull
2012-2013 record: 13-25
Head coach: Bong Ramos
Rookies: Jeric Fortuna and Carlo Lastimosa
Offseason additions: Robert Labagala, Dennis Miranda, Willie Miller, Mark Isip, Willy Wilson, Rico Maierhofer
Gone from last season: Celino Cruz, Shawn Weinstein, Eman Monfort, Enrico Villanueva, Danny Seigle, Elmer Espiritu, Gilbert Bulawan
Holdovers: Mick Pennisi, Dorian Pena, Jonas Villanueva, JC Intal, Ronjay Buenafe, Dave Marcelo, Keith Jensen, Mark Macapagal
Reserve: Carlo Lastimosa (rookie), Rico Maierhofer
Strengths: No team has attracted more scorn in the offseason than Barako Bull, which put to waste a major opportunity to rebuild by inexplicably trading away three precious first-round picks.
Instead of dipping its hands into one of the deepest and most talented drafts in recent years and becoming a team of the future, Barako Bull acted like it had consistently done in the past and rekindled past accusations that it is no more than a 'farm team' for the San Miguel-owned teams.
Not only did it waste a good opportunity to move forward, it also taken severals steps backwards by trading away some of the few good players in had in Eman Monfort and Rico Villanueva and giving former national coach Rajko Toroman the boot.
This should be about the 'strengths' of Barako Bull, yet the only positive from all these controversial transactions is that the team ended up with an overload of veteran players who are capable of winning this season instead of a young team that will need some time to mature.
Other than that, there isn't a lot of positives to Barako's moves.
Weakness: A close look at Barako Bull's roster reveals it has six players 33 years old or older. Big men Mick Pennisi and Dorian Pena are now 38 and 36, respectively, while former two-time league MVP Willie Miller is also at the twilight of his career at 36.
That easily puts to question the team’s ability to match up against younger and quicker teams like Petron, Barangay Ginebra, Rain or Shine, and even defending champion Talk ‘N Text.
Head coach Bong Ramos, who took over from Toroman, admits he has only two options with his present roster: play the half-court set to preserve the legs of his veterans, or try to push the pace by gambling on their few young players like sophomore Keith Jensen, rookie Jeric Fortuna, shooter Ronjay Buenafe and Robert Labagala, who the team acquired in the Monfort trade.
Season outlook: Barako Bull may still pull off surprises here and there, but unless management makes a serious effort to invest long term in a core of young, talented players, the Energy Cola will never be taken seriously in theis league. The team should be happy if it makes the playoffs this season.
Power ranking:
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Rating-Barako-Bull-0001-edit-111513.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-barako-bull-wastes-golden-opportunity-and-takes-another-step-backwards)
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2013-2014 Philippine Cup Complete Player Lineups :
SEE HERE (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/2014-philippine-cup-complete-player-lineups)
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PBA preview: Stability its biggest asset as Petron moves to relive glory days
Petron Blaze
2012-2013 record: 29-23
Head coach: Gelacio 'Gee' Abanilla
Rookie: none
Offseason additions: Chris Ross, Yousef Taha
Gone from last season: Dennis Miranda, Magi Sison, Mark Isip, Danny Ildefonso
Holdovers: Alex Cabagnot, Chris Lutz, Jason Deutchman, Paolo Hubalde, Marcio Lassiter, Douglas Kramer, June Mar Fajardo, Chico Lanete, Arwind Santos, Ronald Tubid
Reserve: none
Strengths: Except for a little house cleaning, Petron made very little movement in the offseason. And why wouldn't it? The Blaze Boosters already own hands-down the most complete lineup in the league - one teeming with talent in every position and versatile players like Arwind Santos and Chris Lutz who can play multiple positions.
Even with just 12 players in its roster heading to the new season, Petron is already complete. The team has completed the transition from the Danny Ildefonso-Olsen Racela-Danny Seigle glory days to a team now relying on a whole new set of young, dynamic, and talented players.
With the way the lineup looks, Petron, it seemed, has even leapfrogged the Arwind Santos era and headed straight to a new generation of players led by Marcio Lassiter, Lutz, and sophomore June Mar Fajardo. It's now their time to shine.
Even Chris Ross suddenly looked like a nice pick-up, since he is expected to shine in a team that doesn't need him to score. Unlike at Meralco where his limited offensive moves made him a liability in the point guard position, Ross should have a field day setting up Petron's armada of scorers.
Weakness: If there is one small hole in Petron's lineup, it should be the power-forward position. But the Boosters may not need a dominant guy in the four spot if Fajardo continues to dominate inside the paint like he did in the last Governors Cup Finals against San Mig where he averaged 18.7 points and 14.7 rebounds.
Aside from that, Santos, at this stage in his career, should be better off in the four position than popping jumpers from the perimeter.
Season outlook: Petron doesn't need more good players; what this team needs is stability after a tumultuous stretch where it transitioned from Rajko Toroman to Olsen Racela to Gee Abanilla.
Abanilla, a soft-spoken former La Salle guard who never fails to preach the team concept, seemed like the kind of coach that can lend stability to this team. But he still needs to show that he can keep this team together when the chips are down.
With less Petronovela and more Fajardo, expect Petron to finally end a long championship drought before the season is over.
Rating: 4.5
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Ratings-PhilCup-Petron.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-stability-its-biggest-asset-as-petron-moves-to-relive-glory-days)
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PBA Preview: Challenge for reloaded Ginebra is on how to put pieces together
Barangay Ginebra
2012-2013 record: 24-28
Head coach: Renato Agustin
Rookies: James Forrester, Greg Slaughter
Offseason free-agent additions: Bryan Faundo, Emman Monfort, Jay-R Reyes
Gone from last season: Willy Wilson, Rico Maierhofer, Kerby Raymundo
Holdovers: Billy Mamaril, Joshua Urbiztondo, LA Tenorio, Jayjay Helterbrand, Japeth Aguilar, Dylan Ababou, Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael, Mark Caguioa
Reserves: None
Strengths: Not since the glory days of Robert Jaworski's last few teams at Ginebra - one studded with stars like Marlou Aquino, Noli Locsin, and Bal David - have the Gin Kings stirred this much excitement in the offseason than they had this year.
The league's most popular team struck gold in the rookie draft when it won the top pick overall in a lottery then used it to tab Greg Slaughter, a six-foot-11 find from Cebu who gives Ginebra the dominant big man it has not had since the peak of Aquino and Eric Menk's careers.
That's not all. The Gin Kings also maneuvered to get Fil-Canadian James Forrester by trading for the No. 4 pick overall on Draft Day, pulled off a trade for point guard Eman Monfort, then boosted their frontline with two more acquisitions in Jay-R Reyes and Bryan Faundo.
From a mid-sized team constantly pounded inside by the opposition, Ginebra has turned into one of the tallest teams in the league. Another upside to Slaughter's arrival is that it allows Japeth Aguilar to slide down to his favored four spot where there will be no pressure on him to play with his back to the basket. No wonder the enigmatic big man looks as happy as he has ever been in his career.
The benefits of a new 'Twin Towers' tandem is also expected to cascade into Ginebra's crack guards, who should have more confidence with their shots knowing they have two of the biggest players in the league to go for the rebound in case they miss.
Weaknesses: As in most star-studded teams, the challenge is on how to put the pieces together and turn it into a winning unit. This early, there are warning signs that players like Mac Baracael, Josh Urbiztondo, and Billy Mamaril are bound to get lost in the shuffle. Ginebra must find a way to keep them productive and happy.
Also, Ginebra's 'Twin Towers' may raise a lot of excitement, but both Slaughter and Aguilar have a reputation for being 'soft' players. On how the two will respond to the constant banging inside will dictate how far Ginebra will go this season.
Season outlook: The bigger question for Ginebra should be, is Ato Agustin the man to bring this star-studded team together? The former PBA MVP is himself new to this team and has relatively little coaching experience, but it takes a lot of wise, subtle moves to keep a team like this humming amid all the pressure of the suddenly heightened expectations.
If Agustin proves up to the task, and if his top players stay healthy, Ginebra fans should have a giant party before this season is over.
Power rating: 4.5 stars
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Ratings-PhilCup-Ginebra.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-challenge-for-reloaded-ginebra-is-on-how-to-put-pieces-together)
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PBA preview: San Mig addresses the 'now' and the future with rookie signings
San Mig Coffee
2012-2013 record: 38-26
Head coach: Timothy Cone
Rookie: Ian Sangalang, Isaac Holstein, JR Cawaling, Justin Melton
Offseason free-agent additions: none
Gone from last season: Jewel Ponferrada
Holdovers: Rafi Reavis, Peter June Simon, James Yap, Alex Mallari, Mark Barroca, Marc Pingris, Jerwin Gaco, Val Acuna, Yancy de Ocampo, Jerwin Gaco
Reserves: Lester Alvarez, Allein Maliksi
Strengths: For a team that is coming off its 10th franchise championship, San Mig Coffee didn't find the need to make over its lineup this season. But what it did was undergo a facelift, using its draft picks wisely to prepare for a transition from the James Yap era which may not be too long from now.
That the Mixers finished in the Top Four in all four conferences last season before ending its season with a bang by bagging the Governors Cup championship shows the team will remain a major force in the league, notwithstanding the decline in Yap's game and the advancing age of their core.
There's no reason to fear that guys like Yap, PJ Simon, Marc Pingris, and Rafi Reavis will suddenly turn into pushovers this season. But at the same time, astute moves both in the draft and the free-agent market last season give Tim Cone a pool of players like Ian Sangalang, Alex Mallari, Mark Barroca, Lester Alvarez, Allein Maliksi, Justin Melton and Isaac Holstein to develop for the future.
Weakness: The steady decline in the numbers of Yap the past three seasons (from 18.7 ppg. in 2011, to 16.7 ppg. in 2012 to 13.3 ppg. in 2013) means the Mixers need to find a new go-to-guy, yet there's no one in its team that fits the bill at the moment.
Last season, it was already Pingris that looked more the franchise player than Yap. But Pingris, too, has been overworked and feeling the strain of the constant pounding inside the lane. So the sooner San Mig can prepare for the transition, the better.
Season outlook: With the arrival of Sangalang and Co., San Mig managed to get better now while preparing for the future. In the 6-5 Sangalang, Cone also got a player considered as the most 'PBA-ready' among this year's batch of rookies. That alone will make the Mixers' main rotation a player deep going into the new season.
So expect the team to be in the title frame in each of the three conferences this season looking to add to Cone's growing trophy collection.
Power rating: 4
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Ratings-PhilCup-San-Mig.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-san-mig-addresses-the-now-and-the-future-with-rookies-signings)
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PBA preview: By standing still, Alaska faces greater odds against better teams
Alaska Milk Aces
2012-2013 record: 35-20
Head coach: Luigi Trillo
Rookie: Ryan Buenafe, Chris Eximiniano
Offseason free-agent additions: Leo Avenido
Gone from last season: none
Holdovers: Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss, JV Casio, Calvin Abueva, RJ Jazul, Tony dela Cruz, Sam Eman, Eddie Laure, Nic Belasco, Aldrech Ramos, Dondon Hontiveros, Gabby Espinas
Reserves: Paolo Bugia and Raffy Reyes
Strengths: Alaska is happy with its current team. Its core is young, deep, and complete; the bench is a perfect mix of veteran players and youngters out to prove themselves in the league while Luigi Trillo and the rest of the coaching staff have little problem reining the team in.
Thats' the recipe which the Aces hope will be good enough to keep them in the league elite this season, especially in the Philippine Cup where the team that had to make the minimal adjustments usually end up on top. Add to that Calvin Abueva, a sophomore who is expected to be most effective without having to contend with imports in an all-Filipino tournament.
Rookies Ryan Buenafe and Chris Eximinano as well as Leo Avenido - a free-agent pick-up from the ABL - should also blend seamlessly with the rest of the Aces.
Weakness: Alaska, no doubt, has a good team. But while the Aces stood still, their rivals in the top half of the league's hierarchy became a lot better with Barangay Ginebra getting Greg Slaughter, San Mig signing Ian Sangalang, Rain or Shine acquiring Raymond Almazan and Petron having a June Mar Fajardo who is expected to be even better in his sophomore.
The result? Alaska suddenly looks like a mid-sized team with a frontline that will largely depend on 6-7 Sonny Thoss, Abueva and Gabby Espinas inside. That should be a problem in the all-Filipino tournament but may be solved by the arrival of a big import in the next two conferences.
Aside from that, the element of surprise is now gone for the Aces, who will be one of the teams targetted by the opposition this season.
Season outlook: Alaska is good enough to make the Final Four in the Philippine Cup. On how far they go after that will depend on whether Trillo can once again weave the magic he had last season.
Power rating: 4 stars
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Ratings-PhilCup-Alaska.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-by-standing-still-alaska-faces-greater-odds-against-better-teams-v02)
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PBA preview: Major leap for Globalport, but how fast can young team put act together
Globalport Batang Pier
Head coach: Ritchie Ticzon
Rookies: Terrence Romeo, Ryan Roose “RR” Garcia, Justin Chua, Nico Salva, LA Revilla
Gone from last season: Gary David, AJ Mandani, Bryan Faundo, Hans Thiele, Willie Miller
Off season additions: Jewel Ponferrada, Leo Najorda, Enrico Villanueva, Eric Menk
Holdovers: Sol Mercado, Jay Washington, Jaypee Belencion, Kelly Nabong, Jondan Salvador, Marvin Hayes,
Strengths: Globalport is one of the busiest teams during the offseason, which was understandable for a team that won a grand total of seven games during its maiden season in the pro league.
But unlike Barako Bull, the Mikee Romero-owned franchise made some of the most impressive moves that turned the Batang Pier into one of the most impressive teams, at least on paper.
Altthough it lost two major pieces from last season in Gary David and Willie Miller, the arrival of rookies Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Justin Chua (all first-round picks), Nico Salva, and LA Revilla as well as veterans Rico Villanueva and Eric Menk to add to holdovers Sol Mercado and Jay Washington make Globalport loaded in almost every position except the two spot.
Weakness: Globalport made so many changes that it may be too much to handle, especially for a rookie coach in Richie Ticzon that has had very little experience.
The team also needs a veteran leader who can be the steadying presence that could help the Batang Pier put their act together on the floor. Romero can only hope Mercado or Washington are mature enough for that role - or rookies like Garcia mature fast enough to take on that challenge.
Globalport's frontline may be impressive with the likes of Villanueva, Washington, Chua, and Menk, but its two-guard spot looks shaky without David and Miller - unless Romeo makes an immediate impact for the team. The dearth may force Mercado to slide back to the two spot after playing point guard in Junel Baculi's final conference as Globalport coach.
Season outlook: It may be too optimistic to expect a young, rejigged squad to make its mark in the season-opening Philippine Cup. But depending on the success of the Ticzon gamble, Globalport has the pieces to be a contender in the playoffs in the long run.
Power ranking: 3.5
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Rating-GlobalPort-0001.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-major-leap-for-globalport-but-how-fast-can-young-team-put-act-together)
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PBA preview: Rain or Shine gets bigger and better with subtle offseason moves
Rain or Shine
2012-2013 PBA record: 31-26
Head coach: Joseller 'Yeng' Guiao
New additions: Raymond Almazan, Jeric Teng, Alex Nuyles (rookies)
Holdovers: JR Quinahan, Beau Belga, Jeff Chan, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jireh Ibanes, Ryan Arana, Jervy Cruz, Larry Rodriguez, Ronnie Matias, Tyrone Tang, Chris Tiu,
Reserve: Jonathan Uyloan
Strengths: Rain or Shine made minimal movements during the offseason, but the acquisitions the team pulled off will certainly make it better this season.
The arrival of 6-foot-7 rookie slotman Raymond Almazan bolsters the Elastopainters' undersized frontline and, as Beau Belga correctly pointed out, gives the team the off-the-ball defender it has not had for a long time.
On the other hand, coach Yeng Guiao said rookies Alex Nuyles and Jeric Teng - both noted scorers in college - deepen an already formidable backcourt that already has Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Ryan Arana, Tyrone Tang and Chris Tiu.
The Painters' lineup is formidable enough. Now if they can show the same intensity and hunger that was in full display before the franchise won its first-ever league title in the Governors Cup two seasons ago, expect Rain or Shine to be in strong contention for every championship this season.
Weakness: Guiao correctly tempered expectations for Rain or Shine by pointing out that Almazan is not a 'wow' signing like Greg Slaughter was for Ginebra this season and June Mar Fajardo for Petron the year before. Also, the reed-thin Letran star is not expected to be as dominant as Fajardo was for Petron in his rookie year last season.
Aside from that, Almazan is not a post threat like Fajardo or Slaughter, meaning Rain or Shine is still lacking in a strong presence in the middle that could attract the attention of the defense to free up the team's armada of shooters - that is, unless Belga suddenly decides to throw his weight around inside instead of shooting three-pointers with JR Quinahan.
And before Rain or Shine fans get too excited, better be warned that the team is guard-heavy and has a lot of people playing the same positions - and few to man other roles.
Season outlook: If there is one coach in the league who can put together an uneven team and make it work, it should be Guiao. The multi-titled coach has one of the most unpredictable rotation patterns in the league but somehow always succeeds in getting wins out of the seeming chaos.
That the team mostly kept its core intact makes the Painters a legitimate contender in the Philippine Cup. Aside from that, Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan are expected to be fresher this season after a busy 2013 season shuffling between Gilas and their PBA commitments.
But most of all, remember that Guiao never fails to bring the best out of players - enough reason to heighten expectations for Rain or Shine this season.
Power rating: 4
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Rating-Rain-or-Shine-0001.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-rain-or-shine-gets-bigger-and-better-with-subtle-offseason-moves)
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Source: Danny Ildefonso offered coaching job as hopes dim for return to Petron lineup
UNTIL things went horribly wrong over the past week, Danny Ildefonso was set for what was planned to be his swansong with Petron - the only team he has played for in his decorated, 14-year PBA career.
According to team insiders, the Blaze Boosters had planned to give the two-time MVP a chunk of playing time behind sophomore June Mar Fajardo this season to give their longtime star a fitting farewell in a league where he once was one of the most dominant players.
Upon his retirement, sources said, Ildefonso was supposed to settle into an executive position in one of the San Miguel-owned teams just like other great players who had played for the organization like Alvin Patrimonio (San Mig), Hec Calma (Petron), and Samboy Lim (Ginebra).
However, all those plans suddenly went out the window last Tuesday when the pride of Urdaneta, Pangasinan was told after practice that he was out of the lineup and a contract extension not forthcoming.
The reason?
Ildefonso, sources said, had incurred the ire of team bosses over comments he had made about moves Petron has undertaken the last few years, from the trades that dealt away former stars Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros to last season's firing of Olsen Racela as coach.
Two days before Petron begins its season with a PBA Governors Cup game against Globalport at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, hopes are dim that Ildefonso would get back a spot in the rotation, although Petron still has two open reserve spots in its lineup.
One of those should have been Ildefonso's, a team insider said, before plans went awry.
“Kung makikita mo hindi gaanong gumalaw sa big man position ang team. Kasi inihahanda sa kanya eh,” said the source, who is still clueless if the plan will still be executed.
“Hindi ko alam. Pero hindi na siya pinapirma eh. So baka called off na,” he added.
Meanwhile, people close to Ildefonso said the 36-year-old many-time All-Star is still bent on talking to SMC officials led by big boss Ramon S. Ang and head of basketball operations Robert Non, in the hope of mending his relationship with a company which he said "he owes a lot to."
The latest buzz from the team is that Ildefonso has been offered a coaching contract, so he can continue the mentoring of Fajardo and the Blaze Boosters' other big men.
Ildefonso is not deciding on the offer until he has talked to the SMC bosses, the source added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/source-danny-ildefonso-offered-coaching-job-as-hopes-dim-for-return-to-petron-lineup)
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PBA Preview: Staying healthy a must in Talk 'N Text side's quest for four-peat
Talk ‘N Text
2012-2013 record: 35-21
Head coach: Norman Black
Rookie: Eliud Poligrates
Offseason free-agent additions: Nonoy Baclao
Gone from last season: Rabeh Al-Hussaini
Holdovers: Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, Ryan Reyes, Sean Anthony, Larry Fonacier, Jai Reyes, Jason Castro, Kelly Williams*, John Ferriols, Ranidel de Ocampo, Ali Peek, Aaron Aban
Reserves: Rob Reyes, Robby Celiz
* returning from leave of absence
Strengths: Minus the distractions from Gilas Pilipinas' campaign in last year's Fiba Asia championships, there's no reason to believe that Talk 'N Text won't contend for any of the three league championships this season.
The Tropang Texters' lineup remains formidable, with Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes and Ali Peek still among the best in their respective positions - regardless their advanced age. Ranidel de Ocampo and Larry Fonacier are at the peak of their careers while Jason Castro already represents the present and future of the franchise.
On the other hand, the return of Kelly Williams, the acquisition of Sean Anthony last season, and the offseason trade that brought in Noy Baclao have fortified Talk 'N Text's frontline while sparing the team of the unpredictability of Rabeh Al-Hussaini.
That plus the load of championship experience and years of playing together this team has make the Texters hard to ignore in any discussion of top title contenders this season.
Weaknesses: As with most veteran-laden teams, health becomes an issue especially towards the playoffs when teams need to be at the peak of their powers. Unfortunately, Talk 'N Text has rarely managed to be 100 percent healthy these past few seasons.
Reyes, Alapag, de Ocampo have struggled with injuries of late and there is still uncertainty over the health status of Williams, regardless of his return.
Talk 'N Text has managed to endure injuries on the way to winning the league's sole all-Filipino tournament the past three seasons. But with all its top rivals upgrading their lineups, that may no longer be the case this season.
Season outlook: Coach Norman Black's squad is a cinch for the Final Four, where the team can count on its championship experience to make a big difference in a playoff-type, pressure situation.
The team, though, didn't get any younger this season and in fact had just one rookie pick - at 27th overall - in Eliud Poligrates. So this season may be the best indicator on how long the Tropang Texters can turn back the hands of time and resist the desire to rebuild for the future, perhaps with a team built around Castro.
Power rating: 4 stars
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Ratings-PhilCup-TNT.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-staying-healthy-a-must-in-talk-n-text-sides-quest-for-four-peat)
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PBA preview: Hope at long last is in the air after serious buildup by Express
Air21 Express
2012-2013 record: 14-25
Head coach: Franz Pumaren
Rookie: Eric Camson
Offseason free-agent additions: Elmer Espiritu, Mark Cardona
Gone from last season: Nelbert Omolon, Eric Salamat, Rob Reyes
Holdovers: Vic Manuel, Joseph Yeo, Asi Taulava, KG Canaleta, Simon Atkins, Bonbon Custodio, Ren-ren Ritualo, Carlo Sharma, Wynne Arboleda, Ogie Menor, Michael Burtscher
Reserve: Mark Borboran
Strengths: Several top-notch players have come and gone at Air21, but this season marks the first time in a long while that the Express have put together a team capable of stealing the thunder from the league's big guns.
New acquisition Mark Cardona marks the final piece in the puzzle for Franz Pumaren, who has patiently assembled a roster made up mostly of his former players at De La Salle that has enough firepower to make a serious run in the playoffs.
Offense should no longer be a problem for the Express with proven scorers like Joseph Yeo, KG Canaleta, and Cardona while the ageless Asi Taulava should make the team respectable inside the paint despite the emergence of top big men like June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter.
With most of the new players having played before under Pumaren's system, chemistry shouldn't be much of a problem for a team that has had problems putting its act together in the past.
Weakness: While scoring won’t be an issue anymore for the franchise, the Express will have to find a way to stop teams if they hope to win consistently. That should be a problem for the team, especially if its last line of defense - Taulava - gets into foul trouble since Air21's frontline isn't particularly deep.
The Express' point guard spot is also suspect after they gave up Mike Cortez in the Taulava deal with Meralco. That leaves the playmaking duties in the untested hands of Simon Atkins and Bonbon Custodio - who is not even a natural point guard - as well as 37-year-old Wynne Arboleda.
Season outlook: The Express, no doubt, have become stronger with the presence of Taulava, Cardona, and Yeo, who could easily help Canaleta on the offensive end. But again, it takes more than just offense to win games in the PBA, let alone a championship.
But look for Air21 to give every team it faces a run for its money this season - and perhaps pull off a couple of surprises for Pumaren.
Power rating: 3.0
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/Power-Ratings-PhilCup-Air-21.jpg)
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-preview-hope-at-long-last-is-in-the-air-after-serious-buildup-by-express)
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That's a lot of Bull: Barako rises above offseason criticism with big PBA debut
OUT to show that its offseason moves make sense, Barako Bull hammered Air21, 88-75, on Wednesday night to start its PBA Philippine Cup campaign on a rousing note at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Energy Cola, the subject of scorn after trading away all their draft picks this year in exchange for veterans, relied on their experience as they opened a big lead early and never allowed Air21 to come close.
“The players really want to prove something,” said Energy Cola coach Bong Ramos, who took over from former national coach Rajko Toroman just weeks before the start of the season.
“It’s only the first game. Pero wala pa talaga sila napo-prove. But I can see this team can pull off some surprises,” he added.
New acquisition Denok Miranda and fellow veteran Mark Isip spearheaded the onslaught for the Barako Bull, which enjoyed margins as big as 33 points against a fancied Air21 side that acquired several key pieces late last season.
Air21 only made the score respectable with a late run when the outcome was already beyond doubt.
The Energy Cola broke the game open in the middle quarters where Isip, Miranda, Ronjay Buenafe, and Mark Macapgal did most of their damage against the Express, who were without their prized addition Macmac Cardona.
Isip registered a team-high 16 points, while Buenafe, Macapagal, and Miranda all waxed hot from long range to also finish in double figures in scoring.
Joseph Yeo fired a game-high 22 points, including nine — all on triples — in the last three minutes where he tried to singlehandedly make a last-ditch push, with his last triple cutting the lead to just 13 points that turned out to be the final score.
The scores:
Barako Bull 88 – Isip 16, Buenafe 11, Macapagal 10, Miranda 10, Intal 9, Jensen 8, Villanueva 6, Wilson 4, Miller 4, Pennisi 4, Fortuna 2, Marcelo 2, Pena 2
Air 21 75 – Yeo 22, Canaleta 18, Taulava 10, Ritualo 7, Sharma 6, Custodio 5, Menor 4, Camson 2, Espiritu 1, Burstcher 0, Arboleda 0, Manuel 0.
Quarterscores: 22-17; 48-28; 75-44; 88-75
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/thats-a-lot-of-bull-barako-rises-above-offseason-criticism-with-big-pba-debut)
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Injury-hit Petron still prove too much to handle for rejigged Globalport side
A SHORTHANDED Petron still proved too much for a rejigged Globalport side as it cruised to a 97-87 triumph to jumpstart its PBA Philippine Cup campaign on Wednesday night at the Smart-ARaneta Coliseum.
Despite missing injured players Alex Cabagnot and Ronald Tubid, the Blaze Boosters still probed a potent offensive force as they spoiled the debut of touted rookies Terrence Rome, RR Garcia, and Nico Salva as well as new Batang Pier coach Ritchie Ticzon.
We’re happy and worried about this win, happy because despite some personnel problems we managed to get the win,” said Boosters coach Gee Abanilla, whose team suffered another blow in the game when big man Yousef Taha went out with a knee injury.
Reigning MVP Arwind Santos and June Mar Fajardo delivered as usual, while Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz provided the offensive spark for the Boosters.
The Boosters maintained a double-digit lead throughout as they pounced on an understandably error-prone Batang Pier and leaned on their transition game that translated to 13 fastbreak points.
Petron made 35 of 76 shots for 46.1 percent and dominated the rebounding department with a 58-47 edge.
Lassiter and Lutz tallied 18 points apiece, Santos had 16 points and seven boards, while Fajardo came up with a double-double of 15 points and 16 boards along with four assists.
Sol Mercado registered an all-around outing with 20 points, six assists, and five boards, while former Booster Jay Washington had a double-double of 15 points and the same number of caroms on top of two blocks for the Batang Pier.
The scores:
Petron (97) – Lassiter 18, Lutz 18, Santos 16, Fajardo 15, Kramer 11, Hubalde 7, Taha 6, Ross 3, Duncil 2, Deutchman 1
Globalport (87) – Mercado 20, Washington 15, Romeo 13, Najorda 10, Menk 6, Hayes 6, Belencion 4, Salvador 4, Garcia 4, Salva 3, Ponferada 2, Lingganay 0, Nabong 0
Quarterscores: 28-18; 56-44; 75-63; 97-87
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/injury-hit-petron-still-prove-too-much-to-handle-for-rejigged-globalport-side)
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Here's schedule on airing of PBA games on TV5, Aksyon TV and FOX Sports
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/pba-schedule-112113.jpg)
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Paul Lee, Belga save day as Rain or Shine survives 'bad game' to hold off Meralco
PAUL Lee hit the go-ahead shot while heavyweight big man Beau Belga delivered the game-clinching free throws to lead Rain or Shine to a nail-biting 94-89 victory over a fighting Meralco Bolts side in their PLDT myDSL-Philippine Cup match on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The E-Painters gained the early lead in the standings with a 2-0 record following the close win, a fitting follow-up to their 87-74 spanking of the Alaska Aces during Sunday’s season-opening game in Davao City.
“It’s a tough win for us. But we’re happy with the win,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “I thought we really played bad today. Meralco forced us to really play a bad game, but it just so happened we made some threes at the crucial point and were able to make some crucial stops also.”
Lee’s three-point play pushed Rain or Shine ahead for good, 90-89 after Meralco managed to grab the upperhand several times during the final period behind Gary David and Rabeh Al-Hussaini.
The Bolts got a lucky break late in the game when the referees called a jumpball between Jervy Cruzand Meralco’s Mike Cortez even though the burly Rain or Shine big man had clear possession of the leather.
Even Guiao said he was surprised by the call, saying it would have changed the complexion of the game.
“We were caught by surprise with that jump ball. That would have cost us the game,” he said.
However, Cruz managed to tap the ball to Belga, who was immediately fouled by Cortez. Belga went on to nail two pressure-packed free throws, while Meralco’s late-game three-point attempt by Jared Dillinger totally missed the mark.
The 6’5” Belga sealed the outcome with two more free throws as he finished with a career-high tying 20 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists, while four other Rain or Shine logged 10 or more points in a balanced scoring attack.
Rookie center Raymond Almazan, this year's No. 3 pick overall, struggled in his first game as a pro, after going scoreless in a foul-plagued-14-minute performance.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 94 - Belga 20, Arana 14, Rodriguez 13, Lee 12, Chan 11, Norwood 7, Cruz 6, Tang 5, Ibanes 3, Nuyles 2, Teng 1, Almazan 0.
Meralco 89 - David 24, Al-Hussaini 14, Hugnatan 11, Cortez 10, Wilson 10, Dillinger 8, Hodge 7, Guevarra 5, Salvacion 0, Allado 0, Mandani 0.
Quarters: 18-23, 38-41, 66-60, 94-89
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/paul-lee-belga-save-day-as-rain-or-shine-survives-bad-game-to-hold-off-meralco)
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Typhoon relief efforts the winner as Alaska gifts owner a big win on birthday
ALASKA Milk erected a big lead early in the final period then held off San Mig Super Coffee’s endgame charge, 84-80 to book its first win in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Aces held San Mig to just two field goals in the first seven minutes of the fourth period to built a 79-61 spread which proved just enough to cushion a 12-2 finishing kick by the Mixers.
The win came as a huge birthday gift for Alaska to team owner Fred Uytengsu, who turned 52 on Friday and as part of his celebration had vowed to donate P52,000 for every point difference Alaska had in the win.
“It’s Mr Uytengsu’s birthday today. I’m just happy to be able to do this for him,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo after his team bounced back from a 74-87 season-opening loss to Rain or Shine last Sunday.
“He called me and spoke to management. He said everybody is doing their share in helping for (Typhoon) Yolanda (victims) so we’re not having Christmas party this year,” he said.
“He found a way to give P40 million to the Yolanda victims and for every point we were up, he’s donating P52,000.”
Big man Sonny Thoss led the Aces with 19 points, eight assists and two steals while serving as the team’s defensive anchor, allowing Alaska to whip a San Mig team that only resumed practice last week.
Cyrus Baguio added 18 while JV Casio had 15, helping Alaska avenge its loss to San Mig during their quarterfinal tussle in last season’s Governors Cup. The Mixers went on to bag the title in the season-ending conference.
San Mig star James Yap bounced back from a sub-par game against Barangay Ginebra with 19 points and six rebounds, but the Mixers appeared rusty and still out of their rhythm compared to the sharper, more determined Aces side.
San Mig dropped to 0-2 in the company with Meralco, which earlier bowed to Rain or Shine, 89-94.
The scores:
ALASKA 84 - Thoss 19, Baguio 18, Casio 15, Jazul 8, Ramos 8, Abueva 7, Espinas 6, Dela Cruz 2, Avenido 1, Hontiveros 0, Eman 0.
SAN MIG 80 - Yap 19, Sanggalang 15, Barroca 13, Pingris 11, Reavis 8, Mallari 6, Holstein 4, Acuna 2, Gaco 2, Alvarez 0, De Ocampo 0, Cawaling 0.
Quarterscores: 26-17, 43-38, 69-59, 84-80
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/typhoon-relief-efforts-the-winner-as-alaska-gifts-owner-a-big-win-on-his-birthday)
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Global Port def. Air21 final score 114-100
Best player: Terrence Romeo
34 pts 6 rebs 3 asts 6/9 3pt fgs
The Scores :
GlobalPort 114 - Romeo 34, Washington 19, Mercado 14, Ponferrada 8, Menk 7, Salvador 7, Garcia 7, Belencion 6, Najorda 6, Salva 4, Hayes 2.
Air21 100 - Yeo 24, Taulava 21, Jaime 13, Canaleta 11, Custodio 8, Manuel 8, Camson 6, Espiritu 3, Sharma 3, Ritualo 3, Menor 0, Arboleda 0.
Quarters: 20-18, 47-46, 83-74, 114-100
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'Special' Romeo wins praise from Globalport coach after hitting 34 in only second game as pro
IN just his second game as a pro, Terrence Romeo played like a true-blue star in leading Globalport to 114-100 win over Air21 for its first win in the PLDT myDSL-Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Romeo, Globalport’s fifth overall rookie pick, poured in 26 of his PBA career-high 34 points in a dazzling second-half performance that drew raves from the sparse crowd that witnessed his star turn at the Big Dome.
The reigning UAAP MVP highlighted his red-hot shooting night by going six-of-nine from downtown. He shot five three-pointers in the second half alone when Globalport turned a one-point halftime lead to as big as 101-82 midway through the final period.
“It’s a good thing we were able to make our three-point shots because now we shot 10-of-27. That’s our forte as a team - move the ball around and sharing the ball,” said Globalport’s interim coach Ritchie Ticzon, who earned his first win as a PBA coach.
Ticzon called their prized recruit Romeo “special” after he surpassed his UAAP career high of 33 in only his second game in a Globalport uniform.
“He’s really special. Eveyrbody knows that. Even in the UAAP, we already knew he is special,” he added.
The win came as a huge emotional lift for Globalport after the sophomore team was beaten by an undermanned Petron side, 97-87 on Wednesday during both teams’ season debut.
Jay Washington chipped in 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Sol Mercado added 14, four rebounds and seven assists for the Batang Pier.
Joseph Yeo led the Express (0-2) with 24 points, while Asi Taulava added 21 and 15 boards in another losing effort.
The scores:
GlobalPort 114 - Romeo 34, Washington 19, Mercado 14, Ponferrada 8, Menk 7, Salvador 7, Garcia 7, Belencion 6, Najorda 6, Salvador 4, Hayes 2.
Air21 100 - Yeo 24, Taulava 21, Jaime 13, Canaleta 11, Custodio 8, Manuel 8, Camson 6, Espiritu 3, Sharma 3, Ritualo 3, Menor 0, Arboleda 0.
Quarters: 20-18, 47-46, 83-74, 114-100
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/special-romeo-wins-praise-from-globalport-coach-after-hitting-34-in-only-second-game-as-pro-v02)
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Red-hot Petron shrugs off injuries to stay unbeaten with hammering of Texters
PETRON Blaze started out like a house on fire, cooled down a little bit in the final period before recovering its bearing to put away three-time champion Talk ‘N Text, 77-63 and grab a share of the lead in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hard hit by early-season injuries Alex Cabagnot (torn plantar), Chico Lanete (strained hamstring), Ronald Tubid (knee) and Yousef Taha (knee), the Boosters hardly showed signs of slowing down as they posted leads as big as 26 points, 54-28, on a basket by Doug Kramer late in the first half.
The Tropang Texters, without injured stars Ranidel de Ocampo (strained calf muscle) and Ryan Reyes (hamstring), summoned enough fight to pull within 60-70 on two free throws by Jimmy Alapag.
But that was the closest the Tropang Texters could get as Arwind Santos and Chris Lutz put the finishing touches to the Blaze Boosters' second win in as many games this season.
“We’re really happy with the effort we gave tonight. Though we were kind of shorthanded, we managed to make do with what we have,” Petron coach Gee Abanilla said after his team tied idle Rain or Shine at the top of the standings in the season-opening tournament.
Abanilla refused to say the double-digit win was in anyway a statement game, considering that Talk ‘N Text didn’t play with two of its best scorers and defenders.
“No, it’s not (a statement game). Maybe we just caught them (Tropang Texters) off-guard, plus they didn’t have Ranidel and Ryan Reyes,” he said,
Petron’s airtight defense held Talk ‘N Text to just 27.2 percent shooting from the field overall.
Gilas Pilipinas mainstays Jason Castro, Jimmy Alapag and Larry Fonacier combined to shoot just 10-of-37 from the field overall, typifying the defending champions’ struggle in the game.
Talk ‘N Text dropped to 1-1, in a tie with Alaska and Gloobalport, which whipped Air21, 114-100, in the day's opening game.
The scores:
Petron 77 - Santos 15, Lassiter 13, Lutz 12, Fajardo 10, Kramer 10, Hubalde 8, Ross 6, Deutchman 3, Duncil 0.
Talk N' Text 63 - Castro 15, Baclao 10, Alapag 9, Fonacier 8, Anthony 7, Poligrates 4, Williams 3, Aban 2, Ferriols 2, Carey 2, Peek 1, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 22-12, 55-32, 68-51, 77-63
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/red-hot-petron-shrugs-off-injuries-to-stay-unbeaten-with-hammering-of-talk-n-text)
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'Twin Towers' cast big shadow as Ginebra proves too big, too strong for Rain or Shine
BARANGAY Ginebra’s offense hummed like a well-oiled machine while 'Twin Towers' of Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter provided the defensive presence once more as the Gin Kings clobbered Rain or Shine, 97-84, in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup match on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Former league MVP Mark Caguioa bounced back from a sub-par season debut against San Mig Super Coffee by firing 22 points on a near-flawless 9-of-12 shooting, providing the scoring spark for Ginebra team that so far lived up to its lofty preseason billing after a major buildup.
Just as impressive were Aguilar and Slaughter who patrolled the lane on defense, controlled the boards and put in their own highlight plays to the delight of another big pro-Ginebra crowd at the Big Dome.
“Nanalo kami dahil maganda start namin. Yung energy namin nandun. Saka yung hustle, yung team effort, and one good thing namin, defense namin maganda din,” said coach Ato Agustin after Ginebra joined Petron Blaze and Barako Bull at the top of the standings on 2-0 win-loss cards.
Rain or Shine dropped to solo second place at 2-1.
The 6’9” Aguilar finished with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Slaughter, this year’s top rookie pick overall, added 18, 13 boards and three blocks.
Agustin said he was happy to see his 6-11 rookie stand his ground against the physical plays of Rain or Shine’s big men.
“Ngayon mas lumalaban siya sa ilalim. 'Yun kasi tinuturo namin sa kanya, na kailangang niyang gumawa ng paraan para makakuha siya ng bola sa loob,” he said.
Veteran playmaker LA Tenorio had a field day orchestrating the plays en route to finishing with a near triple-double of 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while adding five steals in 36 minutes of play.
Rain or Shine rallied from a 16-point third quarter deficit to close in at 62-64, but Ginebra’s firepower proved too much to handle in the end.
The scores:
Ginebra 97 - Caguioa 22, Aguilar 19, Slaughter 18, Tenorio 10, Ellis 9, Helterbrand 6, Reyes 5, Ababou 3, Forrester 3, Baracael 2, Monfort 0, Mamaril 0.
Rain or Shine 84 - Arana 21, Chan 14, Cruz 11, Almazan 9, Belga 8, Nuyles 6, Lee 5, Rodriguez 4, Norwood 3, Quinahan 2, Ibanes 1, Tang 0, Teng 0.
Quarters: 29-19, 48-37, 68-62, 97-84
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/twin-towers-cast-big-shadow-as-ginebra-proves-too-big-too-strong-for-rain-or-shine)
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Much-maligned Barako Bull continues to defy expectations with win over Alaska
RONJAY Buenafe capped his fourth-quarter heroics with a twisting layup off two defenders as Barako Bull shoot down the Alaska Aces, 97-93, to become an unlikely co-leader in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Buenafe fired 27 points while making seven three-point shots, leading the Energy Cola’s spectacular climb from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit on the way to a second straight win - not bad at all for a team that had come under fire for controversial deals in the offseason.
His difficult layup with 33.7 seconds to go off two Alaska defenders, gave Barako Bull the lead for good, 95-93, before JC Intal split his free throws after Alaska sophomore Aldrich Ramos missed a three-point attempt.
The Aces had one last opportunity to send the game into overtime, but Cyrus Baguio’s fallaway three-point attempt went short. Willie Miller then sealed the win for Barako Bull with a split from the free throw line, time down to 2.2 seconds.
“Start of the fourth quarter, we adjusted also. I’m happy because the players responded sa adjustments. It’s a game of execution and it’s a game of adjustment,” said winning Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos.
The win pushed Barako Bull to a share of the lead with idle Petron Blaze and Rain or Shine, which was to play Barangay Ginebra in the second game on Sunday.
Barako Bull finished the game with 17 three-point shots, the franchise’s all-time most shots made in a regulation play. The Energy Cola had seven triples in the fourth quarter alone where they outscored the Aces, 34-17.
Baguio led the Aces with 20 points but was a non-factor in the fourth quarter as the team lost for the second time in three games.
The scores:
Barako 97 - Buenafe 27, Isip 12, Jensen 9, Intal 9, Pennisi 9, Miller 8, Macapagal 5, Wilson 4, Villanueva 4, Miranda 4, Labagala 3, Pena 3.
Alaska 93 - Baguio 20, Thoss 16, Espinas 15, Casio 12, Jazul 9, Abueva 9, Avenido 4, Ramos 4, Hontiveros 2, Eman 2, Belasco 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 21-16, 44-40, 63-76, 97-93
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/much-maligned-barako-bull-continues-to-defy-expectations-with-win-over-alaska)
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Game made easy for LA Tenorio with emergence of healthy Caguioa, 'Twin Towers'
BARANGAY Ginebra star LA Tenorio said the game has suddenly become easy for him with a healthy Mark Caguioa and the emergence of 'Twin Towers' Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar.
Unlike the final stretch of last season when injuries to Aguilar and Caguioa put the pressure on Tenorio to take over the scoring lead, the former Ateneo star said he is now spoiled for choice when looking for someone to set up for a basket among Ginebra's battery of scorers.
“It’s (two wins to open the season) because of my teammates din. They deliver when I look for them, kasi that’s my job as point guard. So far, medyo madali sa trabaho ko,” Tenorio said after Ginebra’s 97-84 whipping of erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine on Sunday night.
That has allowed Tenorio to focus on his role as facilitator - and it showed with his numbers.
Against Rain or Shine, the 5-7 guard came close to a triple double with his 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 36 minutes of play. He has in fact averaged nine assists in Ginebra's first two games - both victories - to go with 13.5 points and six rebounds.
While his playing minutes remain the same from last season even with the arrival of sophomore playmaker Emman Monfort, Tenorio said the load is definitely lighter.
“Actually, that’s my (facilitator) job and responsibilty sa team na ito, It just so happened naging scorer ako kasi Mark (Caguioa) got injured and Japeth also got injured last season kaya desperation move na lang ng coach na maging scorer ako,” he said.
“Pero now, I’m more okay with my role though I’m still ready when they need me to deliver.”
Still, Tenorio hopes the Gin Kings will just stay grounded despite trouncing two playoff contenders in San Mig Super Coffee and Rain or Shine in their first two games, warning that complacency is their biggest enemy this early in the season.
“Two games pa lang eh. I keep on telling them (Gin Kings), 'Yes people will say sobrang lakas natin, magcha-champion na tayo.' But for me, it’s just two games. It’s still a long way to go,” he added.
Ginebra shoots for its third straight win in the PDLT myDSL-Philippine Cup when it clashes with Globalport and its up and coming star Terrence Romeo on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/game-made-easy-for-la-tenorio-with-emergence-of-healthy-caguioa-twin-towers-v02)
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Many-time All-Star Danny Seigle joining Talk 'N Text on one-year deal
DANNY Seigle is set to sign a one-year contract with Talk 'N Text.
The longtime San Miguel star informed Spin.ph himself about the development, saying he's excited to play again after starting the season without a team.
"Nothing I can say. I am just excited to play. That's it," the 37-year-old Fil-American said in a text message.
The Talk 'N Text deal finally ends speculation on where the five-time Finals MVP will play after his negotiations for a new contract with Barako Bull broke down days prior to the season.
Although Seigle is technically a restricted free agent, Barako Bull team manager Raffy Casyao has already said that they will not stand in the way of Seigle as he looks for a new team to play for.
However, it is still not clear at posting time how Talk 'N Text plans to insert Seigle in their lineup under the league rule that limits Fil-foreigners in a team to five active players.
Talk 'N Text currently has five active Fil-foreign players in the team - Kelly Williams, Sean Anthony, Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, and Ali Peek - and one on the injured list in newly acquired Rob Reyes.
Guard Ryan Reyes is considered by the league a local player.
Seigle's transfer to Talk 'N Text also puts him in a team considered the main rival of San Miguel, where the former Wagner College star played the best years of his career.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/many-time-all-star-danny-seigle-set-to-join-talk-n-text-on-one-year-deal-v02)
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Fajardo's monster double-double proves too much for San Mig as Petron stays perfect
BIG June Mar Fajardo came through with a monster double-double effort, leading Petron Blaze to a 91-78 win over San Mig Super Coffee for the solo lead in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fajardo was an unmovable presence inside the paint as he put together his first 20-20 output of the season - 21 points and 25 rebounds to go with four blocks - in a performance reminiscent of his dominance inside the paint in the last Governors Cup Finals duel between the two teams.
Petron coach Gee Abanilla was quick to pay tribute to Fajardo, who turned 24th on November 17.
“June Mar was a post presence tonight,” he said.
Abanilla also praised Chico Lanete, who was rushed out of the injured list to share the playmaking chores after injuries to starter Alex Cabagnot and newly acquired Chris Ross.
“We’re just very happy for this win. I think (guard) Chico Lanete gave us a big lift, though he’s not yet 100 percent. He gave us a good substitute,” Abanilla said after Petron's third win in as many games this season.
Fajardo's 25 rebounds were just one shy of his career-best 26, which he registered during Game Four of the Governors Cup Finals last season. He was also four rebounds short of tying the all-time individual rebounding record for locals of 29 set by the late Marcelo Simbulan of 7-Up in 1975.
Three other Petron players scored in double figures led by reigning PBA MVP Arwind Santos with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks, while Marcio Lassiter added 15.
Chris Lutz finished with his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 13 assists as Petron dealt sister team San Mig its third straight loss.
The scores:
Petron 91 - Fajardo 21, Santos 17, Lassiter 15, Lutz 14, Hubalde 9, Lanete 7, Duncil 4, Kramer 4, Deutchman 0
San Mig Coffee 78 - Barroca 20, Pingris 16, Cawaling 15, Sangalang 12, Yap 5, Mallari 4, Reavis 4, Holstein 2, De Ocampo 0, Acuna 0.
Quarters: 17-22, 44-34, 67-59, 91-78
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/fajardos-monster-double-double-proves-too-much-for-san-mig-as-petron-stay-perfect-v02)
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Red-hot Wilson a thorn in side of former team Air21 as Meralco ends win drought
JOHN Wilson led Meralco’s second-quarter attack as the Bolts tore apart a listless Air21 Express, 112-79, to chalk up their first win in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-1 Wilson fired 13 points, including a perfect 4-of-4 from the three-point arc during the Bolts’ decisive 38-point second-quarter explosion against his former team en route to a 54-36 halftime lead.
While Meralco was humming offensively, it was the team’s excellent defense that shackled Air21’s gunners, preventing Nino Canaleta, Joseph Yeo and Asi Taulava from doing any damage.
The 6-6 Canaleta, last season’s Most Improved Player, was held to just three points on 1-of-12 shooting from the field.
Yeo, who averaged 23 points coming into the game, was limited to just 10 on a 3-of-13 clip, while the 40-year-old Taulava could only score six in 33 minutes of play.
“We badly needed this win to keep our confidence level high. we wanted to make sure we will be a lot better defensively. And that’s what we did exactly,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, whose team enjoyed the game’s biggest lead at 37 points late in the game.
Wilson, the former NCAA Most Valuable Player (2009) out of Jose Rizal University, exploded for a career-high 26 points including a perfect 6-fo-6 from beyond the arc, while adding five rebounds, two assists, and a block shot in 26 minutes of play.
Meralco, which opened the season with back-to-back losses to Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine, hit a total of 13 three pointers and finished with a high 51.9 shooting percentage from the field.
The 33-point win by the Bolts also eclipsed the franchise’s previous 29-point rout of Shopinas.com (Air21’s former name) on June 20, 2012 during the elimination round of the Governors Cup.
The Express missed the service of newly-acquired forward Mark Cardona for the third straight game due to an MCL (medial collateral ligament) tear on his knee.
Ren-Ren Ritualo scored 12 points to lead Air21, which dropped to 0-3 (win-loss).
The scores:
Meralco (112) - Wilson 26, Salvacion 15, Hugnatan 15, Dillinger 13, Al-Hussaini 11, Cortez 8, David 7, Caram 6, Guevarra 6, Omolon 4, Allado 1, Sena 0.
Air 21 (79) - Ritualo 12, Yeo 10, Menor 8, Sharma 8, Atkins 8, Manuel 8, Custodio 7, Taulava 6, Canaleta 3, Jaime 2, Burtscher 2, Arboleda 2, Camson 2, Espiritu 1.
Quarterscores: 16-15; 54-36; 86-55; 112-79
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/meralco-air21-first-win-philippine-cup-v02)
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Three in a row for Ginebra as Caguioa beats rookie Romeo in virtual shootout
MARK Caguioa had the last laugh in his first PBA duel with Globalport rookie Terrence Romeo, firing 14 of Barangay Ginebra’s last 18 points to help the Gin Kings escape with a 109-103 win in their PLDT myDSL-Philippine Cup match on Thursday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Caguioa lived up to his nickname 'Spark' as he triggered Ginebra’s blazing endgame finish, shooting two big three-pointers including the go-ahead trey in the face of Romeo that preserved the Gin Kings’ third win in as many starts this season.
The win shoved Ginebra into a share of the lead with sister team Petron at the top of the standings and bolstered the Gin Kings' growing stature as the top favorite in the season-opening tournament.
“They (Batang Pier) adjusted, sa second half when they pressured us. Iyun, medyo na-rattle mga players, kaya di sila tumatawag ng plays,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin after the game.
“Pero di naman nawalan ng poise ang mga players kahit lumamang sila.”
Caguioa recalled his best form just when Romeo, playing in just his third game as a pro, started to take over. He finished with 29 points to Romeo's 27 in a game that turned into a personal shootout between a reigning MVP and the most impressive rookie so far this season.
After scoring a quiet five points during the first half, Romeo exploded in the second half to lead GlobalPort back from the depths of a 21-point deficit.
The reigning UAAP MVP, who scored a career-high 34 points in Globalport’s 114-100 win over Air21 last weekend, engineered Globalport’s huge 27-point outburst during the first eight minutes of the final period which enabled the Batang Pier to grab the lead at 93-91.
Romeo’s driving layup off Caguioa’s defense appeared to awaken the Ginebra star who after a Ginebra timeout, the Gin King guard just basically took over the game.
"Malaki pa rin ang role ni Mark. Siya na nag-take over. Siyempre, pag mainit naman talaga, on the go ang player, sige lang and he (Caguioa) responded lang talaga,” said Agustin, whose team led by 21 points late in the third period.
Caguioa finished with 29 points on an eight-of-13 shooting, outdueling Romeo who finished with 27 on an efficient 11-of-16 field goal shooting.
Jay Washington added 23, while RR Garcia, another first round pick of Globalport, scored a personal career-best 20 points.
The scores:
Ginebra 109 - Caguioa 29, Aguilar 18, Slaughter 17, Tenorio 15, Helterbrand 11, Ellis 6, Monfort 6, Ababou 3, Reyes 2, Urbiztondo 2, Baracael 0, Mamaril 0, Forrester 0.
GlobalPort 104 - Romeo 27, Washington 23, Garcia 20, Hayes 10, Mercado 10, Chua 8, Lingganay 3, Belencion 2, Salvador 1, Menk 0, Ponferrada 0, Najorda 0.
Quarters: 28-17, 56-38, 83-66, 109-104
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/three-in-a-row-for-ginebra-as-caguioa-beats-rookie-romeo-in-endgame-shootout)
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'The Blur' Castro makes all the right moves as Talk 'N Text beats Alaska in OT thriller
JASON Castro and Jimmy Alapag came up with key baskets while Kelly Williams and Harvey Carey took care of the boards as Talk ‘N Text outlasted a fighting Alaska side, 114-111 in overtime in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup match on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Castro fired 20 of his career-high 33 points in the second half while Alapag added 20, including the go-ahead, top-of-the-key three-point shot late in the game to preserve Talk ‘N Text’s second win in three starts.
Dondon Hontiveros, who earlier drained a triple to push the Aces to within 111-112, missed a pair of pressure-packed free throws with 15.8 seconds to go in overtime, hurting Alaska's chances.
After Williams split his free throws, Alaska guard JV Casio tried to go for the quick two, but found the lane crowded as he missed what could have been a potential game-tying shot.
Carey pulled down the key rebound from there, was fouled by Gabby Espinas, before splitting his free throws in the dying seconds, sealing Alaska’s third defeat in four outings.
“I feel great. We really struggled the last game against Petron. And this game is tough also against Alaska,” said a relieved Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black after the game. “It’s just one of those games we had to gut it out and be a good team when it comes down to it.”
Black said they are set to activate newly-acquired forward Danny Seigle next Tuesday when the Texters face the Globalport Batang Pier.
But he and the rest of the Talk ‘N Text coaching staff will have to make a difficult decision on who to drop among his current five Fil-foreign players into the reserve list before Tuesday.
The league cap for active Fil-foreign players is five per conference. The Texters already have Alapag, Williams, Sean Anthony, Ali Peek and Carey in the active roster.
Aldreche Ramos scored a career-high 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds to lead Alaska (1-3).
The scores:
Talk N' Text 114 - Castro 33, Alapag 20, Fonacier 18, Carey 15, Williams 7, Reyes 7, Poligrates 5, Peek 4, Anthony 3, Baclao 2, Celiz 0, Reyes 0.
Alaska 111 - Ramos 20, Thoss 16, Hontiveros 15, Abueva 14, Casio 13, Espinas 12, Baguio 10, Jazul 7, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 2, Avenido 0, Buenafe 0.
Quarters: 28-24, 50-48, 75-74, 103-103, 114-111
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/the-blur-castro-makes-all-the-right-moves-as-talk-n-text-beats-alaska-in-ot-thriller)
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Ildefonso weighs options as new PBA rule set to make him unrestricted free agent
DANNY Ildefonso is weighing his options as he waits to become an unrestricted free agent - and free to go to any team of his choice - under the PBA's new rules on free agency.
The 36-year-old big man out of National University was mysteriously dropped from Petron's lineup just days before the season, but he said his priority is still to mend fences with the only team he has played for in a career that started in 1998 - and hopefully remain with the ballclub.
“Gusto ko lang naman malaman kung may chance pa ako ma-lineup sa Petron," said the two-time league MVP. "Kung wala naman na talaga, eh magpapasalamat na lang kami sa kanila, kasi gusto naman namin ng maayos na pagpapaalam.”
Ildefonso has not directly addressed questions about the exact reason for the fallout, but Spin.ph has reported that the 36-year-old has incurred the ire of management for his frank comments on personnel movements made by the San Miguel-owned team over the years.
But in the event Petron doesn't offer him a new contract with terms similar to those on the final year of his old deal with the Boosters, Ildefonso will automatically become an unrestricted free agent under new rules implemented by the league on players whose contracts expired at the end of last season.
Under those new rules, Ildefonso expects to be a free agent by noon on Saturday.
At the moment, the 15-year veteran said he is just waiting for a chance to meet with Petron management led by San Miguel Corp. big boss Ramon S. Ang so he can clear things up.
“Maglalaro naman ako kung saan nila (SMC management) ako ilalagay,” he said, mentioning Petron sister teams Barangay Ginebra and San Mig Coffee as possible destinations.
Ildefonso, who turns 37 on December 10, said he still longs to play and made it clear he intends to explore his options if ever he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
“Ako gusto ko pa talaga maglaro,” he said.
The 6-5 Urdaneta, Pangasinan native admits getting calls from Talk 'N Text, which Spin.ph reported has mulled signing Ildefonso to reunite with Danny Seigle, a longtime teammate at San Miguel Beer who the Texters signed to a one-year deal on Tuesday.
But if he has his way, Ildefonso, who owns career averages of 11.48 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.7 minutes of play, said he would prefer reuniting with his former coach at San Miguel, Jong Uichico, at Meralco.
Ildefonso won six championships at San Miguel under Uichico, who has moved to the PLDT group as an assistant of Ryan Gregorio at Meralco and as head coach of the Philippine team bound for the coming Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.
“Kung walang offer, at kung ako naman papipiliin, gusto ko sana maglaro kay coach Jong (Uichico),” he said. “Siyempre naka-anim na championship din ako sa kanya.”
But in the meantime, the clock ticks to unrestricted free agency for Ildefonso.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/danny-ildefonso-weighs-options-asnew-pba-rule-set-to-make-him-unrestricted-free-agent)
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Cardona makes Air21 debut as Express, Mixers clash
AIR21 hopes the entry of high scoring guard MacMac Cardona could inject a much-needed life in its skidding campaign in the PLDT MyDSL-PBA Philippine Cup.
Cardona will be suiting up in his first game with the Express Sunday when they tackle an equally struggling San Mig Super Coffee side in a battle between winless teams at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The former De La Salle star missed the team’s first three games of the conference after suffering a sprained MCL (media collateral ligament) on his left knee when he slipped on a wet spot during practice just days before the league’s new season kicked off.
The entry of Cardona will somehow give additional firepower for Air21 in its 3 p.m. clash against the injury-plagued Mixers.
The Express are coming off an embarrassing 79-112 defeat at the hands of Meralco last Wednesday.
“Maglalaro na ako bukas,” Cardona confirmed to Spin.ph. “Okay na naman ako sa practice. Nakakasabay na naman ako, kahit may sakit ng konti ang tuhod.”
“Akala ko nga nun na-strain ko lang ang groin ko, `yun pala sa tuhod. Pero ngayon, stay positive pa rin kami. Matagal pa naman yung liga,” he added.
The man known as “Captain Hook” averaged 12.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 rebounds during his 43-game stint with Meraclco last season before landing at Air21 in a trade during the offseason.
Just like the Express, the Mixers are also in a bind as they face various issues entering the new season.
San Mig Super Coffee is actually one month removed from a winning the Governors Cup championship, although it opened the All-Filipino conference with injuries to forward Joe Devance (patellar tendinitis) and guard Peter June Simon (tendinitis on Achilles).
Worse, athletic rookie guard Justin Melton broke his left ring finger during the team’s 69-86 season-opening loss to Barangay Ginebra.
San Mig forward Marc Pingris, the Finals MVP of the Governors Cup, however said there’s no excuse to the team’s woeful start in the tournament.
“Kailangan naming pag-handaan ang laro sa practice at mag-hard work. Kailangan pag-handaan ang sinasabi ni coach (Tim Cone). Minsan kasi di namin nasusunud eh,” said Pingris, who is averaging 11.3 points, 8.0 rebound and 3.3 assists in the Mixers’ first three games.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/cardona-makes-air21-debut-as-express-mixers-clash-)
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Uichico confirms Meralco making a bid to sign free agent Ildefonso
IF a much-anticipated reunion for the two Dannys doesn't take place at Talk 'N Text, sister team Meralco may most likely be at fault.
Meralco team consultant Jong Uichico bared to Spin.ph on Sunday that the Bolts management is now carefully evaluating the possibility of acquiring Danny Ildefonso, the longtime Petron star who became an unrestricted free agent when he was left unsigned on Saturday.
Spin.ph had earlier reported that Talk 'N Text is weighing the possibility of acquiring the two-time MVP just days after signing Danny Seigle, with whom Ildefonso won six championships during their time with the old San Miguel side.
But Uichico made it clear the Bolts are also in the race to acquire Ildefonso.
“The Danny I situation is on the table sa Meralco. But we have not made any decision yet,” said Uichico.
Uichico, who was the coach at San Miguel of the two Dannys, said he has already given his recommendation to Meralco management as well as his knowledge of what Ildefonso can give the Bolts.
Obviously, he wants Ildefonso in the team.
“Danny I is no longer the 30-minuter cager he was known for. Pero he can surely give us quality minutes and experience,” said the soft-spoken coach of the Philippine team tasked to defend the Southeast Asian Games gold medal in Myanmar later in the week.
Uichico made it clear he is leaving everything up to the management in as far as a decision on Ildefonso is concerned, but admitted the Bolts will be in a race - along with Talk n Text and other teams - to sign the former National University Bulldogs star.
“Since I am leaving for Myanmar on Wednesday, hopefully when I get back… something has already developed. Sana ...” said the eight-time champion coach.
“We will leave it up to the management to decide on that,” he added.
Asked about Meralco standing way of a much awaited reunion between the two Dannys at Talk 'N Text, Uichico said: “Hindi naman. Syempre, pwede naman sila magsama sa Talk 'N Text eh. I don’t know kasi yung pinag-uusapan sa Talk 'N Text. Pero kami pinag-uusapan namin si Danny I sa Meralco.”
Uichico said he is fond of both Ildefonso and Seigle, saying a big part of what he has achieved as a coach he owes to the two of them.
“The two Dannys are very close to my heart. They have some playing years left in them. Sila ang gumawa sa pangalan ko,” he added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/uichico-confirms-meralco-making-a-bid-to-sign-free-agent-ildefonso)
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Efficient, balanced Rain or Shine attack sends Barako Bull crashing back to earth
AN efficient and balanced Rain or Shine scoring attack sent Barako Bull crashing back to earth in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 91-83 victory on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Elasto Painters found solid offensive contribution from TY Tang and JR Quinahan and drew delightful numbers from rookies Jeric Teng and Raymond Almazan as they dealt the Energy Cola their first loss in three games.
The Painters, who hiked their win-loss record to 3-1, also withstood the torrid shooting of Barako Bull, which, like in its 97-93 victory over Alaska last time, threatened late thanks to the hot hands of JC Intal and Mick Penisi.
“They gave us a hard time,” Painters coach Yeng Guiao said. “Their three-point shooting was a problem. I thought we prepared enough, but they still made a good number of them.”
The Energy Cola shot 10-of-31 (32.3) from the beyond the arc, better than the 26.1-percent three-point shooting of the Painters, who still made more shots overall at 44.2 percent compared to the 37.7 percent of Barako.
Aside from its outside shooting, the Energy Cola also rode on the vintage play of veteran Willie Miller, who wound up with a game-high 23 points, five assists, and four boards that went for naught.
The Painters banked on a hot start as Tang, the unlikely starting point guard, fired a team-high 14 points, including nine in the first period where he pounced on early Barako Bull turnovers.
Quinahan spearheaded the Painters’ attack in the payoff period where he had seven of his 13 points.
JC Intal and Mick Pennisi each buried a triple inside the last three minutes, with the latter converting a trey that cut the deficit to just 81-86, before the Painters held on courtesy of the playmaking of Paul Lee.
The scores:
Rain or Shine (91) – Tang 14, Quinahan 13, Chan 11, Teng 10, Lee 10, Belga 8, Almazan 8, Cruz 6, Rodriguez 5, Arana 4, Norwood 2, Tiu 0, Nuyles 0, Ibanes 0
Barako (83) – Miller 23, Buenafe 14, Macapagal 10, Wilson 10, Villanueva 8, Isip 6, Intal 5, Pennisi 5, Pena 2, Jensen 0, Labagala 0
Quarters: 28-17, 47-44, 73-63, 91-83
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/efficient-balanced-rain-or-shine-attack-sends-barako-bull-crashing-back-to-earth)
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Timely Pingris heroics help San Mig break duck with double OT win over Air21
A DESPERATE San Mig Super Coffee could not bear the view from the bottom anymore, hacking out a 92-83 double-overtime victory over Air21 to finally barge into the win column of the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In a battle of winless teams, the undermanned Mixers simply showed more desire to win in a grueling matchup as they bucked the absence of key players James Yap and Joe Devance to leave the Express alone in the cellar.
“We just needed to win. That’s just the bottom line,” said Mixers coach Tim Cone, whose team won for the first time in four starts, or since the squad captured the Governors’ Cup crown. “We didn’t care whether it was an ugly win or a beautiful win.”
Marc Pingris and Mark Barroca delivered as usual, but it was prized rookie Ian Sangalang who provided the late spark for the Mixers in the first double-overtime game in the league in two years.
The Mixers also spoiled the Air21 debut of Macmac Cardona, who came through in stretches as the Express led most of the way but failed to make the necessary stops down stretch.
Pingris finished with a double-double of 15 points, 12 boards, four assists, one block, and one steal, while Barroca had 19 points, eight assists, three steals, and one block.
Sangalang, the second overall pick in this year’s Draft, scored eight of his 14 points in the second overtime as he took advantage of the absence of Asi Taulava, who fouled out just 15 seconds into the same period.
“Fortunately Asi fouled out and left the middle open for us and Ian just got going at that point,” said Cone, who also got a lift from Alex Mallari and returning PJ Simon.
Two of Mallari’s 12 points were from the right-side mid-range jumper that forced the first extra session, while Simon, in his first game back from an Achilles injury, was the sixth Mixer in double figures with 11.
Taulava, the PBA’s oldest player at 41, played 44 minutes and came up with 11 boards, five assists, and four points in a supporting role for Joseph Yeo and KG Canaleta.
Yeo fired all but three of his 21 points in the first three quarters where the Express were still on top, while Canaleta added 20 markers, including three pressure-packed free throws that forced the second overtime.
The scores:
San Mig Super Coffee 92 – Barroca 19, Pingris 15, Reavis 15, Sangalang 14, Mallari 12, Simon 11, Acuna 3, Cawaling 3, De Ocampo 0, Gaco 0, Holstein 0
Air21 83 – Yeo 21, Canaleta 20, Manuel 14, Cardona 13, Camson 6, Jaime 5, Taulava 4, Espiritu 0, Arboleda 0, Sharma 0, Custodio 0, Atkins 0
Quarters: 11-20, 30-35, 47-50, 69-69, 79-79, 92-83
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/timely-pingris-heroics-help-san-mig-break-duck-with-double-ot-win-over-air21)
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Foul-prone Abueva has hit 'sophomore wall,' says Alaska coach Trillo
ALASKA'S flamboyant star Calvin Abueva has hit the “sophomore wall,” according to Aces coach Luigi Trillo.
In four games for Alaska this season, last season’s Rookie of the Year has seen all his averages from scoring to playing time go down amid a struggling 1-3 (win-loss) start by the Aces in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Abueva's playing time alone has dipped from an average of 26.4 minutes last season to 20.7 minutes, largely because 'The Beast' gets into foul trouble so often he failed to finish some games.
The former NCAA MVP fouled out during Alaska’s season-opening 74-87 loss to Rain or Shine in Davao and again failed to finish Alaska’s 111-114 overtime loss to Talk ‘N Text due to fouls.
Abueva is in fact averaging 5.2 fouls a game this season and Trillo believes his sophomore’s struggles early in the season has a lot to do with his eagerness to get things done right away.
“I think Calvin’s just too eager to help the team. But at this point, I also think Calvin has hit the sophomore wall,” Trillo told Spin.ph before the team’s practice on Tuesday at the Gatorade Hoops Center.
A quick check revealed Abueva averages 9.2 points and 9.0 rebounds this season as opposed to the double-double averages of 14.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest he posted during the Philippine Cup last season.
Abueva’s propensity to foul out early this season provides a problem for the Aces going into the final period because they don’t have a guy who can provide the energy and hustle when needed.
“Obviously, everybody is excited to play him (Abueva),” noted Trillo. “But we’ve got to step back and find ways to get him to play again.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/foul-prone-abueva-has-hit-the-sophomore-wall-says-alaska-coach-trillo)
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Experienced Talk 'N Text side takes GlobalPort, misfiring Romeo to school
THREE-time all-Filipino conference champion Talk ‘N Text jumped the gun on the rookie-laden Globalport side from the get go en route to an easy 106-93 victory in a rare Tuesday game in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippines Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Displaying excellent ball movement and suffocating defense, the Texters were never seriously threatened by the Batang Pier side, which failed to get the best from high-scoring rookie guard Terrence Romeo.
“It’s a good feeling to have more offensive weapons tonight with Danny Seigle around and Ranidel de Ocampo coming back. We have a well-rounded offensive game,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black, whose team climbed into a share of second place with idle Rain or Shine at 3-1.
Talk ‘N Text veterans Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag and the newly-acquired Seigle led the team’s first-half offensive, enabling the Texters to erect their biggest lead at 91-68 entering the final period.
Despite posting the team’s first back-to-back victories for the season, Black is far from satisfied.
“We’re way, way off in terms of where we want to be because we’re still in the teaching mode,” explained the multi-titled PBA coach.
“Then, we’re playing a couple of rookies, while Sean Anthony has not been with us for long, so it’s just the ability to improve your game throughout the conference that’s important for us.”
Fonacier led the Texters with 18 points while Alapag added 17 and six assists.
Playing in his 500th game as a pro, the 5-7 Alapag also reached a milestone after becoming just the ninth PBA player to reach 3,000 assists. He was also the 65th player to reach the milestone.
Seigle, acquired just last week as a free agent from Barako Bull, had 13 points and seven rebounds in his debut with Talk ‘N Text.
Globalport, which dropped to 1-3, in a tie with Alaska, drew 21 points from Jay Washington.
Romeo, who went to the game averaging a league-best 24.6 points per contest, finished with 16 on a woeful three-of-13 shooting.
The scores:
Talk N' Text 106 - Fonacier 18, Alapag 17, Seigle 13, Castro 12, Carey 11, Baclao 10, Williams 8, Poligrates 7, Anthony 5, De Ocampo 3, Celiz 2, Ferriols 0, Reyes 0.
GlobalPort 93 - Washington 21, Romeo 16, Mercado 14, Chua 11, Garcia 7, Nabong 6, Salva 6, Belencion 4, Hayes 4, Lingganay 2, Menk 2, Ponferrada 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscores: 34-20, 64-51, 91-68, 106-93
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/experienced-talk-n-text-side-takes-globalport-misfiring-romeo-to-school)
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Hot-shooting Meralco Bolts leave Ginebra in shock with comprehensive victory
AN undersized and undermanned Meralco squad cut Barangay Ginebra down to size by pulling off a gigantic 100-87 upset win in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday at the Mall of of Asia Arena.
The Bolts, who went to the game with injured forwards Kerby Raymundo (knee) and Cliff Hodge (ankle), also lost veteran forward Reynel Hugnatan two minutes into the first quarter when he sprained his left ankle after stepping on the foot of Barangay Ginebra rookie center Greg Slaughter.
But the Bolts were unfazed by the huge challenge.
Jared Dillinger churned out 25 points and 10 rebounds, including numerous shots from the perimeter that forced Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar to get out of the paint to defend.
“We’re fortunate that we got them (Gin Kings) on an off night. They were not scoring the way they scored the past three games and I thought it was due to the highly emotional game they played against Globalport. Probably, that sapped a lot of energy from them,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, whose team improved to 2-2.
The Bolts victory easily smashed the cloak of invincibility of the Gin Kings following their three straight wins to open the PBA’s 39th season.
Meralco’s defense held the usually efficient Ginebra offense to just 38.7 percent shooting for the game.
Japeth Aguilar was the lone bright spot for a lethargic Ginebra squad with 23 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, while his frontcourt partner, rookie center Greg Slaughter, was held to just seven points and six boards - way below his conference averages of 15.0 points and 12.3 rebounds.
Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio chipped in 14 apiece, but both couldn't get the Gin Kings goingin the second half run after trailing by as many as 25 points late in the third period.
Mike Cortez added 21 points, while newly acquired center Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the only legitimate big man left for Meralco, finished with 14 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks.
John Wilson and Gary David each scored 14 points for the Bolts.
The scores:
Meralco 100 - Dillinger 25, Cortez 21, David 14, Al-Hussaini 14, Wilson 14, Sena 7, Guevarra 3, Salvacion 2, Caram 0, Hugnatan 0.
Ginebra 87 - Aguilar 23, Tenorio 14, Caguioa 14, Reyes 8, Slaughter 7, Baracael 5, Ellis 5, Ababou 3, Urbiztondo 3, Forrester 3, Monfort 2, Helterbrand 0, Mamaril 0.
Quarters: 27-25, 46-35, 78-58, 100-87
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/hot-shooting-meralco-bolts-leave-ginebra-in-shock-with-comprehensive-victory)
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talo ang gin kings kanina tambak pa
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December 04 Game Schedules :
F¡RST GAME :
5:45pm Barako Bull Energy Cola VS Petron Blaze Boosters
Live on Aksyon TV
(https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-b.ak/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/c56.0.609.406/s320x320/486657_520303808065610_1580748100_n.jpg)
Second Game
Air21 Express VS Alaska Aces
Live on TV 5/Aksyon TV
(https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-d.ak/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/c56.0.609.406/s320x320/1456800_520306024732055_1200847978_n.jpg)
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Petron shuns injury bug, completes fightback against Barako
DESPITE playing with a depleted roster, Petron Blaze patiently gutted down a double-digit second half deficit to pull off a come-from-behind 96-90 victory over a fighting Barako Bull side in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup showdown on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Defense played a huge role for the injury-riddled Boosters, who held the Energy Cola to just three points in the first six-and-a-half minutes of the payoff period, while riding the hot hands of Marcio Lassiter to complete the comeback.
Lassiter banged in a game-high 27 points and got plenty of help from Petron’s bench, which successfully held the fort for a team that came into the game with just nine healthy players.
“I’m very, very happy about this win because coming to this game, we had a lot of injured players,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla shortly after the Boosters chalked up their fourth win in as many starts to keep the top spot in the season-opening tournament.
“We came into the game with eight players and one rookie, but for us (the coaching staff), the standard of expectation should not change.”
Shooter Chris Lutz suited up but did not play after hurting his left quadriceps in the team’s previous game, although team doctors cleared him to play.
But Abanilla opted to rest him instead.
“Everybody pitched in and a lot of the guys stepped up,” said the Petron coach. “Even Paolo Hubalde, Jason Deutchman, and the regulars like June Mar (Fajardo), Arwind Santos. So it’s a total team effort.”
Lutz joined injured players Alex Cabagnot (torn plantar), Chris Ross (hamstring), Ronald Tubid (knee), and Yousef Taha (knee) on the sidelines.
The Boosters trailed by as many as 13 points in the second period, before emerging from their slump in the second half with Lassiter, Santos, Hubalde, and Chico Lanete providing the spark.
Santos had 19, Hubalde scored a personal conference-high 15, while Fajardo added 11 and 22 rebounds, marking the second straight time he came up with 20 or more rebounds in a game.
Barako Bull, which dropped to an even 2-2 record after losing for the second straight time for a tie with idle Meralco, drew 11 points from JC Intal and 10 each from Willie Miller and Mark Macapagal.
The scores:
Petron (96) -- Lassiter 26, Santos 19, Hubalde 15, Fajardo 11, Lanete 10, Deutchman 7, Duncil 4, Kramer 4, Marata 0.
Barako Bull (90) -- Intal 11, Macapagal 10, Miller 10, Buenafe 10, Wilson 9, Isip 9, Pena 9, Jensen 7, Fortuna 5, Villanueva 5, Pennisi 5, Marcelo 0.
Quarterscores: 24-31; 46-50; 71-73; 96-90.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/petron-shuns-injury-bug-completes-fightback-against-barako)
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Rejuvenated Abueva to the rescue as Alaska outlasts Air21 in OT
CALVIN Abueva and RJ Jazul delivered in the clutch as the duo lifted Alaska to a pulsating 97-91 overtime victory over hard luck Air21 in Wednesday night’s main game of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Abueva, who struggled to start the season-opening conference, erupted for 19 points, including a three-point play off Vic Manuel that gave the Aces the breathing room they needed, 93-89, with 1:18 to go in the extra period.
After Manuel managed to score on a running jumper off a Joseph Yeo feed, Jazul went on to seal the game with two pressure-packed free throws in the final 22 seconds and help Alaska snap a two-game losing skein.
The Aces improved to 2-3 overall, while keeping the Express still winless in five outings.
“Three straight tough games for us. But it was nice to battle and compete and find ways to win,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo after the hard-fought game.
“Give credit to Air21. They played quality basketball as well.”
Trillo said he was particularly happy with the way the 6-foot-1 Abueva played under control against the Express.
“It’s nice to see Calvin in his flow because in the first two games, medyo gigil siya with his fouls. Today he was there till the end,” he added.
Also providing the much-needed spark off the bench was rookie guard Chris Eximiniano, who pumped in a PBA career-best 16 points, including a perfect four-of-four stint from beyond the arc.
“Ping (Eximiniano’s nickname) came in and changed the game for us. Guys were down and we needed a lift. I think he had four three-point shots,” said Trillo.
Air21 drew 22 points from Nino Canaleta while Manuel finished with 20.
Yeo, the team’s leading scorer, was held down to just four points on 1-of-8 shooting in the game.
The scores:
Alaska (97) -- Abueva 19, Exciminiano 16, Jazul 13, Espinas 11, Thoss 10, Casio 7, Baguio 7, Dela Cruz 6, Belasco 4, Ramos 4, Hontiveros 0, Eman 0.
Air21 (91) -- Canaleta 22, Manuel 20, Custodio 13, Cardona 12, Espiritu 10, Taulava 5, Yeo 4, Sharma 4, Jaime 1, Arboleda 0, Ritualo 0, Camson 0.
Quarterscores: 9-16; 26-29; 52-49; 80-80 (reg); 97-91.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/abueva-to-the-rescue-as-alaska-outlasts-air21-in-ot)
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Ginebra must continue to impose its size advantage, says rookie Slaughter
COMING off a humbling loss to Meralco on Tuesday, rookie Greg Slaughter said Barangay Ginebra must play to its strengths if it hopes to be successful against three-time PBA Philippine Cup champion Talk 'N Text in their much-awaited showdown on Sunday.
The 6-foot-11 Slaughter felt Ginebra fell into a trap laid down by Meralco by failing to maximize its biggest strength, which is the team’s size, against the undersized Bolts, leading to a 87-100 loss that halted the Gin Kings' streak of three wins to begin the season.
“I think we adjusted to them (Bolts) and played their game,” said Slaughter, who was held to just seven points and six rebounds in 21 minutes against Meralco - all career lows for the top pick in this season's rookie draft.
Ginebra coach Ato Agustin tried to match up with Meralco when the Bolts went with a small roster of Sunday Salvacion, Jared Dillinger, John Wilson and Mike Cortez, with Rabeh Al-Hussaini as the lone legitimate big man on the floor, during the second half - a move which eventually backfired.
With Dillinger, Cortez, Wilson and Salvacion taking turns hitting their outside shots, the Gin Kings fell behind by as much as 25 points and never recovered while Slaughter watched from the bench.
“I think we tried to change our lineup. But I think that’s not how we were winning (in the first three games),” explained the former Ateneo star from Cebu.
The past days in practice since that loss to the Bolts, Slaughter said Ginebra has been making the necessary adjustments ahead of the meeting against Talk ‘N Text.
But Slaughter is the first to warn that Ginebra won't have it easy against the Texters, who are coached by his former mentor at Ateneo, Norman Black.
“They (Texters) are a disciplined team. And surely, coach Norman knows what he’s doing. They are a tough team,” added Slaughter, who averages 13.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks this conference.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-must-continue-to-impose-its-size-advantage-says-rookie-slaughter)
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The scores :
First Game :
GLOBALPORT 93 - Mercado 33,
Washington 27, Garcia 12, Lingganay 6, Hayes 4, Romeo 4, Salvador 4, Yee 3, Menk 0, Nabong 0, Chua 0, Belencion 0, Salva 0.
MERALCO 89 - David 18, Cortez 18, Salvacion 15, Dillinger 13, Wilson 11, Al-Hussaini 7, Allado 7, Caram 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.
Quarters: 21-22, 37-46, 66-64, 93-89
Second Game :
Rain or Shine 86 - San Mig Coffee 83
Best Player: Paul Lee - 26 pts 2 rebs . . .
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GlobalPort ends skid as Mercado proves thorn in side of former team Meralco
SOLOMON Mercado proved a thorn in the side of his former team Meralco as he combined with Jay Washington in a second-half fightback that carried GlobalPort to a 93-89 win in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mercado banged in 19 of his personal conference-high 33 points in the second half, including three crucial free throws down the stretch, while Washington added 27 on a night when nothing was going right offensively for high-scoring rookie guard Terrence Romeo.
But more importantly, the Batang Pier made some crucial stops in the final 30 seconds and forced John Wilson and Jared Dillinger to take hurried shots from beyond the arc as they snapped their two-game losing skid to pull even with the Bolts at 2-3 (win-loss).
“We were able to execute our defensive game plan today, especially limiting their (Bolts) shooters,” said Globalport interim coach Ritchie Ticzon.
Ticzon said he was happy to see Mercado take charge after asking him to shift from playmaking to being a scorer, entering the game against the Bolts.
“If you noticed, Sol came off the bench, pero, we tried to shift him from point guard to off guard. Now, he’s more and more comfortable with our system,” he added.
Romeo, the reigning UAAP MVP, was held down to just four points, struggling mightily against Meralco’s bigger defenders.
But his absence was ably filled in by his fellow rookie RR Garcia, who scored 12 points including two three-pointers late in the final period in a strong supporting role to Mercado and Washington.
Meralco, which led by nine points at halftime, slowly relinquished the lead in the second half after getting clobbered by Globalport’s bigger frontline of Washington and Jondan Salvador.
Globalport, which dropped its last two outings against Barangay Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text, outrebounded the injury-ravaged Meralco squad, 52-37.
Gary David and Mike Cortez had 18 points apiece to lead the Bolts, came into the game with forwards Cliff Hodge and Reynel Hugnatan, who both are out with sprained ankles. Off season acquisition Kerby Raymundo has yet to play this season due to a nagging knee injury.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 93 - Mercado 33, Washington 27, Garcia 12, Lingganay 6, Hayes 4, Romeo 4, Salvador 4, Yee 3, Menk 0, Nabong 0, Chua 0, Belencion 0, Salva 0.
MERALCO 89 - David 18, Cortez 18, Salvacion 15, Dillinger 13, Wilson 11, Al-Hussaini 7, Allado 7, Caram 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.
Quarters: 21-22, 37-46, 66-64, 93-89
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/globalport-ends-skid-as-mercado-proves-thorn-in-side-of-former-team-meralco)
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Rain or Shine withstands woeful free throw shooting as 'Lee-thal' blows sink San Mig
RAIN or Shine bucked a poor free throw shooting night by leaning on a pair of timely bailout three-point shots by guard Paul Lee to escape with an 86-83 decision over skidding San Mig Super Coffee in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
The 6-foot Lee, who finished with a career-high 26 points, buried two triples and a fastbreak layup off San Mig’s turnovers to give Rain or Shine an 83-76 lead going into the final one and a half minutes of the game.
The Mixers, however, together a 7-2 run behind Mark Barroca’s own three-point shot and back-to-back inside stabs by Marc Pingris to close in at 85-83, time down to 17.7 seconds left.
Gabe Norwood then missed two free throws at the other end, giving the Mixers a new lease on life.
Unfortunately, Barroca missed on a driving layup with time winding down. Lee grabbed the rebound before he was fouled by Barroca with three seconds left in the game.
The Rain or Shine gunner split his free throws to seal the match.
Joe Devance tried a desperation three-point shot that hit the back iron as Rain or Shine notched its fourth win in five games.
“We missed too many free throws tonight. I felt if we made a couple of free throws, it would not have been that close,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said after the game.
San Mig dropped to 1-4 overall as the team continues to struggle playing with an incomplete lineup.
"The win-loss record of San Mig doesn't reflect how strong this team is," said Guiao of the reigning Governors Cup champions.
The Mixers missed ace gunner James Yap for the second straight game due to inflammation on his right elbow.
Devance played his first game of the season for the Mixers after going down with a knee injury, contributing 11 points and four rebounds.
Rain or Shine made a living from the fastbreak department after outgunning San Mig, 17-5.
Barroca led the Mixers with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists, while PJ Simon added 18.
Pingris finished with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The scores
Rain or Shine (86) -- Lee 26, Chan 11, Arana 7, Tang 6, Teng 6, Norwood 6, Cruz 5, Rodriguez 5, Quinahan 4, Belga 2, Almazan 2, Tiu 2, Nuyles 2, Ibanes 2.
San Mig (83) -- Barroca 23, Simon 18, Pingris 12, Devance 11, Sangalang 8, Reavis 7, Mallari 4, Acuna 0, Gaco 0, Cawaling 0.
Quarterscores: 25-15; 38-34; 62-59; 86-83
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rain-or-shine-withstands-woeful-free-throw-shooting-as-lee-thal-blows-sink-san-mig)
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San Mig Mixers down but not out, insists defiant Marc Pingris
MARC Pingris still likes San Mig Super Coffee’s chances in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup despite suffering yet another loss Friday night at the hands of Rain or Shine, 86-83, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-5 power forward said with the Mixers’ 1-4 (win-loss) record, it would have been easy for the team to just sulk or, even worse, give up at this point.
But they are definitely not throwing the towel yet, especially since previously injured players Joe Devance and Peter June Simon are slowly getting back into game shape.
“Di naman kami nag-pa-panic. Basta nag-i-improve `yung team okay naman sa kanya (coach Tim Cone). Ang di lang okay sa kanya eh `yung paglaro namin ng pangit sa game,” Pingris said after the team fell short in its late-game rally against the Elasto Painters.
Despite the struggling start, Pingris still sees a ray of hope for a team that missed injured superstar James Yap for the second straight time in less than a week.
“Oo, nag-improve naman kami. Talagang patayan naman kami sa practice eh,” he said.
“Lahat kami ginagawa namin lahat, konting step up pa, pati sa sarili ko na kailangan talaga maging leader sa loob ng court.”
“Down kami ngayon, then galing pa sa champion (in the Governors Cup), pero wala kaming pakialam kung ano sabihin nila. Iintindihin lang namin kung paano mag-improve ang team at `yung foundation na binubuo namin,” added Pingris, who finished with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists for the Mixers.
The Smart Gilas stalwart said he’s happy to see third-year pro Marc Barroca stepped up his game this season after contributing yet another all-around game of 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists in a losing cause for the Mixers.
“Sayang eh, kung na-shoot niya yun (layup in the endgame), overtime sana. Pero, sabi ko lang sa kanya (Barroca), 'Good game, bawi na lang tayo next game,'” Pingris said.
San Mig Super Coffee has enough time to regroup before returning to action next Wednesday against Meralco also at the Big Dome.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-mixers-down-but-not-out-insists-defiant-marc-pingris)
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Petron keeps perfect record after holding off Alaska
PETRON Blaze survived an atrocious free throw shooting down the stretch to outlast Alaska, 86-85, and remain unbeaten in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Big man June Mar Fajardo carried the struggling and injury-plagued Boosters on his broad shoulders, hitting the team’s last seven points, including a 20-foot fadeaway jump shot that beat the shot clock.
But the Boosters began missing their free throws in the final 30 seconds and protecting an 86-79 lead.
The Boosters missed three of its four free throws late in the game, while Alaska went to JV Casio and RJ Jazul for a pair of crucial three-point shots to come within 85-86.
Paolo Hubalde had a chance to clinch the win for Petron in the final 1.8 seconds, but missed two of his foul shots.
Without a timeout, Alaska was forced to call one when skipper Tony Dela Cruz grabbed the rebound, automatically slapping the Aces a technical foul.
But again, Petron blinked as Marcio Lassiter, a 63.2 percent free throw shooter, missed the technical foul shot, opening the door for a possible Alaska win.
The inbound pass of Dela Cruz intended Jazul however, was swatted away by Arwind Santos near the half court line that all but preserved Petron’s immaculate slate at 5-0.
“I guess Alaska came in to play tonight. They really played well, had a good game, and we’re just happy to hold them off even though we missed free throws in the end,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla, whose Boosters are the lone unbeaten squad in the 10-team field this conference.
Alaska, which dropped to 2-4, engaged Petron to 13 deadlocks and 13 lead changes.
The Aces, who brandished a more physical game throughout the match, also outrebounded the Boosters, 55-47.
But they had no answer to Fajardo down the stretch.
The 6-foot-10 gentle giant of Petron managed to keep himself composed even in the face of the tough defense put up on him by Alaska’s Calvin Abueva, Gabby Espinas, and Sonny Thoss made him bleed for every point in the paint.
“I think he’s (Fajardo) starting to improve on his free throws because he is commanding a lot of double teams. He’s composed and was knocking down those free throws in the end,” Abanilla said of Fajardo, who finished the game shooting 12-of-14 from the foul line.
The 24-year-old Fajardo earned his fifth straight double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while adding two blocks in 39 minutes of action.
Jazul led the Aces with 18, while Abueva added 19 and nine boards.
The scores
Petron (86) -- Fajardo 20, Lutz 15, Santos 15, Lassiter 12, Hubalde 10, Kramer 9, Duncil 3, Lanete 2, Deutchman 0.
Alaska (85) -- Jazul 18, Abueva 17, Espinas 11, Thoss 9, Baguio 9, Casio 8, Buenafe 3, Belasco 2, Dela Cruz 2, Hontiveros 2, Avenido 2, Exciminiano 2, Ramos 0, Eman 0.
Quarterscores: 17-17; 35-37; 56-56; 86-85.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/petron-keeps-perfect-record-after-holding-off-alaska-v02)
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Lift-off at last for Air21 as Canaleta, Yeo, Cardona take Barako Bull by the horns
A PUMPED-UP Air21 vented all its frustrations on a lackluster Barako Bull side to book its first win of the season, 92-77, in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup match on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Last season’s Most Improved Player Nino Canaleta had a double-double effort of 19 points and 10 rebounds as Air21 ended a string of five losses while avenging a 75-88 loss to this same Barako Bull team two weeks ago.
Joseph Yeo bounced back from a subpar game against Alaska with 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists while his former La Salle teammate Macmac Cardona added 13 points, five boards, four boards and three steals.
“If you look at our last two games before this, that’s the team we’re projecting to see for this conference,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.
“The first three games were really horrific because we didn’t play defense but the last three games, including this one, we prove to ourselves that we can play defense,” he added.
Barako Bull, which was averaging more than 10 three-point shots made this conference before the game, could only go 3-of-27 from beyond the arc against the Express.
So effective was Air21’s perimeter defense that Barako Bull’s usually reliable gunners like Ronjay Buenafe (0-of-4), Mark Macapagal (0-of-3) and rookie guard Jeric Fortuna (0-of-4) all fired blanks.
Willie Miller and rookie Carlo Lastimosa were the only players to make three-point shots for Barako, which lost its third straight game after starting the season with back-to-back victories.
Lastimosa led the Energy Cola with 15 points in his first game as a pro.
The scores:
AIR21 92 - Canaleta 19, Yeo 13, Cardona 13, Arboleda 12, Manuel 11, Custodio 9, Camson 6, Taulava 5, Espiritu 2, Sharma 2, Matias 0.
BARAKO 77 - Lastimosa 15, Isip 12, Miller 12, Labagala 10, Buenafe 9, Pennisi 5, Fortuna 4, Intal 4, Macapagal 2, Jensen 2, Wilson 2, Pena 0, Villanueva 0.
Quarterscores: 17-10, 37-31, 66-58, 92-77
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/lift-off-at-last-for-air21-as-canaleta-yeo-cardona-take-barako-bull-by-the-horns)
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Globalport survives Rain or Shine for franchise's first back-to-back wins
GLOBALPORT played with a lot of composure in the face of a furious Rain or Shine rally down the stretch to pull off a gut-wrenching 90-88 victory in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Paul Lee misfired what could have been a game-winning three-pointer in the waning seconds off the outstretched arms of Globalport rookie Justin Chua, allowing the Batang Pier to pull off one of the biggest wins in the franchise’s young history.
It marked the first time the Batang Pier won back-to-back games in the league as they evened their record at 3-3 and stay in the middle of the standings.
“It was very important for us to win against Meralco, and I think from there, they are beginning to believe in the system. Kasi sobrang okay ngayon,” said Globalport’s interim coach Ritchie Ticzon, whose team is fresh off a win over the Bolts, 93-89, prior to their game against the Elasto Painters.
“Everyone is trusting each other already.”
Lee, who poured a career-best 26 points in Rain or Shine’s win over San Mig Super Coffee over the weekend, was on fire again after scoring 13 of his team-high 20 points in the final period, including back-to-back triples late in the game to knot the count at 87-all.
Before Lee waxed hot, the Elasto Painters were down by as many as 14 points.
By then, everyone thought the Batang Pier was doomed, but veteran guard Solomon Mercado made sure the young franchise won’t crumble amidst the mounting pressure.
Mercado’s split free throws, along with a corner jump shot by Chua late in the game was all Globalport needed to preserve the win.
Rain or Shine fell to 4-2 as the Elasto Painters’ two-game winning run was snapped.
Jay Washington banged in 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Mercado also had 20 to go along with seven assists.
Globalport's defense also played a major factor in the win as it held a 17-6 advantage in turnover points.
The scores
Globalport (90) -- Washington 20, Mercado 20, Garcia 13, Chua 12, Nabong 8, Yee 5, Lingganay 5, Hayes 4, Salvador 2, Romeo 1, Menk 0, Belencion 0.
Rain or Shine (88) -- Lee 20, Quinahan 14, Norwood 11, Belga 10, Cruz 9, Chan 8, Arana 7, Teng 4, Nuyles 3, Tiu 2, Almazan 0, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.
Quarterscores: 18-22; 36-35; 70-60; 90-88.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/globalport-survives-rain-or-shine-for-franchises-first-back-to-back-win-)
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Japeth saves day as Ginebra completes come-from-behind win over Talk `N Text
JAPETH Aguilar nailed a cold-blooded triple in the final 1.1 second, and then rejected Ranidel de Ocampo’s last-second attempt to help Barangay Ginebra complete a pulsating 97-95 come-from-behind win over three-time champion Talk ‘N Text in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-9 Aguilar bucked a slow start by dropping 19 of his team-high 21 points in the second half to lead Ginebra’s magnificent fightback from as much as a 14-point deficit.
The fourth quarter saw Aguilar unveil his newest repertoire in the game when he nailed a pair of booming three-pointers.
The former Ateneo and Western Kentucky Hilltopper product, who was never known for knocking down three-pointers, nailed his first from beyond the arc at the 6:01 mark of the final period to give Ginebra the lead, 87-86.
But it was his second three-point shot that proved to be dramatic which came with the game-clock winding and the outcome of the match on the line.
He made the shot off a broken pick and roll play called by coach Ato Agustin.
“Ang last play namin talaga pick and roll na lang para kay Japeth talaga kasi I told them, kailangan hard sila to the basket. Eh swerte lang, pumasok `yung three-points ni Japeth,” said an obviously relieved Agustin after the game watched by a crowd of 13,476.
The win shoved Ginebra to solo second at 4-1, a fitting bounce back after falling to Meralco, 87-100, last Tuesday.
Aguilar also had 12 rebounds and seven block shots, while Chris Ellis and rookie Greg Slaughter added 17 and 16 apiece.
Agustin said he was happy to see Aguilar and frontline partner Slaughter get a good bounce back performance against the Texters, who seemed poised for a win after dominating the game three-fourths of the way.
Making matters worse was Ginebra’s backcourt duo of Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio were both under the weather, forcing Agustin to field in seldom-used guards Josh Urbiztondo and Emman Monfort to play for the huge part of the second half.
“Galing actually ng ospital si LA kanina (Sunday afternoon) bago siya dumiretso sa laro. Si Mark din galing ospital yan kahapon (Saturday). Pero naglaro pa rin sila,” said the Ginebra coach.
Jason Castro led the Texters (3-2) with 27 points, three rebounds, and six assists, while Larry Fonacier added 23, including a jump shot off a pair of picks in the final 22 seconds that gave Talk `N Text its last taste of the lead at 95-94.
The scores
Ginebra (97) -- Aguilar 21, Ellis 17, Slaughter 16, Baracael 12, Ababou 7, Helterbrand 7, Reyes 6, Urbiztondo 6, Caguioa 3, Tenorio 2, Monfort 0.
Talk `N Text (95) -- Castro 27, Fonacier 23, Anthony 12, De Ocampo 8, Williams 8, Alapag 7, Seigle 5, Baclao 4, Carey 1, Ferriols 0, Poligrates 0.
Quarterscores: 19-25; 40-43; 68-80; 97-95.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/japeth-saves-day-as-ginebra-completes-come-from-behind-win-over-talk-n-text-v02)
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GlobalPort official quashes talk rookie Romeo is this early asking for a raise
RUMORS have swirled that Terrence Romeo's camp is this early asking for a raise after a sensational start to his PBA career - a claim a top GlobalPort official was quick to quash on Tuesday.
The pride of Imus, Cavite took the PBA by storm in his first three games, averaging a league-best 22.5 points while setting a career-high 34 points in a match against the Air21 Express.
However, the reigning UAAP MVP scored a grand total of five points in matches against Meralco and Rain or Shine just as talks first emerged that he wants more than the P9 million, three-year deal he signed with the Batang Pier after being made the fifth pick overall in the last rookie draft.
A GlobalPort insider confirmed that Romeo's camp had indeed sent feelers for a raise, but the team's head of basketball operations, Erick Arejola, was quick to put out the fire.
“That’s not true. There’s no such demand from him. Hindi totoo yan. Mabait na bata si Terrence," said Arejola.
Arejola also pointed out that Romeo is already receiving the league maximum of P150,000 a month for rookies. "Maximum pay na siya for a rookie, hindi na pwede taasan 'yun. Alam nila 'yun, bawal 'yun,” he said.
The trusted official of team owner Mikee Romero also leapt to the defense of the 21-year-old prized catch out of Far Eastern University after his dismal performances the past two games.
Arejola blamed Romeo's struggles to his desire to fit in at GlobalPort.
“I am sure you’re aware of how boss Mikee wants everybody in the team to play within the system. Terrence is adjusting to it. He’s playing with the team, which is a totally different atmosphere from his college days,” said Arejola, who is also the head of Air Asia’s ground operations.
“To be fair to him, he’s exerting efforts in other departments like defense, assists and steals. Terrence brings other intangibles to the team other than his scoring,” said the former Dela Salle guard.
Meanwhile, two top PBA defenders said opponents are beginning to find a way to slow down the flamboyant guard.
“Siguro ganoon nga sa PBA, ang bilis mo ma-scout. Ngayon nababantayan na siya. Pero hindi naman niya kailangan umiskor eh. Ang daming scorers 'dun, nanalo nga sila sa amin kahit hindi siya umiskor ng marami,” said scrappy Rain or Shine guard Jireh Ibanes, who helped limit Romeo to just one point on Sunday.
“Para tumagal siya sa PBA, he should just do his thing and work harder and continue to be a team player. That will help him go a long way,” added the former UP Maroon.
Meralco guard John Wilson said the Bolts devoted a lot of time mapping out defensive plans against Romeo and his sparring partner RR Garcia.
“Siguro naging effective lang yung plano namin sa kanila. Kasi bago nila kami nakalaban, alam naman ng lahat ang kaya niyang gawin,” said Wilson.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/globalport-official-quashes-talk-rookie-romeo-is-this-early-asking-for-a-raise-v02)
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Cabagnot turns hero for Petron in season debut with winning basket against Air21
PETRON turned to a familiar hero in Alex Cabagnot to turn back a fighting Air21 side, 90-88, and keep its unblemished slate in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Playing in his first game of the season after being sidelined by a right foot injury, Cabagnot quickly made his presence felt as he hit the go-ahead runner to lift the league-leading Boosters to their sixth successive win.
“It’s gonna be good for his confidence coming off a long layoff,” Boosters coach Gee Abanilla said of Cabagnot, one of the league’s best closers.
However, the return of Cabagnot, who finished with 10 points and seven assists, somehow worries Abanilla, who also has Chris Ross back from injury and is still waiting for the comeback of Ronald Tubid and Yousef Taha.
“We need a lot of patience and understanding. We got guys coming back,” Abanilla said. “It’s gonna be a challenge for us coaches to be able to hone them and get the chemistry back.”
The Boosters fended off a gritty challenge by the cellar-dwelling Express, who were coming off their first win of the season, a 92-77 victory over Barako Bull.
Behind KG Canaleta and Macmac Cardona, Air21 kept the game close and even led in stretches, before eventually losing for the sixth time in seven games.
The heartbreaking defeat put to naught the own heroics of Canaleta, who buried back-to-back three-pointers inside the final minute that kept the score tied at 88.
The Boosters had six players scoring in double digits, with Chris Lutz leading the way with 25 points, four boards, and two steals, while Arwind Santos chipped in 14 points nine boards, and two blocks.
June Mar Fajardo registered a double-double of 13 points and 16 boards, on top of three blocks as he had the last laugh in his matchup with Asi Taulava, who posted similar impressive numbers of 16 points, 18 boards, and two steals.
The scores:
Petron 90 - Lutz 25, Santos 14, Fajardo 13, Lassiter 12, Ross 10, Cabagnot 10, Hubalde 4, Lanete 2, Duncil 0, Kramer 0.
Air21 88 - Cardona 24, Taulava 16, Canaleta 11, Camson 10, Manuel 10, Arboleda 6, Sharma 4, Custodio 4, Jaime 3, Matias 0, Burtscher 0, Espiritu 0, Yeo 0.
Quarters: 19-10, 39-39, 59-60, 90-88
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/cabagnot-turns-hero-for-petron-in-season-debut-with-winning-basket-against-air21)
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Meralco Bolts deepen woes of San Mig with late fightback from 18 points down
MERALCO completed a big fightback to frustrate San Mig Coffee, 72-64, and stay firmly in the middle of the pack in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts leaned on timely conversions from John Wilson, Reynel Hugnatan, and Jared Dilinger down the stretch as they climbed out of an enormous 18-point hole en route to levelling their win-loss record at 3-3.
They also added to the misery of the Mixers, who suffered a fifth loss in six games to remain second to the last in the 10-team standings just two months after ruling the Governors Cup.
“It’s a great testament of the fantastic resolve that we played out there,” Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio said. “We grinded with our small group.”
Gregorio chose to sit out misfiring starters Gary David and Mike Cortez in the endgame, and instead turned to Wilson, Hugnatan, and Dilinger, who scored all of the team’s 26 points in the payoff period, where they outscored the Mixers by 16 points.
The Mixers seemed poised for a blowout victory when they established a 51-33 cushion in the third quarter, but wound up with just 13 points from then on as they shot just 31.5 percent (23 of 73) from the field for the night.
Wilson, the spitfire guard from Angono, Rizal, fired 12 of his 19 points in the payoff period and gave the Bolts the lead for good at 58-56 to step up for the off night of David, who was held to five points on 2-of-11 shooting in 28 minutes of play.
Hugnatan finished with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Dilingner totalled 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while also putting the clamps on Mixers star James Yap, who scored a team-high 14 points, but had to take 23 attempts to reach his output.
The scores:
Meralco (72) -- Wilson 19, Hugnatan 16, Dillinger 13, Al-Hussaini 7, David 5, Sena 4, Cortez 4, Salvacion 2, Guevarra 2, Timberlake 0, Allado 0.
San Mig Coffee (64) -- Yap 14, Pingris 12, Barroca 11, Simon 10, Sanggalang 7, Devance 3, Cawaling 3, Mallari 2, Reavis 2.
Quarterscores: 16-12; 29-37; 46-54; 72-64.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/meralco-bolts-deepen-woes-of-san-mig-with-late-fightback-from-18-points-down)
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ano nang nangyari sa San Mig ? langya naman oh... :(
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GlobalPort posts franchise-best third win in row with rout of woeful Alaska Aces
GLOBALPORT continued to make giant strides in its second season after knocking down Alaska, 94-84, for its third straight win in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Solomon Mercado was again on the attack mode, finishing with 26 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while making 10-of-13 foul shots in another strong all-around game.
More significantly, Mercado drew the much-needed support from the team’s rookie backcourt of Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia, who chipped in 21 and 13 points, respectively.
“Sol has been the leader of this team. Obviously, he was just trying to feel his way through with the team during the first few games,” said Globalport winning coach Ritchie Ticzon, whose team’s fourth win in seven starts matches the four-win total the franchise had during last season’s Governors Cup when the Batang Pier made the playoffs for the first time ever.
The team's third straight win was also the longest in franchise history.
Ticzon pointed out defense has been clicking of late for the team, which is also one of the major reasons why the Batang Pier are making heads turn halfway through the tournament.
“We were able to play good defense and basically, in the first half, we were able to contain all their (Aces) runs in the second half,” he said.
“The players responded very well by playing good defense, while it’s also good that RR hit three-pointers late in the game.”
The Batang Pier enjoyed a huge 23-7 advantage on turnover points as their defense made life miserable for the struggling Aces.
JV Casio led the Aces with a career-high 28 points, but failed to get the usual scoring support from veterans Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and Gabby Espinas.
The 6’7” Thoss managed to score 13 points, but was a non-factor during the second half. RJ Jazul added 10 points, while Baguio only had eight on three-of-10 shooting from the field.
The struggling Aces, who also played without injured Calvin Abueva, fell to 2-5 with the loss.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 94 - Mercado 26, Romeo 21, Washington 13, Garcia 13, Yee 10, Chua 3, Hayes 3, Lingganay 2, Nabong 2, Menk 1, Salva 0, Salvador 0.
ALASKA 84 - Casio 28, Thoss 13, Jazul 10, Espinas 9, Baguio 8, Ramos 7, Exciminiano 6, Buenafe 3, Belasco 0, Dela Cruz 0, Hontiveros 0, Eman 0.
Quarters: 27-20, 55-35, 77-58, 94-84
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/globalport-posts-franchise-best-third-win-in-row-with-rout-of-woeful-alaska-aces)
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Ginebra survives Barako's torrid outside shooting in thrilling win
BARANGAY Ginebra’s size proved too much for Barako Bull in the end as the Kings turned back the Energy’s gutsy stand behind a thrilling 85-79 win to maintain hold of second spot in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Energy managed to trim down an imposing 14-point second half deficit to just 72-73 behind the outside snippings of Mick Pennisi, Ronjay Buenafe, and Keith Jensen midway in the final period.
But coming off a timeout, the Kings drew big plays from former Barako Bull guard Eman Monfort, who scored on a three-point shot that touched off a 10-2 blitz and gave Ginebra the breathing room it needed.
Willie Miller and rookie Carlo Lastimosa scored five straight points during the dying seconds, but time just wasn’t on Barako Bull’s side as Ginebra chalked up its fifth win in six starts.
“Nanalo kami dahil we were able to control the tempo of the game and we won the boards,” noted Ginebra coach Ato Agustin after the game.
Agustin said the Kings appeared to have been rattled off when the Energy switched to zone defense during the early goings of the final period.
Then again, Ginebra’s “Twin Towers” of Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter began asserting themselves inside.
The 6-foot-11 Slaughter finished with 15 points and 15 rebounds, eight on the offensive glass, giving Ginebra a 54-43 edge in rebounds.
The Kings didn’t shoot well in the game, but they were able to cover their shooting woes with defense as they enjoyed a 13-5 edge on turnover points.
Aguilar led the Kings with 16 points, five rebounds, and three shot blocks, while Mac Baracael added 15, spiked by three three-pointers.
Ginebra superstar Mark Caguioa went scoreless in eight minutes of play due to flu, though his backcourt mate LA Tenorio, who was confined in the hospital early this week, banged in 10 points, six rebounds, and nine assists on the day his wife gave birth to a baby boy.
The Energy dropped their fourth straight game after opening the season with back-to-back wins.
The scores
Ginebra (85) -- Aguilar 16, Slaughter 15, Baracael 15, Tenorio 10, Ellis 8, Reyes 7, Monfort 7, Helterbrand 5, Urbiztondo 2, Ababou 0, Mamaril 0, Caguioa 0.
Barako Bull (79) -- Miller 14, Pennisi 14, Isip 13, Jensen 8, Labagala 8, Lastimosa 6, Buenafe 5, Intal 5, Wilson 4, Pena 2, Maierhofer 0, Fortuna 0.
Quarterscores: 19-19; 41-32; 66-55; 85-79.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-survives-barakos-torrid-outside-shooting-in-thrilling-win)
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wala pal ang games for tomorrow ???
ngayon lang ata nangyaring walang games pag Sunday ???
Walang Venue ???
Bakit di magawan ng paraan ???
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Petron remains perfect by holding off Meralco in road game in Dipolog City
PETRON Blaze stepped on the gas in the second half behind the timely baskets of Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter and big man June Mar Fajardo to beat fighting Meralco side, 77-73, and remain perfect in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday.
Alex Cabagnot banged in 17 points while Marcio Lassiter added 16 and Arwind Santos 14 in a road game at the Dipolog Sports Complex in Dipolog City that saw the Boosters make the decisive move without star big man June Mar Fajardo on the floor.
With Petron stymied by a zone defense in the first half, coach Gee Abanilla took the gamble of taking out Fajardo and turning to a three-guard roster of Cabagnot, Lassiter, and Chris Ross to go with Santos and agile big man Doug Kramer.
The gambit worked in the second half as the Boosters pulled away from a tight 48-50 to open a 73-57 bubble.
Meralco fought back valiantly behind the heads-up plays of John Wilson and hobbled forward Reynel Hugnatan but ran out of time, allowing the Boosters to escape with their seventh straight win this season.
The 6-10 Fajardo wasn’t able to do much damage inside offensively, finishing with a quiet 12 points. But he remained menacing on defense after finishing with 19 rebounds and three blocks to earn the Best Player of the Game honors.
Meralco, which is coming off an emotional 72-64 come-from-behind win against San Mig Super Coffee last Wednesday, dropped to 3-4.
Wilson and Gary David led the Bolts with 16 points apiece while Hugnatan and Rabeh Al-Hussaini each scored 13 markers.
The scores:
Petron 77 - Cabagnot 17, Lassiter 16, Santos 14, Fajardo 12, Kramer 7, Ross 6, Lanete 3, Lutz 2
Meralco 73 - Wilson 16, David 16, Hugnatan 13, Al-Hussaini 13, Dillinger 8 , Cortez 3, Caram 2, Sena 2, Allado 0, Timberlake 0, Guevarra 0, Salvacion 0
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/petron-remains-perfect-by-holding-off-meralco-in-road-game-in-dipolog-city)
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Sigh of relief for Black as Talk 'N Text averts collapse against Rain or Shine
THREE-time champion Talk ‘N Text survived a searing Rain or Shine rally in the final period to carve out a 90-87 victory to vault into solo third spot in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ranidel de Ocampo nailed two crucial jumpers and a free throw, while Kelly Williams pulled off a crucial steal off Jeff Chan in the dying seconds to preserve the Texters’ fourth win in six starts in a game that saw them squander a 21-point first half lead.
“It’s a huge win for us mainly because Rain or Shine is a very good team,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black after the game.
Black said the nine-day respite since the team’s 91-95 loss to Barangay Ginebra gave them enough time to make the necessary adjustments against the rugged E-Painters, who turned to Gabe Norwood when it climbed out of a huge first-half hole.
“We knew it’s gonna be difficult to get by them. But hopefully, we can build on this since we’re coming off a tough loss to Ginebra, and same time, we had nine days to think about it,” he added.
Gabe Norwood spearheaded Rain or Shine's furious fourth-quarter fightback, scoring 10 points in a critical 15-3 exchange to grab the lead, 83-82 with 3:25 left to play.
But the Texters showed composure from there, with de Ocampo hitting two cold-blooded jump shots, which proved to be the knockout punches against the E-Painters.
The E-Painters fell into a tie for fourth with the GlobalPort Batang Pier on 4-3 (win-loss) records following their second straight loss.
Undersized forward Harvey Carey finished the game with 15 boards, nine on the offensive end, while Danny Seigle and Kelly Williams combined for 17 rebounds for the Texters, who outrebounded the shorter E-Painters, 64-47.
De Ocampo finished the game with 20 points, six boards and three steals, while Jason Castro had a quiet 12 points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field.
Jervy Cruz led Rain or Shine with 14 points, while Norwood added 13.
The scores:
Talk N' Text 90 - DeOcampo 20, Castro 12, Anthony 10, Seigle 9, Williams 9, Fonacier 8, Carey 8, Alapag 7, Reyes 3, Celiz 2, Poligrates 2, Baclao 0.
Rain or Shine 87 - Cruz 14, Norwood 13, Chan 12, Lee 12, Belga 9, Arana 7, Nuyles 5, Quinahan 4, Tang 4, Rodriguez 4, Almazan 2, Tiu 1, Teng 0, Ibanes 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18, 49-35, 72-66, 90-87
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/sigh-of-relief-for-black-as-talk-n-text-averts-collapse-against-rain-or-shine)
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Pingris' fourth-quarter heroics help San Mig survive Intal-led Barako Bull stand
SAN Mig Super Coffee overcame JC Intal’s endgame three-point shooting spree to turn back hard-luck Barako Bull, 90-88, and snap a two-game losing streak in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Marc Pingris and James Yap each scored 16 points for the Mixers, who overhauled an eight-point Barako Bull lead in the final quarter but found themselves under siege when Intal dropped back-to-back threes to cut the gap to a point, 88-89, with four seconds to go.
Only after PJ Simon hit a free throw and Ronjay Buenafe missed the desperation three-point attempt did San Mig coach Tim Cone finally breathe easy as the Mixers tied Barako Bull at 2-5 (win-loss).
“The way our conference is going, it’s basically like, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,' said a relieved Cone. "And as long as our chemistry doesn’t die, doesn’t kill our chemistry or kill our desire to win, that’s just gonna make us strong in the end.”
The Mixers, who shot just 38.7 percent from the field in the game, rode on the shoulders of Pingris who scored 13 points in the fourth quarter alone. He added 11 rebounds and two assists in a 38-minute effort.
Yap came up one rebound short of a double-double after finishing the game with 16 points and nine bards, while rookie forward Ian Sangalang chipped in 15 and seven rebounds for San Mig.
Barako Bull, which dropped its fifth straight game after a 2-0 start to the season, drew a personal conference-high 21 points from Intal, while Dennis Miranda came back from injury to score 14.
The scores:
SAN MIG 90 - Pingris 16, Yap 16, Sangalang 15, Barroca 13, Simon 13, Devance 9, De Ocampo 3, Reavis 3, Cawaling 2, Mallari 0.
BARAKO 88 -Intal 21, Miranda 14, Buenafe 12, Isip 10, Maierhofer 7, Miller 6, Pennisi 6, Jensen 4, Wilson 4, Lastimosa 2, Labagala 2, Marcelo 0.
Quarterscores: 24-19, 43-41, 58-66, 90-88
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pingris-fourth-quarter-heroics-help-san-mig-survive-intal-led-barako-bull-fightback)
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nanalo din sa wakas :-X :-X :-X :-X
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'Twin Towers' Aguilar and Slaughter dominate Taulava as Ginebra rips Air21
AFTER his first look at Ginebra's Twin Towers, Asi Taulava may be suddenly feeling all his 40 years.
Japeth Aguilar and rookie Greg Slaughter utterly dominated the veteran Taulava on Wednesday night, leading Barangay Ginebra to a 78-69 victory over the Air21 Express in a game that looked more like a changing of the guards among the league's premier big men.
Aguilar was a sight to behold on the floor, falling just two blocks short of a triple double with his stats line of 22 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks. He also supplied the highlight of the night - a high-flying follow-up dunk in the fourth quarter where his head nearly hit the rim.
Slaughter, on the other hand, had 19 points and 10 rebounds as Ginebra posted its sixth win in seven games and once again validated its stature as a heavy favorite for the championship in the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup.
“Alam niyo naman, galing Ginebra ang papa ko. Gusto ko ring makuha yung never-say-die attitude niya,” Aguilar said after the game, as he paid tribute to his father Peter, who played for the league’s most popular team during the 1980s.
The 6-9 Taulava had a quiet eight points and 13 boards and had his only offensive thrust in the fourth quarter - a drive to the basket - emphatically swatted away by both Aguilar and Slaughter who combined for 11 blocks.
Aguilar's eight blocks were the most by a player in a league game since former Ginebra import Chris Alexander had 11 against Air21 in Game Three of the 2008 Fiesta Conference Finals.
Joseph Yeo scored 21 of his 28 points in the second half to lead Air21, now 1-7.
Ginebra coach Ato Agustin credited the team’s overall defense that prevented Air21’s leading scorer Macmac Cardona from doing his usual damage offensively.
With the driving lane clogged up, the usually reliable Cardona finished with just four points on a woeful 2-of-13 shooting from the field.
“It’s a big help na-control namin si Macmac. I think si Joseph (Yeo) lang ang nag-take over. Eh okay lang sa amin na isa lang mag-take over, basta yung suporta ni Macmac wala,” said Agustin.
The Express battled back from an 18-point deficit to close within five points several times in the final period, but couldn't get close enough to threaten the Gin Kings.
The scores:
GINEBRA 78 - Aguilar 22, Slaughter 19, Ellis 10, Caguioa 8, Baracael 7, Tenorio 4, Reyes 2, Helterbrand 2, Mamaril 2, Forrester 2, Monfort 0, Urbiztondo 0.
AIR21 69 - Yeo 28, Canaleta 14, Taulava 8, Camson 8, Cardona 4, Jaime 2, Burtscher 2, Custodio 2, Arboleda 1, Matias 0, Espiritu 0, Sharma 0, Ritualo 0.
Quarterscores: 15-16, 41-26, 57-46, 78-69
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/twin-towers-aguilar-and-slaughter-dominate-taulava-as-ginebra-swamps-air21)
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Hontiveros regains scoring touch as Alaska holds off Meralco to halt slide
ALASKA’s defense held Meralco to just one field goal in the final four minutes as it snapped out of a two-game slide with a huge 91-82 victory over the Bolts in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Heroes were aplenty for the Aces, who caught up with their victims at 3-5 following the victory.
Dondon Hontiveros scored a personal season-high 24 points, while Cyrus Baguio banged in eight of the Aces’ last 10 points to break away from a 79-all standoff late in the game.
The high-leaping Baguio finished with 21 points, while Alaska strongman Sonny Thoss added 20 and Gabby Espinas came down with his own career-best 23 rebounds.
“Just really proud of the whole team. Gabby Espinas just career game. I haven’t seen him so motivated, controlling the boards and controlling his temper,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
“Dondon has struggled for quite some time now, but he played really well also tonight.”
The Aces managed to take good care of the basketball, limiting their turnovers to just eight. Alaska also held a huge 15-6 on turnover points, which enabled the Aces to put behind them a poor start for the season.
Meralco, which claimed huge wins over Barangay Ginebra and San Mig Super Coffee the past two weeks, absorbed its second straight setback.
The Bolts are coming off a 73-77 loss to unbeaten Petron Blaze on Saturday in the season’s first out-of-town game in Dipolog City.
Mike Cortez paced the Bolts with a near double-double of 23 points and eight assists.
Gary David and Reynel Hugnatan each scored 15 for Meralco, which returns to action on Sunday against Barako Bull.
The scores:
ALASKA (91) -- Hontiveros 24, Baguio 23, Thoss 20, Abueva 9, Espinas 7, Casio 4, Dela Cruz 2, Jazul 2, Exciminiano 0, Eman 0.
MERALCO (82) -- Cortez 22, David 15, Hugnatan 15, Wilson 10, Al-Hussaini 8, Dillinger 8, Sena 4, Timberlake 0, Salvacion 0, Guevarra 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19; 50-45; 68-66; 91-82.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/hontiveros-regains-scoring-touch-as-alaska-holds-off-meralco-to-halt-slide)
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De Ocampo, Castro rescue Talk 'N Text in OT as Barako Bull fightback falls short
TALK ‘N Text survived Barako Bull’s furious second-half charge behind the heroics of Jason Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo to escape with an 87-80 overtime win and cement its hold of third spot in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Castro, last season’s Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference, scored six of his team-high 23 points in the extension period, while de Ocampo’s two key offensive rebounds and a top-of-the-key triple saved the three-time Philippine champion from what could have been an appalling endgame collapse.
The Texters are now 5-2 (win-loss).
“I’m not sure whether we found a solution to their (Energy’s) zone defense, but I’m just glad we won the game,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black, who nonetheless expressed his disappointment over the way his team squandered a 23-point second quarter lead.
Black felt the team’s energy went down in the second half, allowing Barako Bull to climb back from a huge hole and forge overtime behind JC Intal and Willie Miller.
Miller finished the game with a team-high 16 points but turned from hero to goat when he muffed three straight charities with a chance to tie the count after being fouled by Larry Fonacier late in extension period.
Mick Pennisi and JC Intal bungled their three-point attempts later, sealing the Energy’s sixth straight defeat after a 2-0 start.
Earlier, Talk ‘N Text appeared headed for an easy rout after taking a 39-19 halftime bubble despite the absence of veteran guard Jimmy Alapag, who had to sit out because of a strained groin muscle.
Barako Bull’s 19 first-half points equalled the ninth all-time lowest output scored in a half in league history. The all-time low is 12 points scored by Mobiline in an 85-62 loss to Alaska in Urdaneta, Pangasinan on May 23, 1998.
The 19-point output was also an all-time franchise low for Barako Bull.
The scores:
TALK N' TEXT 87 - Castro 23, De Ocampo 17, Fonacier 13, Williams 10, Seigle 9, Carey 6, Baclao 4, Aban 3, Anthony 2, Celiz 0, Reyes 0, Poligrates 0.
BARAKO 80 - Miller 16, Intal 14, Pennisi 11, Jensen 10, Miranda 10, Pena 7, Buenafe 5, Maierhofer 3, Lastimosa 2, Isip 2, Wilson 0, Marcelo 0, Labagala 0.
Quarterscores: 18-7, 39-19, 57-44, 87-80
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/de-ocampo-castro-rescue-talk-n-text-in-ot-as-barako-bull-fightback-falls-short)
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Hurting James Yap comes up clutch as San Mig nips GlobalPort in thriller
DIMINUTIVE playmaker Mark Barroca and James Yap nailed the big baskets down the stretch as San Mig Super Coffee nosed out a hard-fighting Globalport side, 83-80, for the team’s first back-to-back wins in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Barroca banged in seven of his team-high 18 points, including two free throws on a Justin Chua errant pass in the dying seconds, while Yap shook off an injury to hit the biggest shot of the night as the Mixers sustained a resurgence after a struggling start to the season.
Yap, who was playing with an inflamed right elbow, nailed a wide-open three-pointer off a broken play with 25 ticks left that gave San Mig the lead for good, 81-80.
“Well that’s why he’s James Yap, he’s hit big shots over the years,” said a beaming San Mig coach Tim Cone after the game. "That (shot) was huge at the time we needed it."
The multi-titled PBA mentor also commended Barroca for his game-long hustle and energy, which saved the Mixers from an endgame collapse. The San Mig starting guard finished the game with nine assists.
“I love Mark. He plays hard all the time, practices hard all the time. He’s really a joy to coach. You can scream at him, throw in the toilet and he’ll say, 'Okay coach,'” he added.
While San Mig improved to 3-5 (win-loss), the loss snapped the Batang Pier’s franchise-best to three as the two-year-old PBA team dropped to 4-4.
Cone only had kinds words for his counterpart Ritchie Ticzon, who took Globalport’s coaching rein in an interim capacity, just a week before the start of the season.
“Ritchie’s doing a great job keeping those (Batang Pier) guys together. They are sharing the ball and working hard on defense,” said the San Mig mentor.
Sol Mercado led the Batang Pier with 18 points, while Jay Washington added 15 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks.
Rookie forward Ian Sangalang and Yap finished with 15 points apiece for the Mixers, while PJ Simon and Joe Devance added 14 and 13, respectively.
The scores:
SAN MIG 83 - Barroca 18, Sangalang 15, Yap 15, Simon 14, Devance 13, Pingris 4, Mallari 2, Reavis 2, Cawaling 0, Holstein 0.
GLOBALPORT 80 - Mercado 18, Washington 15, Chua 11, Nabong 8, Hayes 8, Garcia 8, Menk 6, Yee 2, Salva 2, Romeo 2, Villanueva 0, Lingganay 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscores: 18-19, 41-37, 64-58, 83-80
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/hurting-james-yap-comes-up-clutch-as-san-mig-nips-globalport-in-thriller)
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LA Tenorio a thorn in side of former team Alaska as Ginebra gets win No. 7
LA Tenorio combined with Japeth Aguilar in a swashbuckling second-half offensive as Barangay Ginebra whipped the Alaska Aces, 96-89 to firm up its hold of second spot in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 5-8 Tenorio played a complete game against his former team, firing 24 points on top of eight rebounds and six assists as he pumped life back to Ginebra's offense after a mid-game wobble.
Tenorio’s presence on the floor stabilized Ginebra’s offense, particularly in the third period when Ginebra turned a nine-point deficit into a 68-65 lead going into the final 12 minutes of play.
On the other hand, Aguilar added 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks in 40 minutes in another solid performance for the team's leading scorer this season.
Ginebra coach Ato Agustin said with the team’s seventh win in eight starts, the team has to guard against peaking too early in the double-round eliminations, especially as they prepare for the highly-anticipated Christmas Day match with unbeaten sister team Petron Blaze.
“Siyempre, yun din ang worry namin (early peaking of the team), pero alam naman namin kung paano sila (Gin Kings) bibigyan ng playing time. Kailangan lang namin mag-adjust sa laro,” said Agustin after the game.
Ginebra, which shot a high of 50.8 percent from the field in the game, outscored Alaska, 26-15 in the third period, behind the 14 points of Aguilar who attacked the basket with ferocity at every opportunity.
The high-leaping Aguilar went 11-of-16 from the free throw ine, sustaining his aggressiveness despite getting into several physical skirmishes inside the paint with Alaska’s Gabby Espinas and Calvin Abueva.
Top rookie pick Greg Slaughter acquited himself well in his first match-up with Alaska’s veteran big man Sonny Thoss, scoring 18 points to go with eight boards and two blocks.
JV Casio led the Aces (3-6) with 27 points while Thoss had 22 and six rebounds.
The scores:
GINEBRA 96 - Tenorio 24, Aguilar 21, Slaughter 18, Ellis 8, Urbiztondo 6, Ababou 4, Reyes 4, Helterbrand 4, Baracael 3, Caguioa 3, Monfort 1, Mamaril 0.
ALASKA 89 - Casio 27, Thoss 22, Espinas 12, Baguio 7, Abueva 6, Hontiveros 4, Ramos 4, Eman 4, Exciminiano 2, Dela Cruz 1, Belasco 0, Jazul 0, Avenido 0.
Quarters: 29-19, 42-50, 68-65, 96-89
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/la-tenorio-a-thorn-in-side-of-former-team-alaska-as-ginebra-gets-win-no-7)
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Paul Lee's dagger trey helps Rain or Shine end Petron's unbeaten start to season
PAUL Lee hit a dagger three-pointer late in overtime as Rain or Shine pulled off a 99-95 win over Petron to end the Blaze Boosters' unbeaten start to the season on Saturday night in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Saturday showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Lee and Jervy Cruz combined for 11 of the E-Painters’ 12 points in overtime, none bigger than a three-pointer from the left corner by the 'Lee-thal Weapon' that finally cut Petron down to size after a run of seven successive victories to start the season.
“We just had to grind it out. We played a bad first half but we made up for it in the second half,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, who, after seeing the Painters end a two-game losing streak, still couldn't resist taking a dig at the referees.
“We couldn’t get the breaks from the refs, so we had to create our own breaks.”
Dominated for the most part by Petron and trailing by as many as 15 points late in the first half, the E-Painters chewed the Boosters’ lead little by little behind the efforts of Cruz, Lee and JR Quinahan who got the better of fellow Cebuano June Mar Fajardo.
The sophomore Fajardo scored 22 points but was outshone by Quinahan in the final period before fouling out in the early moments of the extra period.
Still, Guiao was unhappy with the officiating after the game, pointing to two crucial calls late in regulation where he said the referees almost decided the outcome.
With Rain or Shine holding on to a precarious 87-85 lead with 14.3 seconds left in regulation play and Petron’s Chris Lutz sent to the foul line by Gabe Norwood, the referees called a discorcerting violation on Ryan Arana for entering the keyhole while Lutz shot the charity.
Lutz missed but got a reprieve after being given two more free throws. He made both to send the game into overtime.
“Dalawa yung crucial (call) dun eh. No. 1 was the disconcerting call which I thought was unnecessary because the refs tried to decide the game,” Guiao pointed out.
“And then the second was when Gabe took a pull-up jumper and then he was hit in the elbow. It happened in front of me. But the refs didn’t call a foul. Those two crucial calls in the last two minutes, we just absorbed them and overcame them.”
The win moved Rain or Shine to 5-3, just half a game behind Talk ‘N Text’s 5-2 record to occupy solo fourth in the standings.
On the other hand, Petron dropped into a share of first place with sister team Barangay Ginebra at 7-1 after the Gin Kings earlier ambushed the Alaska Aces, 96-89.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 99 - Cruz 23, Lee 15, Quinahan 11, Belga 11, Norwood 11, Chan 8, Tiu 5, Rodriguez 5, Almazan 4, Teng 4, Ibanes 2, Arana 0, Tang 0, Nuyles 0.
PETRON 95 - Fajardo 22, Lutz 22, Santos 18, Cabagnot 16, Lassiter 10, Lanete 5, Kramer 2, Taha 0, Hubalde 0, Ross 0.
Quarterscores: 16-25, 38-51, 60-66, 87-87, 99-95
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/paul-lees-dagger-trey-helps-rain-or-shine-end-petrons-unbeaten-start-to-season)
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di ba congressman itong si kalbong guiao? dapat di na ito nagcocoach at magtrabaho ng maayos sa kongreso para naman makabawi mga tax ng mga mamamayan at ung pinampapasweldo sa kanya kasama na ung pork barrel nya.
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Hot-shooting Barako Bull ends six-game losing slump after win over Meralco (12/22/13)
BARAKO Bull finally got its act together as it subdued Meralco, 99-86, on Sunday to snap a six-game skid in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Denok Miranda led seven players in double figures as Barako Bull waxed hot from long range en route to nailing what was only its first win in almost a month.
Barako improved to 3-6 (win-loss) overall and forced a logjam in seventh place with its victim and Alaska.
“I told my players to just keep on pounding the rock. Finally na-split na namin sa dalawa,” said Energy Cola coach Bong Ramos, who was recently fined P30,000 for his comments about officiating. “Hopefully we can continue this.”
Miranda scattered 17 points behind a perfect 3-of-3 clip from three-point territory, while Willie Miller, Mick Pennisi, Mark Macapagal, JC Intal, and Keith Jensen buried at least one triple each as the Energy Cola converted a total of 14 triples.
They also scorched the net with 17 triples in their last win on November 24 against Alaska, 97-94, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
One of Penisi’s three-point misses against the Bolts still led to three free throws that gave the Energy Cola their biggest lead at 84-66 early in the fourth quarter.
The Energy Cola spoiled the return of Meralco power forward Cliff Hodge, who was sidelined for a month due to a sprained ankle.
The scores:
BARAKO BULL (99) – Miranda 17, Miller 14, Pennisi 14, Macapagal 11, Intal 11, Maierhofer 10, Pena 10, Lastimosa 4, Jensen 3, Buenafe 3, Wilson 2, Marcelo 0
MERALCO (86) – David 20, Cortez 20, Al-Hussaini 19, Wilson 14, Hugnatan 5, Dillinger 4, Omolon 2, Guevarra 1, Hodge 1, Timberlake 0, Sena 0
Quarterscores: 24-19, 50-39, 78-63, 99-86
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/hot-shooting-barako-bull-ends-six-game-losing-slump-after-win-over-meralco)
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Tropang Texters survive `hell week' after notching 3rd straight win at Air21 expense (12/22/13)
TALK ‘N Text continued to flash its old fiery form to frustrate Air21, 87-82, and keep in step with the leaders of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas Pilipinas standouts Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Larry Fonacier produced as expected for the Tropang Texters, who also drew solid numbers from back-up guard Jai Reyes on the way to their sixth victory in eight games.
Three of those wins came within this week where the Texters also turned back Rain or Shine, 90-87, last Tuesday and Barako Bull, 87-80, Friday.
“It’s a good thing we survived our hell week,” Texters coach Norman Black said of his team’s scheduled three games in six days. ““I was really concerned of our ability to finish and win the three games, but luckily we got through it.”
The Texters solidified their position at third place behind top guns Ginebra and Petron. They also added to the misery of the Express, who remained in the bottom of the standings with an eighth loss in nine games
Proving why he is one of Asia’s top guards, Castro pumped in 21 points, six boards, four assists, and two steals, while De Ocampo, who’s free from injury for a while now, was on target with four triples that anchored his 18-point output.
“It’s nice to see Ranidel back to his form again, making his outside shots,” Black said. “And Jayson also gave us lot of leadership and production today.”
Black was also pleased with the performance of Fonacier, the sharpshooter who finished with an unlikely double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Reyes, who tallied 15 markers, three assists, and three steals.
The scores:
TALK N TEXT (87) – Castro 21, De Ocampo 18, Reyes 15, Fonacier 13, Carey 6, Seigle 5, Aban 5, Baclao 4, Williams 0, Anthony 0, Poligrates 0.
AIR21 (82) – Taulava 23, Yeo 13, Canaleta 13, Camson 8, Cardona 8, Manuel 6, Custodio 4, Jaime 3, Sharma 2, Matias 1, Burstcher 1, Arboleda 0, Ritualo 0.
Quarterscores: 20-18; 48-37; 67-57; 87-82.
Continue reading here. (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/tropang-texters-survive-hell-week-after-winning-3rd-straight-at-air21-expense)
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Castro steps up for Texters to edge out Aguilar for Player of the Week honors
REIGNING Philippine Cup champion Talk ’N Text is on a roll, thanks to Jason Castro’s consistent performance as the Texters survived what coach Norman Black has described as a “hell week.”
Playing three games in a span of six days, Castro showed no signs of slowing down, averaging 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists to help Talk ‘N Text score big wins over Rain or Shine, Barako Bull and Air21.
The lightning-quick guard out of Philippine Christian University banged in 13 points, hauled down three boards and dished off three assists, joining forces with Ranidel de Ocampo in a crucial second half burst to help Talk ’N Text turn back Rain or Shine, 90-87.
The Gilas Pilipinas guard continued to shine when he exploded for 23 points, six rebounds and nine assists three days after, stepping up big in the absence of veteran playmaker Jimmy Alapag to power Talk ’N Text to an 87-80 overtime victory over a tough Barako Bull side.
On Sunday, Castro kept up his stellar play, mocking the defenses thrown at him en route to a 21-point, six-rebound effort to lead Talk ’N Text to an 87-82 win over the Air21 Express.
Castro’s all-out effort gave the three-time all-Filipino conference champion a 6-2 win-loss record, good for third spot in the standings.
“Sinabi ni coach na kailangan ko mag-step up every game. Wala kasi si Ryan (Reyes) since the start of the conference so kailangan every game, nandun ako lagi,” said a soft-spoken Talk ’N Text guard, whose sterling performance earned him the Accel-PBA Press Corps. Player of the Week for the period covering December 15-22, edging out Barangay Ginebra’s athletic forward Japeth Aguilar.
Castro hopes the Texters could keep their razor-sharp form as they shoot for a league record fourth straight all-Filipino title.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/castro-steps-up-for-texters-to-edge-out-aguilar-for-player-of-the-week-honors)
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na-injured daw si fajardo sa practice. doubtful yata kung makakapaglaro bukas. sayang pa naman 'yung hinihintay na match up nila greg slaughter. go gins. go for win number 7 and solo lead.
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1st Game Boxscores :
Air21 109 - Taulava 28, Cardona 28, Yeo 19, Manuel 14, Canaleta 11, Camson 5, Jaime 2, Custodio 2, Menor 0, Arboleda 0, Sharma 0.
GlobalPort 103 - Mercado 35, Washington 21, Romeo 16, Salva 9, Lingganay 7, Menk 5, Salvador 4, Yee 2, Hayes 2, Garcia 2, Nabong 0, Chua 0.
Quarters: 21-32, 47-53, 70-66, 93-93, 109-103
2nd Game Box Scores :
Ginebra 97 - Aguilar 25, Caguioa 18, Slaughter 17, Baracael 11, Ellis 8, Reyes 7, Urbiztondo 7, Monfort 3, Forrester 1, Ababou 0, Helterbrand 0, Tenorio 0, Faundo 0.
Petron 83 - Santos 22, Lutz 15, Ross 14, Kramer 11, Cabagnot 7, Lassiter 5, Lanete 4, Hubalde 4, Taha 1, Duncil 0, Tubid 0, Deutchman 0.
Quarters: 28-19, 47-42, 71-63, 97-83
nice win BGSM :peace:
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Ayos nanalo na naman ang peborit ko. Solo # 1 na sila.
Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk
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panalo kanina ang mga gin kings
nasa solo spot ng first sa standings
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`Captain Hook' Cardona stars as Air21 Express complete huge fightback in OT win over Batang Pier (12/25/13)
MACMAC Cardona, Asi Taulava, and Joseph Yeo lifted Air21 from the depths of an 18-point deficit as the Express completed a remarkable second half fightback to pull off a heart-stopping 109-103 overtime victory over Globalport in the first game of a PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Christmas Day doubleheader at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Cardona nailed a tough, off-balance shot against Sol Mercado’s leech-like defense. He then came down with a crucial defensive rebound and a pair of foul shots in the final nine seconds to snap the Express’ three-game losing skid.
“At least, the slump is done already,” said an ecstatic Air21 coach Franz Pumaren, heaving a sigh of relief after the team booked just its second win in 10 outings this season.
“This is the type of team we are trying to envision. That even when we were down by 16 or 17, we just didn’t quit. I think that’s an improvement from our last game.”
Cardona, who missed the team’s 100-114 first round loss to Globalport, provided the much-needed energy boost for the Express, who trailed by as many as 18 points midway in the second period.
The 6-foot-1 Cardona, nicknamed `Captain Hook', along with Taulava finished with 28 points apiece, while Yeo had his first career triple-double of 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists for the Express.
The 6-foot-9 Taulava, even at 40, remains a solid force in the middle for the Express as he added 13 rebounds, including several layups towards the end of regulation play and early in the extension period, before fouling out of the game.
“Terrific effort by our Santa Claus Asi. He glued our team together. And of course, Joseph had his first career triple-double. I think he didn’t imagine getting a career 14 assists,” said Pumaren.
“Macmac also gave us the lift, the energy. But it’s a total team effort. We didn’t quit when we were down.”
The Express mentor hinted of about a roster revamp come January through trades after getting the full backing of management.
“Despite of us losing, we’re still upbeat with our current negotiation. We’ve been talking with management because we’ve been trying to get additional support so by January, we’ll get some new guys in our first game (for 2014),” he added.
Globalport, which dropped to 4-5, drew 35 points from Sol Mercado, while Jay Washington added 21 and nine boards.
Rookie Terrence Romeo added 16, but failed to reprise his PBA career-high 34 points during the first round against the Express after shooting just 1-of-10 from the field.
The scores
Air21 (109) -- Taulava 28, Cardona 28, Yeo 19, Manuel 14, Canaleta 11, Camson 5, Jaime 2, Custodio 2, Menor 0, Arboleda 0, Sharma 0.
GlobalPort (103) -- Mercado 35, Washington 21, Romeo 16, Salva 9, Lingganay 7,Menk 5, Salvador 4, Yee 2, Hayes 2, Garcia 2, Nabong 0, Chua 0.
Quarterscores: 21-32; 47-53; 70-66; 93-93 (reg); 109-103.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/captain-hook-stars-as-express-complete-fight-back-in-huge-ot-win-over-batang-pier)
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Ginebra feasts on Fajardo-less Petron as mighty Slaughter throws weight around (12/25/13)
IT was supposed to be the match-up of the year pitting two of the biggest players to set foot on a PBA floor.
With June Mar Fajardo out, Greg Slaughter turned it into a one-man show.
The 6-11 Ginebra rookie threw his weight around as Barangay Ginebra gave its legion of fans a lot to smile about on Christmas day by routing Petron, 97-83, to move to the top of the leaderboard in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup at a packed Mall of Asia Arena.
With an injured Fajardo in uniform but left to watch from the Petron bench, Slaughter was simply unstoppable inside as he scored 17 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had two blocks to set the tone for the most anticipated game of the season which Ginebra turned into a mismatch.
"At the start of the game, dahil wala si June Mar, parang nag-relax kami. But I told them to stick to our game plan," said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin. "I always remind them na whether he (Fajardo) plays or not, kailangan yung game plan natin ma-execute."
Japeth Aguilar added 25 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks while Mark Caguioa, Mac Baracael, and Chris Ellis also grabbed their share of the limelight before a crowd of 20,448 fans, who saw how a previously dominant Petron team can be so vulnerable without the 6-10 Fajardo.
Fajardo sat out the game after getting injured in practice on Monday.
Not surprisingly, it was Slaughter who made the biggest impact when Ginebra pulled away for good with a brief but telling run early in the fourth quarter on the way to its eighth win in nine games.
During that stretch, Slaughter scored four points against a smaller but physical Doug Kramer, grabbed two rebounds, and blocked one shot to help open an 83-68 edge for Ginebra.
Caguioa, who had 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting in his best game since coming down with a flu, added a runner and an alley-oop basket to turn the game into a full-blown rout, 91-72, with 4:10 remaining.
Reigning MVP Arwind Santos scored 22 points as he valiantly tried to carry the load for Petron, now 7-2 (win-loss) after dropping its second straight game.
The scores:
Ginebra 97 - Aguilar 25, Caguioa 18, Slaughter 17, Baracael 11, Ellis 8, Reyes 7, Urbiztondo 7, Monfort 3, Forrester 1, Ababou 0, Helterbrand 0, Tenorio 0, Faundo 0.
Petron 83 - Santos 22, Lutz 15, Ross 14, Kramer 11, Cabagnot 7, Lassiter 5, Lanete 4, Hubalde 4, Taha 1, Duncil 0, Tubid 0, Deutchman 0.
Quarterscores: 28-19, 47-42, 71-63, 97-83
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-feasts-on-fajardo-less-petron-as-mighty-slaughter-throws-weight-around)
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Chan's three-pointer, Norwood defensive gem help Rain or Shine survive Barako (12/27/13)
EFF Chan buried the go-ahead three-pointer with 8.2 seconds left before Gabe Norwood made a key steal and a pair of free throws in the end as Rain or Shine survived a strong Barako Bull fightback, 99-95, in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup match on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The red-hot Chan banged in 34 points, one point shy of his career-best, while going 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. His late three-pointer put Rain or Shine’s head above water after former MVP Willie Miller hit the fallaway jumper that put Barako Bull on top.
“Jeff was playing well all night long," Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said. "It’s just appropriate that it was his shot that won us the game.”
Barako Bull had one last chance to force overtime after Chan’s three-point shot gave Rain or Shine a 97-95 lead with eight seconds left, but Norwood stole JC Intal’s pass to Mick Pennisi off a Barako timeout.
The 6-5 Norwood sealed Rain or Shine’s sixth win in nine starts with a pair of foul shots.
“We played a bad second half. We just relaxed a little bit, but it’s a good thing Jeff saved the day for us,” said Guiao, whose team appeared headed for an easy win despite missing the services of wide-bodied big man Beau Belga due to measles.
They led for much of the first half and in the early part of the third period when Larry Rodriguez’s two free throws gave the E-Painters their largest lead at 58-43.
But the Energy slowly worked their way back into the game, mainly through the combined offensives of JC Intal, veteran center Dorian Pena, Rico Maierhofer and guard Dennis Miranda.
Intal scored 12 of his team-high 16 points in the second half, while Pena and Maierhofer repeatedly scored in the painted area, abusing Rain or Shine’s undersized frontline.
Miller then joined the fray when he buried a wide-open jump shot off Pena’s pick to give Barako Bull a 95-94 lead with 18 seconds to play.
“Barako Bull gave us a really tough time. They did not give up even if we had a double-digit lead in the first half. They just played great individually,” added Guiao.
The Energy, who shot just five triples in the game, fell to 3-7 (win-loss) as they remained in ninth place with four games to go on their schedule in the two-round eliminations.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 99 - Chan 34, Lee 14, Cruz 8, Nuyles 8, Norwood 8, Quinahan 6, Tang 6, Teng 5, Rodriguez 4, Arana 2, Almazan 2, Tiu 2, Ibanes 0.
Barako Bull 95 - Intal 16, Pena 15, Maierhofer 14, Miranda 14, Miller 9, Pennisi 6, Lastimosa 5, Isip 5, Jensen 4, Macapagal 3, Marcelo 2, Labagala 2, Wilson 0, Buenafe 0.
Quarterscores: 28-21, 56-42, 75-69, 99-95
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/chans-three-pointer-norwood-defensive-gem-help-rain-or-shine-survive-barako-bull)
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Japeth Aguilar's last-gasp trey caps improbable Ginebra comeback against Meralco (12/28/13)
JAPETH Aguilar punctuated his endgame heroics with a buzzer-beating three-pointer that completed an improbable Barangay Ginebra comeback against Meralco, 83-82, in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup match at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6-9 Aguilar, who struggled against Reynel Hugnatan’s defense for the most part, exploded in the nick of time as he fired seven of Ginebra’s last 10 points including the last-gasp three-pointer that led the team back from a five-point deficit with 16 seconds left in the Petron Saturday special game.
“Mas gusto ko nang maitira niya (Aguilar) keysa hindi," said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin of the final play, which saw LA Tenorio struggle to find a shot before passing out to Aguilar who similarly had a hard time getting off an attempt against Hugnatan.
Aguilar, however, managed to launch a three-pointer off Hugnatan's outstretched arms which found the mark almost simultaneously with the final buzzer.
"Sinuwerte at pumasok,” said a relieved Agustin afterwards.
Aguilar's late-game heroics bailed out Ginebra from what could have been another horror loss against the underdog Bolts, who dealt the league's most popular team its only setback so far this season, 100-87.
Unlike their first round meeting when Ginebra’s tall frontline of Aguilar and rookie center Greg Slaughter were rendered ineffective, the Gin Kings stuck with their Twin Towers and reaped the benefits.
Slaughter registered his ninth double-double of the season after finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Aguilar added 15 points and 11 boards for the Gin Kings, who improved their league-best record to 9-1 after a sixth successive win.
Still, the Bolts had all the chances to pull off a double against Ginebra as they led by six points with a minute left and by five in the dying seconds until slotman Jay-R Reyes hit a stunning three-pointer from the deep left corner to revive the Kings' hopes.
John Wilson had another chance to wrap up the game with 12 seconds left but missed his two free throws, setting the stage for Aguilar's game-winning trey.
Jared Dillinger scored 16 points while Hugnatan added 13 for the Bolts, who dropped their fourth straight game this season to fall into a tie with idle San Mig Super Coffee Mixers at 3-6.
The scores:
GINEBRA 83 - Slaughter 17, Aguilar 15, Baracael 14, Tenorio 13, Ellis 7, Caguioa 6, Urbiztondo 5, Reyes 3, Monfort 2, Helterbrand 1, Mamaril 0.
MERALCO 82 - Dillinger 16, Hugnatan 13, Wilson 12, David 9, Cortez 8, Caram 6, Sena 6, Allado 6, Guevarra 3, Hodge 3, Al-Hussaini 0.
Quarterscores: 27-22, 40-40, 59-60, 83-82
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/japeth-aguilars-last-gasp-trey-caps-improbable-ginebra-comeback-against-meralco)
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Lassiter takes charge as Petron bucks Fajardo absence to rip cold-shooting Talk 'N Text (12/28/13)
DESPITE missing injured center June Mar Fajardo for the second straight time, Petron Blaze stood strong to whip defending champion Talk ‘N Text, 105-91, and cement its hold of the No. 2 spot in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After a frustrating first half that saw the Boosters trail by as many as 10 points, Petron went to work in the third period behind Marcio Lassiter and Alex Cabagnot’s red-hot shooting as they outscored the Texters, 31-12, to put the game under control.
Making matters worse for Talk ‘N Text was its frigid 3-of-23 field goal shooting in the third canto, allowing Petron to take a comfortable 76-64 lead entering the final period on the way to snapping a two-game losing skid and improving to 8-2 overall.
On the other hand, the Texters saw their three-game winning streak come to an end, dropping to a tie at third spot with the idle Rain or Shine E-Painters at 6-3.
“We started slow but we picked it up in the second half. We just want to be aggressive and continue playing defense, that got us (back) in (the game),” said Lassiter, who finished with 22 points, spiked by three triples to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
Petron coach Gee Abanilla commended his players for coming out with a strong defensive effort in the second half, which allowed them to turn the table against the three-time defending champions.
“I think we played a better defensive job in the second half because in the first half, we allowed them (Texters) to score a lot of three-point shots, especially Larry Fonacier. But we rotated pretty well on defense,” said Abanilla, whose team drew another splendid effort from Doug Kramer, Fajardo’s chief backup in the middle.
The undersized Kramer finished with a near double-double of eight points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore center Yousef Taha, who is third in the team’s depth chart, added six and four rebounds.
Jason Castro led Talk ‘N Text with 23 points, while Fonacier added 19. Ranidel de Ocampo chipped in 12 and 11 rebounds.
The scores:
PETRON (105) -- Lassiter 22, Santos 19, Lutz 16, Cabagnot 12, Tubid 8, Kramer 8, Taha 6, Deutchman 6, Lanete 4, Duncil 2, Ross 2.
TALK N' TEXT (91) -- Castro 23, Fonacier 19, De Ocampo 12, Seigle 10, Reyes J. 7, Baclao 4, Poligrates 4, Carey 4, Aban 2, Williams 2, Anthony 2, Alapag 2, Celiz 0.
Quarterscores: 17-27; 45-52; 76-64;105-91.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/lassiter-takes-charge-as-petron-bucks-fajardo-absence-to-rip-cold-shooting-talk-n-text)
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nice win for the 2 SMC teams.
kaya lang bakit kasama pa din sa rotation si Urbiztondo sa Gin Kings? dapat sa dog house na ito. ;D
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nice win for the 2 SMC teams.
kaya lang bakit kasama pa din sa rotation si Urbiztondo sa Gin Kings? dapat sa dog house na ito. ;D
???sir tony "ironman" storks... balita ko nasa chopping block daw si Josh Urbiztondo? how true po?
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Barako Bull makes experience count as Pena, Miranda overwhelm GlobalPort (12/29/13)
BARAKO Bull leaned on a strong fourth-quarter offensive to turn back a pesky Globalport squad, 108-95 and step up its playoff bid in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Dennis Miranda and Mick Pennisi provided the timely shooting while fellow veteran Dorian Pena proved a major force off both boards for Barako Bull, who slowly pulled away in the second half on the way to its fourth win against seven losses.
“Sabi ko lang sa mga players kanina, we came from a hard game because against Rain or Shine na parang panalo na kami, eh natalo pa, but that’s (loss) part of the game,” said Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos.
“Sabi ko rin sa kanila, we approached Christmas with a win against Meralco and on Sunday, it’s God’s day, this will be our last game for December 2013, so let’s approach the new year with a bang,” he added.
The game was marked by 13 deadlocks and the same number of lead changes. But with the Energy Cola made the decisive burst at the start of the final period behind back-to-back three-pointers from JC Intal and rookie guard Carlo Lastimosa.
From there, Miranda, Pennisi and Willie Miller combined to score 16 of the team’s 26 fourth-quarter points as the Energy Cola handed the Batang Pier their third straight loss this conference - and sixth in 10 games.
Miranda led Barako Bull with 19 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Pena chipped in 15 and 10 boards. Pennisi finished with 14 while Lastimosa added 12 off the bench.
On the other hand, Barako Bull’s sticky defense held Globalport’s leading scorer Sol Mercado to a quiet 12 points on 3-of-17 from the field overall including a frigid 1-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Jay Washington scored a career-high 30 points to pick up the scoring cudgels for the sputtering Batang Pier, while rookie Terrence Romeo added 16 points.
The scores:
BARAKO 108 - Miranda 19, Pena 15, Pennisi 14, Lastimosa 12, Jensen 11, Isip 10, Intal 9, Miller 7, Macapagal 6, Maierhofer 3, Wilson 2, Buenafe 0.
GLOBALPORT 95 - Washington 30, Romeo 16, Mercado 12, Garcia 8, Nabong 7, Hayes 6, Yee 4, Chua 4, Salva 4, Lingganay 2, Menk 2, Revilla 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscores: 21-29, 50-49, 82-79, 108-95
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/barako-bull-makes-experience-count-as-pena-miranda-overwhelm-globalport)
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Hot-shooting Rain or Shine ends year with bang by gunning down San Mig (12/29/13)
RAIN or Shine ended the year with a barrage of three-point bombs as it routed a listless San Mig five, 101-77 to stay in the hunt for a top-two finish in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup eliminations on Sunday.
Paul Lee, Jeff Chan and big man JR Quinahan converted three or more three-point bombs apiece in a brilliant show of outside marksmanship that broke the backs of the Mixers and silenced their fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.
So disappointed was San Mig coach Tim Cone that he refused to speak to his player during huddles, letting his assistant coaches led by Jeff Cariaso run the team in the second half with little success.
Paul Lee scored 15 points while going 5-of-7 from beyond the three-point arc while Chan and Quinahan each had three triples in an awesome display of outside shooting two days before the New Year.
“This is the best way for us to end the year. We just gave ourselves a New Year’s gift while we also caught San Mig Coffee on a night when I felt they were mentally down,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said after the team's third straight win for a 7-3 mark.
Rookie center Raymond Almazan posted his first career double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while adding two blocks as he started in place for Beau Belga, who sat out for the second straight game due to a bout with measles.
San Mig, which fell to 3-7, was led by James Yap's 16 points.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 101 - Almazan 17, Chan 15, Lee 15, Quinahan 12, Cruz 12, Rodriguez 7, Nuyles 6, Tiu 4, Tang 4, Norwood 4, Arana 3, Ibanes 2, Teng 0.
SAN MIG 77 - Yap 16, Devance 14, Simon 9, Pingris 8, Reavis 8, Barroca 6, Cawaling 5, Acuna 3, Gaco 3, Sangalang 2, Melton 2, Mallari 1, De Ocampo 0, Holstein 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17, 57-34, 78-58, 101-77
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/hot-shooting-rain-or-shine-ends-year-with-bang-by-gunning-down-san-mig)
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Experience over Youth; Barako Bull defeats GlobalPort, 108-95 (12/29/13)
During the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft, Barako Bull Energy came under fire from some quarters for sending their draft picks to teams in exchange for veteran players. Though the moves didn’t really appeal to others, it was the management’s discretion that they bank on solid role players in comparison to untested rookies.
One of the trade partners Barako Bull had that day was GlobalPort. The Batang Pier acquired the fifth and sixth picks, used for Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia, in exchange for Denok Miranda, Mark Isip, and Magi Sison.
Almost two months after, the two teams squared off, and to the surprise of many, it seems like Barako Bull was the one who benefitted more in the deal.
The Energy used a strong fourth-quarter to send GlobalPort to its third straight defeat courtesy of a 108-95 victory Sunday in the 2014 PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Curiously, it was Miranda who top-scored for Barako Bull, leading six players who cracked the double-digits with his 19 points, consistently logging at least four points in every quarter, to go with his six boards, and five assists.
Dorian Pena was also stellar in the win, tallying a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Mick Pennisi had 14 markers, none more important than his 800th career three-pointer at the 7:21 mark of the third period.
Rookie Carlo Lastimosa sizzled with 12, while Keith Jensen and Mark Isip combined for 21 points.
“We came from a hard loss against Rain or Shine na panalo na kami, natalo pa. Sabi ko lang, it’s all part of the game. Let’s approach the new year with a bang and win this game,” said Barako Bull head coach Bong Ramos.
It was a nip-and-tuck battle until the fourth quarter when JC Intal and Lastimosa opened the period with an 8-0 run to give the Energy some breathing room, 88-79. Romeo, Jay Washington, and Sol Mercado all tried to revive the Batang Pier, getting themselves to as close as four, 91-87, but Willie Miller shut the door on GlobalPort as he scored the next four points, extending the lead for Barako Bull.
“The players responded very well. In all our games, we’re always considered as the underdog, and today’s game for me is still an upset. At least we finished 2013 with a win,” Ramos said.
Barako Bull improved to 4-7 while GlobalPort dropped to 4-6.
Washington joined the 4,000-point club with a game-high and career-high-tying 30 points alongside his nine rebounds for the Batang Pier but he was held scoreless in the final 9:04 of the game.
Romeo had 16 for the night, while Mercado added 12 markers for the Batang Pier who were outscored from the free-throw line 30-15. (RL)
The scores:
BARAKO BULL 108 – Miranda 19, Pena 15, Pennisi 14, Lastimosa 12, Jensen 11, Isip 10, Intal 9, Miller 7, Macapagal 6, Maierhofer 3, Wilson 2, Buenafe 0.
GLOBALPORT 95 – Washingon 30, Romeo 16, Mercado 12, Garcia 8, Nabong 7, Hayes 6, Yee 4, Chua 4, Salva 4, Lingganay 2, Menk 2, Revilla 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscores: 21-29, 50-49, 82-79, 108-95.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/recap/38007)
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Fajardo and Aguilar neck and neck in race for Best Player of Conference award
WO of the biggest players in the pro league are as expected standing out this season.
Barangay Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar and Petron sophomore sensation June Mar Fajardo have this early found themselves neck and neck in the statistical race for the Best Player of the Conference award in the PBA Philippine Cup, hinting of a brewing rivalry that may be the most interesting subplot of the season.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo currently leads the race with a 43.5 statistical point average through eight games in the season while the 6-9 Aguilar is a close second with 41.2 SPs over 10 games - which is no surprise considering the two big men are in the Top 10 in the league in scoring, rebounding, and shot blocks.
However, Aguilar has the chance to close the gap as his fellow Gilas mainstay has sat out two games and is projected to miss the rest of the eliminations due to an MCL sprain on his right knee suffered in practice before the Christmas Day game against Ginebra.
Fajardo also needs to meet a minimum amount of games to qualify for the award.
Fajardo's teammate, league MVP Arwind Santos, ranks third with 37.3 SPs, reigning Philippine Cup Best Player awardee Jason Castro of Talk 'N Text is fourth with 37.0 SPs, while Ginebra big man Greg Slaughter is in fifth and is No. 1 among rookies with his 36.5 SPs.
There are actually three Ginebra players and four from Petron in the Top 10 - which is no surprise since the two teams currently lord it over the standings with 9-1 (win-loss) and 8-2 records, respectively.
Players get 10 SPs as bonuses for won games.
In fact, GlobalPort's Jay Washington had the best numbers in the statistical tally first released by Philstar.com with his averages of 20.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 block, but could only place sixth overall owing to the Batang Pier's 4-6 mark.
Rounding out the Top 10 are Ginebra starting guard LA Tenorio (31.3 SPs) at No. 7, Globalport’s Sol Mercado (30.3) in eighth place, and Petron guards Marcio Lassiter (29.9) and Chris Lutz (28.8.
On the other hand, Slaughter, the top pick overall in the last draft, leads GlobalPort's Terrence Romeo (23.8 by a wide margin in the rookie race. Others in the upper rungs are San Mig's Ian Sangalang (20.1), Rain or Shine’s Raymond Almazan (17.8, Globalport’s RR Garcia (17.5) and Justin Chua (14.6), and Painters Jeric Teng (12.4) and Alex Nuyles (12.3).
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/aguilar-and-fajardo-neck-and-neck-in-race-for-best-player-of-conference-award-v02)
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Chot Reyes pleads for more time for Gilas' buildup for Fiba World Cup, Asiad
ONE look at the South Korean blueprint in its buildup for the Fiba World Cup and Gilas coach Chot Reyes was immediately envious. The Korean basketball team's timeline for 2014 read: April to May, training camp; May to June, abroad training; June, July, August, exhibition matches; September, Fiba World Cup and Asian Games.
"Tayo, August pa," rued Reyes on Twitter on Wednesday.
Korea and the Philippines are both bound for the world championships and their paths will most likely cross again in the Asiad in Incheon. But unlike the Koreans' well-laid plans, Reyes can't seem to do anything but to plead for more time in Gilas' own buildup for the two tournaments.
As it is, the PBA board has already laid down its season schedule that leaves a brief window beginning on August 1 for Gilas' team of professional players to prepare for its return to the Fiba World Cup set from August 30 to September 14, as well as the Asiad from September 19 to October 4.
Worse, the August 1 start of Gilas' training camp will not include national players who will be seeing action in the finals of the PBA's season-ending Governors Cup, which is set to end on August 15 if it goes the full seven games.
Time is obviously too short, but all Reyes could do is beg.
"I know the PBA has already made a lot of sacrifices for the hosting of the Fiba-Asia (championships) last year and it is paying for it this season," said the multi-titled coach. "But I hope they could find a way to give Gilas more time to prepare for the World Cup."
Sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), had earlier bared to Spin.ph a plan to ask the PBA to excuse Gilas players from the Governors Cup to give the national team a longer preparation for the World Cup and the Asiad.
However, league sources said the plan, which was already broached to Commissioner Chito Salud, is "very unlikely" to get the nod of the league board.
With the short lead time, Reyes said "my hands are tied" as far as the other aspects of Gilas' buildup is concerned, from the plan to hire other naturalized players for Gilas to invitations from several countries to participate in pre-World Cup pocket tournaments.
Reyes said there have been invitations to compete in tournaments in Lithuania, New Zealand, and Puerto Rico. But with the PBA board unlikely to lengthen Gilas' window, Reyes said he is unable to commit.
It was the same with the plan to sign another naturalized player to add to Marcus Douthit, the Gilas coach said.
"How can you sign a naturalized player when there's not even a regular practice where we can use him," Reyes said. "Anong sasabihin natin sa kanya, 'Sa August ka na lang mag-practice?'
"So my hands are tied, really."
The only concession given by the board to Gilas are once-a-week practices beginning in January. But even that had to be pushed back by a month until after the Fiba World Cup draw on February 1.
"We've decided to hold the weekly practices until after the draw," Reyes said, "para at least alam na natin kung sino ang makakalaban at kung sino ang paghahandaan natin."
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/chot-reyes-pleads-for-more-time-for-gilas-buildup-for-fiba-world-cup-asiad)
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Go for the gold... kayang kaya yan ng pinas.
Sent from my GT-I9082 using Tapatalk
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Chot eyeing 'Three Kings' Aguilar, Slaughter, LA for Gilas, but will PBA board give in?
GILAS coach Chot Reyes is very much aware of the clamor in cyberspace to have Barangay Ginebra 'Twin Towers' Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter in the team bound for the Fiba World Cup in Spain.
“Yes, I can see the messages of the fans. I can read it," the Gilas coach, a popular figure on Twitter with over 81,000 followers, told Spin.ph. "They message me on different social networking sites."
There's just one hitch, though.
As much as Reyes is looking forward to having the Twin Towers in the World Cup team, his choices of players will still depend on the commitment the PBA ballclubs, through the board, will give to the national squad.
Under the parameters set by the board before the Fiba-Asia championships in Manila, member teams were mandated to lend one player each to Gilas but given the green light to lend more if they chose to.
If that ruling still applies to the Gilas team bound for the World Cup, there's no way Reyes can have both Aguilar and Slaughter as well as longtime Gilas mainstay LA Tenorio in his lineup.
"As much as I want to give in to (the fans' clamor), siyempre ayoko namang alam mo na," he said. "One player policy lang ang ibang teams eh. Ang tanong, papayag ba ang team nila na magpahiram ng higit sa isa?”
As it is, there is no way Reyes will part with Tenorio, the MVP when Gilas won the Jones Cup in 2012. Aguilar was drafted by Gilas with the permission of GlobalPort before he was traded to Ginebra.
On the other hand, Slaughter was part of the Gilas pool when he was still an amateur player and was among the last cuts before the Fiba-Asia tournament where the Philippines finished second to Iran.
Now, any decision Reyes will make on the three will be dictated by the ruling of the PBA board.
“I admire the support of the fans. Pero siyempre, may limitasyon tayo,” said Reyes, the only five-time Coach of the Year awardee by the PBA Press Corps.
The clamor to have both Slaughter and Aguilar in the World Cup team is understandable considering how well they have been teaming up so far in leading Ginebra to the best record in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The 6-foot-9 Aguilar is the second best performer in the current all-Filipino statistical race, while Slaughter paces the race for the Rookie of the Year contest.
So dominant is the Ginebra duo that the two have combined for 35.2 points, 19.9 rebounds, and 5.90 blocks per game in the Kings' 9-1 (win-loss) start to the season.
Even Jong Uichico, who steered the Philippine men’s team to the gold medal in the Myanmar Southeast Asian Games, believes the Aguilar-Slaughter tandem will be a big boost to the national team bound for Spain.
The possibility of having the two big men joining Marcus Douthit and June Mar Fajardo in Gilas' frontline is truly mouth-watering, added the former Ginebra coach.
“Kung may possibility maganda ngang option yan. It’s a good one to think about. Marcus (Douthit) sa post, tapos may Japeth and Greg ka pa. Lalo na ngayon we need some size,” said Uichico.
“Imagine you have three big men who can sub each other. OK yun,” added the eight-time champion coach.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/chot-eyeing-three-kings-aguilar-slaughter-la-for-gilas-but-will-pba-board-give-in)
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thank you zu®©a for the Gilas News.
well, it is very very sad.
i feel bad for coach reyes,
i feel bad for the whole Gilas Team,
i feel bad for the whole Filipino and i feel bad for my country.
pagbigyan naman sana ng PBA yun coach. magiimprove naman ang skills ng mga players nila basta ipahiram lang nila for our country's sake.
:uwa:
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Timely De Ocampo three-point bombs help Talk 'N Text hold off Alaska in OT (01/04/14)
RANIDEL de Ocampo buried a wide-open three-point shot while Jimmy Alapag hit two crucial free throws to preserve Talk ‘N Text’s gut-wrenching 121-117 overtime victory over a hard-fighting Alaska side in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tropang Texters had six players breaking into double-figure scoring led by Kelly Williams’ personal conference-high 18 points and 10 rebounds in a game of game of wildly changing fortunes that was too close to call up until the final seconds of overtime during the Petron Saturday special.
However, the biggest shot of the night was clearly De Ocampo’s dagger triple, which bounced on the front end of the rim before mercifully dropping into the hole to push Talk ‘N Text ahead for good, 119-115 with 35.6 ticks to go.
Alaska veteran slotman Sonny Thoss, who scored a career-high 30 points, managed to score underneath after battling for the rebound on the other end, cutting the lead to two points.
But with Alapag nailing a pair of foul shots at the other end off JV Casio’s foul, followed by a desperation three-point miss by Alaska rookie guard Chris Exciminiano, Talk ‘N Text went on to escape with its seventh win in 10 games this conference.
“Tough win, good win and a much-needed win because it helps us to gain momentum in our next game against Air21,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black after the game that tied his team with idle Rain or Shine for a share of third spot.
Black felt the win was a huge bounce back from the team’s 91-105 loss to Petron Blaze to close out 2013.
“It (win) also helps us bounce back from our demoralizing loss to Petron,” he said.
Black made special mention of Williams, whose energy and hustle in 38 minutes of play provided the much-needed lift for the Tropang Texters.
“We had a lot of heroes tonight. But I’d like to mention Kelly Williams. He played with a lot of energy for 38 minutes. He gave us a big lift to give us a chance to win the basketball game,” added the multi-titled coach.
Williams returned to action only at the start of the PBA’s 39th season since taking a seven-month medical leave of absence.
Alaska dropped to 4-7 in a tie with idle Barako Bull for seventh place, endangering the Aces' playoff hopes with three games left in their schedule.
The scores:
Talk 'N Text 121 – Williams 18, Reyes 17, De Ocampo 16, Castro 16, Fonacier 14, Anthony 13, Seigle 9, Carey 8, Alapag 5, Reyes J. 3, Baclao 2.
Alaska 117 – Thoss 30, Jazul 18, Espinas 18, Baguio 17, Casio 11, Abueva 9, Ramos 7, Eximiniano 3, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 2, Hontiveros 0.
Quarterscores: 26-26; 48-40; 83-80; 108-108; 121-117
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/timely-de-ocampo-three-point-bombs-help-talk-n-text-hold-off-alaska-in-ot)
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'El Granada' David gets better of Canaleta in shootout as Meralco takes thriller (01/04/14)
GARY David carried Meralco on his broad shoulders with three huge baskets in overtime to lead the Bolts to a thrilling 92-88 win over a tough-fighting Air21 squad in the main game of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 35-year-old David willed the Bolts back in the extra session, capping a season-high 34-point scoring night by nailing back-to-back jump shots before driving past an Air21 defender to give Meralco an 87-84 lead heading into the final minute.
Reynel Hugnatan’s short jump shot and Danny Ildefonso’s free throw sandwiched Asi Taulava’s two baskets late in the game that all but clinched the Bolts’ fourth win in 11 matches, ending the team's four-game losing slide.
“What an incredible test again. But this time, we made sure we’ll come out on top,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio, who was so relieved to see his team escape with a win after a near-collapse in regulation.
Gregorio said images of the team’s heartbreaking one-point loss to Barangay Ginebra was playing on his mind when Air21 forward KG Canaleta buried three triples in a matter of 74 seconds to wipe out what once stood as a nine-point Meralco lead.
Canaleta’s corner three-point shot at the buzzer off Ildefonso’s outstretched arm sent the game into overtime. Regulation score ended at 79-all.
“It was a scary game. I can’t deny that fact. A really scary game,” admitted Gregorio.
David finished with a personal conference-high on 13-of-26 shooting from the field, getting the better of Canaleta in a shootout after the Air21 sweet-shooting forwarded ended with 32 on 11-of-23 shooting.
Taulava added 15 and while equalling his career-high 26 rebounds for the Express.
“Images of the Ginebra game was there in our minds so I told my players, we’ll come out fighting and make right decisions in the end, and that’s what we did in OT,” Gregorio said.
Gregorio credited new acquisition Ildefonso for his steady veteran leadership, which greatly help the Bolts after just four days of practice with the team.
“I’ve been praying so hard for an opportunity like this. It was just an incredible feeling that the guy who was already left out (by another team) helped us tonight. And that’s Danny I.,” said the former Coach of the Year awardee.
Ildefonso, signed up on Friday to a one-conference deal, marked his Meralco debut by scoring 14 points on a near-flawless 6-of-7 shooting from the field to go along with six rebounds and five assists.
The 6’5” forward out of National University scored 10 points in the second half and hit the game-clinching free throw in the dying seconds of overtime.
The scores:
Meralco 98 – David 34, Ildefonso 14, Wilson 13, Hugnatan 9, Dillinger 8, Salvacion 5, Guevarra 5, Hodge 4, Timberlake 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Artadi 0.
Air21 88 – Canaleta 32, Taulava 15, Yeo 10, Manuel 8, Vardona 7, Sharma 6, Camson 4, Matias 2, Arboleda 2, Ritualo 2, Jaime 0, Menor 0, Custodio 0.
Quarterscores: 21-15; 38-31; 56-56; 79-79; 92-88.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/el-granada-david-gets-better-of-canaleta-in-shootout-as-meralco-takes-thriller)
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Comprehensive Rain or Shine victory leaves GlobalPort Sol-searching (01/05/14)
RAIN or Shine whipped up a strong third-quarter storm before holding off GlobalPort’s late-game rally to score a 98-87 payback win against the slumping Batang Pier in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The E-Painters took advantage of the absence of Globalport’s veteran playmaker Sol Mercado, who is out due to an right Achilles injury, as they avenged an 88-90 loss to the Batang Pier in their first meeting of the season on December 8.
Without the stabilizing presence of Mercado, the Batang Pier were simply no match for the E-Painters who stepped up their running game behind rookie Alex Nuyles, who scored a career-high 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
“It’s really a win we wanted badly because we lost to this team the first time we played them,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
Guiao said he was surprised to learn before the start of the game that the 6’1” Mercado won’t be able to play due to an injury.
“It could have been a more satisfying win if Sol Mercado was playing. We prepared our game plan defending against Sol Mercado because he really created problems for us the first time we played them,” he added.
Rain or Shine moved up to 8-3 (win-loss) for the solo third spot after racking up its fourth straight victory, enhancing its bid for one of two twice-to-beat spots in the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Batang Pier dropped their fourth straight loss to fall into a four-way tie at 4-7 with Alaska, Barako Bull and Meralco in the lower half of the standings.
Jay Washington led the Batang Pier with 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks, while rookies Nico Salva and Terrence Romeo chipped in 11 and 10, respectively.
Justin Chua, another rookie out of Ateneo, gave a good account of himself while battling Rain or Shine’s bruising frontline. He finished with five points, nine rebounds and four blocks, which all came in the second half.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 98 - Nuyles 16, Cruz 12, Tang 12, Chan 11, Tiu 10, Lee 9, Arana 8, Belga 5, Rodriguez 5, Norwood 5, Almazan 3, Quinahan 2, Ibanes 0.
GLOBALPORT 87 - Washington 26, Salva 11, Romeo 10, Garcia 9, Hayes 7, Chua 5, Yee 4, Menk 4, Nabong 4, Salvador 3, Lingganay 2, Revilla 2, Ponferrada 0.
Quarterscores: 22-20, 46-38, 80-67, 98-87
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/comprehensive-rain-or-shine-victory-leaves-globalport-sol-searching)
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Rejuvenated San Mig cuts Ginebra, Twin Towers down to size with upset victory (01/05/14)
SAN Mig Super Coffee put its struggles behind it and started the year right, cutting league leader Barangay Ginebra down to size, 83-79, in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup behind a tough stand in the end.
Mark Barroca stood tall with 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals for the Mixers, who blew an early 18-point lead but proved steadier in the endgame when the game was very much on the line.
“Well, I wish we could play this well throughout the whole conference. I guess it’s better late than never,” San Mig coach Tim Cone said after his team snapped a two-game losing streak.
A new league record of 20,596 fans who filled the Mall of Asia Arena waited until the end expecting Ginebra to pull off another miracle comeback, just as it did against Meralco the last time out.
It did not come.
Instead, its multitude of fans saw Ginebra collapse in a heap of turnovers and bungled wide-open shots as the Kings slumped to their first loss in seven games - and just their second in 11 games this season.
San Mig's morale-boosting win forged a five-way logjam at 4-7 with Globalport, Alaska, Barako Bull and Meralco at the bottom half of the standings, enhancing the Mixers' shot at a playoff spot.
“It’s been a tough road for us. And really, it’s been more 80 percent mental for us and 20 percent physical. It’s just getting like-minded, getting forward looking and stay in there,” said the multi-titled PBA coach.
The Mixers, one of the few teams in the league with the size to match up against Ginebra's frontline, dominated the Kings with their sizeable 62-39 advantage off the boards.
Japeth Aguilar led the Gin Kings with a personal conference-high 26 points, seven rebounds and six blocks, while his frontcourt partner Greg Slaughter added 14.
The 6-11 rookie big man out of Ateneo, though, finished with just six boards and he was effectively kept out of the paint by San Mig’s bruising frontline of Rafi Reavis, Yancy de Ocampo and Marc Pingris.
The scores:
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 83 - Barroca 16, Simon 15, Pingris 12, Yap 12, De Ocampo 9, Reavis 8, Devance 7, Sangalang 4, Mallari 0, Melton 0.
GINEBRA 79 - Aguilar 26, Slaughter 14, Tenorio 13, Baracael 12, Ellis 9, Monfort 3, Reyes 2, Ababou 0, Helterbrand 0, Urbiztondo 0, Caguioa 0.
Quarterscores: 25-15, 48-35, 65-66, 83-79
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rejuvenated-san-mig-cuts-ginebra-twin-towers-down-to-size-with-upset-victory)
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Joseph Yeo revives Air21 playoff hopes with clutch plays in upset of Talk 'N Text (01/08/14)
AIR21 started afresh in the new year, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night with a 102-100 squeaker over Talk ‘N Text at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Express leaned on the clutch plays of Joseph Yeo and KG Canaleta while getting solid numbers from rejuvenated Asi Taulava en route to only their third victory in 12 games.
Although still at the bottom of the standings at 3-9 (win-loss), the Express pulled within reach of five teams bunched at 4-7 and gave themselves a shot at a playoff berth with a sweep of their final two games.
“At least we’re still alive and kicking,” Express coach Franz Pumaren said. “But (the joy from) this victory is gonna be shortlived. We can’t rely on the results of other teams.”
The Express dealt the Tropang Texters, one of only four teams with records above .500, their fourth loss in 11 outings.
The game was as tight as the traffic outside the Big Dome as it saw 12 lead changes and seven deadlocks, before Yeo scored four straight points to give the Express the lead for good at 99-97 with 35 seconds remaining.
Taulava, the league’s oldest player at 40, continued to display a youthful zest as he registered his sixth double-double of the conference with 23 points and 18 boards on top of two assists, and one block.
Canaleta tallied 16 points, five boards, and four assists, while Yeo, starting to get comfortable as the de facto point guard in the absence of the injured Mike Cortez, finished with 13 points and 12 assists for the Express, who had six players scoring in double figures.
The Texters’ loss put to naught the remarkable outside shooting of Jimmy Alapag, who bombarded the Express with six triples on the way to a 20-point night as he able supported backcourt partner Jayson Castro, who had a team-high 21markers.
The scores:
Air21 (102) – Taulava 23, Canaleta 16, Custodio 15, Matias 13, Yeo 13, Camson 10, Manuel 8, Cardona 4, Espiritu 0, Arboleda 0, Sharma 0
TNT (100) – Castro 21, Alapag 20, De Ocampo 14, Reyes R. 11, Baclao 11, Seigle 8, Fonacier 6, Anthony 4, Reyes J. 3, Carey 2, Williams 0
Quarterscores: 23-21, 45-46, 75-77, 102-100
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/joseph-yeo-revives-air21-playoff-hopes-with-clutch-plays-in-upset-of-talk-n-text)
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Petron discards Miranda, Pena lead Barako Bull past Fajardo-less Boosters (01/08/14)
PETRON castoffs Denok Miranda and Dorian Pena proved thorns in the side of their former team on Wednesday night, leading Barako Bull to a shock 92-88 win over the Boosters in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Energy Cola overcame a late deficit behind Miranda and JC Intal down the stretch to blow past the Boosters as they improved to a 5-7 win-loss card and moved out of a five-team logjam in the drop zone.
Without June Mar Fajardo, who’s out with a right-knee injury, the Boosters suffered a second defeat in three games and just their third in 11 games overall, allowing Rain or Shine to climb to a share of second place just behind leader Barangay Ginebra.
“We will continue to surprise teams. And we’re lucky June Mar didn’t play,” Energy Cola coach Bong Ramos said. “But still they were coming off a convincing win over Talk ‘N Text.”
Miranda, a former Booster, emerged the villain this time as he fired seven of his 11 points in the fourth quarter, where the Energy Cola outscored the Boosters, 29-17, after trailing in the middle quarters.
After Alex Cabagnot, one of the league’s best closers, buried two free throws to put the Boosters within one, 88-89, Intal punctuated the victory with a slam off a broken play in the next possession.
Peña, another ex-Petron player, also shone against his former team as he poured in a game-high 18 points, 10 boards, three assists, and one steal.
The scores:
BARAKO (92) – Peña 18, Intal 17, Miranda 11, Lastimosa 10, Penisi 9, Maierhofer 7, Miller 7, Isip 6, Buenafe 5, Wilson 2, Macapagal 0, Jensen 0
PETRON (88) – Lutz 17, Cabagnot 15, Santos 15, Lanete 8, Kramer 8, Lassiter 7, Tubid 6, Taha 4, Deutchman 4, Ross 4
Quarterscores: 24-21, 36-47, 63-71, 92-88
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/former-boosters-miranda-and-pena-lead-barako-bull-past-fajardo-less-petron)
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'El Granada' David deepens woes of Alaska with big second-half explosion (1/10/14)
GARY David led Meralco’s blazing second-half offensive while Jared Dillinger typified the team’s relentless defense as the Bolts clobbered the Alaska Aces, 74-65 to keep their playoff hopes alive in the PLDT myDSL-Philippine Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Not even Calvin Abueva’s game-long hounding could keep 'El Granada' from exploding for the second straight game against the Aces, who David torched with 17 second-half points as he led the Bolts to leads of 15 points from the last deadlock at 40-all.
David finished with 24 points.
Supplying the hustle on the defensive end was the 6-4 Dillinger, who had two crucial blocks against the high-leaping Alaska guard Cyrus Baguio in the stretch run.
“I told them to be ready for war. It’s not gonna be easy against Alaska because they are fighting for survival just like us,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.
The Bolts got the big playoff boost they needed after winning their second straight game to improve to 5-7, in a tie with idle Barako Bull for a share of fifth and sixth spot.
The game became testy early in the final period when Calvin Abueva and Jared Dillinger got entangled in the cushioned railing beneath the basket.
The 'Beast' hit Dillinger with a wayward elbow while his momentum carried him over the railing, before the Meralco Fil-Am guard stood up and pushed down Abueva.
Game officials eventually slapped Dillinger and Abueva with a double technical for taunting and second motion.
“We don’t like flopping in the league,” said Gregorio, referring to the Dillinger-Abueva altercation.
Gregorio acused Abueva of flopping during that play, triggering the altercation.
“It’s hard enough for the referees to call the legitimate calls and legitimate non-calls. Now if you fake it, wow, it’s gonna be harder for them (referees to make the right call),” he added.
Dillinger, who started at point guard in place of injured playmakers Mike Cortez and Anjo Caram, finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks to earn Player of the Game honors.
JV Casio led Alaska with 15 points as Alaska fell to 4-8 after shooting just 33.3 percent in the game.
The scores:
Meralco 74 - David 24, Dillinger 10, Hodge 10, Hugnatan 9, Salvacion 8, Wilson 7, Artadi 4, Ildefonso 2, Al-Hussaini 0, Guevarra 0.
Alaska 65 - Casio 15, Thoss 14, Espinas 13, Baguio 7, Abueva 6, Ramos 5, Dela Cruz 2, Jazul 2, Hontiveros 1, Exciminiano 0, Eman 0.
Quarterscores: 24-17, 40-32, 65-51, 74-65
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/el-granada-david-deepens-woes-of-alaska-with-big-second-half-explosion)
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Fit-again Fajardo, Santos lead Petron's fiery fightback against GlobalPort (01/10/14)
PETRON Blaze stepped on the gas in the final six minutes and put the clamps on Globalport’s gunners to score a 98-87 come-fro-behind victory and rev up their twice-to-beat hopes in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Boosters took advantage of a turnover-plagued second half play by the Batang Pier, scoring on easy transition baskets and relying on the inside plays of Arwind Santos and fit-again June Mar Fajardo, who returned from a three-game absence due to an MCL injury on his right knee.
Santos and Fajardo led Petron’s blazing 15-2 blitz to turn an 80-79 Globalport lead into a 94-82 lead entering the final two minutes.
“Tough win for us because we had to grind it especially in the second half,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla, whose team regained solo second spot with its 9-3 record.
Abanilla said renowned orthopedic doctor Raul Canlas gave Fajardo the go-signal to play late on Thursday afternoon, which gave the Boosters the extra inside threat they sorely lacked the past three games.
“I think June Mar gave us a different look. It’s really different when he’s playing defensively and offensively that’s why we played better when he’s on a floor,” he added.
Hastening Globalport’s downfall was the loss of Fil-Am forward Jay Washington, who only played five minutes in the first period after hurting his plantar fasiitis.
The 6-foot-7 Washington, averaging more than 20 points per contest, left the team’s bench at the end of the first period and didn’t return.
Santos meantime, wreaked havoc against Globalport’s defense, pouring 19 of his game-high 25 points in the second half, to go along with 10 rebounds in another strong double-double effort.
Marcio Lassiter added 16, while Chris Lutz added 13 for the Boosters.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo finished with 12 points and six boards in 29 minutes of action in his comeback game.
The Batang Pier dropped their fifth straight loss to fall into a tie with the Alaska Aces for eighth and ninth spot with similar 4-8 records.
Jaypee Belencion led the Batang Pier with 21 points.
The scores:
PETRON (98) -- Santos 25, Lassiter 16, Lutz 13, Fajardo 12, Kramer 11, Cabagnot 10, Tubid 7, Deutchman 2, Ross 2, Lanete 0.
GLOBALPORT (87) -- Belencion 21, Mercado 16, Nabong 15, Chua 9, Salvador 8, Garcia 8, Romeo 4, Menk 2, Salva 2, Najorda 1, Hayes 1, Washington 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22; 39-51; 68-68; 98-87.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/fit-again-fajardo-santos-lead-petrons-fiery-fightback-against-globalport)
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De Ocampo clamps down on Asi as San Mig ousts Air21 from PBA playoff picture (01/11/14)
YANCY de Ocampo played outstanding defense while finishing with a double-double to spark San Mig Super Coffee to a 67-60 victory that ousted Air21 from the playoff picture in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6-9 de Ocampo, an almost forgotten big man after bouncing from one team to another during his 12-year pro career, finished with 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while holding Air21’s double-double machine center Asi Taulava to just five points on 1-of-6 shooting.
Diminutive playmaker Mark Barroca, who was scoreless for the first three quarters, came through with all 11 of his points in the final period where the Mixers outscored the Express, 23-17.
“Any win at this point is a pretty win. Even if it’s ugly, it’s still a pretty win,” said San Mig coach Tim Cone, who just arrived from Reno, Nevada early Saturday after a whirlwind trip to the NBA D-League Showcase.
The `ugly’ win was San Mig’s fifth against seven losses and spiked with 21 turnovers with PJ Simon accounting for five and Marc Pingris and rookie Ian Sangalang combining for 10.
Simon though led all Mixers in scoring with 21 points.
The loss knocked the Express out of the playoff picture after absorbing their 10th loss in 13 matches, with one game left on their schedule.
Air21 faces Rain or Shine next Saturday.
Nino Canaleta led the Express with 22 points, 17 in the second half, but failed to get the much-needed scoring support from the rest of the team.
MacMac Cardona had a quiet 11 points, while Joseph Yeo only had nine on 2-of-10 shooting, before fouling out late in the game.
The scores
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE (67) -- Simon 20, De Ocampo 12, Barroca 11, Pingris 7, Devance 6, Sangalang 6, Mallari 3, Reavis 2, Melton 0.
AIR 21 (60) -- Canaleta 22, Cardona 11, Yeo 9, Taulava 5, Manuel 4, Arboleda 3, Sharma 2, Custodio 2, Camson 2, Matias 0, Espiritu 0, Menor 0.
Quarterscores: 17-12; 29-25; 44-43; 67-60.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/de-ocampo-clamps-down-on-asi-as-san-mig-ousts-air21-from-pba-playoff-picture)
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Belga endgame heroics fuel Rain or Shine past Talk `N Text (01/11/14)
BEAU Belga drained the go-ahead baseline jumper, then grabbed a crucial end game rebound preserve Rain or Shine’s 90-88 win over three-time champion Talk ‘N Text in the main game of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Belga bravely battled the bigger Talk ‘N Text defenders, and combined well with heavyweight `Extra Rice' frontline partner JR Quinahan as they teamed-up to help the Elasto Painters quell a furious fourth quarter rally by the Tropang Texters to chalk up their fifth straight win.
Talk ‘N Text had one last chance to snatch the win away outright, but Ranidel de Ocampo missed a desperation three-point attempt, after which Belga came down with the defensive rebound to seal the outcome of the match.
Rain or Shine moved up to a tie for second place with idle Petron as the race for the no. 2 slot continues to be a tight affair between the two teams.
“We just rode on our energy. We tried to stay aggressive all the way to the endgame and I think we did a pretty good job defensively against their guards, Jimmy (Alapag) and Jason (Castro),” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
The loss officially bundled Talk ‘N Text out of the running for the no. 2 slot that offers a twice-to-beat incentive heading into the quarterfinals.
The Tropang Texters dropped to 7-5 with two games left on their schedule.
Rain or Shine matched up well against Talk ‘N Text, the same team that swept the Elasto Painters in last year’s Philippine Cup Finals, 4-0.
“We were able to carve out the win, but the good thing is we’re beating the tough teams in endgame situations,” said Guiao, referring to Rain or Shine’s victories over Petron, San Mig Super Coffee, and now, Talk ‘N Text.
“It shows mental toughness and the will to win. I think it’s looking pretty good.”
De Ocampo led the Tropang Texters with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Danny Seigle added 18.
Jason Castro chipped in 17, but had a poor shooting night after finishing with just 4-of-13 shooting overall in the game.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE (90) -- Quinahan 19, Belga 16, Nuyles 13, Lee 8, Chan 7, Cruz 6, Tiu 5, Arana 4, Rodriguez 4, Norwood 4, Tang 2, Ibanes 2, Almazan 0.
TALK N' TEXT (88) -- De Ocampo 24, Seigle 18, Castro 17, Alapag 9, Fonacier 8, Aban 4, Anthony 3, Reyes 3, Baclao 2, Peek 0, Ferriols 0, Poligrates 0, Carey 0.
Quarterscores: 24-18; 45-46; 71-70; 90-88.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/belga-endgame-heroics-fuel-rain-or-shine-past-talk-n-text)
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GlobalPort finds an unlikely hero in Nabong to nip Alaska in overtime thriller (01/12/14)
KELLY Nabong capped his game-long heroics by nailing two pressure-packed free throws to lead GlobalPort to a thrilling 91-88 overtime win over Alaska that kept its playoff hopes alive in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The sophomore backup center scored 13 points to go with 10 rebounds and three assists as he stepped up in the absence of star forward Jay Washington, who is out for the conference due to a partial tear in the plantar fascia in his right foot.
Nabong was also big in the endgame, hitting the barreling drive down the lane that sent the game into an extra period before hitting the two free throws that gave the Batang Pier a three-point lead, 91-88, with 2.4 seconds remaining.
“Kelly has been playing well. Eh magkapuwesto lang kasi sila ni Jay Wash. But it was great that he was able to step up," said GlobalPort interim coach Ritchie Ticzon. "He’s really good and his passion for the game is something.”
Sol Mercado added 11 points and made the crucial interception of the final Alaska inbound that deprived the Aces a shot at a game-tying three-pointer.
By ending a five-game losing streak and improving to 5-8 (win-loss), GlobalPort clinched at least a playoff for the eighth and last berth in the quarterfinals while sending Alaska to the brink of elimination.
The Aces, now 4-9, must beat Barako Bull in their final elimination-round game and hope that GlobalPort loses its last match against Barangay Ginebra just to gain a playoff for a quarterfinal spot.
The Aces missed the services of last season’s Rookie of the Year Calvin Abueva, who sat out due to a sprained ankle two days after getting involved in a controversial scuffle with Meralco's Jared Dillinger.
Rookie Terrence Romeo bounced back from a subpar four-point output against Petron to lead Globalport with 18 points while Eric Menk added 10 and Jaypee Belencion nine.
Jvee Casio and Sonny Thoss led the Aces with 21 points apiece. But Thoss was held scoreless by Nabong in overtime.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 91 - Romeo 18, Nabong 13, Mercado 11, Menk 10, Belencion 9, Salvador 8, Salva 7, Najorda 6, Garcia 5, Hayes 4, Revilla 0, Chua 0.
ALASKA 88 - Casio 21, Thoss 21, Baguio 20, Espinas 14, Dela Cruz 7, Buenafe 3, Eman 2, Laure 0, Jazul 0, Hontiveros 0, Ramos 0, Exciminiano.
Quarterscores: 15-19, 34-31, 68-55, 82-82, 91-88
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/globalport-finds-an-unlikely-hero-in-nabong-to-nip-alaska-in-overtime-thriller)
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Ginebra survives scare against zone-playing Barako Bull to stay in top spot (01/12/14)
BARANGAY Ginebra relied on a flurry of three-pointers in the final period to finish off a tough Barako Bull side, 90-83 and strengthen its grip of the top spot in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings outscored the Energy, 30-15 in the payoff quarter when their outside snipers finally found their range against the zone defense of Barako Bull that made it tough for Twin Towers Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar to impose their will inside.
“We’re lucky na yung nag-sona sila, we were able to hit our shots sa three-points saka mas naging aggressive kami sa defense,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin after the win that atoned for a shock 79-83 defeat to sister team San Mig exactly a week ago.
The Gin Kings, who converted 13 three-point shots in the game, hiked their record to 10-2 (win-loss), moving within a win of clinching the top spot and a twice-to-beat incentive heading into the playoffs.
Slaughter won Player of the Game honors by scoring 14 points to go with 15 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals in a game that saw Ginebra lose the battle off both boards against the shorter Barako frontline, 53-56, and trail by eight points in the second half.
Not until Aguilar broke loose on a fastbreak and completed an alley-oop basket off a perfect feed by Chris Ellis did Ginebra finally breathe easy, 86-80, time down to 37 seconds.
Barako Bull, which pulled off a miracle 92-88 win over fancied Petron last Wednesday, dropped to 5-8 in a tie with Globalport with a game left on its schedule.
Mark Caguioa also scored 14 points while Aguilar finished with 13 and 10 boards for the league-leading Ginebra quintet, which stayed a full game ahead of Petron and Rain or Shine with two games left to play in the elims.
Dennis Miranda paced the Energy with 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while JC Intal, one of eight former Ginebra players now playing for Barako Bull, added 15 and eight boards.
The scores:
GINEBRA 90 - Slaughter 14, Caguioa 14, Aguilar 13, Ellis 11, Tenorio 11, Baracael 9, Helterbrand 6, Monfort 6, Reyes 3, Urbiztondo 3, Ababou 0, Mamaril 0, Forrester 0.
BARAKO 83 - Miranda 16, Intal 15, Pennisi 15, Macapagal 14, Maierhofer 10, Jensen 9, Isip 2, Pena 2, Lastimosa 0, Wilson 0, Miller 0, Buenafe 0.
Quarterscores: 21-12, 43-38, 60-68, 90-83
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-survives-scare-against-zone-playing-barako-bull-to-stay-in-top-spot)
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Ayos buti na lang nanalo ang ginebra.
Sent from my Lenovo A3000-H using Tapatalk
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Top 2 team ngayon pag kumpleto line up Ginebra saka Petron talaga.
Magaling Ginebra mag adjust saka mataas ang potensyal, madami pang pwede iimprove which is understandable kasi ngayon pa lang sila nabuo saka ngayon pa lang talaga na-define yung roles ng bawat isang player. Everygame may bago ang Ginebra, bagong set saka bagong counter sa defensive adjustments ng kalaban. Versatile kasi line up nila pwede big, pwede small, pwede fastbreak pwede din half-court style.
Petron naman ang malupit talaga ang depensa. Parang miami heat depensa nila pag focus talaga. Mabibilis mag-rotate yung wing defenders nila: lassiter, lutz, arwind, cabagnot, ross, tubid. Kaya nila iintercept mga pasa, kaya dapat sobrang maingat yung opensa ng kalaban which is nakakasira ng momentum. Tapos merong Fajardo sa gitna na pinaka magaling na defensive anchor sa PBA. Lateral speed meron, post defense meron, help and weakside defense meron. Hindi masyado na-appreciate pero malupet na defensive player to si Fajardo parang Duncan.
Ang kulang lang sa petron na talagang magpapalakas pa sa kanila is stretch 4. Bagay sa kanila stretch 4 na may depensa, kayang bumantay sa poste saka one on one. Meron silang big na shooter, yung si Deutchman kaso inconsistent pa pero okay sana kung madevelop. Mahirap pag si arwind ang 4 sa depensa, undersized talaga although pumapalag din. Mas maganda gawing defensive stopper si arwind sa mga perimeter players dun lumalabas galing ni arwind sa depensa. Kelangan naman may tira sa labas tong 4 na to kase masikip na sa loob tong si arwind saka si Junmar since walang tira sa labas si arwind. Ayos lang kase malakas sa offensive rebound saka sa putback si Arwind kaya tama lang.
Sana magtapat na to ng kumpleto line up para magkaalaman na. 8)
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PBA 2013-2014 Philippine Cup Assists Per Game Leaders :
(https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-b.ak/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/s720x720/154480_664928973558278_2022112712_n.png)
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Abueva, Dillinger, David penalized for fracas; Alaska star also fined for 'flopping'
CALVIN Abueva of Alaska and the Meralco pair of Jared Dillinger and Gary David were hit with fines totalling P28,000 by the PBA Commissioner's Office but spared suspensions in light of the scuffle that marred the two teams' game on Friday night.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud hit Abueva and Dillinger with P10,000 fines each for figuring in a fracas after a bruising collision that saw them crash over the baseline railing in the fourth quarter of the Bolts' 74-65 win over the Aces in the Philippine Cup elims.
However, the enigmatic Abueva was fined another P3,000 for violation of the league's anti-flopping rules as Salud pointed to his 'proclivity to exaggerate fouls and other forms of physical contact' made against him during games.
Salud warned the fines for flopping will rise to P5,000 for a second violation by Abueva and escalate further in succeeding violations.
On the other hand, David was fined P5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after a video review showed him taking a fighting stance that Salud said "could have exacerbated incident."
Salud met with the three players separately on Tuesday after a review of the incident with his technical team.
Dillinger's technical foul for taunting was upgraded to a flagrant/ unsportsmanlike foul, with Salud pointing out that "his act of physically restraining Calvin Abueva by grappling him by the neck, along with the taunting and trash-talking, is clearly unnecessary."
The technical slapped on Abueva by referees for second motion during the game was upgraded to flagrant/ unsportsmanlike foul for what blows he landed on Dillinger which Salud said caused the player's "face to bleed and bruise."
"I again remind our players and teams that the highest tenets of sportsmanship should never be secondary to their passion for the game," Salud said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/abueva-dillinger-david-penalized-for-fracas-alaska-star-also-fined-for-flopping-v02)
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San Mig mauls sluggish sister team Petron to book place in PBA playoffs (01/15//14)
SAN Mig Super Coffee played with lot of fire in the belly as it clobbered sister team Petron Blaze, 112-93 to barge into the quarterfinals of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mark Barroca led the way as the Mixers booked their third straight victory to move up to 6-7 (win-loss), good for fifth spot with a game left on their elimination round schedule.
San Mig faces three-time defending champion Talk ‘N Text (7-5) on Friday, with a win giving the Mixers a chance to finish as high as No. 4 should the Tropang Texters drop their final game in the eliminations against league leader Barangay Ginebra on Sunday.
On the other hand, the loss dealt a big blow to Petron’s bid for a top-two finish and a twice-to-beat edge in the playoffs after dropping to 9-4 overall, one game behind second-running Rain or Shine (10-3).
The Elasto Painters won earlier in the day, 89-86 against Meralco behind JR Quinahan’s buzzer-beating triple.
“As I told (Petron coach) Gee (Abanilla) after the game, it was just our night tonight,” said San Mig coach Tim Cone. “We were shooting the ball well, moving the ball well, while they (Boosters) were missing their shots."
"So it was just one of those nights everything came together for us,” he added.
PJ Simon led the way with 20 points while Barroca and James Yap added 19 apiece for the Mixers, who sustained their offensive resurgence by making 57.3 percent of their shots.
Marco Lassiter led Petron with 20 points, but it took him 21 attempts to do it. Chris Lutz added 18, while reigning MVP Arwind Santos chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds.
June Mar Fajardo played his second game since spraining his MCL on his right knee, finishing with a quiet 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The scores:
SAN MIG 112 - Simon 20, Barroca 19, Yap 19, Sangalang 13, Devance 12, Pingris 12, Mallari 7, Reavis 4, De Ocampo 2, Gaco 2, Melton 2, Cawaling 0.
PETRON 93 - Lassiter 20, Lutz 18, Santos 12, Fajardo 11, Cabagnot 9, Kramer 8, Tubid 4, Ross 4, Marata 3, Duncil 2, Deutchman 2, Taha 0, Lanete 0, Hubalde 0.
Quarterscores: 25-12, 50-35, 79-62, 112-93
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-mauls-sluggish-sister-team-petron-to-book-place-in-pba-playoffs)
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Quinahan's buzzer-beating trey puts to naught David's late heroics for Meralco (01/15/14)
JR Quinahan drained a cold-blooded three-point shot with seven-tenths of a second to go to carry Rain or Shine to an 89-86 victory over Meralco and keep its hopes for a top-two finish alive in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-5 Quinahan, who missed his first three tries from beyond the arc, made his last attempt from beyond the arc under the most difficult circumstances, catching the inbounds pass from Gabe Norwood then making a quick release triple with Gary David on his face.
A video review later confirmed that Quinahan's trey came just in the nick of time, sealing Rain or Shine’s sixth straight win that moved the Painters to solo second place - half a game ahead of Petron in their race for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
The shot also put to naught the late-game heroics of Meralco's Gary David, who scored five points in the final 20 seconds including a 25-foot three-pointer that knotted the count at 86-all with 8.6 seconds remaining.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao mapped out a play that had Paul Lee attempting a three-pointer from deep the corner, which went awry. Meralco guard John Wilson caught the loose ball but lost it quickly from the sidelines with less than a second left, setting up Quinahan for the endgame heroics.
“It’s tough playing Meralco because the first time we played them, it also boiled down to the endgame,” said a relieved Guiao after the game. “Again, we’re lucky, we’re riding a streak of good luck.”
It was a sorry loss for the Bolts, who fought the E-Painters in a close game marked by 13 deadlocks and 10 lead changes behind the hot hands of David.
The loss dropped Meralco to 5-8 in a share of sixth to eighth spots with idle Barako Bull and Globalport with one game left in its schedule against Petron Blaze on Saturday.
A win by Meralco this weekend formalizes the team’s entry into the quarterfinals.
Jeff Chan led Rain or Shine with 16 points, while Paul Lee and Norwood added 14 and 10 apiece.
Quinahan, who scored 16 markers in the team’s 90-88 win over Talk ‘N Text last weekend, finished with just five points, but added five boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
David led the Bolts with 25 points, marking the third straight game the two-time scoring champion has scored 20 or more points.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 89 - Chan 16, Lee 14, Norwood 10, Cruz 8, Belga 7, Almazan 7, Ibanes 7, Rodriguez 6, Quinahan 5, Nuyles 4, Teng 3, Tiu 2, Arana 0, Tang 0.
MERALCO 86 - David 25, Wilson 12, Hugnatan 11, Dillinger 11, Salvacion 8, Artadi 6, Al-Hussaini 5, Ildefonso 4, Hodge 4, Guevarra 0.
Quarterscores: 23-21, 45-45, 70-64, 89-86
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/quinahans-buzzer-beating-trey-puts-to-naught-davids-late-heroics-for-meralco)
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After launch of sports channel, ABS-CBN official says PBA games an 'enticing content'
GIANT network ABS-CBN has expressed interest in obtaining the broadcast rights of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) - but only if an opportunity arises.
Speaking during the launch of ABS-CBN Sports+Action, a new sports channel on free television replacing Studio 23, ABS-CBN Integrated Sports head Dino Laurena said the network doesn’t have concrete plans at the moment to bid for the TV rights of the pro league.
Laurena however, said the network will bid for the PBA broadcast if there will be an opportunity to do so, pointing out that TV5 still has a live contract with the league.
“Our position remains that we are not closing our door to any particular sports partner,” said Laurena when the reformatted channel Studio 23 was re-launched on Thursday in Makati City.
“Currently, nire-respeto namin ‘yung mga kontrata for live sports events,” said Laurena.
The launching of the new sports network sparked calls from basketball fans for ABS-CBN to obtain the television rights to Asia’s first ever professional league amid criticism of the PBA's current coverage by TV5 and its sister channel on the UHF band, Aksyon TV 41.
A poll by Spin.ph showed 33.54 percent of 2,711 respondents want the PBA to be moved to the giant network or its sister channel on the UHF band. GMA/GMA NewsTV came in second at 32.80 percent, followed by IBC 13 (27.64 percent), TV5/Aksyon TV 41 (3.80%), and PTV 4 (2.14 percent).
Even though the PBA is currently on a rival network, Laurena said ABS-CBN still believes the pro league remains a very marketable product.
“We can’t deny the history of the PBA. It’s the only other successful professional basketball league in the world next to the NBA. We don’t take that away from the PBA,” said Laurena.
“It is an enticing content. But like I said, nasa tamang panahon lahat,” he added.
ABS-CBN Sports+Action Channel 23 will be replacing the old Studio 23 starting on Saturday, with 70 percent of its content and programs to be about sports.
ABS-CBN has made several bids for the television rights of the PBA in the past, but failed to get the nod of the league's board of governors.
A broadcast partnership with the PBA's former carrying arm Solar Sports that had the games being shown on Studio 23 on the UHF band also proved shortlived.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/after-launch-of-sports-channel-abs-cbn-official-says-pba-games-an-enticing-content)
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The Scores :
GINEBRA 108 - Slaughter 23, Aguilar 21,
Baracael 18, Ellis 11, Caguioa 11, Tenorio 10, Reyes 8, Helterbrand 2, Monfort 2,
Mamaril 2, Ababou 0, Urbiztondo 0.
GLOBALPORT 92 - Mercado 20, Menk 17,
Ponferrada 16, Romeo 13, Garcia 9, Nabong 7, Hayes 6, Chua 2, Salva 2, Belencion 0, Najorda 0, Salvador 0.
Quarters: 28-20, 58-49, 80-73, 108-92
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Twin Towers too much to handle for GlobalPort as Ginebra secures top seeding (01/17/14)
ROOKIE big man Greg Slaughter overwhelmed Globalport’s foul-plagued frontline with jump hooks, putbacks and easy layups to carry Barangay Ginebra to a 108-92 victory and the No. 1 seeding in the quarterfinals of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Slowed down by three fouls during the first half, the 6-11 top rookie pick of this year's draft took over in the second half and proved too much to handle for a short-handed Batang Pier side that simply couldn’t find any answer defensively.
The slotman out of Ateneo scattered 16 of his PBA career-high 23 points in the second half on top of 13 rebounds as he effectively covered for frontcourt partner Japeth Aguilar, who spent more time on the bench in the second half due to foul trouble.
Still, the 6-9 Aguilar still finished with a flourish to end the game with 21 points.
“Now, I can say we’re No. 1 no matter ano mangyari sa Sunday,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin after his team hiked its record to a league-best 11-2 win-loss card with one game left to play on Sunday against defending champion Talk ‘N Text.
“Sa game na ito, we were ready. We were able to push the ball and maganda ang transition namin saka rebounding namin,” he added.
Ginebra’s win denied Globalport an outright entry into the quarterfinals. The Batang Pier, who dropped to 5-9, will now have to wait for the result of the Sunday match between Barako Bull and Alaska to know their fate in the playoffs.
The 6’9” Aguilar scored on a twisting layup and a wide-open jumper late in the game to put the finishing touches to the win for Ginebra, which earlier saw its 17-point lead go down to five points early in the final period.
Globalport drew 20 points from Sol Mercado while veteran big man and former Gin King Eric Menk fired his second straight double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds while logging 27 minutes in place of the injured Jay Washington (partial tear on his plantar fascia).
Sophomore forward Jewel Ponferrada added 16 and eight boards for the Batang Pier in a game slowed down by too many fouls, with Globalport getting whistled for 36 and Ginebra 28.
The scores:
GINEBRA 108 - Slaughter 23, Aguilar 21, Baracael 18, Ellis 11, Caguioa 11, Tenorio 10, Reyes 8, Helterbrand 2, Monfort 2, Mamaril 2, Ababou 0, Urbiztondo 0.
GLOBALPORT 92 - Mercado 20, Menk 17, Ponferrada 16, Romeo 13, Garcia 9, Nabong 7, Hayes 6, Chua 2, Salva 2, Belencion 0, Najorda 0, Salvador 0.
Quarters: 28-20, 58-49, 80-73, 108-92
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/twin-towers-too-much-to-handle-for-globalport-as-ginebra-secures-top-seeding)
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Spitfire Barroca in high gear as San Mig ends elims with fourth successive win (01/17/14)
MARK Barroca came up big once more in the final period, sparking San Mig Super Coffee’s blazing run on the way to a 100-87 spanking of three-time champion Talk ‘N Text in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup eliminations on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The spitfire out of Far Eastern University put on a show in the final quarter, tossing 12 of 16 points while pulling two of his three steals to help the Mixers turn the tables on the sputtering Tropang Texters and end the eliminations with a fourth successive win.
“Our goal when we started 1-5 was to try and get back to .500. And I didn’t think we could do it and I never thought we’d finish the eliminations at 7-7,” said San Mig coach Tim Cone.
“To me, that’s (four straight wins) a nice accomplishment by these guys. It had to be a real tough finish with the teams we played the last four games,” he added, referring to Barangay Ginebra, Air21, Petron and Talk ‘N Text, which San Mig defeated in succession.
While the game became immaterial to the quarterfinal pairings following Globalport’s 92-108 loss to league-leader Barangay Ginebra, Cone is bracing for a tougher quarterfinal picture since the Mixers will be facing the Tropang Texters in a best-of-three affair, beginning next Tuesday.
Talk ‘N Text, which absorbed its third straight defeat, fell to 7-6, but still remained in fourth spot. The Texters play the Gin Kings at the close of the eliminations on Sunday.
PJ Simon scored 18 of his team-high 19 points to lead the Mixers, while Joe Devance and Rafi Reavis added 14 and 12 markers, respectively.
Jason Castro paced the injury-plagued Texters with 21 points, but was held to just four in the final half.
Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black elected to rest injured players Kelly Williams (foot), Noy Baclao and Ryan Reyes, but assured that all three will be back in time for the playoffs.
The scores:
San Mig 100 - Simon 19, Barroca 16, Devance 14, Reavis 12, Yap 10, Pingris 9, Sangalang 6, Mallari 5, Melton 5, De Ocampo 4.
Talk 'N Text 87 - Castro 21, De Ocampo 14, Fonacier 12, Alapag 12, Peek 11, Seigle 10, Anthony 3, Reyes Rob 2, Aban 2, Reyes J. 0.
Quarterscores: 26-21, 52-44, 75-68, 100-87
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/spitfire-barroca-in-high-gear-as-san-mig-ends-elims-with-fourth-successive-win)
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sana tuloy tuloy na ang Gin Kings hanggang finals. ;)
masakit lang sa mata panoorin si 'crocs' (#47), sobrang bwaya pa din. kainis silang panoorin ni romeo, labanan ng mga bwaya. :suka3: :suka3:
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Petron rides Fajardo double-double to deal Meralco's playoff hopes a big blow (01/18/14)
PETRON pounced on Meralco’s turnovers to score a 96-87 victory, dealing a major blow to the Bolts’ playoff hopes in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Boosters rode on the broad shoulders of man-mountain June Mar Fajardo’s dominant play to close out the eliminations with a 10-4 (win-loss) record after a game that saw the Cebuano center face former mentor Danny Ildefonso for the first time in a PBA game.
Though embarrassed during the second period by Ildefonso, who scored off a baseline spin followed by a jumper in his face, Fajardo came back with vengeance in the final half, wreaking havoc in the paint.
The vastly improved big man registered his 10th double-double of the conference with 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Boosters, who also got splendid performances from reigning league MVP Arwind Santos and former Meralco guard Chris Ross.
Ross scored all but one of his 18 points in the final half while Santos added 17 and five boards to help Petron seize control in the second period onwards.
“It’s a big win for us against Meralco,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla, whose team was coming off a 93-112 shellacking at the hands of San Mig Super Coffee on Wednesday. “It’s a good way to bounce back after a loss, coming into the quarterfinals, we want to have some sort of momentum.”
Ildefonso, playing for the first time against a Petron team where he was one of the pillars for 15 years, also did well as he finished just two rebounds shy of a double-double with his 17 points and eight rebounds. He also had five assists and five shotblocks.
Petron missed the services of gunner Marcio Lassiter, who left a few days ago for the US after his grandmother passed away. The former Smart Gilas shooter will be back in time for the playoffs.
For the moment, the win kept Petron’s top-two hopes alive, depending on the result of the Rain or Shine-Air21 match, which is still being played as of posting time.
A win by Air21, which is already out of playoff contention, will push Rain or Shine to a playoff with Petron to determine the No. 2 seed in the quarterfinals beginning on Monday.
On the other hand, Meralco closed out the two-round elims with a 5-9 win-loss record, in a tie with Globalport.
However, Meralco’s hopes for a quarterfinal appearance hinges on a Barako Bull victory over Alaska on Sunday. A win by the Energy will gift the Bolts the No. 8 seed, giving them the right to face top-seeded Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
The scores:
Petron 96 - Fajardo 19, Ross 18, Santos 17, Cabagnot 14, Lutz 12, Kramer 6, Duncil 4, Tubid 2, Taha 2, Lanete 2
Meralco 87 - David 18, Ildefonso 17, Dillinger 16, Wilson 13, Hodge 13, Allado 5, Hugnatan 3, Artadi 2, Timberlake 0, Salvacion 0, Al Hussaini 0.
Quarterscores: 15-15, 44-33, 70-56, 96-87
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/petron-rides-fajardo-double-double-to-deal-meralcos-playoff-hopes-a-big-blow)
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Rookies lead Rain or Shine to secure twice to beat edge (01/18/14)
MANILA, Philippines - In the PBA, there's absolutely no room for complacency.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters came too close to learning that lesson the hard way. They allowed the Air21 Express to climb back from a 20-point hole in the third before getting back in control in the payoff period and securing the second seed and the twice-to-beat edge, 104-94, on Saturday, January 18 in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
"We prepared seriously for this game. We knew that it would be crucial for us to get the twice to beat advantage," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said.
"Everybody made a contribution in this game. We knew how dangerous Air21 is, especially playing without pressure. We did not take this game lightly, we prepared for it mentally and physically."
The Painters built their biggest lead of the ball game at 20, 43-23, in the second period. They then held a 54-41 halftime advantage that was a product of an 11-5 disparity in assists, coupled with efficient shooting (18-of-28 or 64.3%) in the first 24 minutes. But the Painters fell complacent in the third quarter, allowing Air21 a window of opportunity.
The Express readily scratched and clawed their way to that window as they trimmed the deficit to three, 73-70, on a split by Asi Taulava on the line with 3:17 to play in the third.
But Rain or Shine's rookies came to play in this game and simply refused to leave the Big Dome without ensuring they owned the second seed in the playoffs.
Former King Tiger for the University of Santo Tomas Jeric Teng strutted some of the sweet shooting he was known for as a star shooting guard by scoring on two triples and finishing with 13 points and 7 boards.
Alex Nuyles, the rookie forward out of Adamson University, once again showcased his athleticism and the shooting touch he's been working on in the pros. Nuyles pushed Rain or Shine's lead heading into the fourth, 81-74, with a high-looping shot that kissed the bottom of the net perfectly.
He then scored the Painters' first 4 points of the final period to bring the lead back up to 11, 85-74. Nuyles finished with 13 points and added 4 rebounds.
Next to step up was the pride of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. The third overall pick in last year’s draft and lanky big man Raymond Almazan authored a 6-1 run all by himself and challenged veteran Taulava without hesitation. He later scored a bucket at the 5:56 mark to make it a 16-point mountain for Air21, 96-80.
Almazan scored 13 as well and grabbed 8 rebounds.
"I'm very happy with the 3 rookies. It was really an opportunity for them," Guiao said. "I knew if we had a good lead I was going to be able to rest Paul (Lee), Gabe (Norwood) and Jeff (Chan). They (rookies) did justice to the playing time that was given to them."
The Painters will move on to the playoffs as the second seed and will go up against the seventh seed who will have to beat Rain or Shine twice to advance.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (104): Almazan 13, Nuyles 13, Teng 13, Arana 10, Rodriguez 10, Belga 7, Cruz 7, Chan 7, Lee 7, Norwood 7, Tiu 5, Tang 2, Ibanes 2, Quinahan 1.
Air21 (94): Yeo 19, Canaleta 19, Manuel 17, Taulava 16, Ritualo 13, Custodio 6, Cardona 4, Borboran 0, Jaime 0, Matias 0, Espiritu 0, Sharma 0, Camson 0.
Quarters: 28-17, 54-41, 81-74, 104-94
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48307-pba-rookies-lead-rain-or-shine)
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Alaska survives Barako Bull to force playoff with Meralco (01/19/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The Alaska Aces, teetering on the edge of a cliff and close to missing the playoffs, pulled themselves back to slightly safer ground as they gave themselves one final chance at making the top 8 in the standings.
The Aces played impeccable basketball in the pivotal fourth period to finally break free from the fierce grip of the Barako Bull Energy Cola, 89-80, on Sunday, January 19 in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
"We live to fight another day. It's been painful this conference," Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo said.
After multiple attempts at pulling away from the pesky Energy Cola all throughout, Alaska found a rhythm that worked well for them on both ends of the floor for most of the final quarter.
Despite playing that period sans 2013 Rookie of the Year Calvin Abueva, who fouled out with 10:23 left, the Aces went on a 15-4 blitz thanks to the combined offensive outburst of JVee Casio, Cyrus Baguio and Gabby Espinas. That run was capped off by a Tony Dela Cruz jumper with 5:41 remaining that made it an 11-point 79-68 lead.
A triple by RJ Jazul with 3:10 left to play stretched the Aces' advantage to 15 points, 87-72.
All that was a product of Alaska tightening the knob on defense to stifle Barako's offense. It was also due to exceptional ball movement, which basically made their offense unpredictable for Barako.
"Today we played much better in terms of having killer instinct," Trillo explained. "We went up by 6 or 7 and then we stepped on the gas pedal."
Casio led the Aces with 24 points as he waxed hot from deep with 4 three-pointers. Espinas flirted with the double-double with 21 points and 9 rebounds.
For Barako, rookie Carlo Lastimosa shone bright with 11 points behind Ronjay Buenafe's 14 markers. They remain at sixth place and will be going up against the third seed.
Meanwhile, the dominant victory by Alaska allowed them to set up a playoff for the eighth and final spot against the Meralco Bolts on Monday, January 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Trillo expects Meralco to be a difficult mountain to climb for the Aces.
"It's a veteran team, highest respect for coach Ryan (Gregorio)," Trillo said. "We know what Gary David and Jared (Dillinger) and those other guys can do. We're just thankful for the opportunity and thankful for lessons learned.
Scores:
Alaska (89): Casio 24, Espinas 21, Jazul 11, Abueva 9, Baguio 8, Thoss 6, Eman 6, Dela Cruz 4, Hontiveros 0, Avenido 0, Ramos 0, Buenafe 0.
Barako Bull (80): Buenafe 14, Lastimosa 11, Pena 8, Macapagal 7, Miller 7, Jensen 6, Wilson 6, Isip 6, Pennisi 6, Intal 5, Maierhofer 2, Miranda 2, Marcelo 0, Labagala 0.
Quarters: 22-17, 41-38, 62-63, 89-80
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48368-alaska-barako-bull-playoff-meralco)
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Talk 'N Text crushes listless Ginebra in statement game (01/19/14)
MANILA, Philippines - It was a no-bearing game for league-leading Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. But for the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, it was a game that could help build their momentum coming into the playoffs and send out a statement reminding the league that they are still the 3-time Philippine Cup defending champions.
The Texters simply laid Ginebra to waste as they shot the lights out from rainbow country as early as the opening period to run away with it, 103-79, in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup on Sunday, January 19 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
"We lost our last 3 games in a row. So this was a game where we just wanted to try and build some confidence and momentum going into the quarter finals," said Talk 'N Text head coach Norman Black. "But I never expected that we would beat them by this margin."
He added: "It may have something to do with the fact that it was a no-bearing game for both teams but at the same time we needed the momentum going into the quarters. It's a good win for us.”
Jimmy Alapag led the three-point scoring binge in the first 24 minutes of play as he waxed hot to notch a perfect 5-of-5 from long range. He went on to score all of his 17 points in the first half alone and even dished out 5 assists.
The Texters had a total of 10 triples in the first half as well with 3 of those coming from Ranidel De Ocampo and two from playmaker Jai Reyes. Their 62.5% shooting from beyond the arc gave them a huge 62-39 advantage at the break.
After that Talk 'N Text went on cruise control in the second half with their shots continuing to fall for them as opposed to a Ginebra team that struggle mightily on all fronts.
The number one seed had no answer for Talk 'N Text at all and were buried by as much as 28 points, 103-75, late in the fourth.
Greg Slaughter finished in double-digits as usual with 15 points along with 5 assists. Mark Caguioa added 11 points as Japeth Aguilar was noticeably quiet with just 6 points.
Talk 'N Text will face San Mig Coffee on Tuesday, January 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena in a best-of-3 quarter finals affair. Ginebra, on the other hand, will await the winner of tomorrow's playoff for eighth between the Meralco Bolts and Alaska Aces.
Scores:
Talk 'N Text (103): Seigle 20, De Ocampo 19, Alapag 17, Peek 10, Castro 8, Ferriols 7, Reyes 6, Fonacier 6, Aban 4, Anthony 4, Reyes 2, Poligrates 0.
Ginebra (79): Slaughter 15, Caguioa 11, Tenorio 9, Mamaril 8, Ellis 7, Aguilar 6, Helterbrand 6, Ababou 5, Monfort 5, Reyes 4, Baracael 3, Urbiztondo 0, Forrester 0, Faundo 0.
Quarters: 32-21, 62-39, 84-62, 103-79
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48376-pba-talkntext-crushes-ginebra)
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Hans Sy says SM Group in the process of 'studying possibility' of joining PBA
THE SM Group is now in the process of studying the possibility of joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
No less than SM Prime Holdings president Hans Sy confirmed to Spin.ph that officials of Asia’s pioneering pro league have already approached the company about becoming its newest member ballclub.
At present, however, Sy said the giant mall chain is non-committal about putting up a ballclub in the PBA, which is aggressively pursuing plans to expand its current 10-team roster.
“We are still in a very initial stage,” Sy said in an interview with Spin.ph after he watched the National University baseball team play in the UAAP at the Rizal Memorial ballpark on Sunday.
The SM Group already has a standing relationship with the PBA as several of the league's games are being held at the Sy-owned Mall of Asia Arena.
SM is also bankrolling a team in the PBA D-League that carries the colors of Banco De Oro, which is made up of the core of the college team of NU which the Sys also control.
Sy, however, said the company is still far from making a decision on the matter.
“I would not say it’s going towards there yet,” said Sy, who spearheaded efforts to bring the first NBA preseason game to the country last year, reportedly to the tune of P350 million.
The son of the country's richest man, Henry Sy, said the company will weigh all implications of such a move before making a decision, primarily its impact on its marketing plans and the support of fans.
“We are assessing the situation between the fans and the market,” Sy said.
One major concern for Sy is that by joining the PBA, the company's malls and products risk losing the patronage of rabid fans of rival ballclubs.
“The problem here is fans get a bit too engrossed, baka mamaya walang magpunta sa amin. So our marketing (department) is still making an assessment,” said Sy.
Sy, however, admitted that joining the PBA will add prestige to the company due to the pro league's popularity.
“I can’t really tell right now. We know it’s popular and we like to support it. Pero we have to watch the market also,” Sy said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/hans-sy-says-sm-group-in-the-process-of-studying-possibility-of-joining-pba)
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Petron to switch back to San Miguel Beermen name
MANILA, Philippines – The San Miguel Beermen are back.
The Petron Blaze Boosters are set to switch back to its former name San Miguel Beermen starting next conference in the Commissioner's Cup, the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) second conference.
Team manager Siot Tanquincen confirmed the news to Rappler in a text message saying the name would, indeed, be changed.
San Miguel Corporation chief Ramon S. Ang also told Rappler that they will "now promote SMB (San Miguel Beermen) again in PBA."
The switch comes just in time for the 25th anniversary of the franchise's 1989 Grand Slam feat, where they swept all three conferences in that year.
In a phone call with Rappler, PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial explained that the PBA received the letter from the San Miguel Corporation owned team on Monday afternoon, January 13. He said the change of name is the franchise's prerogative and they informed the PBA as courtesy.
One of the pioneers in the PBA, the franchise gained popularity and made a name for itself in the 90s and early 2000s using the San Miguel Beermen monicker. They are leading the league in number of titles with a total of 19 championships.
At present, the franchise is led by 2013 PBA MVP Arwind Santos and 2013 Rookie of the Year runner-up June Mar Fajardo along with a deadly backcourt comprised of Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot and Chris Lutz.
Asked how Marcial thinks this will affect the PBA's following, he said the current reaction he's seeing on social media is that fans are generally happy about it.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/philippines/47866-pba-petron-to-switch-back-to-san-miguel-beermen-name)
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Talk 'N Text gets boost for playoffs by acquiring Canaleta in three-player trade
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/canaleta-anthony-poligrates-12014.jpg)
TALK ‘N Text’s drive for a fourth successive PBA Philippine Cup title got a huge boost after acquiring sweet-shooting forward Nino Canaleta from Air21 in exchange for forward Sean Anthony, rookie guard Eliud Poligrates, and the Tropang Texters’ 2016 first-round pick.
The arrival of Canaleta, Air21’s leading scorer last season, injects a solid scoring threat to a Talk ‘N Text squad that looked vulnerable towards the latter part of the second round of the eliminations until it came to life in a 103-79 win over leader Barangay Ginebra on Sunday.
The three-player deal was approved by PBA commissioner Chito Salud on Monday, just in time for the 12 noon trade deadline set by the league.
Canaleta, a many-time slam-dunk champion who has improved his perimeter game by leaps and bounds in recent years, should be a big boost to the offense of the Tropang Texters, who emerged the No. 4 seeds in the quarterfinals with their 8-6 win-loss record.
However, coach Norman Black will have only a few days to break the 6-6 Canaleta into his rotation prior to the Texters' best-of-three quarterfinals against fifth seed San Mig.
Canaleta, last season’s Most Improved Player, averaged 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Express this conference where Air21 tumbled out of contention with an anemic 3-11 win-loss record.
With the trade, the high-leaper finds himself suddenly seeing action in the playoffs.
On the other hand, Cebuano Poligrates, taken with the 27th pick overall by Talk 'N Text in this year's draft, gives the Express the legitimate point guard they sorely lacked in the season-opening conference.
Anthony normed 5.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 assist in more than 18 minutes of action for Talk ‘N Text this season.
From Spin.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/talk-n-text-gets-boost-for-playoffs-by-acquiring-kg-canaleta-in-three-player-trade)
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Alaska prevails over Meralco, barges into playoffs (01/20/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Most of the Alaska Aces struggled all conference long, but everyone of them played stellar games when they needed it the most.
Facing the danger of elimination, the Alaska Aces emerged victorious in an intense showdown to book the last ticket to the PLDT Home DSL PBA Philippine Cup quartefinals following a 94-91 conquest of the Meraldo Bolts on Monday, January 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Aces will take the 8th and last seed in a game highlighted by scuffles brought by excessive aggression and tempers flaring from both camps. They will face the twice-to-beat top seed Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel starting on Wednesday, January 22.
Sonny Thoss shot 60% from the field en route to finishing with 21 points and 7 rebounds; Dondon Hontiveros fired 20 points, while Cyrus Baguio and Gabby Espinas added 16 apiece.
It was a heated exchange in the first 24 minutes, with both teams staging runs in a game that saw 8 lead changes and 2 deadlocks. Neither team led by more than 8 in the first half, with Alaska managing to keep a 42-39 edge heading into their dugouts.
The story would change in the third period however, with Sonny Thoss and Gabby Espinas muscling their way inside the paint and Dondon Hontiveros putting up key baskets. The Aces pulled away from a tight ball game and erected a 61-44 bubble mid-way in the third period.
But that huge lead evaporated quickly as Gary David would do everything he could to keep Meralco's conference alive.
The reigning PBA scoring champ fired at will and rifled 16 points in the final quarter, including a four-point play under the final minute as Meralco clawed back to make it 90-89.
Thoss then missed free throws while David's potential go-ahead basket went short. Hontiveros collared the rebound with 13.4 seconds and sank two free throws to give the Aces a 92-89 edge.
With no timeouts remaining, Jared Dillinger rushed towards their basket and sank a fastbreak layup, pulling Meralco within 91-92, 5.3 ticks remaining.
Hontiveros was fouled anew with 4.5 seconds to go and calmly hit both freebies to make it 94-91 even as Cliff Hodge's 45-foot heave went down the drain, ending Meralco's campaign in the Philippine Cup.
"It's our first to win back to back. I'm just proud of my guys. It's more of attrition for us," said Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo, whose troops survived their second straight do-or-die game.
"Meralco didn't give up and we had to weather that storm. We'll take the win and we'll look forward to bigger things, which is Ginebra."
Fight-marred knockout game
Tempers flared early in the all-important do-or-die match; Alaska's Cyrus Baguio gave Meralco's Paul Artadi a clothesline underneath the basket with only 26.2 seconds left in the first quarter. Both players were quickly restrained and were slapped with technical fouls.
Later in the second quarter, Bolts forward Cliff Hodge received an elbow from the Aces' Gabby Espinas which caused both players to topple over.
Out of momentum, Espinas landed a forearm on Hodge's face upon falling which angered Hodge afterwards. Their teammates prevented further damage while Espinas was given a flagrant foul penalty one.
It will be the first time the Bolts won't be able to sail past the elimination round of the Philippine Cup. Alaska meanwhile, hopes to survive again against league-leading Ginebra sans Calvin Abueva, who sprained his right ankle in the first half.
The scores
Alaska (94) - Thoss 21, Hontiveros 20, Espinas 16, Baguio 16, Casio 13, Jazul 4, Eman 4, Dela Cruz 0, Ramos 0, Abeuva 0
Meralco (91) - David 20, Artadi 15, Hodge 14, Dillinger 12, Salvacion 11, Wilson 9, Hugnatan 6, Ildefonso 2, Allado 2, Timberlake 0, Al-Hussaini 0
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48479-alaska-prevails-over-meralco-barges-into-playoffs)
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Petron's three-point party shuts down Barako Bull in Game 1 (01/21/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Using a continuous barrage of outside shots in the second half, the Petron Blaze Boosters shut down Barako Bull Energy in the fourth period to pull away and take game 1, 101-88, in their best-of-3 quarterfinals showdown in the PLDT Home DSL PBA PhiIippine Cup on Tuesday, January 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Boosters held the Energy scoreless for over five minutes while putting together a stifling 17-0 run in the fourth quarter to break away from a close affair and bury Barako Bull.
After shooting a paltry 10% from three-point land in the first two quarters, Petron's shooters smoked hot from downtown, burying 8-of-14 in the second half.
Alex Cabagnot had a hot hand in the final 24 minutes, hitting 4 triples in the second half, while Marcio Lassiter, who had just flown back from the United States to attend his grandmother's death, knocked down 3 treys in the fourth quarter alone, as Petron outscored Barako in the final two quarters, 59-39.
Cabagnot and Lassiter connected on all of their three-point shots in the final two quarters. They both finished with 17 points to lead 6 Boosters in double-figures.
"We just got lucky and shot the ball really well in the second half. In the first half we were tentative with our shots. In the second half, it was a great turnaround," said Petron head coach Gee Abanilla, who also lauded the toughness of his shooter Lassiter.
"Marcio just came in from the United States and gave us a very good contribution."
Barako Bull held a small margin for most of the way, with Petron having a miserable-shooting first half. They led by as much as 12 in the first half and last took the edge at 78-71 on Willie Miller's and-one play with 10:16 in the fourth, before Petron countered with 17 unanswered points in a huge rally.
An Alex Cabagnot trey during the last three minutes gave Petron their biggest advantage at 99-82, before the Energy made it a bit more respectable.
Game two will be played Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores:
Petron - Lassiter 17, Cabagnot 17, Santos 17, Fajardo 15, Lutz 14, Ross 10, Tubid 6, Lanete 4, Taha 1, Duncil 0, Kramer 0.
Barako Bull - Miller 17, Buenafe 17, Intal 15, Peña 9, Miranda 9, Wilson 8, Jensen 5, Maierhofer 3, Pennisi 3, Macapagal 2, Lastimosa 0, Marcelo 0.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48567-petron-three-point-party-shuts-down-barako-bull)
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Simon leads San Mig over miserable-performing TNT (01/21/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Peter June Simon contributed 20 points as San Mig Coffee feasted on Talk 'N Text's miserable showing to notch game 1 with a 90-83 victory in their best-of-3 quarterfinals in the PLDT Home DSL PBA PhiIippine Cup on Tuesday, January 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scoring apostle Simon finished with 20 points on 50% shooting and added 7 rebounds and 3 assists while the Mixers outplayed and outran the Tropang Texters to go 1-0 in the series.
San Mig limited TNT to just 32 points in the first half, and piled their biggest lead at 52-37 in the third period, with Simon getting into the groove.
Talk 'N Text struggled for most of the game, although attempted to salvage the game in the fourth quarter; Ranidel De Ocampo hit a three while Jimmy Alapag sank three free throws that made it a 71-66 game with over 10 minutes to go.
However, that was the closest the Texters could get as San Mig were just a mile ahead of the defending champions on almost every aspect of the game. Marc Pingris' basket with under a minute to play put the Mixers ahead comfortably, 87-76.
"They never got their three point shooting really going and that spelled the difference. That was our concern, being able to go out on their shooters," said Mixers head coach Tim Cone after getting their fifth straight win in the conference.
He is also wary that the Texters are a veteran team and they must find a way to seal the deal.
"We have to figure out how to beat them one more time. They are not gonna lose some games for us. We have to beat them."
Totally outclassed
Talk 'N Text, which had been dominating the quarterfinals for the past three years, started their drive on a bad note and are now facing the verge of elimination.
San Mig did a great job taking care of the 50-50 balls and hustle plays. The Mixers outrebounded their opponents, 55-45, and pulled down 20 offensive boards which turned into 16 second-chance points.
Cone's wards also had 5 steals and 5 blocks against only 3 and 2 for TNT, respectively.
"We hustled well and got a lot of offensive rebounds. Last game they beat us on those things even if we won the game. This time we beat them," said Cone, lauding his boys for the extra energy on hustle stats.
The Mixers also hounded the Texters as the latter finished with just a 35.9% clip from the field.
San Mig will try to close out the series while TNT will try to keep their title hopes alive when both squads lock horns again on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores:
San Mig - Simon 20, Devance 12, Barroca 11, Yap 11, Pingris 11, De Ocampo Y. 9, Mallari 6, Sangalang 6, Melton 5, Reavis 0.
Talk'N Text - Castro 24, Seigle 15, Alapag 12, De Ocampo R. 11, Canaleta 8, Fonacier 5, Williams 4, Carey 4, Peek 0, Aban 0, Reyes J. 0, Reyes R. 0.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48575-pba-simon-leads-san-mig-coffee)
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Wow ! 5 game winning streak for the mixers!
one more win guys!
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tsk talo BGSM :(
- kulang sa Hustle plays .
- no Defence .
- di pa nila naset sa inside game ang laro kung san sila may advantage sa mga Bigs nila .
- at higit sa lahat , walang team EFFOR !
masyado pa silang NANGGIGIL !
buti nalang at twice to beat sila at makapag-adjust pa sila sa next game !
dapat ipakita nilang may Sense Of Urgency sila na pinakita ng Alaska kanina .
go BGSM
NSD
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Napanood ko rin tol ang first half. Kakatamad buti na lang twice 2 beat sila.sana gumanda ang laro ni LA. At sana mapiayan si d peste ay si d beast pala.
Sent from my Lenovo A3000-H using Tapatalk
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Rain or Shine dispatches Globalport, barges into semis (01/22/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters barged into the semi-finals as they outplayed the Globalport Batang Pier in the clutch en route to a 106-96 victory on Wednesday, January 22 in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Beau Belga shot a clutch three-pointer - one that he was practicing about two hours earlier with the lights still dim - with 40 seconds remaining to douse water on the Batang Pier's sizzling endgame rally that saw them inch to within two, 96-98, on a Rudy Lingganay bucket off the break with 3:22 remaining.
Belga was also practicing his free throw shooting long before the opening buzzer sounded but he made only 3 of his 6 free throws in the final two minutes. He finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
Globalport looked like all the air was punched out of them as they forced shots and committed costly turnovers as the clock winded down and their hopes of extending their season faded away.
"Globalport put up a tough fight. They kept coming back and we couldn't put them away," admitted Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. "It's going to be a good solid team with more experience."
Globalport's subpar performance in the final two minutes of the game revealed just how inexperienced they still are as a unit. They failed to capitalize on opportunities to tie the game or even grab the lead.
At the same time, it showed just how dangerous Rain or Shine is with their unique combination of talent, depth and heavy experience.
"We kept our win streak but we couldn't really focus on that," Guiao said.
While Globalport executed plays as precisely as they could, Rain or Shine's defense was clearly better.
Jervy Cruz was a workhorse for Rain or Shine as he quietly clocked in 18 points and pulled down 8 rebounds.
For Globalport, Terrence Romeo appeared to be the only one playing with a sense of urgency, torching the Painters for 23 points. He scored 19 in the first half, which allowed Globalport to stay within striking distance after the first two quarters, 60-52.
Scores:
Rain or Shine 106: Cruz 18, Belga 17, Rodriguez 16, Norwood 14, Araña 10, Lee 10, Quiñahan 5, Tang 5, Almazan 4, Tiu 3, Nuyles 2, Teng 2, Ibanes 0.
Globalport 96: Romeo 23, Nabong 18, Mercado 16, Yee 7, Menk 7, Hayes 6, Salvador 6, Lingganay 5, Chua 4, Ponferrada 4, Belencion 0, Salva 0, Garcia 0.
Quarterscores: 35-29, 60-52, 86-77, 106-96.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48651-pba-rain-shine-dispatches-globalport)
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Alaska humbles Ginebra to force sudden death (01/22/14)
MANILA, Philippines – After failing to even notch back to back wins the entire conference, the Alaska Aces are now on a 3-game win streak that couldn't have come at a more pivotal time.
The Aces survived two do-or-die games and a third one on Wednesday, January 22 and took down a giant in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 104-97, in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Alaska was loaded with ammunition all game long with 7 Aces finishing in double digits. But the game-changer was 2013 Rookie of the Year Calvin Abueva, who played arguably his best game of the conference despite nursing a sprain.
Abueva came out with sparks flying from every part of him as he packed the hustle of all the players on the floor and beat them to rebounds and loose ball chases.
He took Ginebra's big men head on in the paint and grabbed 11 rebounds with 8 on the offensive end. He finished with 16 points and also had 4 assists and 3 steals.
"It's just nice to see him play well also," Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo said. "I didn't think he could play 'cause he's sprained. But he's motivated. Right now I don't want him satisfied. It's one game, we're gonna need Calvin to do the same thing on Saturday."
The Aces gradually pulled away in the third quarter, turning a two-point 67-65 advantage to an 80-71 edge entering the fourth.
Ginebra cut the biggest lead of 16, 92-76, with 6:58 minutes remaining after going on a 8-0 run spearheaded by Jayjay Helterbrand. But good ball movement led to a wide open triple from JVee Casio at the top of the key to squash their momentum.
"We have a good feel," Trillo said of his team's confidence. "The back to back wins gave us a little bit of confidence. I think it's beyond coaching at this point. Those guys are just playing hard. We wanna hopefully close it on Saturday."
Ginebra and Alaska showed playoff basketball at its finest. The first half alone was a story of hot shooting, speed, and extreme physicality from both teams.
Alaska, who was clicking on all cylinders from the get go, played Ginebra's pace and beat the Gin Kings in their own game.
Cyrus Baguio took full advantage of the mismatch against Helterbrand and scored several jumpers on splendid moves in the post to lead the Aces with 12 points in the first two quarters.
Ginebra, on the other hand, relied on their deep bench and the weaponry available to them to keep up with the streaking Alaska.
Josh Urbiztondo went sniping from three-point land and hit his target with 3 triples, all in the second period. Helterbrand and LA Tenorio each hit a basket from deep as well to make things close at the break, 55-51.
On Saturday, January 25 the two teams will meet at the Cuneta Astrodome - on Japeth Aguilar's birthday nonetheless - and will slug it out for a trip to the semis. For Alaska, it's a chance to pull a huge upset as the eighth seed.
"We have a golden opportunity on Saturday to do something special," Trillo said.
The scores:
Alaska (104): Hontioveros 18, Baguio 18, Casio 16, Abueva 16, Thoss 13, Espinas 12, Jazul 10, Eman 1, Belasco 0, Dela Cruz 0, Eximiniano 0.
Ginebra (97): Aguilar 22, Tenorio 16, Caguioa 15, Urbiztondo 13, Slaughter 12, Helterbrand 9, Ellis 4, Reyes 4, Baracael 2, Ababou 0, Monfort 0.
Quarters: 23-20; 55-51; 80-71; 104-97.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48657-alaska-humbles-ginebra-to-force-sudden-death)
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Talk 'N Text prevails over San Mig to keep semis hopes alive (01/24/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The dream is alive.
Facing the brink of elimination, Talk 'N Text flashed brilliant composure and drew a solid performance from Jayson Castro to eke out an 82-77 victory over San Mig Coffee in the PLDT Home DSL PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Friday, January 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tropang Texters tied rhe series at 1-1 and forced a decider on Sunday, January 26 at the Cuneta Astrodome. Castro fired 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists while hitting key baskets late in the game; KG Canaleta and Ryan Reyes each added 13 markers.
TNT head coach Norman Black stressed how vital it was to have more time to practice with their key guys, saying it was the main difference in the match.
"The biggest difference is having two days of practice. KG just practoced with us one day and the doctor gave Ryan (Reyes), Noy (Baclao) and Kelly (Williams) the okay to practice just Monday," he said.
"The two-day practice helped us as far as our execution and defense."
With their four-peat bid on the line, the Tropang Texters showcased their championship form in the early goings, racing towards a 15-2 run in the first five minutes of the match behind Jayson Castro and KG Canaleta, who accounted for 13 points in the run.
However, the Mixers would respond with tenacious defense, shackling TNT to just two field goals for the remainder of the first quarter to steal the lead, 21-19.
Talk 'and Text's bigs would respond afterwards, carrying the Tropang Texters in the next two quarters; the defending champs pulled away from a nip-and-tuck affair, turning a slim 38-34 halftime edge into a 62-52 bubble heading into the final frame.
Aa basket by Ranidel De Ocampo extended the lead to 66-54, before San Mig pressured TNT with the hopes of closing out the series. Marc Pingris hustled his way as the Mixers made it 66-60, 6:40 left.
But that was when Castro - the reigning Philippine Cup BPC - took over with 7 straight points to restore order for TNT. A triple by Ryan Reyes made it 76-66 for the Tropang Texters with just 2:34 to go.
The defiant San Mig squad would not give up just yet.
Mark Barroca and Joe Devance joined hands to bring the lead down to 79-73 with only 56.1 ticks to go.
The Mixers forced a stop but PJ Simon's corner trey on the other end went astray and led to two free throws by Danny Seigle, 81-73.
Unlike in the first game where the Mixers outhustled the Texters, Norman Black's wards had more rebounds (42-38), fastbreak points (8-6) and second chance points (6-5).
TNT also limited San Mig to just 40.3% from the field while shooting 47.9% including 35% from beyond the arc.
The scores:
Talk 'N Text - Castro 20, Canaleta 13, Reyes 13, Seigle 11, R. De Ocampo 9, Williams 8, Peek 4, Fonacier 2, Carey 2, Aban 0, Baclao 0, Alapag 0.
San Mig - Devance 13, Barroca 12, Simon 12, Mallari 7, Pingris 6, Melton 6, Yap 5, Sangalang 4, Y. De Ocampo 0.
Quarter scores: 19-21, 38-34, 62-52, 82-77.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48806-pba-tnt-prevails-san-mig)
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Petron edges Barako, sets semis duel with Rain or Shine (01/24/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Petron Blaze used a big third quarter run and held fort down the stretch to survive Barako Bull, 107-100 on Friday, January 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena and book the second ticket to the PLDT Home DSL PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
The Boosters again pulled away from a tight first half using a 19-5 run in the third period and never looked back to sweep the Energy, 2-0 in their best-of-3 quarterfinals affair.
Petron set a best-of-7 semis duel with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters starting on Monday, January 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Alex Cabagnot (22 points, 12 assists), June Mar Fajardo (14 points, 17 rebounds), and Arwind Santos (17 points, 12 rebounds) all finished with double-double performances while six players scored at least 10 to help the Boosters upend the hard-fighting Barako Bull crew.
"Barako pushed us to the limit," said Petron head coach Gee Abanilla, who will face a taller task in the Final Four wars of the PBA.
"We'll have to find a weakness (Rain or Shine), if they have one. We're seeing a long series with them."
From a halftime deadlock at 52, the Boosters opened the third quarter on a 9-0 tear and limited the Energy to a solitary field goal in over 7 minutes to establish a 71-57 lead.
The Energy managed to respond behind three treys - two from Mick Pennisi and one from Willie Miller - and free throws by Dorian Peña to cut the deficit down to 3, 90-93, with just under 5 minutes left to play.
An Alex Cabagnot outside bomb made it 96-90 for Petron, before the match turned into a free throw-shooting contest as both squads got whistled for personal fouls.
The Boosters converted on more foul shots, while a drive by Cabagnot lifted Petron, 104-96 with just 63 ticks left.
Baskets by Rico Maierhofer and Denok Miranda made it 105-100 with just 26.8 seconds left, but Petron was able to waste away time and seal the deal.
Petron Blaze shot 25 of 39 (64.1%) from the stripe while Barako only 20 of 40 (50%) in game highlighted by 65 total fouls called.
Maierhofer and JC Intal carried the Energy with 21 and 20 points, respectively.
The scores:
Petron Blaze - Cabagnot 22, Lutz 18, Santos 17, Fajardo 14, Lassiter 11, Tubid 10, Ross 8, Kramer 7, Lanete 0.
Barako Bull - Maierhofer 21, Intal 20, Miranda 15, Miller 11, Peña 11, Pennisi 8, Lastimosa 6, Jensen 4, Wilson 2, Buenafe 2, Isip 0.
Quarter scores: 25-18, 52-52, 79-72, 107-100.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48816-petron-edges-barako,-sets-semis-duel-with-rain-or-shine)
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Ginebra massacres Alaska to earn semis ticket (01/25/14)
MANILA, Philippines - With one team at the brink of a breakthrough and the other at the cusp of disappointment, the eighth seed Alaska Aces and the top seed Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fought tooth and nail for the entire 48 minutes on Saturday, January 25.
At the final buzzer, however, Ginebra was able to avoid disappointment as they flashed their playoff form and downed Alaska, 108-95, to punch their ticket to the semis of the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup.
Filled to the rafters, the Cuneta Astrodome rocked amid the intense playoff atmosphere. According to head coach Ato Agustin, his team fed off it hungrily.
"Napakalaking help yung crowd," he said. (The crowd was a big help.)
"I think yung intensity namin napakataas and the energy is there," he said. "Ang key dito is we were able to dictate the tempo." (I think our intensity was very high and the energy is there. The key here is we were able to dictate the tempo."
The match, with its huge stakes, got so heated that a technical foul and a flagrant foul were already called in just the first quarter of play. The Aces got the short end of the stick as far as breaks of the game with head coach Luigi Trillo and sophomore Calvin Abueva taking the fall for the aforementioned fouls.
Ginebra, reeling from two consecutive losses, poured out their frustrations and sniped away at will in the first half to lead by 21 points, 31-10, after Jayjay Helterbrand buried a triple from the top of the key.
It didn't take long before the physicality manifested itself again. By the second period, another flagrant 1 foul was called - this time on Ginebra's Mark Caguioa for an elbow on Abueva.
Ginebra led by as much as 31, 76-45, on a Japeth Aguilar and-one play at the start of the third. Aguilar came away with a career high 29 points on his 27th birthday.
Late in the fourth, the Aces quietly crept up on Ginebra with an 11-3 run to cut the deficit to 14, 102-88, on an RJ Jazul three-pointer with 2:34 remaining. But it came a little too late as LA Tenorio completed an and-one play on the other end to pad on the lead again, 105-88.
Ginebra was able to shake off, at least for this game, their recurring problem of getting complacent as they never eased up on the gas pedal the entire second half as well. An unlike their first meeting, it was Alaska who was out-hustled this time with second-chance points (24-18), turnover points (24-9) and fastbreak points (14-12) going the way of Ginebra. Alaska, however, managed to out-rebound Ginebra by a hair, 52-51.
The Aces drew double-digit outputs from 6 of its players, including main playmaker JVee Casio, Gabby Espinas, and Calvin Abueva. They also shot better from the stripe, going 26-of-37. Alaska also made more triples, 9-8.
For Agustin, this game serves as vindication for their miserable losses and poor showings.
"Hindi na mangyayari yun," he assured their lackluster play during the first quarterfinal showdown against Alaska will never happen again. "Kaya na namin gawin ngayon (the energy), kaya namin ulitin." (That's not gonna happen again. We did it now, we can do it again."
Scores: Ginebra (108): Aguilar 29, Tenorio 22, Ellis 16, Baracael 12, Caguioa 12, Slaughter 11, Helterbrand 5, Mamaril 1
Alaska (95): Casio 16, Espinas 16, Jazul 14, Abueva 13, Thoss 13, Baguio 13, Hontiveros 6, Avenido 4
Quarters: 39-21, 69-43, 86-62, 108-95
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48873-pba-ginebra-massacres-alaska-earn-semis-ticket)
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ganda ng panalo ng gin kings kanina
tambak na tambak
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End of an era as San Mig catches last bus to semis by ousting Talk 'N Text (01/26/14)
MARC Pingris and playmaker Mark Barroca spearheaded San Mig Super Coffee’s frenetic finish against Talk `N Text for a 90-82 win to end the Tropang Texters’ reign as PBA Philippine Cup champion on Sunday night at the Astrodome.
Pingris scored five straight points while Barroca, who finished with a double-double of 18 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, dished off an assist to Joe Devance for the finishing touches in their do-or-die encounter for the last semifinal berth of the All-Filipino conference.
The Mixers won the best-of-three quarterfinal series, 2-1, and will meet top seed Barangay Ginebra Kings in an explosive semifinals showdown.
“I thought the game turned when we were able to get them (Tropang Texters) in early penalty. They couldn’t pressure us anymore and that kind of allowed us to do the offense the way we want to do it,” said San Mig coach Tim Cone, who steered the franchise to the semifinals for the sixth straight conference.
While Barroca, Devance, and Pingris played courageously against Talk ‘N Text’s bruising veterans, Cone said he was happy to see his “secret weapon” in rookie Justin Melton explode in the final game of the quarterfinals.
“Our secret weapon tonight is Justin. He was really the key for us. He hit big shots and made big stops. He gave us a whole new dimension,” added Cone, who is looking forward to the team’s semifinal series against the Kings.
Credit also goes to the San Mig team’s airtight defense, which held Talk ‘N Text scoreless in the final two-and-a-half minutes of the match.
Ranidel de Ocampo’s three-point shot with 2:31 to go, knotted the score one last time at 82-all, before San Mig made its move in the end to knock the defending champion Talk ‘N Text out of its pedestal.
“Our guys worked hard for it (win). I’m real proud of our guys right now. I mean, going back from our 1-5 start and be at the top four is really great,” he added.
Overall, San Mig’s defense held Talk ‘N Text to just 34.6 percent from the field.
Barroca, the team’s leading scorer this conference, added five assists and two steals, while Devance finished with 14 points. Pingris added 13 and nine boards, while Melton finished with a career-high 12 points, all coming from three-point territory.
De Ocampo led the Tropang Texters with 22 points, spiked by four three-point conversions, while Castro added 15.
The diminutive Castro only scored four points in the second half as he struggled to get through the defense of Barroca.
The scores:
San Mig 90 - Barroca 18, Devance 14, Pingris 13, Melton 12, Simon 10, Mallari 8, Yap 8, Sangalang 7, De Ocampo 0, Reavis 0.
Talk 'N Text 82 - De Ocampo 22, Castro 15, Canaleta 13, Seigle 8, Alapag 6, Williams 5, Fonacier 5, Carey 5, Reyes R. 3, Aban 0, Peek 0, Reyes J. 0, Baclao 0.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-catches-last-bus-to-the-semis-by-ousting-talk-n-text--v02)
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PBA semis preview: Red-hot Rain or Shine, bullstrong Petron collide anew
MANILA, Philippines - And then there were four.
Action in the PLDT Home DSL PBA Philippine Cup heats up as only four teams remain, all vying for the elusive All-Filipino crown. With the fall of three-peat champions Talk 'N Text, all four squads will do what it takes to covet the prestigious Jun Bernardino trophy.
Petron Blaze and Rain or Shine both jockeyed for position in the home stretch of the elimination round; the Elasto Painters got the twice-to-beat edge while the Boosters had to sweep Barako Bull to advance.
Just last conference, the Elijah Millsap-powered Petron Blaze Boosters dominated Arizona Reid's Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 3 games to 1 in the best-of-5 2013 Governors Cup semifinals.
However, with Rain or Shine riding on an 8-game winning run, expect a different script in the Philippine Cup edition of this battle. Petron, led by the hulking June Mar Fajardo and reigning MVP Arwind Santos, will try to duplicate that dominance and shut the E-Painters once again.
Philippine Cup head-to-head: Rain or Shine leads, 1-0.
Rain or Shine 99, Petron 95
Why Rain or Shine will win: The Elasto Painters were chiefly responsible for ending Petron's 7-0 start in the Philippine Cup. With everyone in Coach Yeng Guiao's system working wonders, Rain or Shine will be pretty hard to stop. Anyone from the Painters' can explode for Guiao. Big men Belga and Quiñahan had their clutch moments this season. At one point even all three of its rookies led Rain or Shine to victory.
Why Petron Blaze will win: June Mar Fajardo is becoming the next dominant big man in the league, and his 15 PPG, 15.3 RPG numbers are more than enough proof. With the E-Painters' frontline a bit undersized, it looks like Fajardo will have a great game more often than not. Joining him are reigning MVP Arwind Santos, shooters Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter, and Alex Cabagnot (13.5 PPG, 5 RPG, 6.5 APG) who has given Petron a premium court general ever since returning to action.
Key match-up:
June Mar Fajardo (15 PPG, 15.3 RPG) vs Extra Rice, Inc. (Beau Belga and JR Quinahan combined: 17.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG)
In the Governors Cup semis, Fajardo towered over everybody else in a Rain or Shine uniform. That is why the Elasto Painters' big boys must take turns in trying to limit the 6-foot-10 skyscraper from reigning inside the paint.
X-Factors:
Rain or Shine: Gabe Norwood
The Gilas Pilipinas premier wing defender's numbers won't jump out on you but Norwood can certainly contribute on both ends of the floor, especially in aspects of the game not seen on the stat sheet.
Petron: Ronald Tubid
Whenever Petron's shooters are on a slump, Tubid should take the spotlight. He will also be relied on in defense especially againt Rain or Shine's gunners.
What this game means: Rain or Shine is the runner-up in the last Philippine Cup. With TNT already out of the picture, the Painters should use this stint not just to exact revenge against Petron but also to prove they're indeed one of the best teams in the league. For the Boosters, this series will be gruelling but all worth it should they advance to the finale.
RAPPLER PICK: Petron in 7 games
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/48971-pba-semifinals-preview-rain-or-shine-vs-petron-blaze)
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End of an era: Pido Jarencio leaves UST, moves to Globalport
MANILA, Philippines – After 8 seasons of calling the shots for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), fiery coach Pido Jarencio is leaving the Tigers to finally realize his longtime dream – to coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Jarencio confirmed to Rappler that he already bid goodbye to UST and is moving on to coach the PBA's Globalport Batang Pier.
He said he already informed UST officials of his decision and submitted letters to university Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. as well as to Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P., Director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics.
As far as the future of the UST seniors men's basketball team, Jarencio said he has recommended assistant coach Estong Ballesteros to take over as head coach. Though there has been no final decision yet as of posting time.
Jarencio also said his two-year contract with Globalport starts in February and he will begin practicing with the team next week. Jarencio will be replacing interim head coach Ritchie Ticzon, who steered Globalport to the quarterfinals of the 2013 PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup before getting booted out by the twice-to-beat Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
A team still building from the ground up and trying to shape its identity in the highly competitive league, Globalport is looking to pad on to the tremendous improvement they've shown in the Philippine Cup.
Jarencio admitted that he has yet to finalize his plans for his new team, but said that he will first take care of business in the coaching staff before making his decision on the players.
"Ayusin ko muna coaches then move na sa players," he told Rappler. (I will take care of the coaches first then move to the players.)
As far as his import prospects for the import-laden mid-season Commissioner's Cup, Jarencio said he is still on the lookout.
End of an era
Jarencio took on head coaching duties for the Growling Tigers in 2006 and, only in his rookie season, spearheaded the Tigers to its first championship in 10 years. He also led them to 3 Final Four appearances since then before having back-to-back Finals appearances in 2012 and 2013.
He also gave the Tigers their first taste of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League title in 2012, where Jarencio also won the Coach of the Year award.
The 49-year old former PBA player has long wanted to take on the coaching reins for a pro team. After the Tigers' loss in the Finals against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Season 75 (2012), Jarencio stated he was uncertain of whether or not he will stay with the Tigers.
He then nearly took a coaching job last year for a PBA team reportedly to be Barako Bull. But negotiations apparently fell through and Jarencio stayed with UST for another year, where he led them yet again to the Finals but this time lost to the DLSU Green Archers in the most recent UAAP Season 76 (2013).
In the 8 years he spent with the Tigers, UST students and alumni have grown fond of the animated coach. His departure marks the end of an era for one of the most well-loved UST coaches.
Jarencio said it's a bittersweet feeling to finally be able to live his dream, yet leave behind a team and community he has long been a part of.
He held his last practice with the Growling Tigers on Saturday, January 25.
"Masaya at may halo lungkot," he said. "Mahihiwalay na ko sa UST." (I'm happy but also sad. I'm no longer going to be with UST.)
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/philippines/48979-end-of-an-era-pido-jarencio-leaves-ust-moves-to-globalport)
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Tatlong SMC teams sa semis. :brucelee1:
Okay lang, importante malaglag ang RoS at di makapasok sa finals. . inis ako sa bastos at mayabang na kalbong coach nila. >:(
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Rain or Shine's confidence carries them past Petron (01/27/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Their demeanor spoke for itself--the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters simply had the air of confidence that was apparent in every shot attempt, every pass, and in how they ran their plays and defended the hoop.
Because of that, Rain or Shine dominated the Petron Blaze Boosters to take care of the first game in their best-of-7 semis affair, 103-95, in the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup on Monday, January 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"We did a good job defensively," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. "This is a powerhouse team. It's just really the effort and the desire of the boys to win this game that got us through the first game."
Rain or Shine's defense was on point from the very beginning, causing the quick deflation on the part of Petron and at the same time gradually increasing the momentum of the Painters.
Petron was the complete opposite of their semifinal nemesis as they succumbed to Rain or Shine's airtight defense and committed 15 turnovers in the first half alone. That number later escalated to 25 as Rain or Shine took full advantage with 24 points off those miscues.
Reigning MVP Arwind Santos, who finished with 20 points and 17 rebounds, tried to revive his sagging team with a two-handed jam over all of Rain or Shine's defenders at the start of the fourth to cut the lead to 11, 76-65.
But the Painters, who led by as much as 17 points, 65-48, at the 6:39 mark of the third on a split from the line by Ryan Araña, displayed splendid team effort once again and never allowed Petron to spark any type of rally.
What's more, Petron allowed Rain or Shine a couple of and-one plays in the fourth, giving them more trouble heading down the stretch.
The Boosters tried hard to snatch the game away with under two minutes in the game and came as close as 98-92 on a pair of free throws by Chris Lutz with under a minute left.
But Rain or Shine made 8 of their 10 free throws in the last two minutes to crush Petron's hopes.
As usual, Guiao had the luxury of a deep lineup and got distributed offense from different guys. Paul Lee was the leader of that offensive punch with 18 points. He did not catch fire from rainbow country but he attacked Petron's defense enough to score on a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line to add to his 4-of-9 field goals.
"This is the way we want it played," said a satisfied Guiao. "We want it fast, we want it open court. Petron also wants the open court but perhaps our rotation can sustain it more even in 7 games."
He added, "We're ready to play a long series and we're ready to play a fast, furious pace."
In the meantime, JR Quiñahan missed the series opener due to 'swelling on his knee.' Guiao assured he will be back for Game 2.
The win marks Rain or Shine's 9th straight victory dating back to the eliminations.
The scores:
Rain or Shine (103): Lee 18, Cruz 15, Belga 11, Arana 10, Nuyles 9, Almazan 7, Rodriguez 7, Norwood 7, Chan 6, Teng 6, Ibanes 5, Tiu 2, Tang 0.
Petron (95): Fajardo 23, Lassiter 20, Santos 20, Ross 8, Hubalde 6, Cabagnot 4, Lutz 4, Duncil 2, Tubid 3, Lanete 2, Kramer 2.
Quarters: 28-20, 49-40, 76-63, 103-95
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49012-rain-or-shine-vs-petron-ph-cup-semifinals-game-1)
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PBA semis preview: Barangay Ginebra, San Mig set for showdown
MANILA, Philippines - And then there were four.
Action in the PLDT Home DSL PBA Philippine Cup heats up as only four teams remain, all vying for the elusive All-Filipino crown. With the fall of three-peat champions Talk 'N Text, all four squads will do whatever it takes to secure the prestigious Jun Bernardino trophy.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee started the conference on contrasting notes; Ginebra towered all tournament long with a formidable roster led by Gilas Pilipinas veterans Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, LA Tenorio, and Mac Baracael. The Mixers meanwhile, just as they had started in the 2013 Governor’s Cup, started with a miserable slump. They lost their first four assignments and dropped to 1-5. It is only through their will and championship spirit that they have managed to overcome that slump to survive to this point. They were led by familiar names in Governor’s Cup Finals MVP Marc Pingris and Mark Barroca.
Ginebra and San Mig Coffee had to go through a needle in the quarterfinals before setting up a much-anticipated clash dubbed nowadays as the ‘Manila Clasico.’ Expect fans to flock the venues in as much as seven games in this thrilling encounter.
(1) Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (11-3) vs (5) San Mig Super Coffee Mixers (7-7)
Philippine Cup head-to-head: Tied, 1-1.
Ginebra 86, San Mig 69.
San Mig 83, Ginebra 79.
Why Ginebra will win: Although the Kings had some lapses in the elimination round and back-to-back losses before closing out Alaska in the quarterfinals, they remain a strong squad especially when everybody plays their ‘A’ game for the team. Japeth Aguilar, who tallied 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks in their knockout game vs Alaska, must show he’s reliable in this series. Greg Slaughter must bully San Mig’s frontline, while LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa must provide the leadership roles.
Why San Mig will win: Marc Pingris and Mark Barroca joined hands as the Mixers won 8 of their last 11 meetings in the Philippine Cup. PJ Simon, who missed the first three outings in this season, gave San Mig a huge lift on offense with his 14 PPG average. Pingris, Ian Sangalang, and Rafi Reavis will man the frontcourt and try to stop Ginebra’s towers. And once again, San Mig likes keeping it low so in order to contain Ginebra, the Mixers must get the job done on the defensive end.
Key match-up:
LA Tenorio (11.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.3 APG) vs Mark Barroca (14.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.4 SPG)
Tenorio and Barroca are easily among the top playmakers in the league. Ever since entering the PBA, Barroca made his mark for the San Mig franchise. He is now their scoring, steals, and assists leader while Tenorio is averaging a league-best 7.3 assists per match for Ginebra. The two will operate their respective teams' offense like giving coaches Ato Agustin and Tim Cone an extra assistant on the floor.
X-Factors:
Ginebra: Chris Ellis
Chris Ellis is not really the first offensive option for Ginebra, but the reigning PBA dunk champion showed his wares in Ginebra’s demolition of the Aces. Ellis scored 16 points on 70% shooting and grabbed 6 boards to help the Kings win. His size and length will be of great use especially in containing SMC shooters like PJ Simon and James Yap.
San Mig: Justin Melton
Melton, the 13th overall pick in the 2013 PBA Draft, showcased his outside sniping when it mattered the most. He shot 4 of 7 from three-point land to finish with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists to help the Mixers oust TNT. He is expected to be a defensive player but giving San Mig an extra boost on offense would definitely help.
What this game means: The last time Ginebra finished No. 1 in the eliminations, they went on to win the 2007 All Filipino Cup. This is a chance to do the same with their very competitive line-up. For San Mig, the dream is alive. Even after falling to 1-5, they’ve survived several storms and they’re eyeing another Cinderella run. The road to the finals begins now for two franchises with colorful PBA histories.
RAPPLER PICK: Ginebra in 6 games
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49057-pba-semis-preview-ginebra-san-mig-manila-clasico)
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San Mig takes game one against Ginebra on Barroca go-ahead basket (01/28/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Mark Barroca had struggled all game long but sank his only field goal with 11.2 seconds remaining to give San Mig Super Coffee Mixers a game one victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 85-83, in their PLDT Home DSL PBA PhiIippine Cup semifinal series on Tuesday, January 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After Mac Baracael's inbound pass was stolen by Joe Devance, Barroca wasted away time and sank a go-ahead one-hander over a defensive LA Tenorio to give the Mixers an 85-83 advantage.
With both teams out of timeouts, Tenorio rushed frontcourt and attempted a potential game-winning trey but backfired; Marc Pingris collared the rebound and was immediately fouled with just 2.3 ticks to go.
Pingris missed both free throws but Ginebra had no choice but to throw up a prayer from San Mig's court as time expired.
"This game could have gone either way. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good," said San Mig head coach Tim Cone, whose troops outrebounded the Kings, 50-43.
"It's a long series. There's no feeling of comfort at 1-0."
After a 16-7 run in the fourth quarter that saw the Mixers take the 73-72 edge, Yancy De Ocampo and Justin Melton sank triples to make it 80-75.
However, Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio conspired with two baskets each, as Ginebra took the driver's seat, 83-81 with 35.8 seconds left.
San Mig responded with Joe Devance seeing a lapse on Ginebra's defense for an easy basket to tie it at 83 apiece, 32.2 seconds to go.
Barroca finished with just 5 points on 1 of 7 shooting from the field to go with 3 assists in but made his crucial field goal count to give the Mixers the series edge. Joe Devance topscored with 20 points including 15 in the first half, while PJ Simon added 16 markers.
Ginebra will try to bounce back in Game 2 on Thursday, January 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The scores:
San Mig - Devance 20, Simon 16, Pinrgis 10, De Ocampo 9, Sangalang 8, Melton 8, Barroca 5, Yap 5, Mallari 4, Reavis 0.
Ginebra - Tenorio 16, Aguilar 14, Baracael 12, Slaughter 10, Ellis 9, Caguioa 8, Reyes 5, Helterbrand 4, Monfort 3, Mamaril 2.
Quarter scores: 26-28, 43-40, 67-75, 85-83.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49107-san-mig-takes-game-one-against-ginebra-barroca)
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Rain or Shine comes from behind to take 2-0 series lead over Petron (01/29/14)
MANILA, Philippines - If 1-0 was nothing, 2-0 is definitely teetering on disaster.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters managed to steal victory despite trailing for most of the game to extend their win streak to 10 and, more importantly, grab a 2-0 lead over the Petron Blaze Boosters, 103-94, in their semifinal series in the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup on Wednesday, January 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Rain or Shine played subpar basketball for most of the contest in comparison to their 48 minutes of consistency in Game 1. They were down by as much as 16 in the second quarter, 34-18, before they erased that lead and headed to halftime down by only 3, 49-46.
Petron pounded on them some more in the second half but Rain or Shine crept up quietly behind Petron in the final canto as they played their best quarter of the game.
The Painters outscored Petron in that period by a landslide disparity of 36-16. They returned to their fast and furious pace in the fourth after having only two fastbreak attempts and two points off of that in the first half. They upped those numbers to 10 attempts and 15 points, and added 17 turnover points to boot.
"We just carved out a hard win today," head coach Yeng Guiao said. "For a while I thought it was a lost game but the guys did not give up. It's a testament to the guys' desire to win. It's a testament to their mental toughness."
Rain or Shine found themselves in trouble to start the fourth after Marcio Lassiter sank a triple to make it 85-72 at the 9:23 mark. But back-to-back three-pointers by Jeff Chan stirred things for Rain or Shine to cut the lead to 85-78.
But things truly turned around to favor the Painters at the 5:48 mark as Gabe Norwood, who had only two points and one assist in the first half, swished in a triple to make a 3-point game, 90-87.
Norwood, who eventually finished with 11 markers, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, stabilized things for Rain or Shine and facilitated crucial plays including finding rookie Raymond Almazan at the top of the key with 5 minutes left, which resulted in another triple that trickled in to make it 91-90.
Beau Belga then made a bucket to get the lead, 92-91, and Rain or Shine never looked back.
"They did a good job stopping our breaks," Guiao admitted how that affected their game. "They did a good job slowing down the game. It's a lot slower than the first game we played against them."
He also took note of the physicality of the contest and how it played to their strengths.
"It was a physical game. They tried to play us physical. That's really our game. It's the way we want the game to be."
Meanwhile, Petron made the right adjustments to hold Rain or Shine for 3 quarters. But they were unable to sustain it until the end as field goals began missing the mark for them in the crucial stretch of the fourth.
June Mar Fajardo was the key to getting the Boosters going early in the game as he scored 8 of his team's first 10 points to pump fuel into their offense. But he lost that rhythm as the physicality got the better of him.
Guiao said it's a matter of having the right mentality to be able to keep up with physical play.
"I think they were trying to play physical and June Mar really is, I think, the focal point of their offense. And we have to play physical ourselves so he's going to get the brunt of the physicality. That's a lot of physicality in the time that he's inside."
He added, "It's more natural for us than it is for him."
The 2012 first overall drafted pick still finished with 20 points and 9 rebounds but also registered 6 turnovers.
Guiao also gave the credit due to Almazan, who finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds, including the dagger hook shot that made it 100-94 with 28.7 seconds remaining.
"He played like a veteran. Raymond made the big shots, big rebounds, big stops. He looked like he was 250 pounds. He did it when it counted--in the semifinals. That's his championship experience from his Letran days.
With the longest streak of the conference and a 2-0 lead in the semis, Guiao and his team have no plans of letting up.
"2-0 is a good place to be at this point. But we cannot celebrate. We still need to win 2 more."
Scores:
Rain or Shine 103: Chan 20, Almazan 15, Lee 15, Belga 11, Norwood 11, Arana 8, Tang 5, Quinahan 4, Cruz 4, Nuyles 4, Rodriguez 4, Teng 2, Tiu 0, Ibanes 0.
Petron 94: Fajardo 20, Cabagnot 17, Lassiter 14, Santos 12, Lutz 7, Kramer 6, Hubalde 6, Ross 6, Tubid 4, Taha 2.
Quarters: 18-32, 46-49, 67-78, 103-94
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49207-pba-rain-or-shine-comes-behind-series-lead-petron)
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Barangay Ginebra strikes back at San Mig Coffee to tie series 1-1 (01/31/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Consistency was what coach Ato Agustin wanted, and that's exactly what he got from his wards.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel struck back hard on Friday, January 31 and showed consistency the entire ballgame, even leaning on a sterling second quarter showing – the very quarter that killed them in Game 1 – to pull away from rivals San Mig Super Coffee Mixers and notch a dominant 93-64 win to even out their best-of-7 semifinal series 1-1 in the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra veteran Jayjay Helterbrand took charge in the second quarter assault and got enough strength from his legs to notch a total of 11 points – 7 of which he hit in the pivotal second period when Ginebra picked up steam to keep them fueled during the second half.
Together with a much feistier Ginebra backcourt in the second period, Ginebra built a 16-point halftime lead, 48-32, the biggest lead of the ballgame at that point.
But it wasn't the end of Ginebra's tirade. In the next 24 minutes, they no longer allowed their game to dip and continued to out-hustle the Mixers in getting the ball. Ginebra beat them in speed in driving to the hoop, and also showcased lightning quick reflexes when spotting even the tiniest of openings in the lane.
For all 4 quarters, Ginebra never scored below 21 points. They scored 24 points each in the first, second and fourth quarters.
The biggest lead of the game was the final score of 93-64 at 29 points.
"Maganda yung defense namin. Maganda yung start namin," remarked Ginebra head coach Agustin. "We were able to limit their offense to 60+." (Our defense was good. We had a good start.)
Before the game, he said he implored his team to show more aggressiveness.
"Isa lang sinabi ko sa kanila: kailangan natin maging aggressive. Kasi lahat ng game plans and adjustments natin magagawa lang natin pag aggressive tayo and may hustle." (I told them one thing: we need to be aggressive. All our game plans and adjustments can only be done if we're aggressive and we hustle.)
The hustle and aggressiveness produced 55 rebounds with 19 on the offensive glass, while San Mig Coffee had only 32 rebounds.
Unlike the first game, the Mixers were unable to contain rookie slotman Greg Slaughter, who showed more ferocity in rebounding. He also got more creative and determined in getting by and squeezing through defenders to reach the hole. He ended up with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Billy Mamaril and JayR Reyes provided quality minutes for Ginebra in the fourth, hitting outside shots and grabbing boards. They finished with 10 and 8 points, respectively.
For the Mixers, PJ Simon and Marc Pingris scored 16 and 15 points, respectively, in a losing effort.
Game 3 will be played on Sunday, February 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Scores:
Barangay Ginebra 93: Slaughter 21, Helterbrand 11, Tenorio 10, Mamaril 10, Reyes 8, Caguioa 8, Aguilar 7, Monfort 5, Ellis 4, Faundo 4, Baracael 3, Forrester 2, Ababou 0.
San Mig Coffee 64: Simon 16, Pingris 15, Yao 14, Barroca 7, De Ocampo 3, Acuña 3, Mallari 3, Devance 2, Cawaling 1, Gaco 0, Sangalang 0, Holstein 0, Reavis 0, Melton 0.
Quarter scores: 24-19, 48-32, 69-53, 93-64.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49392-barangay-ginebra-strikes-back-san-mig-coffee-tie-series)
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As World Cup draw nears, Gilas ponders possibility of being grouped with US
WHERE will the Philippines be grouped in the 2014 Fiba World Cup?
That question will be answered soon as Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes has embarked on a long trip to Spain to witness for himself the World Cup draw set on February 3 at the Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona.
The Philippines, which punched its ticket to the World Cup by finishing second in the last Fiba-Asia championship, will be one of 24 teams that will be bracketed into four groups of six for the preliminary round.
Local fans, of course, have inevitably been wishing to see Gilas grouped with defending champion United States, which will be fielding a team from a pool of NBA superstars led by Miami star LeBron James.
So, is Gilas looking forward to being in the same group as the American idols?
While admitting that playing against the United States will be "good" for the team, Reyes said he is not thinking much about the draw as he is more focused on forming and preparing the team for the worlds.
“It doesn’t matter,” Reyes said, referring to the bracket. “It’s good to be bracketed with the US para makalaban natin … Pero hindi ko na iniisip ‘yun. Ang iniisip ko, sana may team na ako.”
“My thoughts now is to have a team. I hope that we will have a well-prepared team,” said Reyes, who had successfully lobbied for the shortening of the PBA season to give the team ample time to prepare for the World Cup as well as the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Avoiding the so-called ‘Group of Death’ and ending up in a group with lighter teams will also be favorable for Gilas, which has set a target of advancing past the preliminaries, he added.
When asked by Spin.ph if he would prefer being bracketed with the United States or be in a lighter group, Rain or Shine sharp-shooter Jeff Chan carefully weighed the pros and cons.
“Mahirap ‘yung tanong na ‘yun ah,” Chan said. “Kasi parang once in a blue moon mo lang makakalaban ‘yung US, ‘yung mga idols mo. Pero at the same time, gusto mong manalo. Kung ‘yung bracket medyo mahina, may chance tayo mag-advance.”
After a long pause, the Gilas gunner continued.
“Siguro mas pipiliin ko ‘yung maka-advance tayo para ‘yung (world) ranking natin tumaas,” Chan said.
Given a choice, Talk ‘N Text forward Ranidel De Ocampo is all for being grouped with the United States and even the Pau Gasol-led host team, so the whole world can see the Philippine brand of basketball.
“Okay ‘yun kasi magkakaroon tayo ng chance na mapanood sa buong mundo. Kasi kung US man ‘yan o Spain, ‘yan ang panonoorin sa buong mundo kasi ‘yun ang malakas na team,” said De Ocampo.
"Makikita tayo sa buong mundo. Kung binigyan natin ng magandang laro, mas maganda," he added.
Even if Gilas is grouped in a tougher bracket, De Ocampo is optimistic the Philippines will still have a shot at advancing to the next round.
“Hindi mo masabi ‘yung next round, baka mas may chance pa tayo,” said De Ocampo.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/as-world-cup-draw-nears-gilas-ponders-possibility-of-being-grouped-with-us)
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Buti na lang nakabawi ang Petron. Sana magtuloy tuloy na panalo at malaglag ang team ni kalbong Guiao.
Tangina itong si pesYeng Guiao, gawain ba ng mambabatas ang magdirty finger, kakahiya sya. >:(
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Petron arrests skid, shoots down Rain or Shine in Game 3 (02/01/14)
MANILA, Philippines - This time, the Petron Blaze Boosters never ran out of fuel.
Petron finally arrested their 2-game slide to avoid getting buried in a 3-0 hole as they reminded the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters of what it's like to lose again with a 106-73 Game 3 drubbing in the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup on Saturday, February 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"It really feels good to finally get our first win in this series," said Petron head coach Gee Abanilla.
Petron came out running and gunning in Game 3 - evidently playing with a huge sense of urgency in their best-of-7 semifinal series - and zoomed to an early 13-2 start that caught Rain or Shine off guard.
The Painters seemed to gather their bearing somewhat shortly after and caught up on a Gabe Norwood trey in the middle of the of the first, 10-15. But after Raymond Almazan scored the Painters' 12th point, they never scored again until nearly two minutes into the second thanks in large part to the Boosters impenetrable defense.
At which point Petron had already erected an imposing 30-12 lead, which later ballooned to 29 points, 55-26, on freebies from Arwind Santos at the 3:18 mark of the second.
Not only was their defense on point but Petron's outside shooting was a force to be reckoned with. Their 55.6% first half total field goals, including 8 triples, was what allowed them to run away and never look back.
Unlike Game 2, when Petron build a huge lead only to squander it in the second half, Petron never lifted its feet off the gas pedal. They stymied every Rain or Shine rally, including a 12-0 blitz to start the third, by playing the passing lanes and staying composed mentally.
"Today I'm just happy that the guys responded and we knew what to do in this game all throughout. It's tough, we really got mentally and physically prepared for this game," Abanilla said.
Petron kept their cool better in this game in spite of the physicality and several calls not going their way. This was especially true for June Mar Fajardo who seemed to have a better understanding of the physicality in this game.
"June Mar understands that this is basketball. It's just that we need to manage our emotions," said of his ward who finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Contrastingly, it was Rain or Shine's turn to let emotions get the better of them.
Painters head coach Yeng Guiao, in particular, was ejected from the game at the 1:36 mark of the third after incurring his second technical foul of the game. He was seen giving Santos the finger as Santos made his way back up the court.
Abanilla said this win gives his team just enough confidence to try and even the series in Game 4.
"I think in Game 4 we'll have more confidence."
Scores:
Petron 106: Santos 22, Cabagnot 15, Fajardo 14, Lassiter 13, Lutz 11, Kramer 8, Ross 8, Duncil 4, Tubid 3, Taha 3, Deuthcman 3, Hubalde 2, Lanete 0.
Rain or Shine 73: Belga 14, Quiñahan 10, Almazan 10, Araña 8, Norwood 8, Tiu 7, Tang 4, Ibañes 4, Lee 4, Rodriguez 2, Cruz 1, Chan 1, Nuyles 0, Teng 0.
Quarters: 30-12, 59-36, 77-62, 106-63.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49440-pba-petron-arrests-skid-shoots-down-rain-or-shine)
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Buti na lang nakabawi ang Petron. Sana magtuloy tuloy na panalo at malaglag ang team ni kalbong Guiao.
Tangina itong si pesYeng Guiao, gawain ba ng mambabatas ang magdirty finger, kakahiya sya. >:(
Wow.. Sana mapanuod ko replay ano.. Dirty finger pala ginawa ni guiao... Tsk!
Sent from my 007 iPhone using Tapatalk
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San Mig Coffee gains 2-1 series edge, blasts Ginebra (02/02/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The deadlock is broken.
The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers get their noses ahead 2-1 in the best-of-7 semifinal series as they make mince meat of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel down the stretch for a comfortable 97-89 victory in the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup Sunday, February 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"I was a little worried that maybe we were a little tired mentally and we wouldn't come out and really match the energy of Ginebra because they come out with a lot of energy, a lot of confidence from their last game," head coach Tim Cone said. "But we got good contributions down the stretch from our two rookies."
In what has been a seesaw battle all throughout, come the fourth, San Mig Coffee forced Ginebra to multiple turnovers - which amounted to 12 - and froze their offense.
The Mixers milked 16 turnover points from Ginebra and out-rebounded them 48-47.
San Mig built a 10-point lead, 83-73, on a Joe Devance right corner triple at the 7:45 mark of the payoff period. But Ginebra mounted their own 7-0 rally to chop the deficit to 3, 80-83.
Mark Barroca, who hit a career high 25 points along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, then stopped the bleeding with a putback as San Mig countered with their own 7-0 spurt, including a momentum-changing Justin Melton trey, to take the 10-point lead back again.
From that point on, Ginebra's shots stopped falling and they could not catch a break as the Mixers continued to hit the big shots. SMC pushed the lead back farther to 11 points, 95-84, with 1:26 remaining.
Barroca, known as of late to hit the big shots, supplied the dagger blow to blast Ginebra out of the water, 97-87, with 30.2 seconds left.
"I guess we deserved a good game, right? It was a really nice game. Our guys showed a lot of character coming out strong starting out the game," Cone said.
San Mig Coffee exploded in the first quarter and led by as much as 21-6 at one point before Ginebra's 7-foot rookie bigman Greg Slaughter went on a solo 9-2 run until the close of the first to chip away at the lead 17-25. He also finished with a career high 29 points to go with 13 boards.
The second canto was marred by multiple technical fouls and warnings as the game grew chippy. Mixers Cone was also slapped a technical as he got irate from a foul called on his ward Rafi Reavis.
Ginebra first got a taste of the lead after several ties only with 43.4 seconds left in the first half on a Japeth Aguilar putback. PJ Simon, however, immediately got the two points back to tie it again, 44-all, in the ensuing play. But a triple by Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio towards the end made it 47-46 for Ginebra heading into the locker rooms.
Cone said heading into Game 4, what his team needs to do is to maintain their energy and even beyond Game 4.
"We still don't feel comfortable going up 2-1. I feel that our team really has to be at their A+ game to beat this team. Being up 2-1, the one moment we come out next game lacking energy, we're done."
He added, "Our job is to stay in the game. Stay in the fourth quarter and hopefully beat them. Every game we gotta be at the top of our ceiling to be able to beat this team."
Scores:
San Mig 97 - Barroca 25, Simon 19, Pingris 15, Yap 13, Devance 8, Reavis 7, Melton 6, Mallari 2, Sangalang 2, De Ocampo 0
Ginebra 89 - Slaughter 29, Caguioa 21, Tenorio 14, Aguilar 12, Baracael 7, Ellis 3, Helterbrand 2, Mamaril 1, Ababou 0, Monfort 0
Quarterscores: 25-17, 46-47, 71-68, 97-89
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49523-pba-san-mig-coffee-gains-series-edge-blasts-ginebra)
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Luck sides with Rain or Shine, escapes Petron (02/03/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Playing for most of the second half sans head coach Yeng Guiao, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters managed to carve out a victory and escape the Petron Blaze Boosters, 88-83, to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in their best-of-7 semifinal series in the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup on Monday, February 3 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Guiao was thrown out once again for the second game in a row after two technical fouls. He was assessed his second technical foul at the 6:15 mark of the third for using profane language, forcing his team to try and eke out a win without their fiery leader.
Guiao's ejection was already on top of Paul Lee being taken out in the middle of the second after he landed badly at the baseline and hurt his ankle.
But luck still sided with the Painters particularly down the stretch.
After a nip-and-tuck affair, a Beau Belga right corner triple--his only points of the game--with 1:53 remaining shifted the momentum and gave the Painters some breathing room, 87-82.
But the Painters had multiple scares in the dying seconds as they held on to the precarious lead and botched free throws and committed turnovers, giving Petron a fighting chance to steal the win.
Somehow, Rain or Shine managed to hang on long enough as Petron couldn't make something of the opportunities they were given.
"The guys just did not give up," Guiao said of his wards. "They won this game on their own. I have nothing to do with this victory. They lost Paul (Lee), they lost me but they kept their fighting hearts with them. We beat them against the odds."
Ryan Araña kept Rain or Shine afloat as he hit crucial shots at important moments and pushing the tempo whenever his team's pacing dipped. He led Rain or Shine with 12 points, 3 assists and two steals.
Jeff Chan and Jireh Ibañes also added 11 points apiece.
For the first half it seemed that the tables have been turned on the Elasto Painters as they endured physicality and tough calls, eventually stocking up 17 fouls in the first 24 minutes of play. Petron ended up with 24 attempts from the line.
"Any team made of softer character would have folded up," Guiao remarked.
"We're closer to our objective but it's not a guarantee we'll get there."
After trailing 48-50 at halftime, Rain or Shine exploited Petron's off-target outside shooting in the third and build a slim margin, 72-69, heading into the fourth.
The Painters also made up for the 33 turnover points they gave up in Game 3 by securing 21 turnover points off of Petron's 18 miscues.
Meanwhile, Petron sophomore slotman June Mar Fajardo played heavy minutes to come up with a career-high 27 points and 17 boards. Fajardo, who clocked in 44 minutes, was already dragging himself up and down the court gasping for breath.
"Syempre napagod ako. Madami bumabangga sa akin," he said. "Robot nga, machine nga nag-overheat, tao pa kaya." (Of course I got tired. Many players were shoving me. If a robot or machine overheats, what more a person?)
He was also clutching on to his ribs.
"Masakit (It's painful)," Fajardo said, adding that he will have an X-ray tomorrow, February 4. Though he said he suspects it's only a bruise.
He explained he was elbowed by JR Quiñahan in the first period and got hit another time by Larry Rodriguez in the fourth.
Bad sprain for Lee
Lee, who was out of the game in the first half, clarified that he suffered from a bad sprain. The 24-year old guard said that with injuries of the same nature, he has no worries because he's quick to heal.
"Good thing naman sa akin pag dating sa ganitong injury, mabilis naman mag-recover katawan ko," he told reporters after the game.
"Hindi naman ako nagwo-worry. Siguro makakalaro ako next game."
(The good thing about me is when it comes to these kinds of injuries, my body recovers quickly. I'm not worried. Perhaps I can already play in the next game.)
In addition, Guiao also said that bigman Jervy Cruz went straight to the hospital right after the game to get his nose checked. He said they think it may be broken after a play late in the fourth when Alex Cabagnot was called for a foul on Cruz, who immediately kept holding his nose.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (88) – Arana 12, Chan 11, Ibanes 11, Norwood 10, Cruz 8, Rodriguez 8, Quinahan 7, Lee 7, Nuyles 6, Belga 3, Tang 3, Almazan 2, Tiu 0
Petron (83) – Fajardo 27, Santos 14, Lutz 13, Lassiter 10, Ross 9, Tubid 5, Cabagnot 5, Duncil 0, Taha 0, Kramer 0, Hubalde 0, Deutchman 0
Quarter scores: 33-28, 48-50, 72-69, 88-83
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49609-luck-sides-with-rain-or-shine-escapes-petron)
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mukhang hindi pa magkakaharap si Fajardo at gregzilla..... :peace:
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San Mig coach Tim Cone remains wary of Ginebra's comeback qualities
SAN Mig Super Coffee may be ahead of Barangay Ginebra in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series, but coach Tim Cone remains convinced the Mixers always need to be at their best to beat a talented Kings side.
“It’s going to be a tough series. We still don’t feel comfortable being up 2-1,” Cone said after the Mixers’ 97-89 win in Sunday night’s Game 3.
“Our team has to play a really A-plus game to beat this (Ginebra) team. And I feel like they (Gin Kings) can play B-plus or B-minus and probably beat us.”
Now, San Mig tries to further distance itself from Ginebra when it guns for a commanding 3-1 lead when Game Four is played on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 8 p.m.
Cone said the Mixers can’t afford to commit the same mistakes they did in Game Two when the Kings got off to a strong first half and led by as much as 16 points, before cruising past for a 93-64 rout.
“We have to be tough. And alertness-wise, energy-wise, all those ‘wise’ to be able to beat this team because the one moment we lack the energy, we’re done,” added Cone, who is looking to steer the franchise back to the Philippine Cup Finals since the 2009-2010 season when it last bagged the All-Filipino crown under former coach Ryan Gregorio.
Meanwhile, Ginebra coach Ato Agustin pointed out the importance of controlling the boards the way they did in Game Two for the Kings to get back into the series.
“Kailangan naming ma-tie ang series. Hindi puwedeng mag 3-1. Eh mag-a-adjust kami especially sa mga pick and rolls nila (Mixers) kasi may mga (defensive) lapses talaga eh,” explained Agustin, whose team held a huge 55-32 rebounding advantage in the second game of their Final Four series.
Agustin rued Ginebra’s two fastbreak points in Game Three revealed its inability to come down on defense against the Mixers.
“Imagine the whole game we only scored two (fastbreak) points in three attempts? Tapos 19 (fastbreak points) sila? So dun pa lang alam mo nang talo talaga eh,” he added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-coach-tim-cone-remains-wary-of-ginebras-comeback-qualities)
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Rain or Shine coach Guiao fined P100K, suspended by PBA
MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will have to go for the semifinals clincher against Petron Blaze Boosters without their head coach calling the shots.
The PBA slaps Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao with a one game suspension and a P100,000 fine following consecutive games of being ejected from the game for incurring two technical fouls.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud issues an official statement posted on the league's official website saying the penalty was for Guiao's "use of a dirty finger pointed toward the Commissioner’s and Tech Committee table."
The incident happened in Game 3 of the semifinals where the Boosters manhandled the Painters, 106-73. Guiao was ejected in that game at the 1:36 mark of the third quarter after incurring his second technical foul. He was seen giving Petron's Arwind Santos the dirty finger as the reigning MVP made his way back up the court.
Salud preaches "decency and sportsmanship" in the statement calling Guiao's actions "insulting and unsavory."
The Commissioner also points out that this is not Guiao's first run-in with the league saying his office had given the Rain or Shine mentor "repeated well-meaning advice and counsel."
Unafraid
Guaio has never been one to back down from any confrontation and has been very vocal in pointing out officiating mishaps -- the cause of Guiao's frustration manifested in his actions that earned him the technical fouls.
In game 3 he said, "The refs did not allow us to play our natural game."
The refs were calling the touch fouls on us. That's like a confluence of all those factors," explained Guiao on their loss.
Series clincher
The Painters shouldn't have trouble playing their hearts out to clinch the series against Petron. In Game 4, Guiao was again ejected in the third quarter but his team was able to rally surviving a monster game from center JuneMar Fajardo (27 points, 17 rebounds) to gain a 3-1 edge in the series.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49738-pba-yeng-guiao-one-game-suspension-100000-pesos-fine)
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Yeng Guiao on one-game suspension: 'Parang binigay mo na sa Petron ang laro'
RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was hardly silenced after being hit with a one-game ban and a P100,000 fine for what the PBA Commissioner's Office termed as 'persistent conduct unbecoming of a coach,' saying he will continue to wage war on bad officiating since it is a "public issue."
The multi-titled coach, the league said, was sanctioned for flashing an obscene gesture at the commissioner's and technical committee during Game Four of Rain or Shine's Philippine Cup semifinal series against Petron, describing Guiao's actics as "insulting and unsavory."
Guiao, however, said the real issue is "bad officiating" in the league, which he vowed to fight to protect the interest not only of the team and the players but also of the league's fans.
"Nobody is happy with the officiating (in the league) - it's not only me," said the former national coach and congressman representing the first district of Pampanga. "The real issue here is officiating and it should not be dismissed because it's a public issue."
He continued: "Officiating should be made an issue and it should constantly be on the spotlight. That's the only way assure fair officiating and prevent the referees from deciding the outcome of games."
Guiao, also a former commissioner of the PBL, hopes that by continuing to bring up the issue, the league's fans will learn to appreciate not only good games but also good officiating.
By doing so, he hopes fans can be assured that "games will be officiated well."
Asked about the stiff sanction, just the latest in a long list of penalties he has incurred from the league in his career, Guiao said he doesn't think his actions merit such a penalty, much less a suspension.
But his bigger concern, he said, is Friday's game against Petron which he will now miss, adding to the woes of a Rain or Shine team that had seen sparkplug Paul Lee suffer a sprain and forward Jervy Cruz a broken nose after a "clenched fist" hit by Boosters guard Alex Cabagnot in Game Four on Monday.
Guiao recalled telling Commissioner Chito Salud during their meeting on Tuesday morning: "Sabi ko nga sa kanya, 'Paano 'yan, Kom. Pilay na nga si Paul at basag pa ilong ni Jervy. Kapag nawala pa ako, parang binigay mo na sa Petron ang laro.'"
"Pero sabi n'ya, ganyan daw talaga," Guiao added.
The fiery Rain or Shine coach also said the team's protest to upgrade the foul of Cabagnot has been dismissed by the Commissioner's Office.
"Sabi nila, sinundot lang daw. Paano mababasag ang ilong kung sinundot lang?" he said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/yeng-guiao-on-one-game-suspension-parang-binigay-mo-na-sa-petron-ang-laro)
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Baracael brings out guns to tow Ginebra past San Mig Coffee (02/05/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Mac Baracael brought plenty of ammunition with him both on offense and defense, serving as game-changer for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel as they outlasted the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, 85-82, in the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup on Wednesday, February 5 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Baracael, who was a consistent contributor for Ginebra all game long, made the crucial swipe with 1:13 left in the game to force the turnover on the Mixers. It was a pivotal possession for San Mig Coffee as they were down 79-82.
The 28-year-old forward went 4-of-5 from the three-point area, including two triples early in the third for his 8 points on a sizzling 14-3 Ginebra run up until the 6:38 mark that buried San Mig Coffee in a double-digit hole. Baracael also hit a trey to make it a 65-50 advantage with 4:50 left in the third. He led Ginebra with 20 points.
Ginebra, however, squandered that lead as San Mig Coffee retaliated with full force to start the fourth, going on a telling 16-0 run capped off by a Justin Melton triple that wiped out Ginebra's lead and put San Mig Coffee ahead, 72-70, with 9:15 left.
Ginebra, however, hung tough down the stretch in spite of multiple occasions of fumbling the ball and turning it over. Ginebra registered 22 turnovers that resulted to 26 turnover points by the Mixers.
Japeth Aguilar, who only had 7 points, made the basket when it counted most, scoring on a putback off an LA Tenorio miss to shove Ginebra ahead 82-79, with 1:18 remaining.
Emman Monfort provided the spark once more for Ginebra, drilling the go-ahead three-pointer with 5:17 remaining as they weathered the Mixers' furious rally.
With the win, Ginebra ties the best of 7 semifinal series at 2-2 and will face San Mig Coffee for Game 5 on Saturday, February 8 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The scores:
Ginebra (85) - Baracael 20, Tenorio 16, Slaughter 11, Ellis 9, Aguilar 7, Caguioa 7, Helterbrand 5, Monfort 5, Reyes 3, Mamaril 2.
San Mig Super Coffee (82) - Yap 20, Devance 13, Barroca 10, Melton 9, Pingris 7, Sangalang 7, Mallari 6, Simon 5, Reavis 5, De Ocampo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-20, 46-43, 70-56, 85-82
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/49786-pba-baracael-brings-out-guns-to-tow-ginebra-past-san-mig-coffee)
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PBA assures refs under constant scrutiny; pool down to eight for playoffs
FROM an original pool of 15 at the start of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup, only the eight top performing referees remain to work on the games of the season-opening tournament.
The Office of the Commissioner reviews all games on video, reviews the referees’ statistics, and closely monitors the performance of each game official. Those who are found to have performed below par are sanctioned by commissioner Chito Salud, according to a press statement by the league.
This conference, seven officials have so far been meted out with suspensions, two on Class B referees and five on Class C referees, ranging from one to two weeks.
Another erring referee was suspended from January 13, 2014 up to the end of the conference.
Starting from the end of the eliminations, six Class C referees have been dropped from the pool. They have been relegated to the PBA D-League for further training along with the PBA Referees Academy graduates.
The eight remaining officials working the games in the playoffs are still under close supervision and evaluation, and may still be dropped from the pool for sub-par performance due to lapses in judgment and interpretation.
“With regards to our game officials, rest assured we are always on top of the situation,” said Salud. “Each game, official is under close scrutiny by our Office. Every game is reviewed and every game official evaluated. The fans deserve nothing less than well-officiated ballgames and we are doing everything we can to ensure that our game officials adhere to the tenets of competence and integrity.”
League referees are required to attend regular viewing sessions where videos of game situations are broken down and calls and non-calls are analyzed and discussed. The activity also helps the technical group improve the officiating mechanics to minimize the chances of committing errors in the coming games.
Physical fitness is likewise being given importance by the league, with referees deemed not in their proper physical condition stricken off from the pool.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-assures-refs-under-constant-scrutiny-pool-down-to-eight-for-playoffs)
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Ginebra vs San Mig Coffee Game 4 Official Game Statistics
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from http://pba.inquirer.net/41182/san-mig-coffee-82-barangay-ginebra-san-miguel-85-feb-5-2014-game-4-of-best-of-7-semis (http://pba.inquirer.net/41182/san-mig-coffee-82-barangay-ginebra-san-miguel-85-feb-5-2014-game-4-of-best-of-7-semis)
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Ginebra Scores Equalizer
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Mac Baracael, the goat in Game One then getting practically the same tag for his ejection in Game Three, redeemed himself big time Wednesday, playing a key role as Barangay Ginebra again got back at San Mig Coffee, 85-82, in the fourth game of their PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup Final Four faceoff at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Baracael delivered 20 points with a remarkable 4-of-5 three-pointers and put up a solid defensive effort on James Yap in the crunch as the Kings overcame a rollercoaster ride and forged a 2-2 deadlock in the best-of-seven series.
The Kings blew and hot in the contest, but not Baracael who played steady through 20 minutes and spelled the big difference in their vital victory.
“Ready naman kami sa game na ito. Kaya lang when they started pressing us, we committed many mistakes siguro dahil na rin sa pagod. Importante hindi nawala ang poise sa dulo,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.
“Dinala kami noong mga beterano. LA (Tenorio) did a good job,” added Agustin, making special mention of his chief playmaker who accounted for five of Ginebra’s last seven games.
It was Baracael, though, who put Ginebra back on top, 78-76, after losing a huge 16-point spread.
And the former FEU standout and national player came through with a crucial steal off James Yap with Ginebra nursing a shaky three-point lead, 82-79, with a little over a minute left to play.
A split from the line by Tenorio made it 83-79 before Joe Devance buried a three-pointer to make it a one-possession game.
Another quick San Mig Coffee foul sent Tenorio back to the line. Tenorio sank both charities, and the Kings eventually escaped with the win as Yap’s potential game-tying three-pointer rattled off the rim at the buzzer.
“We played good defense at the finish and we enjoyed some good breaks,” said Agustin.
Curiously after a confrontation between coaches Agustin and Tim Cone late in the third, the Kings went on a long dry spell, squandering a 70-54 spread and falling behind at 72-76.
The Kings, however, recovered in time and avoided falling in a deep 1-3 hole in the race-to-four-games series.
The two teams break their 2-2 tie in Game Five Saturday also at the Big Dome.
Ginebra went on a rollercoaster ride in Game Four, dipping and soaring before steadying in the crunch.
The Kings broke their long silence in the second half as Emman Monfort nailed a trey then Baracael came up with a three-point play off Yap.
As Ginebra regained the upperhand at 78-76, the Kings throngs got involved in the game again, erupting to chants of “Gi-ne-bra, Gi-ne-bra, Gi-ne-bra.” (SB)
from http://pba.inquirer.net/41186/ginebra-scores-equalizer (http://pba.inquirer.net/41186/ginebra-scores-equalizer)
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Painters motivated even more to finish off series with Boosters in Guiao's absence
COACH Yeng Guiao serves his one-game suspension on Friday, but remains confident even in his absence Rain or Shine can close out its PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series against Petron when Game 5 is played at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series entering the 8 p.m. match, thanks to their 88-83 win in Game Four behind Beau Belga’s endgame heroics, while bucking the absence of Guiao, who was ejected out of the game after incurring a second technical foul.
And without their fiery coach, who was slapped with a one-game suspension and a P100,000 fine for “persistent conduct unbecoming of a coach”, the Elasto Painters are all the more motivated to play and finish off the Boosters,
“Wala namang major steps or major movement na kailangang gawin. We just prepared the way we prepare,” Guiao said, who still presided over the team’s practice on Thursday at the North East Greenhills gym in San Juan.
Former Rookie of the Year Paul Lee is expected to play despite spraining his ankle in the first half of Game Four, while forward Jervy Cruz, who broke his nose bridge after getting a hard foul from Alex Cabagnot late in Game 4 Monday night, will be wearing a protective face mask during the match.
Despite the obstacle the team is facing, Guiao said he has full confidence his top assistant Caloy Garcia can handle the coaching pressure since the team’s system is already in place.
“Coach Caloy knows our philosophy, while the guys (Elasto Painters) are prepared. All they need to do is execute the game plan,” he added.
The outspoken Rain or Shine coach is also convinced the Elasto Painters will use his absence as a rallying factor to finish off the series and book a berth in the best-of-seven Finals.
“I think the players will take this (Guiao’s absence) as a challenege and be a motivational factor. They have won without me the last time around and they showed character, which remains,” he said.
“So whether I am there or not, they just have to rely on that.”
Meanwhile, Petron counterpart Gee Abanilla said he’s convinced the Boosters are not totally out of the woods as they try to make a series out of their situation.
“Morale is still okay. Although we are down, 1-3, we are still not out,” said Abanilla.
“We are just focusing on things that we can control and are not blaming anyone for our predicament.”
The soft-spoken Petron coach also mentioned that despite two sorry losses in both Game Two and Game Four, the team believes the series isn’t over as long as the Boosters play according to their game plan.
“That’s the essence of sports. You still have a chance to pick yourself up and fight another day. They (Elasto Painters) may have won the battle so far, but the war is not yet over,” he said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/painters-motivated-even-more-to-finish-off-series-with-boosters-in-guiaos-absence-)
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Kapag malaki kang team, iba ang labanan (sa tawagan), rues Rain or Shine official
NO less than the two amiable owners of Rain or Shine are in disbelief over the gravity of penalty meted by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on team coach Yeng Guaio.
The fiery mentor was slapped with a one-game suspension and a P100,000 fine for flashing a dirty finger and excessively complaining about officiating during Game Four of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals between the Elasto Painters and Petron.
Guiao will serve the suspension in Game Five of the best-of-seven series on Friday night when Rain or Shine guns for a return trip to the Finals of the all-Filipino conference.
Rain or Shine co-team owner Raymund Yu, however, said the issue should not just be about the dirty finger flashed at officials by Guiao but on what also provoked the champion coach, who also once served as commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League.
“Yung issue nung reaction ni coach Yeng, hindi pwedeng yun lang ang tignan, kasi cause and effect yan. Dapat tignan din kasi kung bakit frustrated na frustrated siya at nag-react siya ng ganun,” said the youthful team owner.
Yu also believes the league is saddled with "officiating inconsistencies."
“Hindi lang naman si coach Yen gang nagre-reklamo sa officiating, di ba? Look at Bong Ramos, Luigi Trillo, Norman Black, and Ryan Gregorio, lahat sila nagre-reklamo. Lahat nag-raise ng issue,” he stressed.
Terry Que, the soft-spoken Rain or Shine partner of Yu, also questioned the degree of penalty handed out on Guiao.
“Tingin ko masyadong malaki yun. P100,000 tapos suspended pa. Semis pa naman ngayon,” said Que.
Rain or Shine board of governor Mamerto Mondragon, meanwhile, called for parity and a more transparent officiating, saying some of the league’s most popular teams "are usually at the advantageous side of the calls."
“Personal opinion ko, pag malaki kang team, iba ang labanan,” said Mondragon, a former league chairman.
“Yan (poor officiating) nga ang rason kaya lagi naming sinasabi sa mga players namin: ‘Para hindi tayo mag-alanganin sa laro, lamangan niyo na ng malaki ang kalaban.’ Masyado kaming dehado sa tawagan lagi,” said the longtime team official.
But in fairness to the league, Mondragon said he believes Commissioner Chito Salud is doing his best to address the problem, but stressed that ‘it hasn’t been felt right now.’
“Sinasabi ni commissioner, they are improving the quality of officiating, pero bakit may mga ganun pa rin (nagre-reklamo).”
“Kaya ginagawa ni coach Yeng yun, pinapakita niya na parang walang ginagawa,” he added.
“Hindi kino-condone yung mga antics ni coach. Pero dapat isipin naman ni commissioner kung bakit gumagawa ng ganun si coach. Silipin muna nila yun. Baka talagang may problema na ang officiating.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/kapag-malaki-kang-team-iba-ang-labanan-sa-tawagan-rues-rain-or-shine-official)
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Belga leads Guiao-less Rain or Shine back to PBA Finals as Petron exits meekly (02/07/14)
A RESOLUTE Rain or Shine leaned on a vicious fourth-quarter run to snuff the life out of powerhouse Petron, 97-88, and book a return trip to the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters played minus suspended coach Yeng Guiao, but not even that could prevent them from clinching the best-of-seven semifinals series, 4-1, and a berth in the All-Filipino title series for the second straight season.
The Finals stint is also the third championship stint for the Asian Coating franchise over the last five conferences.
Big man Beau Belga played another splendid game, finishing with a team-high 18 points, including a completed three-point play off a foul by Chris Lutz that capped a 10-0 Rain or Shine run and give the team an 89-80 lead.
The searing run proved to be the backbreaker for the Boosters, who appeared to have lost their confidence after missing their last five three-point attempts and allowed the Elasto Painters to seal the Game Five win.
“Making it in the Finals especially without coach Yeng, I mean, the boys really wanted to win the game today,” said Rain or Shine assistant coach Caloy Garcia, who called the shots for the team in Guiao’s absence.
Garcia revealed his last instruction from Guiao during halftime was to minimize the team’s turnovers in the second half and keep attacking the basket for possible free throw attempts.
“Pinaalala lang sa amin ni coach Yeng nung halftime ang mga flaws namin sa laro. Sabi ko, come the second half, we have to be aggressive on defense,” explained the soft-spoken Garcia.
The second Philippine Cup Finals stint gives Rain or Shine an opportunity to complete an unfinished business after it was swept unceremoniously (0-4) by Talk ‘N Text during their championship tussle last season.
Arwind Santos, the league’s reigning MVP, led the Boosters with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Marcio Lassiter added 18.
June Mar Fajardo finished with 16 points, though half of his output came from free throws as Belga and JR Quinahan alternated in sending him to the foul line.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE (97) -- Belga 18, Chan 17, Lee 16, Arana 10, Norwood 9, Rodriguez 8, Cruz 6, Quinahan 5, Tang 4, Almazan 2, Nuyles 2, Tiu 0, Teng 0, Ibanes 0.
PETRON (88) -- Santos 20, Lassiter 18, Fajardo 16, Kramer 8, Cabagnot 8, Hubalde 6, Tubid 5, Ross 4, Lutz 2, Taha 1.
Quarterscores: 22-31; 45-52; 72-69; 97-88.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/belga-leads-guiao-less-rain-or-shine-back-to-pba-finals-as-petron-exits-meekly)
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Petron star Fajardo's call for unity: 'Di porke't talo eh hiwa-hiwalay na kami
LTHOUGH visibly dejected, sophomore center June Mar Fajardo said this is the perfect time for the Petron Boosters to stand together following the team’s shock exit from the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Friday night.
“Sa amin lang, kailangan lang namin mag-regroup for next conference. Saka ito ang tamang time na magsama-sama kami kasi di porke't talo kami eh hiwa-hiwalay na kami,” he said after emerging from the team dugout following the Boosters’ 97-88 Game Five loss to Rain or Shine.
“Dapat kapag natalo kami, magre-regroup kami for next conference.”
The Boosters lost the best-of-seven series, 4-1, to a Rain or Shine side which didn’t even have coach Yeng Guiao calling the shots at the sidelines during the Finals-clinching win.
Fajardo said the losing experience was even made more painful for the fact that Petron began the tournament by winning its first seven games only to sputter entering the playoffs.
"Masakit kasi nasa itaas kami ng standings sa eliminations, tapos ngayon natalo kami. Hindi man lang umabot ng Game Seven,” lamented the 24-year-old top rookie pick in 2012.
Fajardo said he will take a few days break in Pinamungahan, Cebu as he tries to recover from the bruising Philippine Cup campaign and at the same time, heal the wound of this latest setback suffered by the team.
“Uuwi ako ng Cebu. Magpapahangin muna ako, pero di ko pa alam kung sure na ako sa pag-uwi, kailangan ko din agad mag-work out dahil maiksi lang ang vacation,” he said.
The brief conference break will allow Fajardo to work on his defense as he tries to bounce back a better player in the Commissioner’s Cup, which kicks off on the first week of March.
“Dami ko ring mga lapses sa depensa so kailangan ko iyan i-improve. Siyempre, yung mag-champion ang pinaka-goal namin eh,” added the former University of Cebu stalwart
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/petron-star-fajardos-call-for-unity-di-porket-talo-eh-hiwa-hiwalay-na-kami)
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Guiao shares secret of RoS success: 'This low-budget club is not just a team but a family'
RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao considers the team’s PBA Philippine Cup Finals appearance as double vindication.
For one, Guiao said he’s so happy with how the Elasto Painters beat the odds by finishing off a fancied Petron team in five games of their best-of-seven semifinals series.
“Syempre tuwang tuwa ako, pinaglaban ng mga bata eh. They used the events to give them more motivation and strengthen their determination,” said Guiao, who wasn't around for the Finals-clinching 97-88 win as he served out the suspension for flashing a dirty finger at league officials.
But more importantly, the six-time champion coach asserted that Rain or Shine's victory proved that winning is something that money can’t buy.
“Kung tutuusin, mukha ngang kami ang team na pinakamura (ang budget sa PBA). Hindi kami katulad nung ibang teams na maraming superstars, malalaki ang sweldo,” stressed the fiery mentor.
“Kami kasi dinaan namin sa pasensya ang team na ito. Nagtiyaga kami. Hinintay naming mahinog, may pagkukulang at mistakes kami nung una, pero alam namin this time, lalo pang lalakas ang chemistry,” he added.
Guiao said there is nothing special about the team, revealing that it’s only recipe for success is by keeping its lineup intact as much as possible - reason why the players and staff have developed and strengthened their brotherhood and camaraderie.
As a result, he said, Rain or Shine is now made up of players who genuinely like each other and are treated equally by coaches and officials.
“Maganda kasi sa team namin, parang pamilya na. Parang magkakapatid na. Maganda chemistry, maganda samahan. Everybody likes each other,” Guiao said.
“Saka ang na-develop naming team eh pantay-pantay, very close ang isa’t isa sa team. Walang paborito, walang outcast. Lahat sama-sama. Walang mayaman, walang mahirap, walang lubog (laos), walang sikat,” he said.
And now that the Elasto Painters are already in the Finals of the All-Filipino Cup for the second straight season, Guiao expressed the team’s readiness to go to battle.
“Handa na kami. Mahirap ang pinag-daanan namin. Ang daming nangyari. Pero nalagpasan namin,” added Pampanga’s first district representative.
Guiao said his players showed that they earn every cent of their pay every game.
“Depende kasi sa ibang coach yan eh. Yung ibang teams kasi may mga superstars na sila. So kung nasa kanila `yung player ko, magtiya-tiyaga muna siguro sila sa role playing,” he said.
“Pero yun nga ang sinasabi ko sa mga players ko, ‘They want to prove na value for money sila,’ sinasabi ko na `yung sinusweldo nila eh angkop sa nilalaro nila,” Guiao added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/guiao-shares-secret-of-ros-success-low-budget-club-is-not-just-a-team-but-a-family)
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Yap repays Cone faith by hitting game-winning trey in thriller against Ginebra (02/08/14)
HAMPERED by a painful shooting arm and struggling with his shot all season, James Yap rose to the occasion when coach Tim Cone called out his number, hitting the game-winning three-pointer in San Mig's thrilling 79-76 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game Five on Saturday.
Yap finished off a play designed for him by Cone by hitting his trademark fallaway three-pointer off Mac Baracael with 13.4 seconds to go, giving San Mig a 78-76 lead and taking the momentum away from a Ginebra side that had come charging back from nine points down in the endgame.
Two missed drives by Ginebra star LA Tenorio and a pressure-packed free throw delivered by rookie Justin Melton completed the win that gave the Mixers a 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven series that had turned into a war of attrition before a packed crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The thrilling win also gave a San Mig team that had lost its first five games of the season a shot at a second successive trip to the Finals when Game Six is played on Monday, also at the Big Dome.
“I guess it all comes down to the last possession. It came down to a James Yap three-point shot,” said Cone, admiring the big shot made by his misfiring superstar.
But the American mentor was also quick to credit playmaker Mark Barroca for making the right decision in the waning seconds of the game, setting up Yap’s game-changing three-pointer.
“That was a nice pass there by Mark. He knew it was an option (passing the ball to Yap) and James got the shot," said Cone of his vastly improved guard. "Then Mark just played wonderful defense on LA on that last shot, it worked out for us.”
Yap's big shot ruined an exceptional game by Ginebra sophomore Chris Ellis, who picked up the cudgels for Tenorio and the Kings' Twin Towers by scoring 20 points, including a pull-up jumper that gave Ginebra the lead, 76-75, time down to 22 seconds.
Tenorio struggled all game along against the defense of Barroca, scoring just nine points on a frigid 3-of-13 shooting from the field. He did have seven assists, but also came down with a conference-high tying six turnovers in Game Five.
Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter were held to a combined 18 points and 18 rebounds.
Cone said he was also surprised to see Tenorio go for a quick two when Ginebra needed three points to send the game into overtime after Melton's split of his free throws.
“It’s hard to stay calm in the basketball game with the crowd going nuts. But that’s what you live for in this game and I’m just happy to be a part of it (series),” said Cone.
Barroca led the Mixers with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
The scores:
San Mig 79 - Barroca 14, Pingris 12, Simon 10, Reavis 10, Yap 10, Mallari 8, Devance 7, Sangalang 6, Melton 2.
Ginebra 76 - Ellis 20, Reyes 11, Aguilar 9, Slaughter 9, Tenorio 9, Caguioa 6, Baracael 5, Helterbrand 5, Mamaril 2, Monfort 0, Urbiztondo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-21, 46-44, 62-57, 79-76
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/yap-repays-cone-faith-by-hitting-game-winning-trey-in-thrilling-win-over-ginebra)
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Agustin rues Tenorio's 'hurried shot' but won't take it hard on misfiring playmaker
BARANGAY Ginebra coach Ato Agustin admitted LA Tenorio went against the designed play in a crucial endgame possession in a Game Five loss to San Mig on Saturday afternoon, but refused to take it too hard on his misfing playmaker.
With Ginebra trailing 76-78 and time down to 13.2 seconds, Agustin designed a play where he called for a pick and roll for Tenorio and 6-11 center Greg Slaughter while putting Chris Ellis, Japeth Aguilar and Mac Baracael in specific spots on the floor as second options.
Tenorio, however, didn't wait for the Slaughter pick and instead went straight to the basket, resulting in a wild shot against San Mig guard Mark Barroca and Joe Devance that hit the side of the board.
“It was supposed to be a pick and roll pero not a hurried shot,” Agustin said. “Eh sabi ko dapat nasa proper spots sila. Pero parang nagmadali. Imagine, nakakuha pa sila (Mixers) ng foul shot.
“Pero kailangan may shooters ako na maki-kickout kasi 13 seconds pa 'yun eh. Matagal pa 'yun. We’re down by two points and they were in penalty. I told them to make sure we go hard dahil marami naman tayong options.
"So sabi ko, nag-draw ako ng play on their spots, eh wala eh, nagmadali, tapos nag-miss,” Agustin added.
The same thing happened in the next Ginebra play after rookie Justin Melton's split from the free-throw line left the door slightly ajar for the Gin Kings, 76-79, with seven seconds left.
Instead of going for a three-pointer or finding open shooters to hit a game-tying basket, Tenorio went coast to coast and missed on a layup.
Game over.
The final sequence capped what had been a sloppy night for the usually steady Ginebra guard, who went 3-of-11 from the floor for nine points while committing six turnovers.
Overall, the Gin Kings had a conference-high 24 turnovers, which the Mixers translated to 27 points.
Asked what he told his starting guard inside the dugout, Agustin said he merely sought an answer but refused to probe deeper, aware that he needs to keep the team's morale high with Ginebra facing a must-win situation in Game Six of the best-of-seven series on Monday.
“Nag-tanong lang, why 'yung last shot na layup eh down by three (points). Pero wala lang, kasi kapag tinanong pa eh mada-down,” Agustin, a former league MVP, said. “Kailangan i-lift namin ang morale ng mga players. Kailangan bumawi kami at mag-bounce back sa Monday.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/agustin-rues-tenorios-hurried-shot-but-wont-take-it-hard-on-misfiring-playmaker)
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Bad timing as Slaughter illness comes at the worst time for Ginebra
ROOKIE center Greg Slaughter rued a health problem, and consequently his game-long struggle, came at the worst time for Barangay Ginebra.
The 6-foot-11 top rookie pick this season took just nine shots and finished with only nine points and nine rebounds as the Kings fell to the San MigMixers, 76-79 in Game Five on Saturday night, putting the league’s crowd darling on the brink of elimination in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
“I had trouble sleeping and I had chills since last night (Friday). And this one’s (Game Five loss) pretty difficult, taking that loss, we have no choice but to win on Monday,” said the young Ginebra big man after the game that left the Kings trailing the best-of-seven series, 2-3.
With Slaughter not 100 percent, backup center Jay-Ar Reyes chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds - his best performance in the semifinal series - while Chris Ellis provided the scoring punch with a conference-high 20 points.
But the soft-spoken Slaughter said it was tough to play his usual game while being under the weather.
“It was tiring and also trying to push. We’re focusing on trying to get the ball, but it’s just breaks of the game,” lamented Slaughter.
The 25-year-old Slaughter said he’ll be reporting for practice on Sunday, but may just try to preserve his energy for Game Six on Monday, where the Kings facing the specter of bowing out of Finals contention with another win by the Mixers.
“I’ll definitely be there in practice but I don’t know how much I’ll practice that day,” he said. “I don’t think the problem’s really adjustments for us, but it’s just trying to play as a team."
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/greg-slaughter-ailing-game-five-ginebra-petron-pba-philippine-cup-semifinals-finals)
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Bawi na lang tayo, go for the win... Ok naman ang performance nyo yun nga lang medyo nagkulang...
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sana RoS ang mag champion nakaka buwisit na ang may mga sister team, parang nagbibigayan nang laro...
Si LA nag drive eh hehe low iq ba yun or sinadya dahil benta ang laro, tapos game 7 sa ginebra pa din???
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Helterbrand guarantees Game Six victory for Ginebra
BARANGAY Ginebra point guard Jayjay Helterbrand guaranteed a victory for the Kings against San Mig Coffee in Game Six of their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Monday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll win. No one’s ready for vacation,” the veteran playmaker told Spin.ph on the eve of the 8 p.m. match when the top seeded Kings fight for survival, hoping to knot the best-of-seven series at three games apiece.
If there’s one Ginebra player who has the authority to make such vow, it’s the 37-year-old Helterbrand.
After all, he has been with the franchise for the longest time — more than 13 years - so he knows exactly what the storied club has been through all these years.
One of the faces of the league’s most popular team, Helterbrand is also well aware of his team’s capability to thrive in this position where it is currently down, 2-3, and on the brink of elimination.
“We’ve been in this situation a million times. Personally, we play better when our backs are against the wall,” the former league MVP beamed. “I think that’s when our never-say-die spirit kicks in.”
So confident is Helterbrand, who registered five points, five boards, two steals, and one assist in 14 minutes of playing behind starter LA Tenorio in Game Five, that he can look ahead to a Game Seven.
“If we win tomorrow, then it’s a whole different story. The pressure’s gonna be on them.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/helterbrand-guarantees-game-six-victory-for-ginebra-)
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Taulava in record 13th All-Star Game?
Fifteen-year PBA veteran Asi Taulava has achieved numerous personal milestones, and is on line for another one in the 2014 PBA All-Star Week set April 3-6 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City
If ever, the Fil-Tongan behemoth, the oldest active player in the local pro league at 40, would break the record he currently shares with four-time MVP winner Alvin Patrimonio – the two players with the most number of All-Star participation with 12 each.
The league is holding part II of Gilas Pilipinas versus PBA All Stars in the annual All-Star Game which will be played in Manila for the first time in five years.
And for the first time in 11 years, the entire All-Star Week festivities will be held in the Big City, hosted by the Mall of Asia Arena.
Taulava is a contender for the All-Star team taking on the FIBA World Cup-bound national team of coach Chot Reyes.
Last year in Digos City, Gilas’ Jeff Chan and the All-Stars’ Arwind Santos shared MVP honors after the game ended in a 124-all standoff on Chan’s buzzer-beating three-pointer.
If Reyes sticks with his original Gilas team, Taulava, Greg Slaughter, Santos, Mark Barroca, James Yap and Mark Caguioa are tipped to banner the PBA All Stars.
Other active PBA players with a big number of participations in the annual mid-season spectacle are Dondon Hontiveros (11), Yap (10), Jimmy Alapag (9), Eric Menk (9), Willie Miller (9), Sonny Thoss (9), Jayjay Helterbrand (7), Danny Ildefonso (7), Marc Pingris (7) and Rico Villanueva (7).
The league has started the fan balloting for the All-Star festivities that again feature the Legends Game and All-Star side events including the three-point shootout, the slam-dunk contest and the obstacle challenge.
There will also be outreach programs including hospital visits and free basketball/coaching clinics.
Another highlight is a street party where PBA players mingle with the fans around the MOA Arena.
Though already turning 41 on March 2, Taulava is still a major force, leading all players in minutes played in the current Philippine Cup with 37.86 minutes an outing.
In the elimination round, Taulava was one of a few who averaged double-double numbers, putting in a league second best 14.36 rebounds and third team best 13.21 points per game.
From Inquirer.net (http://pba.inquirer.net/41486/taulava-in-record-13th-all-star-game)
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Never-say-die spirit alive as Jawo-inspired Ginebra beats San Mig to force Game Seven (02/10/14)
GINEBRA legend Robert Jaworski showed up at the Gin Kings' dugout at halftime, exhorting every single player to show the team's never-say-die spirit of old.
No one took the words to heart more than rookie Greg Slaughter.
Showing toughness and maturity well beyond his years, the 6-11 freshman center carried Ginebra on his back in the final stretch of a Game Six thriller as the Kings beat San Mig, 94-91, on Monday night to force a do-or-die game in their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinal playoff.
THe 6-11 big man from Cebu had 20 points and 11 rebounds and towered above everybody else in the final stretch, scoring seven of his team's final 10 points when the Kings made the decisive charge before a sellout crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Slaughter, the top pick overall in this season's rookie draft, capped a dominant performance with the rebound off a PJ Simon miss and the two free throws that put Ginebra on top, 94-91, with two seconds left.
When James Yap's desperation heave from near mid-court fell way short at the buzzer, pro-Ginebra fans who had been on the edge of their seats for the most part of the game erupted in celebration as the crowd darlings levelled the best-of-seven series, 3-3.
Slaughter's late heroics capped an amazing comeback from 13 points down for the Gin Kings, who got a pep talk from former Ginebra playing-coach Jaworski at halftime.
The two sister teams now clash for the last time on Wednesday for the right to face Rain or Shine in the finals of the league's all-Filipino conference.
Ginebra skipper Mark Caguioa also had a splendid game with 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting while LA Tenorio added 16. Slaughter's frontline partner Japeth Aguilar had 13 points but was a non-factor in the endgame after riding the bench due to five fouls for much of the final quarter.
Ginebra's late push put to naught a gutsy performance from Marc Pingris, who scored 20 points and kept San Mig's head above water with back-to-back baskets that gave it an 86-83 lead entering the final five-minute mark.
The scores:
Ginebra 94 - Caguioa 21, Slaughter 20, Tenorio 16, Aguilar 13, Baracael 9, Helterbrand 5, Ellis 4, Reyes 4, Mamaril 2, Monfort 0, Urbiztondo 0.
San Mig 91 - Pingris 20, Simon 17, Barroca 14, Sangalang 12, Reavis 9, Yap 9, Melton 5, Devance 3, Mallari 2, De Ocampo 0.
Quarterscores: 22-24, 41-50, 73-74, 94-91
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/never-say-die-spirit-alive-as-jawo-inspired-ginebra-beats-san-mig-to-force-game-seven)
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Sa wed,sure na maganda ang laban. Go ginebra!
Sent from my Lenovo A3000-H using Tapatalk
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kung hindi scripted maganda ang laban...... si japeth ang nagpanalo, dahil dun kukunin siyang model ni ben chan sa bench
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Ginebra, San Mig duel to the death in one of most anticipated PBA games in years
BARANGAY Ginebra coach Ato Agustin has played countless do-or-die playoff matches in his career and he knows exactly what his team needs to do in this one.
Stay aggressive, lessen turnovers, and put the ball in steady hands come crunch time.
If the Gin Kings can do that, Agustin, a second-round pick who rose to become league MVP, feels the crowd darlings will have a good chance of coming out alive in Game Seven of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal playoff against San Mig on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra has been the most impressive team on paper in the league this season and entered the playoffs as the top seed, but it has played catch-up against San Mig in what has been a riveting best-of-seven series for the right to face Rain or Shine in the finals.
In fact, the Gin Kings would not be in this position now had they not climbed back from a 14-point deficit to win Game Six, 94-91, on Monday night in a game witnessed by a sellout crowd at the Big Dome led by Ginebra's legendary former player-coach, Robert Jaworski.
But if surviving Game Six is tough, Agustin knows winning the deciding seventh will be tougher considering San Mig has a group of players led by James Yap, Marc Pingris and even young guard Mark Barroca who has loads of championship experience under its belt.
Except for LA Tenorio, Mark Caguioa, and Jayjay Helterbrand, no other Gin King has had an experience in this type of environment.
That's why Agustin wants Ginebra to be aggressive from the get-go to set the tone for the entire game.
"We need to be aggressive, that's the key," said the longtime San Miguel Beer star. "So hustle saka kailangan mas mataas ang intensity namin kaysa sa kanila (Mixers)."
Another major concern for Agustin is turnovers, which has cost Ginebra a couple of games in the series.
"Again, if we want to beat San Mig, we need to cut our turnovers."
But when push comes to shove, the Ginebra coach wants the ball in the hands of Caguioa, the former league MVP and the Kings' acknowledged heart and soul.
Caguioa has had a spotty series, but there's no doubt in Agustin's mind that he will be Ginebra's surest hand in this game.
"Sabi ko sa kanya, kailangan ma-involve siya parati sa offense. If he feels it, get the ball," said Agustin.
On the other hand, San Mig coach Tim Cone said they have moved on from that Game Six loss, which saw them collapse in the face of a tenacious Gin Kings rally in the fourth quarter as well as a crucial foul slapped on James Yap with 16 seconds left.
The 6-foot-2 Yap was whistled for a foul by referee Edward Aquino as Caguioa was clutching the ball off a rebound, even if there was very minimal - if negligible - contact.
Cone, though, said San Mig is not about to dwell on the past.
"We just try to make sure our guys are focused forward and not think back," said Cone. "We're a confident bunch. These guys (Mixers) have been there (Game Seven) before. They know how to play in this game and we're comfortable playing Game Seven."
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-san-mig-duel-to-the-death-in-one-of-most-anticipated-pba-games-in-years)
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PBA hits new high as Game Seven of Ginebra-San Mig duel lures all-time record crowd of 24,883 fans
HE PBA scaled new heights in its 39-year history on Wednesday night when an all-time record of 24,883 fans trooped to the Smart Araneta Coliseum to watch Game Seven of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series between Barangay Ginebra and San Mig Coffee.
The attendance in Game Seven broke the previous high of 23,436 fans which witnessed Game Three of Ginebra's Commissioner's Cup championship series against Alaska last season which the Aces won.
As early as the morning before the match, there were already clear signs that the game was bound to set new box-office records as hundreds of fans gathered outside the Big Dome hoping to snap up the few general admission and standing-room-only (SRO) upper box tickets still up for sale.
Patron and other pricier tickets for the match were sold out as early as Tuesday afternoon.
“Seven pa lang ng umaga kahapon (Tuesday) marami nang tao ang nakapila. Nag simulang magbenta ng (upper box with seats) tickets mga 11 a.m. hanggang 3 p.m.,” the security officer guarding the Ticketnet office at the Big Dome disclosed to Spin.ph.
As expected, scalpers made a killing.
One fan told Spin.ph he was able to secure two patron tickets regularly priced at P900 each for P5,000 each in the black market. On the other hand, P500 Upper A tickets are being sold for at least P2,000 while P130 general admission tickets are going for P500.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-hits-new-high-as-game-seven-of-ginebra-san-mig-duel-lures-all-time-record-crowd-of-24883-fans)
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(http://images.scribblelive.com/2014/2/12/ca89f184-ef37-4bc7-9572-74b71db65d87_500.jpg)
FINAL: SMC moves to the Finals with 110-87 win over Ginebra.
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'Big Game' James Yap leads way as San Mig outplays Ginebra in Game Seven to reach PBA Finals (02/12/14)
A RED-HOT James Yap led the way and the rest of San Mig followed suit, dealing Barangay Ginebra a 110-87 beating in Game Seven on Wednesday night to book its place in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
'Big Game' James lived up to his name in one of the most anticipated games in the league in years, scoring a game-high 30 points built around seven three-pointers in a shooting display with longtime partner PJ Simon which an awed Tim Cone described as "phenomenal."
Five of those three-pointers came in the first half, where San Mig set the tone for the do-or-die match by opening a double-digit lead against a jittery and terribly disorganized Ginebra unit before the biggest crowd ever to watch a PBA game.
Unfortunately for Ginebra, those all-time high 24,883 fans who watched the game inside the historic Big Dome - and millions more on television - witnessed a carnage as San Mig totally dominated on the way to forging a best-of-seven finals opposite Rain or Shine.
“Too much James and PJ tonight," said San Mig coach Tim Cone after leading the former Purefoods franchise to a second successive finals appearance, fourth over the last six conferences, and 25th overall. "That’s what it was so whatever they ate, we’re gonna have to find out.”
Simon backed up Yap with 28 points, most of them coming in the final quarter when the Mixers put the game away.
“I’ve never seen such a shooting performance by two guys ever before in my life, especially in a Game Seven, just phenomenal. I mean, shooting like that, for sure, nobody can beat us,” Cone added.
Outside Yap and Simon, the Mixers actually collected big numbers from Rafi Reavis, rookie forward Ian Sangalang, who banged in 15 points apiece while Marc Pingris chipped in a near triple-double performance of eight points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Third-year guard Mark Barroca added six points and 10 assists, while hounding Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio who scored 16 points but shot just 2-of-12 from beyond the arc and had only two assists in 36 minutes.
Mark Caguioa carried the scoring brunt for the Gin Kings with 23, though the Mixers’ excellent defense held him down to just six in the entire second half.
Japeth Aguilar added 17 and nine boards, while his front court partner Greg Slaughter had a quiet 12 points and a series-low three rebounds.
Overall, San Mig’s 60 percent shooting from the field was just too much for Ginebra to overcome.
The Mixers also dominated the boards, 48-35.
The scores:
San Mig 110 - Yap 30, Simon 28, Sangalang 15, Reavis 15, Pingris 8, Barroca 6, Mallari 6, Devance 2, Melton 0.
Ginebra 87 - Caguioa 23, Aguilar 17, Tenorio 16, Slaughter 12, Mamaril 6, Helterbrand 5, Ellis 4, Baracael 3, Reyes 1, Monfort 0, Urbiztondo 0.
Quarterscores: 28-20, 57-44, 79-67, 110-87
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/big-game-james-yap-leads-way-as-san-mig-outplays-ginebra-in-game-seven-to-reach-pba-finals)
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'Inexperienced, inconsistent' Ginebra will come out of loss a better team, says Tenorio
LENGTH and talent can make you the top team during the elimination round. But experience, desire, and consistency are factors needed to reach the Finals.
That’s exactly what Barangay Ginebra learned on Wednesday night when the top seed was eliminated from the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals following its 87-110 loss to San Mig Coffee in Game Seven of their series before a crowd of more than 24,000 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Star point guard LA Tenorio felt the Kings’ inconsistency and lack of aggressiveness were key factors in the series, especially in the do-or-die encounter where they fell into a huge hole early on - no thanks to the Mixers’ torrid shooting - and never recovered.
“We lacked aggressiveness. We lacked consistency, on defense most especially. We need to work on that day in and day out. We cannot afford to relax,” said Tenorio.
“Pag dating kasi ng playoffs, it’s not about X’s and O’s anymore. It’s about heart and who wants it more. And they wanted it more. Kita naman natin, (Marc) Pingris was everywhere, Rafi Reavis, too. James (Yap), it was his best game of the conference.”
Tenorio, who scored 16 points but missed all but two of his 12 three-point attempts, felt Ginebra was a team equipped to reach the Finals, but it was a team that was just inexperienced to make it far.
“We’re supposed to be in the Finals, but ganun talaga eh. Nakaka-disappoint pero ito yung mga time na bumalik sa tamang ginawa namin nung elimination and learn from it, come back stronger next conference.”
And it’s all about consistency for the Kings, who topped the elimination round but failed live up to their potential in the playoffs.
“We know how to win games. We know the winning formula. We just have to be consistent,” Tenorio said. “We just need games like that and experience this kind of loss para pag makarating uli kami dito, alam na namin ang feeling.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/inexperienced-inconsistent-ginebra-will-come-out-of-loss-a-better-team-says-tenorio)
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Pingris says San Mig's vast experience enough to negate Ginebra's huge crowd support
FOR San Mig Coffee forward Marc Pingris, nothing beats experience especially under the grinding pressure of a do-or-die Game Seven.
Pingris believed the Mixers’ vast experience made the big difference in their 110-87 rout of top seed Barangay Ginebra Kings in their winner-take-all duel for the last Finals berth of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the bursting Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Mixers came through in the most important game of the best-of-seven series after shooting a high 60 percent from the field, while putting the clamps on a Kings side team that can’t seem to get going despite being energized by the pro-Ginebra crowd that made up the all-time league high of 24,883 live gate attendance.
“Sa practice, kinausap ko si Mark (Barroca), sabi ko sa kanya, dito naman tayo magaling at may experience na tayo sa ganitong laro (Game Seven),” Pingris recalled. “So focus lang kahit alam natin kanila (Barangay Ginebra) ang crowd.”
The many-time All-Defensive team member came through with an all-around performance of eight points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks, and two steals while courageously holding his own against Ginebra’s tall frontline of rookie center Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, and JR Reyes.
The 6-foot-5 Pingris, however, said the Mixers won’t have much time to savor the Game Seven win since they only have a day to prepare before plunging into action against familiar Finals foe in Rain or Shine on Friday at the start of the best-of-seven title series.
Pingris, though, hopes San Mig could finally put one against coach Yeng Guiao and the Elasto Painters, who beat the Mixers in a gripping seven-game series en route to winning the 2012 Governors Cup championship.
The title turned out to be the Asian Coating franchise’s first-ever in the league since joining the PBA in 2006.
“Dahil kay Lord nandito (Finals) na uli kami, pero may pagkakataon na kami bumawi kay coach Yeng, kasi tinalo nila kami dati sa Game Seven kay Marqus (Blakely),” Pingris said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pingris-says-san-migs-vast-experience-enough-to-negate-ginebras-huge-crowd-support)
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Slaughter lauds Pingris: 'He almost had like a friggin’ quadruple-double out there'
BEING the tallest player in the PBA today only takes you so far.
Greg Slaughter learned it the hard way on Wednesday night, when Barangay Ginebra was sent packing after losing to San Mig Coffee, 87-110, in Game Seven of their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Although he tallied 12 points and one block, the 6-foot-11 ¾ rookie center was held to a conference-low three rebounds in 36 minutes during the do-or-die encounter.
The performance of this year’s top overall pick was obviously a far cry from that of the undersized yet big-hearted San Mig forward Marc Pingris, who registered 10 boards, eight points, seven assists, and four blocks.
“Pingris was dominant even though he wasn’t scoring much. He was doing everything else,” Slaughter said of the 6-foot-4 bruiser. “He almost had like a friggin’ quadruple-double out there.”
Slaughter felt he could’ve done better on the boards.
“It was just tough. At the start of the game, they wanted me to guard Pingris, so my first concern was getting a body on him, because he was very active on the boards.”
But Pingris also got a lot of help from fellow big men Rafi Reavis and rookie Ian Sangalang, who each had 15 points to back up the torrid shooting of guards James Yap and PJ Simon.
“We got outplayed in every position. Every piece of them was really clicking,” Slaughter said.
They may have underperformed, but Slaughter is confident the top-seeded Kings have a bright future ahead.
“We definitely are a young team, but I know everyone was expecting higher. It sucks that we didn’t meet those expectations, but I think we have all the tools to be a good team.”
“I’ll take a couple days off to reflect on this conference and talk to our vets and coaches to see where I can improve,” he concluded.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/slaughter-lauds-pingris-he-almost-had-like-a-friggin-quadruple-double-out-there)
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Tim Cone fumes over perception San Mig-Ginebra series was 'scripted' to go the distance: 'It's unfair, crazy'
SAN Mig coach Tim Cone has fumed over suspicion that their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against sister team Barangay Ginebra was 'scripted' to go the distance, saying the claims are both "crazy" and "unfair" to the two ballclubs.
Speaking a day after San Mig booked a place in the finals with a 110-87 victory in Game Seven, Cone said the coaches and players from both camps “worked their butts out" in the seven-game series, enduring the stress and tough grind that goes with it.
“One thing I could really say about that (scripted ending), if that’s really what happens, then it’s really unfair to all of us (Mixers and Gin Kings) who work our butts out,” Cone said on Thursday at the Sambokojin Restaurant in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City.
“We worked really so hard. We worked really, really hard on that Game Seven. I mean, the stress and the hardship and the heartbreak we had to go through in (losing) Game Six, which was really hard to swallow. We really had a hard time after that,” explained the multi-titled PBA mentor.
Cone recalled that in years past, back when a betting game called “PBA ending” was still popular among basketball fans, he was often approached by people and was asked what the final score would be in their next game.
Cone said his response was: “We don’t know about that stuff. The perception is out there, but it’s not something we believe in. It just takes away from the hard work that we gave.
“I think it’s just unfair for people to think and say that.”
PBA commissioner Chito Salud also weighed in, stressing that all 10 PBA teams, their coaches and all the players in the league have a full understanding of their responsibility and commitment to the basketball fans to play the game the way it should be played.
He, too, admitted being aware of the 'scripted' perception among fans.
“I’ve been asked that question several times and I want to answer that our teams understand their sacred responsibility to play the game and give the fans unmediated, pure action game in and game out, which our fans expect and demand,” said Salud.
“That is the norm, and everybody in the PBA understands it.
“Now, for any other team to fool around at that responsibility at the expense of their corporate image will be fool hardy. Let me leave it at that,” he added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/tim-cone-fumes-over-claim-san-mig-ginebra-was-scripted-to-go-the-distance-its-unfair-crazy)
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Marc Pingris has the last laugh on Belga as enforcers exchange verbal salvoes
THE match-up between two of the acknowledged best power forwards in the PBA today certainly serves as a major sidelight of the Philippine Cup Finals between Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee.
All eyes will be on Beau Belga and Marc Pingris when the two remaining teams in the season-opening conference collide on Friday night at the start of their best-of-seven series at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Belga and Pingris came up big during the semifinals series that saw both of them step up their games and arrange yet another championship showdown between the Elasto Painters and Mixers, two years since their Governors Cup Finals duel which Rain or Shine won.
And the 6-foot-6 Belga was quick to fire the first salvo in what many sees as a bruising encounter between the two hard-banging forwards.
The former Philippine Christian University admitted watching the do-or-die match between San Mig and Ginebra primarily to look at his possible match-up in the Finals.
“Tinitignan ko kung sino ang babantayan ko, kasi ako makakalaro ko si Ping, babanatan ko yan,” he said jokingly, but a strong statement that definitely brought the house down during the press conference for the PBA Finals Thursday at the Sambokojin Restaurant in Eastwood City.
Ping had his head bowed when Belga made the remark, but noted what the undersized Rain or Shine big man just said.
“Good luck kay Beau kasi babanatan niya raw ako,” he said as the crowd laughed along.
“But seriously, good luck to both teams, especially sa dalawang coaches na ito na sobrang nirerespeto namin,” he said, referring to both coaches Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao.
“Bahala na silang gumawa ng game plan, kami namang mga players kung anong ibigay na assignment sa amin, 'yun lang naman ang ginagawa namin.”
Belga readily agreed with Pingris.
“Kami kasi sa Rain or Shine, may kanya-kanya kaming roles, may kanya-kanya kaming designation. So kung sino ang ibigay sa amin, yun ang paghahandaan namin,” said the Rain or Shine stalwart.
But in the end, it was Pingris who had the last laugh on Belga.
Asked what he thought would be the factors that could make the difference in the Finals, the son-in-law of popular TV host and comedian Vic Sotto was quick to cite two things.
“Kung sino lang talaga 'yung maglalaro ng may puso at kung sino talaga 'yung gutom yun ang mananalo,” he said as he threw a glance at the 'Extra Rice' enforcer. “Kaso, si Beau lagi palang gutom 'yan.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/marc-pingris-has-the-last-laugh-on-belga-as-enforcers-exchange-verbal-salvoes)
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Wowww... good game gins but better luck next time... ros and smc is a perfect match up at cgurado tau na magkakabakbakan...
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Rain or Shine coach not letting guard down as San Mig 'crams' for PBA Finals
RAIN or Shine is no doubt the hottest team in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup, having won 12 of its last 13 games on its way to yet another Finals appearance in the season-opening tournament.
Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao, though, is well aware the Elasto Painters will be up against a San Mig Super Coffee side that is in peak form after watching the Mixers clobber Barangay Ginebra, 110-87, in the deciding Game Seven of their semifinal series on Wednesday.
“Coach Tim (Cone) and San Mig, they are playing their best basketball at least in the last seven or eight games,” said the outspoken Guiao.
“They did not start out well in the conference, but again, that’s (reaching the Finals) a tribute to the resilience of the team and a tribute to the leadership of coach Tim because they found ways to win,” noted the fiery mentor.
Behind such backdrop, Rain or Shine face off with a banged-up San Mig squad starting on Friday night’s Game One of the best-of-seven title series at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Guiao is aware his team owns a 2-0 head-to-head match-up against San Mig during the elimination round, but he calls that record “irrelevant” come the Finals.
“Even if coach Tim said we had their number a couple of games, that’s really irrelevant. They’ve gotten better. It’s a whole new story,” explained Guiao.
“They gotten deeper. Ian Sangalang is making a contribution. Justin Melton is making a contribution. Marc (Pingris) is playing better than previously, and James (Yap) has gotten his shooting back,” he added.
On the other hand, Cone said Thursday was “cram” day for the Mixers, given the one-day window given them to prepare against a well-rested Elasto Painters – or about 24 hours since formally clinching a Finals berth.
“We haven’t had a chance to view the video or do anything. But they (Elasto Painters) are so cohesive that its gonna be a tough series,” said Cone, who has steered the San Mig franchise to its fourth Finals appearance over the last six conferences.
“Luckily, it’s a seven-game (Finals) series. Maybe, we could recover our bearings a game or two, but we’ll just try to prepare and then get the guys rested and hopefully, pull off some surprises tomorrow (Friday),” he added.
An added motivation for San Mig was its loss to Rain or Shine during the 2012 Governors Cup Finals that denied the team a back-to-back championship after winning the Commissioner’s Cup title that same season.
The championship was the first-ever for Rain or Shine since joining the league in 2006.
“We just hava a lot of respect for Rain or Shine. They have had our number the last few times,” noted Cone.
“When we tried to go (for) back-to-back (titles), when we played Yeng then, we lost in Game Seven. Now we’ll try to go back-to-back, and still, Rain or Shine is in front of us.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rain-or-shine-coach-not-letting-guard-down-as-san-mig-cram-for-pba-finals)
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Added a poll (see above), which team will win the 2013-2014 Philippine Cup?
So, which team do you think will win the series?
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Rain or Shine takes game one from San Mig on Lee's heroics (02/14/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao drew a game-winning play that was executed pristinely by guard Paul Lee to escape with an 83-80 victory in their first clash with the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup best-of-7 Finals on Friday, February 14 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With 1.9 seconds remaining, Lee, who celebrated his 25th birthday today, received the inbound from Gabe Norwood as Lee lost his defender Alex Mallari and cut to the basket for the quick two points, 82-80, leaving only 0.9 on the clock.
Lee then made a technical free throw after the Mixers were called for excessive timeouts to notch the final score.
"It's just the first game, we got lucky at the end. We designed the play for Jeff (Chan) but it was Paul (Lee) who got open," Guiao explained.
Lee was quiet the entire game, finishing with only 6 points. But he made the basket that mattered.
"Struggle ako buong game pero di pa rin ako nag-give up. Alam kong may mangyayari," Lee said. "Birthday mo, so may mangyayari talaga. Now I can greet myself a happy birthday." (I was struggling all game but I did not give up. I knew something was going to happen. It's your birthday you know something's going to happen.)
The two 2012 Governors' Cup rivals battled toe-to-toe all throughout the match as Rain or Shine slowed down their pace, playing a defense-oriented game.
Pace picked up only towards the latter part of the fourth when Jeff Chan scored on two consecutive triples for a 6-0 swing favoring the Elasto Painters to give them a 78-76 edge with 2:40 left to play.
But James Yap, who turns 32 tomorrow, came up big in the clutch once again with 4 straight points on two long jumpers, both from almost the same spot on the floor and from an assist by Marc Pingris, to break the deadlock, 80-78, with 34.7 left.
But Rain or Shine would not be put away that easy as Jervy Cruz, who was still playing with a mask due to a broken nose, got a basket to trickle in following a Chan missed trey from the top of the key.
"For us it's important to keep the game fast. It's going to be a defensive series, low-scoring games like this one," Guiao said.
"Winning the first game just gives you the adjustment advantage."
Rain or Shine had only 7 fastbreak attempts for the entire game, from which they got 10 points.
But they were out-rebounded significantly by the Mixers, 55-44, and 20-10 on the offensive glass as the 2013 Governors' Cup champions tried hard to shun exhaustion. San Mig Coffee extracted 18 points from their second chances at the basket.
The Mixers, however, weren't able to buy baskets from 3-point land unlike in Game 7 of the semis. They shot a dismal 1-of-11 from that area for 9.1%.
For Mixers head coach Tim Cone, he commended Guiao for the "brilliant play" he designed that got them the victory.
"I feel really horrible," Cone said. "That was all on me. Yeng (Guiao) just made a brilliant play down the stretch. That game was all on me. I feel bad for the guys because they really had to dig deep to come out with the energy they did."
There will be only a one-day break for both teams as Game 2 will be played on Sunday, February 16.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (83): Belga 15, Cruz 15, Chan 8, Norwood 8, Rodriguez 7, Arana 6, Lee 6, Tang 5, Teng 5, Almazan 4, Quinahan 2, Nuyles 2, Tiu 0, Ibanes 0.
San Mig Super Coffee (80): Devance 17, Pingris 13, Simon 13, Yap 12, Barroca 9, Melton 6, Mallari 4, Reavis 4, Sangalang 2, De Ocampo 0.
Quarterscores: 20-15, 37-37, 60-59, 83-80.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/50615-rain-or-shine-takes-game-one)
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Cone blames self for San Mig's late breakdown: 'That game was totally on me'
SAN Mig coach Tim Cone blamed no one but himself for the Mixers’ 80-83 Game One loss to Rain or Shine on Friday night in Game One of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
Cone said it was just “uncharacteristic” for him as a veteran coach to burn his team’s last two timeouts in the final 22 seconds, which left the Mixers without one after Paul Lee hit a clean get-away layup off a perfect inbound pass by Gabe Norwood with nine-tenths of a second left to play.
“I really feel horrible,” said Cone after the game. “(Rain or Shine coach) Yeng (Guiao) made a brilliant play down the stretch, just a brilliant play.
"That game was totally on me. And I feel bad because the guys worked so hard, and they came off that tough Game Seven,” added the American coach, who is tied with the great Baby Dalupan for the most number of league championships won at 15.
Cone called successive timeouts in one play as the Mixers looked for the go-ahead basket after Jervy Cruz pulled Rain or Shine level, 80-all, with 22 seconds remaining.
As a result, he had no more timeouts after Lee hit the marginal basket, incurring a technical when he called one. Lee hit the technical free throw to widen Rain or Shine's lead to three, 83-80, with nine-tenths of a second left.
“I stepped out of character. I don’t know why I called a timeout. I allowed them (Elasto Painters) to get the matchup they wanted on the floor (because of the timeout), and I just never do that (call timeouts immediately) but I don’t know why I did that this time,” rued the 56-year-old San Mig mentor.
“Then I saw the matchup they had there. I called another timeout. It’s just really not a good play, but he (Guiao) had the right play to call, and again it was brilliant.”
The American coach said he will have to spend much of Friday night reviewing what happened in the dying seconds of the Finals series-opener and try to map out a better game plan for Game Two.
"I’m gonna kick my hide all night tonight as I told the players but tomorrow (Saturday),we’ll wake up fresh and prepare for Game Two."
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/cone-blames-self-for-san-migs-late-breakdown-that-game-was-totally-on-me)
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Painters hope to keep pace up against Mixers in Game Two of Philippine Cup finals
COACH Yeng Guiao hopes Rain or Shine would be able to keep the pace up against a San Mig Super Coffee side that likes to slow things down when the Mixers and the Elasto Painters collide in Game Two of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters survived the Mixers' fourth quarter surge, relying on Paul Lee's get-away bank shot with nine-tenths of a second left en route to an 83-80 Game One win.
Rain or Shine now goes for a 2-0 series cushion against San Mig in their 4:30 p.m. encounter.
"For us, it is important to keep the game fast, but we also feel that the longer the series takes, the more advantage we have," Guiao said heading into Game Two.
The fiery mentor said defensively, Rain or Shine team will have to make sure they move sharper to avoid giving San Mig free trips to the foul line.
"They (Mixers) just got too many free throws. There were too many free throws given to the other side and we need to avoid that in our next game," noted Guiao, who is eyeing his first-ever All-Filipino title in
his 24-year PBA coaching career.
"I don't know if we just got careless with fouling or there were just some miscommunication on defense that forced us to get into bad positions," he added.
In Game One, Rain or Shine had 26 fouls, compared to San Mig's 16. The Elasto Painters' penchant for fouling sent the Mixers to the foul line 30 times.
Fortunately for Rain or Shine, the Mixers could only make 15, which allowed the Painters to escape with the three-point win in the opener.
Meanwhile, San Mig coach Tim Cone is confident that the Mixers could engage a see-saw match up with Rain or Shine as long as they hit their free throws and get key contributions from their second unit.
"I think we can play a better game than we played (in Game One). And hopefully, I can coach a better game down the series," said Cone, who took the blame in the series-opening loss after consuming his last two timeouts in the last 22 seconds, forcing the Mixers to give up a technical foul when they called for a timeout when Lee made the shot with 0.9 seconds to go in the game.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/painters-hope-to-keep-pace-up-against-mixers-in-game-two-of-philippine-cup-finals)
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Revitalized San Mig clamps down on Rain or Shine to level PBA Finals at 1-all (02/16/14)
A REVITALIZED San Mig Super Coffee played with a lot of energy to turn back Rain or Shine, 80-70, and level their PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Finals series at 1-all on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Mixers, who are coming off a tiring seven-game series against Barangay Ginebra and a sorry loss in Game One, looked fresher compared to the Elasto Painters, pushing the ball at every opportunity while holding their rivals to just 24 points in the first half.
San Mig coach Tim Cone dug deep to his bench, getting quality minutes from Alex Mallari, Ian Sangalang and rookie guard Justin Melton to avenge the team’s 80-83 loss in the opener of the best-of-seven series.
“Our guys were surprisingly ready. They kind of surprised me,” said San Mig coach Tim Cone after the team finally cooled down a Rain or Shine team that had won 12 of 13 games dating back to the eliminations.
“I thought they were a little worn after Game One, like ubos. But we came out strong.”
Marc Pingris and Peter June Simon keyed the team’s first-half run, scoring at every turn while adding to the defensive effort that Cone wanted them to play in Game Two.
On the other hand, San Mig’s defense derailed Rain or Shine's usually effective running game, holding the Elasto Painters to just five points in transition.
“Our first group played with a really great energy and the second group defended the heck of everybody,” said Cone.
“We didn’t shoot that well in the first half, but we defended very well. We kept strong and kept our poise because we want to keep this thing to a best-of-five. Now, we’re able to do that,” he added.
Simon led the Mixers with 15 points and Joe Devance added 13 and seven boards while taking advantage of his mismatch with shorter defender Jeff Chan during the game.
James Yap added 13, banging in nine in a critical third period that allowed the Mixers to erect several 17-point spreads.
Chan was the lone bright spot for the Elasto Painters with 18 points, draining four three-point shots.
Game Three is set on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The scores:
San Mig 80 - Simon 15, Devance 13, Yap 13, Pingris 11, Sangalang 10, Mallari 8, Barroca 4, Reavis 4, Melton 2, Gaco 0.
Rain or Shine 70 - Chan 18, Cruz 8, Norwood 8, Belga 7, Lee 7, Almazan 5, Teng 5, Quinahan 3, Nuyles 3, Tang 2, Ibanes 2, Rodriguez 2, Arana 0, Tiu 0.
Quarterscores: 20-13, 37-24, 58-48, 80-70
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/revitalized-san-mig-clamps-down-on-rain-or-shine-to-level-pba-finals-at-1-all)
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San Mig Coffee steals Game 3 for 2-1 series lead (02/19/14)
MANILA, Philippines – The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers turned the tables on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Wednesday, February 19.
After Rain or Shine led by one point in each of the first 3 quarters (20-19, 39-38, 64-63), the Mixers decided that one point is all they really needed as well, as they escaped with the victory, 77-76, in Game 3 of the best-of-7 Finals of the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
"That was a really tough one to be a part of," Mixers head coach Tim Cone said after the game. "Really shaking right now."
James Yap, who was in foul trouble early in the game, took over for San Mig midway in the third quarter, going on a 6-0 solo blitz to knock on Rain or Shine's doors, 54-52.
He later made a go-ahead stepback triple with 3:14 left in the third to make it a 55-54 lead. It was early in that canto when Yap picked up his fourth foul but he lasted until early in the fourth before he got called for his fifth foul. At which point, he had already done his job and his teammates continued what he had started.
Cone explained the decision to keep Yap in the game in spite of his foul trouble.
"The coaches were telling me, 'He got 4, he got 4.' And I said, you know what, what are we saving him for? We're gonna save him for another whole quarter again? Leave him out there and let him play, see if he can last."
He added: "He gave us enough of an edge that a lot of other guys just stepped up and filled the void."
Yap finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds. He poured 11 of his total points in the third.
With the game swinging back and forth, each of the teams needed someone to step up and make the baskets for some extra cushion.
Fortunately for the Mixers, they had Joe Devance providing 4 straight points near the 3-minute mark of the payoff period to stack a slightly comfortable 3-point edge, 77-74.
Jervy Cruz then scored his 10th point and the Painters' last two for the game with 1:25 left before Jeff Chan, who had 11 markers, heaved a shot from way out in the last 10 seconds, which only bounced off the rim.
"I felt for the first time tonight that our guys played tired," Cone said of his team, who played a lackluster first half but were able to build some semblance of momentum with PJ Simon and Alex Mallari conspiring for two triples as time wound down toward the break.
"I thought the two 3-point shots at the end of the half was crucial for us this game," Cone explained. "We weren't playing well in that first half and sometimes you have to make a couple of big shots to keep yourself in the game and we did that."
He added how the third canto was also pivotal for his team, whom he also said he let loose and trusted this time around, instead of reining them in for every play.
"They came out to start that third quarter and they were like a house on fire."
Their energy, perhaps fueled by adrenaline, also came at a cost as the Mixers were marred with 21 turnovers, allowing the Painters to extract 21 points from them. But rebounding went the way of San Mig, 49-39, with Rafi Reavis collaring 11 boards.
Rain or Shine's Paul Lee scattered points to end up with 23, but had only two markers in the final period.
Game 4 will be played on Friday, February 21 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Scores:
San Mig Super Coffee (77): Simon 14, Devance 13, Yap 13, Sangalang 12, Barroca 8, Pingris 7, Mallari 5, Reavis 4, Melton 1, De Ocampo 0.
Rain or Shine (76): Lee 23, Chan 11, Cruz 10, Almazan 7, Belga 6, Rodriguez 6, Quinahan 5, Norwood 4, Tiu 2, Ibanes 2, Tang 0, Teng 0.
Quarterscores: 19-20, 38-39, 63-64, 77-76.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/51027-pba-san-mig-coffee-steals-game-3-for-2-1-series-lead)
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Mercado, Cabagnot headline 4-team, 7-man trade
MANILA, Philippines – The build-up is in full force.
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) approved Tuesday, February 18 a 7-man, 4-team trade as teams prepare for the mid-season Commissioner's Cup.
The trade involves the following teams: the San Miguel Beermen (formerly Petron Blaze Boosters), GlobalPort Batang Pier, Barako Bull Energy, and the Air21 Express.
Below is a summary of which team gets who, per the PBA's official Twitter account:
1. Barako Bull acquired: Leo Najorda, Jason Deutchman, San Miguel's 2016 and 2017 2nd round picks
2. GlobalPort acquired: Alex Cabagnot, Bonbon Custodio
3. San Miguel Beermen acquired: Sol Mercado, Rico Maierhofer
4. Air 21 acquired: Jonas Villanueva
Most notable among the trades is guard Alex Cabagnot from San Miguel being shipped to GlobalPort in exchange for another guard Sol Mercado.
Mercado, 29, has been a vital source of offense for the young GlobalPort team bannered mostly by rookies such as Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia.
The Filipino-American helped the Batang Pier reach the quarterfinals in the ongoing Philippine Cup conference norming 18.93 points, 4 rebounds and 5.07 assists as he played an average of 37.79 minutes per game, according to pba-online.net.
The 31-year old Cabagnot, who has been with the San Miguel franchise since 2010, averaged 12.38 points, 4.31 rebounds and 5.69 assists during the 2014 Philippine Cup, per pba-online.net. In their last conference bearing the Petron Blaze Boosters name, the franchise got ousted by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the semifinals that lasted only 5 games.
Cabagnot should provide veteran leadership and experience, especially in big games, to aid the young GlobalPort backcourt.
San Miguel and GlobalPort are two teams undergoing major facelifts with the Batang Pier hiring a new head coach in former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers coach Pido Jarencio. (READ: End of an era: Pido Jarencio leaves UST, moves to GlobalPort)
San Miguel also has a new leader with previous head coach Gee Abanilla moving to the role of team manager as Biboy Ravanes has been appointed new head coach for the rebuilding franchise.
Ravanes is also said to continue working closely with consultant Todd Purves.
Meanwhile, former San Miguel team manager Siot Tanquingcen has now moved to Barako Bull as a coaching consultant.
The import-laden Commissioner's Cup will tip off on March 7.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/50895-mercado-cabagnot-make-switch-pba-approves-trade)
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Cone goes easy on tired-looking Mixers heading into Game 4
SAN Mig Super Coffee coach Tim Cone isn’t thinking about seizing a commanding 3-1 lead against Rain or Shine in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Finals, stressing he’s more concerned with maintaining the Mixers’ edge heading into Friday’s Game 4 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
For the first time in the best-of-seven series, Cone admitted the Mixers looked like a tired bunch in the wake of their pulsating 77-76 win in Game 3 Wednesday night that gave them a 2-1 lead.
The American mentor said practice on Thursday wasn’t hard given that fatigue appeared to be setting in among his starters, especially since the Mixers were coming off a seven-game semifinal series against Ginebra only last week.
“It’s the accumulation (of numerous games played in the conference). We did a little bit of practice before we did virtually nothing. Now, we had most of them video work and just talk,” Cone said heading to the team’s 8 p.m. setto with the Elasto Painters.
Cone, eyeing an all-time league record of 16 championships, said he will have to find ways to keep power forward Marc Pingris rested during the course of Game Four to ensure he stays fresh entering the home stretch.
“I felt the guy that look tired to me is Ping. He looked really tired and I was trying to pull him out in-between breaks (in Game Three),” he said.
The 6-foot-5 Pingris, a many-time All-Defensive team member, has logged in 35 minutes in the first three games of the title series or about 3.1 minutes less than he averaged during the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said Game Four is a critical point of the series, with the result dictating the team’s title chances.
“The adjustment advantage is gone and we just have to work doubly hard to get back into the series,” said Guiao.
“We’re still struggling with our shots (in Game Three).”
For Guiao, team defense remains important since the lapses the Elasto Painters committed in Game Three proved costly.
“We’ve just been a little loose on defense. So many ‘nakaw’ shots for them (Mixers) under the basket,” explained the fiery Rain or Shine mentor.
“We’re turning our heads from our men and it’s a mental lapse for a split second,” he added.
“I felt that we’re on the verge of breaking out, but suddenly they’re back on a short period of time.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/cone-goes-easy-on-tired-looking-mixers-heading-into-game-4)
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Casio hopes Aces would regain competitive fire in time for Commissioner's Cup title defense
ALASKA guard JV Casio feels the Aces have lost some of the competitive fire after winning the Commissioner’s Cup last season and they hope to regain the killer instinct early as they prepare for their title defense.
The Aces fell, 89-94, to the Barako Bull Energy on Thursday in the pro league's first pre-tournament game before the start of import-laced conference set to start on the first week of March.
Casio, the 5-foot-10 Alaska playmaker, said they are using tuneup matches like that as a way to hopefully rediscover the championship fire.
"Medyo nag-mellow siguro yung team after the championship, so we have to get the fire back. Yun ang gusto ni coach Luigi (Trillo)," Casio told Spin.ph after the team's five-point loss to the Energy at the Gatorade Hoops Center.
The Aces are also hopeful that comebacking import Robert Dozier could get himself into shape after a 10-month layoff.
"Alam na namin ano ang kaya niyang (Dozier) gawin. Kami, we just need to do what we need to do. Saka importante, mag-grow kami together," added the former Smart Gilas mainstay, who averaged 15.06 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the Philippine Cup.
Alaska, which compiled a league-best 18-4 win-loss record on the way to the Commissioner's Cup crown last season, will be leaving on Friday for Cebu to join a four-team pocket tournament.
Alaska will be playing in the round-robin meet against Talk 'N Text bannered by NBA D-League veteran Richard Howell, Globalport, led by comebacking import Evan Brock, as well as a Cebu local squad.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/casio-hopes-aces-would-regain-competitive-fire-for-commissioners-cup-title-defense)
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Petron's Fajardo is PBA PH Cup best player
MANILA, Philippines – A big year for the big guy.
Sophomore center June Mar Fajardo of the Petron Blaze Boosters is hailed as the Best Player of the Conference in the 2013-2014 PLDT Home DSL PBA Philippine Cup.
The 6-foot-11 Cebuano slotman beat teammate Arwind Santos, Brgy. Ginebra's high-flying Japeth Aguilar and rookie Greg Slaughter, and Globalport Batang Pier forward Jay Washington for the distinction.
He received the award before Game 4 of the PBA Finals where San Mig Coffee currently leads Rain or Shine, 2-1.
Fajardo, member of the Gilas Pilipinas men's national basketball squad, led the league with 38.77 statistical points (SPs) per pba-online.net and is also the leader in player efficiency (43.55 EFF)
He averaged a gargantuan 16.4 PPG and 14.9 RPG in 18 games played, finishing with a double-double production in all but two games in this conference.
Statistical points account for 40% of the total score while media votes (30%), player votes (25%) and votes from the Commissioner's Office (5%) make up the rest of the criteria.
Fajardo helped Petron to a 10-4 record at the end of the eliminations; in the quarterfinals they swept Barako Bull, 2-0 but got waylaid by eventual finalist Rain or Shine, 4-1 in the semifinals.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/51201-june-mar-fajardo-best-player-pba-2014-philippine-cup)
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Champion Alaska to take on Talk 'N Text in Commissioner's Cup opening salvo
DEFENDING champion Alaska headlines the main game of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup opening day when the Aces, behind comebacking import Robert Dozier, collide with the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters on March 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Last season’s Best Import awardee, Dozier is back for a second tour of duty with the franchise and will readily test the mettle of Talk ‘N Text 6-foot-8 counterpart Richard Howell, who recently played for the Idaho Stampede in the NBA Developmental League.
The two squads clash at 8 p.m., with the Aces immediately out to redeem themselves following a poor eighth place finish in the Philippine Cup.
Alaska actually posted the second best conference record of the franchise at 18-4 (win-loss) during its title drive in last season’s edition of the mid-season tournament, culminating in a three-game sweep of Barangay Ginebra in the Finals.
Meantime, playing in the curtain raiser during the opener are the Globalport Batang Pier, who parade new coach Pido Jarencio and recently acquired veteran playmaker Alex Cabagnot, when they face the Air21 Express.
The Batang Pier landed the left-handed Cabagnot for Solomon Mercado, who was shipped to San Miguel Beer (formerly Petron).
The Batang Pier will be reinforced by another old hand in Evan Brock, who played for Barako Bull last season.
Brock and the Batang Pier are expected to have their hands full against the Express, who will be bannered by journeyman Ivorian forward Herve Lamizana in the 5:45 p.m. match.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/champion-alaska-to-take-on-talk-n-text-in-commissioners-cup-opening-salvo)
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The scores:
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 93 - Barroca 17, Sangalang 17, Yap 17, Devance 12, Simon 12, Melton 7, Pingris 6, Mallari 3, Reavis 2, Gaco 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 90 - Lee 28, Quinahan 11, Belga 10, Norwood 10, Cruz 8, Almazan 6, Chan 6, Tiu 4, Ibanes 4, Arana 3, Tang 0, Nuyles 0, Teng 0, Rodriguez 0.
Quarterscores: 26-27, 52-42, 70-76, 93-90
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kahit di ako naging fan ni The Captain, ni James Yap, ni Tim Cone at ng San Mig Coffee (dating Purefoods), gusto ko sila ang magchampion para mabawas-bawasan kayabangan ng kalbong congressman (daw) na coach ng RoS.
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February 23,2014
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 81 - Chan 24, Belga 10, Tiu 9, Lee 8, Norwood 7, Quinahan 6, Rodriguez 5, Arana 4, Almazan 4, Cruz 2, Ibanes 2.
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 74 - Pingris 18, Yap 18, Mallari 11, Barroca 10, Devance 7, Simon 4, Sangalang 3, De Ocampo 2, Reavis 1, Melton 0.
Quarters: 14-20, 35-43, 59-54, 81-74
San Mig Coffee Mixers leads 3-2 over Rain or Shine in their Best of 7 series Finals
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‘Ganun kami katakot kay Coach’ : Guiao’s warning fires up Rain or Shine before win
Before Game Five of the PLDT Home DSL Philippine Cup finals, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao gave a warning to his players about their attitude as they tried to climb back from a 3-1 series deficit against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.
“Ang sabi ko nga sa kanila never show to me signs that you’re giving up, even on your body language,” Guiao said.
“If I see it that you’re giving up, tatapusin ko yung career niyo dito.”
Continue Reading HERE (http://www.pbaddicts.me/showthread.php?tid=280)
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Galing ni Jeff Chan kanina ang init. hopefully matapos na ng San Mig ang series.
>:D
Sent from my LT26ii using Tapatalk
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Chan sizzles, helps Rain or Shine survive in Finals series (02/23/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine banked on the hot shooting of Jeff Chan in the fourth quarter and lives to fight another after a 81-74 victory over San Mig Coffee in Game 5 of the PBA PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup Finals at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday, February 23.
Struggling all series long and facing elimination, snipper Jeff Chan sizzled in the second half, firing all but one of his 24 points to salvage the Elasto Painters' finals campaign.
The Gilas Pilipinas gunner finally delivered telling baskets, punishing the Mixers with big shot after big shot under the final minute in front of 20, 512 paying fans to complete a resounding comeback for the Elasto Painters.
Chan nailed all his three triples in the second half as Rain or Shine protected their lead down the stretch to stay alive and force a Game 6 on Wednesday, February 26.
"We just grinded out a win but we're still behind in the series. One thing we can promise is we can fight to the end," said ROS head coach Yeng Guiao after the momentum-shifting win.
"(I told my boys) you cannot lose that sense of destiny. Even if we're behind, it's not over."
Guiao's wards found themselves buried in a big hole early, with Joe Devance and James Yap shooting big baskets early on.
The Mixers zoomed to a 20-11 edge in the opening period; and with Mark Pingris terrorizing the paint with his every move, San Mig held forth until the end of the first 24 minutes for a 43-35 halftime lead.
Alex Mallari came off the bench to provide an additional spark with 8 points, all of which he scored in a crippling blitz in the second quarter.
At that point, the Elasto Painters were badly beaten in the rebounding department (18 to 26), and also yielded 10 turnover points and 8 second chance points to the Mixers.
ROS paints town red in second half
But the resilient Rain or Shine crew, who are in their first do-or-die game this season, did not allow their title bid to go down the drain.
Chan started working on his offensive exploits, while Beau Belga powered his way for baskets underneath the lane. Down by 8, the two starred in a 13-3 run that gave RoS their first lead of the night at 48-46.
Asked what was different in today's game, the lefty shooter said, "Ayaw ko lang talaga matalo." (I just didn't wan't to lose.)
The two teams traded bombs but the Painters emerged with the upper hand, 59-54.
Frenetic fourth quarter stretch
Guiao's boys also held the lead entering the final canto of Game 4, but by the end were beginning to collapse.
Rain or Shine sat comfortably on a 69-60 bubble with Chan firing his second trey just under 7 minutes left in regulation.
But the Mixers - determined to close out the series - kept punching towards crunch time. Yap and Pingris connived for a crippling rally that saw the Painters' big advantage disappear.
Yap drained two three-pointers while Pingris added a monster slam as the Mixers kept knocking, 72-74 approaching the final two minutes.
That proved to be the closest they could get as RoS hit the daggers afterwards.
Gabe Norwood sank a huge corner trey with just 1:12 remaining, followed a a difficult turnaround jumper from Chan with the shot clock winding down that made it 79-72, 48.3 ticks left.
Chan not alone
Rain or Shine also drew ample support from Beau Belga, who notched a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) Chris Tiu, who also struggled to buy a basket throughout the series but reached 9 points on Sunday.
JR Quinahan added 11 boards in the win too as Rain or Shine controlled the glass in the pivotal payoff period.
Sterling turnaround
In the end, the Painters upped their rebounding to just two short of San Mig (47-49), dished out more assists (18-12), blocks (8-3), fastbreak points (12-7), and turnover points (20-12).
They also spoiled Marc Pingris' Herculian effort of 18 points and 15 rebounds, returning from an eye injury after getting hit inadvertently by Quinahan in Game 4.
Tim Cone also got 18 points from James Yap but they will need another 48 minutes - or more - to end the finals.
Game 6 is set on Wednesday, February 26 at Araneta Coliseum at 8 p.m.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine (81): Chan 27, Belga 10, Tiu 9, Lee 8, Norwood 7, Quinahan 6, Rodriguez 5, Arana 4, Almazan 4, Cruz 2, Ibanes 2
San Mig Super Coffee (74): Pingris 18, Yap 18, Mallari 11, Barroca 10, Devance 7, Simon 4, Sangalang 3, De Ocampo 2, Rafi 1, Melton 0
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/51325-pba-jeff-chan-sizzles-helps-rain-or-shine-survive-in-finals-series)
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San Mig's Cone, Pingris see tough battle 'til the end
MANILA, Philippines - Fabled head coach Tim Cone has been involved in many championship series, winning 15 PBA titles, but only one specific title series resonated when Cone saw his San Mig Super Coffee Mixers suffer to defeat in Game 5: The 2012 Governors Cup Finals between B-Meg and Rain or Shine.
The Llamados trailed the Elasto Painters 1-3 in that series, but were able to force a Game 7 after registering back-to-back wins. However, Jeff Chan ended their hopes of pulling a miraculous upset, and the gunner was hailed as Finals MVP
A little more than a year later, Cone engages in another battle of endurance with the same squad, hoping they can reverse their fortunes and deal the Elasto Painters revenge. That redemption wouldn't come in Game 5 after the Elasto Painters found a way to claw back and repulse the Mixers, 81-74.
Focus, not fatigue
Although Cone admits it would be unfair to say they haven’t been playing tired, he believes fatigue isn't the main culprit for their game 5 setback.
"We lacked focus and concentration," Cone said after Sunday's affair.
"We were not really tired but we just lacked focus. We'll use the next few days to regenerate and come out and put the game together on Wednesday."
And instead of letting the physical exhaustion get to them, the PBA title-winningest head coach (tied with Virgilio 'Baby' Dalupan) says they've got enough gas left in the tank.
"We've been going at it since the conference before. We only had a week's break and played again. We've been tired all the way to the playoffs. We're tired but we still got something left. We have to keep pushing."
Will 'Pingris power' show in Game 6?
Energetic forward Marc Pingris, who suffered an eye injury after getting hit by JR Quinahan on a rebound play in Game 4, returned and powered San Mig with a heroic performance of 18 points and 15 boards.
Sadly, his memorable showing went down the drain. He knows it was Jeff Chan's time.
"Gabi ni Jeff eh. Adjust kami next game, kukunin namin kahit gaano kahirap," he shared. (It was Jeff's night. We'll adjust in the next game and we will take it no matter how daunting a task it is)
Pingris, the Finals MVP of the 2013 PBA Governors Cup, says he'll come out undeterred, full of energy and with the sole mission of claiming his 5th PBA title.
"Gusto ko lang maglaro at bigyan ng energy yung team ko. Binigay namin lahat pero mas gutom sila ngayong gabi. Babawi kami." (I just wanted to play and give energy to my team. We gave our best but they were hungrier tonight. We will bounce back.)
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/51458-pba-cone-pingris-tough-battle-end)
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Coach Ravanes feels new boys Mercado, Maierhofer perfect fits for San Miguel
NEW coach Biboy Ravanes has high hopes that new acquisitions Solomon Mercado and Rico Maierhofer can help turn around a star-studded franchise that has underachieved over the last seven conferences.
Only one week since assuming the head coaching post, Ravanes said the atmosphere was positive in practice and the energy high as everybody welcomed the entry of Mercado and Maierhofer, who came in via seven-player, four-team trade that saw he Beermen let go of starting guard Alex Cabagnot.
“I saw a lot of positive things during our first week of practice, parang it’s some sort of like revival na nangyayari sa team kahit na may dalawang bago kami. Parang bagong spirit ang nasa team,” Ravanes confided to Spin.ph.
The Beermen took a day off on Tuesday to travel to Tagaytay for some team bonding at the rest house of San Miguel Corp. basketball operations head Robert Non.
“Team bonding lang muna kami. Siyempre may mga ilang bago din kami sa team,” added Ravanes, who succeeded Gee Abanilla.
Abanilla was promoted to team manager, while American consultant Todd Purves will be taking a more active role in helping Ravanes starting in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Ravanes said the coaching staff has been finding ways to adjust the team's mode of attack, weeks after the disappointing Philippine Cup semifinal series loss to Rain or Shine.
“The coaches made some brainstorming recently and made the decision to change some things. Kasi yung hinahanap namin, eh yung ways na di sana kami kakapusin,” explained the longtime San Miguel assistant coach and noted defensive wizard during his playing days.
“Tingin namin with Sol and Rico, pupunan nila yung department na kulang namin. Kasi si Sol, yung style niya, we feel babagay sa team namin tapos si Rico can add depth sa bench,” he added.
At the moment, the Beermen are still finalizing their negotiations with their import reinforcement for the mid-season conference. Ravanes declined to name their import prospect for the time being.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/coach-ravanes-feels-new-boys-mercado-maierhofer-perfect-fits-for-san-miguel)
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Guiao plans to stick to his veterans in Game Six as Cone braces for 'battle to the end'
ASIDE from being able to rest their aching bodies, San Mig coach Tim Cone hopes the Mixers have had enough time in the past two days to get refocused as they try to finish off Rain or Shine in Game Six of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Mixers’ victory party was derailed on Sunday when the Elasto Painters leaned on Jeff Chan’s red-hot second half shooting to pull off an 81-74 win in Game Five.
While the Mixers are still ahead, 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, Cone said clinching the title requires mental toughness for his team considering the Elasto Painters’ gung-ho approach to the title series.
“I thought we played really well (in Game Five), but we felt we lacked the concentration in the game,” said Cone. “This (title series) is gonna be a battle to the end, but we’ll just take Game Six and not worry about what happened in Game Five or not think about Game Seven.”
For his part, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said he is again shortening his rotation for Game Six as he tries to get premium effort from his veterans led by Chan, Paul Lee, Quinahan and Beau Belga.
“I purposely decided to shorten my rotation because there’s really no margin for error na ngayon,” said Guiao, who needs to win on Wednesday to forge a winner-take-all Game Seven on Friday.
“I’m sure the rookies will understand that (shortening of rotation) because, I have tried and given them (rookies) their breaks. Underandably, this (championship series) is not the best time to play (them) long minutes,” he added.
“Iyung experience, yung wisdom of the veteran players is siguro, of more premium in this (do-or-die) situation kaya nag-shorten na ako ng rotation.”
Forward Marc Pingris is again expected to play through the pain of a right eye abrasion.
Wearing protective lens on his right eye, Pingris registered a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds in the Mixers’ losing effort just days after getting poked in the right eye by Rain or Shine’s burly forward JR Quinahan during a rebound scramble in the third period of Game Four.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/guiao-plans-to-stick-to-his-veterans-in-game-six-as-cone-braces-for-battle-to-the-end)
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What a ride, says Ali Peek as he officially retires after 16 seasons in PBA
AFTER 16 years in the PBA, veteran Talk `N Text man-mountain Ali Peek finally called it quits on an accomplished career that saw him win championships with Alaska and later on, with the Tropang Texters.
Selected third overall during the 1998 rookie draft by the now defunct Pop Cola, the 6-foot-4 Peek announced his retirement on his official Twitter account @mtnpeek on Wednesday.
“2day I retire from professional basketball. I thank my family, loved ones, friends, team, coaches, management, and God:) what a ride!” Peek tweeted.
Talk 'N Text coach Norman Black also confirmed Peek's decision to retire, telling Spin.ph that the man-mountain will surely be missed by the Texters and the pro league.
The left-handed Talk ‘N Text power forward also took the time to thank the PBA, Tropang Texters fans, and the basketball-crazy Filipinos in general for the warm support he received during his years of playing in Asia’s pioneering pro league.
“I also want to thank all of you! The die-hard PBA fans who continued to support the league all these yrs! Please keep it up!!!),” he said.
“I also want 2 thank the Philippines n it's great people! I believe the Filipinos are the most passionate bball fans in the world!!!”
“And I cannot n will not ever 4get my beloved Blue and Yellow Talk n Text fans!!! @theTNTnation:) thank u for always supporting us!God bless,” added Peek, who turned 39 last February 13.
A potent inside force during his prime, Peek played just nine games in the Philippine Cup this season after being relegated to the reserve list during the eliminations owing to a nagging injury.
Black managed to squeeze out the best from his grizzled veteran big man during the time he was on the active roster.
Peek averaged 4.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in helping the Tropang Texters reach the quarterfinals of the All-Filipino before losing to the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.
The Hawaii-born Peek owns PBA career averages of 11.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 16 seasons playing for teams Pop Cola, Alaska, Coca-Cola, Sta. Lucia, and Talk `N Text.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/what-a-ride-says-ali-peek-as-he-officially-retires-after-16-seasons-in-pba)
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The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers wins the #pba2014 Philippine Cup, 93-87
(http://images.scribblelive.com/2014/2/26/580240fe-44ce-4ddf-aa41-b27c15ce8a2d_500.jpg)
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/51602-rain-or-shine-vs-san-mig-coffee-pba-philippine-cup-finals-game-6)
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Guiao threatens with RoS walkout early in Game 6
MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao threatened to walk out of the PLDT Home DSL PBA Philippine Cup finals after seeing what he believes is a bad call.
The fiery Elasto Painters mentor led his squad to vacate the Smart Araneta Coliseum floor at the 11:39 mark of the second quarter following a JR Quinahan foul on Marc Pingris, with the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers ahead 30-17.
PBA Commissioner Atty. Chito Salud already ordered 15 minutes of grace period following the attempted walkout, although Guiao's troops returned shortly, but not before receiving loud boos from Mixers fans.
According to PBA Media Bureau chief Willie Marcial, the Rain or Shine franchise could have been slapped 10 million pesos if they pursued the walkout.
San Mig led by as much as 17, 49-32 after that bizarre sequence, although they have managed to claw back and cut the deficit to just 6, 43-49 entering the break.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/51648-guiao-threatens-with-ros-walkout-game-6)
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Rain or Shine ready to face consequences after 'partial walkout,' says top official
RAIN or Shine is ready to face the consequences of its 'walkout' in Game Six of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against San Mig, officials said on Wednesday.
Team governor Atty Mert Mondragon bared they won't be surprised by a sanction from the league after the Painters staged what the PBA termed a 'partial walkout' in protest of what they felt was unfair officiating.
"Eh gusto naming ipakita sa tao na mali talaga ang ilang tawag. And I'm sure nakita nila (fans) na lugi talaga kami," said Mondragon.
Asked if they are ready to face Commissioner Chito Salud, Mondragon was firm in his stand.
"Oo, ready kami humarap kay Kume. Kahit buong team pa pupunta kami," he said.
Rain or Shine team manager Boy Lapid bared that they felt the team was at the losing end of officiating which led to an early blowout lead by San Mig.
"Grabe naman kasi yung tawagan. May mga pwedeng let go, pipituhan pa sa amin," said Lapid.
A Rain or Shine source told Spin.ph that three straight fouls called on the team in the latter part of the first period pushed coach Yeng Guiao to call his men to the dugout.
The team insiders said offensive foul whistled against Jeff Chan, JR Quinahan and Ryan Arana infuriated Guiao, who pointed out that they were assessed seven fouls against San Mig's three at that point.
"Let's go," said Guiao to his players who immediately followed him to the dugout at the start of the second period.
Rain or Shine assistant coach Ricky Umayam bared the walkout wasn't planned.
"Hindi planado yun. Talagang nainis lang kami sa tawagan parang nakapabor kasi eh," said the soft-spoken assistant.
Meanwhile fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum treated the walk out as added spice to the already exciting finals matchup.
Well-known cycling patron Alex Billan, who was at the gallery, believes events like this further add interest and color to the game.
"Syempre, dagdag sarsa 'yan. Nakaka-excite. Look, the game became more intense," said Billan, owner of the Excellent Noodles cycling team.
A longtime sports fan, Billan said the walkout may be a calculated move on the part of Guiao to fire up the Painters.
"I think it was a calibrated move, para kahit papano nawala bwelo ng San Mig. Look the game is closer now," he said at the half.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rain-or-shine-ready-to-face-consequences-after-partial-walkout-says-top-official-v02)
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Rain or Shine facing P2M penalty as PBA summons team officials for 'partial walkout'
HE PBA has summoned Rain or Shine officials for a meeting on Thursday after what league officials called a ‘partial walkout’ done by the Elasto Painters in Game Six of the Philippine Cup Finals against San Mig Coffee.
PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial said the league has summoned team governor Atty. Memerto Mondragon and team manager Boy Lapid to 10:30 a.m. meeting following the Elastopainters’ near walkout at the onset of the second quarter on Wednesday.
The summon came after the entire Rain or Shine squad led by head coach Yeng Guiao headed back to the locker room in protest over what it felt was 'unfair officiating' before being prevailed upon to return to the court.
Marcial said there is actually provision in the league's by-laws that slaps a team P2 million for a ‘partial walkout,’ the league's term for the action of a team that walked out but eventually returned to the court.
Red Bull was slapped with a P500,000 for its walkout in the 2006 Philippine Cup semifinals against San Miguel even though the team returned to finish the game.
Incidentally, Guiao was also the head coach of the Red Bull squad.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rain-or-shine-facing-p2m-penalty-as-pba-summons-team-officials-for-partial-walkout)
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Indomitable Barroca stands tall as San Mig wins title with emotional Game Six win (02/26/14)
Mark Barroca came through with one big basket after the other at crunch time to power San Mig to the PBA Philippine Cup championship via an emotional 93-87 Game Six victory over Rain or Shine on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Barroca, a former Smart Gilas mainstay who came into his own in his third season with San Mig, took over when the Mixers needed a leader on the court in a thrilling game marred by a 'partial walkout' by Rain or Shine before more than 20,000 fans inside the historic Big Dome.
The diminutive San Mig playmaker completed three-point play off Jervy Cruz, nailed a top-of-the-key three-pointer, before adding a drive to the basket over a one-minute span to personally keep a fighting Rain or Shine side at bay, 89-83, with 1:32 to go.
Beau Belga matched Barroca with his own eight-point cluster, though San Mig’s energetic forward Marc Pingris preserved his teammate’s heroics with a pair of foul shots as well as a defensive play that forced Paul Lee to a turnover that all but settled the outcome of the title series.
Barroca cemented his place as one of the league’s fast-rising point guards after scoring a game-high 24 points, 18 in the second half, to go along with three rebounds and five assists as San Mig won its second successive league championship via 4-1 win in the best-of-seven series.
The title conquest also moved San Mig coach Tim Cone past the legendary Virgilio `Baby’ Dalupan to become the most successful coach of the league of all time with his 16 PBA championships.
At the same time, the championship made San Mig one of the greatest All-Filipino teams with six Philippine Cup championships since joining the league in 1988.
The Mixers’ championship conquest overshadowed the Elasto Painters’ dramatic 'walkout' just 21 seconds into the second period after what coach Yeng Guiao felt were “bad calls” against his team.
After league commissioner Chito Salud and special assistant Willy Marcial talked with Rain or Shine team owner Raymund Yu outside the team’s dugout, Guiao and the rest of the Elasto Painters eventually returned to the court to resume action.
The 'walkout,' however, appeared to pump up the Elasto Painters, who battled back from several deficits as big as 17 points to pull within six, 49-43, at the half.
Rain or Shine even took the lead briefly in the third quarter and kept the game close until the fourth, where Barroca scored 14 points to seal the deal for the Mixers.
The scores:
San Mig 93 - Barroca 24, Sangalang 15, Devance 12, Pingris 12, Yap 10, Simon 9, Reavis 5, Mallari 4, Melton 2.
Rain or Shine 87 - Lee 23, Belga 21, Cruz 11, Chan 7, Quinahan 6, Rodriguez 6, Arana 5, Tiu 3, Ibanes 3, Norwood 2, Almazan 0, Tang 0.
Quarterscores: 30-17, 49-43, 66-67, 93-87
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/indomitable-barroca-stands-tall-as-san-mig-wins-title-with-emotional-game-six-win)
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PI talaga si Guiao, di magandang ehemplo, lintek sya eh congressman pa naman.
TALUNAN KASI SI KALBO. :))
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Mark Barroca's journey from Palaro runner to PBA Finals MVP
MANILA, Philippines - Even before evolving into the 'Coffee King' of the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, newly-minted PBA Philippine Cup Finals Most Valuable Player Mark Barroca had to weather huge struggles in his early life prior to claiming the elusive distinction.
Barroca dazzled in Wednesday’s Game 6, scoring 24 points, on 9-of-16 shooting, and added 5 assists and 2 steals to help the Mixers beat Rain or Shine, 93-87 and annex their first Philippine Cup crown in 4 years.
That crown capped a conference of breakthrough numbers in just his third season in the league: 13.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.27 APG, 2.03 SPG, and 0.43 BPG in this season so far - all career-highs in his early PBA career.
Hailed as one of the toughest point guards in the league, the 5-foot-9 playmaker proved he was an integral part of San Mig Coffee's run at back-to-back PBA crowns.
Right after receiving his silverware, Barroca was mobbed by members of the press and fans who wished to have their moments with him.
But the royalty he is cherishing right now is nowhere near the hardships he had to undergo while growing up in the impoverished town of Recodo in the Zamboanga region.
"Sobrang hirap namin dati. Di naman ako mayaman eh. May time na nafoforce akong kumita ng pera para sa pamilya ko," Barroca told Rappler. (We were really less fortunate before. There was a point I had to earn money for my family.)
Barroca, the youngest of five children, had to earn money the hard way, participating in local basketball leagues to earn some change for his family. His parents at that time had no occupation.
A humble run in Palarong Pambansa
Like how many athletes from the provinces started, Barroca traced his early beginnings with stints at the Palarong Pambansa - the Department of Education's national sports spectacle for elementary and high school athletes - hoping to find a break.
As a skinny, 5-foot-3 kid with dark-complexion, Barroca participated in the 2003-04 Games, where he would cop medals as a competitor for Region 9 (Zamboanga region).
But it seems Barroca was not satisfied, and searched for his true love in the sports business.
"Track and field ako doon. Blessed lang siguro. Di ko naman in-expect na magiging ganito ako. Doon, runner ako, pero gusto ko lang naman mag-basketball," he said. (I'm a track and field player before. Maybe I'm just blessed; I didn't expect to be where I am right now. I was a runner there but I just wanted to play basketball.)
The 5th overall pick in the 2011 PBA Draft barely played the sport, but channeled his track and field skills to hasten how he adapted to his new home.
"Namaximize ko lang yung track and field, like may konting skills nako katulad ng quickness, yung pivot. Eventually na-improve ko lang dahil sa mga coach na magagaling at mga PBA players, na-improve ko skills ko." (I maximized by track and field skills when I entered basketball. Skills like quickness and pivot; eventually I improved when it comes to basketball with all the great coaches and PBA stars.)
Big leap from Zambo to Manila
Barroca held this big dream, and fought hard with fortune to land himself in one of the premier college basketball squads in the country: Far Eastern University.
The Tamaraws' head coach during that time, Bert Flores, had a friend in Zamboanga who recommended Barroca to try-out. At that point, Flores was looking for a point guard to take over the spot vacated by skipper Jonas Villanueva.
"Nadiscover niya ako at naglaro kami basketball. First time ko lang maglaro ng basketball nun. Breaks lang talaga, napunta ako sa FEU, napunta ako sa magandang team," recalled Barroca of Flores' teammate who is responsible for pushing him to the collegiate spotlight. (Flores' former teammate and friend in Zamboanga discovered me, and then we played basketball. That was my first time to play the sport. I'm glad to get a break and I landed in a great team in FEU.)
Barroca grew rapidly; it surprised him but he willingly accepted it as an asset. Coupled with his athletics skills, he finally held a basketball and began practicing the nation’s most popular sport.
"5-foot-3 lang ako, pagdating ko ng FEU biglang naging 5-foot-9. Di ko rin inasahan kasi wala naman akong tina-trabaho, tulog lang, basketball, tsaka weights. Nagulat ako tumangkad nako." (I was just surprised that from 5-foot-3, I grew to 5-foot-9. I didn't really work out on my height but just slept, play ball and do weight training.)
And when Barroca got the spot, he would do everything to keep it. He played with impact for the Tamaraws in the UAAP, leading them to the Final Four in 2010. Game-fixing allegations however, would suddenly force him out of FEU.
Competing with Asia's best
But that issue did not stop Barroca from achieving his goals. He kept his eye on the ultimate prize, and went on to become part of Rajko Toroman's Smart Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team in 2009. Mark Barroca immediately showcased what he was capable of doing of, scoring 36 points in an exhibition game against PBA's Burger King.
Along with the best amateur athletes, Barroca went all over the globe, training in several camps in Serbia, Australia, United States, and Dubai while playing in prestigious tournaments like the Asian Games, FIBA Asia Champions Cup, FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup, Dubai International Basketball tournament, and the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China that culminated his 3-year stay with Smart Gilas.
“Sobrang blessed ako to be part of the team, kaunti lang ang nakakapunta sa mga ganoong lugar e.” (I’m very blessed to be part of that team. Only a few people have been in those places so it’s really an honor.)
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/51732-mark-barroca-journey-from-palaro-runner-pba-finals-mvp)
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Tim Cone on walkout: 'Yeng motivates in different ways and we know that'
TIM CONE hopes the ‘partial walkout’ instigated by Rain or Shine in Wednesday night’s Game Six won’t detract from the hard work San Mig had put in to win the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup championship.
The Elasto Painters were forced to walk out of the playing court during the early part of the second quarter for what they deemed was `unfair’ officiating, although they were prevailed upon later to return and finish the game.
Cone, however, prefers that fans remember the game as a culmination of the Mixers’ hard work that began when they made their way back from a 1-5 win-loss record in the eliminations, dethroned defending champion Talk `N Text in a quarterfinals series that went the full route, ousted top seeded and crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra in a winner-take-all Game Seven, before finally finishing Rain or Shine in six games to win their sixth All-Filipino title.
“I hope it doesn’t detract from the hard work we put in and into the whole series. We worked hard,” Cone said.
The Mixers won the best-of-seven series against the Elasto Painters, 4-2, including a 93-87 title-clinching win.
“We came out and really played well. I thought we came out really, really well with tremendous amount of energy. I think we outplayed them early,” said Cone.
The San Mig Coffee coach, who just passed legendary coach Virgilio `Baby’ Dalupan for the most titles in PBA annals with 16, admitted the unpopular move made by Rain or Shine somewhat affected the Mixers, allowing the Elasto Painters to charge back and made a fight out of it.
“They came back with the momentary walkout. They outplayed us, no doubt about it. But we were outplaying them,” said Cone.
When asked if he was offended by Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao’s actions, Cone replied, “No comment.”
However, Cone said it was up to his team to respond to what he perceived was a ‘mind game’ played on them by the unpredictable coach.
“Yeng motivates in different ways and we know that. It was up to us to keep being focused and keep trying to win the basketball game. We just want to win the basketball game,” said Cone.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/tim-cone-hopes-partial-walkout-wont-tarnish-hardwork-san-mig-put-in-the-series-v02)
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Naku!!! i Let go daw yung mga foul call against sa ROS? yes the refs did.
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Rain or Shine fined P2M for partial walkout in PBA Finals
MANILA, Philippines – Aside from the sting of a championship loss, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will have to stomach a hefty fine of P2 million or about $45,000.
According to a statement from Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Chito Salud on the league's official Twitter account, the team was penalized as such "for subverting public interest and the integrity of the game."
The decision was made following a discussion with Rain or Shine team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que, along with Board Governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon, Coach Yeng Guiao and team manager Boy Lapid, where Guiao clarified that the walkout "was not a premeditated move on the part of the ballclub." He also added that the decision to leave the playing court was his own.
Guiao prompted his team to leave the court at the 11:39 mark of the second period during Game 6 of the Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, February 26.
Commissioner Salud together with PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial immediately spoke with Yu. After which, the entire team made their way back to the court and play was resumed.
According to PBA rules, there is a provision on partial walkout, which is defined as "the whole team leaving the playing court and returning to continue to play within the allotted time."
Guiao was also suspended for one game in the semifinals after he flashed the dirty finger on San Miguel Beermen's (formerly Petron Blaze Boosters) Arwind Santos.
Rain or Shine lost in the Finals in 6 games against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, denying Guiao once again of an All-Filipino title.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/51808-rain-or-shine-fined-p2m-for-partial-walkout-in-pba-finals)
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Philippine Cup technical fouls cost Yeng Guiao a staggering P426,000 in penalties
IT'S not only Rain or Shine that will be paying a huge bill in terms of fines at the end of the PBA Philippine Cup.
The team's coach will be hit hard in the wallet, too.
Believe it or not, Rain or Shine's fiery coach has accumulated nearly half a million pesos in fines for the technicals and other penalties he incurred during the season-opening conference, where the Elasto Painters finished runner-up to San Mig.
Guiao's bill reached a staggering total of P426,400 mostly because of a league rule that assesses a P50,000 penalty for each technical a coach, player, or official receives that goes beyond the nine technicals allotted per conference.
Aside from that, Guiao instigated the 'partial walkout' in Game Six of the Finals against San Mig which cost Rain or Shine P2 million in fines - a league record for 'game-related incidents.'
As it is, the multi-titled Guiao was meted a total of 13 technical fouls for the duration of the all-Filipino conference, meaning his last four technicals alone cost him P200,000.
Add to that total the P100,000 fine he incurred, to go with a one-game suspension, for flashing an obscene gesture at league officials during Game Four of Rain or Shine's semifinal series against Petron which the Painters won in five games.
According to PBA record-keepers, the Rain or Shine coach reached the nine-technical foul limit during Game Three of the Petron series, which the Painters lost, 73-106.
Throughout his career, the total fines Guiao have paid are well past the P1 million mark.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/philippine-cup-technical-fouls-cost-yeng-guiao-a-staggering-p426000-in-penalties)
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Blackwater closer to becoming 11th PBA team after clearing due diligence by league
BLACKWATER Sports cleared a major hurdle on Thursday night and took a major step towards becoming the first expansion team to be accepted into the PBA in 14 years.
The Dioceldo Sy-owned team, which has had a history of successes in the amateur leagues, cleared a review of its financial capability to put up a PBA ballclub and has been given the green light to submit a letter of intent to formalize its application for a league franchise.
Although the application will still need the approval of the league board, PBA chairman Ramon Segismundo said all signs point to Blackwater becoming the 11th team when Asia's first play-for-pay cage league opens its 40th season in October.
“All indications lean towards them (Blackwater Sports) joining us next season,” said Segismundo, who has been aggressively pursuing expansion for the league under his chairmanship.
Sy has been fielding teams in top commercial leagues for the last 15 years beginning with the Blu Detergent team that brought in Asi Taulava through the PBL in 1997.
Of late, his Blackwater Sports team is also a perennial title contender in the PBA D-League.
There also appeared to be no question about Sy's capability to fund a PBA team for the long term. The businessman owns Ever Bilena, the county's biggest cosmetics company, and is also into networking of ready-to-wear products, among other businesses.
In an interview with Spin.ph, Sy said he was elated that the league has already opened its door to them.
“I am very happy. This is my longtime dream. Anlapit ko na sa pangarap ko na 'yun. Thanks to commissioner Chito Salud and the PBA for welcoming us with open arms,” said Sy, who was joined by brother Silliman and business partner Wilbert Loa in the meeting with PBA officials at the Tao Yuan Restaurant in Robinson’s Place Magnolia.
“I believe that PBA is the best marketing tool to promote my products. Tamang tama kasi mag-e-expand ako ng business. From fragrances, maglalabas na rin ako ng mga Blackwater soap. The PBA can provide the needed brand recall sa mga produkto natin,” he said.
After it submits a letter of intent Friday afternoon, Blackwater Sports will now wait for the response of the PBA board which will convene on March 6, incidentally the birthday of Sy.
“Tamang tama nga birthday ko yun eh. It will be most special birthday gift ever. Pero last night was one of the happiest moments of my life,” said Sy.
Asked if he has the capability to maintain a PBA team for a long period of time, the amiable businessman was undaunted.
“Yes, more than 15 years na tayo sa basketball and our business is consistent in selling our products,” said Sy.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/blackwater-closer-to-becoming-11th-pba-team-after-clearing-due-diligence-by-league)
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2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup Imports:
Air21 - Herve Lamizana 6'10
Alaska - Robert Dozier 6'9
Barako Bull - Joshua Dollard 6'7
Barangay Ginebra - Leon Rodger 6'7
Globalport - Evans Brock 6'9
Meralco Bolts - Brian Butch 6'11
Rain or Shine - Alex McLean 6'8
San Miguel Beer - Josh Boone 6'9
San Mig Coffee - James Mays 6'9
Talk 'N Text - Richard Howell 6'8
(https://fbcdn-photos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/s720x720/1896760_604409459636387_1760095927_n.jpg)
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May natira pa kaya kay Josh Boone?
Sayang din ito at 1st round draft pick sa NBA (23rd Overall), di nga lang maganda naging career sa New Jersey Nets.
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No rest for the weary as San Mig back in practice days after title conquest
JUST two days after capturing the PBA Philippine Cup title, San Mig are back in the gym for practice with incoming import James Mays.
Coach Tim Cone, who won his 16th PBA title to become the winningest coach in league history on Wednesday, said he has assigned at least 10 players to practice with the 6-9 Mays starting Friday as they prepare for the Commissioner’s Cup set to kick off next week.
Although the Mixers won’t see action in the import-laced conference until March 12 when they go up against Globalport, Cone said it is imperative for his players to stay sharp while helping their American reinforcement get familiar with his trademark triangle offense.
“We’re trying to schedule some breaks and just try to think out of the box, try to be creative because we can’t take a long break since our import is here,” Cone told Spin.ph.
The American mentor said the short conference break after the Philippine Cup Finals prevents the team from fully enjoying the championship, the franchise’s 11th title overall and sixth in an all-Filipino conference.
Although San Mig players will be given breaks by batches after a draining Philippine Cup campaign that saw them play a total of 16 games in the playoffs alone, Cone expects everybody to be back practicing together come Friday next week.
“We’ve talked about taking a break in groups rather than the whole team. And we try to get everybody up back, maybe on the 7th or 8th (of March) so we can get everybody to practice together and have full team practice,” he added.
San Mig clinched the Philippine Cup after beating Rain or Shine, 93-86 in Game Six on Wednesday night for a 4-2 Finals series victory.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/no-rest-for-the-weary-as-san-mig-back-in-practice-days-after-title-conquest)
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Parks, Banchero eyed as Blackwater's direct-hire recruits ahead of jump to PBA
AN explosive backcourt featuring amateur stars Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Chris Banchero could likely make up the roster of Blackwater Sports if and when the franchise finally gets the nod of the PBA board to become the league’s 11th member ballclub.
A source told Spin.ph that team owner Dioceldo Sy will be pushing to have direct-hire rights once its application is approved so Blackwater can tab two of the finest players in the amateur ranks today.
Depending on the board, an expansion team like Blackwater Sports is usually given the concession of bringing with it as much as five players directly from the amateur ranks.
Sy confirmed to Spin.ph the Elite are now trying to lure in Parks to join the team in the coming D-League Foundation Cup where the team is the reigning champion.
“Yes, we are now trying to establish links with him (Parks). We want him with us, we have already sent a feeler,” said Sy.
Parks will be available for the season-ending conference of the D-League which opens on March 18 as his former squad the BDO-NU Bulldogs, is not fielding a team to the tournament.
“Basta we will talk to him. And we will also seek help from his patrons for him to become a part of Blackwater Sports,” said Sy, who is known to be close to SM Group of Company big bosses Hans and Manny Sy, the major backer of National University.
Although he plays for Boracay Rum in the D-League, Banchero has an existing contract with Blackwater Sports as an official endorser.
The good-looking Fil-Italian guard was supposed to play for the Elite during the D-League Aspirants Cup only to be hindered by a new league ruling requiring all incoming rookies to go through the draft, where Banchero was eventually selected as the no. 1 overall pick by Boracay Rum.
“Kakausapin ni Boss Dio (Sy) yung si Chris. I am sure he can be an impact player. He is a good playmaker, plus his looks will definitely draw fans to support the team,” said a Blackwater Sports insider.
“Saka Banchero greatly represents our products. So I think it will be pursued,” added the source.
Some of the marquee names currently playing for Blackwater in the D-League which the team can consider as possible direct hires are prolific Adamson guard Jerico Cruz, UST stars Kevin Ferrer and Paolo Pe, and 6-foot-7 Fil-Am center Andrew Avillanoza.
Another information reaching Spin.ph bared the Ever Bilena franchise is reportedly negotiating with Cagayan Valley Rising Suns hotshot John Pinto.
Likewise, former PBA draftees Reil Cervantes and current Blackwater star Allan Mangahas are also expected to be included in the lineup.
Meanwhile, Blackwater Sports will conduct tryouts on March 3 to 5 for its title defense in the Foundation Cup, which is expected to serve as the team’s farewell campaign in the developmental league.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/parks-banchero-eyed-as-blackwaters-direct-hire-recruits-ahead-of-jump-to-pba)
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Top Korean carmaker Kia files letter of intent to put up PBA expansion team
WHILE almost everybody's attention is focused on Blackwater Sports' bid to crash the PBA ranks, another company has been silently working on its own bid to join the pro league.
Spin.ph sources bared that top Korean car maker Kia has already submitted a letter of intent to join Asia's first play-for-pay league, even beating Blackwater to the draw.
One of the top five carmakers in the country, Kia, sources added, tendered its application for an expansion franchise three days ahead of Blackwater, which filed its letter of intent at the PBA office last Friday.
"Mas nauna pang nagpasa ng sulat ang Kia. Sila ang nagpahayag ng interest, and we are very happy to accommodate them," said a league insider who asked not to be named.
Although it has no known basketball roots in the Philippines, the Korean car giant is intent on becoming a part of the PBA, with no less than a top official of its Philippine operations handling the negotiations.
"Top official nila ang nakipag-usap sa PBA. Sa ngayon wala pa akong alam na tao nila na galing sa liga o any basketball figure. Basta they only expressed their willingness to join 'yung liga natin," said the source.
The same source believed Columbia Motors, which holds the distribution rights of Kia cars in the country, is most likely putting its marketing program in line with its parent company which has several sponsorship tie-ups with major sports events in tennis and football.
"Ang Kia kasi sports-minded 'yung approach nila sa marketing ... 'Yung Australian Open lang at yung ibang big-time tennis events, sila ang sponsor. So baka nakiki-ayon na sila sa mother company nila," said the source.
Kia's application for an expansion franchise will be discussed by the board on Thursday, where the application of Dioceldo Sy's Blackwater Sports will also be part of the main agenda.
Should they both be given green light to join, the PBA will have 12 teams starting next season - the biggest membership in the 39-year history of the league.
Meanwhile, another information reaching Spin.ph revealed that NLEX Road Warriors officials are also contemplating on pursuing their bid to join the PBA.
The Manny V. Pangilinan-controlled company was in fact prepared to move up since last year.
"Anytime naman ready na kami. Basta't bigyan kang kami ng go signal ng mga bossing," said a source from NLEX.
"May programa na kami if ever. May mga players na rin."
"Sayang talaga yung mga players namin. Since two years ago nga, PBA ready na kami. Dati nga may (Clifford) Hodge, Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang, Gregory Slaughter at Chris Ellis pa kami," added the source.
Despite the departure of Abueva and Co., NLEX still has some of the best players in the D-league, among them Kevin Louie Alas, Garvo Lanete, Jake Pascual, Ronald Pascual, Baser Amer and Matt Ganuelas.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/kia-pba-expansion-team-letter-of-intent-pba-application-basketball)
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Tim Cone says San Mig remains very much James Yap's team. He tells us why
EROES were not in short supply during San Mig's improbable run to the PBA Philippine Cup championship, with players like Mark Barroca, Marc Pingris, Joe Devance, PJ Simon, and even rookie Justin Melton standing out at one point or another during the campaign.
But as far as coach Tim Cone is concerned, San Mig, for all intents and purposes, is still very much James Yap's team.
Despite Yap's conference-long struggle, Cone pointed out that the Mixers still take the cue from the two-time league MVP who he said was professional enough to shrug off injuries and "off-court issues" to lead from the front for the newly crowned champions.
“If it is anybody’s, it’s (San Mig’s) still James’ team because we still play off with James. And the players really respect James and the game,” said Cone, still savoring the team’s title conquest of the all-Filipino conference after a 4-2 win in the Finals over Rain or Shine.
Although quick to point out that he isn't out to take the credit away from Finals MVP Barroca or the team's other unsung heroes, Cone took note of the sacrifices Yap had to undergo in battling adversity this season especially with his nagging elbow injury.
“He’s (Yap) got a lot that he’s gone through that a lot of people don’t know about. That’s tough on him to keep focus on because he’s got some ups and downs,” explained the San Mig mentor, who became the winningest coach in PBA history after bagging his 16th championship.
A quick look at the shooting stats of the 6-foot-2 Yap showed that the former University of the East star, struggling with pain on the elbow on his shooting hand each time he goes for a jumper, shot just 33.8 percent from the field during the quarterfinals and the semifinals.
However, the 32-year-old pride of Escalante, Negros Occidental leveled up in the championship series by shooting a more efficient 46.5 percent from the floor on the way to averaging 13.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 26.3 minutes of play against Rain or Shine.
“It’s great to see him in this (Finals) series play really well. He shot the ball well and he made great decisions,” noted the 56-year-old American mentor.
Curiously, Yap started to find his range, beginning with Game Seven of the semifinal series against Ginebra, after estranged wife Kris Aquino defended him from game-fixing allegations and later allowed their son, Baby James, to spend time with Yap on his 32nd birthday.
Cone felt these off-court "issues" also affected Yap's game early in the season.
“He’d be the first to tell you there were some struggles. He had some struggles on the court and off the court, not bad stuff, but with his family with his kid,” noted Cone.
“He had to leave practice early and go to the court. So it was really tough for him. But he persevered and persevered, and through injuries, I think his teammates respected him for that,” he added.
Yap may still be the face of the franchise, but Cone insisted the hardwork his superstar had to put in is far from glamorous.
“He’s not the glamorous boy, but he goes out there and do the hardwork, he defends, he bangs.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-remains-very-much-james-yaps-team-says-tim-cone.-he-tells-us-why)
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Sy ready to pay P100 million franchise fee for Blackwater's foray into PBA
OWNING a franchise in the PBA these days doesn’t come cheap, indeed.
Blackwater Sports team owner Dioceldo Sy admitted he’ll be coughing out a total of P100 million for a franchise fee for his company to become the newest expansion ballclub of Asia’s very first play-for-pay league.
Sy, a certified basketball lover, said at least 30 percent of the total amount will be paid as soon as the league board approves Blackwater Sports' application to be the league's newest team.
“I am more than ready. This will in fact be a long-term participation. I believe in the marketing power of the PBA. I am seeing our company grow more in three to four years,” Sy said.
The franchise fee is believed to be at least a 40 percent jump from the time the league accepted a new expansion ballclub in Red Bull 14 years ago when the George Chua-owned franchise shelled out a total of P60 million.
Sy bared he normally spends P200 million in advertisement for all of his products that ranges from cosmetics, ready to wear, and household goodies. He owns the country's top cosmetics company, Ever Bilena, among other business ventures.
He added financing for his pro team will come from the same budget once it undergoes rechanneling.
“I am not worried. I am very excited on this new venture. We don’t feel the heaviness (of the budget) because we spend a lot in advertising. Basta same fund, just a portion shifted to the PBA,” said Sy, a star center of Uno High School during the 1973 to 1976 Tiong Lian season.
Spin.ph was fortunate enough to be given a tour by the amiable businessman/sportsman of his one-hectare factory in Kalookan City on Monday to show the busy production of his company, whose major products are Ever Billena and Blackwater.
And as passionate as he is about the game, Sy vows to come up with a highly competitive team that can vie for the championship in three to five years time.
“I am being realistic. I cannot easily win a PBA championship. Obviously, we are hoping to be in the Finals in maybe three or four years,” said Sy, who has won titles in amateur tournaments, including the D-League and the defunct Philippine Basketball League (PBL).
Sy also stressed the company is not in the PBA for the short term.
“Time frame for the team? We’ll go long-term. I don’t mind having this time until my next generation,” he added.
Asked if he is ready to go up against some of the country’s biggest companies which are also in the league such as San Miguel and the group of Manny V. Pangilinan, Sy was realistic but undaunted.
“Sa ngayon, saling pusa lang muna kami. They’re huge conglomerates. We still have to learn the ropes. Pero in time, I am sure we will be there (winning),” he said with a smile.
Sy also clarified that his partnership with San Miguel will be over once Blackwater gets the approval to become the newest team in the pro league.
Blackwater and the SMC group have a current partnership in the PBA D-League and earlier, in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).
“No, we can never be a farm team. I have a credibility to protect, and besides, we don’t have a direct business partnership with them (San Miguel),” said Sy, whose first venture into big-time basketball came in 1997 when he formed the Blu Detergent team around Asi Taulava and Jimmy Alapag.
“Rest assured that we will be independent. They don’t have to worry and speculate. We will be independent,” he added. “It was just because of player trades from D-League to ABL kaya kami nagka-partnership noon (with San Miguel)."
Sy’s wife, Kristine, revealed how she has been praying hard for their company to finally be given the green light by the PBA board as the league’s 11th member.
“Pangarap talaga ni Dioceldo ang magka-team sa PBA. He really wants it. Sana makuha niya. I can see and feel his passion. He loves basketball, he plays and watches it with all his heart,” said Mrs. Sy.
“Dioceldo kasi believes that becoming a member of the PBA is every sportsman/businessman’s dream. He also feels that God’s hand is behind his decision to reach for this dream,” she added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/sy-ready-to-pay-p100-million-franchise-fee-for-blackwaters-foray-into-pba)
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No regrets as 'crusader' Yeng Guiao's career fines shoot past P1 million mark
RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was behind the wheels as he travelled from Pampanga to Congress in Quezon City when Spin.ph caught up with him on Monday afternoon.
Asked why he was the one driving, the fiery coach, also a first-term congressman representing the first district of Pampanga, said, "Sa dami ng fines na binabayad ko sa PBA, wala na 'kong pambayad ng driver."
That line was meant as a joke, of course. But the amount of penalties Guiao has stacked up in a long, colorful coaching career in the PBA is no longer a laughing matter.
A check with the PBA office showed Guiao has accumulated fines totalling P1.25 million in a 24-year career that started with RFM Swift back in 1990 and has since produced six league championships.
The former national coach breached the P1M mark in the just-concluded PBA Philippine Cup, where he incurred fines totalling P426,000 no thanks to a P100,000 penalty for flashing a dirty finger at league officials in the semifinal series against Petron and P200,000 for four technicals he got in excess of the 'league limit' of nine.
As eye-popping as the bill was, Guiao hardly sounded bitter, or much less remorseful, over the sum.
"It's simply a price you have to pay for standing up for your principles," said the colorful coach. "And for fighting for fairness and the proper running of this league, I have to pay the price - literally."
Under league rules, a coach, player, or official who got more than nine technicals during the course of a conference will be fined P50,000 for each technical.
Guiao was slapped with 13 technicals in the season-opening tournament alone.
The figure is also on top of the P2 million penalty slapped on Rain or Shine for the walkout led by Guiao in Game Six of the Finals opposite San Mig - the largest fine paid by a team for a 'game-related' incident.
Still, Guiao appeared undeterred, saying, "I'm a voice in the wilderness. Everybody (in the league) thinks the officiating is bad, but very few will come out and voice out what they feel."
Has he seen any improvement in officiating and in the way the pro league is being run in all the years that he has accumulated the penalties, the Rain or Shine coach was asked.
"That I'm paying more fines (this season) should be a barometer that will show less satisfaction (on my part about the officiating)," Guiao answered.
And will we ever see him mellow down?
"They raise the fines obviously because they want you to stop (criticizing)," said Guiao. "But if you stop being vigilant about these things, then you're merely allowing these to haunt you again.
"So you have to stay vigilant."
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/no-regrets-as-crusader-yeng-guiaos-career-fines-shoot-past-p1-million-mark)
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kung ganito pa rin kayabang at walang remorse itong si kalbo, aba'y mag-resign na sya as congressman. kakahiya, in front of the tv screen, nagdirty finger, nagmumura buti sana kung di sya taga kongreso. . lintek na kalbo ito eh takot naman kay Pido. ;D
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Alaska coach Trillo hopes reinventing Calvin Abueva's position will lead to reawakening of 'The Beast'
AFTER a lot of soul-searching for both coach and player during the break in between conferences, Alaska coach Luigi Trillo hopes a new role as well as 'renewed commitment' for Calvin Abueva will lead to a reawakening for the player known as 'The Beast.'
Abueva, the reigning Rookie of the Year, is coming off a Philippine Cup campaign where he made more news for the troubles he got involved in that for his play in the season-opening conference where the Aces fell out of contention at the quarterfinal stage.
Trillo, however, see renewed hunger and commitment from Abueva since the Philippine Cup disappointment, which team insiders said had prompted a rethink among Alaska officials on whether the former NCAA MVP should be a part of the organization over the long haul.
“He’s coming into the game with a whole new approach. I see willingness and hunger (from him) to contribute in anyway,” Trillo confided to Spin.ph before the start of Alaska’s practice on Tuesday at the Gatorade Hoops Center.
The Alaska coach also bared that he is switching Abueva from his usual power forward role in the all-Filipino to the off-guard/small forward position, where Trillo hopes the sophomore's brute strength will give him an edge over the guards of opposing teams.
The role switch will also veer Abueva away from constant battles with opposing imports while banking on his quickness to help him keep in step with the guards of other teams.
“He’s (Abueva) playing a different role for us. I think you can put him at a 4 (power forward) anytime, but he has a comfort zone at the 2 (off guard) and 3 (small forward),” explained Trillo. “It’s nice see him with that. I know he wants to do better than what he did last conference.”
Meantime, Abueva has promised to steer clear of 'distractions' and keep his focus on the court.
“Wala na 'yun (distractions) kasi ifo-focus ko na sarili ko sa conference na ito,” said the 26-year-old former San Sebastian Stag, vowing to shake off the so-called 'sophomore jinx.'
Abueva added he’s thankful to the people who stood by him during his conference-long struggle.
“Hindi lang naman ako nage-effort (to get focused again) kundi pati teammates ko, family at coaches ko. Saka sila na rin nagsasabi na kailangang mai-defend namin ang crown,” added Abueva, who averaged 10.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists in just 20.8 minutes per contest in the Philippine Cup.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/alaska-coach-trillo-hopes-reinventing-calvin-abuevas-position-will-lead-to-reawakening-of-the-beast)
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Ravanes rues lack of mental toughness after San Miguel blows big lead in tune-up
THIS is an ominous sign for San Miguel Beer.
Head coach Biboy Ravanes on Tuesday was left to rue the team's lack of toughness after the rechristened Beermen blew a double-digit lead in a 110-114 loss to Barako Bull in a tune-up game on Tuesday.
“Iyung system kasi, almost the same lang naman (from the Philippine Cup). May dagdag lang na couple more of plays, pero halos pareho lang ng last conference,” Ravanes, who succeeded Gee Abanilla, said.
“Pero iyung toughness, I want them (Beermen) to play tough kasi hindi puwedeng reklamo ng reklamo na lang,” he added.
Ravanes, a defensive specialist during his playing years spent with Alaska and San Miguel, can only hope his defensive mindset will rub off on the Beermen in the coming PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The longtime Petron assistant coach also said the Beermen need to be tougher, blaming their recent semifinal loss to Rain or Shine in the season-opening Philippine Cup to lack of mental toughness.
“We have to adapt to the kind of basketball we play. That’s why we lost to Rain or Shine last conference because we don’t have the mental toughness,” lamented Ravanes.
The new San Miguel coach is hopeful incoming import Josh Boone could fit into his defense-oriented system.
“Iyung quickness niya (Boone), 'yung mobility niya, 'yun ang madadala niya sa team. Kaya lang medyo nag-a-adjust pa siya sa physicality inside,” said Ravanes.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ravanes-rues-lack-of-mental-toughness-after-san-miguel-blows-big-lead-in-tune-up)
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SBP mulls proposing Gilas as 11th team for PBA Govs' Cup
MANILA, Philippines – Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will be looking into proposing for Gilas Pilipinas to play as the 11th team in the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) season-ending Governors' Cup. This is to help the national men's basketball team in their buildup to the FIBA World Cup in Spain this August.
SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios said right after Gilas' first practice together that "they hope to raise the suggestion to the PBA." (READ: Gilas begins new, tougher journey to the FIBA World Cup)
He clarified, however, that nothing is set in stone and no official proposal yet. The decision, once SBP officially presents a proposal, is up to the PBA.
"It's a possibility from our end to ask it from PBA," Barrios said. "Whether it's a possibility for the PBA, I cannot speak for them."
He added: "There are a few ideas being discussed on what to propose or request (from the) PBA. There is no formal official position yet."
Making an 11th team comprised of the World Cup-bound Gilas Pilipinas members can give the nationals more experience playing as a unit. It will also provide them with much more time to jell.
As it is, Gilas is relying on when the current PBA season will end, depending on whether or not teams can sweep the playoffs for both the Commissioner's and Governors' Cups.
"On my end we're just waiting. Whatever the PBA says we're just going to abide by it," said Gilas head coach Chot Reyes.
Earlier this year the PBA agreed to shorten its season to accommodate the nationals and give them at the very least a month and a half to prepare for the World Cup.
Since the Gilas pool is comprised of PBA players, they must first be released by their mother ballclubs before they can train full-time for Gilas.
The current PBA season will end on July 15 at the earliest or on July 22 at the latest.
This schedule will not allow Gilas to join the FIBA Asia Cup in China from July 11 to 19, which Reyes said they had initially hoped to participate in.
The World Cup will be played from August 30 to September 14, with Gilas bracketed in Group B along with Senegal, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Greece and Croatia.
"Lumabas lang sa team dahil gusto natin paghandaan yung tournament. The earlier they are together, the better," Barrios explained how the idea came about. (It just came out among the team because we want to prepare for the tournament.)
But having the nationals compete in the professional league as a separate team is not entirely new.
It has been done before with the NCC or Northern Cement basketball team during the 80s. As with the Philippine Centennial Team in 1998 and with coach Jong Uichico's Busan team in 2002.
Should the idea materialize, Barrios assures Gilas will be given impetus to play hard and win as they will also suggest that every Gilas game be counted as an actual competitive contest.
"Anything that can give us more time to practice and prepare that's good for us," Reyes said of the idea.
Aside from this proposal, Barrios said SBP is throwing more ideas on the table in order to better prepare Gilas for the arduous path in the World Cup.
"(We are) finding ways for Gilas to be able to come together earlier instead of leaving their fate at the hands of other teams."
The national team started practicing on Monday, March 3 and will continue to convene every Monday until all players are released.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/52117-sbp-mulls-proposing-gilas-11th-team-pba-gov-cup)
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Pido Jarencio, Alex Cabagnot mark GlobalPort debut in match against Air21
PIDO Jarencio makes his head-coaching debut in the PBA as GlobalPort kicks off its Commissioner’s Cup campaign against Air21 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Jarencio will be inheriting a team that is coming off a seventh-place finish in the season-opening Philippine Cup under the guidance of interim coach Ritchie Ticzon.
Other than Jarencio, the 5:45 p.m. encounter will also see the Batang Pier debut of Alex Cabagnot and Bonbon Custodio who the team acquired through trades during the conference break.
In his month-long stay so far with GlobalPort, Jarencio slowly began instilling a tough defensive mindset on a team noted more for its tendency to fade at crunch time.
“One month pa lang ako pero medyo may positive na. Kahit paano maganda-ganda na takbo namin offensively at defensively,” said Jarencio ahead of match against the Express that kicks off the import-spiced conference.
Also back in harness for the Mikee Romero-owned Batang Pier is Fil-Am forward Jay Washington, who has recovered from a partially torn plantar fasciia which he suffered at the tailend of the Philippine Cup.
GlobalPort is tapping Evan Brock for its import, hopeful the comebacking reinforcement could provide the defensive spunk for the two-year-old franchise.
Brock played 11 games for Barako Bull last season, averaging 21.1 points, 16 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 40.8 minutes of play before being replaced at the last-minute by former Los Angeles Lakers backup center DJ Mbenga.
Brock will test the mettle of Air21 import Herve Lamizana, a noted defensive specialist who recently played for the Sichuan Blue Whales in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
The long-limbed Lamizana, who hails from Ivory Coast in the African region, averaged 13.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 assists for the Blue Whales.
Jonas Villanueva is expected to add backcourt experience to the Express, who competed in the all-Filipino conference with two-guard Joseph Yeo playing the point.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pido-jarencio-alex-cabagnot-mark-globalport-debut-in-match-against-air21)
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Alaska wants to hit the ground running as it begins PBA title defense
COACH Luigi Trillo expects a tough road ahead as Alaska begins its title-retention drive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup opposite Talk `N Text on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Coming off a three-game sweep of a pocket tournament in Cebu, the Aces try to sustain the momentum against the Tropang Texters whom they battle at 8 p.m. in the main game of an opening day doubleheader.
Alaska actually ripped Talk 'N Text, 79-70 in the Queen City of the South, with the Aces using the tourney as the final step in the team’s preparation for its title defense.
“Talk 'N Text is tough. They are well coached, they have tons of veterans there,” said Trillo before the team's Tuesday practice.
“Every time we face them (Tropang Texters), it always comes down to the last possession. So it's one of those games that's really nice to watch.”
Robert Dozier, last season's Best Import, is returning for his second tour of duty for the Aces.
The 6-foot-8 Dozier would be pitting skills against Talk 'N Text counterpart Richard Howell, an NBA D-League veteran and a certified double-double machine while playing for the Idaho Stampede during the 2013-14 season.
Howell, who arrived nearly a month ago, averaged 18.0 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Stampede after logging in 34.6 minutes per contest.
“We are just looking forward of getting off to a good start in the conference against a tough team,” said Black, whose Tropang Texters failed in their four-peat drive in the Philippine Cup recently.
“This is an import conference so we need Richard Howell to be productive, especially on the defensive end.”
With a short nine-game elimination round format, Trillo said the Aces will try to get as many wins as possible.
“Obviously, we have a lot of work to do. But just seeing them here, I think they wanna be there in the Final Four because at the end of the day, we got our asses kicked last conference,” said the youthful Alaska mentor.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/alaska-wants-to-hit-the-ground-running-as-it-begins-pba-title-defense)
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PBA CommCup Preview: San Mig Super Coffee Mixers
Head coach Tim Cone is fresh off winning his 16th PBA title, the most for any coach in PBA history. Mark Barroca is fresh off hoisting the Finals MVP Trophy. James Yap, PJ Simon, Marc Pingris, and Joe Devance are coming off stellar conferences, proving that they do not need an import to win. With that said, the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers will be gunning for their third straight PBA title in the upcoming 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup and although winning it won’t make them grand slam champions, it will still be a difficult task worth remembering.
PhilCup Recap: The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers started the 2014 PLST myDSL Philippine Cup by winning only one of their first six games. After they ruled the 2013 Governors’ Cup, the Mixers looked sluggish. They had good rookies but they found it hard to find the right mix.
Additions/Subtractions: There’s absolutely no need for the Mixers to add or subtract anything. It worked for them in the Govs Cup and it worked even better after adding Justin Melton and Ian Sangalang. They’re also waiting for Allein Maliksi to return from the injured list. They might need another bid as Ian Sangalang and Yancy De Ocampo are both getting older but their import should more than make up for that.
Import: Denzel Bowles was perfect for the Mixers. He’s a tremendous scorer and an able defender but because of the PBA’s handicapping rule, San Mig Super Coffee could not get the services of the import that already won them a ring.
James Mays averaged 10.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks in his senior year in Clemson back in 2008. He’s a good shooter, making 48.3% of the shots he took that year.
Mays was not selected in the 2008 NBA Draft. He first played for the 14ers in the NBA D-League then spent the next five years playing in China, Puerto Rico, and Turkey. He played for the San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Summer League but he failed to get a contract.
The San Mig Super Coffee import flew to the Philippines early which speaks volumes on his commitment to the team. He’s a hard worker which should take some load of Pingris specially on the defensive end. Mays has fast hands perfect for tapping the ball away from bigs trying to post him up and though he’s not a tremendous shot-blocker, he’s a good enough help and one-on-one defender.
Prediction: Their Philippine Cup championship proved that the Mixers are a team that could turn it on at any point of the conference. For so long they looked like they were ready to settle for their Governors’ Cup bonus, that they were not hungry enough to win one more, but after a big elimination round game against Ginebra, they suddenly found their groove and rode it all the way to the title.
Expect the Mixers to make it to the semis at the very least after struggling again in the early part of the conference. It’s harder to predict in import conferences, as we don’t have a clue on how most of these guys will fit into the system. But the Mixers proved that they would be championship-contenders as long as they keep this core intact.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-san-mig-super-coffee-mixers/)
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PBA CommCup Preview: Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
Don’t look now. But the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters have strung up two disappointing — of course considering their lofty standards they have set for themselves — conferences with an aggregate record of 12 W’s and 15 L’s. They finished second to the last in last season’s Governor’s Cup and they failed to make the semis in the last conference.
When a dynasty like TNT loses like this, tons of questions rise to the surface. Are they on the way down? Is this it for them? Has winning lost its taste? Should they shake things up? Is Norman Black’s system the problem? Is the league getting too young, too big, and too athletic for their aging roster?
PhilCup Recap: After starting at the top in the first half of the recently concluded Philippince Cup, TNT just fell apart towards the end before eventually bowing out in the quarters to San Mig Super Coffee, the eventual champs. Even if their core was pretty much intact, they oddly looked like a different team. It was as if their juice was stolen by the Monstars of Space Jam. They played less efficient a much slower than usual. And it was unclear if the pace that they played on was due to Coach Norman’s system, the youth of the league and the apparent contrast of their collective age and wear and tear over the last few years catching up to them, or a combination of both.
In fairness, it was pretty obvious that the Gilas hangover had a ripple effect on them. Castro, Fonacier, Alapag, and De Ocampo arrived late after taking much needed breaks so it was a pretty tough ramp up for the team. Plus, you should factor in all the new faces they had on the roster.
One bright note though. Jayson Castro enjoyed his best statistical conference with averages of 19ppg, 5apg, and 5rpg.
Additions/Subtractions: Ali Peek retired just last week. Congrats on an awesome career Man Mountain!
Danny Seigle was awesome of the bench in his first conference as a Tropang Texter. Oh wait! They also panic-traded for KG Canaleta a day before the playoffs! They have Canaleta on their roster!
Import: Richard Howell. PF / 6-8 / 257 lbs.
Howell is the typical NBA hopeful who has endured a few training camp snubs from a couple of NBA teams. He has also had stints in Europe. The video above and various scouting reports found all over the net say that he’s a four guy with unli energy. He’ll rebound the hell out of the ball (10.7 rpg in his last year in college over at NC State in 2013). He’ll set some nasty screens. He’s an energy guy that you would love to play with. And if you need him to put the ball in the hoop, he has a serviceable jay, a few post moves, and an uncanny ability to score the ball off of put-backs (12.7 ppg as a senior in college). I say he fits in well with TNT. I can already imagine how Jimmy Alapag will love this guy.
My concern is he won’t give TNT the size and length that they sorely have been missing over the last few conferences. Yes, Howell is almost built like a LeBron James (6-8, 257lbs.), but that might not be the size that TNT needs to protect the rim.
Prediction: Hmmm. It’s really tough to predict on an import-reinforced conference — much more a dynasty team that has had losing records in the past two conferences.
But for the heck of it.
Remember a few years ago when we wrote off the San Antonio Spurs? Well isn’t TNT like the Spurs in so many ways? No nonsense guys. Consummate pros. An owner who’s as supportive as Mark Cuban but as level-headed as Pat Riley or Mickey Arrison. (who’s the owner of SAS by the way?). And of course, a championship DNA.
I say they initiate a paradigm shift the way the Spurs totally reversed the pace of their offense when they decided to run and feature the strengths of Tony Parker. I’m not saying TNT will reverse the pace of their offense and slow things down. But I think, Norman Black will come up with something creative.
Semis.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-talk-n-text-tropang-texters/)
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PBA CommCup Preview: GlobalPort Batang Pier
A team that has been making moves is about to start another quest to show that they are legit. The GlobalPort Batang Pier and team owner, Mikee Romero, are not gun shy when it comes to pulling off big deals. They have made deals to add major pieces to their line-up, including a coaching change that could push them to a whole new level.
Have the Batang Pier finally put a team together than can make a big playoff push?
Philippine Cup Recap
After starting out the last conference by turning heads with the play of Terence Romeo, GlobalPort was looking like a team that was going to make a dent. Then, when teams started to figure out how to beat the Batang Pier, they did just that.
Dropping their first game to Petron, GlobalPort strung together a good stretch of winning four out of their next six games. Wins against Rain or Shine and Alaska had people taking notice of this team. They were fun, they were exciting, and they were young enough to pull some gritty wins out of nowhere. Even in a loss to Ginebra, Romeo was the talk of the town. The showdown that he and Mark Caguioa put on was a page right out of an Allen Iverson vs Michael Jordan book. It was fantastic.
But after that, the losses just kept coming. The players didn’t look as excited to play. I don’t know if it was something internal, or the teams just started to take the Batang Pier seriously, but it was getting pretty ugly out there. Dropping five straight, and six of their last seven games, they limped into the playoffs where they were eliminated in one game by Rain or Shine.
Additions and Subtractions
Added: Coach Pido Jarencio, Alex Cabagnot from San Miguel, and Bonbon Custodio from Air 21
Subtracted: Sol Mercado to San Miguel and Leo Najorda to Barako Bull
New coach, new floor general. That means that it is a new direction for the Batang Pier. With the insertion of former UST Growling Tiger head coach, Pido Jarencio, this team will start to have an identity. And since Coach Pido is coming off his stint in the UAAP, he knows the players that are on this team just as much as anyone else. There will be more emotion in the players. There will be more fire in their eyes. They will go back to having fun on the court.
As for Alex Cabagnot, I honestly think that he will be a good fit in this team. He is a “pass first” type of point guard and that is what you need with players like Romeo and Jay Washington on the floor. The play will always start with Cabaggie, but he knows how to setup players like Swaggy T and J-Wash. This could be extremely fun to watch.
Import
Evan Brock
We all remember Evan Brock from Barako Bull last year. The import that broke into the scene and practically lifted the entire team on his shoulders and carried them as far as he could. Brock is a type of player that can do anything and everything on the floor for a team, especially on the defensive end. And that is where I think that Brock will be awesome for GlobalPort.
The team seemed to be lacking a defensive presence last conference. They didn’t have any problems when is came to their offense. They were fluid in that area for the most part. But on the defensive end, they were shaky to say the least. Brock can come in and take control of the defense and GlobalPort could be set on their ways.
Prediction
This could be a great conference for GlobalPort because of the pieces that they got. This could also be a horrible one for them as they have to pull everything together in nine games. I think that they will start out slow, then slowly pick up the pieces and get everything going. They will make the playoffs, could maybe make a run at the semis, but I don’t think that they will have enough time to get everyone on the same page. First round knockout is what I see coming.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-globalport-batang-pier/)
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PBA CommCup Preview: Barako Bull Energy Cola
Brand new conference, fresh new start. Probably just what Barako Bull Energy Cola needs. Every tourney is a test for the work-in-progress Energy Cola. But even though it’s slow and gradual, it is good to see that this team is getting somewhere. And the best thing about it? It’s happening with Mick Pennisi, Dorian Peña, and Willie Miller proving that they’re still relevant after all these years.
PhilCup Recap
Let’s be honest. We knew, from the minute they traded their three first round draft picks, that Barako Bull wasn’t trying to win the Philippine Cup. When they held a 2-0 slate, it was a pleasant surprise. But we knew it wasn’t going to last. True enough, they lost a string of games after that.
Above all, it was their consistency that hurt them. They showed they can bring down some of the best teams as they defeated Petron Blaze and Alaska. They also kept it close with eventual champions, San Mig Coffee, losing by only two points. They may not be winning much but they’re definitely no pushover.
I have a feeling that the Energy Cola realized too late that they can actually win games. Those first two wins probably caught them off guard too. Now, as they begin with an empty slate once more, look for them to take their shot going farther than just quarters.
Additions: Jason Deutchman, Leo Najorda
Subtractions: Rico Maierhofer, Jonas Villanueva
It’s easy to look at their recent moves and say that Barako is being careless again. They traded away a former Finals MVP and a former All-Rookie Team member. In return they get two forwards who are role players, but haven’t really done much for their recent teams.
In fairness to the Jonas trade, it’s pretty understandable. This creates more room for a (possibly) better rotation. Carlo Lastimosa displayed a lot of promise last conference and will take up bulk of the responsibilities that could’ve been Villanueva’s. Last conference, they also added Denok Miranda. Someone had to leave.
As for the departure of Maierhofer, it’s a little hard to dissect. He’s been playing well under the system. His length has been a strong advantage, especially alongside either Dorian or Mick. But the Energy Cola coaching staff said they’re very happy with the versatility they acquired from their new forwards. So I guess they have plans that we may not fully comprehend. What’s new anyway, right?
Import
Barako Bull was ready to enter the Commissioner’s Cup with University of Tennessee standout Dwayne Chism. He even got a couple practices in already. Then complications came up with his release from his team in Hungary. The Energy Cola had to look for a replacement and they landed Joshua Dollard.
The first thing you need to know about Dollard is that he dropped 41 points on the San Miguel Beermen on his first tune-up game. Scoring. That’s his specialty. He can attack the basket as well as he can knock a jumper down right in your face.
There’s no doubt that this guy can score. Expect him to take an attempt on 99% of the touches he gets. And though it might be a concern if he was with another team, not with Barako. This team doesn’t really have that super-duper-star, go-to guy who they’ll give the ball to when their in dire need of a basket. Josh Dollard should come in handy in moments like that.
Prediction
Improvement is as far as a reasonable expectation can go with the Energy Cola’s Commissioner’s Cup. It’s still confusing if this team is rebuilding or, well, if there’s anything they’re trying to build at all. They have pieces, just not enough. And some of the pieces that they did have, they shipped away in mind-boggling trades.
Unless Dollard can go godlike and tow this team further, Barako should be happy with a quarterfinals appearance.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-barako-bull-energy-cola/)
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PBA CommCup Preview: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Historically, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters has had trouble in the Commissioner’s Cup more than the other conferences. They copped 17 W’s against 20 L’s over their last three campaigns in the big imports conference. That’s due in large part to their struggle to assimilate big imports that play in the low block (Mainly because of their perimeter-oriented, outside-to-inside offensive attack. Jamelle Cornley operated at the high post and attacked from the outside). Yeng Guiao’s offense tends to stall when RoS attacks from the low post because it eliminates the screens and ball swings that get Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, Jervy Cruz and Ryan Arana their open shots.
They should have it easier this time with a 6-9 height cap on imports (6-9 power forward imports should be more versatile than seven-footers). Their import, Alexander McLean, a 6-8 natural power forward, should have a faster ramp up than Bruno Sundov. More on McLean in a bit.
PhilCup Recap: Last year, the Elasto Painters were completely outclassed by TNT. However, in this year’s Philippine Cup championship, RoS took the San Mig Coffee to six predominantly close games. They’re improving significantly every all-Pinoy conference and with a young and deep core, they will be legit contenders in the years to come.
Now it’s time for them to improve more on import-laden conferences, especially in the CommCup.
Additions/Subtractions: Obviously, Team Walk-Out doesn’t need to add even a piece to its already 15-deeeeeeep roster. And we all know that they are a franchise that grows organically, through the draft. They don’t bully their way towards one-sided trades. This is one of the most underrated things about this franchise. They do it right. They are the OKC Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs of the PBA in terms of how they run things outside the court.
Import: Alexander McLean / PF / 6-8 / 235 lbs.
The burly power forward didn’t commit to basketball until only after graduating from high school. After two seasons in a community college in The City that Never Sleeps, McLean decided to go against tougher competition as he transferred to Liberty University, where he averaged 15 points and almost 9 boards in his last two years of eligibility.
McLean never cracked an NBA roster but was a basketball jet-setter with stints in Poland, Lebanon, and China, where he dropped 22 points to go with almost 15 boards per contest back in 2011.
McLean has a very good low post seal and has good hands to catch drop passes (he should benefit from Paul Lee and Ryan Arana’s forays to the basket). He has a go-to left hand hook shot that he generates through his low post moves.
But judging from the video above (no highlights from the perimeter), McLean seems to lack a reliable jay, something RoS big men have.
Prediction: Quarterfinals.
The defending CommCup champs, the Alaska Aces, have Rob Dozier back. SMB acquired more rim protection with Josh Boone. While Ginebra, TNT, and SMC should be semis contenders too. That’s why it’s quite difficult to see RoS in the final four.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-rain-shine-elasto-painters/)
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PBA CommCup Preview: Air21 Express
Will we ever see the day when the Air21 Express could actually compete for a spot in the PBA finals? Maybe one day we will but it’s highly unlikely in the upcoming 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Last year, Air21 performed exceptionally well in the second conference (and by “exceptionally well,” we mean they didn’t finish in the bottom two).
The Express got a pretty good import in Michael Dunigan who led the team to the quarterfinals with a 6-8 win loss record. They were a win away from tying Meralco, Talk ‘N Text, and Ginebra and avoiding the twice-to-win disadvantage. They faced a primed Alaska squad and they bowed out of the playoffs after one game. Their fans expected Dunigan to take another tour of duty but he’s still tied up in South Korea leading to another conference full of questions for Air21.
PhilCup Recap: For the entire Philippine Cup, the Air21 Express aimed to cheat the system by not having a legitimate point guard. Although it was somehow successful with the resurgence of Jospeh Yeo, basketball won over Air21’s little experiment as they again finished dead last in the 10-team field.
The Express got only three wins in the conference, two against their fellow struggling teams in Barako Bull and GlobalPort. The only big win they scored was against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.
Additions/Subtractions: Before the end of the 2014 PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup, the Air21 Express traded the only player who can actually win ball games for them in Nino Canaleta. In return, the Express got rookie Eliud Poligrates and Sean Anthony. They were also involved another deal as they sent out Bonbon Custodio and got (finally!) a point guard in former Finals MVP Jonas Villanueva.
Import: Hervé Lamizana, 6-foot-10, 220 pounds.
Lamizana finished college at Rutgers and wen unpicked in the 2004 NBA Draft. Since then he has played in Turkey, Israel, Puerto Rico, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Bahrain. He enjoyed his best numbers in Taiwan playing for the Yulon Luxgen Dinos in the Super Basketball League where he averaged 20.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks.
Lamizana has good handles for a big guy. He is a legitimate post-up threat and his explosive first step makes him a tough cover for slower big. When he can’t overpower his defender, Lamizana could also bank on a respectable mid range game featuring jump hooks and fallaway Js.
Prediction: What else is there to predict? The Air21 Express have been struggling for much of their existence and they actually traded their best player away in Canaleta. Yes, they got good pieces in Poligrates and Anthony but the Express need dominant scorers. The PBA gave Air21 a break as they are allowed to hire a 6-foot-11 import compared to 6-foot-9 for all the other teams but an additional two inches won’t turn around Air21’s fate.
The Air21 Express should enjoy being at the top of the PBA standings right now as it is listed alphabetically. They won’t be there for long. They should consider it a great victory if they do not fall in the eliminations again.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-air21-express/)
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PBA CommCup Preview: San Miguel Beermen
They’re back! After three years of being missed, the name San Miguel Beermen is once again in the PBA. It might just be a name-change but this could be the best move of the franchise over the conference break. The name San Miguel Beermen has experienced championships and success in different leagues and different eras. Can this bunch carry on the legacy?
PhilCup Recap
Coming into the Philippine Cup, the then Petron Blaze Boosters were fresh from what could be called an upset defeat in the 2013 Governor’s Cup Finals. Everyone expected them to bounce back strong with June Mar Fajardo leading the charge. True enough, they boosted out of the gates and started the PhilCup with a streak of wins. Then Fajardo got hurt. With that, the team was hurt as well. They started losing games and looked lost without their premier big man.
They would find a way to get back on track, though. Just in time, too. They earned a 3rd place finish in the elims and breezed through the quarters to meet Rain or Shine in the semis. There, the Boosters’ fall began. Again, they started looking confused on the court. It seemed like they only had one gameplan – feed June Mar. It worked for some time. But when Coach Yeng checked it already, they still kept going there. Obviously, they should have done something else.
Additions: Coach Biboy Ravanes, Sol Mercado, Rico Maierhofer
Subtractions: Alex Cabagnot, Jason Deutchman
Alex Cabagnot was undoubtedly a key guy with Petron. He paved the way for many wins by taking over crucial situations. But they always fell short of a championship. Something had to be done. Unfortunately, Alex was the chosen one. He was shipped for Sol Mercado.
Many Beermen fans were against the move. They said Sol will be the “ballhog that he is” and will hinder the maximization of SMB’s powerhouse line-up. I believe otherwise. See, Sol was never really on a championship contending team. And his previous squads, he had to be the main man. He forced shots because he had too. Look at how he played when Terrence Romeo, another scorer, played alongside him last conference. DId he try to prevent Romeo from scoring? No. He even mentored the youngin.
Merc isn’t all about his own game. He was coerced to it. With numerous options in his new team, expect him to play facilitator. Expect a deadly, and I mean deadly, pick-and-roll game between Sol and June Mar. Aside from that, Sol’s ability to get right at the rim will be essential. Life will be much easier for Fajardo because of that.
Let’s not forget about the addition of Rico Maierhofer, too. They got a scrappy, versatile forward who can play the 3 or the 4. This allows Arwind to play the high post without leaving a hole in the paint. At least, now, there’s a guy on this team who will actually try to go after loose balls and 50-50 possessions. They have been needing the puso factor for a long time. Rico can provide that.
Import
On paper, Josh Boone is easily the most impressive among the initial imports in the Commissioner’s Cup. He was drafted 23rd overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2006 NBA draft and played four years in the league. And while his stint didn’t jump out of the box, it’s nothing to be ashamed of either. In his sophomore year, at 23 years old, he averaged 8.2 points and 7.3 rebounds while playing alongside Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and Devin Harris. Oh, and Stromile Swift, too, in case you cared.
However, Boone admits that he is still in the process of adjusting to the timezone and climate of the Philippines. In their preseason game against Barako Bull, he put up a rather disappointing display. He racked up 16 points only while counterpart, Josh Dollard, posted 41. But hey, that was the preseason.
You know what bothers me? This situation seems familiar. Remember the last time this franchise brought in an NBA first rounder, best-on-paper import? I bet you do. Yup, Renaldo Balkman.
Oh geez. Please, no déjà vu.
Prediction
Provided the drama was left behind with the Petron name, things should look up for the Beermen. They have a new guard who opens up a lot of opportunities for them. They have a new lengthy forward who brings to the table something that has been missing from this team. They have a new coach. And most of all, they have a new name – one that associates itself with something much better than a telenovela.
A finals appearance wouldn’t be too far from reach for SMB. But saying they’ll win the championship is speaking far too soon. You can’t deny that it’s possible, though. Given that this team is stacked and has three of the top 10 players in the league right now, not making the semis should be considered a disappointment.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-san-miguel-beermen/)
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Air21 spoils Jarencio's Globalport coaching debut behind import Lamizana's second half explosion (1st game of the Commissioner's Cup - 03/05/14)
MPORT Herve Lamizana came alive in the second half, while Mark Borboran had a crucial steal and two pressure-packed free throws down the stretch as Air21 subdued Globalport, 83-78, and spoil the PBA coaching debut of Pido Jarencio at the start of the Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 33-year-old Lamizana exploded for 20 of his 22 points in the final 24 minutes to make up for an anemic first half. He also added 10 rebounds and had five block shots, the last of which came at the expense of a driving Globalport import Evan Brock just when the Batang Pier was trailing, 79-78.
Borboran meanwhile, sank two free throws and then stripped Mark Macapagal of the basketball to preserve the hard-earned win for the Express.
“It’s a good thing in the second half, our import stepped up his game. I was kind of hard at him at halftime, so I told him that this is an import-laden conference so the import should take over,” Air21 coach Franz Pumaren said after the game.
The 6-foot-9 Lamizana took the cue from there, taking charge in a scorching third quarter effort that saw him score 16 of Air21’s 26 points to turn a five-point halftime deficit into a 66-56 lead entering the final quarter.
The Batang Pier crawled their way back in the final period and managed to grab the upperhand at 78-77 on a split free throw by Brock.
But they failed to convert on their last five attempts inside the final minute that hastened their downfall.
Joseph Yeo added 21 points for the Express, while Asi Taulava and Macmac Cardona chipped in 14 and 11, respectively.
Brock led the Batang Pier with a 20-20 effort, finishing with 28 points and 26 rebounds.
New recruit Alex Cabagnot debuted for Globalport with four points, four rebounds, and eight assists.
The scores
Air21 (83) -- Lamizana 22, Yeo 21, Taulava 14, Cardona 11, Borboran 6, Villanueva 4, Burtscher 2, Sharma 2, Jaime 0, Poligrates 0, Matias 0, Camson 0, Manuel 0.
Globalport (78) -- Brock 28, Chua 10, Washington 9, Macapagal 8, Custodio 8, Cabagnot 4, Garcia 4, Romeo 3, Yee 2, Salva 2, Nabong 0, Ponferada 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscores: 22-14; 40-45; 66-56; 83-78.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/air21-spoils-jarencios-globalport-coaching-debut-behind-import-lamizanas-second-half-explosion)
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Talk 'N Text throws wrench in Alaska's title defense bid (03/05/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters sent defending champions Alaska Aces to a horrible start in the PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup with a convincing 85-72 drubbing on Wednesday, March 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Texters relied on teamwork behind the leadership of veteran guard Jimmy Alapag with his energy on defense. He had 11 points and 6 assists.
"He really orchestrated the team well today. He was ahead of our defense, he was the one pressuring their point guards," TNT head coach Norman Black commended Alapag.
He added: "It's a great start for us. I'm happy for the team, I'm happy for our import."
Texters import Richard Howell had a good debut, finishing with 15 points.
"He's not really a great offensive player. But he's a good defender and a good rebounder," explained Black.
True enough, the 6-foot-8 Howell collared 30 rebounds all on his own.
The Texters pulled away in the second and never looked back, even as Alaska repeatedly pressured them.
Entering the fourth, Alaska tried spearheading a fightback as they quickly scored 6 straight points to make it 73-59. Alaska came as close as 75-62 on a Calvin Abueva triple before completed and-one plays from Alapag and Howell doused water on whatever momentum the 2013 Commissioner's Cup champions had.
The 20-point hole, 73-53, that TNT built after 3 quarters proved too much to overcome for an Alaska squad raring to bounce back from a lackluster Philippine Cup.
The Texters were searing from three-point land (9-of-25) that by the third period, as Alaska was clawing back up from 11 points down, a pair of triples from KG Canaleta and Alapag broke Alaska's back at the 2:33 mark of the third. Howell then scored another two points in the ensuing play as the lead climbed up to 69-52 once again.
A gritty opening canto featured Alaska and Talk 'N Text in a standoff for who could break the other first and pull away. The first 12 minutes ended in a deadlock at 22.
By the second period, Alaska continued being horrible at the stripe, going 6-of-15 for the entire first half. Their field goals weren't good enough, too, as the Aces settled for 13 points in the second frame. While the Texters improved from the first period with 23 points as they finished the first half up 45-35.
Ranidel de Ocampo paced the Texters with 21 points--16 of which he poured in the first 24 minutes--to go with 10 rebounds.
Alaska import Rob Dozier, who bagged the Best Import plum of the 2013 Commissioner's Cup, registered 16 points and 10 rebounds. Calvin Abueva notched multiple attempts to turn things around for his team but couldn't get the job done. He ended up with 16 points and 14 boards.
Scores:
Talk 'N Text (85): De Ocampo 21, Howell 15, Castro 12, Alapag 11, Canaleta 9, Reyes Ry. 8, Fonacier 5, Reyes Ro. 2, Carey 2, Baclao 0.
Alaska (72): Dozier 16, Abueva 16, Baguio 13, Thoss 8, Jazul 7, Casio 5, Espinas 3, Dela Cruz 2, Hontiveros 2.
Quarters: 22-22, 45-35, 73-53, 85-72.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52264-talk-n-text-throws-wrench-in-alaska-s-title-defense-bid)
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PBA CommCup Preview: Meralco Bolts
The Meralco Bolts had some electrifying moments back in the Philippine Cup, like when they shocked Barangay Ginebra in their first meeting and almost had them beat in another if not for Japeth Aguilar’s buzzer beater, or that time Gary David engaged KG Canaleta (then with Air21) in a shootout, but there really wasn’t much else. Save for that moment when Jared Dillinger almost laid the smack down on Calvin Abueva, the Bolts have to live up to their name and develop an identity if they want to be competitive for the Commissioner’s Cup.
Philippine Cup Recap: 5-9 (lost in do-or-die game vs Alaska for last spot in the quarterfinals)
Meralco had to fight for every inch of victory that they had in the Philippine Cup with a crew that had to battle various injuries, at one point having no healthy point guard that Jared Dillinger had to slide down to the 1 and sacrifice his scoring to run the offense for the team. They went through a losing streak with games that could have gone either way, they’ve had wins that required Gary David exploding for 30+ points, and went toe-to-toe with runners up Rain or Shine in a do-or-die game that needed a heckuva buzzer beater from JR Quinahan to finally put the Bolts away. Meralco showed they can pack a wallop, in the Commissioner’s Cup, they need to show they can knock teams out.
If Mike Cortez’s knee isn’t good to go, Jared Dillinger will have to get used to playing the point full-time, and I’m sure Coach Ronnie Magsanoc will be happy to preach the point guard gospel to JD. The onus will be on Rey Guevarra, Sunday Salvacion, and John Wilson to try and make sure production doesn’t dip at the small forward spot.
Additions/Subtractions: None
As of the moment Meralco seems intent on developing chemistry with all the new acquisitions and the team vets, and that’s not too bad. The combination of Cliff Hodge, Reynel Hugnatan, and John Wilson makes Meralco the Juan Manuel Marquez of the PBA. Like Dinamita, these three players can confuse and disrupt opponents with their signature style of play. Just like a kontrapelo counterpuncher. Hodge’s motor and athleticism baffles bigger, slower frontliners. Ditto with Reynel and his low-post craftiness. And hey, name one defender in the league that’s figured out that it doesn’t matter how quick and athletic you are, you WILL be hypnotized by the behind-the-head, slow-mo catapult shooting motion of John Wilson and he will blow past you if you bite the bait.
If Cliff Hodge and Reynel Hugnatan stay healthy, Meralco’s frontline has a chance against the league’s giants. Hodge got hurt early last conference with a badly sprained ankle and that left the Bolts without their best rebounder and intangibles guy for a long stretch. Health will be an issue for the Bolts. The Daredevil experiment at point guard will very interesting to watch as the Bolts try to ride the hot shooting hands of El Granada heading into the Commissioner’s Cup.
Import: Brian Butch (played NCAA ball for Wisconsin, former NBA D-League All Star, All-Star MVP, played for various NBA teams during the preseason)
6-11 center Brian Butch will be the Bolts’ reinforcement for the Commissioner’s Cup, a former NBA D-League All Star MVP who put up over 14 points and 8 rebounds a game during his D-League tenure. He reminds me somewhat of former Petron Blaze import Nick Fazekas, a crafty finisher in the post who can knock down jumpers from mid-range all the way out.
Prediction: Semifinals at best, especially if Gary David torches the league anew and Brian Butch proves to be a strong center. Bottom 2 at worst if injuries take toll on key guys.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-meralco-bolts/)
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PBA CommCup Preview: Alaska Aces
Time to try and re-create that championship magic and defend the crown for the Alaska Aces. They’re bringing the old band back, Rob Dozier Jr.’s in it for one more ride, and the Gatas Republik are thirsty for something to cheer for.
Philippine Cup Recap: 5-9 (Quarterfinals, lost to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel)
In the recently concluded Philippine Cup, the Alaska Aces still had familiar names on the floor, but their game just didn’t look the same. There were flashes of brilliance, especially when they survived multiple sudden death games, but for the most part of the season the Aces suffered through a forgettable conference. The team just didn’t have the necessary oomph. Hopefully the return of reigning Best Import Robert Dozier Jr. will give them back that winning feeling as the defending PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions try to protect the throne.
I ran into JVee Casio at the Hoop Center on the way to the Slam Rising Stars Challenge, and the hotshot point man had a simple analysis on the Aces Philippine Cup woes: “Minsan late kami nagigising sa laro. Paggising namin, either nahabol na kami or nalamangan na kami. Andun naman yung execution and teamwork, we just have to keep playing together and really finish the job.”
Gabby Espinas had a similar take on it. “Kailangan bawat isa sa amin, nanghahawa ng energy. Lalo na nga lumakas yung mga team sa PBA, kami ang magagawa namin, magtiwala sa isa’t-isa, doblehin ang sipag. Kaya naman eh.”
Additions/Subtractions: None
Alaska has to prove that they can keep up with a league where almost every team has reloaded. Sonny has to face 6’10″ local bigs. JVee has to deal with big guards like Sol Mercado and young guns like Terrence Romeo. This conference, I am expecting coach Luigi Trillo to utilize Chris Exciminiano, Ryan Buenafe, and Aldrech Ramos more, only to be unpredictable. People already know what the veterans will be bringing every night, and the productivity of those guys could be the shot in the arm the Aces need especially in grind-it-out games. Exciminiano’s name is synonymous with defense, but this guy can create his own shot if you trust him with the rock. Buenafe brings ball-handling and court vision to the 3-spot. Ramos has extended his range and is a solid rebounder and weak-side shotblocker. If the locals play like they did during the quarterfinals when they survived multiple do-or-die games to force another one against a very powerful Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, utilizing physicality and razor-sharp execution, then Robert Dozier won’t have to do too much for the team. When they swept their way to the title last season, Dozier didn’t have to be a lone gunslinger trying to shoot every damn time; he had a very dangerous inside threat in Sonny Thoss, an even more deadly outside threat in a healthy combination of JVee Casio and Dondon Hontiveros, a hard-to-guard Cyrus Baguio who did damage from everywhere, a solid operator in Gabby Espinas, and a focused Calvin Abueva. The Beast is AWESOME when he’s just zoned in on playing ball. All those flagrant fouls and unnecessary physical play don’t get him or his team anywhere. Now it doesn’t excuse other players from being extremely physical against him, but Calvin has to rise above that because his inexhaustible effort allows him to drive his team to greater heights.
Import: Rob Dozier Jr. (returning import, reigning Commissioner’s Cup Best Import)
Now this gets tricky: Rob Dozier has been inactive for months, having played his last professional game during the title clincher of last year’s Commissioner’s Cup Finals (!!!) and only scrimmaging during his offseason after a deal with a league in China didn’t push through. On one hand, he could be rusty, depending on what workout he did and how competitive his scrimmages were. On the other, there’s the fact that he’s fresh and injury free, ready to be that swiss army knife Luigi Trillo can use to plug the holes in the Aces’ system.
Prediction: Finals at best, Quarterfinals at worst.
If the new guys can find ways to get into the rotation and be productive, then the veterans won’t have to play heavy minutes and Alaska will suddenly be a deeper team. Barring health issues from one of the league’s deadliest guard-big man combos in Casio and Thoss, and should the Bruise Brothers Part 2 of Espinas and Abueva find a way to be productive while staying out of trouble, I’d say the Alaska Aces may find themselves back on the big stage for the last dance.
From SLAM Philippines (http://www.slamonlineph.com/pba-commcup-preview-alaska-aces/)
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NLEX files letter of intent to formalize bid to put up PBA expansion team
PERENNIAL D-League champion NLEX has made official its intention to join the PBA.
No less than NLEX team manager Ronald Dulatre confirmed the development to Spin.ph a day after he personally submitted the letter of intent to the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Wednesday noon.
“It has been submitted. Yes, we want to elevate the level of this team. Everybody knows naman how successful our run in the D-League is. So I guess, it’s time for us to move up and join the prime league in the country … that’s the PBA,” said Dulatre.
“We firmly believe that the PBA is a good medium to showcase the talent of our players as well as the brand name of our companies under Metro Pacific, Investments,” said the youthful team official.
The jump to the pro ranks seemed a logical next step for the Road Warriors, who have won five of the first six championships contested in the PBA's developmental league.
NLEX is the third team to pass a Letter of Intent to join the pro league after Blackwater Sports and Kia Motors, whose applications are being discussed by the league board at posting time.
If ever, NLEX will become the third team under the MVP group to join the league after Talk 'N Text and Meralco.
Dulatre has long backed the move to bring the Road Warriors to the PBA, having broached the idea to Spin.ph as early as December of 2012.
“Matagal naman nang ripe ang team na ito sa pro ranks. In fact, dapat noon pa. Andami naming players na malalaki dati that we could have brought up,” said Dulatre while naming Ian Sangalang, Gregory Slaughter, Calvin Abueva, Clifford Hodge and Chris Ellis, among others.
“Sa ngayon, we feel we are ready. We still have marquee players in our fold,” he said.
The current core of NLEX is made up of reserve players of the national team under the Gilas cadet program, namely Kevin Louie Alas, Matt Ganuelas, Jakes Pascual, Ronald Pascual and Garvo Lanete.
“If given the chance, we can bring them with us and assure PBA fans that we can immediately compete with the PBA holdovers and the new teams coming in,” bared the soft-spoken team manager who has built and rebuilt the NLEX squad since the D-League began four years ago.
Once accepted into the PBA fold, Dulatre said the Road Warriors plans to carry the colors of Metro Pacific, Investments, which also controls Maynilad, St. Luke’s Hospital and other utilities and services under the Manny V. Pangilinan group.
“Ito ang alam naming medium to help promote the other companies of the group,” said Dulatre.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/nlex-files-letter-of-intentpba-dleague-nlex-letter-of-intent-basketball-ronald-dulatre)
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PBA board to tackle proposal to let Gilas play as guest team in Governors Cup
PBA commissioner Chito Salud said the league is more than willing to revisit a proposal to have Gilas Pilipinas play as a guest team in the season-ending Governors Cup after it was brought up again in the board's meeting on Thursday.
Salud admitted a guest appearance for the World Cup-bound Gilas has been the subject of formal and informal talks in the board in recent months, and it was brought to the fore again when league chairman Mon Segismundo made the proposal in Thursday's meeting.
"The possibility of Gilas team joining the third conference has been discussed (in the board meeting). And the idea has already been discussed in the past, both formally and informally," Salud said after emerging from the board's monthly board meeting at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City.
Salud classified Gilas' case as "important," owing to the national squad's legitimate need to prepare for the world championships in Spain and the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
The Fiba world basketball showpiece is slated from late August 30-September 14, while the Asian Games is set from September 19-October 4.
"It (Gilas joining the Governors Cup) was re-proposed again today (Thursday), as proposed by chairman (Seuigsmundo). So the board will revisit it with the due importance it deserves and will deliberate on it with openness and creativity," stressed Salud.
The practice of having the national team play as a guest entry in the pro league has been done several times in the past, the being the Smart Gilas team under then Serbian coach Rajko Toroman which joined the 2009-10 PBA Philippine Cup.
The Toroman-led Smart Gilas squad finished the tournament with a 3-6 win-loss record.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-board-to-tackle-proposal-to-let-gilas-play-as-guest-team-in-governors-cup)
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The road to PBA expansion
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) played its first game in 1975. They had 9 teams then. Now, 39 years later, the PBA has 10 teams—only one more than when they first started all those decades ago.
Like any organization that has stood the test of time, the PBA also experienced its ups and downs. These days, Asia’s oldest professional basketball league is going through a tremendous resurgence as it makes its way back into the public's main stream of consciousness. As a result, the demand for expansion has never been greater.
Rising demand
In 2012, 71 rookies applied for the annual PBA Rookie Draft, where teams can select a new breed of young players. Of the 71 applicants, 58 were eligible and 39 rookies were selected.
For 2013, the number of rookie hopefuls rose to 85 as the draft reached a seventh round. Only 44 rookies were drafted. Moreover, even those with contracts found themselves on the reserve list since each team is allowed to play only 14 players at any given conference.
Jens Knuttel, a former FEU Tamaraw who took time in the PBA Developmental League or D-League after graduation, was one of the 44 rookies of 2013. The 5-foot-9 guard graduated in 2010 and was the last pick by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. He has a contract but is not lined up.
He isn’t quite here or there yet in the PBA.
“I came from the D-League. Hindi pa rin ako nakalaro ng first game ko sa PBA,” he said. (I came from the D-League. I have not yet played my first game in the PBA.)
Seasoned veterans have also slowly slipped through the cracks to make way for new blood.
For these reasons, the league has long been urged by many to add more teams. But the influx of young talented cagers in 2013 turns the idea of expansion from a gentle suggestion to widespread clamor.
According to long-time sports agent Danny Espiritu, the abundance of talent should be enough reason for the PBA to welcome more teams.
“Sana magdagdag sila ng teams kasi sayang ang mga players eh. Ang daming players na walang trabaho dahil sa kulang yung teams natin,” he said. (I hope they add teams because there are plenty of players. So many players are without jobs because we have no teams.)
The clamor is underscored by the league’s skyrocketing popularity over the past year. The historic feat achieved by national men’s basketball team Gilas Pilipinas—a team bannered by PBA professional players—in the 2013 FIBA Asia tourney drew even more attention to the PBA.
Without question, this is the most opportune time to actively campaign for new teams—if only to continue cultivating Filipino basketball talent.
The players’ plight
Does the name Ken Bono still ring a bell? What about Reil Cervantes, still remember him?
Those names used to reverberate throughout an entire arena not long ago, with strangers screaming the syllables in unison as some included it in whispered prayers. Others threw it in between conversations of their school basketball teams.
But now those names can probably be found on a “Where Are They Now?” list.
Both Bono and Cervantes wanted to carry their college momentum as they headed for the pro league. But for one reason or another, neither was able to sustain it.
Bono, 29, was a former Adamson Soaring Falcons star named UAAP Most Valuable Player in 2006. He was then drafted 6th overall by the Alaska Aces in 2007. The 6-foot-5 forward/center was expected to flourish in the pros. But it was the complete opposite.
“Unsteady,” Bono summarized his 7-year PBA journey. “Sometimes (I’m on the) lineup, sometimes reserve. So far now, (I’m a) reserve for almost a year already.”
In his 7 years, Bono admits he lost the confidence he once flaunted in the amateur ranks. His expectations were far from reality, too.
“Kasi nung time na yun (2007) I have a confidence na magagamit ako ng PBA noon eh,” he explained. “But no. Hindi naman natin hawak lahat.” (At that time I had confidence that I will be used in the PBA. But no. We don’t have control over everything.)
Bono, who has played for 5 teams so far in the PBA, has been with the San Mig Super Coffee franchise for almost two years now. But his contract expired at the end of the recently concluded Philippine Cup, leaving him, as of this writing, in a state of limbo as he waits to be renewed or to be let go.
“I don't know kung ano mangyayari sa akin ngayon,” he said. “Pag wala (contract), hanap ako ng ibang team.” (I don’t know what will happen to me now. If there’s no contract, I’ll just look for another team.)
Either way, he must find a way to play and earn in order to support his 2-year old son.
The 27-year old Cervantes, on the other hand, achieved his dream of playing in the PBA when he was drafted 9th overall by the Barangay Ginebra Kings in 2011. The dream was cut short after his two-year contract expired and was never renewed.
When the former FEU standout was drafted, Cervantes recalled looking forward to a long career in the pros. But the 6-foot-4 forward/center is biding time in the D-League once again, working his way to a return to the PBA.
“Hindi ako nabigyan ng opportunity. Pero trabaho pa rin para mabigyan ulit ng chance sa pro.” (I wasn’t given the opportunity. But I’ll still work hard to get another chance at the pros.)
It’s players like Bono, Cervantes and Knuttel who will greatly benefit from at least a couple of new teams. They are the ones anxiously waiting in the wings for a break in their respective careers—perhaps with an all-new team.
New franchises knocking
It’s not as if the PBA has been deaf to the appeals for expansion.
Current PBA Chairman Ramon Seguismundo has made it his priority to add new teams during his term.
“One of our objectives, in accordance with our establishing a vibrant and dynamic basketball nation, is to create employment opportunities,” he explained.
“The PBA is at its height. We think of the players. We have such an abundance of supply of great players.”
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, the league’s eighth commissioner, has also been very open to new team applications.
In fact, Salud says the PBA is eyeing to add at least one team in the next two years.
“Within the next 2 years, a team. And in the next 5 years, two teams,” Salud said.
But 5 years may have come early.
Asia’s first play-for-pay league has already received letters of intent from two potential new franchises: Blackwater Sports (Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc.) and Kia Motors Corporation.
Seguismundo confirmed the PBA board will convene on Thursday, March 6 to discuss and evaluate the addition of the two prospective members.
Blackwater will be making its leap from the D-League, where it won a championship just last year. While Kia will be building a team from the ground up.
Seguismundo also said the MVP-owned NLEX Road Warriors, a 5-time champion in the D-League, is mulling jumping to the PBA. He mentioned another possible prospect that has not yet submitted a formal letter of intent to join the league, but is already making preliminary inquiries.
All applicants will undergo what Seguismundo describes as a “holistic evaluation.”
Seguismundo elaborated: “We look at the financial capability, we look at the willingness of the prospective team owners. Do they really have a genuine interest in basketball, do they really want to help the country?”
The news of Kia and Blackwater possibly joining automatically puts a smile on the face of Cervantes.
“Advantage din sa akin yun,” he said. “Sana makasama ako sa bagong team, makaakyat ako.” (That’s an advantage for me. I hope I can join the new team and return to the PBA.)
The expansion also seems to come at a perfect time for Bono.
“Kung hindi ako mabigyan ng contract dito (SMC) baka mag-tryout ako (for the new teams),” Bono remarked. (If I won’t be given a contract I might try out.)
Knuttel echoes the same sentiment, saying that while he still has a one-year contract with Ginebra, at least he knows there are more opportunities he can explore.
“Mas maraming teams, mas maraming opportunity for players.” (More teams mean more opportunities for players.)
Since being Commissioner in 2010, Salud welcomed a new team in GlobalPort Batang Pier in 2012 as a replacement to the Poweraide Tigers.
Salud believes the league is at the brink of expanding and exploring how far it can go.
“We have improved on our viewership. Record-breaking gate attendance and gate receipts,” he said. “I really believe that one or two teams would be easily, easily accommodated.”
Why only now?
While it is good that concrete steps are already being taken toward expanding, there is still the pressing question of why has it taken this long?
One major issue, Salud shares, is the rarity of legitimate takers.
"Inquiries, preliminary inquiries there are many," said Salud. "I have yet to see real, serious, legitimate intentions to join."
Seguismundo, on the other hand, cites the general lack of public knowledge about it.
“Maybe we just didn't tell the public that we were open,” he said.
“I think there's a sense of willingness on the part of the member teams right now to really be inclusive. Really broaden the participation and really raise the level of excitement.”
Another factor, and perhaps the most pressing one, is the undeniable fact that building a basketball franchise and running its operations requires a wealth of resources.
But what, exactly, does it take to start and run a team? What are the considerations?
First of all, according to Salud, anyone who wishes to put together a team and join the league must pay the franchise fee of P100 million. And from there, factor in operation costs.
“A new franchise is a hundred million. That's the franchise fee and then of course on a yearly basis you'll have your operating costs,” Salud explained.
A hundred million is not the end of it. For a team to run smooth operations for an entire year, one may either double or triple that amount, depending on expenses.
According to GlobalPort team owner Mikee Romero, the cost of team operations annually varies from team to team.
“Iba-iba yan eh (It varies), anywhere from a hundred to 200 million per team for a year. Nag-iiba iba yan (It changes),” he said.
There’s also the matter of personnel. “Manpower, players, and good coaches,” Salud said.
According to him, each team now has about 18 to 20 players in their rosters. But only 14 can be played while the rest are relegated to the reserve list.
This means about 40 to 60 players “may not be playing in any given tournament in the year,” and can be available for potential new teams.
Aside from those players, there is also plenty of talent in the previous draft pool to go with the abundance of ballers found in the D-League, which has 14 teams and about 13 players in each team.
Despite the high cost and huge effort of maintaining a PBA franchise, Romero says the returns are very much worth it. The public remembers the brand and players are walking advertisements.
“Yung recall naman on the company and the brand, talagang you will get it,” he said. “You will get the media mileage on the brand.” (You will really get the recall on the company and the brand.)
Seguismundo reiterates this point: “The PBA is a great investment. Look at it as the equivalent to an advertising expenditure. There are a lot of tangible and intangible benefits.”
The intense publicity, more than anything, should be enough to lure in brands. Rain or Shine is one brand reaping high rewards from their PBA investment.
“Rain or Shine, they're the market leader in their industry,” Seguismundo said.
“You can say that's all because of basketball, their exposure.”
Sharing a team
Bankrolling and managing a team is obviously no easy feat. Sports agent Espiritu offers an idea he thinks can lower the cost for corporate entities.
“Kung hindi kaya ng isang corporate entity na mag-maintain ng isang team, pwede naman sila mag-combine with another corporate entity with products na hindi competing,” he said. (If a corporate entity cannot maintain a team, it can combine with another corporate entity with non-competing products.)
Expounding further, Espiritu says that brands can share the team name, alternating every few conferences or seasons.
If this option is to prosper, two very willing parties must go through plenty of details especially when it comes to branding.
Exactly how much mileage this kind of setup can produce is still unknown, considering that teams will be changing names every so often. The public’s perception will also be a factor.
Though both Seguismundo and Salud are open to the idea.
“Well, that has never been done before. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible,” Salud said.
Seguismundo added: “Usually it's one team owner. I think it's better that way but if there's people willing to band together I don't see any reason why we can't evaluate that.”
No threat to existing teams
Unbalanced exposure, Salud says, isn’t something teams should worry about.
According to him, “it’s just a matter of reconfiguring the format” and making sure that broadcast exposure is equally divided among all teams whether they qualify for the playoffs or not.
“Exposure-wise, that's covered,” he assured. “I don't think there will be any kind of delusion when it comes to exposure even if two teams were to come in today.”
Romero, for one, is looking forward to having a new team on board and is not at all concerned about sharing exposure.
“Very welcome. I hope that a new franchise will open soon.”
Kaye Cabal, a longtime PBA fan, also believes the benefits of a couple of new franchises far outweigh any disadvantages.
“Medyo matagal na rin yung 10-team setup. Ang daming rookies naga-apply every year and ang dami rin nadi-displace na veterans in the process,” Cabal, 22, shared her thoughts. “Siyempre hindi lang ito passion for the athletes, source of income din for their family.”
(We’ve had the 10-team setup for a while already. Plenty of rookies apply every year and plenty of veterans are displaced in the process. Of course this isn’t just passion for the athletes, it’s also a source of income for their family.”
She added: “I think PBA is ready for at least two more teams. More exciting games for the fans. In the end, more pros than cons for all.”
This necessary growth for the PBA is 39 years in the making. But the long wait may finally be over.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52216-the-road-to-pba-expansion)
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yon naman pala eh, clamor na ng karamihan. . EXPANSION na. Ano pa inaantay mo Komi?
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Countdown to April as PBA weighs three companies' application for membership
PHILIPPINE Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Chito Salud has set an April deadline to decide on the applications of three top companies for expansion franchises in the league.
The decision was reached on Thursday following the regular meeting of the league board under chairman Ramon Segismundo where the league tackled the letter of intents from Columbian Autocar Corp., and Ever Bilena Inc. and Metro Pacific Investment Corp, the mother company of NLEX.
Of the three, Salud said only NLEX has yet to submit its company profile, having tendered its letter of intent to the PBA office just last Wednesday.
Columbian Autocar Corp. is the local distributor of Kia while Ever Bilena is the parent company of the Blackwater Sports team of Dioceldo Sy in the D-League.
Once everything have been received by his office, Salud said he’ll start conducting due diligence on the financial capacity of these three corporations and determine whether or not the applicants are capable of "sustaining, operating, and maintaining a competitive team in the PBA in the long range."
“And after only I am done with that due diligence of looking at their financial, liquidity, and growth rate, then that’s the only time I will make a formal recommendation to the board for its decision,” said Salud shortly after the meeting at the PBA office that lasted almost three hours.
He added, “The approval of this application would be April of this year. And until such time, we will have no further statement because we do not want to preempt our board.”
As expansion team, Salud said accepted applicants will be required to pay a new standard franchise fee of P100 million.
The approval of the three new franchise holders will need at least three-fourth votes from the existing membership of the league which is made up of 10 teams.
“That means eight votes to get in,” Salud stressed.
The recommendation of Salud will be presented to the board in time for its regular meeting in April after which, it will be determined whether a new expansion team or teams for that matter are going to be accepted in time for the league’s 40th season in October of this year.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/countdown-to-april-as-pba-weighs-three-companies-application-for-membership)
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Boom or bust? Boone under scrutiny in debut as SMB brings in new import, says online report
San Miguel Beer import Josh Boone could be playing his first and last game on Friday night if he fails to impress when the new-look Beermen debut against the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
According to a report posted by online sports site RealGM, NBA veteran Kevin Jones has left his D-League club to join the Beermen in the Philippines even before Boone could make his debut for the team.
The online report said Jones, who spent a part of last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA, has already left D-League side Canton Charge with the intention of signing with the Beermen soon.
Sought for confirmation by Spin.ph, newly appointed San Miguel coach Biboy Ravanes neither confirmed nor denied the report, saying Boone remains the team's import until management decides otherwise.
“Josh Boone is our player until we say otherwise,” Ravanes told Spin.ph on Friday. “Any other personnel questions can be directed to management.”
Team insiders admitted the 6-9 Boone, who played four seasons for the New Jersey Nets in the NBA, is struggling to regain top form after a long layoff due to a knee injury last year.
In the team’s only pre-conference tuneup game against Barako Bull which San Miguel lost, 110-114, Boone scored just 16 points and was totally outplayed by counterpart Josh Dollard.
The former member of the 2004 US NCAA champions Connecticut Huskies is set to debut on Friday evening against the Bolts, where he’ll be ranged against Meralco’s reinforcement Brian Butch.
On how he'll fare in that game will most likely dictate his fate with the Beermen.
According to RealGM, Jones’ NBA D-League stats include 16.9 points and 8.0 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game for the Canton Charge.
The former West Virginia stalwart also appeared in 32 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2012-13 season where he averaged 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in 10.5 minutes a game.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/boom-or-bust-boone-under-scrutiny-in-debut-as-smb-brings-in-new-import-says-online-report)
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Tim Cone says 'deeper, mentally tough' San Mig hungry for more PBA championships
Multi-titled coach Tim Cone said winning back-to-back PBA titles has in no way diminished San Mig Super Coffee’s drive to win more championships even though veterans like James Yap, Peter June Simon, Marc Pingris and Joe Devance have been slowed down this season due to injuries.
In fact, Cone said he has reasons to believe that his current roster is much deeper compared to what he had the past two seasons - and therefore better equipped to cope with the demands of another title run.
“I don’t think motivation is an issue for these guys (Mixers). They enjoy winning (championships). They will just come out and play at a high level,” Cone told Spin.ph during the Mixers’ victory party on Thursday night held at the San Miguel Corp. head office in Pasig.
With rookies Ian Sangalang, Justin Melton and sophomore guard Alex Mallari playing big off the bench during the Philippine Cup playoffs leading to the franchise’s 11th PBA title overall, the 56-year-old San Mig coach believes they have enough energy to sustain their title aspirations this season.
“Our second group should be able to maintain the energy. We have a combination of a veteran core and young group,” he added.
Cone has steered San Mig to back-to-back PBA titles, having won the Governors Cup last season via a 4-3 conquest of Petron, before the team’s 4-2 Finals win over Rain or Shine last week.
In all, the American mentor has now won 16 PBA championships, making him the all-time most successful coach in the history of Asia’s first play-for-pay basketball league, surpassing his idol, the venerable Baby Dalupan.
The Mixers were already back in practice on Thursday as they begin preparing for their first game in the mid-season conference against the GlobalPort Batang Pier next Wednesday.
Cone believes incoming import James Mays is a nice fit for the Mixers in the import-spiced conference.
“We like him (Mays) a lot. He can play with great energy. He defends well,” said Cone of their American reinforcement.
Cone said he doesn’t need Mays to light up the scoreboard for the Mixers given the numerous gunners they have in the team.
“I don’t think he’s a guy who will score 45 points for us. But I think he’ll do a lot of things and help us,” he added.
Mays, who arrived in Manila last January, played for the Springfield Armor in the NBA Development League in the 2012-13 season where he was eventually named to the Prospects All-Star roster for the 2013 NBA D-League All-Star Game.
He also had stops with the Maine Red Claws before being traded to the Sioux Falls Skyforce in exchange for Gabe Pruitt.
He also joined the San Antonio Spurs for the 2013 NBA Summer League.
The 230-pound Mays is also no stranger to overseas basketball, having played for the Beijing Ducks in China followed by stints in Puerto Rico and Turkey.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/tim-cone-says-deeper-mentally-tough-san-mig-hungry-for-more-pba-championships)
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Beermen return with a bang, pummel Meralco (03/07/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The comebacking San Miguel Beermen sent out a loud and clear message to the rest of the league in their first game back with the iconic team name.
The Beermen, who switched back to their famous name at the end of the Philippine Cup after carrying the Petron Blaze Boosters name from 2011-2014, came out firing in their debut in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolusion Commissioner's Cup as they pummeled the Meralco Bolts, 94-76, on Friday, March 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Talagang we need this win, there's a lot of pressure for us, dahil Petron and San Miguel," said newly appointed coach Biboy Ravanes after the game. "We just told our players to just play our game." (We really need this win, there's a lot if pressure for us because of Petron and San Miguel.)
"Just really happy for the win. We're just trying to create some chemistry," added active consultant Todd Purves.
San Miguel remained consistent with their offense in the first half, dropping 20 points each in the first two periods. But it was their defense that handed them their first victory in the import-laden conference as they allowed Meralco only 9 points in the second frame.
The Beermen managed to be dominant despite playing without sophomore bigman June Mar Fajardo who sat out due to a left ankle sprain.
Their import Josh Boone, who reportedly will be replaced with a new import, was also out for long stretches of the game due to foul trouble. He finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds.
"I'd like to commend our import Josh," said Ravanes. "Alam niyang papalitan siya but he still played. We appreciate his professionalism." (He knows he will be replaced but he still played.)
Ravanes and Purves made no announcement just yet of a replacement import.
San Miguel sizzled from rainbow country in the second half, drilling 5 of their 6 triples.
Chris Lutz notched the biggest lead of the game at the 6:29 mark of the fourth with a completed 4-point play to make it 80-60.
San Miguel also produced 26 second-chance points as they dominated the boards 56-49.
The Bolts failed to space the floor and execute sufficient ball movement, registering a dismal 8 assists for the entire game. Whereas San Miguel dished out 27.
Arwind Santos and Doug Kramer added 16 and 14 markers, respectively, for San Miguel.
While Meralco import Brian Butch carried the Bolts with a double-double of 29 points and 21 rebounds. Gary David chipped in 20 markers as well.
Scores:
San Miguel: 94: Boone 16, Santos 16, Kramer 14, Lassiter 12, Mercado 8, Tubid 7, Duncil 6, Lutz 6, Hubalde 4, Ross 4, Maierhofer 1, Taha 0.
Meralco 76: Butch 29, David 20, Hugnatan 8, Hodge 7, Wilson 5, Al-Hussaini 4, Caram 2, Artadi 1, Ildefonso 0, Salvacion 0, Guevarra 0, Dillinger 0.
Quarter scores: 20-20, 40-29, 69-52, 94-76.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52453-pba-beermen-return-with-bang-pummel-meralco)
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Ginebra pounces on Barako Bull lapses, Dollard disqualification to win in OT (03/07/14)
BARANGAY Ginebra pounced on crucial lapses by Barako Bull as well as the disqualification on fouls of import Joshua Dollard to pull off a 108-104 win in overtime in the two teams' debuts in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings made a hard slog of the match and struggled to put away a Barako Bull side that played rookies Jeric Fortuna and Carlo Lastimosa for much of the final stretch, needing a clutch three-pointer from sophomore Chris Ellis to send the game to overtime.
Not until Dollard picked up his sixth and final foul off Japeth Aguilar entering the final minute of extra time did Ginebra finally take control of a match that, curiously, had assistant coach Juno Sauler - and not Ato Agustin - mapping out the plays on the Kings bench.
“Iyung breaks went to our side, especially yung crucial part ng game. Of course, yung adjustment namin sa new system, eh kasi, nag-iba yung plays namin,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.
Dollard led all scorers with 45 points but could only watch from the bench when Leon Rodgers made two free throws and LA Tenorio another charity to put the game away for Ginebra, 108-104.
In between, Fortuna, the former starting guard of University of Santo Tomas in the college leagues, missed on a three-pointer that could have tied the score for Barako Bull.
Still, Ginebra needed all the breaks it could get to pull off the victory. They got one in overtime when Denok Miranda called a timeout which Barako didn't have, leading to a Rodgers free throw.
Barako Bull, which led by five points late in regulation, also failed to control the rebound after two misses from beyond the three-point arc by Japeth Aguilar and Mark Caguioa, setting the stage for Ellis' trey that sent the game into overtime.
Agustin said for the early part of the import-spiced conference, he will allow Sauler to map out the plays during timeouts, though he reiterated that he’s simply reinforcing whatever they have talked about during the conference break.
“Lahat naman eh, collectively, nagtutulong-tulong ang mga coaches. Lahat ng mga ideas, we’re trying to change some of the plays kasi from last conference,” he added.
The Ginebra coach added that fans could expect Sauler to simply implement whatever game plan they have prepared in future games.
“Yes sa kanya (Sauler) na (game board). Pero iyung preparation naman ng game plan, one page dapat kasi dun pa lang sa preparation. Ganun na talaga yung mangyayari for the future games,” he said.
Rodgers, who earned a reputation as a solid scorer in the Chinese Basketball Association, led the Gin Kings with 31 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Chris Ellis added 17, including two huge three-point shots late in the game.
The scores:
Ginebra 108 - Rodgers 31, Ellis 17, Aguilar 14, Slaughter 12, Caguioa 12, Tenorio 9, Reyes 8, Mamaril 3, Urbiztondo 2, Baracael 0, Monfort 0.
Barako Bull 104 - Dollard 45, Pennisi 12, Lastimosa 10, Intal 7, Miranda 7, Wilson 6, Buenafe 6, Jensen 5, Fortuna 5, Pena 1, Deutchman 0, Isip 0, Miller 0, Marcelo 0.
Quarterscores: 22-23, 51-52, 73-70, 93-93, 108-104
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-pounces-on-barako-bull-lapses-dollard-disqualification-to-win-in-ot)
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Ginebra coaching set-up takes new twist as Sauler given a 'more active role'
THE coaching set-up at Barangay Ginebra had just gotten a new twist.
Longtime assistant Juno Sauler explained that he’s taken an 'active role’ in calling the shots for the Kings, stressing it was something that management wanted him to do at the start of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Ato Agustin remains very much the head coach of the league’s most popular team as Sauler said he was merely tasked to 'implement’ the game plan during timeouts, a set-up that definitely puzzled a lot of people especially after Sauler was caught on live television mapping the plays for the Kings in their huddle during the game against Barako Bull Friday night.
“It’s just collective effort from everyone (in the coaching staff). It’s a sharing of ideas with the coaches present, so we’re active than usual,” Sauler told sports scribes just before leaving the dugout of Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum following the Kings’ 108-104 win over the Energy in overtime.
But Sauler explained the game plan was something the Ginebra coaching staff deliberated upon before and after practices to ensure they have a clear-cut approach to every game this conference.
“Before we practice and after practice. coaches have debates on what to do. It just so happened that I was tasked to have it implemented during games,” he said.
Calls for order at the Ginebra bench – with too many voices being heard during timeout huddles -- came following the Kings’ ouster in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup despite finishing the elimination round as the top seeded team.
Shortly after the disappointing finish, reports came out that Agustin resigned from his post, which San Miguel management quickly denied and said the former league MVP turned coach will still call the shots for the franchise.
Despite the sudden development, Sauler maintained he’s still committed to coaching La Salle in the coming UAAP season, saying his “active role” with the Kings is only at least for this conference as per management’s directive.
“Since it’s the offseason in the UAAP, now I have more time. They (management) asked me to have a bigger role and responsibility because during the UAAP season, I won’t be there (in the Ginebra practice),” explained the soft-spoken Sauler, who steered La Salle to the UAAP men’s championship last year.
“Ngayon, it depends on management. But I don’t know what will happen after this conference, especially when the UAAP starts.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-coaching-set-up-takes-new-twist-as-sauler-given-a-more-active-role)
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Naguguluhan na rin ako sa set-up ng mga SMC teams (maliban siguro sa SanMig Coffee), papalit palit players at coaches halos every conference na lang. Wala silang tiyaga, gusto winner agad. Di naman ganun, look at Rain Or Shine, nagtiis muna sila sa baba then nung naging solid na ung nucleus ng team at nasanay na sa system ni kalbo, un naging contender na sila every conference.
Paano nga madevelop ang team chemistry at ung system ng coach kung kada conference na lang magpalit ng coach, ng players. Masyado ng ganid sa panalo ang mga SMC teams na mga ito. At pag di sila nag-champion, sibak ang head coach (example si Gee Abanilla sa Petron ngayon San Miguel na).
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Unforgiving defense, Rob Dozier's late explosion carry Alaska past GlobalPort (03/08/14)
ROBERT Dozier led Alaska's relentless fourth quarter blitzkrieg as the defending champion Aces atoned for a disappointing debut with a convincing 93-77 victory over GlobalPort in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Paced well by coach Luigi Trillo during the first three quarters, the 6-9 Dozier came out smoking in the payoff quarter, scoring 15 of the Aces' first 17 points while playing a huge role defensively to open an 82-71 lead for the Aces, time down to the final 2:34 of the game.
Alaska's defense also stood its ground during that game-breaking stretch, holding GlobalPort to a single free throw, courtesy of import Evan Brock, during the first nine-and-a-half minutes of the final quarter.
That unforgiving defense sucked the life out of the Batang Pier, who managed to erect a 65-59 lead in the third period behind Jay Wasington's outside sniping.
"Today, when the going gets tough, Robert Dozier gets going. He was getting hit left and right, but he was really hovering around and getting the rebound," said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo, whose team got hammered, 85-72 by Talk 'N Text at the start of the conference last Wednesday.
Dozier, last year's Best Import awardee who played just 25 minutes during the first three quarters, finished with 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and one block en route to earning the Best Player of the Game citation.
Guard RJ Jazul and bullstrong forward Gabby Espinas scored 18 points apiece for the Aces.
Brock led the Batang Pier with 21 points and 11 rebounds while Jay Washington added 14 and seven boards as Pido Jarencio remained winless two games into his first head-coaching job in the pro ranks.
Newly-acquired GlobalPort guard Alex Cabagnot finished with 11 points, nine assists and three rebounds.
The scores:
Alaska 93 - Dozier 25, Jazul 18, Espinas 18, Casio 11, Baguio 7, Thoss 6, Hontiveros 4, Dela Cruz 2, Abueva 2.
GlobalPort 77 - Brock 21, Washington 14, Cabagnot 12, Romeo 11, Macapagal 8, Chua 5, Yee 3, Garcia 3, Nabong 0, Hayes 0, Salva 0, Salvador 0, Custodio 0.
Quarterscores: 23-15, 42-39, 65-67, 93-77
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/unforgiving-defense-rob-doziers-late-explosion-carry-alaska-past-globalport)
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Talk'N Text hold off Air21 for 2nd straight win (03/08/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Talk'N Text held off Air21, 95-91, to earn its second win in as many games in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, March 8 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
It was a closely fought ball game, but the Texters showed composure in the end to come up with the 4-point win.
Air21 point guard Simon Atkins tied the ball game at 74 with 7:11 left to play making up for the foul he committed on the other end of the court.
It was a back-and-forth affair until Jimmy Alapag knocked down a triple and a tough baseline jumper for 5 straight points to put the Texters ahead 82-76 with about 5 minutes left in the game.
Air21, however, just wouldn't give up closing gap to just a solitary point, 87-86, after a Mark Borboran triple with 2:51 left in the game. But Texters import Richard Howell was in the right place at the right time scoring two crucial baskets - a tip in and a cut off a pass from Kelly Williams - to put the game away for good.
Down by 4 points, 94-89, with 13 seconds left, the Air21 still could've had a chance to inch closer but the Texters' defense forced Joseph Yeo to the baseline throwing and inadvertent pass which Mark Cardona could not handle.
Jayson Castro was named player of the game finishing with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Howell, who had 30 rebounds in his debut game against the Alaska Aces, led all scorers with 29 points to go along with 12 rebounds.
Air21 import Herve Lamizana had a complete ball game tallying 18 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 blocks in a losing effort.
Scores:
Talk'N Text (95) - Howell 29, Castro 22, Alapag 14, De Ocampo 12, Carey 8, Williams 4, Reyes Ry. 3, Canaleta 2, Fonacier 1, Reyes Ro. 0, Aban 0, Baclao 0.
Air21 (91) - Taulava 23, Lamizana 18, Borboran 10, Atkins 10, Yeo 9, Villanueva 7, Cardona 6, Manuel 4, Matias 2, Camson 2, Poligrates 0, Burtscher 0, Sharma 0.
Quarterscores: 27-20, 43-38, 66-62, 95-91
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52508-talk-n-text-hold-off-air21-for-2nd-straight-win)
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Grieving Rain or Shine leaves past behind as it faces Barako in Commissioner's Cup debut
RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao acknowledged his team is still recovering from an emotionally draining PBA Philippine Cup Finals, which saw the Elasto Painters lost the title series,4-2, to champion San Mig Super Coffee.
But the outspoken mentor said the Elasto Painters are not one who live in the past as they seek to get a fresh start in the Commissioner’s Cup Sunday when the team debuts against a dangerous Barako Bull side at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 3 p.m., marking the first time Rain or Shine will be playing since being penalized a league record fine of P2 million for the partial walkout it did in Game Six of the title series against the Mixers.
Import Alex Mclean, who has been with the team for close to a month now, will have his baptism of fire against Barako Bull counterpart Joshua Dollard, who was impressive in his first game after dropping 45 points in a 104-108 losing stand in overtime against Barangay Ginebra on Friday.
“Alex already saw us play in the (Philippine Cup) Finals. He has been practicing with us so alam na niya ang philosophy and system. Saka kilala na niya ang mga players,” Guiao said after the team’s Saturday morning practice.
Little is known of Mclean except that the incoming American reinforcement was recommended by the Elasto Painters’ former import Arizona Reid.
The 6-foot-8 Mclean played for the Liberty University Flames during the 2007 and 2008 college seasons, posting averages of 15.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assist during his two-year, 63-game stint.
“He’s not gonna score 40 points for our team but if he can score around 20 to 25 points and grab 15 rebounds, that will be enough for us to get by,” added Guiao, who was also fined P50,000 for committing a technical foul – his 13th for the season - in Game Six of the Finals.
The Rain or Shine coach said he’s not making any wholesale changes to his system, choosing to keep using his full roster to ensure everyone will get equal opportunity to contribute to the team this conference.
Meantime, Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos said using rookies Carlo Lastimosa and Jeric Fortuna for a long stretch in the crucial portion of the game against Ginebra was part of his strategy to fast track the growth of the team in the pro league.
Lastimosa took the last shot in regulation play when he drove hard the lane against a phalanx of Ginebra defenders before missing the shot that paved the way for the overtime period.
Chris Ellis, who forced overtime with a timely three-point shot in regulation, nailed another three-pointer in the extra session to help Ginebra preserve the win.
Still, Ramos said the Energy will try to bounce back against Rain or Shine and make the necessary adjustment in the shortened nine-game elimination round format
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/grieving-rain-or-shine-leaves-past-behind-as-it-faces-barako-in-commissioners-cup-debut)
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hehe di na mag champion yang smb at gin kings... walang matinong sistema, palit ng palit ng coach, sana kung puede every game papalit palit din sila nang player hehe
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Barako Bull 3-pointers lift them past Rain or Shine (03/09/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Twelve timely three-pointers helped the Barako Bull Energy Cola bounce back from a first game loss as they overturned Philippine Cup finalists Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 110-106, on Sunday, March 9 in the PLDT myDSL Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After being down 53-46 at the half, Barako Bull came alive in the third quarter as Ronjay Buenafe sizzled from deep with 3 treys for all of his 11 points. Buenafe hit a long range bomb with 3:29 remaining in that period to overtake Rain or Shine, 71-70.
Mick Pennisi also drilled two more triples as well in that quarter as the Energy came up with 33 points in that 12-minute frame to head into the payoff period knotted with Rain or Shine at 79.
Barako import Joshua Dollard, who was explosive once again with 44 points and 19 rebounds, gave the Energy the lead for good at the 6:46 mark of the fourth, 92-90. He then went on to extend the lead with an additional 7 straight points for a solo 7-0 spurt. Rookie Carlo Lastimosa capped off that 11-0 run on a basket with 4:11 on the clock to make it 101-91.
Unlike their first game against Barangay Ginebra, Barako did not allow any endgame meltdowns this time around. They hung on to the lead even as Paul Lee and Jeff Chan conspired for a couple of triples to cut the deficit down to 107-102.
"At least we learned something from last game," said Barako head coach Bong Ramos. "Yung sakit namin from the All-Filipino (conference) andoon pa rin eh. Although we're ahead, we lost the last game." (Our recurring errors from the All-Filipino conference are still there.)
He added, "This is a good experience for us. Hopefully we have corrected yung sakit namin." (Hopefully we have corrected our recurring errors.)
Willie Miller added 19 points for Barako, while Rain or Shine import Alexander McLean finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Paul Lee and Jeff Chan chipped in 15 and 14 markers, respectively.
Barako managed to eke out the victory in spite of losing the battle of the boards, 50-46, and having zero second-chance points compared to Rain or Shine's 13.
Turnover points also favored the Painters, 18-6, as well as assists, 21-11.
Scores:
Barako 110: Dollard 44, Miller 19, Miranda 13, Buenafe 11, Pennisi 9, Intal 7, Lastimosa 2, Wilson 2, Marcelo 2, Isip 1, Jensen 0, Fortuna 0, Pena 0.
Rain or Shine 106: McLean 21, Lee 15, Chan 14, Belga 11, Norwood 10, Uyloan 9, Almazan 9, Tiu 5, Arana 4, Rodriguez 4, Cruz 2, Nuyles 2, Tang 0, Teng 0, Ibanes 0.
Quarter scores: 22-24, 46-53, 79-79, 110-106.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52570-pba-barako-bull-lift-past-rain-shine)
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Import Boone gives Beermen second win at expense of Ginebra (03/09/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Dominance continues for the San Miguel Beermen.
Led by the import they might soon replace, the Beermen buried Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 112-96, on Sunday, March 9 in the PLDT myDSL Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
American import Josh Boone made a case for himself to stay on board as San Miguel's import by dropping 32 points on 13-of-19 field goals along with 21 rebounds.
Boone, 29, is reportedly set to be replaced by American Kevin Jones.
"Josh has been professional beyond belief. I'll wait to speak with my management tonight and I assure you everyone will be informed in the very near future with regards to where we're going," said Beermen active consultant Todd Purves of Boone's status.
"Regardless of the direction the management determines, I can't say enough good things about Josh Boone and his level of professionalism and the effort he gave knowing he's in an adverse situation. I really tip my hat to him."
Head coach Biboy Ravanes also added, "This is a good problem to have anyways."
Both coaches did not give any hint as to whether or not they will be endorsing Boone to the management, considering his back-to-back impressive performances.
"That'll stay in-house," Purves said. "Whatever advice I give to our management, I will share only with our management and then answer the questions afterward."
The Beermen continued to be an offensive juggernaut for their second straight game, taking advantage of every defensive lapse on the part of Ginebra.
San Miguel came out the gates on fire, dropping 37 points in the opening frame alone. They never looked back from that point on even as Ginebra put up a gallant effort in the third where the Gin Kings cut the deficit down to 10, 78-68, heading into the fourth.
The closest Ginebra came was 80-72 at the 10:18 mark of the fourth on a Japeth Aguilar basket, fishing Rico Maierhofer's 6th foul in the process.
But the Beermen quickly snuffed out Ginebra's momentum with a back-breaking 11-0 run to push the lead back up to 91-72.
It was smooth sailing for them after that, even leading by as much as 21 points, 97-76, with 5:28 on the clock on an Arwind Santos bucket.
"I'm happy with the final score," Purves said. "It's the second game of the conference so you can never get too high or too low. I thought our effort was there for the second game in a row and I'm proud of that."
He explained how these two wins serve as the seeds for the future.
"We've got such a long way to go with regards to building our team and so many things to address still," he said. "But I look forward to doing it with this group of men."
The Beermen's effort did not falter all game long, especially in the fourth where they nearly equaled their first period output with 34 points.
They killed Ginebra in second-chance opportunities, in large part thanks to Boone with his multiple putbacks and tip-ins, with 22 points. At the same time they were able to limit their miscues to just 9 and forced Ginebra to 16--from which they fished 25 points.
Santos and Marcio Lassiter added 18 and 15 points each for the Beermen, who had a 58.2% field goal shooting percentage as a team.
On the part of Ginebra, the 33 points and 11 rebounds of import Leon Rodgers was not enough to pull them back into the game.
Mark Caguioa was a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point land as well for his 15 points. But the Gin Kings were halted in their tracks by the Beermen with only 4 fastbreak attempts and two points off of that.
San Miguel, on the other hand, was also a scoring machine on the break with 18 attempts and 24 points.
Not much help came from Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, who only had 13 and 4 points, respectively.
Scores:
San Miguel 112: Boone 32, Santos 18, Lassiter 15, Mercado 14, Hubalde 9, Ross 7, Kramer 5, Maierhofer 4, Lutz 4, Tubid 3, Duncil 1, Marata 0, Taha 0.
Ginebra 96: Rodgers 33, Caguioa 15, Slaughter 13, Ellis 10, Tenorio 8, Helterbrand 5, Aguilar 4, Baracael 2, Reyes 2, Urbiztondo 2, Mamaril 2, Ababou 0.
Quarter scores: 37-23, 58-44, 78-68, 112-96.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52579-pba-import-boone-gives-beerman-second-win-expense-ginebra)
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No hero ball for Barako Bull import Dollard
MANILA, Philippines - Barako Bull Energy reinforcement Josh Dollard has shown early that he is one of the most prolific scorers in the import-laden PBA Commissioner's Cup, having fired two consecutive 40-point games in his PH basketball debut.
Just a second choice import, Dollard carried Barako to a come-from-behind 110-106 victory against Rain or Shine, scoring at will in the final period for 17 markers to pick up their first win in the lightning-quick elimination round.
His 44.5 PPG in two games is the highest among all imports so far, and he does it without pressure whatsoever. He considers his PBA stint a blessing.
"This is just a blessing to perform in front of the fans and displaying my talent. This is not new to me, I always have confidence in myself and my abilities. I'm thankful to have this opportunity," Dollard said after their victory against the Elasto Painters.
No hero ball
Dollard could be the perfect guy to compliment a balanced squad; but even if he is scoring a huge chunk of Barako Bull's production, Dollard says he doesn't mind being called a ball hog or accused of playing hero ball. He says his job is to help the team in any way possible.
“I’m doing what my team needs me to do. They believe in me and this (scoring) is what they want me to do," he shared.
But proving he is a team player despite the skyscraper figures he's been doing early in the conference, Dollard says he is willing to do more that just filling the scoring sheet.
"If they asked me to pass, I'll pass the ball. If they ask me to shoot, rebound, or defend, I'll just do my best."
Smooth transition
Experience has bern a big key for the 27-year-old Dollard, who has played in several countries before landing here. He has also known quite a number of PBA imports, including Globalport's current slotman Evan Brock, Renaldo Balkman and former PBA Governors Cup best import Arizona Reid who played for Rain or Shine.
He says his teammates have welcomed him with the same hospitality Filipinos are known for, making his adjustment just a breeze.
"They've been open arms to me on and off the court, showing me the ropes and keeping me informed about what is going around here."
He added the PBA style of play - an aspects other imports have trouble adjusting to - suits his game.
"They don't have to worry about the physicality because that his how I play. This league is much more physical than other leagues in Europe," he shared.
Barako Bull split their first two games and will be cashing in on Dollard to win the grand jackpot.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52577-no-hero-ball-barako-dollard)
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Beermen choose Jones over Boone
MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beermen head coach Biboy Ravanes as well as active consultant Todd Purves both confirmed to Rappler that their American import Josh Boone has been released Monday morning, March 10.
They will be taking on a new import in Kevin Jones, who was just recently released from the NBA Development League or D-League.
"Josh Boone has been notified this morning that Kevin Jones will be replacing him in the Beermen squad," Purves said in a phone interview.
Purves elaborated the reasons behind their decision to switch to Jones, saying that it was a collective decision between the coaching staff and the management.
"It certainly wasn't based on anything just over last night," Purves said, referring to Boone's 32-point output that helped the Beermen trample Barangay Ginebra.
"But we had to make some very difficult decisions that is going to make our team better. We tried to look at the big picture. We feel that Kevin Jones gives us a wonderful opportunity to compete at a high level."
He cited the difference between Jones and Boone's style of plays.
"Jones has a little bit larger offensive repertoire. Jones can play both on the perimeter and on the block," he explained. "He's a very versatile player. I think Kevin Jones has a lot of versatility to his game, which can give us different options to use. Whereas Josh Boone is more of an inside presence in the paint."
Boone, 29, stayed on with the Beermen for two games and performed well despite the uncertainty of his status with the team.
"From the moment he stepped off the plane here in Manila he has been professional," Purves said of Boone.
"He's shown a lot of integrity despite the fact that it has been a bit of an adverse situation for him this weekend. He performed admirably and everybody in our locker room really tips their hat to him."
Against Meralco, Boone put up 16 points and 16 rebounds. The first round NBA Draft pick in 2006 doubled his offensive output in the Beermen's second game against Barangay Ginebra on Monday, March 10. He made a case for himself to stay with 32 points on 13-of-19 field goals. He also grabbed 21 rebounds.
After Sunday night's game, Purves stated the entire management together with the coaching staff would deliberate on the direction the team would take as far as their import is concerned.
They eventually decided that Jones would be a better fit for the Beermen in the long run, taking into consideration sophomore bigman June Mar Fajardo, who has not played for the Beermen so far this conference due to an ankle sprain.
Fajardo, Purves said, is a big factor in their decision regarding their choice of import.
"Kevin Jones is going to be a great compliment to June Mar and vice versa. I think that's going to be a good fit," Purves explained, adding that Fajardo will be practicing with San Miguel again on Tuesday, March 11.
No decision prior to conference
Even before San Miguel played its first game against the Meralco Bolts on Friday, March 7, there have been reports that the team had already decided on replacing Boone. But Purves clarified that wasn't the case.
"Before the start of the conference I don't think there was a decision to change. We evaluated it through practices and through tune-up games," he said.
"It wasn't something Josh Boone had done. It was the fact that Kevin Jones became available."
Purves said they had anticipated Jones being called up to the NBA after putting up great numbers in the D-League recently with the Canton Charge.
In 5 games since February 21, Jones averaged 24.4 points and 13.6 rebounds, per nbadleague.com.
"Basically, he gave us an opportunity that we thought we couldn't pass up on," Purves said.
Not Boone's fault
Purves didn't reveal his personal choice over the two imports, saying that his advice or counsel to the management will stay in-house.
But he did stress that Boone was not at fault.
"It really speaks to how highly we think of Kevin Jones. We think the world of him," he explained. "Josh Boone did a really great job for us, he showed a lot of heart. And for us to make that decision says more about Kevin Jones than it does about Josh."
Jones, 24, is already in Manila according to Purves and he'll be present for the Beermen's next game on Friday, March 14 against the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.
Boone, on the other hand, is still in Manila but will soon be flying back to the US where he "can continue his career." Purves said Boone will "have a number of opportunities to play overseas."
The Beermen's official statement on the decision reads: "We would like to thank Josh for his effort and professionalism. He showed a lot of heart while wering a Beermen uniform. We look forward to enjoying Josh's future success as he will always be a member of the Beermen Family."
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52621-pba-san-miguel-beermen-replace-josh-boone-kevin-jones-nba-dleague)
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sa ganitong gawa ng San Miguel Beer team, mas lalo silang di magchachampion. . walang sistema sa coaching at walang tiyaga sa import. . karma sa kanila ito.
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Slaughter, Barroca to lead PBA All Star team vs Gilas
MANILA, Philippines - Number one overall pick Greg Slaughter is the top vote-getter in the 2014 PBA All Star Game polls, the PBA announced on Tuesday, March 11.
The 7-toot Barangay Ginebra stalwart gained 61,680 votes to top the online and manual polls conducted by the Philippine Basketball Association. The former Smart Gilas center finished 4th in the statistical race for Best Player of the Conference in the Philippine Cup.
Joining him are teammates Chris Ellis, the reigning PBA dunk champion with 44,630 votes and Mac Baracael, who tallied 33,756.
Over at the backcourt, two-time PBA MVP James Yap will be making his 11th all star appearance, garnering 38,260 votes while his San Mig Super Coffee Mixers teammate, the newly-minted PBA Philippine Cup finals MVP Mark Barroca, complete the rest of the cast with 38,268.
Mixers head coach Tim Cone will call the shots for the PBA All Stars that will face Gilas Pilipinas on April 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Reserves will be determined by PBA coaches.
It is the second straight year where the PBA will observe such format to help the national team train for their upcoming battles in the FIBA World Cup in Spain and 2014 Asian Games in Incheon City, Korea.
In the 2013 edition in Digos City, a three-pointer by Jeff Chan helped the nationals to a 124-all deadlock, with Chan and Arwind Santos both getting the all star game MVP nod.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52739-slaughter-barroca-lead-pba-all-star-team-gilas)
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Two additional PBA games to be shown live by TV5 as Monday match, Saturday twinbill added to sked
HERE's a bit of good news to basketball fans: TV5 has added two more games to the number of PBA matches it will be airing live starting on March 17.
In a statement, Sports5, the sports arm of TV5, said it will now be airing one live game every Monday over TV5 as well as both Saturday games instead of the usual one.
That will bring to seven the number of PBA games to be shown on TV5, aside from all the live matches being carried by its sister channel on the UHF band, Aksyon TV 41, and the Wednesday matches shown on cable channel FOX Sports.
“TV5 and the PBA will continue to give diehard fans and viewers good basketball action,” said Sports5 head Chot Reyes.
Sports5 said the move is in response to the "overwhelming response" of fans to the coverage of the last PBA Philippine Cup, which topped the primetime ratings with Game Seven of the Ginebra-San Mig semifinal series as well as Game Six of the Finals between San Mig and Rain or Shine.
Under the new schedule, one PBA match will now be shown live by TV5 every Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays beginning at 8 p.m. THe first games of weekday double-headers will be shown live on Aksyon TV and aired on a delayed basis over TV5.
Saturdays and Sunday double-headers will now be beamed live on TV5.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/two-additional-pba-games-to-be-shown-live-by-tv5-as-monday-match-saturday-double-header-now-part-of-schedule)
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Who should make the PBA All-Star team reserves?
MANILA, Philippines - The 2014 PBA All-Star game starters have been named by voters nationwide. Now it's time to ask, who joins them in the titanic duel against Gilas Pilipinas on April 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena?
Greg Slaughter, Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael, Mark Barroca and James Yap are the starters for this year's edition of the annual spectacle, and joining them are seven more players who will battle toe to toe with the national squad.
And while the all star game is all about the fun, excitement and showtime, it also aims to give Gilas Pilipinas a good tune-up match so selecting competitive players will make it a better match-up. I picked PBA stars who are up for the challenge but at the same time, could give the fans an exciting treat worth remembering.
Who deserves a spot in the all star crew? We have our choices below.
Frontcourt
Sonny Thoss, Alaska Aces
A former Gilas 2 member, Thoss mainly carries the Alaska Aces this year with his numbers of 14.5 PPG and 8.6 RPG in over 35 minutes. The 6-foot-7 behemoth is still a huge presence down the post, and for this match he should give Marcus Douthit and June Mar Fajardo a tough time.
Jay Washington, Globalport Batang Pier
Washington placed 5th in the statistical race for the PBA Philippine Cup best player race, and is a terrific stretch forward. Having him go up against Gilas' forwards like Marc Pingris and Japeth Aguilar will be a great stuff to see.
KG Canaleta, Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters
The last in the frontcourt is Canaleta, who has the touch from outside and also has the size to get boards and defend inside. His main task would be keep up with shooters like Larry Fonacier and Jeff Chan.
Backcourt
Joseph Yeo, Air21 Express
Yeo had a sensational PH Cup for Express, sliding to the converted point guard role to put up big numbers: at least 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per outing whidh are all career high averages. He also notched his first triple-double to cap off what has been a splendid season so far. He's been an all star just once and he deserves another call up for sure.
Sol Mercado, San Miguel Beermen
A former Gilas 2 member himself, Mercado can definitely make it a high-octane game when he enters the floor. He definitely wont take any of the Gilas guards lightly, and he'll fight them speed-for-speed.
Wildcards
Mark Caguioa, Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel
It is the first all star game in Manila since 2009 where Caguioa will not participate. While the numbers of the 2012 MVP have dipped through the years, just having him in the cast will already be a big gift for the thousands who will be paying to see their favorite PBA stars. Aside from his on-court antics, Caguioa's appeal and popularity will definitely boost the turnout this year.
Terrence Romeo, Globalport Batang Pier
Of course, when it comes to showtime, Terrence Romeo is one player who could definitely bring a lot to the table. The rookie once scored 34 points in a single contest and I believe if there is one rookie aside from Slaughter who should be in the all star game, it has to be Romeo.
Asi Taulava, Air21 Express
When you're 41 years old yet you still put up 13.8 PPG and 13.6 RPG in the season, it's quite reasonable you should be in the all star list. The evergreen Taulava continues to defy the odds for the Express; the perennial RP team slotman should also give Gilas' bigs a good lesson.
Ronjay Buenafe, Barako Bull Energy
Barako Bull's gunner Buenafe should also make it to the list; he's one of those reliable shooters who can also break down his defenders, although he doesn't really get much attention. He's also been part of Gilas 2 for a while.
Don't agree with our picks? You have your own choices for sure so tell us who do you think should be in the PBA All Star game by commenting below.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52800-pba-all-star-team-reserves)
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San Mig's second unit makes difference in Mixers' rout of Globalport (03/12/14)
SAN Mig Super Coffee hardly showed any championship hangover as it buckled down to work right in its PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut by routing winless Globalport, 91-75, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
Except for the first 12 minutes of play, the Mixers were in control for most of the match as the recently crowned Philippine Cup champions outgunned, outhustled, and completely outplayed the woeful Batang Pier en route to an auspicious 16-point win .
“I think we’re a little different this time around and I think the championship hangover came the last conference when the guys had injuries,” said San Mig coach Timn Cone after the game.
“This time, we came back and we’re injury free. We did get some break, and I think the guys enjoyed the breaks off in terms of batches.”
With the Mixers finally dominating the game after outscoring the Batang Pier in the second quarter, 31-12, Cone had the luxury of playing veteran stars led by two-time league MVP James Yap, Peter June Simon, and Joe Devance below 30 minutes, a plan which the San Mig coach wanted as much as possible this conference.
“I told the first group we’ll try to keep you guys out as much as we can. That’s gonna be our goal because we want them to be ready at the right time, keep them fresh, and try not to overplay them,” explained Cone, who steered the Mixers to the All-Filipino Cup title just exactly two weeks ago via a 4-2 win over Rain or Shine in the Finals.
Except for one minor rally which saw Globalport cut down what was once an imposing 17-point deficit to 72-80 midway in the fourth period, San Mig just simply showed too much firepower in handling the Batang Pier their third straight loss in the tournament.
The setback also kept new head coach Pido Jarencio winless since taking over the reins from interim mentor Ritchie Ticzon more than a month ago.
Six San Mig players scored in double figures led by rookie forward Ian Sangalang, who had 16 points. Import James Mays added 15 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Marc Pingris added 13 markers and 12 boards.
Mark Barroca came off the bench to add 11, while Simon and Yap had 10 apiece.
Import Evan Brock led the Batang Pier with 27 points and a personal conference-best 28 rebounds to go along with five steals and two assists in an all-around effort that again went down the drain.
Jay Washington finished with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, while newly-acquired guard Alex Cabagnot finished with just five points on a woeful one-of-12 shooting from the field.
The scores:
San Mig (91) - Sangalang 16, Mays 15, Pingris 13, Barroca 11, Simon 10, Yap 10, Melton 7, Mallari 5, Devance 4, Cawaling 0, Reavis 0.
Globalport (75) - Brock 27, Washington 14, Garcia 9, Ponferrada 8, Chua 6, Cabagnot 5, Nabong 2, Romeo 2, Macapagal 2, Yee 0, Salvador 0, Custodio 0.
Quarterscores: 16-20; 47-32; 70-58; 91-75.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-migs-second-unit-make-the-difference-in-mixers-rout-of-globalport)
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Import Butch boosts Meralco to upend Alaska (03/12/14)
MANILA, Philippines - More trouble for the defending champions.
The Meralco Bolts handed last season's Commissioner's Cup champions Alaska Aces their second loss behind the solid performance of American import Brian Butch.
The 29-year old center went all across the board and posted 27 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks to help the Bolts to an 85-76 victory on Wednesday, March 12 in the PLDT myDSL Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
His explosive and balanced performance came at a perfect time with the Bolts playing sans two of their starters in Mike Cortez and Jared Dillinger. Cortez was out due to a knee injury while Dillinger had bacterial infection.
Alaska was off to a poor start, scoring only 12 points in the first. Even as they tried to fight back against Meralco's defense, they could only muster 22 points at most in the payoff period.
The defense-oriented game forced Alaska to 14 miscues, which Meralco promptly pounced on for 17 points.
The Bolts' moved the ball better compared to their first outing where they dished out only 8 assists, resulting to a blowout loss at the hands of the San Miguel Beermen.
In this game, however, Meralco made sure to pass the leather with 19 assists.
Alaska came knocking on Meralco's door with over 3 minutes left to play as comebacking import Rob Dozier scored two of his 17 points to make it 78-72.
But a split by Butch from the line followed by a Gary David basket and a deflating Anjo Caram triple pushed Meralco farther from Alaska's reach, 84-72.
Reynel Hugnatan contributed 14 points while David and Cliff Hodge added 12 apiece.
JVee Casio led the way for the Aces with 19 points.
Scores:
Meralco 85: Butch 27, Hugnatan 14, David 12, Hodge 12,Caram 7, Mandani 5, Ildefonso 4, Guevarra 2, Wilson 2, Al-hussaini 0.
Alaska 76: Casio 19, Dozier 17, Baguio 12, Thoss 10, Manuel 6, Jazul 4, Espinas 3, Reyes 2, Abueva 2, Dela Cruz 1, Hontiveros 0.
Quarters: 20-12; 37-33; 61-54; 85-76.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/52865-import-butch-boosts-meralco-alaska)
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Fajardo returns, Kevin Jones makes San Miguel debut in battle for solo PBA lead
SOPHOMORE June Mar Fajardo makes his first appearance in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup while new import Kevin Jones hopes to make an immediate impact as San Miguel Beer takes on Talk ’N Text in the battle of two unbeaten teams on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo missed the team’s first two games after spraining his left ankle prior to the start of the conference. But that hardly mattered for the new-look Beermen, who under new coach Biboy Ravanes and active consultant Todd Purves have posted two impressive victories in as many outings.
With former New Jersey Net Josh Boone, San Miguel clobbered Meralco, 94-76, in its conference debut before manhandling Barangay Ginebra, 112-96.
Boone, though, was dropped on Monday in favor of Jones, with the San Miguel coaching staff stressing the need to get someone who can complement Fajardo’s play.
Coach Norman Black says Talk ’N Text will have to play its best game against a San Miguel team that puts a lot of emphasis on defense and strong perimeter shooting.
“Based on San Miguel’s first two games, we will have to bring our best game when we play them,” Black said, heading to his team’s 8 p.m. encounter with the Beermen.
Black noted that San Miguel is moving the ball well as evidenced by the 25-assist average in its first two games.
Ravanes said Fajardo’s minutes will be managed against the Tropang Texters since he joined the team’s practice only on Thursday.
“Puwede na siya (Fajardo) maglaro pero limited minutes lang siya kasi kahapon nag-shooting lang siya tapos ngayon (Thursday) pa lang siya sumali sa practice,” Ravanes said.
Ravanes also expects Jones to fit in well for the Beermen, taking note of his ability to play defense since his college days at West Virginia.
“He’s (Jones) not really a guy who’ll give you 30 points per game, but he fits well in our system,” said Ravanes, who took over from Gee Abanilla during the conference break.
“Ang maganda sa kanya, nagje-jell siya sa defensive system namin. Iyan ang attribute na nababagay sa sistema namin.”
Jones is fresh from a stint with the Canton Charge in the NBA Developmental League, where he averaged 16.0 points and 7.3 rebounds before joining the Beermen last week.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/fajardo-returns-kevin-jones-makes-san-miguel-debut-in-battle-for-solo-pba-lead)
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PBA chairman says Gilas guest stint in Governors Cup a 'win-win situation'
PBA chairman Mon Seguismundo said a guest stint for Gilas Pilipinas as the 11th team in the season-ending Governors Cup is a 'win-win situation,' both for the pro league and the national team as it prepares for the Fiba World Cup and Asian Games, respectively.
Seguismundo, who is also the representative of Meralco in the league board, explained that bringing in Gilas for the import-laden conference will translate to “10 more games or the equivalent of five extra playdates for team members" - and extra exposure for all the member ballclubs.
“I presented eight elements to the PBA board recently (regarding Gilas’ participation). This will result in higher revenues and sustained lengthened exposure for PBA teams,” Seguismundo told Spin.ph on Thursday.
“That means there will be 10 more games.”
The Meralco top honcho, however, stressed there are several other suggestions which the board will try to study to accommodate the training and preparation of the national team.
Earlier, Ginebra alternate governor Robert Non suggested that instead of making Gilas a part of the league’s season-ending meet, it would be more ideal if a pocket tournament will be held featuring the national team and two selections composed of PBA players.
Non said staging a pocket tournament will also benefit Gilas without disrupting the schedule of the tournament featuring imports 6-foot-6 and below.
But the Meralco senior vice president for human resources and corporate services maintains having Gilas in the Governors Cup will easily heighten fan interest, especially since not everyone could see them play in the flesh during the world basketball showcase in Spain.
“I think we just have to be innovative here, rather than saying it can’t be done,” he said. “The important thing here is we’ve agreed in principle that the PBA will go all-out in supporting Gilas.”
Seguismundo said the PBA board will be convening on March 27 to tackle the issue on Gilas’ participation, by which time the chairman expects the board to come out with a clearer plan for the national squad.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-chairman-says-gilas-guest-stint-in-governors-cup-a-win-win-situation)
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Lamizana, Ramos explode as Air21 dismantles Barako Bull (03/14/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Herve Lamizana fired all of his 24 points in the second half as Air21 silenced a bad-shooting Barako Bull crew, 103-85, to pick up their second win in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday, March 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After going scoreless in the first two quarters, Lamizana caught fire, shooting 9 of 12 for 20 of the team's points in the third quarter alone that sealed the story for Air21.
The Express buckled down on defense to shackle Energy import Josh Dollard to just 12 points, way below his 44.5-point average heading into the match; Air21 also exploded for 29 second quarter points too that broke the game wide open.
Newly-acquired Aldrech Ramos added 17 markers including a pristine 4 of 4 from three-point land.
The Express started pulling away from a tight ball game midway in the second period, with Mac Cardona and Aldrech Ramos combining for 12 points in a run that transformed a 16-17 deficit into a 43-26 bubble.
Air21 shot 68% from the field in the second quarter to carry a huge lead heading into the break and never looked back.
With only Denok Miranda carrying the load for the Energy, Air21 kept Barako Bull at bay for the entire third quarter. A Herve Lamizana trey made it 72-53 for the Express with just over a minute left in the penultimate quarter.
Josh Dollard struggled in the final frame as Barako went all-Filipino for most of the second half. Air21 meanwhile continued their onslaught, leading by as much as 35 to allow coach Franz Pumaren's troops to seal their second win in three outings. Barako Bull meanwhile fell to 1-2 in the conference.
Earlier in the first quarter, a defensive board by Asi Taulava enabled him to move to top 7th overall in the PBA's all time list for most defensive rebounds.
Scores:
Air 21 103: Lamizana 24, Ramos 17, Cardona 15, Taulava 14, Burtscher 8, Matias 7, Villanueva 5, Yeo 5, Jaime 2, Poligrates 2, Sharma 2, Atkins 2, Borboran 0, Camson 0.
Barako Bull 85: Intal 18, Miranda 18, Dollard 12, Miller 10 Pennisi 9, Lastimosa 6, Jensen 4, Buenafe 4, Fortuna 3, Wilson 1, Deutchman 0, Isip 0, Marcelo 0, Pena 0.
Quarter scores: 16-17, 45-32, 75-57, 103-85.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53029-lamizana-ramos-explode-as-air21-dismantles-barako-bull)
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Talk 'N Text stays unbeaten as Alapag, Howell steady ship after Black ejection (03/14/14)
JIMMY Alapag and Richard Howell combined to steady the Talk 'N Text ship following the ejection of coach Norman Black as the Tropang Texters held off San Miguel Beer, 107-99, to grab the solo lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Howell, a double-double machine during his NBA D-League days with the Idaho Stampede, scored 11 of his team's first 15 points in the final period to open a 92-76 lead for the Texters while Alapag made sure the lead stood with a late barrage that ended an SMB rally.
The duo's heroics allowed Talk 'N Text to remain unbeaten three games into its campaign in the mid-season conference despite the absence of Black, who was thrown out on successive technicals for complaining about a horror foul called on Howell late in the third quarter.
“First of all, it’s very lonely in the locker room sitting there by yourself,” the mild-mannered coach said after the game, eliciting laughs from the media throng. “It’s my first time to get ejected in 28 years. I’m not even sure if I deserve it (getting ejected)."
San Miguel, which fell to 2-1 (win-loss), trailed by as much as 19 points but got within 93-97 in the final two minutes behind Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz and new import Kevin Jones.
But Alapag took over from there, nailing a long three-point shot before adding four more free throws in the final 55 seconds to keep the Texters beyond reach.
The Beermen, who jumped off to a 2-0 start with original import Josh Boone, got 35 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks in a foul-plagued 40-minute performance from Jones.
Reigning MVP Arwind Santos had a quiet nine points on a frigid 2-of-10 field goal shooting, while Philippine Cup Best Player June Mar Fajardo returned from a two-game absence due to ankle sprain to score seven points and nine rebounds.
Howell led the Tropang Texters with a personal PBA career-best 38 points, to go along with 20 rebounds, five steals and four assists in a solid all-around game for the league-leading squad.
Alapag added 18 and seven assists, while Ranidel de Ocampo chipped in 16.
The scores:
Talk 'N Text 107 - Howell 38, Alapag 18, De Ocampo 16, Castro 10, Fonacier 8, Canaleta 6, Reyes Ry. 5, Aban 3, Carey 2, Williams 1, Reyes Ro. 0, Baclao 0.
San Miguel 99 - Jones 35, Hubalde 14, Lassiter 12, Lutz 9, Santos 9, Fajardo 7, Mercado 5, Kramer 4, Tubid 2, Ross 2, Maierhofer 0, Duncil 0.
Quarterscores: 26-19, 51-38, 77-68, 107-99
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/talk-n-text-stays-unbeaten-as-alapag-howell-steady-ship-after-black-ejection)
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Villanueva goes to Air21 for Matias, Sharma
MANILA, Philippines – The Air21 Express continue to beef up their roster with another trade.
The trade, which reportedly reflected right after Air21's victory over Barako Bull on Friday night, March 14, had the Express shipping bigman Carlo Sharma along with forward Ronnie Matias to GlobalPort Batang Pier, in exchange for another big in Enrico Villanueva.
The 33-year old Villanueva was a former Most Valuable Player (MVP) during his collegiate career in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Villanueva was a 2003 7th overall draft pick and has since went on to become a PBA Mythical First Team member. He was also the Most Improved Player in the 2004-2005 season.
Over his 11-year PBA career, Villanueva has averaged 9.75 points and 6.37 rebounds, per pba-online.net.
Matias and Sharma suited up for Air21 during their dominant win against Barako, scoring 7 and two markers, respectively.
Air21 in the past week traded Vic Manuel for Alaska's Aldrech Ramos, who quickly strut his stuff with the Express dropping 17 points on a perfect 4-of-4 from long range.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53031-pba-villanueva-goes-to-air21)
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di mapakali at mapirmi si matias ah, lagi na lang trade..
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eh unknown naman itong Matias na ito. . si yeng guiao nga lang nagtiyaga dito. >:D
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Rain or Shine sends Alaska near bottom of standings (03/15/14)
MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters buried defending champions Alaska Aces further down in the standings after a 92-78 win in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, March 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska played well early taking a 9-3 advantage a little over 3 minutes into the game.
But Rain or Shine's Chris Tiu found his touch and gave the Elasto Painters the lead, 13-12, capping a 10-to-3 run in the first quarter with a three-pointer. Alaska would trail the rest of the way.
Chan on target
Gilas gunner Jeff Chan caught fire in the third quarter hitting triple after triple. The Painters blew the game wide open in the third highlighted by Chan's 4-point play and the back-to-back triples from import Alex McLean and Chan that gave Rain or Shine an 18-point lead, 67-49, with 1:43 left in the third.
Chan finished the game with 24 points on 6/10 shooting from downtown.
Rain or Shine had an answer for every Alaska run effectively maintaining at least a 10-point distance between them and the defending champs who now falls to 1-3 in the standings - just a win away from the cellar-dwelling GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Head coach Yeng Guiao said his team simply played better today. They now hold a 1-1 win-loss record.
Import Rob Dozier carried the fight for Alaska finishing with 27 points while also providing energy and key stops on the defensive end. Unfortunately, he was the only Ace to finish in double figures.
The Scores
Rain or Shine (92) - Chan 24, McLean 19, Lee 11, Almazan 9, Tiu 9, Arana 8, Rodriguez 4, Cruz 3, Belga 2, Tang 2, Norwood 1, Teng 0, Ibanes 0.
Alaska (78) - Dozier 27, Jazul 9, Thoss 8, Hontiveros 7, Casio 5, Espinas 5, Abueva 5, Manuel 5, Baguio 5, Dela Cruz 2.
Quarters: 18-17; 38-32; 69-58; 92-78
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53093-pba-rain-or-shine-sends-alaska-near-bottom-of-standings)
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Butch, Meralco survive late rally to keep GlobalPort winless (03/15/14)
MANILA, Philippines – The Meralco Bolts held off a late rally from GlobalPort to keep the Batang Pier winless after a 104-99 finish in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, March 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco import Brian Butch had an electric performance pouring in a game-high 42 points along with 24 rebounds on 6/11 shooting from the three-point area including the go-ahead trey that broke the tie and gave the Bolts the lead for good with 46 seconds left in the game.
Butch was brilliant all game long already tallying a double-double by halftime with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Gary David, Anjo Caram, Reynel Hugnatan, and John Wilson all contributed at least 8 points to provide the local support needed to keep GlobalPort from notching their first win in the tournament.
GlobalPort started to make a run with over 5 minutes left in the game. The Batang Pier put the pressure on Meralco after rookie Terrence Romeo dished the ball to import Evan Brock for an emphatic slam. Brock followed it up with a strong drive to the hoop to cut the deficit to two, 87-89.
Brock continued to carry Batang Pier connecting with big man Jewel Ponferrada for a score down low. Brock knotted the game at 97 on the free throw line with 1:26 remaining but that was the closest GlobalPort was gonna get.
Brock finished the game with 32 points. He also had plenty of help from sensational rookie Terrence Romeo who poured in 21 points but it wasn't enough to give Pido Jarencio his first win as a PBA head coach.
The Scores:
Meralco (104) - Butch 42, David 16, Caram 9, Hugnatan 9, Wilson 8, Mandani 6, Hodge 6, Ildefonso 5, Guevarra 3, Al-Hussaini 0, Artadi 0.
Globalport (99) - Brock 32, Romeo 21, Ponferrada 10, salvador 6, Custodio 6, Washington 5, Macapagal 5, Salva 4, Yee 3, Cabagnot 3, Nabong 2, Garcia 2, Chua 0.
Quarters: 27-28; 56-41, 84-74, 104-99
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53101-pba-brian-butch-meralco-survive-late-rally-globalport-winless)
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PBA Best Import Ladder Weeks 1-2: How well is Howell?
MANILA, Philippines – We have seen how the first two weeks of the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup faired and it’s time to assess which reinforcements have showcased the X-factor to lead their respective ball clubs in this import-laden conference.
1. Richard Howell, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
27.3 PPG, 20.7 RPG, 2 APG, 2.7 SPG, 1 BPG, 61.52 EFF
Richard Howell is recognized as the best import in the tourney so far, becoming involved in about every crucial play there is for the Tropang Texters. He grabbed 30 rebounds against Alaska in their opening assignment and also took over in a late run against San Miguel. He is silently leading the Texters to an unbeaten slate.
2. James Mays, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers
15 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 SPG, 1 BPG, 30 EFF
James Mays had a monster night with 29 points and 29 rebounds including 12 offensive boards - one more than the Ginebra squad - to give the Mixers a 90-80 win over Brgy. Ginebra on Sunday, March 16. Mays gave San Mig a plethora of second chance possessions and also schooled his opponents underneath the rim.
3. Herve Lamizana, Air21 Express
21.3 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 3 APG, 0.3 SPG, 4.7 BPG, 48.81 EFF
Herve Lamizana is the best defensive import out there, leading the entire league in blocks per night. He had a great effort of limiting Josh Dollard to a nightmarish 12-point night when the Air21 Express defeated the Barako Bull Energy on March 14. His presence is critical in getting defensive stops and shutting down their opponent’s offense.
4. Brian Butch, Meralco Bolts
32.7 PPG, 20.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 2 SPG, 2 BPG, 67.15 EFF
Meralco’s sweet-shooting big man led the Bolts to two wins against one loss in the first two weeks; he may not be the most hulking or most imposing import in the tournament, but he gets the job done for the Bolts with his quickness and touch from the outside.
5. Josh Dollard, Barako Bull Energy
33.7 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 59.24 EFF
In his first two outings, the prolific Energy import averaged 44.5 points; however he was limited to just 22.5 in the next two, where Barako lost. Although there is no doubt he’s Barako Bull’s best scorer, he has to get his teammates more involved to translate their play into success.
6. Rob Dozier, Alaska Aces
23 PPG, 16.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.7 BPG, 56.83 EFF
The reigning Best Import of the Conference is averaging decent numbers, although the entire Alaska Aces crew has been struggling so far. Either Dozier must do more or the locals must step up for them to defend the Commissioner’s Cup crown.
7. Evan Brock, Globalport Batang Pier
27 PPG, 22 RPG, 2 APG, 2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 60.17 EFF
The significantly experienced Evan Brock joined the Batang Pier to give leadership, and he is definitely proving his worth early with big numbers. However, Globalport must get their acts together to get back on track and also, deliver new head coach Pido Jarencio his first win.
8. Leon Rodgers, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
32 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 53 EFF
High hopes sprung from the Ginebra faithful when highly-touted Leon Rodgers entered the PBA and suited up for the nation’s most popular squad. However, it seems he has not yet lived up to their expectations, throwing up too many shot attempts per game. Against San Mig Coffee on Sunday, Rodgers made just 12/33 attempts. The rest of the team shot 13/36.
9. Kevin Jones, San Miguel Beermen
35 PPG, 13 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 2 BPG, 61.86 EFF
The Beermen’s new recruit Kevin Jones played solid in his debut game with 35 points and 13 rebounds, but unfortunately it went for naught in a losing effort against the league-leading Tropang Texters. He committed a costly fifth foul in the fourth period which spelled the difference for San Miguel, as a three-point gap turned into a huge 16-point hole which they were never able to climb out of.
10. Alex McLean, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
20 PPG, 17 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1 BPG, 45.33 EFF
Alex McLean is exactly what coach Yeng Guaio ordered for the Elasto Painters. We all know Guiao doesn’t want any superstars in his fold and instead focuses on developing everyone into quality players. McLean isn’t a high-profile cager but he is there to give Rain or Shine whatever they need.
Bye, Boone!
San Miguel import Josh Boone is the first import to be replaced, despite notching 32 points and 21 rebounds in his second game against Ginebra. He played two games for the Beermen, averaging 24 points and 18.5 rebounds.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53200-pba-best-import-ladder-weeks-1-2-how-well-howell)
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PBA Best Player Race Weeks 1-2: Castro’s lightning strikes
MANILA, Philippines – Though the battle of giants in the import-flavored PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup diverts much of the media’s attention, the locals themselves are keeping up with the action with impressive play themselves.
Through the first two weeks of action, who are the talents who’ve stepped up and brought their “A games” to the table so far? Time to check Rappler’s first installment of the PBA Best Player Race for this conference.
1. Jayson Castro, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
14.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 27.57 EFF
The two-time PBA finals MVP found multiple methods to score his 25 points against Barako Bull: first, he drained three triples in the first half alone; in the second half, he took over with dazzling moves that Barako Bull’s defense was never able to solve. He says he is completely healthy, which only spells trouble for other squads.
2. Asi Taulava, Air21 Express
17 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 36.70 EFF
At 41 years old, Taulava continues to defy time, playing with overflowing energy for the Express. The 6-foot-9 former MVP gives Air21 an additional defender and rebounder (No. 1 in defensive rebounds among locals) inside. As far as his battle against Father Time is considered, there is no stopping ‘The Rock.’
3. Ian Sangalang, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers
16 PPG, 5 RPG, 1 APG, 33.85 EFF
The energetic Mixers rookie won PBA Player of the Week honors, proving that he deserved to be selected second overall. The young Sangalang has embraced a big role for San Mig Coffee and is already showing how mature he is; Against Ginebra, Sangalang once again drained the crucial baskets late in the match to help coach Tim Cone’s wards win their second straight game.
4. Ranidel De Ocampo, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
16.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 34.79 EFF
Also making this week's list is Talk 'N Text big man Ranidel De Ocampo, who is shooting 35% from three-point land. De Ocampo continues to provide an extra muscle inside to help import Richard Howell, while also pouring baskets whenever coach Norman Black needs them.
5. Chris Ellis, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
13.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 33.83 EFF
The sophomore star is playing his best conference yet, leading the Ginebra locals in scoring so far. He is slowly showing more aspects of his game, proving he is more than a high-flyer. If the reigning PBA dunk champion continues to live up to his potential, then Ginebra will definitely have a solid chance of making it to the next round.
6. Jimmy Alapag, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
14.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6 APG, 1 SPG, 35.44 EFF
The third Tropang Texter on our list is 36-year-old Jimmy Alapag, who is in top form after a dismal tourney in the Philippine Cup where he, like Castro, was plagued with injury. Now that he's healthy, Alapag has been able to score more than 14 points a game and is also facilitating TNT's well-oiled offense, dishing 6 assists per night.
7. Jeff Chan, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
19 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 35.30 EFF
Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jeff Chan his shooting 50% from long distance so far in the tourney, leading the Elasto Painters to a split in their first two assignments. He fired six triples in a 92-78 win over Alaska. He is also the top scoring local for Coach Yeng Guiao’s wards and he should keep shooting at an accurate help to help ROS succeed.
8. LA Tenorio, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
8.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 8 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 31.07 EFF
Tenorio, who had a pristine start to last conference’s wars, is doing the same so far in this tourney. Although Ginebra is at 1-2, Tenorio is leading the league in assists (8.0), still showing the nation how well he facilitates his team’s offense. His 6.5-rebound average is also impressive for a 5-foot-9 guard.
9. Denok Miranda, Barako Bull Energy
12.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.6 APG, 0.3 SPG, 28.62 EFF
Miranda is back as Barako’s main point guard after shaking nagging injuries. His 18-point, 9-assist statline against Air21 on Friday is a proof that he can still keep up with the rest of the league’s finest court generals. As a former two-time PBA champion, Miranda is expected to give the Energy more leadership every time he’s on the floor.
10. Paul Lee, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
13 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 29.23 EFF
Rounding out our Top 10 list for this week is Paul Lee, who vowed to bounce back this conference after a heart-breaking finals loss. His confidence is way up after finding his real game in the finals vs San Mig Coffee, and he is now establishing himself as Rain or Shine's legitimate go-to guy.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53222-pba-best-player-race-weeks-1-2-castro-lightning-strikes)
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James Mays does the damage as San Mig keeps dominance of Ginebra (03/16/14)
IMPORT James Mays and rookie Ian Sangalang dealt the knockout blows in the payoff quarter as San Mig Super Coffee trounced a disoriented Barangay Ginebra side, 90-80 for its second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-8 Mays held his own against the taller Ginebra frontline, coming away with ferocity on both ends of the floor after scoring 29 points and grabbing 29 rebounds during the first game between the two rival teams since their epic Game Seven do-or-die match in the Philippine Cup semifinals.
“James (Mays) was a monster on the boards, monster off the hustle. His activity level was wow, he’s Mr. Everywhere,” said a beaming San Mig coach Tim Cone in describing his energetic prized import.
Mays, who played for Springfield Armor in the NBA Development League last year, joined forces with Sangalang as the two grabbed loose balls and scored at every given opportunity that frustrated the listless Kings in the end.
San Mig improved to a perfect 2-0 record, just behind the 4-0 slate of Talk ‘N Text, while Ginebra dropped its second straight game for a 1-2 mark.
The Mixers’ energetic effort off the boards rewarded them a sizeable 62-48 rebounding edge, including an astounding 26-11 difference in the offensive end.
Mays actually had 12 offensive rebounds, one more than the entire Ginebra team.
The scores:
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 90 - Mays 29, Yap 13, Simon 11, Sangalang 10, Devance 7, Melton 6, Barroca 5, Reavis 5, Pingris 2, Mallari 2, De Ocampo 0.
GINEBRA 80 - Rodgers 35, Aguilar 12, Tenorio 11, Slaughter 7, Ellis 6, Caguioa 4, Mamaril 2, Forrester 2, Reyes 1, Ababou 0, Monfort 0.
Quarterscores: 21-22, 41-43, 69-67, 90-80
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/james-mays-does-the-damage-as-san-mig-keeps-dominance-of-ginebra)
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Tim Cone full of praise for 'fearless' Ian Sangalang as San Mig rookie earns first Player of the Week Citation
N the eyes of coach Tim Cone, San Mig rookie Ian Sangalang may not be flashy but he can certainly get the job done.
The multi-titled Cone was full of praise for Sangalang after splendid performances in back-to-back games earned the former San Sebastian star his first PBA Press Corps PBA Player of the Week citation.
The 6-5 former NCAA MVP averaged 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in San Mig's first two games of the PBA Commissioner's Cup as he continued to earn the confidence of the league's most successful coach.
“There was a reason he (Sangalang) was the consensus No. 2 pick in that (rookie) draft,” said Cone, who picked the rookie behind Ginebra's Greg Slaughter in this season's drafting.
“He was No. 2 and nobody else, nobody else I thought because he’s fearless," added Cone.
In so short a time, Sangalang has found his place in Cone's frontline rotation thanks to his nice touch around the basket, a willingness to bang inside the paint, and maturity rarely seen from a rookie.
Sangalang also picked up from where he left off in the Philippine Cup, scoring 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting along with five rebounds to propel San Mig to a runaway 91-75 ripping of Globalport on Wednesday.
Then, Sangalang fired eight of his 10 points in a critical fourth quarter run to help San Mig score a 90-80 win over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday night.
"He doesn’t play pretty, but man, he plays effective,” Cone said of his rookie sensation.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/tim-cone-full-of-praise-for-fearless-ian-sangalang-as-san-mig-rookie-earns-first-player-of-the-week-citation-v02)
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Intrigued why Big Dome flooring was covered with extra white lines during Sunday's games? Here's the reason
UNKNOWN to many, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup doubleheader on Sunday featuring Barangay Ginebra and San Mig in the main game, was almost put off following the noticeable delicate flooring of the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Extra white lines covered the Big Dome floor for both the games of the Kings and Mixers and Talk `N Text and Barako Bull earlier as Spin.ph learned that several wood tiles on the court surface popped up.
“Umalsa yung mga tiles nung sahig. Kaya nilagyan ng tape. Nagulat na lang nga kami kasi bakit biglang naging ganun ang itsura,” said the source who refused to be named as he was not authorized to speak on the issue.
“Kala niyo simple lang yun. Delikado yun.”
League commissioner Chito Salud had to arrive early at the venue to personally supervise the ‘temporary repair’ on some 25 tiles that popped up
“Galit talaga si Kume, kasi kita mo naman naka-alsa yung sahig. Delikado sa players yun. Hindi pwedeng ganun yan,” said the source.
“Ayaw ng PBA pasimulan yung game hanggat naka-alsa yung mga tiles. Peligroso talaga yun. Kaya kanina diniskartehan na lang. Hanggang kelan ganyan yan, itanong niyo na lang sa Araneta.”
The same source bared the maple floorings are already 15 years old, which explains why it is no longer in perfect condition.
Araneta Coliseum officials refused to answer queries from Spin.ph saying that wasn’t the case when the Big Dome office closed last Friday.
But an Araneta insider who refused to be identified admitted the flooring is indeed ‘due for servicing.’
“Alam ko naka-schedule na talaga ang pag-gawa niyan eh. Bukas (Monday) alam ko ire-repair na talaga siya,” said the Big Dome official.
Meanwhile, some of the players reached by Spin.ph were just as surprised with the extra lines that covered the floor.
“Oo nga, bakit ba may mga linya dun? Ang pangit tignan eh,” said San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap.
“Ginamit ba sa volleyball yun?” added teammate Mark Barroca.
San Mig rookie Ian Sangalang even expressed hesitation walking on the floor during the game, saying, “naiilang nga ako pumuwesto kasi feeling ko nasa shaded lane na ako. Wala pa pala!”
Even players who saw action in the first game between the Tropang Texters and Energy also complained about the ‘floor bandages.’
“Nung nag-shooting kami, naka-angat talaga. Kaya nila nilagyan ng tape. Nakita ko pa nga nung nilalagyan ng tape eh,” said Barako Bull guard Ronjay Buenafe.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/intrigued-why-the-araneta-coliseum-flooring-is-covered-with-extra-white-lines-during-sundays-games-heres-why)
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Impressed Tim Cone says James Mays a cross between former San Mig imports Denzel Bowles, Marqus Blakely
SAN Mig coach Tim Cone couldn’t hide his excitement for finding yet a gem of an import in James Mays.
Only two games into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Mays showed what he’s capable of following his monster game of 29 points and 29 rebounds in the Mixers’ 90-80 win over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday.
More than the impressive stats line, the 6-foot-8 Mays provided the energy, hustle, and unselfish plays for the team - all attributes that readily endeared him to Cone at the end of the game.
“He’s well-versed (with the triangle offense). He’s certainly not a ‘swapang’ (selfish) guy because he goes and gets the ball,” Cone said, mentioning the numerous intangibles Mays has brought to the team.
“He doesn’t sit there, like give me the ball, and go clear out. But he’s a really good passer. He should work well with our system,” he added.
Asked how Mays measures up to San Mig’s two recent imports in Denzel Bowles and Marqus Blakely, both of whom gave the franchise a championship each, Cone said the energetic import could be a cross between the two.
“That's probably an apt description. He (Mays) doesn’t have the offense of Denzel, and he doesn’t have the athleticism of Marqus, but he has the great motor of Marqus and the likeability of Denzel with his teammates,” said the San Mig mentor, who just last month, became the all-time winningest coach in the pro league after steering the Mixers to the Philippine Cup championship for his 16th title.
Bowles, the 6-foot-10 American import, who currently plays with the Jilin Northeast Tigers in the Chinese league, led the Mixers to the Commissioner's Cup title in 2012.
Blakely, on the other hand, helped the Mixers win the Governors Cup crown last season.
Still, Cone said he doesn’t want to get caught up with the hype at the moment.
With seven more games to go in the single-round eliminations, San Mig will have to keep working since the Mixers will next face Rain or Shine on Saturday in a rematch of the Philippine Cup Finals protagonists
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/impressed-tim-cone-says-james-mays-a-cross-between-former-san-mig-imports-denzel-bowles-marqus-blakely)
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(http://imgwiz.com/images/2014/03/17/6Oqgn.jpg)
MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra is bringing in two-time PBA Best Import winner Gabe Freeman to take over from Leon Rodgers in the team’s hopes of averting further skid in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Team sources said Freeman, a champion import in the PBA and in the Asean Basketball League, is flying in at the latest Wednesday, ahead of the Kings’ crucial game against the Globalport Batang Pier Friday.
The Kings are now in precarious situation, having lost two of their first three games in the short one-round elimination phase.
The management and the coaching staff have apparently decided they could go nowhere with Rodgers.
Rodgers has proved to be a real scorer, but that’s because of his being a ball hog to the detriment of his teammates and the team
“The flow of the play stops with him. The locals can’t get into the groove because the ball is always in Rodgers’ hands,” a team insider said.
“And he shies away from contact, opting for lower-percentage shots from the outside,” the source added.
Numbers don’t lie.
On Sunday against San Mig Coffee, Rodgers scored 35 points as he accounted for 33 of the team’s 69 field attempts. LA Tenorio had the second most number of attempts with 11.
A week before against San Miguel Beer, he scored 33 points on 34 tries.
The Kings are now hoping Freeman to be their savior.
Freeman’s drawback is he will be the shortest import at 6-foot-5.
“But he’s very familiar with the PBA and the brand of play in the league. He’s done that before. We’re hopeful he can cope,” said The STAR source.
He had a short tour of duty with Barako Bull in the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup featuring imports of unlimited height.
The prolific Mesa Community College product took the league by storm in the 2009 Fiesta Conference, leading San Miguel Beer to the championship.
He emerged Best Import winner in that tourney and then again in the same conference the following year where the Beermen lost to the Alaska Milk Aces in the finals.
A little later, Freeman led the Philippine Patriots to a successful title run in the initial ABL season.
He’s wiser at 28 as he suits up with the Ginebra Kings.
From pbaddits.me (http://pbaddicts.me/thread/552/kings-replace-rodgers-freeman#ixzz2wDQko13Q)
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Dozier saves the day as Alaska snaps losing slide (03/17/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Rob Dozier scored key baskets late in the game to help the Alaska Aces break out of a tight encounter against the Air21 Express, 88-78 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Monday, March 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The reigning Commissioner's Cup Best Import scored 8 of Alaska's final 16 points to help the defending champions eke out a come-from-behind win and get out of the cellar.
The Aces snapped a two-game losing slide to improve to 2-3 while the Express went down to 2-2.
Rob Dozier topscored with 23 points and 9 rebounds while Sonny Thoss added a double-double, chipping in 14 points and 12 boards.
"It feels like a mountain. It's super big," said Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo after the match.
"I though in the first few games we were playing with frustration; there's a big bullseye on our chest."
With the game last tied at 70 apiece in the final 6:17, the Alaska Aces banked on their import, who scored 6 in a 12-4 run that pushed Alaska comfortably ahead, 82-74 with just 1:10 left.
The Aces also defended Air21 well, preventing any field goal in a span of 5 minutes before Mac Cardona hit a basket to make it 76-82.
But free throws by Dozier and a key block on the other end shut the doors on the Express; RJ Jazul and Sonny Thoss pushed the lead up to 10 just before the final buzzer sounded.
It was a tight affair with both teams combining for 10 deadlocks and 8 lead changes.
Scores:
Alaska - Dozier 23, Thoss 14, Abueva 13, Casio 10, Jazul 10, Hontiveros 6, Baguio 6, Dela Cruz 2, Espinas 2, Manuel 2, Reyes 0.
Air21 - Yeo 19, Lamizana 16, Taulava 11, Cardona 10, Borboran 9, Villanueva 5, Ramos 4, Burtscher 2, Atkins 2, Jaime 0, Poligrates 0.
Quarter scores: 19-16, 38-41, 61-62, 88-78.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53235-alaska-aces-cruise-past-air21-express)
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PBA set to honor 40 greatest players of its first 40 years. Who should be on list?
PLANS are afoot to honor the 40 greatest players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) when Asia's first professional cage league celebrates its 40th anniversary next season.
League officials have confirmed that a Forty Greatest PBA Players list is being eyed to highlight its 40th anniversary celebration next season, which would be the first time the PBA will come out with such an honor since honoring the top 25 players of its first 25 years back in 2000.
The Top 40 list, once done, will be a chance for players who stood out over the past two decades to join the esteemed list - a pool of candidates that includes stars like Danny Ildefonso, Mark Caguioa, James Yap, Danny Seigle, Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, and Willie Miller.
In the past, the league gathered its present and former commissioners - namely Leo Prieto, Rudy Salud, Rey Marquez, and Jun Bernardino - to pick the 25 Greatest Players.
According to PBA operations director Rickie Santos, the group decided to make former MVPs automatic selections to the esteemed list and deliberated on the rest of the choices.
Members of the 25 Greatest Players list are Johnny Abarrientos, Ato Agustin, Bogs Adornado, Francis Arnaiz, Ricky Brown, Allan Caidic, Hector Calma, Philip Cezar, Atoy Co, Jerry Codinera, Kenneth Duremdes, Bernie Fabiosa, Ramon Fernandez, Danny Florencio, Abet Guidaben, Robert Jaworski, Freddie Hubalde, Jojo Lastimosa, Lim Eng Beng, Samboy Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, Vergel Meneses, Manny Paner, Alvin Patrimonio, and Benjie Paras.
All those players are now considered shoo-ins to the Top 40 list.
This time, the league said it plans to convene a 'council of elders' to come up with the selections, although it is still not sure if the only surviving former commissioners - namely Sonny Barrios, Noli Eala, and Marquez - will be invited to join current chief Chito Salud in the proceedings.
One man being eyed to join the selection committee is Jaworski, largely regarded as the most popular player in league history. The 'Big J,' an official said, has already been sounded off about the plan when he turned up for Game Six of the Ginebra-San Mig semifinal series in the last Philippine Cup.
The former Ginebra coach expressed his willingness to take part in the proceedings, a league official said.
If the next selection committee follows the same criteria, players like Caguioa, Yap, Taulava, lldefonso, Menk, and Miller will be seeded into the list along with fellow former MVPs Jayjay Helterbrand, Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, and Arwind Santos.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-set-to-honor-40-greatest-players-of-its-first-40-years.-who-should-be-on-list-v02)
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Ginebra decides to stick it out with misfiring Leon Rodgers after evaluation
BARANGAY Ginebra will be looking to bounce back in its next few games with the same intact lineup.
That should be good news for Leon Rodgers - for now.
After a careful evaluation conducted by the team’s coaching staff, assistant coach Juno Sauler said Ginebra has decided to stick it out with its misfiring import while trying to "improve from within."
“There’s no need yet to change import," Sauler, who has taken on a more "active role" in the team in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, said. "Basic lang what we need to correct, little things lang like nung last game.
“We lost to two very good teams, San Miguel Beer and San Mig Coffee. It’s just within ourselves. It’s adjusting to changes. We have to be more consistent. We have to improve on our defense, rebounding and field goal shooting,” added the reigning UAAP champion coach.
Asked if import Leon Rodgers was part of the evaluation, Sauler said yes.
“Of course, lahat naman under evaluation. Leon, yes. Lagi naman namin siyang ini-evaluate,” said Sauler, adding that reports of Ginebra plans to bring in former Best Import awardee Gabe Freeman were "totally untrue."
“We are sticking it out with him. Next game namin. It’s still Leon Rodgers ... I don’t know the news about Gabe Freeman. Totally untrue!”
Sauler bared he has a shortlist in hand in the event Ginebra decides an import change is necessary. However, he insisted the coaching staff agreed that a switch isn't needed at this time.
Another source bared that Freeman is "out of shape."
“If the need arises, then we will have to come up with names. But at this point, there’s no need to change Leon. The coaching staff has discussed that already,” said the De La Salle coach.
Sauler, however, admitted that the coaching staff is cognizant of the high number of shots Rodgers takes - as well as his miserable shooting percentage - in his first three games.
The three-time MVP of the Dutch league has made just 31 of 83 shots in his first three games, including a 6-of-28 clip from beyond the three-point arc.
Sauler said the Ginebra staff has already talked to Rodgers about it, although he insisted the rest of the Gin Kings remain very supportive of the volume shooter.
“Yes, napapansin namin 'yun and we already talked to him. Hindi naman galit ang teammates niya. In fact, full support pa nga ang lahat sa kanya,” said Sauler.
However, one Ginebra star Spin.ph has talked to clearly isn't too happy.
Asked on what ails Ginebra right now, he said, "He’s the only one scoring. So what else can we do?”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-decides-to-stick-it-out-with-misfiring-leon-rodgers-after-evaluation)
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Embattled Kings eye former NBA vet; Aces rebound, derail Express
MANILA, Philippines - Rod Dozier dished out his best game so far in his PBA return and helped anchor Alaska Milk’s strong finish en route to an 88-78 win over Air21 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Dozier showed up Herve Lamizana, while Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, Jvee Casio and RJ Jazul also stepped up as the Aces checked a two-game skid and improved to 2-3 halfway through their stint in the short elimination phase of the mid-season tourney.
Dozier came through with timely hits in the fourth quarter where Alaska outscored Air21, 27-16, to hand the Express a second loss against two wins.
“We really have to have the guys to buy in on what we’re doing. The past games we’re breaking down in terms of game plan,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
“We played our defense,” Trillo also said on the biggest key on their conquest of the Express. “The other side is excited. It’s been long since they’re winning.”
True enough, the Aces toughened up on defense, shackling down in particular the Air21 frontline tandem of Lamizana and Asi Taulava.
Dozier, the reigning Commissioner’s Cup Best Import, logged 23 points and nine rebounds, four blocks and two assists as against Lamizana’s 16 markers and 10 boards. Taulava was held down to 11 markers.
Still, the two teams engaged in a fierce battle marked by 10 deadlocks and eight lead changes.
The Express led, 62-61, going into the fourth quarter.
Dozier fired a trey in the closing seconds as Alaska took the first quarter at 19-16 then Air21 surged ahead at the half, 41-38, on a crucial binge by Joseph Yeo in the second period.
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra is now considering to tap in former NBA player Darnell Jackson as replacement to Leon Rodgers.
Jackson, a three-year NBA veteran with stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Sacramento Kings, is in town, brought in by the Meralco Bolts.
However, Jackson reportedly refused to join the Bolts’ practice session yesterday with Brian Butch still under contract as the Meralco reinforcement.
Jackson, apparently, now wants to void his own deal with Meralco.
Earlier, Ginebra had considered bringing in Gabe Freeman but failed to get in touch with the two-time PBA Best Import awardee.
“Malabo na rin since we’ve heard that the he last played was in November in Mexico,” said The STAR source.
The scores:
Alaska 88 – Dozier 23, Thoss 14, Abueva 13, Casio 10, Jazul 10, Hontiveros 6, Baguio 6, Dela Cruz 2, Espinas 2, Manuel 2, Reyes 0.
Air21 78 – Yeo 19, Lamizana 16, Taulava 11, Cardona 10, Borboran 9, Villanueva 5, Ramos 4, Burtscher 2, Atkins 2, Jaime 0, Poligrates 0.
Quarterscores: 19-16, 38-41, 61-62, 88-78
From http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/03/18/1302254/embattled-kings-eye-former-nba-vet-aces-rebound-derail-express (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/03/18/1302254/embattled-kings-eye-former-nba-vet-aces-rebound-derail-express)
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Abueva, Santos headline PBA All-Star reserves
MANILA, Philippines - The PBA has released the list of stars who will complete the cast of the PBA All-Star team that shall go up against Gilas Pilipinas on April 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Reigning PBA Most Valuable Player Arwind Santos and Rookie of the Year Calvin Abueva leads the seven reserves. Santos will play in his 7th All-Star game; he is also the reigning All-Star co-MVP with Gilas Pilipinas' Jeff Chan.
San Mig Super Coffee Mixers' Joe Devance and Peter June Simon - who played key roles in the PBA Philippine Cup finals - are also part of the list. Completing the cast are KG Canaleta of Talk 'N Text, Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel, and Sonny Thoss of Alaska.
They will join starters Greg Slaughter, Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael, Mark Barroca and James Yap.
Reigning three-point champion Chris Tiu of Rain or Shine will defend his crown against a competitive field which includes Mac Baracael, Larry Fonacier, Jayson Castro, Mac Cardona, JVee Casio, Ryan Buenafe, Mac Macapagal, Gary David, Marcio Lassiter and James Yap.
In the skills challenge, Air21's Jonas Villanueva will be tested by JVee Casio, Willie Miller, LA Tenorio, Terrence Romeo, John Wilson, Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Jayson Castro, and Sol Mercado.
Lastly, high-flying dunk champion Chris Ellis of Barangay Ginebra will have to come up with better tricks as challengers like Justin Melton, Arwind Santos, Japeth Aguilar, Rey Guevarra, Cliff Hodge and Calvin Abueva out there to try and steal his crown.
The PBA Greats vs Stalwarts, featuring a mixture of active players and retired PBA stars, will be the weekend's curtain-raiser. The Greats are composed of Atoy Co, Freddie Abuda, Vergel Meneses, Franz Pumaren, Johnedel Cardel, Rey Guevarra, Terrence Romeo, JVee Casio, Willie Miller, Cliff Hodge and Jonas Villanueva.
Bogs Adornado, Dickie Bachmann, Noli Locsin, Jeffrey Cariaso, Richard Del Rosario, Justin Melton, Ronjay Buenafe, Sol Mercado, Chris Tiu, Mac Cardona and John Wilson meanwhile banner the Stalwarts team.
The PBA All Star weekend takes place from April 3 to 6.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53302-abueva-santos-headline-pba-all-star-reserves)
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PBA Power Rankings Weeks 1-2: Talk ‘N Text is reloaded
MANILA, Philippines - Parading a fully-loaded and healthy lineup, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters have zoomed to a 4-0 start in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
With a complete roster, TNT scored their best start since the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup where they went on to win it all.
Gilas Pilipinas mainstays like Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, and Jimmy Alapag are at the forefront of their early success as they top Rappler’s Power Rankings for this week.
1. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (4-0)
Game of the week (GOTW): The Tropang Texters battled toe-to-toe with the San Miguel Beermen on March 14, putting huge leads in the first half before surviving a late run behind Richard Howell and Jimmy Alapag, 107-99.
Next key game (NKG): Coach Norman Black’s troops will take a 4-day break before plunging back to action against the Meralco Bolts on Friday, March 21. They will have to check Brian Butch, who likes to shoot from everywhere on the court.
2. San Mig Super Coffee Mixers (2-0)
GOTW: Fresh from a Philippine Cup crown, it looks like the Mixers are again on track for a title run, winning their first two games in style. Against Ginebra on March 16, import James Mays had a colossal night, scoring 29 points and grabbing 29 rebounds for a 90-80 win.
NKG: San Mig’s mettle will be tested in a rematch of the Philippine Cup championship when they face Rain or Shine on March 22, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
3. Air21 Express (2-2)
GOTW: The Express limited Josh Dollard to just 12 points to conquer Barako Bull on March 14. They led by as much as 35 points with guys like Asi Taulava, Mac Cardona, and Jonas Villanueva all getting into the groove. Herve Lamizana had a listless first half but exploded for 20 in the third quarter to help their cause.
NKG: The Express will try to extend their winning ways when they face the Meralco Bolts on Sunday, March 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
4. San Miguel Beermen (2-1)
GOTW: San Miguel trounced Ginebra San Miguel, 112-96 back with Josh Boone, who had 32 points and 21 rebounds in what would be his swan song for the Beermen. SMB totally outclassed Ginebra in a battle of crowd favorites. However, they were stopped by the TNT crew in their next meeting.
NKG: To get back on track, the Beermen must play sharp against a dangerous Rain or Shine crew on Marc h 19, Wednesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
5. Meralco Bolts (2-1)
GOTW: Behind a clutch three-pointer from import Brian Butch, the Bolts edged Barako Bull in a nerve-racking encounter, 104-99 to move to the upper half of the standings at 2-1.
NKG: Meralco will engage in a tough battle with league-leading Talk ‘N Text on Friday, March 21 at the Cuneta Astrodome with hopes of dealing the Texters their first loss. Butch must capitalize on his range to lure TNT bigs outside.
6. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (1-1)
GOTW: The PBA Philippine Cup runner-ups wasted no time to recover from a loss against Barako Bull, waylaying Alaska 92-78 behind six triples from Jeff Chan who finished with a team-high 24 points.
NKG: San Miguel Beermen will try to deny Rain or Shine of a winning streak when they collide on Wednesday, March 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
7. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (1-2)
GOTW: Barangay Ginebra fought neck and neck with San Mig Coffee, trailing by only 1 at the start of the fourth period. However, they lost steam in the end and got badly outrebounded in the offensive glass, as they fell, 80-90. Import Leon Rodgers was criticized after for taking too many shots, leading to speculations that other imports will come over and replace him.
NKG: Globalport Batang Pier is Ginebra’s next assignment on Friday, March 21 at the Cuneta Astrodome. Though winless, Ginebra must be wary of the physicality of Globalport’s bigs.
8. Barako Bull Energy (1-3)
GOTW: Barako Bull relied on 17 fourth quarter points from import Josh Dollard to come from behind and upset Rain or Shine, 110-106 on March 9. The scoring machine tallied 44 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in their lone win so far.
NKG: Barako Bull tries to avoid getting buried in the standings when they clash with San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, March 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a tall task to overcome.
9. Alaska Aces (2-3)
GOTW: A strong finish from Rob Dozier gave Alaska their second win in five games, finally breaking out of a slump as they edged Air21, 88-78.
NKG: The other Aces however, like Dondon Hontiveros and Cyrus Baguio have been noticeably missing, just putting 12.5 PPG combined. Fortunately, Alaska will have lots of time to regroup and come out as a stronger team; they will return to action on March 29 in an out-of-town affair against San Miguel in Binan, Laguna.
10. Globalport Batang Pier (0-4)
GOTW: The Batang Pier’s golden chance of handing new head coach Pido Jarencio his first win went to waste against Meralco, when they failed to defend Brian Butch’s go-ahead triple that proved to be the telling blow.
NKG: Globalport’s next two games are tough. They shall lock horns with Ginebra on March 21 at the Cuneta Astrodome and will next face San Miguel on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. How they will fair against two powerhouse squads is a tough question for Jarencio’s troops.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53306-pba-power-rankings-1-2-talk-n-text-reloaded)
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Air21 releases Herve Lamizana, to replace with Witherspoon
MANILA, Philippines - PBA Import Herve Lamizana has been released by the Air21 Express on Wednesday, March 19.
Lamizana's agent Sheryl Reyes confirmed the news to Rappler, stating that "it was a mutual decision of Herve and the team as he did not fit the system of Coach Franz Pumaren." Reyes added "he is leaving in good faith and is very thankful of the opportunity. As he said, 'Some good things do come to an end.'"
Reyes added that Pumaren is in search of an import who is a big-time scorer.
Lamizana is known for his defense, leading the league in shot blocks with 3.75 per contest. However, his offense was inconsistent, as shown in scoreless first halves against Globalport and Barako Bull. He averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds in four games with the Express (2-2) in the Commissioner's Cup, per pba-online.net
The native of the Ivory Coast won’t be out of action for long, however, as he’s already fielding offers to play in Puerto Rico, where he had previously entertained offers before coming to agreement with the PBA. Reyes said that her client is thankful to the Air21 management for the opportunity to play overseas.
Set to replace Lamizana is Wesley Witherspoon, a 24-year-old graduate of Memphis who has played for the Austin Toros, Rio Grande Vipers and Erie Bay Hawks in the NBA D-League over the last two years. The 6-foot-9 forward also tried out once for the San Antonio Spurs but was waived eventually.
Witherspoon tweeted last night, "ANYBODY KNOW THE LANGUAGE SPOKEN MOST IN THE PHILIPPINES?," a question that he'll soon find the answer to.
Witherspoon averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 16 contests for the Hermine Nantes in the 2013-2014 EuroLeague.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53358-air21-releases-lamizana-replace-witherspoon)
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Chris Ross has career game as San Miguel Beermen down RoS (03/19/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Marcio Lassiter was the first to hit a triple for the San Miguel Beermen early in the first. Then Chris Ross followed Lassiter's lead with his own trey. Not long after Ronald Tubid and import Kevin Jones joined the three-point party.
Over at the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters camp, import Alexander McLean opened the game with a trey. Beau Belga and Paul Lee would not allow themselves to get left behind as they nailed long range shots as well.
That was the story of the game between Rain or Shine and San Miguel on Wednesday, March 19 in the PLDT myDSL Commissioner's Cup.
San Miguel won the shootout, however, 112-107, when the dust settled after 48 minutes of intense basketball.
The Beermen shot the lights out at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, draining 6 triples in the second - to lead at the break 56-61 - and 5 treys in the third as well. Their hot shooting resulted in 15 long range bombs all game long.
But the biggest three of all came from 2013 PBA Most Valuable Player Arwind Santos (19 points) with 1:26 left in the game. It was a go-ahead trey, 105-104, that turned the tide in favor of the Beermen, who weathered Rain or Shine's payoff period storm.
Chris Ross then made good on his defense-offense tactic in the ensuing play, anticipating the Rain or Shine passing lane for the umpteenth time to complete a steal and the resulting breakaway layup for a slight cushion, 107-104, with 44.6 ticks left.
The Painters had no antidote for Ross' active hands and his career high 22 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 5 steals.
"We expect effort from Chris Ross every time, he's the captain of our team," said active consultant Todd Purves. "It's just more about consistent effort from him, that's what I really appreciate from him from a defensive standpoint. So when he has a good shooting night, it's just an icing on the cake."
Rain or Shine came alive in the third with 31 points built by 5 triples. Belga shot 4 of 5 from rainbow country for his 12 points to try and help his team but with only 3 players scoring in double digits as opposed to the offensive explosion of the Beermen, their chances were all but gone.
"They're so resilient, they're so well-coached and they're so mentally tough that they would fight back every single time," Purves commended coach Yeng Guiao's troops.
The Painters were down by as much as 16 at the 7:22 mark of the third before they slowly trimmed the deficit in the fourth as the Beermen seemingly cooled down somewhat. They eventually took the lead on a McLean triple, 101-98, with 4:13 to play. McLean finished with 33 points and 14 rebounds for the Painters.
His counterpart Jones had nearly the same output with 33 markers and 15 boards.
San Miguel's Sol Mercado also did not play tonight due to a groin injury as the Beermen rose to 3-1 in the standings, while Rain or Shine slipped to 1-2.
Scores:
San Miguel 112: Jones 33, Ross 22, Lassiter 19, Santos 19, Fajardo 11, Duncil 3 Tubid 3, Kramer 2, Maierhofer 0, Hubalde 0, Lutz 0.
Rain or Shine 107: McLean 33, Lee 13, Belga 12, Chan 9, Arana 8, Almazan 8, Tiu 8, Norwood 8, Rodriguez 4, Uyloan 2, Teng 2, Cruz 0, Tang 0, Tang 0.
Quarterscores: 27-26, 56-51, 88-82, 112-107.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53408-san-miguel-beermen-pull-away-late-down-rain-shine)
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Joining PBA rookie draft still the main option for Chris Banchero, says agent
CHRIS Banchero will still be available for the PBA Annual Rookie Draft even if he decides to pack his bags and play in Europe shortly after his stint in the upcoming PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
Marvin Espiritu, who represents Banchero, said on Thursday the option to play in Europe is just there although on a long-term basis, the Boracay Rhum guard is still setting his sight on playing in Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league.
“Sa ngayon focused lang naman si Chris sa Boracay para sa second conference ng D-League, pero some time after June, pag natapos ang D-League, then pag-i-isipan na niya ang mga options,” Espiritu told Spin.ph.
“Puwede naman kasing maglaro lang siya ng two months sa Europe kung merong liga dun, pero babalik din agad siya dito kasi priority pa rin niya siyempre ang PBA (draft),” he added.
The former Seattle Pacific college standout has other options at hand, including a possible direct-hire option with Blackwater, which has a pending application to become an expansion franchise in the PBA.
Banchero gained prominence after playing for San Miguel in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), where he helped steer the Beermen to the championship last year.
The Beermen swept the Indonesia Warriors during the championship series with Banchero being adjudged as Finals MVP.
He eventually emerged the No. 1 overall pick in the first-ever Rookie Draft of the D-League draft joining Boracay Rhum.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/joining-pba-rookie-draft-still-the-main-option-for-chris-banchero-says-agent)
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PBA applicant Blackwater Sports receives 'very irresistible' offer to join ABL
JUST days before Blackwater Sports officials meet with Commissioner Chito Salud for a pre-board recommendation meeting, a new twist - very interesting one - happened in its bid for a PBA application.
One of three major companies seeking to become expansion teams in Asia's first professional cage league, Blackwater Sports has received what team owner Dioceldo Sy described as an "irrestible offer" to join the PBA's rival Asean Basketball League (ABL).
“Yes, there was an email sent to us Friday morning," Sy, owner of the successful Ever Bilena cosmetics chain, told Spin.ph. "And it was a very irresistible offer from the ABL.”
Spin.ph got hold of a copy of the email, which was signed by ABL’s chief operating officer Ridi Djajakusuma and sought to open negotiations for possible entry to the regional league not only of Blackwater but also another Philippine basketball club, Mighty Sports.
What was not contained in the email, Sy said, was an offer for Blackwater to join the ABL without having to pay a franchise fee.
“No franchise fee. That’s why it’s a very good option for us,” said Sy, who, along with representatives from NLEX and Kia Motors, will meet with Salud on Monday to defend his financial statement, which is part of the screening process for PBA applicants.
PBA expansion teams are mandated to pay a franchise fee of P100 million.
While acknowledging that entering the PBA is his top priority, Sy, a former chairman of the PBL, said joining the ABL will also bring a lot of benefits in terms of media exposure to his company.
"If we are approved by the PBA, backseat muna ang ABL. Pero 'pag tayo ay hindi pinalad sa PBA, then we will consider that," said the soft-spoken businessman.
“Joining the PBA is great, but being in the ABL offers a lot of potential for our company, too, to expand further. Southeast Asia ang market nun, plus ESPN pa ang TV coverage,” Sy added.
Sy bared that the ABL offer was sent to one of his assistant coaches at Blackwater Patrick Aquino, who is a friend of Malaysia Dragons coach Ariel Vanguardia.
“Very aggressive sila. Marami silang ginagamit na emisaryo to talk to us,” said Sy.
Whatever happens, the Ever Bilena president also declared that their participation in the coming PBA D-League Foundations Cup, where they are the defending champions, will be their last in the amateur league.
“Move on na kami. We feel we have enough machinery to come up with a formidable team. Who knows, we have mapped out our plans for the team we are forming,” said Sy, who hinted that they will do everything to bring top amateur cagers like Chris Banchero to any league they will play in.
The ABL has failed to kick off for its fifth season on time as it continued its search for new franchise holders from the Philippines following reigning champion San Miguel Beer's decision to disband its team.
ABL officials have tried to negotiate with San Miguel Corporation, Manny Pacquiao, the Manny V. Pangilinan group, Cebuana Lhuilier, and other top basketball companies in the country, but a deal had been elusive.
Mighty Sports, on the other hand, can also be an interesting partner for ABL as the company is a popular basketball backer that parades former PBA stars like Kenneth Duremdes, Rodney Santos, and Marlou Aquino in leagues around the country.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-applicant-blackwater-sports-receives-very-irresistible-offer-to-join-abl)
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nice win BGSM :D
The Scores :
GINEBRA 113 - Rodgers 33, Caguioa 15, Helterbrand 14, Tenorio 11, Aguilar 10, Baracael 9, Mamaril 7, Ellis 6, Slaughter 5, Urbiztondo 2, Reyes 1.
GLOBALPORT 107 - Brock 36, Cabagnot 16, Macapagal 14, Matias 10, Romeo 10, Washington 7, Nabong 4, Ponferrada 4, Chua 2, Garcia 2, Custodio 2, Salva 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscores: 25-28, 53-52, 87-78, 113-107
For the last 3 years, Ginebra has remained perfect in Cuneta
sana sa cuneta nalang palage laro ng Ginkings haha .
Ginebra Astrodome ???
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Talk 'N Text stays immaculate after Meralco drubbing (03/21/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Not even Brian Butch's intensity and three-pointers from the parking lot were enough to keep the Meralco Bolts afloat against the stingy defense of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters on Friday afternoon, March 21 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Talk 'N Text shut the doors on Meralco's offense to pummel them with a 91-68 win and in the process maintain their win-loss card squeaky clean at 5-0 in the PLDT myDSL Commissioner's Cup.
"I thought today was an example of a very good defensive effort on our part," explained head coach Norman Black. "Our defensive game plan was a little bit complicated going into this game because of the talent of Brian Butch, because of the fact that he's an outside shooter and he's not really a power player."
The Bolts zoomed to an early 9-2 lead on some aggression from Anjo Caram and a pair of very long range off-the-glass bombs from Butch. Meralco had the right idea in the early goings of the first by trying to set the tone of the game with aggressiveness.
But that 9-2 lead was all they wrote as Talk 'N Text came storming back before the Bolts could even capitalize on the latter's slow start, ending the first canto on top at 28-24.
The second period was even worse for Meralco as they never scored again from the 5:28 mark all the way to halftime, with the Texters keeping their prey right where they want them with just a measly 9-point second frame output. The Texters led 43-33 at the break.
But the defense-oriented team of Black was not done yet.
Harvey Carey got on a roll in the third and scored 9 of his 11 points to help Talk 'N Text build a 68-49 edge heading to the fourth, where it was simply cruise control for the lone team at the top of the standings.
"If it's one thing I'm really happy with this conference so far is the fact that we are not really shooting the basketball that well from the field but we're still winning games with our defense," Black remarked.
Meralco heaved triples in the fourth to try and overturn the biggest lead of the game, a 24-point deficit, 79-55, with 8:01 left after a very convincing Jayson Castro fake and fly by drive to the hoop for the two points. Too bad for them Talk 'N Text also caught fire from that distance with 8 triples all game long.
Second chance points, 23-15, resulting from a 61-50 Talk 'N Text advantage on the boards killed Meralco as well.
The disparity in field goal percentages (41.7% for Talk 'N Text and 31.5% for Meralco) also seemed to make the loss all but inevitable for the Bolts, who now sport a 2-2 slate.
Balanced scoring was also the name of the game for the Tropang Texters with Ranidel de Ocampo leading their team with 15 points.
Richard Howell contributed 13 markers and 22 boards as well.
"Good team effort on our part," Black noted. "We had a lot of balance offensively."
Meralco's offense, on the other hand, was carried by import Butch with his 16 points and 20 boards. John Wilson and Gary David added 11 and 8 points, respectively.
With a 5-0 slate, some would say Talk 'N Text might be peaking too early, much like the San Miguel Beermen (then Petron Blaze Boosters) or Barangay Ginebra during the previous Philippine Cup.
But Black believes this shorter conference, with just a single round robin for eliminations, means it is a sprint and not a marathon. He's also not concerned about too early wins.
"If you look at our schedule, it's important for us to try and get as many wins as possible because of the way the way the schedules are set up and also allow us to have 8 days off at the end of the elimination round," Black explained. "So whatever success we're having now we want to continue to have that success."
Scores:
Talk 'N Text 91: De Ocampo 15, Castro 14, Fonacier 14, Howell 13, Carey 11, Canaleta 9, Williams 7, Salamat 2, Baclao 2, Alapag 2, Reyes Ro. 1, Reyes Ry. 1, Aban 0, Reyes J. 0.
Meralco 68: Butch 16, Wilson 11, David 8, Caram 5, Hugnatan 5, Mandani 5, Ildefonso 4, Hodge 4, Salvacion 3, Dillinger 3, Al-Hussaini 2, Guevarra 2, Bringas 0.
Quarter scores: 28-24, 43-33, 68-49, 91-68.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53569-tnt-immaculate-meralco-drubbing)
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Mark Caguioa provides the spark for Ginebra revival in win over GlobalPort (03/21/14)
MARK Caguioa led from the front to lead a revival for Barangay Ginebra in a 113-107 win over GlobalPort on Friday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City.
The former league MVP had 15 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists and, more importantly, showed the way in a more efficient performance that allowed the Gin Kings to bounce back from back-to-back losses to San Miguel and San Mig.
The last of Caguioa's baskets - a breakaway layup after successive misses from the three-point zone by a desperate GlobalPort - sealed what was only the second win in four games for the league's most popular ballclub in the import-spiced conference.
Even under-fire import Leon Rodgers got into the act, scoring 33 points in a more consistent shooting performance. Those points included a clutch jumper and two free throws that sparked a 6-3 run that opened a 108-100 lead for Ginebra, time down to one minute.
The Batang Pier, however, were far from finished, getting as close as 106-109 on a three-pointer by rookie Terrence Romeo before two LA Tenorio free throws and Caguioa's layup sealed GlobalPort's fifth loss in as many games under coach Pido Jarencio.
The win also stretched Ginebra's win streak to nine at the Astrodome, where the team has not lost for the past three years.
"Sa second half, we reminded them to play defense, pero again, kailangan pa rin naming i-improve ang rebounding namin," said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.
The scores:
Ginebra 113 - Rodgers 33, Caguioa 15, Helterbrand 14, Tenorio 11, Aguilar 10, Baracael 9, Mamaril 7, Ellis 6, Slaughter 5, Urbiztondo 2, Reyes 1.
GlobalPort 107 - Brock 36, Cabagnot 16, Macapagal 14, Matias 10, Romeo 10, Washington 7, Nabong 4, Ponferrada 4, Chua 2, Garcia 2, Custodio 2, Salva 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscores: 25-28, 53-52, 87-78, 113-107
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/mark-caguioa-provides-the-spark-for-ginebra-revival-in-win-over-globalport)
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Tim Cone among those left fuming by 'terrible' delayed airing of PBA first game on TV5
FANS of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) were left disappointed again as the first game of Friday’s Commissioner’s Cup doubleheader was not shown on either TV5 or Aksyon TV 41.
The curtain raiser at the Astrodome interestingly, pitted Talk `N Text and sister team Meralco, both under the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) group.
Instead of showing it live, the game will be broadcast on a delayed basis at 11 p.m. on TV5.
But in an earlier story ran by Spin.ph, TV5 sports manager Vitto Lazatin said the live telecast of PBA games in TV5's sister channel on the UHF band was discontinued under a new TV schedule agreed upon by the league and its broadcast partner.
So instead of PBA games, Aksyon TV aired the NCAA 'March Madness’ game between top seed Florida and 16th-ranked Albany.
Instead, the non-airing of the Talk 'N Text-Meralco game on Aksyon TV has left fans mad.
As expected, cage fans showed their displeasure about the latest PBA television schedule on various social networking sites.
Spin.ph's Facebook page has also been deluged with complaints from fans.
“PBA lang libangan nmin ayaw nyo pa ilabas,” said one on Facebook.
“Badtrip replay na lang ang first game ng pba... ncaa march madness ang pinalit,” wrote another on Twitter.
“Di ako makapaniwala hinahayaan lang ng PBA na di mapalabas ng live. Sira na pba nyan sa mga fans,” said another.
Even San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone expressed disappointment on Twitter about not seeing Friday's first game live on television.
“Not being able to watch the first game live is really, really terrible. Who stays up to 11pm to watch the replay?” Cone tweeted.
The agreement had TV5 increasing from five to seven the PBA games it brodcasts live a week, and the simulcast on Aksyon TV was removed to avoid confusion among fans, Lazatin said.
“The directive na we have seven games live na on TV5, so para wala nang confusion sa viewers the games are now aired on TV5 na lang,” said Lazatin.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/tim-cone-among-those-left-fuming-by-terrible-delayed-airing-of-pba-first-game-on-tv5)
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San Miguel sends back Barako despite Dollard's 46 points (03/22/14)
MANILA, Philippines – The Barako Bull Energy Cola was doing enough for the first 3 periods to stay within striking distance of the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, March 22, in the PBA PLDT TVolution Commissioner's Cup.
But so much energy was sapped out of Barako that they couldn't deliver the finishing kick in the fourth. They crumbled during the final 5 minutes as San Miguel came away with their fourth victory, 106-100.
"Obviously a really exciting way to win," active consultant Todd Purves remarked.
"Somebody (in practice) mentioned Barako being a dangerous team and I just don't think that describes them anymore. They're a good basketball team. And dangerous implies you have to really be careful they'll sneak up on you and to me, they're a good basketball team.
"If you allow them to sneak up on you, you're just not prepared. And so we knew it was going to be a very hard game tonight and I think they're a much better team than their record states."
The Beermen were in control for most of the match but they hit a minor speed bump midway in the fourth as they couldn't put a leash on Barako import Josh Dollard, who just had so much fire in his eyes and was simply uncontrollable offensively.
At the 11-minute mark of the final frame, Dollard was already lying on the Smart Araneta Coliseum hardcourt wildly punching his chest in ecstasy after he hit one of his deep triples that cut San Miguel's 81-74 deficit to just two, 81-79.
A couple minutes after that Dollard drilled in another one of his 4 three-pointers to knot the count at 84. Right after that Mick Pennisi scored from long range as well to take the lead, 87-84, with 8:49 left.
San Miguel looked a little shaken up at that juncture as they missed even the gimmes.
Dollard, on the other hand, kept pounding and delivering, even scoring against 4 Beermen defenders at one point to make it a 91-90 Energy Cola advantage.
But San Miguel recovered their bearings with 4:58 remaining on a Marcio Lassiter go-ahead triple, which prompted a 7-0 blitz to put the Beermen permanently on top, 99-93. Arwind Santos and June Mar Fajardo each chipped in two points for that run as well as Barako sputtered their way to the finish line.
With 2:43 on the clock, Dollard was already huffing and puffing. His lay-up attempt had no more juice in it as it only grazed the rim before it was taken away by San Miguel.
Barako couldn't execute after that, save for a Pennisi trey with 52.9 ticks left that gave them a window of hope, 103-98. But it was quickly closed shut by San Miguel import Kevin Jones who sank a long bomb for the dagger, 106-98.
"I was not surprised they were able to make a run but I'm very pleased that we were able to continue to grind it out and come away with the win," Purves said.
As head coach Biboy Ravanes pointed out, domination on the boards won this game for San Miguel. They simply clobbered the Energy Cola, 54-36, on rebounding. But it was their advantage on the offensive glass that did the real damage, 22-10. Those 22 offensive boards translated to a whopping 27 second chance points.
San Miguel also remained hot from rainbow country as they matched their 15 triples from last game.
Dollard's 46 points, 15 rebounds, two dimes, one steal and one block were for naught as there wasn't much support from his teammates. Pennisi finished with 16 points while rookie Jeric Fortuna and Ronjay Buenafe each had 11 points.
Meanwhile, it was a much balanced scoring affair for San Miguel with Jones coughing up 28 points, 18 boards, 5 assists and two steals.
Lassiter hit 5-of-9 treys for his 19 points, while Santos was a near perfect two-of-3 from the arc with 16 points and 11 rebounds to his name. Fajardo added a double-double 15 points and 11 rebounds as well.
So far, the Beermen are looking sharp near the top of the standings with a 4-1 card as Barako fell to 1-4. But Purves made it clear there's more to come from them.
"I feel we have a long way to go. We have a large margin to get better as well."
Scores:
San Miguel 106: Jones 28, Lasasiter 19, Santos 16, Fajardo 15, Hubalde 13, Mercado 7, Ross 3, Kramer 2, Maierhofer 0, Tubid 0.
Barako Bull 100: Dollard 46, Pennisi 16, Fortuna 11, Buenafe 11, Wilson 6, Lastimosa 4, Isip 2, Peña 2, Miranda 2, Jensen 0, Miller 0, Marcelo 0, Intal 0.
Quarters: 29-19; 51-43; 81-74; 106-100.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53624-san-miguel-sends-back-barako-despite-dollard-points)
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San Mig keeps mastery of Rain or Shine after 16-point blowout win (03/22/14)
SAN Mig Coffee went on a relentless third quarter assault on its way to clobbering a listless Rain or Shine squad, 91-74, for its third straight win in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Mixers relied on their efficient shooting, fluid ball movement, and unrelenting rebounding in keeping their mastery of the Elasto Painters.
It was the first meeting between the two protagonists of the last Philippine Cup Finals which San Mig won, 4-2.
The Mixers improved to 3-0 and remained as one of only two unbeaten teams in the mid-season conference along with idle Talk `N Text (5-0).
Rain or Shine remained at the bottom half of the standing with its 1-3 record, absorbing its first back-to-back loss of the conference as it continued to miss the services of injured players JR Quinahan and Ryan Arana.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was so upset with the his team played in the second half that he opted to bench import Alex McLean in the fourth period.
San Mig held a 70-51 lead entering the final quarter.
Guiao said recently that he's keeping his options open as far as replacing McLean is concerned.
"We had a little bit of everything going for us today," said a beaming San Mig coach Tim Cone after the game.
"We played really good defense, we controlled the boards, just kind of overpowered them inside with big James (Mays)."
Cone also credited the locals for stepping up big when Mays picked up his third foul during the second period.
Cone said the Mixers’ defense set the tone for the rout, being conscious the Elasto Painters will try to bounce back strong after losing to San Miguel Beer on Wednesday, 112-107.
"I think they (Elasto Painters) want to get off really quickly. So they got frustrated, we knew we have to be real sharp to start the game, and we were," said Cone.
"If we weren't, we would have given them the momentum they wanted."
Mays led the Mixers with 18 points and 15 rebounds in just 30 minutes of action.
PJ Simon added 16 while Marc Pingris chipped in 10.
Rain or Shine drew 18 points from McLean while Paul Lee added 12.
The scores:
San Mig Coffee (91) -- Mays 18, Simon 16, Pingris 10, Sanggalang 9, Yap 9, Devance 7, Mallari 7, Barroca 5, Reavis 3, Melton 3, Gaco 2, Holstein 2, Acuna 0, Cawaling 0.
Rain or Shine (74) -- McLean 18, Lee 12, Norwood 9, Chan 7, Teng 7, Uyloan 6, Almazan 5, Rodriguez 4, Belga 2, Cruz 2, Tiu 2, Tang 0, Nuyles 0, Ibanes 0.
Quarterscores: 28-19; 45-37; 70-51; 91-74.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-keeps-mastery-of-rain-or-shine-after-16-point-blowout)
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pikon talaga ang lintek na kalbong coach ng RoS. . bwahahaha. . talo si kalbo.
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Josh Dollard heartbroken but still positive for Barako Bull
MANILA, Philippines - 45, 44, 46.
Those aren't lottery numbers. Those are the number of points American import Josh Dollard has put up for the Barako Bull Energy Cola in 3 of their 5 games in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.
Those numbers should mean Dollard is rejoicing. But in reality, he's heartbroken.
"It's heartbreaking when you give a lot of effort to a game and you come out on the losing end regardless of how many points you score or how many rebounds you get and assists you get," he said following their 106-100 loss to the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, March 22.
The 27-year old has been one of the most explosive imports in the 2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup, taking over on offense in every manner in an effort to take Barako Bull to the promised land.
But his league-leading 36 points per game have only resulted in a 1-4 standing so far.
"It's frustrating regardless if you score a lot or score a little. I'd rather score 4 points and get a win than score 40 and get an L because the objective at the end of the night is to get the win," lamented the 6-foot-8 South Carolina native. "My points don't really matter to me at the end of the day."
It has been a tough conference for Barako Bull, who have lost close games to Barangay Ginebra and Talk 'N Text. Their recurring problems from last conference have lingered. Though they’ve come up strong in the third and fourth quarters of games, a pattern has emerged where they eventually fall through in the endgame.
Whether it's a lack of experience as a team or just plain bad decision-making, Dollard attributes their meltdowns to the little things all of them fail to notice.
"We gotta stop giving up offensive rebounds and cut back on the turnovers, executing our offense to a T. And executing our defensive rotations because that's what's costing us close games," he explained. "We get ahead and I don't know whether we're relaxing or it's just a lack of attention to detail. And when we come down to the defensive end, we give up big plays."
That was, indeed, the story for Barako Bull against the Beermen on Saturday. They hung tough throughout the game and intended to deliver the final blow in the fourth. They had the right idea, but they just couldn't maintain a solid grip on it.
Anchored by Dollard's 46-point explosion and the 4 triples he connected on in parity with Mick Pennisi, Barako took the lead from San Miguel, 87-84, with 8:49 left to play. The lead kept swinging back and forth after as the Energy couldn't quite pull away.
But several bad consecutive plays resulting from bad defensive execution paved the way for San Miguel to craft a 7-0 blitz and put themselves permanently on top, 99-93.
It's mental lapses like those that Dollard believes they must remedy in order to string together wins and make a decent finish of the eliminations.
"It's points like that in the game with a good team like that, you gotta be on your game on both ends of the floor. We just gotta tighten up on a few things and I'll think we'll be okay."
True enough, rebounding was a major department where the Beermen clobbered Barako, 54-36. On the offensive glass San Miguel was simply dominating with a 22-10 edge, which resulted in 27 second chance points that hurt Barako's cause.
And while Dollard doesn’t blame his teammates, he believes they have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to make a run for the playoffs in a short single round-robin conference.
"We definitely got a lot of catching up to do but I think it's possible. We got a tough stretch ahead of us," said Dollard. "There's never a night off in the PBA. We emphasize that you gotta forget the game real quickly and move on to the next because it's a short tournament and you have no time to dwell on the last game."
Asked if dropping 40 points is something required of him by the coaching staff, Dollard explained that he just reacts to what instructions the coaches give him.
"It's just pretty much what the coaches draw up for me. I go along with it whether it's for me or for one of our other guys. It's all about executing, whether it ends up in my hands or it's me making a play for my other teammates."
With only one win so far, and only 4 games left, the race is on for Barako to get their act together fast. Last conference they made the playoffs. This time they are in danger of missing it and taking a step back from their progress.
For Dollard, he hopes the team's collective effort in the next few games will yield a better ending.
"For my teammates, we really want to win," he said. "My team and I we're, gonna continue fighting until it's said and done."
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53642-josh-dollard-heartbroken-positive-barako-bull)
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Meralco comes from behind to nip Air21 (03/23/14)
MANILA, Philippines - "I've got to do a better job, we've got to do a better job as a team. And that's just the bottom line of it."
Those were the words Meralco Bolts import Brian Butch spoke after they were defeated by Talk 'N Text on Friday, March 21. And that's exactly what they did two days later on Sunday afternoon when they completed a 20-point comeback to escape the Air21 Express, 109-98, in the 2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
"For tonight's game it was really a test of will for us," said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio. "We were down by a big margin, did not put our heads down, found ways to extricate from a deep hole and we were rewarded with a victory."
The Bolts clawed back from what everyone thought was a 20-point 86-66 grave dug by the Express with 1:08 left in the third canto on a Jonas Villanueva coast to coast basket.
But Meralco exploded with a burst of power and aggression come the fourth period, where they came in down 68-86, and went on a searing 29-12 run to complete their fightback and take the lead for the first time in a long while, 99-98, on a Jared Dillinger spin move to the basket with 2:27 on the clock.
It was a matter of composure and execution from there for Meralco, with Dillinger inflicting more damage with his fadeaway jumpers and drives, and Butch staying steady from the stripe to ink the final tally.
Dillinger tallied 20 points when the smoke cleared to go with 8 assists.
"It's been a while since Jared Dillinger played that way," remarked Gregorio.
Butch, on the other hand, put up monster numbers with 40 points and 31 rebounds along with 3 assists, a steal and a block.
"I said to them (Meralco), we weren't gonna lose," said Butch after the game. "We all believed in each other, we all wanted it for each other and we played together as a team."
All throughout the payoff period Air21 was simply shaken and tearing up at the seams in the face of Butch's 21 fourth quarter points on 4 three-pointers and Dillinger's 13 markers in that quarter. But the Bolts also had plenty of help from an energetic and aggressive John Wilson, who just flew high above everybody for the all-important boards that translated to valuable possessions.
It was a pair of consecutive treys from Butch and Dillinger midway in the fourth that truly swung the momentum to the side of Meralco for good as they came to within 5, 91-96. Those 6 points were a direct product of precise ball movement for Meralco.
Wilson then came alive and did not give up on a play as he drove to the hoop, missed, then grabbed his own offensive rebound for the stick-back to make it a 3-point affair, 93-96.
Wilson finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds. It's that kind of effort shown by Wilson on rebounding that allowed Meralco 25 second-chance points as opposed to a far 6 by Air21.
"It was simply an amazing comeback and this game I'll pretty much cherish. As a basketball coach I have never seen anything like it," Gregorio said.
The only way Meralco was able to succeed with their comeback was due to their defense, which they executed to a T in that storied final frame as they limited the Express to only 12 points.
More importantly, they tightened the cap on Air21's new import Wesley Witherspoon, who only scored 5 points in the last period. It was a stark contrast to Butch's fourth quarter output.
Before that, however, the game was all Air21 as Witherspoon dropped 39 points for the first 3 quarters. The 24-year old Atlanta, Georgia native went beast mode on his debut for the Express with a total of 44 markers on 8-of-13 triples to go with 9 rebounds and a steal.
Meralco, now sitting at the middle of the standings at 3-2, got off to a good start but dipped in the second frame with only a 17-point output compared to a daunting 35 markers by Air21 built on the 18 points of Witherspoon in that frame.
Mark Cardona also came out firing with 22 points while Asi Taulava added 11 markers and 9 boards for Air21, who now sport a 2-3 win-loss card.
Scores:
Meralco 109: Butch 40, Dillinger 20, Wilson 12, David 11, Hodge 9, Caram 6, Mandani 4, Hugnatan 3, Guevarra 2, Artadi 2, Ildefonso 0, Al-Hussaini 0.
Air21 98: Witherspoon 44, Cardona 22, Taulava 11, Yeo 7, Borboran 4, Villanueva 4, Camson 4, Atkins 2, Poligrates 0, Ramos 0, Burtscher 0.
Quarter scores: 25-18, 42-53, 68-86, 109-98.
From Rapppler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53695-meralco-comes-from-behind-nip-air-21)
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Talk 'N Text extends win streak to 6, downs Ginebra (03/23/14)
MANILA, Philippines - There's room for only one comeback in one game day.
Larry Fonacier delivered the dagger three-pointer on Sunday, March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and made sure there will be no Barangay Ginebra San Miguel comeback as the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters came away with a 94-87 victory to extend their win streak to 6 in the 2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Ginebra was down by as much as 16, 85-69, with 8:19 left in the game after Fonacier made good on a baseline jumper.
But the Gin Kings, who couldn't catch a break throughout the contest and were simply exchanging baskets with the Texters, managed to hold Talk 'N Text scoreless for more than 5 minutes from the 6:59 mark of the fourth until there was 1:32 left.
TNT import Richard Howell last scored for his team at that point via a crossover dribble and drive to the hoop over rookie Greg Slaughter, 87-74.
Ginebra, led by LA Tenorio, eventually made the necessary defensive stops and scored on crucial possessions to make it a 6-point game, 87-81.
Ginebra's ball
A controversial call came with 2:19 left in the game where Talk 'N Text was awarded the possession after the leather went out of bounds as a result of Ryan Reyes and Leon Rodgers fighting for the loose ball.
Upon looking at the video replay, it became clear that Reyes held the ball last, which should've made it Ginebra's possession. However, video reviews of plays can only be made under the 2-minute mark of the game, which meant the referee's call stood.
"I think it should've been their ball," Talk 'N Text head coach Norman Black admitted. "But it was one call the entire game. It happens like that. We've been on the other end of that a lot this year. It's just one call the entire game."
After the tough break, Ranidel de Ocampo, who was a machine for TNT from the get-go, regained some momentum for the Texters as he scored two of his team-high 28 points to stop the bleeding somewhat with 1:32 left.
But Ginebra was still able to come to within 4, 89-85, with 51.6 ticks left after Tenorio went coast to coast.
However, that's the last time the chants of "Gi-neb-ra" would be heard on Sunday night as Fonacier got hold of the rock on the break and found himself wide open for the dagger trey to make it 92-85with 29.4 seconds remaining.
That basket ultimately sucked the air out of Ginebra's fightback as they succumbed to their third loss.
Great defense
Once again the Texters were operating as one great defensive unit all game long, shutting the door on Ginebra, which now has a 2-3 win-loss card.
"I think the team played good defense today. We executed again exactly what we wanted to do," Black said.
That defensive game plan, according to Black, entailed keeping the ball out of the hands of Ginebra playmaker Tenorio and veteran Mark Caguioa.
True enough, the Texters made it extremely difficult for Ginebra to even make extra passes, limiting them to just 16 assists while they dished out 26. Talk 'N Text also outran Ginebra with 13 fastbreak attempts, which resulted to 21 points for them. While Ginebra was held to just 5 attempts and 8 fastbreak points.
Caguioa had 14 points and 10 boards while Tenorio only had 9 points along with 7 assists.
"Hats off to my players for executing the game plan," added Black.
As a compliment to their defense, Talk 'N Text was once again a very well-balanced offensive team. They had 5 players in double digits and had significant contributions from their second unit.
Howell scored 19 points and grabbed 23 rebounds, while Jayson Castro had 11 points on 5-of-10 field goals.
"We don't really have to rely on our import to score a lot of points but we just need him to deliver when it's crucial for us," Black explained. "At the same time we just rely on the locals to contribute every game. But for me story of the game is really the execution of our defense."
Sitting atop the standings at 6-0, Talk 'N Text will be having a 7-day break before they return to action on March 31 against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.
Scores:
Talk 'N Text (94): De Ocampo 28, Howell 19, Castro 11, Reyes Ry. 11, Fonacier 10, Williams 8, Canaleta 4, Alapag 3, Reyes Ro. 0, Baclao 0, Carey 0.
Ginebra (87): Rodgers 32, Caguioa 14, Baracael 13, Tenorio 9, Slaughter 8, Aguilar 5, Ellis 2, Reyes 2, Helterbrand 2.
Quarterscores: 28-26, 52-40, 76-65, 94-87.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53700-talk-n-text-unbeaten-defeats-ginebra)
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Former NU star Bobby Ray Parks signs up with NLEX Road Warriors in PBA D-League
BOBBY Ray Parks has joined the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA D-League, giving the powerhouse team another top amateur star in its arsenal and perhaps a major asset if it makes the jump to the pro league.
Parks’ representative Charlie Dy confirmed the two-time UAAP MVP has signed up for the Road Warriors after being included in the team's official roster for the D-League's Foundation Cup opening on Monday.
NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez also said Parks is already with the team but hinted that he won't play with the Road Warriors until he has wrapped up his commitments with mother school National University.
"He is playing with us but he have to finish muna his school commitments before he plays," Fernandez said.
The acquisition of the NU star has further strengthened an NLEX lineup that already counts on amateur standouts and Gilas cadet members Garvo Lanete, Kevin Alas, Jake Pascual, Ronald Pascual, and Matt Ganuelas.
Interestingly, Parks’ arrival at NLEX also came at a time when the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned company is awaiting approval on its application for membership in the PBA, where the son of legendary PBA import Bobby Parks could become a direct-hire recruit.
The move, however, may signal a complete break for NU and Parks, who failed to lead the Bulldogs to a UAAP championship in three seasons in the premier collegiate league.
Parks recently saw action for Banco De Oro, which had a school tie-up with NU in the Aspirants Cup. BDO declined to participate this conference and released Parks, paving the way for him to suit up for NLEX without going through the draft.
The star-studded Road Warriors squad recently won their fifth title in the Aspirants Cup after sweeping Big Chill in the best-of-three finals.
NLEX will open its Foundation Cup campaign against Blackwater Sports on Tuesday at the JCSGO gym in Quezon City.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/former-nu-star-bobby-ray-parks-signs-up-for-nlex-road-warriors-in-pba-d-league)
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PBA suspends referee for TNT-Ginebra bad call
MANILA, Philippines - The Office of the Commissioner has suspended PBA referee Rommel Gruta for two weeks for an incorrect out-of-bounds call last night at the Ginebra-Talk 'N Text tiff at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the Tropang Texters up 87-81 and 2:20 left in the match, Gruta decided to hand possession to TNT after a loose ball play involving TNT's Ryan Reyes and Ginebra's Leon Rodgers that sailed out of the baseline. The call swung the momentum as Ginebra was starting to rally after being down by double-digits earlier in the game.
Replays showed however that Reyes was the only player near the ball when it went out of bounds. Talk 'N Text was able to burn time off the clock before scoring a basket that put the game permanently out of reach.
This made the Ginebra coaching staff fume, with team manager Alfrancis Chua and chairman Robert Non both getting on their feet to question the referee's call. Talk 'N Text went on to win 94-87.
Under PBA rules, out-of-bounds plays are only reviewed under the last two minutes of regulation.
Gruta will be out for six game days.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53759-pba-suspends-referee-tnt-ginebra)
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Jayjay Helterbrand says Ginebra's sputtering start all boils down to lack of effort
BARANGAY Ginebra has been dealing with a lot of issues as it continues to slump in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, from the fate of import Leon Rodgers to its unique coaching set-up to a bum call in a loss to Talk 'N Text.
But for Jayjay Helterbrand, Ginebra's struggles boil down to one thing: lack of effort.
A self-examination may be in order for the league's most popular team as Helterbrand rattled off a litany of problems Ginebra is dealing with - rebounding, defense, turnovers - only because the Kings are not playing hard enough.
“Defense is part of it, rebounding, us turning the ball over, not knowing our plays, effort. What else? All the little things that we need to win the ball game, we don’t do,” rued Helterbrand after a 87-94 loss to Talk 'N Text on Sunday - Ginebra's third in five games in the conference.
The 37-year-old former Kentucky State University standout, who had two points, two rebounds and three assists in a brief seven-minute exposure on Sunday, said Ginebra coaches have been constantly reminding them that winning games simply goes beyond the “X’s and O’s."
“Coach was telling us, it’s not about X’s and O’s, or plays. If you don’t put the effort, we’re not gonna win games, especially when we play good teams,” Helterbrand said.
"If you don’t (play hard), that’s gonna be the result."
Helterbrand said even if the Gin Kings tap a new import to replace Rodgers, who has come under fire for the team’s slow start, things won’t change if the rest of the team do not put in the effort on the floor.
“Leon does his thing. He’s a good teammate, a good import for us. But like I said, if we don’t do the little things, it doesn’t matter who we got, we’re not gonna win,” said Helterbrand.
Helterbrand and Ginebra have only two days to regroup before going back to action on Wednesday when it plays Air21.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/jayjay-helterbrand-says-ginebras-sputtering-start-all-boils-down-to-lack-of-effort)
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Jared Dillinger credits resurgence to Meralco import Brian Butch's 'infectious attitude'
ARED Dillinger played his best game in a long while, but the Meralco forward was quick to deflect the credit to embattled import Brian Butch after the Bolts’ amazing 109-88 come-from-behind win over Air21 on Sunday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 6-foot-4 Dillinger pumped in 13 of his 20 points in the team’s 41-point fourth quarter explosion as he joined hands with the sweet-shooting Butch, who had 20 of his 40 points in the same stretch in leading Meralco to its third win in five games in the short, single-round eliminations.
Although Dillinger is happy to have slowly gotten back into game shape after battling a bacterial infection more than a week ago, the Fil-Am guard credited Butch’s “infectious attitude” on the floor and inside the locker room for the Bolts' unlikely victory.
“It kind of just starts with the import, the way he (Butch) carries himself. He’s a winner, he’s a good locker room guy. He talks to everyone and he wants to win,” said Dillinger, in describing the intangible qualities Butch bring to the Bolts.
The blue-collar import also added 31 rebounds.
Dillinger, the left-handed former University of Hawaii standout, said Butch’s passion for the game speaks volume of the import’s desire to keep his job with the Bolts.
“He wants to be here (playing with Meralco), and it just rubs off on everyone,” said the 30-year-old Dillinger.
“No one tipped their head down. We always kept the positivity and the energy he brings, he always brings everyone up. My hats off to Brian. He always plays well.”
Butch’s fate, though, hinges on the Meralco coaching staff’s meeting early this week as it decides whether to send the former NBA D-League Impact Player of the Year home in favor of standby import Darnell Jackson or not.
Meralco swings back to action on Wednesday against Rain or Shine.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/jared-dillinger-credits-resurgence-to-meralco-import-brian-butchs-infectious-attitude)
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Santos flashes MVP form in San Miguel's rout of Globalport (03/24/14)
MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer were tested for most of the match but broke away late to blow Globalport, 109-92 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Monday, March 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scoring 18 points on 50% shooting and hauling 10 rebounds, Arwind Santos flashed his MVP form, hitting key baskets all throughout the match to keep Globalport away from their first win in the conference.
Chris Ross filled the stat sheets as well with a solid game, finishing with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals.
Six players finished in double digits for the 5-1 Beermen, who are just behind undisputed teams Talk 'N Text (6-0) and San Mig Coffee (3-0).
The Batang Pier, in contrast, fell to 0-6, their worst start in franchise history.
"I'm proud of the guys, they're playing through (injury). (Sol Mercardo’s) got it, (June Mar Fajardo’s) got it," said SMB coaching consultant Todd Purves.
Beermen import Kevin Jones went roaring in the first half, scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds as San Miguel built double-digit spreads before holding a 47-42 halftime edge.
But the hard-fighting Globalport crew relied on their rookies RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo as they started the third period with an 8-2 run to grab the 50-49 advantage.
The backcourt duo exchanged blows with SMB's June Mar Fajardo, who carried his squad with baskets underneath.
But coach Biboy Ravanes' wards were able to close the third quarter strong, turning a small 64-62 margin into a 74-64 bubble with baskets from Sol Mercado, Arwind Santos, Kevin Jones, and Marcio Lassiter.
Things turned even worse for the Batang Pier as they started the final period flat, allowing San Miguel to rally, 82-66.
Garcia though, was determined enough to hand coach Pido Jarencio his first win, sinking two long range bombs to cut the deficit to just 82-89 under the last six minutes.
But those plans went astray as Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter's triples over the next minutes once again broke the game wide-open at 106-90.
Scores:
San Miguel - Jones 30, Santos 18, Lassiter 16, Ross 12, Fajardo 11, Mercado 10, Lutz 5, Duncil 1, Marata 0, Tubid 0, Taha 0, Hubalde 0.
Globalport - Washington 22, Brock 20, Garcia 17, Romeo 13, Matias 8, Cabagnot 7, Nabong 3, Custodio 2, Hayes 0, Salva 0, Salvador 0, Macapagal 0.
Quarter scores: 26-20, 47-42, 74-64, 109-92
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53791-beermen-continue-balling-san-miguel-downs-globalport)
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sa Meralco: sana wag na kayo magpalit ng import, aba'y saan ka pa nakakita ng import na may 40-30 (a montrous 40 points, 31 rebounds) game na gaya ng import nila.
sa San Miguel Beer: umpisa lang yan, pagdating ng quarters o semis, laylay na naman laro nila especially yang si Santos na pere pera lang laro kaya di kinuha ng Gilas.
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As calls for Leon Rodgers replacement mount, source reveals Ginebra attempt to bring in former Laker Josh Powell
AS calls for Leon Rodgers' replacement mounts, Barangay Ginebra officials remained tightlipped about the fate of the import as the team continues its downward spiral in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Just last week, Ginebra’s active coach Juno Sauler quashed reports that the team tried to sign former Best Import awardee Gabe Freeman, insisting the Gin Kings have decided to stick it out with Rodgers after an assessment done by the coaching staff.
Ginebra's fortunes haven't changed since then, with the team absorbing its third loss in five games in the import-laced tournament on Sunday night at the hands of Talk 'N Text, 87-94, again with Rodgers as import.
It is unclear if Ginebra coaches have changed their mind about Rodgers after the latest loss, but it is almost certain Rodgers will still suit up for the Gin Kings when they take on Air21 on Wednesday.
However, a source revealed that Ginebra officials tried to negotiate with representatives of former Los Angeles Lakers back-up center Josh Powell, who is currently connected with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association.
But the same source revealed a deal has been elusive owing to several 'demands' of the Powell camp.
“Madami daw demand eh," said the source. "Syempre yung management, susunod lang sa allowable terms ng liga.”
There was no doubt Powell could've been a promising catch for Ginebra. The 6-9, 240-pound center was a member of two Lakers champion teams in 2009 and 2010 in an NBA career that also included stints with the LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, and the Golden State Warriors.
The former North Carolina State standout hooked up with the New York Knicks but was waived just before the start of the season on October 25.
Powell is also having quite a career in the Chinese league, where he averaged 15 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 42 games with the Guangdong Tigers.
According to Asia.basket.net, his best game came last February 21 when he had 29 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in a win against the Shanghai Sharks. His last recorded game came on March 13 in Guangdong's win over the Beijing Ducks where he had 17 points and 15 rebounds.
As the waiting game for Ginebra's import situation continues, fans are starting to grow impatient.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/as-calls-for-leon-rodgers-replacement-mount-source-reveals-ginebra-attempt-to-bring-in-former-laker-josh-powell)
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Barako comes back to upset San Mig Coffee (03/25/14)
MANILA, Philippines – The final blow wasn't a fancy three-pointer or a basket off a brilliant play. It was two points earned from the free throw line.
Ronjay Buenafe made two calm freebies with 7.2 ticks left on the clock to shove his team ahead and ink the final tally, 92-90, as they upset the two-time champions San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday, March 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"I know it's an upset," said head coach Bong Ramos."Tsamba lang (We just got lucky). As I said we will try to stay close every game and try to upset a team."
It was a come from behind victory for the now 2-4 Energy as they escaped San Mig Coffee and tarnished their previously unbeaten slate, making it 3-1, by outscoring them in the fourth, 30-12.
Barako Bull, who was down by 16, 78-62, coming into the final frame, showed resiliency against San Mig Coffee who seemed to have relaxed in the fourth period.
The Mixers' defenses loosened up, allowing Barako a 16-0 run for the first 6 minutes of the payoff period, with 8 points coming from Willie Miller. It was only when import Josh Dollard hit a baseline jumper to cap off the sterling run and knot things up at 78 did the Mixers tense up once again.
PJ Simon and James Yap broke San Mig's silence with 6:10 remaining and countered with quick 4 points off a timeout to create some cushion, 84-80.
Despite the Mixers finally waking up late in the fourth, Barako's confidence was already off the charts. They didn't back down from the challenge and kept within striking distance of San Mig before delivering the finishing kick.
Dollard, who has plainly been a beast for the Energy throughout the conference, put his team on top, 90-88, with a three-pointer with 1:28 left to play. Simon then tied it once again with basket with over a minute remaining.
Breaks of the game went Barako's way down the stretch, especially following Buenafe's game-winning free throws when Mark Barroca escaped the defense of Mick Pennisi during the final possession and let go of a one-hander that could've sent the game to overtime. But fate smiled down on the Energy as Barroca's attempt went in and out.
"We prepared lots of game plans for this team because they're very fluid in the triangle offense and their interior offense," Ramos explained.
"We cannot match them man-to-man that's why we tried to make some adjustments by putting them away from their comfort zone."
It was already shaping up to be a good night for Barako, whose energy was just palpable from every member of the team. They smelled blood when they led at the break, 49-47, and was practically willing their team to victory with every player on the Barako bench locking arms during the fourth as if it were a championship game.
Miller and Dollard were the heroes for the Energy, conspiring for 26 points in the final period.
Dollard went across the stat sheet with 32 points, 17 rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block. While Miller had 19 points and 10 assists. JC Intal also added 10 points for Barako, who cashed in on the Mixers' 16 turnovers with 25 points.
Meanwhile, Mays had 20 points and 21 rebounds for his team as Joe Devance and Simon added 17 and 16, respectively. James Yap scored on crucial baskets as well in the third for his 12 points.
Scores:
Barako Bull (92): Dollard 32, Miller 19, Intal 10, Marcelo 7, Deutchman 6, Pennisi 6, Fortuna 5, Buenafe 5, Wilson 2, Lastimosa 0, Pena 0, Miranda 0.
San Mig Coffee (90): Mays 20, Devance 17, Simon 16, Yap 12, Barroca 10, Pingris 8, Melton 3, Sangalang 2, Reavis 2, Mallari 0.
Quarterscores: 18-26, 49-47, 62-78, 92-90.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53874-pba-willie-miller-barako-bull-upset-san-mig-coffee)
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Rain or Shine squashes Meralco's comeback hopes for second win (03/26/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The Meralco Bolts ran out of comebacks on Wednesday, March 26 as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters turned them back, 96-79, in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine halted Meralco's attempt to repeat their telling come-from-behind victory against Air21 with a stifling 13-0 endgame run to notch only their second win of the conference in 5 games.
"It is one of those rare days that we played our defense," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. "We also had problems with our turnovers the past few games but I think we've managed to bring our turnovers down this game."
The Painters limited coach Ryan Gregorio's wards to an unacceptable 38.5% field goal shooting clip all game long, and going 41.7% themselves.
They only had 11 miscues for this game but also forced 15 on Meralco to cash in 22 points off it.
More than that, Rain or Shine managed to keep Meralco import Brian Butch in check and freeze him to just a measly 11 points and 13 rebounds.
With Butch cooling down following his 40-point, 31-rebound performance 3 days earlier, Meralco's chances were very slim against the balanced offense Guiao has been getting from Rain or Shine.
Eleven Painters were on the board for Rain or Shine with import Alexander McLean leading the way with his 23 points and 16 rebounds.
Jeff Chan came in a near second with 21 markers on 5-of-10 field goals and a perfect 8-of-8 from the stripe. Paul Lee and Gabe Norwood added 16 and 13 points, respectively.
"We're just really starting to get our rhythm going," Guiao admitted. "I hope it's not too late."
Rain or Shine kept Meralco to only 33 points for the first two quarters and built their biggest lead in the third at 68-51.
The Bolts, however, tried to mount a rally in the payoff period once again with Cliff Hodge, Jared Dillinger and Gary David carrying the weight. Butch never scored in the fourth.
Several times they inched to within 4 points throughout the final 12 minutes of play. The last time they did was on a Dillinger basket with 5:18 left, 83-79. But that's the closest they would ever get as the Painters never allowed them to score again and ran away with the game.
"We still consider ourselves in a hole and in a struggle that's why we need to win a couple more games to get us out of that hole. We have temporary relief right now but we need to win more to stay in this conference," Guiao said.
David paced Meralco with 20 points. While Dillinger and Hodge had 14 and 12 markers, respectively. The Bolts evened their win-loss record to 3-3.
Scores:
Rain or Shine 96: McLean 23, Chan 21, Lee 16, Norwood 13, Belga 7, Cruz 6, Araña 2, Almazan 2, Tiu 2, Ibañes 2, Rodriguez 2, Tang 0, Nuyles 0, Teng 0.
Meralco 79: David 20, Dillinger 14, Hodge 12, Butch 11, Hugnatan 7, Artadi 4, Ildefonso 2, Sena 2, Guevarra 2, Wilson 2, Mandani 2, Al-hussaini 1, Caram 0, Salvacion 0.
Quarters: 23-17; 44-33, 72-60, 96-79.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53961-rain-shine-paint-job-meralco)
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Barangay Ginebra continues tailspin with Air21 loss (03/26/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The Air21 Express hung on tight to their slim advantage at crunch time to deal Barangay Ginebra San Miguel its fourth loss in 6 games, 97-95, in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday, March 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Express relied on their 5 guys in double digits, their hot shooting from long range and a promise by head coach Franz Pumaren in order to come out with the win for a 3-3 slate.
"Coming into this game I assured my wife that we will win because that will be my birthday gift," Pumaren shared. "That's the only wish she asked me so I was pressured to win this game."
Pumaren acknowledged how they survived Ginebra's furious rally during the fourth as the Gin Kings dropped 25 points on the Express.
"It's a good thing we were able to regroup when they made a run. Hopefully this will be a good takeoff point for the next games."
After struggling for much of the first 3 quarters - with Air21 leading by as much as 14, 76-62, near the end of the third on a Mark Borboran basket - Ginebra went all-Filipino in the fourth and rallied to cut the deficit down to 80-78 after Josh Urbiztondo drained a trey for his first 3 points with 10:13 to play.
Urbiztondo served as a spark for Ginebra during the payoff period, providing hustle on defense. Japeth Aguilar came alive as well in the fourth for the Gin Kings, scoring 11 of his 15 points.
But Air21 kept pushing back Ginebra each time they came knocking and never let them even to within a point.
Import Wesley Witherspoon hit a three-pointer from the top of the key with 6:14 left to push Air21's lead back up to 89-84. The same happened for him again with two freebies with 4:20 on the clock, 92-86. He finished with 25 points and 10 boards.
Ginebra kept muffing what would have been easy baskets as the rock went in and out for lay-ins and they piled up on turnovers during crucial possessions down the stretch.
Jayjay Helterbrand kept the flame alive for Ginebra as he fired a left corner triple to cut the deficit to 96-93 with 1:10 remaining.
With 22.7 ticks left, Urbiztondo did what he was doing best all quarter long as he helped Chris Ellis pressure Witherspoon near the halfcourt line and sideline to force the turnover. That resulted to a quick bucket from Billy Mamaril off the timeout, making it a one-point affair at 96-95.
Joseph Yeo was then fouled but missed both his free throws amid the noise of the crowd.
Eventually, after sitting out the entire payoff period, Ginebra import Leon Rodgers was inserted back into the game for the final play following a split from the line by Witherspoon that left Ginebra a 97-95 deficit to deal with.
And with 4.8 seconds remaining, Rodgers drove to the hoop and tried for a shot that bounced in and out of the rim, as head coach Ato Agustin buried his head in his hands knowing his team is now at 2-4.
"It's nice beating a star-studded team like Ginebra," Pumaren admitted. "It's more of a collective effort on our part. I don't think there's any one superstar in our batch right now. Guys are willing to work hard."
Yeo dealt Ginebra plenty of damage in the first quarter alone, exploding with 14 points right away.
But Ginebra found a way to silence him in the second half, limiting him to just 4 points for the entire second half. He finished with 18 points and 9 assists.
Air21 led 57-48 at the half after Witherspoon drained a desperation triple at the buzzer, to the joy of Yeo commending their import and to the dismay of LA Tenorio (9 points) who was shaking his head going into the locker rooms.
Air21 shot 11-of-27 from rainbow country and registered more assists than their opponents, 20-17, as Mark Cardona carved out 15 points. Borboran and Aldrech Ramos each had 10 points.
For Ginebra, Rodgers finished with 18 points and 4 rebounds as Greg Slaughter added 12 of his own. Ellis and Helterbrand had 10 apiece.
Scores
Air21 97: Witherspoon 25, Yeo 18, Cardona 15, Borboran 10, Ramos 10, Taulava 9, Villanueva 6, Burtscher 2, Atkins 2, Camson 0.
Ginebra 95: Rodgers 18, Aguilar 15, Slaughter 12, Ellis 10, Helterbrand 10, Tenorio 9, Baracael 6, Reyes 6, Mamaril 4, Urbiztondo 3, Caguioa 2.
Quarter scores: 27-25, 57-48, 80-70, 97-95.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53977-ginebra-tailspin-air21-loss)
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Top Qatar team interested in Barako import Dollard
MANILA, Philippines - Since debuting in the Philippine Basketball Association last month, Barako Energy import Josh Dollard has averaged 35 points and 15 rebounds per game in the Commissioner's Cup conference, according to pba-online.net.
His on-the-court exploits have earned him headlines in his first six games since coming to the Philippines, but the word hasn't been contained to the country's borders.
Philippine-based agent Sheryl Reyes, acting as an intermediary between Qatar-based agent Scott Hetterman and Dollard's American agent Chris Patrick, informed Rappler that the 28-year-old Dollard is being eyed by the Al Rayyan team to join them for the month-long Emir of Qatar Cup, which begins in the third week of April.
"The Philippines has been great to me since I arrived, and I'm glad I made the decision to leave Finland to play here," said the Hemingway, South Carolina native. "It has opened a lot of doors for me, I'm very happy with the offers that I've been receiving."
Dollard said he'd be open to remaining with Barako Energy for the Governors Cup, having measured in officially at 6-foot-4 9/16 by the PBA, a half-inch under the conference's import height limit.
"I'd love to have another tour of duty here if the team wants to have me," said Dollard.
Barako Energy wraps up it's elimination round schedule on April 13 against Globalport and is currently at 2-4 after upsetting Philippine Cup champions San Mig Coffee on Tuesday, March 25.
Dollard, who has played all over the world in countries Switzerland, Canada, Dominican Republic, Czech Republic, Turkey, Greece, Colombia, Finland, and Greece, may also consider playing in Puerto Rico or Mexico.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/53987-qatari-team-interested-barako-import-dollard)
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No PBA Governors Cup guest stint, but Gilas set to compete in Fiba Asia Cup
INSTEAD of letting Gilas Pilipinas play as guest team in the Governors Cup, PBA commissioner Chito Salud said the board is looking at compressing the tournament schedule to allow the national squad to participate in this year’s Fiba Asia Cup in Wuhan, China.
“We’re continually looking to explore ways of further compressing our third conference with the end in view of allowing our Gilas team to participate in the Fiba Asia Cup,” Salud told sports scribes after emerging from the monthly PBA board meeting at the league’s office in Libis, Quezon City.
The Fiba Asia Cup, formerly known as the ABC Champions Cup, will be held on July 11-19, with the winner qualifying automatically for the Fiba Asia men’s championships next year.
Salud explained that the compressed schedule could possibly mean having five PBA game days a week in the season-ending conference, which is expected to end by July 9.
However, the decision is still subject for review for the time being, since they are still going to consider the playing venue’s availability as well as a consultation with broadcast partner TV5.
“So what we will do is play 10 games a week. Whether that’s a triple-header, twice a week or a double-header five times a week, that’s what we’re fixing right now,” said the PBA chief
“I hope we could be accommodated by TV5 so that the games can be shown live for the fans to enjoy.”
Salud also mentioned that the nitty gritty of the compressed schedule is expected to be finalized by April 10 when the league board holds a special meeting at the PBA office.
In the same meeting, Salud said he will also be making a detailed presentation to the board on the credentials of the three expansion team applicants - Ever Bilena, owned by sportsman-businessman Dioceldy Sy, Kia Motors and NLEX/Metro Pacific under the MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) group.
I’ve gotten all the information I deem necessary for me to present their credentials to the board. So on April 10, a special board meeting will be called, precisely for the purpose of considering the applications of these three teams,” he added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/no-pba-governors-cup-guest-stint-but-gilas-set-to-compete-in-fiba-asia-cup)
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Ginebra racing against time to find new import as another prospect falls through
BARANGAY Ginebra is in a race against time to find an import to take the place of Leon Rodgers and, hopefully, turn around the Kings' fortunes in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
A top team official said the coaching staff is looking for a way to bring in a replacement before the end of the week in the hope of giving him ample time to blend with the rest of the Kings in time for Ginebra's next game.
The league’s most popular ballclub won’t be back in action until Wednesday when it takes on Meralco in a crucial encounter at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The official said ideally, management should strike a deal with a new import by Friday so he can plane in by the weekend, giving him three days to work out with the team before the Meralco game.
“Kung makakuha sana at naghahanap sila coach ngayon, aabot iyun (import replacement). Kasi, kung aalis bukas, darating ng Saturday iyun,” said the same source.
“Kaya under consideration talaga na may iba (import replacement). Pero as of now wala pa.”
The Kings slipped down the standings on Wednesday night after absorbing a 97-95 heartbreaker against Air21 - their fourth loss in six outings for the team which fell to a share of eight to ninth places with Barako Bull.
Rodgers was surprisingly benched for almost the entire fourth quarter as the Kings’ second unit sparked the team’s fightback from as much as a 14-point deficit.
But the controversial import was recalled in the final 4.8 seconds and despite being cold, was tasked to take Ginebra’s final shot which he missed as Air21 counterpart Wesley Witherspoon played honest defense against him.
The same Ginebra source said the team tried to bring in Los Angeles D-Fenders veteran James Southerland to replace Rodgers. But the D-League veteran, listed at 6-8 out of Syracuse, backed out at the last-minute after opting to wait for a call-up in the NBA.
“Meron na sanang kapalit kaya lang last-minute nag-backout kasi naghihintay ng call-up sa NBA,” said the same source.
The 23-year-old Southerland averaged 14.2 points and 6.7 rebounds for the D-Fenders.
He had a one-game stint with the Charlotte Bobcats late last year before being waived.
Another source said Ginebra had also set its sights on former Barako Bull prospect Devon Chism, who eventually was signed by Rain or Shine as a replacement for Alex McLean.
Another target, former Los Angeles Laker Josh Powell, has priced himself out of the market, a source said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-racing-against-time-to-find-replacement-for-leon-rodgers-as-another-prospect-falls-through)
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Mark Caguioa rips into Ginebra's lack of effort: 'Pag meron ng camera, parang pa pogian lang. Walang gigil at galit'
MONTHS since a self-imposed silence with the media and on social network sites, Ginebra star Mark Caguioa broke his silence by way of a series of Twitter posts, saying the team's woeful PBA Commissioner's Cup performance has a lot to do with the effort they put on the court - or the lack of it.
"Basketball is nt jst abt scoring its abt the effort u put in the game. If people see the effort u put in then people will start respecting u," Caguioa wrote on his official Twitter account @officialMC47 on Thursday.
The 33-year-old longtime Ginebra star has been playing his guts out since the start of the tournament, averaging 10.3 points and a career-best 6.8 rebounds during the team's 2-4 conference start.
The 6'0" one-time PBA MVP has even registered back-to-back double-double numbers in the team's 113-107 win over Globalport and 87-94 loss to Talk 'N Text, just to show that he has got back into shape after various injuries hampered his game in recent months.
However, those strong performances have not translated to victories as Ginebra continues to struggle amid mounting frustration of fan groups which on Thursday warned that they are thinking of boycotting the team's games to express their displeasure.
It turned out fans are not the only one frustrated by Ginebra's performances.
"Sa laro.Gusto ko rin makita na sana yung nakikipag laban sa bangaan hindi yung lagi kami tinitulak or binabanga #LETSWAKEUPGINEBRA," added Caguioa in expressing his displeasure over the way the Gin KIngs have been pushed around by their opponents despite their obvious size advantage due to the presence of "Twin Towers" Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar.
The three-time PBA Best Player of the Conference awardee believed if the Ginebra players could only bring the effort they show in practice to actual games, the Gin Kings would be a back as a force to be reckoned with in the mid-season conference.
"If this team play the way we practice we would be unstoppable. Kaso pag meron ng camera wala na parang pa pogian lang. Walang gigil at galit," he said.
The Gin Kings are in danger of missing the playoffs after currently being mired at eighth to ninth spots with Barako Bull. They have three games left in their schedule in the elims beginning with a game against the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/mark-caguioa-rips-into-ginebras-lack-of-effort-pag-meron-ng-camera-parang-pa-pogian-lang.-walang-gigil-atgalit)
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Late treys, Dozier's 20-20 push Aces past Beermen in Laguna (03/29/14)
Clutch shots from deep were what the Alaska Aces needed to defeat the San Miguel Beermen, 89-78, Saturday, in PBA Commissioner's Cup action held in Biñan, Laguna.
The defending champs Aces are now at 3-3 having won back-to-back, putting them in a tie with the Meralco Bolts and the Air21 Express. The Beermen on the other hand saw their three-game win streak snapped, for a 5-2 card, still good for second place.
Import Rob Dozier had 20 points and 20 rebounds while hitting 10-of-10 from the stripe to lead the Aces.
It was a back and forth encounter to start the first, as Cyrus Baguio and Dondon Hontiveros knotted it up at six-all. The two teams found their way into the lane in the final two and a half minutes, as an RJ Jazul and-one put the Aces ahead, 11-10. Sol Meracdo was able to salvage a pair of charities from the line, though, as the Beermen snagged a one-point advantage after one, 12-11.
Gabby Espinas came alive in the second, drowning out every San Miguel rally early on. Six points from the former PCU Dolphin bumped the lead to three, while Baguio and Sonny Thoss abused the Beermen with their inside-outside game for an eight-point spread, 24-16. Kevin Jones and Chris Lutz tried to keep the lead manageable, but Jayvee Casio and Rob Dozier found their spots for a double-digit cushion, 29-19.
Twin triples from Hontiveros were enough to keep the lead at nine, but Mercado heated up late for treys as well. The Aces still led though after two periods, 37-32.
San Mig then leaned on their defense in the third, going on an 8-0 run capped off by charities from Santos. Jazul stopped the bleeding with an ad-lib of a move, but a Jones transition trey kept the Beermen humming, 50-42.
The Aces responded by getting their running game going, as Calvin Abueva, Dozier and Baguio got the defending champions to within a point, 51-50. Crisp cuts then led to an Espinas basket, pushing the Aces ahead, but the Beermen soon found success in their drive and dish plays with less than two minutes remaining, 59-57. Casio and Tubid converted from deep, as Dozier whipped the ball to an open Tony Dela Cruz to tie the game after three, 62-62.
Jayvee Casio and Rob Dozier tried to dispatch the Beermen at the start of the fourth, but Paolo Hubalde's gutsy play and sticky defense kept the two teams even, 72-all.
Tied at 76-all with 5:37 remaining, the Aces committed a shotclock violation, and Sol Mercado capitalized with a layup. Alaska then went to Casio anew, and the point guard did not disappoint, hitting a three for the one-point lead. Dozier and Baguio decided to join the scoring party, finally connecting when it mattered for an 84-78 advantage.
Sol Mercado decided to put one up but his attempt bounced long, while June Mar Fajardo's put-back also couldn't find the bottom of the net. Another Santos miss from downtown virtually sealed the win for Alaska, as a pair of free throws from Baguio put the game away.
Cyrus Baguio added 15 points, two rebounds, an assist and a block for Alaska, while Jvee Casio chipped in 14 points, 12 on three-pointers, along with nine rebounds. The Aces survived poor outings from Calvin Abueva and Sonny Thoss, both of whom were shackled by foul trouble. They combined for just four points on 2-of-12 shooting.
San Miguel Beer was led by June Mar Fajardo's double-double of 14 points and 22 rebounds. Sol Mercado came off the bench for 14 points, while import Kevin Jones had a quiet 11 markers on 4-of-17 shooting.
Alaska's defense held San Miguel to a woeful 28.7 percent clip from the field, while they hit 43.5 percent of their own attempts. Despite having 10 less offensive rebounds, the Aces somehow out-scored their foes in second-chance points, 11-4. - AMD, GMA News
The scores:
Alaska 89 - Dozier 20, Baugio 15, Casio 14, Jazul 10, Espinas 10, Hontiveros 8, Manuel 6, Dela Cruz 2, Abueva 2, Thoss 2, Reyes 0
San Miguel 78 - Fajardo 14, Mercado 14, Santos 13, Jones 11, Tubid 6, Hubalde 5, Kramer 4, Ross 4, Lutz 4, Lassiter 3, Lanete 0
Quarter scoring: 11-12, 37-32, 62-62, 89-78
From GMA News (http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/354688/sports/basketball/pba-late-treys-dozier-s-20-20-push-aces-past-beermen-in-laguna)
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Meralco counting on new import Darnell Jackson to give team strong inside presence
THE long wait is over for Darnell Jackson after Meralco finally activated the former NBA veteran as its import with three games to go in the team’s elimination round schedule in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 6-foot-9 Jackson formally joined the Bolts’ practice on Friday afternoon more than a week since quietly slipping into town as possible replacement for Brian Butch.
Team manager Butch Antonio said Jackson brings in a new dimension to the Bolts, who suffered a 96-79 beating at the hands of Rain or Shine last Wednesday in a performance that decided the fate of Butch.
“He’s got a strong inside presence. Para siyang si (Richard) Howell,” Antonio told Spin.ph as he likened Jackson to the Talk `N Text import in terms of strength.
The Meralco official, however, said it is difficult to compare Jackson with the 6-foot-9 Butch, who gave the Bolts a huge outside threat and an infectious attitude inside the locker room in the six games that he played for the franchise.
“It’s hard to compare kasi si Brian parang Dirk Nowitzki (of the Dallas Mavericks). Eh si DJ naman inside player and he’s doing okay naman in practice,” said Antonio.
Butch, who saw action for Wisconsin in college, finished his brief PBA stint with averages of 27.2 points, 21.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.3 blocks.
He posted 40 points and grabbed a conference-high 31 rebounds last week in leading the Bolts to a 109-98 come-from-behind win over Air21.
Meanwhile, Jackson was selected 52nd overall by the Miami Heat in the 2008 NBA draft and played for Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Sacramento in four seasons in the league.
The former University of Kansas forward averaged 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7.5 minutes of action in 138 NBA career games.
The 29-year-old Jackson is coming off a 37-game stint in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Shanghai Sharks owned by former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, where he averaged 21.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/meralco-counting-on-new-import-darnell-jackson-to-give-team-strong-inside-presence)
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Top imports Howell, Mays face off as Talk 'N Text stakes perfect record against San Mig
TALK ’N Text returns to action after an eight-day respite, looking to continue its winning streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and solidify its hold of the top spot when it faces San Mig Super Coffee on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters (6-0) stake their unblemished record against the Mixers (3-1) in their 8 p.m. encounter.
"It's San Mig Coffee so it will be a big challenge for us," said Talk 'N Text coach Norman Black. "Major concerns will be for us to get back on defense especially off turnovers. We must also have a high energy level off the boards, because they are a good rebounding team."
An interesting sub-plot is the matchup between Talk ’N Text import Richard Howell and San Mig’s James Mays.
Both imports are regarded highly by several coaches after turning out to be perfect fit for their respective teams.
Howell, the 6-foot-8 forward out of North Carolina State, is averaging 22.8 points, 21.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals in his first six games with the Tropang Texters.
Black said they don’t really need Howell to score in bunches, with the slew of outside shooters and inside penetrators the team has led by Ranidel de Ocampo (17.1 points per game), Jason Castro (15.6 ppg.), Jimmy Alapag (9.0 ppg. and 6.0 assists) and Larry Fonacier (9.0 ppg.).
On the other hand, 6-foot-8 Mays is a tireless workhorse who averaged 20.5 points, 17.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists during his first four games this conference.
The only main concern for Mays is how he can keep himself out of foul trouble after averaging 4.2 fouls so far in the import-spiced conference.
With Mays in foul trouble, San Mig absorbed its first loss, bowing to Barako Bull, 90-92 last Tuesday in a game that saw the Mixers blow an 18-point fourth quarter lead.
Energetic Mixers forward Marc Pingris likes to look at the positive side, saying such a loss in the elimination helps the team take things into perspective.
“Iyung level ng laro namin (againsy Barako Bull), parang lumabas eh kulang ang timpla namin. Pero at least naman, maaayos namin ito. Saka maganda nga itong pagkakataon dumating ito sa amin, di naman laging panalo sa basketball, at least malalaman mo ano pa kulang,” Pingris said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/top-imports-howell-mays-face-off-as-talk-n-text-stakes-perfect-record-against-san-mig)
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Ginebra trying to close deal with former LA Laker Josh Powell as replacement for import Leon Rodgers
BARANGAY Ginebra is trying to bring in former Los Angeles Lakers center Josh Powell in the next two days in a bid to rescuscitate its flagging campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, a source told Spin.ph.
According to a source, Ginebra is now ironing out the final details of its negotiations with the highly regarded Powell, in the hope of fielding him in as Leon Rodgers' replacement in the team's final three games of the eliminations starting with a match against Meralco on Wednesday.
A separate source bared that the former North Carolina State Wolfpack will arrive either Monday or Tuesday, depending on the outcome of the final negotiations.
“Mahigpit ang impormasyon ngayon. Puro management lang muna ang details. Iniipit nila ang info. Pero mukhang si Powell na nga,” said the source, who bared that Rodgers is still practicing with Ginebra and on standby in case the negotiations with Powell hit a snag.
Ginebra fans should be pleased with the arrival of Powell, judging from their response when his planned hiring was first reported by Spin.ph last week.
A major sticking point in the negotiations is Powell's salary, which is expected considering the two-time NBA champion received a seven-figure compensation in his final year in the NBA in the 2010-2011 season with the Atlanta Hawks.
His last declared salary was at placed at US$854,389 for a year, which was given by his last Chinese Basketball League team, Guangdong Southern Tigers, based on the stats provided by a basketball website.
The maximum salary allowable for PBA imports is US$20,000 a month.
“Maraming demands yung Powell. Yun nga reason why hindi nag work-out yung unang negotiation two weeks ago di ba?” said the source. “Gusto niya ng VIP treatment aside from the high salary.”
Powell is known for his sweet touch and strength inside the paint, as gleaned from his averages of 15 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in his 2014 season with Guangdong.
[See highlight sof his performance with the Olympiacos team in Greece here]
The 31-year old South Carolina native is best remembered for filling in the shoes left by an injured Andrew Bynum in the 2009 and 2010 championship campaign of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Aside from the Lakers and the Hawks, Powell also played for the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers before he moved to China, Puerto Rico and Greece. He also had stints in Russia and Italy before he joined the NBA in 2005.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-trying-to-close-deal-with-former-la-laker-josh-powell-as-replacement-for-import-leon-rodgers-v02)
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Barring last-minute hitches, Ginebra import prospect Josh Powell set to arrive in time for game against Meralco
BARRING any last-minute hitches, Josh Powell should make it in time for Ginebra's game against Meralco in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday.
According to Spin.ph sources, Powell, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday morning, which should give him just enough time to get to know his teammates and run through some plays ahead of his PBA debut.
Powell, barring unforeseen incidents, is scheduled to board a Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles on Sunday evening (Monday, Manila time) and arrive early Tuesday morning.
Information reaching Spin.ph bared the Kings will have their usual 9 a.m. practice on Monday before they switch to an afternoon schedule on Tuesday to accommodate Powell.
Powell, though, will have his hands full once he arrives, as he will be counted upon to be the 'savior' of a Ginebra team that had struggled to a 2-4 (win-loss) record with misfiring import Leon Rodgers in the short elimination round of the mid-season conference.
The former North Carolina State Wolfpack will also be up against a highly touted import in Darnell Jackson, who will also be making his debut for Meralco on Wednesday.
Powell, at least, should be in shape when he arrives as he is coming off an impressive stint with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association, where according to internet reports he received a monthly salary of US$80,000 a month excluding bonuses.
The maximum salary for PBA imports is US$20,000 a month.
Curiously, Ginebra management has made no official announcement as far as its import situation is concerned while Powell's Twitter account (@JP21Reasons) has been silent for the last 37 hours.
Aside from catching up with Ginebra's plays, Powell should have a very hectic Tuesday as he will also attend to the application of his immigration clearance, Games and Amusement Board license and he will also be required to be measured at the PBA office - all on the same day.
The six-year NBA veteran is listed at 6-9 in the US and should be an inch or two shorter when he is measured by the league. Ginebra has an import height limit of 6-9.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/barring-last-minute-hitches-ginebra-import-prospect-josh-powell-set-to-arrive-in-time-for-game-against-meralco-v02)
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Rain or Shine sinks struggling Globalport (03/31/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine showed their dominance on both ends of the floor to demolish a hapless Globalport crew, 99-75 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Monday, March 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters hauled down 66 rebounds – including 18 on the offensive glass – and dished out 24 assists to pull out a commanding win against the winless Batang Pier side.
The Batang Pier only mustered 43 boards and 9 dimes as Rain or Shine, which led by as much as 26, improved to 3-3 in the team standings.
Paul Lee scored 21 points including 5 long-range bombs while Wayne Chism, who replaced Alex McLean last week, debuted with 17 points and 16 caroms.
With Evan Brock making impact points early, the Batang Pier were able to buck off a lackluster start and tie the match at 24 apiece.
However, that was before the Elasto Painters switched to high gear, running over Globalport in the second quarter they outscored the latter, 22-12.
The onslaught continued in the opening moments of the third frame, with Wayne Chism and Beau Belga connecting on baskets that buried the Batang Pier. A triple by the Rain or Shine import pushed the lead up to 62-44.
Coach Pido Jarencio's troops managed to cut the deficit down to 52-62 behind an RR Garcia trey, although they failed to follow up as the ROS lead kept ballooning towards the end.
Globalport never recovered as they dropped to 0-7 in the conference, officially saying goodbye to their playoff hopes.
Scores:
Rain or Shine - Lee 21, Chism 17, Almazan 13, Tiu 10, Belga 9, Norwood 9, Arana 6, Cruz 4, Uyloan 2, Ibanes 2, Nuyles 2, Rodriguez 2, Chan 2, Tang 0, Teng 0.
Globalport - Brock 25, Washington 14, Matias 10, Cabagnot 7, Garcia 6, Chua 4, Salva 4, Sharma 4, Romeo 1, Ponferrada 0, Macapagal 0, Yee 0, Salvador 0.
Quarter scores: 29-26, 51-38, 75-62, 99-75.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54343-ros-sinks-globalport)
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Talk N Text passes San Mig test to go 7-0 (03/31/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Talk 'N Text relied on a huge second quarter rally before fending off San Mig Coffee late for an 81-75 win in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Monday, March 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters scored a blistering 19-0 run in the second period that led to several 20-point spreads for coach Norman Black's crew; the Texters then weathered a huge comeback attempt by San Mig late in the match to record their 7th straight win, the best start in franchise history.
San Mig meanwhile, the same squad that eliminated TNT in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals, dropped their second straight assignment and fell to 3-2.
Import Richard Howell chalked up another huge double-double with 25 points and 21 rebounds to lead the Tropang Texters while Ranidel De Ocampo and Jayson Castro each tallied 13 points.
After Justin Melton trimmed the Talk 'N Text margin to just 23-21, the Tropang Texters fired a crippling 19-0 assault punctuated by triples from KG Canaleta, Jayson Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo for a 42-21 bubble with just under 3 minites in the first half.
The Texters stymied the Mixers' offense, who went without a field goal conversion for over 6 minutes before entering the halftime break.
Although TNT has kept San Mig at bay in the third quarter, the Mixers continued jabbing their way to trim the huge gap bit by bit.
Alex Mallari rattled 5 straight markers while Ian Sangalang and James Yap each scored a basket that brought the Talk 'N Text lead down to 6 at 63-57, 8:57 left in the match.
The Texters however, made sure revenge would be served.
Larry Fonacier sank two back-breaking triples as the league-leading squad zoomed to a 16-7 run over the next 5 minutes to make it a 79-64 ball game.
From that point it was a nip-and-tuck exchange, with the Texters emerging on top.
Scores:
Talk 'N Text - Howell 25, Castro 13, De Ocampo 13, Fonacier 8, Canaleta 6, Alapag 5, Reyes 5, Williams 4, Carey 2, Baclao 0.
San Mig Coffee - Mays 27, Sangalang 15, Mallari 9, Simon 9, Yap 5, Barroca 4, Pingris 3, Melton 3, De Ocampo 0, Devance 0.
Quarter scores: 19-15, 44-26, 59-46, 81-75.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54350-tnt-pass-san-mig-test)
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PBA Best Import Ladder Weeks 3-4: Only the best shall remain
MANILA, Philippines – Halfway through the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup, a bunch of imports have already been sent home; others meanwhile, continue to shine and lead their teams to the upper half of the standings. Find out who are the best-performing imports so far in this edition of the Rappler Best Import Ladder.
1. (Last week: 1) Richard Howell, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (--)
22.8 PPG, 21.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 56.35 EFF
Howell is still the steadiest import in the race, leading the Texters to a pristine 6-0 start in over 4 weeks of action in the Commissioner’s Cup. Save for assists per game where Jimmy Alapag leads the crew, Howell is Talk ‘N Text’s leader in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Whenever you need him to deliver, Howell will like save the day for the Tropa.
2. (Last week: 4) Brian Butch, Meralco Bolts (▲)
27.5 PPG, 21 RPG, 2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG, 62.03 EFF
Amid reports that a replacement is already in town for the Meralco import, Brian Butch exploded for 40 points and 31 rebounds against, proving to his squad that he can carry the team. The Bolts are currently above .500 with the help of the Dirk Nowitzki-esque reinforcement who would definitely want to stay longer.
However, due to the flu, Butch eventually sat out and is replaced by Darnell Jackson, a former NBA pro.
3. (Last week: 5) Josh Dollard, Barako Bull Energy (▲)
35.3 PPG, 15.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 61.03 EFF
Dollard has finally delivered in the late game, with a little help from Willie Miller. In their 92-90 conquest of San Mig Coffee, the Barako Bull import sank a huge triple that gave the Energy the lead; he also contained James Mays to just two points in the second half as Barako completed a big comeback and end the slump. He is definitely among the strong contenders for Best Import this conference.
4. (Last week, 9) Kevin Jones, San Miguel Beermen (▲)
27.4 PPG, 15 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 56.72 EFF
Jones is now gelling well with the Beermen and that has been attested by their second-best 5-2 record in the conference so far. Since taking over for Josh Boone, Jones has found the niche with the red and white uniform
5. (Last week: 2) James Mays, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers (▼)
20.5 PPG, 17.8 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 1 BPG, 48.68 EFF
Mays is an offensive-rebounding machine, averaging 8 offensive boards a game. That’s 8 extra possessions for the Mixers. While he is not the most prolific import in town, Mays’ hard work will most likely take him and the San Mig Coffee crew to the next round.
6. (Last week: 7) Evan Brock, Globalport Batang Pier (▲)
27.3 PPG, 20.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1 BPG, 59.93 EFF
Brock remains a solid force underneath for the Batang Pier, but still, his efforts alone are not enough to lead Globalport to victory. The Mikee Romero-owned franchise is now in the cellar of the standings, still winless after six games.
7. (Last week: 6) Rob Dozier, Alaska Aces (▼)
21.3 PPG, 14.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.8 BPG, 52.2 EFF
While the Best Import award may already be out of the equation for Rob Dozier, he would still want his Aces to regain the Commissioner’s Cup trophy. Dozier averaged 21.5 points and hauled down 15 rebounds in Alaska’s last two games - both wins - to keep the Aces’ playoff aspirations alive.
8. (Last week: NA) Wesley Witherspoon, Air21 Express
34.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1 APG, 2 SPG, 57.49 EFF
Air21 replaced Herve Lamizana with the hopes of getting a better scoring import, and Witherspoon came just to do that. Through two games, the EuroLeague and NBA D-League veteran averaged 34.5 points already, showing people a glimpse of what he can do to lead the Express.
Goodbyes!
Rain or Shine’s Alex McLean, Air21’s Herve Lamizana, and Ginebra’s Leon Rodgers have been replaced over the last two weeks by Wayne Chism, Wesley Witherspoon, and Josh Powell, respectively. The Express looked for a more offensive-minded import in Witherspoon, Rain or Shine went to a more athletic Chism, while Rodgers has been kicked out along with all the drama surrounding the Ginebra crew this conference.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54339-pba-best-import-weeks-3-4)
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New import Josh Powell vows to bring former teammate Kobe Bryant's 'kill mentality' to Ginebra
FORMER Los Angeles Lakers big man Josh Powell said he’s well aware of the challenging situation he has put himself in the moment he agreed to play for Barangay Ginebra just last weekend.
But just hours after his arrival from Los Angeles, the 6-8 former North Carolina State standout said he’s ready to face the high expectations of the Ginebra fans while taking with him the "kill mentality" he said he developed while playing alongside Laker great Kobe Bryant.
“At the end of the day, you know the (Ginebra) fans are obviously passionate about this team, but (I’m coming here at Ginebra) with just a kill mentality. That‘s it, point blank period,” Powell shared to Spin.ph just after his one-hour practice with the Gin Kings on Tuesday morning at the Green Meadows gym.
The soft-spoken Powell said the “kill mentality” is something he shared with the 'Black Mamba' during their two seasons together with the Lakers, eventually producing two straight NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.
“That‘s one of the reasons why me and him (Bryant) go along so well. I have a certain mentality that’s the same as his, go out there and just kill,” he said.
“Go hard and have fun, but it starts in practice, because it translates in the game.”
Powell, a six-year NBA veteran who is coming off an impressive stint in the Chinese league, will be replacing Leon Rodgers with just three games left in the team’s elimination round schedule.
While fans hope the NBA veteran forward could be the Gin Kings’ 'messiah' who could salvage the team’s sputtering Commissioner’s Cup campaign, Powell said he is coming in with just the simple goal of fitting in to the team’s overall goal.
“For me, what's in my head, it’s talking (with his teammates). Communicating is a big thing to get the team going,” said the 31-year-old Powell, who arrived at 6:45 on Tuesday morning.
“And just rebounding, bring the energy, play after play, grinding and go hard.”
The well-built Powell will be making his PBA debut on Wednesday when the Gin Kings collide with the Meralco Bolts, a team that is also unveiling new import Darnell Jackson, a former NBA veteran as well.
Ginebra is currently mired in the eighth and ninth spots with its 2-4 record along with Barako Bull, a situation that doesn’t sit well for a lot of the Gin King fans this conference.
Still, Powell is hopeful that Ginebra fans will be patient and just rally behind their favorite team as they try to sweep their last three elimination round assignments.
Jackson, the Miami Heat’s second round draft choice in 2008, is no stranger to Powell, having played against him in the Chinese Basketball Association.
The incoming Ginebra import last played for the Guangdong Southern Tigers, where he averaged 16.6 points and 9.9 rebounds in 42 games, while Jackson saw action for the Shanghai Sharks, logging in 19.6 points and 11.2 rebounds in 37 games.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/new-import-josh-powell-vows-to-bring-former-teammate-kobe-bryants-kill-mentality-to-ginebra)
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Gilas Pilipinas guaranteed to get a good fight from PBA selection in All-Star weekend
GILAS Pilipinas is expected to have its hands full when it battles a PBA selection in a game that serves as the centerpiece event of the 2014 All-Star weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Sunday showdown marks the first time the national team will play full force competitively as it gears up for the Fiba-World Cup in Spain and the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea set later this year.
Coach Chot Reyes and the nationals last played together in front of basketball-loving Filipinos during the Fiba-Asia Men’s Championship when they lost to Iran in the gold medal match.
The PBA All-Stars are hoping to approximate the same competitive nature the Fiba-Asia meet provided to Gilas by vowing to give the nationals a good fight on a year the league celebrates the 25th year of the mid-season spectacle.
“We haven’t seen Gilas Pilipinas in action for about eight months and the way we look at it, the public will only have access to them (nationals) in action during the All-Star game,” said PBA board chairman Ramon Segismundo on Tuesday during a special Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate.
Coached by Tim Cone, the All-Star team will be reinforced by two-time MVP James Yap, last year’s top rookie pick Greg Slaughter, reigning MVP Arwind Santos, last season’s Rookie of the Year Calvin Abueva, and former Smart Gilas team members Mark Barroca and Marcio Lassiter, among others.
“For not being members of Gilas Pilipinas, the All-Stars would also want to prove they are capable too of becoming a part of the national team if given a chance,” said PBA operations director Rickie Santos, who also graced the forum presented by Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
“So we expect the All-Star game to be closely fought.”
This will also be the first time the annual event supported by MoA, Solaire Hotel, Magnolia Purewater, Gatorade, and Maynilad, is going to be held in Manila since the 2003 edition held at the Big Dome.
“Very special and napaka-auspicious ng All-Star celebration natin dahil it’s the first time in a long while that it will be held in Manila, kasi lagi tayong sa provinces during the previous stagings. And this time sa isang world-class venue pa gagawin, sa Mall of Asia Arena,” added Segismundo.
A side bar to the All-Star game is the presence of both Slaughter and Lassiter in the PBA selection. The two players earlier declined their inclusion in the Gilas training pool, stressing the 12 members of the national team that suited up in the Fiba-Asia tilt last year deserve to be part of the official roster to the world basketball championship.
“Greg and Marcio will be on the other side of the fence, so magandang makita din how they’ll play against Gilas,” said Segismundo, who is also Meralco’s governor to the PBA board.
Last year, Gilas Pilipinas also played in the All-Star game against a similar PBA selection as part of the national team’s preparation for the Fiba-Asia meet. The match ended in a 124-standoff in Digos, Davao del Sur.
Not to be missed are the skills competition such as the slamdunk contest, three-point shootout, and obstacle challenge to be held on Friday, which will be capped by the game between Team Greats and Team Stalwarts, composed of PBA legends and current players.
There will also be a lot of off court activities for All-Star participants as they are set to visit the San Lazaro Hospital and Hospicio de San Jose, while a basketball clinic is likewise to be held at the MoA under the SM Cares for special children.
On Saturday, a fun run and meet and greet event are going to be held at the SM San Lazaro and SM Bicutan, while there will be a street party too at the MoA grounds.
A referees clinic and coaches clinic will be conducted by Cone on Sunday.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/gilas-pilipinas-guaranteed-to-get-a-good-fight-from-pba-selection-in-all-star-weekend)
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Alaska's beasts Abueva, Espinas shut down Barako (04/02/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Beast mode on.
The Alaska Aces, led by two of their most aggressive players Calvin Abueva and Gabby Espinas, shrugged off the Barako Bull Energy Cola, 78-71, on Wednesday, April 2 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Just proud of Gabby (Espinas) and Calvin (Abueva)," remarked Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo. "They're sort of like a Mr. Uytengsu (Alaska team owner) type of work ethic. Our team owner is known to be the hardest worker. I thought the two came in there and talagang kinuha nila sa tiyaga." (I thought the two came in there and they really did it with hard work.)
Barako, a dangerous team when allowed to stay close towards the end, managed to cling tight to the Aces for 3 quarters and was only down 53-50 heading into the fourth, after leading 30-26 at halftime.
But the aggressiveness of the 2013 Rookie of the Year Abueva at the turn of the payoff period resulted in nothing but good things as Alaska pulled away somewhat, 55-52.
Playmaker JVee Casio padded on that to swing the momentum permanently on their side with another strong drive to the hoop for a 57-52 spread.
Shortly after, Abueva hit it home once again to make it an 8-point 60-52 edge.
"Just nice of Calvin to come out," Trillo said of Abueva, who tallied 9 points on 4-of-6 field goals together with 9 rebounds. "He's been struggling of late but he brought his energy."
Meanwhile, Alaska found another bright spot in Espinas who was equally aggressive both on offense and defense. The 6-foot-4 forward wrested control of the game in the final frame and hit timely baskets to keep the Energy at bay despite their gallant effort.
He and Abueva conspired for 4 points near the last two minutes of the game to make it a 70-63 affair.
"Gabby not only contributed to his points," Trillo said. "Dollard averages about 34 a game. I thought we did a decent job there with Dollard tied down until the end."
Espinas pestered Barako import Josh Dollard all night long and made him shoot a measly 6-of-16 from the field, resulting in just 26 points along with 16 rebounds.
Espinas tied Dollard down and never let him loose while scoring 14 points to his name and grabbing 3 rebounds.
Barako inched closer towards the end via the free throw line but got sent back by a Casio pull-up jumper with 52.4 on the clock, 67-72.
"I think good defensive job again," Trillo said. "They're averaging 98 points; we gave them 71 points."
The Aces were truly relentless on defense as they also forced 18 turnovers on Barako and got 17 points off of that. They limited their miscues to 8.
With the win, the Aces break away somewhat from the log jam in the middle of the standings with a 4-3 slate at 4th place and their third straight win at that.
"This was very, very important for us. It was a moment-of-truth game, I thought. Because if we lose we're just back to win and lose," Trillo said.
Trillo also says he's satisfied with where his team is headed.
"This is where we want to be. This is more of our game. It's not run and gun," he explained. "It's ugly, physical, halfcourt defensive type of games."
The road doesn't get any easier for Alaska, however, as they face Barangay Ginebra and San Mig Coffee next.
Scores
Alaska 78: Dozier 18, Espinas 14, Casio 10, Abueva 9, Hontiveros 8, Jazul 6, Thoss 6, Manuel 4, Baguio 3, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Barako 71: Dollard 26, Pennisi 12, Miller 7, Isip 6, Miranda 6, Lastimosa 5, Fortuna 2, Buenafe 2, Pena 2, Wilson 1, Marcelo 0.
Quarter scores: 13-17, 26-30, 53-50, 78-71.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54521-pba-alaska-beasts-barako)
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Ayos nanalo din ang ginebra yehey na yehey...
Sent from my Lenovo A3000-H using Tapatalk
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Ginebra in back on track after win over Meralco (04/02/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Still alive and still kicking.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel pushed back against their pressure and struggles to trump the Meralco Bolts, 88-78, on Wednesday, April 2 in the PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Kings banked on a mighty stand in the fourth period, using a sizzling 8-0 run sparked by a Mark Caguioa three-pointer to create some much needed separation against an equally fiery Bolts, 79-70.
They continued down the road they paved with Chris Ellis delivering the dagger triple with 1:15 left to play, 83-73. Not content with that, and perhaps out of frustration from their two-game skid, Ellis pounded the nail on the coffin deeper with another trey to make it 76-73 with 46.8 ticks remaining as Ginebra cruised on to victory and a 3-4 slate.
"We did a good job on defense, " said Ginebra head coach Ato Agustin. "We were able to stop our weaknesses. And (we achieved) yung target namin na score, they scored only 78 points." (We achieved our target score, they scored only 78 points.)
It was a combination of many things for Ginebra. But mostly, it was the very thing veteran Caguioa had wanted to see from his teammates: heaps of intensity.
The defensive energy was just palpable for Ginebra for much of the ballgame as they scrambled for loose balls and never gave up on seemingly impossible plays. They played honest defense, protected the rim with 6 blocks and was much more fluid with their offensive sets as well.
Ginebra played one of their best first halves of the conference, spinning the thread of their offense to produce plenty of gold in a 54.8% field goal shooting clip good for a 44-40 halftime lead.
The Gin Kings faltered in the third, however, as their ball movement and aggressiveness dipped, allowing Meralco to pick up some steam and even take over the driver's seat at several junctures.
Josh Urbiztondo, though, came alive towards the end of the third with a trey from way out to break the deadlock and enter the deciding canto with a 63-60 advantage.
Knowing the importance of the game, both teams' new imports piled on the intensity in the third and fourth periods, taking it strong to the hole and challenging every sort of defense put up by their opponents.
Darnell Jackson, 28, who replaced Brian Butch, did not waste any time showcasing his athleticism and his fearlessness as he scored in every way he could - be it from deep underneath the ring or in transition for the throwdown. He finished with 25 markers, 18 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block.
While Gary David added 18 points on 7-of-7 free throws for Meralco, who dropped to 3-4.
Agustin noted the performance of his new import who replaced Leon Rodgers, former Los Angeles Laker Josh Powell. He went across the board with 16 points, 15 rebounds (6 on the offensive glass), two assists, two steals an two blocks.
"He's a very smart player, nakasunod sa sistema kaya kitang kita ilang locals ang nag-double figures," he said. "Maganda contribution ng import." (He's a very smart player and he fits the system, which can be seen with plenty of locals in double figures. He made a good contribution.)
Playmaker LA Tenorio also looked much like his old self in this game with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and two steals.
Ellis finished with 16 points for Ginebra as Greg Slaughter and Caguioa chipped in 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Scores
Ginebra 88: Powell 16, Ellis 16, Slaughter 15, Caguioa 13, Urbiztondo 10, Tenorio 10, Aguilar 3, Helterbrand 3, Baracael 2, mamaril 0.
Meralco 78: Jackson 25, David 18, Dillinger 11, Hugnatan 9, Hodge 9, Caram 3, Al-Hussaini 2, Artadi 1, Ildefonso 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0, Wilson 0, Mandani 0.
Quarters scores: 27-21; 44-40; 63-60; 88-78.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54534-ginebra-back-track-meralco)
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parang ang tamad naman nung import ng ginebra, buti na lang naka-tres si ellis..
mapapalaban to sa ibang import... :( :( :(
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PBA Best Player Race Weeks 3-4: Ranidel reigns
MANILA, Philippines – The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters have remained unscathed through four weeks in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup 2014. And though their import Richard Howell is a big part of that equation, the outstanding play of locals Ranidel De Ocampo, Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag have been instrumental in maintaining their unbeaten ways.
The second-running San Miguel Beermen also banked on the efforts of two reliable franchise players and a speedy point guard who has taken his game to the next level.
Here is the latest edition of Rappler’s PBA Best Player Race.
1. (Last week: 4▲) Ranidel De Ocampo, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
17.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 43.3% 3-PT FGs, 34.30 EFF
Arguably the finest power forward in the league right now, Ranidel De Ocampo is currently the locals’ scoring leader. This included a 28-point explosion in an all-important win against Ginebra on March 23. The Gilas Pilipinas stalwart is also shooting at a fine 43.3% from downtown, definitely a boost for his still undefeated squad.
2. (Last week: NA▲) Arwind Santos, San Miguel Beermen
15.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 34.36 EFF
The reigning PBA Most Valuable Player acted like one over the past two weeks, particularly in a 109-92 conquest of Globalport last March 24 where he would hit huge buckets in crunch time to finish with 18 points and 10 rebounds, leading his team to victory.
3. (Last week: 1▼) Jayson Castro, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
15.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 32.50 EFF
“The Blur” is still getting prime numbers despite spending just less than 30 minutes on the court per night. He has doubled his assists average in the past two weeks (2.33 in the first three games to 6 in the last three games) to help the mighty Tropang Texters stay clean.
4. (Last week: NA▲) June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel Beermen
11.6 PPG, 11 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 35.34 EFF
The Kraken is back.
After sitting out at the start of the conference, the reigning Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference returned and immediately made impact for the Beermen. He is the only local averaging in double-double, and is definitely a force inside the paint for the playoff-seeking San Miguel squad.
5. (Last week: 2▼) Asi Taulava, Air21 Express
13.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 33.47 EFF
The evergreen Taulava is still a force inside for the Air21 Express. With his size and presence, he makes their reinforcement’s job easier as he takes care of the boards and interior defense.
6. (Last week: NA▲) Chris Ross, San Miguel Beermen
7.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 8 APG, 2.7 SPG, 26.88 EFF
I do believe Chris Ross might be the fastest guard in the PBA. He is finally playing the best basketball of his life, leading the Beermen to a 5-2 record and steering their high-geared offense. (READ: Chris Ross says RoS win a morale-booster but remains hungry) The energetic point guard is the conference assists and steals leader with 8 dimes and 2.7 interceptions per match, definitely a big reason for San Miguel’s winning run.
7. (Last week: NA▲) Joseph Yeo, Air21 Express
13.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 57.1% 3-PT FGs, 30.1 EFF
Also entering this week’s BPC picture is Air21’s ninja, Joseph Yeo. Yeo has managed to distribute the ball well, averaging 6 assists in his last three outings for the Express while also shooting an astronomical 57.1% from three-point distance since returning to his his natural two-guard position. His 18-point, 9-assist output in a 97-95 win against Ginebra on March 26 proved to be vital as the Express rose to the .500 mark.
8. (Last week: 6▼) Jimmy Alapag, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters
9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 40.9% 3-PT FGs, 27.44 EFF
Completing the list of Tropang Texters in the Top 10 is Jimmy Alapag. Though already 36 years old, Alapag is still leading the team in assists, and is still an effective three-point shooter. His leadership will be a key factor especially when Talk ‘N Text guns for another shot at the PBA crown.
9. (Last week: 10▲) Paul Lee, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
13.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 29.6 EFF
10. (Last week: 7▼) Jeff Chan, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
15 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 26.32 EFF
The duo of Paul Lee and Jeff Chan round out our Top 10 list for this week as they both continue to do well for the Rain or Shine crew. Chan and Lee are numbers 1 and 2 in local scoring for their squad, respectively while keeping the Elasto Painters in the playoff chase. With four games left for the Elasto Painters, the backcourt tandem is expected to lead the team to the next level.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54541-pba-best-player-race-ranidel-reigns)
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PBA All-Stars coach Tim Cone plans to mimic European style of play in bid to help Gilas prepare for World Cup
PBA All-Star coach Tim Cone said he intends to throw a mixture of the European style of offense and a bit of his patented triangle system as he tries to help Gilas Pilipinas prepare for the Fiba World Cup and Asian Games this year.
“One of the things we want to do is run some offense that will be used against Gilas at the World Cup,” Cone told mediamen during Thursday’s press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena, marking the start of the PBA All-Star Week.
“We’ll work on some things that they’ll probably see in Spain, some of the European stuff that’s very popular,” he added.
However, Cone said since he has four of his San Mig players in the All-Star lineup led by James Yap, Joe Devance, Mark Barroca and Peter June Simon, as well as Calvin Abueva and Sonny Thoss, whose Alaska squad also runs the triangle offense, the multi-titled PBA coach will try to run the triangle offense as well.
Last year’s edition of the midseason classic saw Gilas Pilipinas engage the PBA All-Star team in a 124-124 standoff behind Jeff Chan’s buzzer-beating three-point shot.
“I hope we don’t given them (Gilas) 124 points this time around. Last time kind of shocked them, but since then, they’ve had a year together after going together for the (Fiba-Asia) wars,” explained Cone.
The American mentor, who became the all-time most successful coach after steering the Mixers to the Philippine Cup for his 16th PBA title, expects the Sunday match against Gilas to be defensive in nature.
“We’re gonna try to compete and challenge them and make them (Gilas) better. We’ll defend and make it tough for them and hopefully, it will help them get better,” he added.
Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Marc Pingris, who plays for San Mig, believes the national squad is capable of giving the All-Stars a run for their money after learning to play together for the past year.
“Ngayon, yung samahan namin okay na rin. Nakakahiya rin na ang uniform namin may Pilipinas kung matalo kami,” said Pingris, one of Gilas coach Chot Reyes’ energy guys during last year’s Fiba-Asia cage joust in Manila.
“Pero seryoso kami a larong ito, dahil gusto naming makuha yung P100,000,” he added, in jest, referring to the P100,000 cash pot that the PBA board will be awarding to the winner.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-all-stars-coach-tim-cone-plans-to-mimic-european-style-of-play-in-bid-to-help-gilas-prepare-for-world-cup)
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Chris Ellis to pull out new tricks in slam dunk title defense
MANILA, Philippines - The competition may be stiff but Chris Ellis still has a few tricks left up his sleeve.
The reigning slam dunk champion from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vows that he will not give up his crown without a fight in the 2014 PBA All-Star weekend.
"I got a couple up my sleeve, a couple of aces," said the high flying 6-foot-5 shooting guard. Though he says we’ll have to wait to see what those ace cards are.
"I was practicing all last night and I'll just get out there and do what I gotta do."
He added: "It's all gonna be on the spot. It depends on what the other guys are doing. I know a lot of guys got a lot of things on their repertoire. But I'm just gonna try and come out and put down something for sure."
Ellis, who won last year's competition as a rookie, will be going up against current rookies Alex Nuyles (Rain or Shine) and another high flyer in the 5-foot-9 Justin Melton (San Mig Super Coffee).
Melton is arguably among the biggest threats to Ellis due to his height. But Ellis knows he can't understate him.
"You can never doubt the small guy just because he's small."
Another major source of competition is Ginebra teammate Japeth Aguilar.
The familiarity with the 6-foot-10 Aguilar from practicing every day with him may be an advantage for Ellis.
"Japeth always has some creativeness," Ellis said of his teammate. "He's able to just do things because he's so athletic. He could just put things together. It just depends on if he has his timing."
And while Ellis has some aces to unveil during the competition, Aguilar is likewise cooking up some tricks to impress the judges and the crowd.
"I'm gonna try to give the fans a good show," said the athletic forward. "May mga naiisip na akong mga dunks pero hindi ko pa siya na-practice eh. So I need to get my timing pa." (I've thought of some ideas for dunks already but I haven't practiced them. So I still need to get my timing.)
Asked how he feels battling the defending champion, Aguilar says he understands the need to be more creative and deliver fresh ideas to the table.
"Alam ko he's gonna be a tough opponent. And he really could jump. Tapos yung height niya pa, he's shorter than me so mas advantage yun sa judges," he explained. "Plus yung mga tricks ginawa na niya last year, so it will be tough to be creative." (I know he's gonna be a tough opponent. And he really can jump. And his height, he's shorter than me so he has the advantage with the judges. Plus he did a lot of tricks last year, so it will be tough to be creative.)
Other participants in the slam dunk competition include Calvin Abueva (Alaska), Arwind Santos (San Miguel Beermen), Rey Guevarra (Meralco Bolts), and Cliff Hodge (Meralco Bolts).
The slam dunk competition is part of the 2014 PBA All Star Weekend festivities and will take place on Friday, April 4 at 5:30 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
This year's All Star Weekend is from April 4 to 6.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54592-chris-ellis-new-tricks-slam-dunk)
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wala si canaleta? ??? ???
aabangan ko si melton, matinding laban to!!! :-X :-X :-X
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PBA All Star showdown gives Gilas dry run for FIBA
MANILA, Philippines - Participants of the annual PBA All Star Weekend entered the Coral Way lobby of the Mall of Asia Arena on the noon of Thursday, April 3 clad in black, flashing smiles, and fresh from a motorcade from Solaire Resort.
All were in a casual, jolly mood while preparing for their press conference. The exchange of thoughts was light as players shared their ideas on the upcoming activities. Some even cracked jokes, like the always flashy Willie Miller, Joe Devance, and Marc Pingris, making the presser a fun sight to see.
This atmosphere however, will turn into a serious battleground once the PBA All Stars battle the Gilas Pilipinas national squad on Sunday, April 6 in the culminating event of the four-day spectacle.
Only the best
Winningest PBA mentor and San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone is elated to call the shots for the all-star selection this year; he says his boys are armed with two goals: the first is to do their best for the fans, and the other is to get Gilas Pilipinas better by showing their best performance.
"I'm thrilled to be with these young men. Our team is here for the fans and we're also for Gilas," said Cone.
Gilas Pilipinas and the PBA All Stars fought to a 124-all deadlock in last year's affair in Digos City, Davao Del Sur where sniper Jeff Chan and reigning PBA MVP Arwind Santos were adjudged co-All star MVPs.
But Cone knows the national crew is much improved a year removed from their first match up with the PBA selection. Plus, Marcus Douthit and Jimmy Alapag, who both didn't suit up last year, will be in action on Sunday.
"I think Gilas will be a lot better this year. We will try to compete and challenge them. We want a tough defensive battle."
Asked about the offense he will run for the team, the Mixers mentor said he spoke to the Gilas coaching staff and will most likely infuse his triangle with the European brand of play to make it a simulation of what Gilas will experience in the FIBA World Cup.
"We discussed a few things (with Chot Reyes) so probably they will see some European stuff and triangle stuff," he said.
For the fans, country
PBA Philippine Cup Finals MVP Mark Barroca likewise wants to give the national team a good test. A former Smart Gilas member himself, the 5-foot-9 point guard will have his hands full against Jayson Castro, LA Tenorio, and Jimmy Alapag.
"Syempre i-cha-challenge namin yung Gilas. Gusto namin masaya yung game para masaya ung fans pero gusto rin namin sila matulungan," quipped the San Mig Coffee Mixer of what he expects regarding the all star match.
(Of course we want to challenge Gilas. We want a fun game for the fans but at the same time, we want to help Gilas improve)
Mac Baracael, also a part of the original cast of Gilas Pilipinas, and James Yap of the 2009 Powerade Team Pilipinas, share the same sentiments. They also mentioned the all-star game will be serious as they want the best for the national team.
"Ibibigay namin yung best namin para makatulong sa Gilas," said Yap, a former 2-time PBA MVP. (We will give our best to help Gilas in their preparation)
"Seryoso po kami. Ibibigay namin ang best namin," said Baracael. (We will be serious in this all-star game)
Pressure is on for nationals
While the PBA All Stars are expected to give their best, the pressure is twice as huge for the members of the national squad.
Gilas forward Ranidel De Ocampo knows most of the PBA All Stars have already represented the nation, and he expects a tough affair. But at the end of the day, he wants the fans to enjoy.
"Sana maraming manood. Yung PBA All Stars deserving din maglaro sa national team. San mapasaya namin ang mga tao," said the native of Tanza, Cavite. (I wish there will be a good turnout; the all stars also deserve to be in the national team so I hope we can give joy to the fans)
Marc Pingris meanwhile thinks the spotlight shall focus on how well they can perform on Sunday. It is their first tune-up in a long while, adding more pressure to the lineup.
"Gusto naming manalo. May pressure sa amin. Kapag natalo kami, pagagalitan kami ni coach (Chot Reyes)," said the 2013 Governor's Cup Finals MVP. (We want to win because the pressure is on us. If we lose, we'll hear it from coach Chot Reyes)
The Gilas Pilipinas-PBA All Star showdown takes place on Sunday, April 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ticket prices range from 375 to 1,550 pesos.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/54636-all-star-gilas-fiba)
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Macapagal ousts Tiu to reclaim 3-point crown
MANILA, Philippines – Chris Tiu, who won last year’s Three-Point Shootout, said he was most concerned about Talk ’N Text marksman Larry Fonacier in his quest to repeat as champion.
Instead of looking to the future, he should’ve been looking to his past.
Globalport Batang Pier’s Mark Macapagal – the man whose three-year reign Tiu ended last year – regained his title on Friday, April 4 during the 2014 PBA All-Star Weekend.
Macapagal made good on 6 money balls in the elimination round to lead all competitors with 23 points. He then improved on that showing by scoring 24 points in the final round to seal the deal.
"Medyo last year galing bakasyon so hindi prepared, hindi tulad ngayon nakapag-practice nakukuha ko yung rhythm," Macapagal explained. "Buti na lang maganda yung umpisa at nakasama ako sa doon sa tatlo." (Last year I came from vacation so I wasn't prepared. Not like this year I was able to practice and get my rhythm. It's a good thing I had a great start and I was able to make the top 3.)
Rain or Shine's Tiu racked up 22 points in the eliminations along with a similar 22-point finals output.
Alaska Aces point guard JVee Casio was the first to tally more than 20 points with a 22-point finish in the elimination round on 6 money balls. He dipped in the finals, however, with just 20 points.
Macapagal will take home P30,000 for his win, the same amount Mark Barroca earned for winning the Obstacles Challenge.
Below is the summary of scores for this year's PBA All Star Weekend three-point shootout:
Eliminations
Mark Cardona: 18 points
JVee Casio: 22 points
Ronjay Buenafe: 14 points
LA Tenorio: 17 points
Mark Macapagal: 23 points
John Wilson: 17 points
Gary David: 18 points
Marcio Lassiter: 18 points
Larry Fonacier: 12 points
Chris Tiu: 22 points
Finals
JVee Casio: 20 points
Mark Macapagal: 24 points
Chris Tiu: 22 points
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54694-pba-macapagal-tiu-3-point-crown)
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Mark Barroca is new obstacle challenge champ
MANILA, Philippines –Mark Barroca of the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers is the new obstacle challenge champion in the 2014 PBA All-Star Weekend.
The San Mig playmaker unseated 4-time champion Jonas Villanueva by besting him and all of their other competitors with an elimination round time of 31.4 seconds and a finals round time of a whopping 29.8 seconds.
The 5-foot-10 Barroca breezed through the full court obstacle which consisted of first making a lay-up, then zigzagging through the cones to make a chest pass through a metal ring. That's followed by a bounce pass through another ring, then a three-pointer and an overhead pass through the last ring, and finally running around cones again to finish with a lay-up.
"Isip ko na lang yung pinagana ko," Barroca said after he won. "Pinagisipan ko kagabi pa na masaya pag nanalo ako. Alam ko na yung gagawin kasi na-experience ko na 'to last year. Pinagtrabahuhan ko na lang yung focus at execution."
Barroca won P30,000 for his victory.
Below is a list of all the competitors' times through the elimination and final rounds.
Eliminations:
JVee Casio 38.3 seconds
Willie Miller 40.5 seconds
LA Tenorio 42.9 seconds
John Wilson 54.2 seconds
Paul Lee 44 seconds
Sol Mercado 41.6 seconds
Mark Barroca 31.4 seconds
Jayson Castro 49.4 secondes
Jonas Villanueva 34.9
Finals:
JVee Casio: 54.5 seconds
Mark Barroca 29.8 seconds
Jonas Villanueva 36 seconds
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54692-pba-mark-barroca-obstacle-challenge)
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Melton, Guevarra named PBA slam dunk co-champions
MANILA, Philippines – One new dunk champion was not enough. There was so much high-flying talent in this year's PBA All-Stars slam dunk competition that the judges couldn’t give just one man the title.
Justin Melton of the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers and Rey Guevarra of the Meralco Bolts were named slam dunk co-champions on Friday, April 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The competition was so stiff between the two that their finals round extended to a second round as they both tallied a perfect 40 points for each of the two rounds.
Guevarra was dominant from the get-go with a between the legs jam to gain a perfect score from all the judges for 40 points in the first round.
His second round reverse throwdown from the baseline earned him 39 points.
"Yung between the legs na dunk ko ngayon ko nga lang nagawa yun eh," said the 6-foot-2 wingman out of Letran College. "Tina-try ko yun nung college pero ngayon ko lang talaga nagawa yun eh." (This is the only time I was able to do the between the legs dunk. I kept trying that in college but I was only able to do it now.)
In the final rounds Guevarra made good on a double pump which he finished on a reverse, followed by a spin move to the basket as he slammed it home.
Meanwhile, the 5-foot-10 Melton impressed the crowd and the judges repeatedly as he soared high above the rim for thunderous dunks. The San Mig Coffee rookie showcased a lot of his athleticism and his hang time before the eager crowd and fellow players as he jumped over two people in the first round for a perfect 40 points.
He then used the ring for the assist, hanging with his left hand and dunking it with authority to gain 39 points.
In the finals he made an alley-oop to himself for the reverse, before completing a one-handed tomahawk.
"No intimidation," Melton said of how he felt going up against much taller competition. "Just go out and do what you do, have fun with it."
It may have also helped Melton to have his coach Tim Cone send him off and veteran teammates PJ Simon and Mark Barroca offer suggestions as to what he should do.
"My coach told me in practice today to just go out and have fun so that's what I did," he said. "My teammates definitely helped out with suggestions and all that. Mark and PJ were just sitting here on the sidelines."
Guevarra and Melton ousted last year's champion Chris "Air Force" Ellis, who tallied 37 points in the first round after enlisting the help of multiple-time slam dunk champion KG Canaleta for a dunk over him. In the second round, the high flying shooting guard switched from his right hand to finish on the left for 33 points.
Only the top two scorers from the eliminations round advanced to the final round. The slam dunk competition was judged by Atoy Co, Barry Pascua, Bogs Adornado, and Ramon Bautista.
Meanwhile, other highlights of the slam dunk contest included Cliff Hodge trying to pull off a dunk over 3 people. Hodge asked his teammates Gary David, John Wilson and Guevarra to be his personal obstacle course to the rim. Hodge's attempt at overachieving left Wilson taking a selfie underneath the ring and David praying for his life.
Ginebra big man Japeth Aguilar also tried something unique with teammate LA Tenorio holding a camera underneath the ring and holding the ball for Aguilar to take. However, Aguilar could not complete the dunk as well.
Below is a complete list of scores from the slam dunk competition.
First round
Calvin Abueva: 32 points
Japeth Aguilar: 36 points
Rey Guevarra 40 points
Cliff Hodge: 36 points
Justin Melton: 40 points
Alex Nuyles: 36 points
Chris Ellis: 37 points
Second round
Calvin Abueva: 36 points
Japeth Aguilar: 29 points
Rey Guevarra: 39 points
Cliff Hodge: 20 points
Justin Melton: 39 points
Alex Nuyles: 20 points.
Chris Ellis: 33 points
Finals First Round
Rey Guevarra: 40 points
Justin Melton: 40 points
Finals Second Round
Rey Guevarra: 40 points
Justin Melton: 40 points
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54702-melton-guevara-dunk-contest-mvps)
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PBA Stalwarts vs Greats game ends in draw
MANILA, Philippines - A game filled with thunderous jams and three-pointers by Filipino basketball legends and young stars alike ended in a draw, 136-all, on Friday, April 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Greats were leading for most of the contest thanks to the 29 points of Cliff Hodge and the 34 points of newly crowned slam dunk co-champion Rey Guevarra.
Guevarra, who was flying and dunking all over the place, was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game.
"Medyo nakaka-hype eh (It did contribute to making me feel the hype)," he said when asked if his slam dunk competition win spiked his momentum.
"Nandito lang kami para pasayahin yung mga fans ng PBA," he said after the game. "Honor 'to na magkaroon pa ng ganitong award (MVP)." (We're here to make the PBA fans happy. It's an honor to have this award.)
But the Stalwarts made a run towards the end with Mark Cardona scoring on a basket to make it a two-point 132-130 game. Cliff Hodge then responded on the other end with 1:13 left to push the lead up again, 134-130.
Willie Miller (18 points) scored the last basket for the Greats before Justin Melton and Ronjay Buenafe hit a pair of treys under the final minute to notch the final tally.
Guevarra's slam dunk co-champion Melton was also all over the place, keeping the crowd entertained with his high-impact throwdowns and three-pointers. He finished with 21 points on a perfect 6-of-6 field goals.
Of the PBA legends, Noli Locsin of the Stalwarts showed that he still has it in him as he finished with a double-double, 18 points and 11 rebounds. The 43-year-old former Ginebra favorite even brought fans to their feet with a slam dunk. Richard del Rosario provided the entertaining antics on the floor and scored 5 points and grabbed 6 boards.
Johnedel Cardel lit it up from deep and had 12 points on 3-of-6 treys, while Freddie Abuda was a near perfect 5-of-6 from the field for his 11 markers.
Cardona and Buenafe added 31 and 22 points, respectively, for the Stalwarts as well.
The Greats were bannered by former PBA players and now coaches Franz Pumaren, Fortunato Co, Johnedel Cardel, Freddie Abuda, and Topex Robinson. They were flanked by current players Cliff Hodge, Willie Miller, Jonas Villanueva, Rey Guevarra and JVee Casio with Atoy Co as their coach.
Meanwhile, the Stalwarts had Noli Locsin, Richard del Rosario, William Adornado, Dickie Bachmann, and Jeffrey Cariaso, while Sol Mercado, Justin Melton, Mark Cardona, John Wilson, Ronjay Buenafe and Chris Tiu joined them. Their coach was Boggs Adornado.
The PBA Stalwarts versus the PBA Greats is only the first of two big games for the 2014 PBA All-Star Weekend.
The main event will be on Sunday, April 6, with Gilas Pilipinas playing the PBA All-Star selection.
Scores
PBA Greats 136: Guevarra 34, Hodge 29, Miller 18, Villanueva 17, Cardel 12, Abuda 11, Casio 9, Robinson 6, Pumaren 0, Co 0, Romeo 0.
PBA Stalwarts 136: Cardona 31, Buenafe 22, Melton 21, Wilson 18, Locsin 18, Mercado 8, Del Rosario 5, Adornado 0, Bachmann 0, Cariaso 0.
Quarters: 26-20, 57-57, 101-94, 136-136.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/54709-pba-greats-stalwarts-draw)
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Less showboating, more competitiveness as PBA All-Stars test Gilas Pilipinas' mettle
GILAS Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes expects nothing less than a competitive match against the PBA All-Stars of coach Tim Cone in the centerpiece event of the All-Star Week on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Reyes said the 5 p.m. match will have its usual trimmings of exciting plays, but at the same time expects Gilas to buckle down to work against a side led by James Yap and reigning PBA MVP Arwind Santos.
“It’s an All-Star (game) so it has to still be for the fans, but for sure it’s gonna be competitive,” Reyes said on the eve of the keenly-awaited midseason showpiece.
The Gilas team will be playing against a PBA selection for the second straight year after engaging the All-Stars in a 124-all standoff in last year’s edition in Digos City, Davao del Sur.
Santos, who scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the 2013 classic, along with Gilas gunner Jeff Chan were named as co-MVPs of that game.
While practice for the past three days has been intense, Reyes said game situations will be the true test for a team that will be playing for the first time since last August's Fiba-Asia championships.
“It’s easy to have fluidity in practice, but the game on Sunday with defense at may kalaban na, that’s going to be an entirely different story,” Reyes said.
"We’re just hoping for the best on Sunday given just two or three days of practice."
On the other hand, Cone said he intends to give equal playing opportunities to all his players even if he has four players from San Mig as well as two from Alaska - all familiar with how the triangle offense is run.
“There’s a lot of good players in the team. I mean we’ve got players like KG (Canaleta of Talk ‘N Text), (Ginebra’s Chris) Ellis and Greg (Slaughter), they all deserve to showcase something so I’ll try to play them all,” said Cone, who only had one practice with the All-Star squad on Saturday morning at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The four Mixers in the selection are Yap, Mark Barroca, Joe Devance and Peter June Simon, while Sonny Thoss and Calvin Abueva are the two players from the Aces.
Rounding out the All-Star lineup are Mac Baracael of Ginebra and San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/less-showboating-more-competitiveness-as-pba-all-stars-test-gilas-pilipinas-mettle)
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Gilas Pilipinas blasts PBA All-Stars in successful first outing
MANILA, Philippines - In their first game back since the FIBA Asia Championship, Gilas Pilipinas showed they could still work together as a team.
Gilas blasted the 2014 PBA All-Star selection, 101-93, in the 2014 PBA All-Star Weekend on on Sunday, April 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The national men's basketball squad was all business and in full control of the game right from the get go all the way until the end as they asserted their might in the paint with naturalized big man Marcus Douthit, and let it rain from beyond the arc with 9 three-pointers.
"We expected that. We had Marcus and that's kind of an unfair advantage on our part so we expected that," Gilas head coach Chot Reyes explained. "But more than the final score, more than the points, for me what I was looking at was how the players were reacting, how our players were executing, how they were able to follow the game plan."
The nationals, indeed, executed their game plan as they got off to a good start with Jeff Chan burying a trey right off the gates. They later piled up on points to make it a 49-42 halftime advantage.
They never looked back after that, outscoring the All-Stars 33-22 in the third to push their opponents into a hole they could never claw out of.
"I'd like to extend my appreciation to coach Tim (Cone) and PBA All-Stars for preparing hard," remarked Reyes. "You could see that they were very well prepared. They defended us well, they kept showing us different combinations, different looks.
"You could see with their offense they were able to run some stuff that we're going to see in international competitions. I think this game will definitely help us."
On the part of All-Stars coach Tim Cone, the variations on offense, defense and line-up were all part of their goal for tonight.
"The idea coming in here was to challenge the Gilas team and I thought we did that," he said. "We did everything, we played big line-ups, we played small line-up, we tried to run sets, we tried to run triangle. We threw the whole kitchen sink at them.
"But they responded well as expected. They are a team that's intact and they know each other."
The FIBA Asia silver medalists built their biggest lead during that searing third frame run on a Jayson Castro breakaway lay-up, 67-49, with 6:25 on the clock.
But the All-Stars fought back with a 9-2 run later in the period to inch to within 11, 73-62. But Paul Lee buried a trey right after to squash the momentum, 76-62.
The All-Stars put up some resistance once again towards the end of the payoff period, cutting the deficit to 10, 100-90, on an Arwind Santos basket with 2:25 to play. But missed attempts ensued for the All-Stars after that, effectively securing the win for Gilas.
Even with the loss, the All-Stars, led by James Yap, Mark Barroca and Greg Slaughter, weren't too shabby.
Despite what the final tally might say, the All-Stars gave Gilas a tough time executing their offensive sets. The defense locked in on Gilas whether on the perimeter or closer to the basket.
"Ironically we had enough defense, we just didn't have enough offense," noted Cone. "We went through some of the defensive schemes we wanted to do and I thought we executed it pretty well. At least we executed it with effort. The idea was play defense and bahala na (whatever) offense."
The All-Stars made 8 treys with Marcio Lassiter leading the scoring with 12 points. Slaughter added 11, while PJ Simon had 9 markers.
Gilas, on the other hand, tallied 28 assists, which Reyes says is a testament to the kind of team they are.
Chan tallied 17 points on 4-of-6 triples while Gary David had 15 markers.
David was named All-Star Most Valuable Player and won the P30,000 prize for it.
Larry Fonacier and Jayson Castro added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
This is only the beginning for the World Cup-bound national team. They obviously still look rusty on the court despite the win and there is still plenty more they need to accomplish before they are ready to go on a showdown against the world's best. But Reyes knows this one game alone is already a step in the right direction.
"It might be just one game but it means a lot to us and most especially to the fans to be able to see again."
All-Stars win again
Even before the actual game, both squads already bathed in the spotlight with the traditional All-Star dance-off.
But just like last year, it's still the PBA All-Stars who reigned supreme when the hip-shaking and confetti settled.
Wearing the well-known Jabbawockeez mask, Gilas, led by David, showed their quirky and relaxed personalities with shameless dance moves to a very entertained crowd. The highlight of their performance was June Mar Fajardo breaking out in dance and silent song to the film Frozen's highly popular song "Let It Go." Fajardo initiated that final dance as his teammates popped some confetti and joined the dancing themselves.
Their counterparts in the PBA All-Star selection, came out hiding cardboards underneath their shirts. They later revealed it to be letters that formed "GILAS PILIPINAS" with Maning Vilbar, the colorful character on the San Mig Super Coffee bench, carrying the final word, "PUSO."
Devance and Santos led the dancing for the All-Stars, showing off some impressive dancing chops. Barroca was also a highlight of their performance with his brown curly wig as he sang to "I Love Rock 'N Roll."
Gilas was unable able to redeem themselves from last year's dance-off loss, however, as the All-Stars took home the cash prize of P50,000.
Gilas, meanwhile, received P100,000 for winning the game.
The dance-off loss, Reyes said, was the only bad thing he could see from the game.
"If there's one setback in this it's the dance. I thought we won it last year and I thought we won it this year."
Scores
Gilas Pilipinas 101: Chan 17, David 15, Fajardo 13, Castro 12, Douthit 10, De Ocampo 7, Norwood 7, Aguilar 7, Lee 5, Dillinger 4, Fonacier 3, Pingris 1, Alapag 0, Tenorio 0, Belga 0.
PBA All-Stars 93: Lassiter 12, Slaughter 11, Santos 9, Simon 9, Yap 8, Barroca 8, Thoss 8, Ellis 7, Baracael 6, Devance 6, Abueva 6, Canaleta 3.
Quarter scores: 28-23, 49-42, 82-64, 101-93.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/54817-gilas-pilipinas-blasts-pba-all-stars-first-outing)
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(http://thumbnails101.imagebam.com/31921/ef7ded319202619.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/ef7ded319202619)
MANILA, Philippines — After doing his due diligence, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud Thursday that the three applicants for the expansion are all financially capable to sustain teams in the PBA.
Salud said that he is recommending the acceptance of Ever Bilena (Blackwater Sports), Columbia Automotive Corporation (Kia Motors), and Metro Pacific Investments (NLEx) into the PBA.
“I have checked their financials. They are all capable. I will recommend their acceptance to the PBA board,” Salud said.
The decision now lies with the PBA Board of Governors as the applicants need at least 3/4 or eight votes from the members to get accepted into Asia’s first play-for-pay league. The board will convene on April 10.
Salud said that possibility of expanding the league to 13 teams is a product of the hard work of the players and the league for nearly four decades.
“I do believe that adding three more teams validates what we have been working hard for, what these players have been working hard for,” he said.
“Never has it happened [that there were] three applications for expansion. We have to congratulate our players for that for working hard.”
ayun oh, finishing touches na lang.. :brucelee1: :brucelee1: :-X :-X
Ang LIKE icon di lang ginawa para pang-decorasyon, pwede mo rin i-push yan!
LiKe LanG nG LiKe!
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Evergreen Asi Taulava in talks on new Air21 deal that could keep him in the league until he's 44
AT age 41, Asi Taulava remains one of the most sought after big men in the PBA.
The Air21 big man is being eyed by at least two pro teams, although his agent made it clear Taulava is happy with the Express and is in talks for a three-year extension that would keep him in the league until he's 44.
“May mga interesado sa kanya. Pero sa ngayon, walang balak si Boss Lito (Alvarez, Air21 governor) na pakawalan siya,” said a source, who revealed keen interest from San Miguel Beer and Meralco.
Interestingly, Taulava played for San Miguel in the Asean Basketball League while Meralco was the team that sent the evergreen 6-9 slotman in a trade to Air21.
However, the Air21 source said Taulava is attracting renewed interest from teams which need a major presence in the middle when the import height limit goes back to 6-5 for the Governors Cup.
“Next conference kasi babalik sa 6-5 ang import. Kaya malamang karamihan sa mga teams nag-fo-focus ulit sa paghahanap ng big man,” said the source.
Taulava’s agent, Sheryl Reyes,said Taulava is right now leaning toward staying at Air 21.
“Wala eh (feelers ngayon). Air 21 pa rin kami. And we’re happy how he is being treated there,” said Reyes, who bared that Taulava’s contract with Air 21 will expire on August.
“Yung contract negotiation namin dito is long term, three years. Saka may plan for him ang Lina Group of Companies when he retires. We’re looking at security of tenure,” she added.
Still, Reyes said nothing is etched in stone.
“Right now, willing sila (Air 21) to give him three years of playing contract. That’s the best situation for Asi. And with his self-discipline, I believe Asi can still play at the same level,” said the outspoken female agent.
“But at the end of the day it is still up to the decision of Air 21, if he will stay or leave."
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/evergreen-asi-taulava-in-talks-on-new-air21-deal-that-could-keep-him-in-the-league-until-hes-44)
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Helterbrand says import Josh Powell's value to Ginebra not reflected in statistics
BARANGAY Ginebra guard Jayjay Helterbrand has been in the league long enough to tell what type of import can bring the Kings deep into the playoffs.
And one look at Josh Powell had him giving the thumbs up.
The 6-8 Powell wasn’t spectacular after finishing with just 16 points and 15 rebounds in his debut in an 88-78 win over Meralco last week - numbers that pale in comparison to the statistics piled up by his fellow imports or even the man he replaced at Ginebra, Leon Rodgers.
But more than just the points and rebounds, Helterbrand said it is the energy, experience and the intangibles that the two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers bring to the table that make him confident about the Gin Kings' chances in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
“The import gave us a lot of energy. I think our bigs, I can tell from just watching the game (against Meralco), they are learning something from our import, and that’s really good,” the one-time PBA MVP told Spin.ph.
With Powell setting the tone on defense and setting the picks on offense, Helterbrand said it was so easy for the rest of Ginebra's players to get good looks at the basket.
No less than five local players scored in double figures against Meralco.
“He’s (Powell) really a big help. You can tell why he played in the NBA. His experience, he ended up with four fouls but he finished the game with four fouls,” said the 37-year-old Ginebra playmaker.
“He’s just so strong, he knows how to set picks, and the way he sets pick, that’s what we need because we’re a pick and roll team,” he added.
“If we have a guy who sets picks like that, we’ll get shots, that’s what happens.”
And things are bound to get better for Ginebra, Helterbrand said, with the All-Star break giving Powell more time to acclimatize and blend with the locals - and veteran like him and Mark Caguioa the chance to rest their banged-up bodies.
“It (All-Star break) allowed the older guys like me and Mark to rest and the import to get more acclimated. And I think he’ll (Powell) be even better once settled in,” said the former Kentucky State University standout.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/helterbrand-says-import-josh-powells-value-to-ginebra-not-reflected-in-statistics)
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Simon lifts San Mig Coffee over Air21 (04/09/14)
MANILA, Philippines – A 20-point production built on timely baskets by veteran guard PJ Simon helped the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers arrest their two-game slide via a solid pummeling of the Air21 Express, 97-84, on Wednesday, April 9 as the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup returned to action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Simon, who noted the PBA All-Star break did him good, scored only 8 points in the first half before dropping 12 in the second half, with 7 in the fourth, as the Mixers rose to 4-2 in the standings.
But for the Mixers, the free throw line was also a best friend in this game.
Whether it was earning the two freebies via a strong drive to the hoop to fish the foul, or a chance to complete a 3-point play, the Mixers utilized fully their trips to the stripe.
After only 12 free throw attempts for the entire first half from both teams (3-of-4 by the Mixers and 7-of-8 by the Express), the number suddenly rose to 46 in total in the second half with San Mig Coffee making the most of it, 19-of-23.
The free throws became especially crucial for the Mixers in the third canto as it changed the complexion of the game in their favor.
With Air21 consistently sticking to San Mig Coffee, the Express looked primed to wrest control of the wheel at the 8:37 mark of the third when Jonas Villanueva tied the count at 53. But the back-to-back champions began breaking the game wide open at that juncture with a 10-0 blast, which was built mostly by charities.
Air21 responded by heaving three-pointers that would not hit its mark.
"We played with a lot more togetherness and connection in the third quarter. We connected a lot better than we have been over the last couple of games," said Mixers head coach Tim Cone. "I felt coming out of halftime there was a better sense of urgency, which I think was what we were lacking in the past couple of games. We kind of came up with it there in the third quarter."
The fourth then became all about maintaining energy for Cone's wards, who continued to push the ball as well as test the speed and endurance of a now 3-4 Air21, scoring 29 points on 16 fastbreak attempts. Air21 converted only 13 from their 14 attempts.
San Mig eventually built their biggest lead of the game at 88-68 on two free throws by import James Mays midway in the payoff period as they hustled and converted their defensive efforts to points on the other end.
Mays topscored for San Mig Coffee with 23 markers and 15 rebounds while Marc Pingris, who was a pure hustler once again for SMC - even grabbing an offensive rebound at one point and scoring over two guys in purple - added 12 points and 3 boards.
The Express, on the other hand, were carried by Wesley Witherspoon's 27 points and 16 rebounds, which wasn't enough for them to follow up on their win against Barangay Ginebra.
However, Air21 still picked up a good performance from Sean Anthony, who played his first game for Air21 since being traded from Talk 'N Text together with Eliud Poligrates for KG Canaleta last conference. He paced Air21 with 19 points and 7 rebounds.
Mark Cardona, who, according to Cone, was one of the targets of San Mig's stingy defense together with Witherspoon, was limited to just 10 points on 4-of-11 field goal shooting.
Scores:
San Mig Coffee (97): Mays 23, Simon 20, Pingris 12, Devance 11, Yap 9, Sangalang 8, Barroca 6, Cawaling 3, Melton 3, De Ocampo 2, Gaco 0, Mallari 0, Reavis 0.
Air21 (84): Witherspoon 27, Anthony 19, Yeo 11, Cardona 10, Villanueva 5, Taulava 4, Burtscher 2, Camson 2, Ramos 0.
Quarters: 20-18; 45-44; 77-62; 97-84.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55089-pba-pj-simon-san-mig-coffee-air21-express)
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Talk 'N Text survives loss of import Howell as Rain or Shine comeback falls short (04/09/14)
TALK ‘N Text endured the loss of import Richard Howell in the entire second half as it outlasted Rain or Shine, 85-82 to move within a win of sweeping the single-round eliminations of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters played with a greater sense of urgency despite missing Howell, who landed awkwardly on his right shoulder while trying to go hard for a layup against Paul Lee late in the second period.
Howell eventually left the Big Dome before the start of the third quarter to undergo an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) at the Makati Medical Center to determine the severity of his injury.
Despite the absence of the 6-8 NBA D-League veteran, the Tropang Texters took leads of as many as 16 points in the second half behind Larry Fonacier, Kelly Williams and Jason Castro.
The Elasto Painters managed to close in at 82-84 on a long three-point bomb by Paul Lee, but Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism lost the handle of the ball while trying to go for a rebound off Jimmy Alapag’s missed foul throw, giving Talk ‘N Text possession with less than 10 seconds left.
The Elasto Painters then sent Fonacier to the foul line in the ensuing play, but the former Ateneo gunner could only split his charities, giving Rain or Shine another chance to send the game into overtime with a three-point attempt.
However, Beau Belga’s fallaway three-point attempt though failed to miss the mark, allowing Talk ‘N Text to improve to a league-best 8-0 win-loss record and clinch the top seeding in the playoffs.
“I’m very glad to be able to survive this game, which turned out to be a very physical game,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black.
“I’m not too sure about my import, who had his MRI at the hospital. He came in contact with Paul Lee. We just have to wait and find out what happens after that,” he added.
Black said he hasn’t entertained thoughts of finding a standby import, pending the MRI result of Howell.
Meantime, the loss dropped Rain or Shine to 3-4 and a four-way tie for fifth to eight spots in the standings with Ginebra, Air21 and Meralco as the race to the playoffs heated up.
Nino Canaleta led the Tropang Texters with 19 points.
Howell scored two points but had nine rebounds during the first half.
Rain or Shine, which missed the services of coach Yeng Guiao who is on a business trip to Europe, drew 18 points and 10 rebounds from Chism but paid dearly for the boo-boo of the import in the endgame.
The scores:
Talk 'N Text 85 - Canaleta 19, Williams 13, Seigle 12, Fonacier 11, Castro 8, De Ocampo 7, Carey 5, Alapag 5, Reyes 3, Howell 2, Reyes 0, Baclao 0.
Rain or Shine 82 - Chism 18, Belga 12, Lee 11, Tiu 8, Chan 7, Arana 6, Almazan 5, Norwood 5, Cruz 4, Rodriguez 4, Tang 2, Uyloan 0, Nuyles 0, Teng 0.
Quarterscores: 21-14, 36-37, 70-54, 85-82
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/talk-n-text-survives-loss-of-import-howell-as-rain-or-shine-comeback-falls-short)
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Historic day as PBA welcomes three news teams to take league membership to an all-time high 13 ballclubs
HE PBA board of governors on Thursday unanimously approved the applications of three companies for expansion franchises, raising to an all-time high 13 the number of teams in the league next season.
After a marathon four-hour meeting at the league office in Libis, Quezon City, the PBA board gave the green light to Blackwater Sports/ Ever Bilena, NLEX of the Manny V. Pangilinan group and Columbia Autocar Corporation to form their pro teams in time for the league's 40th season.
“Three applied, three were recommended for approval and now, three were approved,” PBA commissioner Chito Salud proudly announced after emerging from the special meeting.
“That’s a first, it’s a momentous occasion for the PBA. Three expansion teams coming in all at the same time, in time for our 40th season. nothing can be more exciting than that,” he added.
The entry of three expansion teams is also the highest since Pepsi and Sarsi were welcomed in 1990.
Salud said all three new league members have been informally and verbally notified of the board’s decision. A formal acceptance letter will be sent to them shortly.
“They (three new members) have been informally and verbally notified on their acceptance. They’ll be sent their format acceptance of membership within the week and we will expect their formal reply in the soonest possible time,” explained the league’s commissioner.
No special concession was given to any of the three new member squads, except that the existing 10-member PBA squads will be allowed to protect only 14 players from their rosters.
“The (current PBA) teams have 14 players in their roster and then they have two extra players that are called the restricted free agents. So the teams have decided to let go of the two players in excess of their team, which will make up around 25 players,” explained Salud.
Salud also mentioned that they’ll be gathering around 40 more players from free agent ranks, which would give each of the three new member clubs a pool of around 65 players to choose from in an expansion draft to be staged in the middle of July - or just less than two weeks after the end of the 39th season.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/historic-day-as-pba-welcomes-three-news-teams-to-take-league-membership-to-an-all-time-high-13-ballclubs-v02)
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Ayun oh..
Exciting to..
Papasok si ray parks ng walang draft..
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No Direct Hire sa mga New Teams na papasok next Season. . .
Dadaan pa din sa Draft sina Ray Parks, Kevin Alas, etc.
See HERE (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/no-direct-amateur-hires-for-expansion-teams-nlex-kia-blackwater)
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Meralco storms back in the second half to shock Barako (04/11/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Not even a giant lead is insurmountable for the defiant Meralco Bolts.
Dead and out in the beginning of the match, the Bolts stormed back with an electrifying comeback in the second half to shock Barako Bull, 105-98, in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday, April 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bolts trailed by as much as 22 but pulled off a colossal comeback to win and move to 5th in the team standings while also barging into the quarterfinals with a 4-4 card. The Energy, meanwhile, dropped to 2-6 with other teams holding their fate and whether or not they will qualify for the next round.
Down by as much as 22 at 22-44, the Bolts started coming back behind 3 triples by Jared Dillinger late in the second quarter, bringing the lead down to 42-51.
Coach Ryan Gregorio's wards continued the pressure in the third period, with backup point guard Chris Timberlake providing the spark.
Meralco then put the clamps on a frustrated Josh Dollard, forcing him to take ill-advised shots and shutting him down in the penultimate quarter.
The Bolts entered the final period down by just a point, while Chris Timberlake's free throws at the start of the fourth gave Meralco their first lead of the night at 75-74.
From there, teams wents back and forth, although Meralco got the better of the exchange as Gary David and import Darnell Jackson joined hands in a 13-5 blast that gave them the 96-88 lead with just 3:45 left.
A baseline drive by JC Intal and two charities by Willie Miller pushed Barako within 92-96, before Reynel Hugnatan's turnaround hook made it 98-92 for the Bolts, 1:25 to go.
A Dollard trey on the other end tried to make up for two costly turnovers by Mick Pennisi, cutting the deficit to 4, 95-99.
But four straight free throws by David sealed the deal for the Bolts, 105-98, leaving just 12.2 ticks on the clock.
Scores:
Meralco (105) - Jackson 30, Dillinger 16, David 15, Wilson 15, Timberlake 12, Hodge 10, Hugnatan 7, Caram 0, Salvacion 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.
Barako Bull (98) - Dollard 33, Intal 12, Pennisi 12, Fortuna 11, Miller 9, Miranda 8, Wilson 7, Marcelo 3, Buenafe 3, Pena 0. Quarterscores: 20-33, 42-54, 73-74, 105-98
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55273-meralco-comeback-second-half-shock-barako)
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No Direct Hire sa mga New Teams na papasok next Season. . .
Dadaan pa din sa Draft sina Ray Parks, Kevin Alas, etc.
See HERE (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/no-direct-amateur-hires-for-expansion-teams-nlex-kia-blackwater)
ay ganun, sayang naman, para solid pa rin sana yung team pag pumasok ng PBA.. :( :( :(
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Importless Texters survive Globalport, sweep elims (04/11/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Even without import Richard Howell who is nursing a shoulder injury, the powerhouse Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters was able to remain sharp and perfect.
Jayson Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo bailed out the Tropang Texters from defeat, prevailing against a determined Globalport crew, 92-91 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday, April 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Castro canned in a long range bomb - his only field goal of the night - over the defense of Ronnie Matias with just 29.6 ticks left, pushing the Texters ahead 89-85 and sank two free throws later on while De Ocampo fired big baskets in the fourth period, dousing Globalport's quest of nailing their first win in the conference.
The Batang Pier went neck and neck with the league leaders until the final buzzer, knowing it is their ultimate chance to end the slump;but lost the heart-breaking thriller as Evan Brock failed to hit a free throw that could have tied the game with just 1.9 seconds remaining.
The Tropang Texters had to fend off a tremendous performance from Alex Cabagnot before becoming the first PBA squad in 24 years to sweep the elimination round. They finished with a 9-0 card and shall carry a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.
Globalport meanwhile found themselves on the very bottom of the standings with a winless record in 8 games.
Down 63-67, Talk 'N Text opened the fourth canto with seven straight points, capped by a Larry Fonacier trey to regain the lead at 70-67.
Alex Cabagnot and Kelly Williams then traded baskets, with the former's hoop giving Globalport a 77-76 edge.
But Ranidel de Ocampo, a strong candidate for this conference's best player honors, decided to take the matters into his own hands, draining two triples and a three-point play to hand coach Norman Black the 85-80 lead in the final 3:55.
A trey from Cabagnot and a basket inside by Brock made it 85-86 with only 1:25 to go, before Castro nailed a crucial three.
Cabagnot answered with two freebies, 87-89 before Batang Pier were given a golden opportunity by Castro as he dribbled the basketball off his foot coming from an inbounds play.
Globalport then mapped out a play and went to Cabagnot who faked a shot from three-point land, trying to fish a foul from Williams. Williams bit the fake but while there was contact, no foul was called.
That play led to a Castro rebound. He was immediately sent to the line and sank two more free throws to make it 91-87, 6.5 ticks left.
But Cabagnot was determined enough to hand the Batang Pier their first victory, nailing a huge triple from top of the key with just 3.8 seconds left to make it a one-point game, 90-91.
De Ocampo then split from the line before Brock drew a foul from Harvey Carey on the other end coming off a timeout.
However, the import's second throw came up short, thus enabling TNT to survive.
De Ocampo scored 12 of his 17 points in the 4th to lead the Texters while Kelly Williams had 16 points and 11 rebounds as the duo took care of TNT's frontline sans Howell.
Scores:
Talk 'N Text (92) - De Ocampo 17, Williams 16, Seigle 16, Fonacier 15, Canaleta 10, Castro 5, Alapag 4, Aban 3, Salamat 2, Baclao 2, Carey 2, Reyes Rob 0, Reyes Jai 0, Reyes Ryan 0.
GlobalPort (91) - Cabagnot 29, Brock 26, Salva 10, Salvador 8, Nabong 6, Macapagal 6, Matias 2, Sharma 2, Custodio 2, Yee 0, Chua 0, Garcia 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 40-41, 63-67, 92-91
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55283-talk-n-text-sweep-elimination-pba-globalport)
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Pacquiao to suit up for Kia?
Las Vegas — Manny Pacquiao is truly full of surprises. In an announcement that caught the Filipino press contingent here by, what else, surprise, Pacquiao said on Thursday that he is going to suit up for Kia Motors when the new ballclub plays in the PBA in October.
Kia was one of three teams accepted as new member of the PBA the other day.
Pacquiao, who faces Tim Bradley in a rematch this Saturday at the MGM Grand, did not disclose the details about his PBA debut but expressed excitement over the prospects of donning the jersey of the Columbian Auto-owned franchise.
Pacquiao did not say how he will get into the team since there will be draft for PBA players. It could not be determined how the PBA will treat Pacquiao’s entry into the professional league since he is an active boxer and a congressman from Sarangani.
But Pacquiao is an avid hoops player and also owns and operates a team based in his native General Santos City.
Pacquiao also plays basketball during his free time and in-between fights, citing it helps him get into shape for a big fight.
Besides Kia, the PBA also accepted Blackwater and NLEX as new PBA members.
Save for Kia Motors, the two have active squads playing in the PBA D-League.
At 5-foot-6 and weighing somewhere between 140 to 155 when he is not training for a fight, Pacquiao will probably be one of the shortest cagers to play in the league.
Finally, a guy like Chris Monfort will get the chance to play alongside somebody who has got the same size as him.
From Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/pacquiao-to-suit-up-for-kia/)
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Beermen stay in No. 2 after rout of Mixers (04/12/14)
MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel weathered repeated rallies all game long to shut down San Mig Coffee, 97-88 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday, April 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Back from a 15-day lay-off, the Beermen appeared as if they did not miss a beat to tighten their hold of the No. 2 spot in the team standings with a 6-2 card. The Mixers meanwhile dropped to 4-3.
Marcio Lassiter shot 50% from three-point land to finish with 19 points and 4 assists, helping the Beermen keep San Mig at bay while Kevin Jones led everyone with 26 markers.
"We did our best to use that time wisely and prepare for a two-time champ. Regardless of the standings, I still believe San Mig is the team to beat," said SMB active consultant Todd Purves.
And although the second twice-to-beat incentive may already be secured, Purves says they're taking it just one step at a time.
"We are just focusing on the next game. We're not done yet in the elimination."
"Although Sol (Mercado) only scored 1 point, he defended the guys well especially in the last stretch," added head coach Biboy Ravanes.
Kevin Jones hit his first four shots as the Beermen got off to a rousing start; Marcio Lassiter then poured 9 points in the second period that gave San Miguel their biggest edge at 50-38 before entering the break.
Marc Pingris also left the game in the second quarter after complaining about pain on his left ribs he possibly sustained after a collision with June Mar Fajardo in that period.
Chris Ross then fueled the Beermen assault early in the third, cruising for fastbreak buckets that made it a 63-45 bubble.
But Peter June Simon, James Yap, and Joe Devance quickly responded, conspiring for an 11-3 run that brought the lead down to 9,
57-66.
From there it was a see-saw battle, but a 9-2 run highlighted by triples each from Jones, Lassiter, and Arwind Santos turned an 88-79 lead into an insurmountable 97-81, 3:36 to go.
The Mixers were never able to bounce back after that point, going scoreless in the next two minutes.
SMB did a better job in the rebounding department, grabbing 51 boards including 20 offensive compared to only 44 and 15 for San Mig Coffee. This translated into 15 second chance points for Ravanes' wards.
The Beermen also took advantage of 16 Mixer turnovers that became 20 points of their own.
James Mays had a relatively silent game for the Mixers, finishing with just 15 points and 14 rebounds as Coach Tim Cone's troops lost 3 of their last 4 outings.
Scores:
San Miguel (97) - Jones 26, Lassiter 19, Ross 16, Fajardo 15, Kramer 8, Santos 7, Tubid 5, Mercado 1, Duncil 0, Hubalde 0, Lutz 0.
San Mig Coffee (88) - Mays 15, Simon 15, Sangalang 13, Devance 12, Barroca 11, Yap 9, Pingris 6, De Ocampo 2, Mallari 2, Reavis 2, Melton 1.
Quarterscores: 25-23, 50-42, 78-69, 97-88.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55344-pba-beermen-rank-two-rout-mixers)
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Cabagnot catches fire, hands Globalport conference-ending win (04/13/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Fighting for pride, the Globalport Batang Pier finally found a way to achieve something they almost forgot doing this conference: winning.
In a battle of two squads coming from heart-breaking losses, the Batang Pier made sure this time they would deliver in the end to edge Barako Bull, 98-96 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday, April 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alex Cabagnot salvaged his squad some pride after hitting the go-ahead triple from the left wing with just 10.9 seconds left to give the Batang Pier a 96-93 edge, and sank two more free throws to douse water on the Energy's comeback aspirations.
Cabagnot finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals to pace the Batang Pier - who almost wasted a 21-point edge.
The Batang Pier snapped an 8-game losing skid, avoided becoming the first team since Shopinas.com with a winless conference, and also gave head coach Pido Jarencio his first win as PBA head coach.
"At least happy ending diba. Last game ng conference nanalo. Stepping stone na yan. At least nakapanalo na ng isa," said Jarencio after the hard-fought victory.
(At least we had a happy ending. This first win is a stepping stone towards the next conference)
Behind the hot hands of Evan Brock and Nico Salva, who combined for 17 first quarter points, Globalport buried Barako Bull early, 29-12.
The Energy slowly rose from a slumber in the next quarter, bringing down the lead to just 3 at 35-38 with Jeric Fortuna exploding for three long-range bombs in a 15-5 Barako run.
RR Garcia answered back with two straight treys of his own to give Globalport some breathing room heading into the halftime huddle.
In the third quarter, it was Mark Macapagal's turn to come out with guns blazing, drilling back-to-back threes and also feeding Brock for thunderous alley-oop slams to open another double-digit advantage - their biggest - at 67-46.
But Barako didn't want to end their season crashing, battling back little by little. Down 72-86 in the final period, Ronjay Buenafe hit two triples while Dave Marcelo made key baskets inside as the Energy scored a 16-5 straight to make it 88-91, with only 2:13 left in regulation.
Intal and Macapagal then traded free throws before Intal hit a trey to knot the count at 93, 59.1 to go.
A Brock miss on the other end gave Barako a chance to take the lead, but Buenafe's intended pass to Josh Dollard was foiled by Brock.
After the timeout that left Globalport 19 seconds on the shotclock to operate, the Batang Pier went to their leader Alex Cabagnot, who dribbled time away before converting on the go-ahead three-point basket, 96-93, 10.9 seconds left.
The Energy had one final opportunity to come back, but Intal had difficulties inbounding and threw the possession away, leading to two assurance free throws by Cabagnot.
Barako Bull formally crashes out of the playoff race, wounding up with a 2-7, joining Globalport at the cellar of the team standings.
Asked about their plans for the future, Jarencio said they are keen on improving even more.
"Lahat naman ng teams nag-struggle sa umpisa. Naghahanap na kami ng import (for the Governors' Cup) and will start practicing."
(Every team struggles in the beginning. We're already in the hunt for an import [for the Governor's Cup] and will start practicing.)
Brock added 27 points and 16 rebounds while Mark Macapagal chipped in 21 marker on 5/11 3-PT shooting to help in Globalport's morale-boosting victory.
Scores:
Globalport (98) - Brock 27, Macapagal 21, Cabagnot 14, Garcia 12, Nabong 9, Salva 7, Washington 4, Salvador 2, Custodio 2, Matias 0.
Barako Bull (96) - Dollard 22, Intal 16, Pennisi 13, Fortuna 11, Buenafe 11, Lastimosa 7, Marcelo 6, Miranda 4, Najorda 2, Jensen 2, Pena 2, Miller 0.
Quarterscores: 29-15, 51-42, 80-63, 98-96.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55387-globalport-first-win-commisioners-cup)
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Aces continue rolling with destruction of Ginebra (04/13/14)
MANILA, Philippines - You can't count Alaska out.
In a rematch of last year's finalists, Alaska dominated a lackluster Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel, 83-73 to show they're still a team to contend with in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday, April 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The defending Commissioner's Cup titlists showcased their playoff form and had weapons aplenty to capture their 4th straight win and improve to 5-3, dropping Ginebra to 3-5 in the process.
Reigning Best Import of the Conference Rob Dozier asserted his might, scoring 22 points and hauling 16 rebounds, draining key baskets to answer Ginebra's rally.
Aces head coach Luigi Trillo attributes this win to their shellacking defense in the first half, limiting Ginebra to just 20.5% from the field and 24 points in the first 24 minutes of action.
"We did a good job in the first half, obviously, (Josh) Powell got injured and he couldn't come back. They went on fire in the third and fourth; they did not give up but without Powell, they were different," said Trillo.
"We don't want to focus on (the streak). It will get tougher from here and everybody wants to avoid Talk 'N Text."
Trillo added San Miguel, San Mig Coffee, and Brgy. Ginebra are the strongest teams in thr past conferences.
Coach Ato Agustin had to rely twin towers Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter as the Kings went all-Filipino in the third quarter. The two combined for 12 points in a 16-4 bomb halfway in the third period, momentarily bringing the crowd to life as Ginebra got within 42-49.
But the screeches would turn into silence afterwards as Rob Dozier would respond by scoring 8 in a 12-2 run that increased the Aces' lead to 61-44 heading into the final period.
From there the Aces were able to protect their lead until the end, dodging any meltdown or comeback attempts from their opponents.
JVee Casio fired 13 points while Dondon Hontiveros added 10 markers and 9 boards.
Powell, who was supposedly suffering from a minor foot injury, had a scoreless night for Ginebra. The Kings shot a miserable 34.2% from the field, including 10.7% from three-point territory.
The Kings were led by Greg Slaughter who finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
Scores:
Alaska (83) - Dozier 22, Casio 13, Hontiveros 10, Espinas 8, Manuel 8, Baguio 8, Jazul 6, Thoss 4, Reyes 2, Abueva 2, Dela Cruz 0, Buenafe 0.
Brgy. Ginebra (73) - Slaughter 20, Aguilar 12, Tenorio 11, Baracael 8, Ellis 6, Caguioa 6, Urbiztondo 5, Reyes 3, Helterbrand 2, Powell 0, Ababou 0.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55395-pba-alaska-destroys-ginebra)
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Ginebra official: Josh Powell keen to make Rockets lineup to be eligible for NBA pension
GINEBRA team governor Robert Non said import Josh Powell wanted to be eligible for a pension from the NBA, the reason he bid the team goodbye in favor of a chance to join the Houston Rockets' roster.
Breaking the news that Powell was cutting short his tour of duty with Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, Non said Powell told the team that he was desperate to crack the Rockets' roster because he wanted to chalk up another NBA season under his belt.
The six-year NBA veteran, according to Non, told the team that a stint with the Rockets will count for one season under the US league's rules - enough to qualify him for a pension.
“May dahilan naman siya (Powell) eh. Sabi niya, pag na-sign up pala siya, considered na one year siyang naglaro (sa NBA), and he will be entitled to an (NBA) pension already,” explained Non.
“Eh wala naman daw siyang kapera-pera, wala na kaming magagawa dun, so hanap na lang kami ng iba.”
With the two-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers out, Ginebra is now in a race against time to bring in a new import to salvage its campaign in the midseason conference.
The top Ginebra official said they are training their sight on either Andre Emmett, who once played for the Memphis Grizzlies, or Charles Thomas, a former standout of Arkansas.
Non said the team is leaning toward signing Emmett, listed at 6-5, so he could play for the Gin Kings all the way in the season-ending Governors Cup. The third conference allows each team to tap a reinforcement no taller than 6-5.
Ginebra, now in eighth spot at 3-5, will play Rain or Shine (3-4) on Sunday in a game that will determine its plyoff seeding.
“Kung ako, I’ll go for the small guy (Emmett) para pag nakita ko, diretso na, kasi it’s either you end up No. 5 or 6 if we win, or no. 7 or 8 kapag natalo ka (against Rain or Shine) so ang hirap nun. Ang kalaban mo either Talk ‘N Text or San Miguel Beer,” said Non.
“Ang bigat nun. Eh at least makikita namin itong Emmett."
The difficult part, according to Non, is that they will have to start burning the phone lines Sunday night to try to bring in either Emmett or Thomas before the Holy Week break.
“Si Thomas puwede siyang dumating ng Tuesday since sa Lebanon lang naman yata manggagaling, mga eight hours lang na flight, para maayos namin ang papeles,” explained Non.
“Pero kung si Emmett, kailangan confirmed ngayon so he can fly tomorrow and arrive either Tuesday or early Wednesday morning para lakarin ang papeles,” he added.
Emmett played a total of 14 games in the NBA, with the Grizzlies in the 2004-05 season and the New Jersey Nets in the 2011-12 season, averaging 1.4 points on 5.2 minutes.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-official-josh-powell-keen-to-make-houston-rockets-lineup-to-be-eligible-for-nba-pension-v02)
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Rain or Shine survives Air21 despite Chism's bad night (04/14/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Despite a generally bad game for import Wayne Chism, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters managed to hang on and survive a late game barrage by the Air21 Express, 87-82, on Monday, April 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Chism, 26, figured in only 6 points on a bad offensive night. His field goal shooting was a horrible two-of-11 (18.2%) as he grabbed 9 boards to go with two steals and two blocks.
Despite his offensive shortcomings, Chism redeemed himself with his defensive efforts, particularly down the stretch when he made a crucial defensive stop that left Air21 with a 3-5 record in the standings.
"Our import really struggled offensively but his defensive presence was enough to lift us to winning this game," remarked Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. "The locals also kept us in the game at least offensively for the most part. When our import was not making his shots, the locals provided the offense."
It was another balanced offensive night for Guiao's wards with guys like Jervy Cruz, Paul Lee and Alex Nuyles providing some spark off the bench for the now 4-4 Painters.
Cruz dropped 9 of his 13 points in the second canto to keep Air21 at bay by halftime, 43-33. The former UST Growling Tiger went 6-of-6 from the field and grabbed 3 boards.
Lee, on the other hand, added 12 points as he bested rookie Eliud Poligrates, who hounded him in the fourth.
Air21's Poligrates, for his part, outplayed Lee at several points down the stretch, even scoring 6 points in the final 4 minutes to keep the Express in the game.
Two of those 6 points were from a highlight reel-worthy play with 3:02 left where he shot a basket on the break against Lee's solo coverage. Another two of those last 6 points came with 24.9 seconds left as the former Southwestern University cager intercepted a pass from Chism to Gabe Norwood for the lay-up, which made it only an 82-80 ballgame in favor of the Painters.
But Lee calmly sank his freebies in the ensuing play for an 84-80 spread in the waning seconds before Chism made up for his previous turnover with a defensive stop, punctuating his frustrating offensive night with a jam to ink the final tally.
"It's (Chism's performance) enough to get us where we are. In practice he's not this way. He's a lot better in practice that's why that gives us enough hope that he will can still win enough games for us," Guiao explained when pressed for his thoughts about his misfiring import.
Against Talk 'N Text, Chism blew Rain or Shine's chances of winning with two crucial rebounding mishaps that allowed the Texters to escape with the victory.
"I don't think that's the way he plays. This is a bad night for him definitely," Guiao said.
He added: "This is a big win for us. We're trying to get ourselves out of 7th and 8th place."
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine rookie Nuyles chipped in 8 markers - 4 of which he made early in the fourth. Those back to back baskets, one of which he made on a breakaway jam, gave Rain or Shine their biggest lead of the game at 73-60.
The Express were monsters on the break, zooming past Rain or Shine, 21-12. They even beat the Painters in turnover points, 19-15.
However, it was also an ice cold three-point shooting night for both teams. Rain or Shine, who is now tied with Meralco at 5th place, uncharacteristically made only 3 of their 14 attempts from downtown while Air21 went an even worse two-of-25.
Both teams each have one more game remaining with Air21 going up against the San Miguel Beermen and Rain or Shine capping the eliminations off against a reeling Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (87) - Cruz 13, Lee 12, Nuyles 8, Rodriguez 8, Arana 7, Almazan 7, Tiu 7, Norwood 7, Chism 6, Chan 6, Belga 4, Tang 2, Teng 0.
Air21 (82) - Witherspoon 23, Taulava 15, Poligrates 13, Anthony 9, Villanueva 9, Yeo 8, Cardona 4, Borboran 1, Ramos 0, Burtscher 0.
Quarterscores: 18-13, 43-33, 62-55, 87-82.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55485-rain-or-shine-survives-air21-chism-bad-night)
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Meralco makes mince meat of sloppy San Mig Coffee (04/14/14)
MANILA, Philippines - There were a lot of smiles and a bucket load of positive energy emanating from the Meralco Bolts bench on Monday, April 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
They had good reason to celebrate for one night, at least, as they pounded on a lousy San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, 88-78, to end up at 5-4 and on solo 4th place in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup.
"We wanted to put our spirit to the test against a champion team," said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio after another spirited game for his wards, who have been winning in come-from-behind fashion several times this conference. "And we were rewarded with a victory primarily because of the effort that we rendered."
Meralco looked like they are the team peaking at the right time, exploding in the third and embarrassing the Mixers with an 18-2 blast straight out of the locker room.
The Bolts turned a 41-39 halftime deficit into a 57-43 advantage at the 7:09 mark of the third frame after Gary David scored his second of back-to-back baskets.
But after Cone rallied his sloppy troops, the Mixers managed to string some points together for a 58-66 tally still favoring the Bolts heading into the final frame.
Unfortunately for the back-to-back champions, Meralco never cooled down in the payoff period as they continued to capitalize on a Mixers squad that was anything but cohesive.
San Mig caved in the fourth and couldn't execute their plays. They continued to pile on turnovers until it reached 21, allowing Meralco 22 points off of it.
And despite getting 35 cracks at the basket from the free throw line, they made only 23. Meralco, meanwhile, went to the line sparingly going 7-of-9.
Despite the 33 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals of import James Mays, his effort did not translate to a victory as the Mixers absorbed their second straight loss, which sent them to 4-4 tied with Rain or Shine at 5th place.
PJ Simon and Alex Mallari were the only two other Mixers in double figures with 13 and 12 markers, respectively as James Yap and Mark Barroca endured a shooting off night. They came up with only 8 and 4 points, respectively.
To add to their woes, San Mig was playing minus their hustle guy Marc Pingris, who is nursing a rib injury he sustained last Saturday against the San Miguel Beermen.
Meralco, on the other hand, was doing everything right. Whatever hustle on defense they made almost immediately turned into points on the other end. And whatever they fed to the basket resulted into more positive numbers on the stat sheet as well into cheers from an orange crowd.
The Bolts built their biggest lead with 1:28 left on the clock after Jared Dillinger scored his 21st point. The closest the Mixers came was early in the last quarter, 66-60, on a Mallari bucket.
"When you go up against a team like San Mig Coffee you just can't show up and expect to win the game," Gregorio said. "You have to play with maximum effort and above average intelligence, and that's what we did, especially in the third quarter."
Meralco import Darnell Jackson amassed 31 points, 18 boards, 4 dimes and two steals for an excellent showing highlighted by a one-handed throwdown midway in the fourth off a lob pass from David.
Dillinger, who has been explosive for Meralco for the past two games, recorded 21 points on 3 triples. David added 18 markers as well.
Scores:
Meralco (88) - Jackson 31, Dillinger 21, David 18, Hugnatan 6, Sena 4, Timberlake 2, Guevarra 2, Wilson 2, Hodge 2.
San Mig Coffee (78) - Mays 33, Simon 13, Mallari 12, Yap 8, Devance 4, Barroca 4, Cawaling 2, Reavis 2, De Ocampo 0, Sangalang 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18, 39-41, 66-58, 88-78.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55496-meralco-makes-mince-meat-of-sloppy-san-mig-coffee)
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Ginebra bringing in Gabe Freeman in bid to salvage campaign after Josh Powell exit
BARANGAY Ginebra is set to bring in former PBA Best Import awardee Gabe Freeman as a replacement for Josh Powell in a bid to salvage its campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The 6-foot-6 Freeman, according to sources, will arrive from the US on Wednesday morning to take the place of the highly touted Powell, who bid the team goodbye on Sunday after getting an offer to join the Houston Rockets' roster in time for the NBA playoffs.
That should give Freeman enough time to process his papers and acclimatize ahead of his debut on Sunday against Rain or Shine in a game which will determine the Gin Kings' pairing in the quarterfinal playoffs.
On Sunday, Ginebra governor Robert Non said management is looking to bring in either Andre Emmett or Charles Thomas, but both apparently are not available to come in on short notice.
Insiders said Ginebra also considered bringing back Dior Lowhorn, the team's import in last year's Governors Cup, but the wide-bodied import couldn't break loose from his contract in Japan with ballclub Hamamatsu Phoenix.
A ticket has already been forwarded to Freeman in the US, sources said.
Non had cited the urgency to bring in an import to replace Powell as soon as possible since government offices will be closed during the Holy Week break, making it hard to secure the needed permits and licenses.
Freeman, 28, won two Best Import awards while playing for San Miguel Beer in 2009 and 2010. He also had a stint with the Philippine Patriots in the Asean Basketball League and had a short stint last year in the same league, this time with the San Miguel Beermen.
Freeman's name was first floated around when Ginebra was searching for a replacement for Leon Rodgers. However, word got around then that the import was out of shape.
Even if Freeman arrives on schedule on Wednesday morning, Ginebra will have to race against time to secure his license since Games and Amusement Board officials have already sent out a memo informing the public that will only be open for half a day on Wednesday.
“Yun ang worry namin. Paano kung biglang mag half day ang mga opisina sa Miyerkules? Hindi makakalaro ang import sa Linggo. Multa yun. Saka kailangan naming manalo para sa seeding,” said a source.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-bringing-in-gabe-freeman-in-bid-to-salvage-campaign-after-josh-powell-exit)
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Beermen clinch 2nd seed with come-from-behind win over Air21 (04/16/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The San Miguel Beermen passed another test of character on Wednesday, April 16 as they pulled the rug from underneath the Air21 Express by way of a 93-85 victory to finish the eliminations at second place and clinch the all-important twice-to-beat edge in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup.
However, that 8-point win was definitely no indication of how the game was played for the first 36 minutes, as the Beermen played off target.
In fact, the Express sat comfortably in the driver's seat starting at halftime when they led 39-35. They then went on a 33-point explosion in the third courtesy of hustle plays and defensive gems in nearly every possession.
Air21 forced San Miguel to 6 turnovers in that period alone and owned them in rebounding, 12-6, on their way to ending the third with a double-digit lead, 72-55.
Little did they know, the indefatigable Beermen would climb out of the trenches with a massive 25-6 run in the final frame, capped off by a go-ahead triple by import Kevin Jones a couple of steps from the arc.
That run was sparked by last conference's Best Player, June Mar Fajardo, scoring 6 points under the first 3 minutes of the last quarter to cut the deficit to 66-74.
His teammates followed his lead as Air21's once imposing lead whittled down to a hair, 77-78, on two free throws by Arwind Santos with over 4 minutes remaining.
"We really struggled shooting," admitted San Miguel active consultant Todd Purves as his team shot only 33.9% after the first 3 quarters.
"I thought we had great looks early in the game and we missed shots we would normally make. That being said, you can't let a poor shooting night affect the other things you do in a game. You can still get wins despite shooting poorly."
The Beermen, who was on a tear in the last 12 minutes of the ball game, bested their 35-point first half output with 38 points, and forced Air21 to 8 fourth quarter miscues, as the Express felt the pang of yet another sorry loss after leading by a huge margin.
According to PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III, that 38-point fourth quarter output by San Miguel was the second most by any team this conference and second only to Air21's previous slayers, the Meralco Bolts (41 points in the fourth), who climbed from 20-points down en route to a similar come-from-behind win.
Jones led the Beermen with 19 points and 14 rebounds as Santos trailed him closely with 18 points along with 7 boards, 3 assists and two steals.
Marcio Lassiter added 17 markers and Fajardo had 15 points with 11 rebounds.
For Air21, import Wesley Witherspoon dropped 27 points, while Sean Anthony, who has carried over his steady play to this new team, finished with 14 points.
The Express are now sitting at 8th place with a 3-6 slate.
Meanwhile, at 7-2, sitting at second place and armed with a twice-to-beat edge, San Miguel surely remembers the last time it was there - during the 2013 Governors' Cup, where they ended the eliminations at 8-1 atop the standings. They eventually lost to San Mig Coffee in the Finals of that conference.
But months removed from that, huddled together, standing at center court of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Beermen know they are in familiar territory once again as one of the top two teams ending the elimination round.
This time, with an old yet new name, this new batch of Beermen hopes to write a different, definitely happier ending.
Scores:
San Miguel Beer (93) - Jones 19, Santos 18, Lassiter 17, Fajardo 15, Ross 9, Maierhofer 5, Tubid 4, Hubalde 4, Kramer 2, Lanete 0, Lutz 0.
Air21 (85): Witherspoon 27, Anthony 14, Camson 12, Taulava 9, Yeo 7, Cardona 7, Poligrates 4, Villanueva 2, Ramos 2, Burtscher 1, Borboran 0.
Quarter scores: 19-16, 35-39, 55-72, 93-85.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/55647-beermen-2nd-seed-come-from-behind-air21)
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Manny Pacquiao headed to the PBA?
MANILA, Philippines - After taking the world of boxing by storm over the past two decades, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao might be out to prove he has enough left in him to conquer another sport: basketball.
In fact, Mark Barroca, the primary point guard for Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team San Mig Super Coffee, confirmed that Pacquiao already expressed interest in playing for the country's professional basketball league when Barroca played basketball against Pacquiao last March.
Barroca told Rappler they spoke about it during their friendly competition at Pacquiao's home in General Santos.
In a report by Spin.ph, the People's Champ confirmed he is considering playing for the newly approved franchise of Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC) in the PBA.
Pacquiao's confirmation comes just days after he turned back time and displayed a glimpse of his old dominant self on his way to defeating Timothy Bradley Jr. via unanimous decision and winning the WBO welterweight title.
Though Pacquiao, according to the same report, clarified that nothing is set in stone just yet.
Barroca, the Finals Most Valuable Player for the previous Philippine Cup, was impressed with how Pacquiao plays basketball and is looking forward to going against him in a competitive setting.
"Masaya pag maglalaro si Pacman (sa PBA) kasi hilig niya din talaga maglaro ng basketball," said the 27-year old Barroca, who added that he thinks Pacquiao can play the point as well.
"Mabilis din siya tumakbo at matagal mapagod sa laro. Nakakatuwa nga kalaro siya kasi seryoso siya lagi."
(I'll be happy if Pacman plays [in the PBA] because he really likes to play basketball. He runs fast and does not get tired very easily. In fact, it's fun playing with him because he's always serious.)
The 5-foot-6 Pacquiao is no stranger to the game. He has long been known to play basketball as part of his trainings. He also hosts private games at home.
CAC, which is the exclusive distributor of KIA Motors in the Philippines, was one of 3 new teams approved by the PBA last week Thursday, April 10.
KIA, along with newly approved teams NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Sports, will be going through an "expansion draft" wherein they can put together a team out of a pool of rookie and veteran free agents, as well as from the reserves the current PBA teams will release from their rosters.
There will be no direct hire for the 3 new teams, which means Pacquiao, 35, may have to join the expansion draft in order to get into KIA's roster. Though his path to the PBA is still unclear at this point.
The eight-division champ has a professional boxing record of 56-5-2 (38 knockouts) and is a congressman in the Sarangani province.
Boxers dabbling in basketball is nothing new. Four-division champion Roy Jones Jr. played in a semi-pro game hours before his IBF super middleweight title defense against Eric Lucas in 1996.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/boxing-mma/pacquiao/55629-manny-pacquiao-headed-pba)
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Bong Ramos out, Siot Tanquingcen in as Barako Bull coach in PBA?
BONG Ramos has been relieved as Barako Bull coach in the Philippine Basketball Association at the end of a Commissioner's Cup campaign that saw the Energy fall short of a place in the playoffs, sources said.
The George Chua-owned ballclub has yet to make a formal announcement but persons with knowledge of the situation said Ramos has already been informed of management's decision.
The same sources said Siot Tanquingcen, the former Ginebra and San Miguel coach, is set to be elevated to the coaching position after serving as team manager the past campaign.
Under Ramos, Barako Bull played above expectations and made the quarterfinals of the last Philippine Cup, where it finished with a 5-9 record but was ousted in two games by Petron in a best-of-three series.
Barako Bull also impressed with import Joshua Dollard in the Commissioner's Cup, but two late losses to GlobalPort and Meralco - where the Energy blew a 22-point lead - knocked them out of contention for the playoffs.
The Energy finished the midseason conference in ninth place with a 2-7 mark.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/bong-ramos-out-siot-tanquingcen-in-as-barako-bull-coach-in-pba-v02)
Post Merge: April 19, 2014, 11:22:26 PM
Ginebra parades new import Gabe Freeman in all-important game vs. Rain or Shine
GINEBRA parades its third import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as comebacking Gabe Freeman suits up for the Kings when they faces Rain or Shine in a all-important encounter on Easter Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
High-flying wingman Chris Ellis said with an aggressive Freeman in tow, he expects the Kings to run even more while riding on the returning import’s passion for the game.
“His (Freeman) sporadic energy I think can be contagious for the team. And it (Freeman’s energy) rubbed off on me, since he’s a veteran in this game,” said “Air Force Ellis”.
Freeman is coming over as a late replacement for Josh Powell as he’ll be playing in the Kings’ final game in the single round elimination.
The Kings (3-5) are trying to avoid losing against the Elasto Painters (4-4) in their 5:15 p.m. game as a setback meant going down as the no. 8 seeded team and a quarterfinal pairing against top seeded and unbeaten Talk `N Text, which enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
But despite changing import late in the tournament, Ellis said the Kings have learned to understand that the “up-and-down” experience of pro basketball is but part of PBA life.
“As a team, we understand that all teams have ups and downs. So for us, we just want to stay mentally together and that no matter what, we always want to come together and talk,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is confident the five-day preparation gives the Elasto Painters enough time to work on its defense as it shoots for the all-important win against Ginebra.
Guiao rued the Elasto Painters’ conference-long struggles had a lot to do with the team’s on-and-off defense.
But the fiery mentor said all is not lost for his team, which could enter the playoffs as the no. 4 seeded ballclub should it beat the Kings.
“Yung emphasis talaga namin is more on our consistency in defense. Nag-struggle kasi kami this conference, primarily on playing defense,” Guiao said, after the team’s practice on Black Saturday.
Guiao said he also had a lengthy talk with import Wayne Chism, whose three-game output since replacing Alex McLean includes just 13.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 blocks.
His scoring is the lowest among the 10 imports this conference, including a PBA career-low six points in the team’s 87-82 win over Air21 last Monday.
“His second and third game, nag-slide na siya and that’s a main concern,” said Guiao. “So I talked to him and told him what our expectations are from him and what his role is.”
“Naiintindihan naman niya,” added the veteran Rain or Shine mentor.
“Defensively, he’s been there for us, but again, we also wanted him to be aggressive on offense because we feel he can improve more compared to his last two games.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-parades-new-import-gabe-freeman-in-all-important-game-vs.-rain-or-shine)
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sayang talo pa BGSM tsk mukhang mag bobora ng maaga na naman amp !
eto playoff bracketing . . .
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/q71/s480x480/1488326_728038400582076_2745013216202126542_n.jpg)
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busy yata si bossing..
ROS WINS IN OT, GRABS NO. 4
Rain or Shine played tough every inch of the way, outlasting Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 105-101, in an overtime battle to clinch the last best-of-three quarterfinals spot in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
The Elasto Painters overcame Gabe Freeman’s 23-point first-half explosion and the rampages of the Ginebra locals later on as Rain or Shine thwarted Ginebra to finish at fourth place in the elimination round with a 5-4 win-loss record.
“This is where we wanted to be. That’s what we worked for tonight. We got to a bad start in the conference, and all we wanted was to be in the quarters on even match without any disadvantage,” said RoS coach Yeng Guiao on their coming best-of-three quarterfinals matchup with fifth seed Meralco beginning Monday.
“We’re all focused on the Ginebra match, so the coaching staff still has work to do tonight. We still need to go through walkthroughs tomorrow (Monday morning),” Guiao also said.
The Kings failed to salvage a place in the Top Six, ending up at eighth (3-6) and thus face a difficult task of winning two in a row versus top seed Talk n Text to make the Final Four.
They had a chance to snatch sixth spot and a best-of-three matchup with the Alaska Aces but squandered a 13-point spread against the gritty E-Painters.
Ginebra was still in the lead, 94-92, before going scoreless in the last 1:35 of regulation play.
Wayne Chism and Paul Lee scored the first two baskets in the extension period, and the E-Painters hung tough all the way to finish fourth in the elims behind Talk n Text (9-0), San Miguel Beer (7-2) and Alaska (6-3).
Rain or Shine and Meralco ended up with identical 5-4 slates but the former took playoffs fourth seeding on a superior quotient.
Chism, merely a defensive force for RoS in his first three games, came out defending and firing as he proved to be a big key in this pivotal game.
“We got the stops that we needed in the endgame. Gabe Freeman proved to be a real matchup problem as I expected. But as I also expected, Chism showed up with what he can do on offense,” Guiao.
The fiery RoS mentor also lauded the efforts put in by his locals.
Chism came through with 30 points and 15 rebounds with Paul Lee adding 25 points and Beau Belga and Jervy Cruz chipping in 10 apiece.
Defensively, the E-Painters worked hard together as they held Freeman to six points after exploding for 23 on 9-of-17 shooting in the first half.
Rain or Shine also had a chance to win the game right in regulation play but Norwood blew their transition attack on an errant pass to Jireh Ibanes.
Getting the loose ball with time running out, Norwood opted not to call a timeout only to bungle the crucial possession.
Freeman came out firing, converting all eight initial field attempts as the Kings took the opening quarter at 30-20 and the half at 50-42.
The E-Painters, however, came back strong in the third quarter, starting with a 21-12 attack to surge ahead at 63-62.
Rain or Shine trailed by two, 70-72, at the end of the third where it gave away two charities on technical fouls called on Belga and Guiao.
The E-Painters then went ahead again as Lee opened the fourth quarter with a booming three-pointer.
Rain or Shine played tough to the finish and ended up fourth in the elims by winning four of its last five games. (SB)
The scores:
Rain or Shine 105 — Chism 30, Lee 25, Belga 10, Cruz 10, Arana 8, Norwood 7, Chan 6, Nuyles 3, Teng 3, Ibanes 3, Almazan 0, Tiu 0, Tang 0, Rodriuguez 0.
Ginebra 101 — Freeman 29, Slaughter 22, Caguioa 17, Helterbrand 16, Ababou 8, Tenorio 6, Mamaril 3, Baracael 0, ellis 0, Aguilar 0, Urbiztondo 0.
Quarters:20-30; 42-50; 94-94; 105-101
from http://pba.inquirer.net/ (http://pba.inquirer.net/)
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Import Wayne Chism proud to deliver on coach Yeng Guiao's three-point checklist after heart-to-heart talk
RAIN or Shine import Wayne Chism said he went a perfect three-for-three in his pre-game checklist with coach Yeng Guiao following their serious heart to heart talk on Maundy Thursday.
The wide-bodied, 6-foot-8 import said Guiao gave him a three-point “sermon” prior to the team’s all-important game against Ginebra on Sunday, which involved playing strong defense, staying out of foul trouble, and being offensive-minded.
“Coach sat me down and talked about it and told me three keys, which is play defense, stay out of fouls, and be aggressive on the offensive end, which I did good tonight,” Chism said after leading the team to a 105-101 overtime victory over the Kings to end up as the No. 4 seed in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
The 25-year-old Jackson, Tennessee native bounced back strong by firing a PBA career-high 30 points, on top of 15 rebounds and five block shots against the Kings.
Chism came under fire before the Holy Week break after finishing with an anemic six-point performance in Rain or Shine’s narrow 87-82 win over Air21 last week.
The former Tennessee standout explained his low output against the Express had a lot to do with him being in foul trouble, which limited him to just 28 minutes.
Rain or Shine returns to action immediately on Monday when it faces No. 5 seed Meralco in the first game of the playoffs at 5:15 p.m.
Chism said he has no problem playing games on consecutive days, saying it simply brings back memories of his experience playing in the US NCAA.
“It (playing on Monday) sounded like NCAA tournament to me. I’m very used to it,” said Chism.
The Elasto Painters will have a walk through on Monday at 10 a.m., to prepare for Game One of their best-of-three quarterfinal match up against the Bolts.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/import-wayne-chism-proud-to-deliver-on-coach-yeng-guiaos-three-point-checklist-after-heart-to-heart-talk)
Post Merge: April 20, 2014, 09:57:44 PM
Gabe Freeman not ready to go home, vows Ginebra win over twice-to-beat Talk 'N Text
NEW Ginebra import Gabe Freeman admitted going on a three-week crash buildup to get into top shape after being away from top-level competition for six whole months.
But now that he's here, Freeman is not ready to go home as quickly as he arrived.
The two-time Best Import awardee came up short in his Ginebra debut on Sunday night in a 101-105 overtime loss to Rain or Shine, leaving the Gin Kings in a do-or-die playoff with twice-to-beat Talk 'N Text in the quarterfinal round of the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Freeman, however, guaranteed that Ginebra - winner of just three of nine games in a campaign that has seen it change import three times - will not fade away quick in the playoffs.
“Yeah, I am not finishing this tour with just two games. We’ll play two more games and we’ll gonna win two games,” said Freeman, who had previous stints with San Miguel Beer and Barako in the pro league.
“Just two games, and we will gonna win two games. And then we’ll gonna go to the semis and we’ll gonna win the semis. Then we will go to the championship and win the championship. That’s the whole plan.”
Freeman had an explosive start to his first game with Ginebra, scoring 17 points right in the first quarter and 23 by the half. But he scored just six points the rest of the way as he finished with 29 to go with 17 boards.
The 6-6 import refused to blame lack of match fitness for the dip in his scoring late in the game, saying he tried to involve his teammates more in the second half.
“First quarter, I came out and I was on fire. If you’re on fire like that, you gotta shoot the ball," he said. “Second half, I had a little drought, but I was trying to get my teammates involved.
"I’m not a selfish player. By any means I could have shot the ball at the second half but I am not like that.”
Freeman was honest enough to admit that he did not play competitive ball for six months owing to a hand injury that required a long therapy and recuperation period.
The Ginebra import said he whipped himself into shape for three weeks after initially getting the call to take over from Leon Rodgers, who was eventually replaced by former Los Angeles Laker Josh Powell.
The Ginebra door opened for Freeman when Powell opted out of his Ginebra contract to play for the Houston Rockets in the NBA.
“I am just letting it go. This is my first game back. I haven’t played in six months, I wanted to make sure I still have the wind and I have my legs under me and it’s good,” added the 28-year-old.
“I am already back (in top shape). I played 40 (to) 44 minutes tonight. And I feel pretty good. And my teammates played pretty well, we lost the game by three points. What more can you ask for?
“My conditioning is good. I had a great game tonight. I was gonna go out there and play this game like I did tonight. I am satisfied, of course I always want to win. But we gotta go back to drawing board and start all over again.”
Now he intends to stay around.
“I am not just content with playing two games," Freeman said. "I am trying to go to the championship and be the import that I am."
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/gabe-freeman-not-ready-to-go-home-vows-ginebra-win-over-twice-to-beat-talk-n-text)
Post Merge: April 20, 2014, 09:58:46 PM
Defiant Greg Slaughter still likes Ginebra's chances against unbeaten top seed Talk 'N Text
DESPITE Ginebra ending up as the No. 8 seed entering the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, rookie center Greg Slaughter remained optimistic the team could do well against unbeaten top seed Talk 'N Text.
“We’re still in the playoffs. We’ll just have to do it the hard way. We just have to keep our heads up, keep the energy up, keep playing the way we’re playing, play better, and bring it on Tuesday,” said Slaughter.
The big man out of Ateneo was a force to be reckoned with in the Kings’ game against Rain or Shine, pouring in 22 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. But his effort went for naught as Ginebra lost in overtime, 105-101.
The 6-foot-11 Slaughter also missed two crucial free throws in the final 8.3 seconds of regulation that could have won the game for the Kings, but last season’s top rookie pick had no regrets at all.
“I think we played good today. I just missed free throws in the end that could have given us a better shot in the end,” said Slaughter, whose team finished the single-round eliminations with a 3-6 win-loss record.
The loss to Rain or Shine left the Kings with no choice but to beat the Tropang Texters twice this week to advance to the best-of-five semifinals.
Talk ‘N Text captured the no. 1 seed after sweeping its nine-game elimination round assignment and is coming off a two-week break.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/defiant-greg-slaughter-still-likes-ginebras-chances-against-unbeaten-top-seed-talk-n-text)
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Looks like another disappointing season for Ginebra.
Ewan ko kung anong diskarte ng coaching staff at 3 guards with Freeman at Slaughter ang ginamit halos buong 4th quarter at OT. Napagod tuloy at halos walang palitan di tulad ng RoS na ikot ang players from playing court to bench.
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kawawa naman ang ginebra hehe kulelat na naman, umaasa na naman sa never say die ahaha
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Well-armored Aces take quarterfinals opener vs San Mig (04/21/14)
MANILA, Philippines - San Mig Coffee's hustle and defensive intensity resurfaced the moment James Mays and Marc Pingris returned to action, but you need all 48 minutes to win games.
The defending Commissioner's Cup champions Alaska Aces just showed that after firing a crippling run in the fourth period to take down San Mig Coffee anew, 86-77 in Game 1 of their quarterfinals series in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Monday, April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Teams fought back and forth, toe to toe as both infused physicality on both ends of the floor. Neither team led by double-digits until the fourth quarter, before the Aces romped with a searing 14-0 blitz that opened a giant 84-69 bubble in the final two minutes of play.
Sonny Thoss scored 6 while JVee Casio added 5 in that critical stretch that broke the game wide open, favoring the defending champions.
Alaska left the Mixers without a bucket for over 6 minutes before the latter tried desperately to pull a miracle out of it.
Mark Barroca, PJ Simon, and James Mays conspired in an 8-0 rally that brought the Mixers within 77-84, but Alaska managed to push themselves to safety.
It takes two (wins) to knock them out. Mays is a monster in the first half but slowed down in the second half a bit," said head coach Luigi Trillo, whose wards zoomed to their 6th straight win.
Rob Dozier poured 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks while Cyrus Baguio added 14, including 8 in the payoff period.
The Aces shot better from the field at 45.3% compared to just 36.1% for the Mixers. The Mixers dominated the hustle stats as expected, grabbing more offensive boards (25-14) and scoring more second chance points (16-6). However, their 29 fouls led to 36 free throw attempts from Alaska, where the Aces converted on 23 - 13 more than the Mixers.
Sonny Thoss also did a terrific job of limiting San Mig import James Mays to just 7 points in the second half after switching at him on defense.
Mays managed to finish with 18 points and 11 boards while Mark Barroca added 17.
Alaska can go for the kill while San Mig fights for life on Wednesday, April 23 at the same venue.
Scores
Alaska (86) - Dozier 24, Baguio 14, Abueva 12, Thoss 12, Espinas 9, Casio 8, Jazul 6, Hontiveros 1, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Manuel 0.
San Mig Coffee (77) - Mays 18, Barroca 17, Yap 12, Simon 10, Devance 9, Melton 7, Pingris 4, Mallari 0, Sangalang 0, Reavis 0.
Quarter scores: 19-18, 37-39, 62-61, 86-77.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56005-aces-quarterfinals-opener-san-mig)
Post Merge: April 22, 2014, 10:14:28 AM
David, Jackson explode for 57 as Meralco zaps Rain or Shine (04/21/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Coach Ryan Gregorio firmly believed they hold their destiny, no matter how bad the calls went.
And that is what Darnell Jackson did in the clutch, draining two baskets that lifted Meralco past Rain or Shine, 94-91 in Game 1 of their quarterfinals series in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Monday, April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Jackson bailed us out with those two big shots to salvage a victory against a very tough ROS team. You don't leave it in the hands of the referee. You play on. You are in control of your destiny," Gregorio reminded his troops after being able survive in a game where they gave away 7 more fouls.
Jackson fired 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists including two baskets in the final 1:09 that transformed a 90-91 deficit into a 94-91 victory for the Bolts. Gary David added 27 points, scoring all but 5 in the second half and draining 4 of 8 triples.
"Gary knows how to win in playoff situations. He realizes he has to improve his accuracy. We cannot win games if we fire blanks," added Gregorio on his main shooter.
The Bolts took the series opener and are looking to close out the series on Wednesday, April 23.
The Elasto Painters had control of the first half, playing with more aggressiveness despite the fatigue brought by playing less than 24 hours ago.
Paul Lee paced Rain or Shine with 9 points entering halftime, as they took a 44-49 margin.
However, David rifled 11 third quarter points after, including three from long distance; Jackson then punched 7 straight, giving Meralco a 68-60 advantage.
But resiliency showed for Rain or Shine, who battled back behind Lee and Wayne Chism. An 11-1 run towards the end of the 3rd gave ROS the lead back, 71-69.
Chris Tiu drained three more long range bombs in the fourth, giving coach Yeng Guiao's troops some breathing room at 86-82 with under 6 minutes left.
Meralco played catch-up from that point until the final two minutes, where Jackson would take charge.
He first scored a closely-contested shot from deep to make it 92-91, with 1:09 remaining.
The Elasto Painters were not able to convert on the other end, as Jackson wasted away time in the next possession before drilling a jumper with just 10.2 ticks to go, 94-91.
ROS went to Paul Lee in the last possession but he was badly hounded by Cliff Hodge's unforgiving defense, throwing away a forced shot that failed to hit the mark.
Gregorio however is wary that they've failed to cross the semifinals despite having a 1-0 edge twice already, so they have to go all out on Wednesday and be ready for Rain or Shine's comeback.
"We've been in this situation before but were not able to close it. Now, with more intelligence, hopefully we can advance," he added.
Scores
Meralco (94) - Jackson 30, David 27, Dillinger 15, Hodge 9, Wilson 5, Timberlake 4, Hugapnatan 4, Ildefonso 0, Sena 0.
Rain or Shine (91) - Chism 27, Lee 15, Arana 10, Tiu 10, Almazan 9, Chan 8, Norwood 8, Nuyles 2, Rodriguez 2, Belga 0, Cruz 0, Tang, Teng 0.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56000-david-jackson-meralco-rain-shine)
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Former Ginebra Coach Siot Tanquingcen to replace Bong Ramos as Head Coach of Barako Bull
From Spin.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/siot-is-it-tanquingcen-appointed-new-barako-bull-coach-to-replace-bong-ramos-v02)
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Air21 fights back vs San Miguel's twice-to-beat edge (04/22/14)
MANILA, Philippines – The Air21 Express massacred the twice-to-beat San Miguel Beermen, 92-79, on Tuesday, April 22 to stay in the hunt for a semifinals slot in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sean Anthony exploded for 25 points and 7 boards, stemming from two-of-two perfect makes from three-point land together with a 6-of-10 field goal shooting clip to lead the Express in their defensive gem over the Beermen.
Air21 took no time in setting the tempo for the rest of the game with a 29-20 lead by the end of the first 12 minutes of play and maintained their dominance until the halftime break, 45-34.
The Express succeeded in their goal of staying consistent throughout the contest, scoring 18 and 29 points in the third and fourth periods to thwart any comeback attempt by the Beermen.
"At least we were able to sustain our run," remarked a clearly elated and relieved Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren.
"It's a good thing that we were able to play smart, kept our composure. The big difference there was we didn't run away from what we're supposed to do. It was really an effort in trying to hold down the number one scoring team."
San Miguel was led by import Kevin Jones with 34 huge points – 14 of which he dropped in the third – together with 15 rebounds to try and help San Miguel get rid of a feisty Air21 in the first game.
But the Express just wouldn't give up as Anthony and Air21 import Wesley Witherspoon combined for 23 of the Express' last 29 points in the payoff period to ensure their victory.
Pumaren's wards managed to force 19 turnovers on the Beermen and claimed 23 points off of that, while keeping San Miguel to just a 39.5% field goal shooting. Second chance points also favored Air21, 15-13, as they out-rebounded San Miguel, 50-47.
"Actually that was our main point here, to pull down the opponent," Pumaren said. "As we all know they're very capable of piling up points."
Chris Lutz added 11 points for San Miguel, while Arwind Santos eked out 10 points despite a two-of-8 field goal shooting night.
Asi Taulava still dominated against the youngsters with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Rookie Eliud Poligrates wasn't too shabby himself with 11 markers.
The Express will try to upset the second seed San Miguel on Friday, April 25 for Game 2.
Scores:
Air21 (92): Anthony 25, Witherspoon 18, Taulava 17, Poligrates 11, Yeo 10, Ramos 5, Borboran 2, Villanueva 2, Cardona 2, Burtscher 0, Camson 0.
San Miguel Beer (79): Jones 34, Lutz 11, Santos 10, Ross 9, Fajardo 5, Mercado 5, Maierhofer 2, Lassiter 2, Hubalde 1, Duncil 0, Tubid 0, Kramer 0.
Quarter scores: 29-20, 45-34, 63-54, 92-79.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56105-air21-fight-back-vs-san-miguel-beermen-twice-to-beat-edge)
Post Merge: April 23, 2014, 10:26:14 AM
Howell, Talk 'N Text end Ginebra's miserable conference (04/22/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Never Say Die turned into simply Die for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Tuesday, April 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when they were demolished by the still undefeated Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, 97-84, as the Texters booked their ticket to the semifinals in the 2014 Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup.
Texters import Richard Howell refused to give Ginebra so much as an inch as he came up with 41 points, 22 rebounds, an assist, and two steals en route to putting a hapless Ginebra out of its misery.
"All the credit goes to the players for really coming out and wanting to win the game today," remarked Talk 'N Text head coach Norman Black after the game. "They played their hearts out and they deserved to be in the semifinals."
It has been a conference to be forgotten for the Gin Kings, who finished the eliminations at 3-6, owing to struggles with their imports and getting their offense to gel like it did during the Philippine Cup.
Ginebra went through 3 imports – Leon Rodgers, Josh Powell, and Gabe Freeman – in a bid to revive their campaign.
But the game was in stark contrast with the well-organized and systematic Talk 'N Text who had been undefeated at 9-0 before topping the standings and heading into their quarterfinals match against Ginebra holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
Ginebra's problems and Talk 'N Text's successes stood out for all to see on Tuesday night. The Texters just owned Ginebra in nearly every department.
From field goal shooting (43.9% for the Texters and 36.3% for Ginebra), to turnover points (16-6). Although Ginebra clobbered the Texters on the boards, 61-48, they couldn't manage to capitalize like they should as Talk 'N Text went on a blazing 37-19 third quarter performance to blast Ginebra out of the water for good.
The Texters led by as much 29 points early in the fourth, 86-57, as Talk 'N Text dismantled every Ginebra game plan on offense and defense.
"The offense was clicking tonight and so was the defense," Black noted.
Import Gabe Freeman's stint with the crowd darlings turned out to be a short one as he only finished with 15 points and 22 rebounds, a far cry against Howell's output.
Mark Caguioa tried his hardest to save his team from elimination with 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field but it wasn't enough without the help of other offensive threats such as Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar. Ginebra's Twin Towers combined for only 13 points the entire game thanks to Talk 'N Text neutralizing them in the paint.
Guys like Jayjay Helterbrand, Mac Baracael and Chris Ellis were all silent for Ginebra as well.
Meanwhile, it was Jayson Castro who led the charge for the Texters in the third with 10 of his total 13 points in that canto, slashing through the paint and outsmarting Ginebra's interior defense.
Ranidel de Ocampo added 15 points while Larry Fonacier hit two triples for his 12 points.
"The players, right now, they have the will to win, they have the desire to win and they're really giving their all and their best when they get out on the basketball court," Black spoke proudly of his squad.
Talk 'N Text will await the winner of the quarterfinal match-up between Meralco Bolts versus Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, for them to face in the semifinals.
Scores:
Talk 'N Text (97): Howell 41, De Ocampo 15, Castro 13, Fonacier 12, Alapag 5, Williams 4, Carey 4, Canaleta 3, Salamat 0, Seigle 0, Aban 0, Reyes Jai 0, Reyes Ryan 0, Baclao 0.
Ginebra (84): Caguioa 19, Freeman 15, Tenorio 12, Urbiztondo 9, Ababou 7, Aguilar 7, Slaughter 6, Baracael 4, Helterbrand 2, Mamaril 2, Reyes 1, Ellis 0.
Quarterscores: 27-21, 42-34, 79-53, 97-84.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56115-howell-talk-n-text-end-ginebra-miserable-conference)
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kakabwisit nangyari sa Gin Kings. Di na binago sistema na 3 guards line-up plus 2 big men. Dapat legit 3 ang isalang sa small forward position di gwardya na gaya ni Caguioa.
Ellis, Baracael (too small to play 4) or Ababou can play the 3 spot but why the coaching staff are playing 2 point guards (Tenorio & Helterbrand) and one off-guard (Caguioa) at almost the same time.
Dapat ang sistema ng Ginebra, ala-Spurs na walang naglalaro ng babad (36 minutes or more), na ikot ang rotation up to the 12th or even the 13th man. Nasabi ko ito kasi anlakas ng line-up nila na dapat sana kahit sino hugutin, gagawa/tutulong (look at Rain or Shine).
Ang nangyari, babad si Caguioa, Tenorio, Aguilar at Slaughter pero pag pagod o foul trouble na, papalit sina Ababou, Baracael, Reyes, Monfort o Ellis pero kalimitan di rin sila makatulong agad agad kasi nga limitado ang exposure nila, na mas matagal pahinga nila sa bench na imbes naglalaro kahit mga around 20 minutes/game, mas naging cheering squad na lang sila na mabigyan man playing time, eh ung nasa garbage time na (either malaki lamang nila or tinambakan na sila).
kakainis talaga ang system nila, di na nagbago gaya ng sister team nilang San Miguel. Buti pa ang SanMig Coffee at nagbago mula nung dumating si Tim Cone.
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Ginebra star Mark Caguioa hits out at 'soft, lazy' teammates in Twitter rant after horror loss to Talk 'N Text
INEBRA superstar Mark Caguioa blasted his teammates for being “too soft and lazy,” hours after the Gin Kings got their butts kicked by unbeaten Talk ‘N Text, 97-84, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Caguioa, who left the Big Dome in haste after posing for a few pictures with diehard Ginebra fans, vented his frustrations on his official Twitter account @official MC47, saying a Ginebra team that was once feared by opponents for its 'never-say-die' spirit has become too soft.
“Dati rati kinakatakutan itong team nato at iniilagan pero ngayon lahat ng team gusto kami kalaban ksi mga tamad and sobrang lalambot,” tweeted the one-time PBA MVP after the star-studded squad ended the tournament with an overall 3-7 win-loss record.
The veteran Ginebra shooting guard was the only bright spot for the Gin Kings during their horrible playoff performance against the twice-to-beat Texters, scoring a team-high 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting.
Caguioa, now in his 13th PBA season, said today’s generation of Ginebra players may be clueless on the team’s rich history back during the time of the legendary Robert Jaworski.
He went on to cite Ginebra’s stars of yesteryears who played under Jaworski - tough players like Rudy Distrito, Bal David, Noli Locsin even Pido Jarencio, who now coaches Globalport, who he said were all willing to make big sacrifices for the team during the team’s glory years.
“Kilala ba nila si Coach Sonny? Noli Locsin?Pido?Bal david? Rudy Distrito? Itong mga player nato makikipag palitan talaga ng mukha,” he said.
“Parang ito na yung mga player ngayon na parang hindi nila alam ang history ng GINEBRA. I dnt think they knw ksi parang walang mga pake,” added the 34-year-old, three-time Best Player of the Conference awardee.
Caguioa said that even if the NBA’s all-time winning coach and now New York Knicks top executive Phil Jackson would step in and handle the team, Ginebra won’t still make it to the semis.
“Let me tell u guys kahit si Phil Jackson mag coach sa ganitong team hindi parin papasok sa semis. Walang mga puso mag laro WALA WALA WALA!”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-star-mark-caguioa-hits-out-at-soft-teammates-in-twitter-rant-after-horror-loss-to-talk-n-text)
Post Merge: April 23, 2014, 01:35:42 PM
PBA legend Robert Jaworski in talks with Ang for return to Ginebra, says source
PBA icon Robert Jaworski is in talks with San Miguel Corp. top honcho Ramon S. Ang on the possibility of returning to the Ginebra coaching job, a source told Spin.ph on Wednesday.
According to the team insider, Jaworski and Ang have been in constant touch for a while now and last met in March just before the longtime Ginebra playing-coach left for the US to watch the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Timonthy Bradley in Las Vegas.
Incidentally, the last meeting occurred at the height of the Commissioner's Cup struggle of a Ginebra team that has one of the most formidable lineups on paper but continues to fall short - its PBA championship drought now going six years and counting.
On Tuesday, the Gin Kings were ousted from the title chase at the first stage of the playoffs after a lopsided 84-97 loss to top seed Talk 'N Text, heightening the call for changes in the league's most popular ballclub.
“How will I answer it (your question about Jaworski)? Confidential pa kasi 'yung lahat. But there is an ongoing negotiation,” said the source. “Wala pang definite, but there are negotiations.”
The same source bared that the line of communication between Jaworski and Ang has always been open.
“Hindi mo naman pwedeng sabihin na walang pag-uusap yung dalawa, kasi ang dalas ngang mag guest ni Jawo sa mga events ng Ginebra. Nanood nga siya sa semis game ng team last conference, di ba?” he stressed.
“Sa ngayon talaga, wala pang concrete. Pero may exploratory negotiations na.”
In the last interview he granted to Spin.ph last March 7, Jaworski, 68, neither confirmed nor denied reports that he is in talks for a return to a team he helped turn into the most popular in the pro league with its 'never-say-die' spirit and aggressive, rugged style of play.
But the former senator made it clear he is open to a return to basketball, on the condition that he be given "full control" of the team.
Even longtime Ginebra star Mark Caguioa harked back to the team's glory years under Jaworski when he blasted his teammates for being 'soft and lazy' in a Twitter rant, hours after the loss to Talk 'N Text.
Rino Salazar, Jaworski's longtime deputy, has also joined the calls for the one-time PBA MVP's return to the team, telling Spin.ph that it's high time the PBA icon takes over the ballclub again.
On Wednesday, Spin.ph contacted Jaworski’s longtime sports affairs PR man and business manager Reli de Leon, but the outspoken sportsman refused to comment on the matter.
De Leon, however, said Jaworski felt bad that the team continues to lose.
“He feels sorry that his team is losing. Mas masaya daw ang Pilipinas pag kasama sa championship ang Ginebra, being the most popular PBA team, mas madaming maligaya, mas masaya ang PBA fans,” De Leon said.
Asked how Jaworski missed coaching the team he represented from 1983 to 1998, De Leon, who was with the Big J during the Las Vegas trip for the Pacquiao fight, gave a fascinating response.
“Bobby just wants to bring back something for the fans. It’s not for the money. He doesn’t want the never-say-die spirit to die this way. He wants to revive the animo of Ginebra,” he said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-legend-robert-jaworski-in-talks-with-ang-for-return-to-ginebra-says-source-v02)
Post Merge: April 24, 2014, 10:08:59 AM
San Mig Coffee escapes Alaska to force Game 3 in QFs (04/23/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Between two defense-oriented squads, something had to give.
Unfortunately for the Alaska Aces, it was one major break in the game that changed the tide and halted their dominant display on Wednesday night, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Playmaker Mark Barroca of the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, in an attempt to finally get their noses ahead for the first time since the first quarter, kept his eye on the ring with 5:42 remaining in the game. He drove but was met by defenders in red shirts, forcing him to take more than the allowed steps as he sank the basket and fished for the foul to go with it, 58-57.
It was a clear traveling violation on the video replay but it was a break in the game that permanently shifted the momentum to the side of a gritty San Mig Coffee.
The Mixers lit up from that point until the very end as they defeated Alaska, 70-65, to force Game 3 of their best-of-3 quarterfinals series in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup.
"Somehow we won it," said Mixers head coach Tim Cone. "I'm not sure how but we'll take it and see what we can do in Game 3."
The Mixers struggled for most of the game, especially during the beginning when they were down by 12, 35-24, heading into the second half.
Somehow, in some way, however, San Mig was able to get their rhythm going enough to spark a sizzling 16-0 blast in the final 9 minutes of the payoff period to stay in the hunt for what could potentially be their third straight championship.
The Mixers turned a 51-57 deficit into a 10-point 67-57 lead with 1:16 to play on a Joe Devance one-hander.
Alaska tried to stage a comeback in the final minute with the help of Dondon Hontiveros' hot shooting as he and JVee Casio conspired for back-to-back three-pointers to threaten San Mig, 69-65, with 50.4 ticks left.
But all the Mixers did was play a steady game from the free throw line as bail out triple attempts by import Rob Dozier and Casio did not hit the mark.
Just like the first game, it was an up and down battle that saw both teams tightening up on defense and not yielding an inch. It was all down to which team could click on offense and who would get the breaks of the game.
"This was just grind-it-out basketball, pure and simple," Cone remarked. "That's what we tried to do in the second half.
"It's just a huge struggle playing against Alaska's defense. It's hard to find any gaps or breaks or anything inside their defense. It's so incredibly solid and quite frustrating. They're very frustrating to play. It's hard to get a flow."
Hontiveros played an inspired ball game with 16 points (3-of-9 three-point field goals) and 7 rebounds. Dozier scored a game-high 22 markers along with 13 boards.
Marc Pingris finally returned to his old form after his rib injury with 17 points as Devance and import James Mays added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Cone's wards also converted 12 turnover points as opposed to only 5 by the Commissioner's Cup defending champions.
Cone praised the Aces for the way they have been playing, saying they are "defending at a championship level." But also commended how his wards simply did not break down against their opponents no matter how tough it got.
"Our guys are not going to just lay down because they like to win."
Scores:
San Mig Coffee (70): Pingris 17, Devance 13, Mays 12, Barroca 10, Yap 9, Simon 4, Sanggalang 2, Reavis 2, Mallari 1, Melton 0.
Alaska (65): Dozier 22, Hontiveros 16, Baguio 7, Casio 6, Jazul 6, Abueva 4, Thoss 3, Manuel 1, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Espinas 0.
Quarters scores: 12-16; 24-36; 49-50; 70-65.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56209-pba-san-mig-coffee-vs-alaska-game-2-quarterfinals)
Post Merge: April 24, 2014, 10:10:57 AM
Rain or Shine evens quarterfinals series against Meralco (04/23/14)
MANILA, Philippines - There would be no miracle comeback for the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as they were battered and beaten down good by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 102-93, who got back at the Bolts for their Game 1 loss to even the best-of-3 quarterfinals series out in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup.
Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio and his squad are on the brink of failing to close out and losing in the quarterfinals once again as the Painters dominated over Meralco from start to finish.
Rain or Shine thwarted every Bolts rally throughout the contest. For every attempt by Meralco, Rain or Shine pushed them back with more force to break their spirits.
"Just don't give up, guys. Just don't give up. Stop making foolish turnovers," Gregorio said to his players in the huddle during the final minute of the game.
Rain or Shine forced the Bolts to 24 turnovers, which is the most by any team this conference, according to PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
The Elasto Painters ran away with Game 2 thanks to their superb consistency throughout the game. They also held tough against the physicality employed by the Bolts and fought back hard as well.
"We just wanted to come back strong," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. "We focused on our defense; our offense was just secondary. The energy that we exerted on defense just rubbed off on our offense."
He added, "It was a very physical, rugged game."
The 30 fouls that both teams were whistled for is a testament to the physicality of the game. So too were the bumps and bruises sustained by key players on both squads.
Meralco Bolts forward Jared Dillinger was rushed to the hospital after colliding hard with Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism in the third quarter. Gregorio says he still has no update on Dillinger's condition.
At one point as well with 2:35 left in the first half, Paul Lee and Cliff Hodge collided as well, their knees clashing, leaving both players on the floor. Lee, who finished with 8 points, took longer to get up.
The Bolts tried to turn the game around in the final 2:13 minutes when Sunday Salvacion delivered his Sunday special of back-to-back three-pointers to whittle down the once double digit lead to 93-85. But the Bolts sputtered to the final buzzer after that as Lee hit his freebies and Alex Nuyles effectively sealed the deal with a lay-in on the break, 97-88, with 1:04 left.
Hodge ‘out there trying to hurt people’
Guiao called out Hodge after the game and waited for him before heading to the dugout. Guiao was furious about a play towards the end of the game where he says Hodge threw a punch to rookie Raymond Almazan.
"I think punching a player in the face during a rebound play, I think that's way out of the rules of the league," Guiao declared during the post game press conference.
Hodge finished with 7 points, while import Darnell Jackson had 21 points and 22 rebounds. Gary David sparked 19 points, while Salvacion added 18.
For Rain or Shine, Chism led the way with 26 points. He had some help in Ryan Araña's 12 points and Gabe Norwood's 11.
Scores
Rain or Shine (102): Chism 26, Araña 12, Norwood 11, Cruz 10, Tang 10, Lee 8, Tiu 6, Belga 4, Ibañes 4, Rodriguez 4, Chan 3, Almazan 2, Nuyles 2, teng 0.
Meralco (93): Jackson 21, David 19, Salvacion 18, Wilson 9, Hodge 7, Hugnatan 6, Timberlake 4, Dillinger 4, Caram 3, Sena 2, Ildefonso 0, Guevarra 0.
Quarter scores: 22-18; 49-34; 77-66; 102-93.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56217-rain-or-shine-quarterfinals-meralco)
Post Merge: April 25, 2014, 08:37:06 AM
Air21's Anthony unfazed heading into San Miguel knockout game
MANILA, Philippines - Air21 had a good dinner after beating San Miguel Beer on Tuesday night. But once the clock hit 12 midnight, they were all back to work, contemplating their do-or-die Game 2 showdown.
There was doubt if anyone could really step over and take the place of KG Canaleta – the Express' leading scorer with 15.6 PPG who was shipped to Talk 'N Text midway through the Philippine Cup.
Canaleta's size, sweet touch from the outside, and athleticism made him one of the cornerstones of Air21's franchise over the past two seasons.
But the Express had to make a handful of sacrifices in order to rise and free themselves from the misery brought by the PBA cellar.
Canaleta was dealt to Talk 'N Text for tough nut Sean Anthony and rookie point guard Eliud Poligrates plus a 2016 first rounder. The Express also landed Jonas Villanueva while giving away Bonbon Custodio.
Ronnie Matias and Carlo Sharma were the next two they had to let go, and welcomed 'raging bull' Enrico Villanueva in their fold. The last to depart, Vic Manuel, was sent to Alaska for young forward Aldrech Ramos.
With their backs against the wall against a heavily-favored San Miguel crew, all the wheeling and dealing answered the doubts.
It wasn't just an individual that filled the void left by Canaleta's absence, but rather a collective effort that emanated from head coach Franz Pumaren's inspired troops.
Eliud Poligrates tallied 9 points at the half and finished with 11. Sean Anthony rifled 25 points - his best this conference - and the evergreen Asi Taulava continued defying the odds with another hulking performance with 17 points and 8 rebounds.
“We played smart and kept our composure. It was effort that we held down the number one scoring team," said Pumaren, who ironically was a part of the 1989 Grand Slam San Miguel Beer squad, a team he now seeks to eliminate.
"Sean Anthony was phenomenal. Asi Taualava and Wesley Witherspoon made key baskets down the stretch."
In contrast, Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos were a combined 5-of-22 from the field. June Mar Fajardo was haunted by foul trouble and spent only 24 minutes while shooting a sparse 3 attempts.
The Express had nothing to lose, but are now halfway done.
Anthony, who played for the 8th-seeded Powerade Tigers of 2012 that upset top-seeded BMeg Llamados, played unfazed as he dealt with the familiar situation with ease.
"It's a great opportunity, when in reality there's nothing to lose. No one expected us to win tonight, no one is probably expecting us to win on Friday, so we have nothing to lose and everything to win," said Anthony, the 6th overall pick in the 2010 PBA Draft.
The 6-foot-4 Fil-Canadian was a vital cog in Powerade's colossal upset of the Llamados. They made the finals that conference, only yielding to Talk 'N Text in 5 games.
He's been with the Tigers, a squad which knows how to be the underdog, knows how to pull off surprises, knows how to deal with the phrase "do-or-die."
Here he is again with the Express, trying to pull the unthinkable feat.
"I love this system, I love the guys and there's a lot of opportunity just to share the ball, play as a team, and tonight we played as a team," he added.
"We'll go out and play our hearts out and hopefully get a win game."
San Miguel coaching consultant Todd Purves is not surprised with the way Air21 played.
"We're very aware of those players, and they're good basketball players. You try to stop some players, but you have a good team like Air21, guys like Sean Anthony and Eloy (Poligrates)," said Purves.
But if their crew continues playing without effort on Friday night, that might be the time Purves gets stunned.
San Miguel (then Petron Blaze Boosters) blew up in the semifinals against lower-seeded Rain or Shine last conference. Will they be surprised again this time or finally live up to their hype?
The decider between Air21 and San Miguel is on Friday, April 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56272-air21-anthony-san-miguel-rubber)
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Guiao fined P100,000 for 'mongoloid' slur as Hodge hit with P20,000 penalty for closed-fist foul on Almazan
THE PBA has cracked the whip on Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao for his confrontation with Meralco forward Cliff Hodge at the end of Game Two of their Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series last Wednesday.
The league on Friday slapped a P100,000 fine on the fiery Elasto Painters mentor, who tried to confront Hodge and later called him a "mongoloid" after the Meralco player committed a hard foul on ROS center Raymond Almazan in the dying seconds of the Painters’ 102-93 win.
“We find the conduct of coach Guiao unbecoming and unacceptable on two counts: first, accosting and insulting a player with total disregard for civility and circumspection; second, using the word “mongoloid”,” PBA commissioner Chito Salud said in a statement.
“Its use shows a lack of sensitivity to persons with disabilities and is particularly hurtful to the class of people suffering from the disorder, their families, and friends.”
“The PBA, its players, and officials have to be aware that the use of words with pejorative tones has no place in the league that regards itself as an institution our youth can look up to as an example,” he added.
The fine adds to the growing list of penalties for Guiao, who met briefly with the commissioner on Friday.
The multi-titled mentor has now racked up fines totalling over P1.35 million in his career - including P426,000 in the last Philippine Cup where he was assessed a total of 16 technicals while leading a Rain or Shine walkout in the finals opposite San Mig.
Hodge was also meted with a P20,000 penalty as his closed-fist hit on Almazan that led to a foul was upgraded to a flagrant foul 2 “for being excessive and unnecessary.”
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/yeng-guiao-fined-p100000-for-mongoloid-slur-as-hodge-hit-with-p20000-penalty-for-closed-fist-hit-on-almazan)
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gago talaga itong si kalbong Guiao.
dapat dito i-ban na sa PBA at patawan ng parusa sa kongreso, PI nya.
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Air21 slays San Miguel in double OT for semis slot (04/25/14)
MANILA, Philippines - If there is any team that's good at playing the underdog role, it's the Air21 Express.
And if there was any perfect day for them to shed their underdog skin and play like the contender they can be, it was on Friday, April 25 when they played a do-or-die game against the San Miguel Beermen for a slot in the semifinals of the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 7th seed Air21 overcame a twice-to-beat disadvantage and slayed the second seed Beermen,101-95, employing solid defense and teamwork especially at crunch time to oust a San Miguel team that failed to reach their potential once again.
"I'm really speechless right now. I think we were able to slay the dragon," remarked Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren. "And I know for a fact that basketball experts didn't give us a chance to make it to the second round."
Down 79-70 after a Chris Ross basket with 2:50 left to play, Air21 rallied for a10-3 run to whittle down the lead to 82-80 with 12.1 ticks left after a split from the line by import Wesley Witherspoon.
It looked to be the end of the line for Air21 when Witherspoon heaved a triple that missed the ring badly. But the 41-year old Asi Taulava was right there under the basket, where he always has been since 1999, to grab the offensive board.
This time, proving that age is just a number, Taulava made the game-tying lay-up, 82-82, to force the first overtime.
Judging by the team's overjoyed reaction with Taulava literally carrying Mark Cardona around the court, that lay-up did much more for the Express than just force overtime. It lifted their spirits to heights that could not be reached by San Miguel in the extra 10 minutes of the game.
In the first of two overtimes, Air21 rode on their momentum but wasn't able to put away San Miguel just yet as Ross split from the line with 13.1 ticks left to knot the count at 88-all.
Cardona had a chance to win it for the Express in the final play but couldn't get his one-hander to go in.
Finally, the Express managed to pull away in the second overtime, building a 5-point cushion, 95-90, as Witherspoon scooped the ball up and in with 2:30 left. San Miguel couldn't recover from that as Air21 held on up until the final buzzer and allowed euphoria to kick in full throttle.
Physicality is the name of the game
It was an emotionally charged game marked by physicality all game long as both sides played with a kind of intensity that one can only witness in a do-or-die game.
The physicality went up a notch with 3:15 left in the first half when Joseph Yeo was called for a flagrant foul penalty 2 after he gave Ross a low blow. This caused Yeo to be thrown out of the game.
Prior to the play, Ross and Yeo were already going at it at the high post as the Beermen were a little cold and were dominated by the Express.
However, seeing their team captain down on the floor revived the Beermen as they claimed the lead and finished the opening half on top, 43-40.
San Miguel stepped up their intensity from that point on as last conference's Best Player June Mar Fajardo took the game by the neck and asserted himself in the paint.
Fajardo, however, finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out with 34.2 ticks left in regulation.
Fajardo was not the only Beermen that Air21 relegated to the bench for their fouls.
San Miguel lost Marcio Lassiter and Sol Mercado as they fouled out before the end of the fourth quarter. Doug Kramer followed during the second overtime.
At that point, it was the perfect time for Arwind Santos to step up and be the Most Valuable Player that he is.
But Air21's entire unit was just too much to overcome.
Santos ended up with 16 points and 8 rebounds. While their import Kevin Jones had 23 points and grabbed 16 boards.
Meanwhile, Ross figured in 18 markers for his team together with 5 assists and two steals.
"I just hope that my players won't be satisfied just making it to the semis," Punaren said. "We're all banged up. Hopefully we can get to that next level."
On the part of Air21, it was Witherspoon who led the way with 26 points.
Sean Anthony, who has been the X-factor for Air21 this conference, remained consistent and did all the damage underneath, providing hustle, energy and, most important of all, support for Taulava.
It was the 28-year old Canadian who did the dirty work that resulted to the fouling out of the Beermen's key players. He contributed 18 points and tracked down 12 rebounds.
The ageless Taulava, on the other hand, had 16 points and 9 rebounds in 45 minutes of play.
"The team really wanted to get this win," Pumaren said of his team who is now awaiting the winner of the best-of-3 quarterfinals between Commissioner's Cup defending champions Alaska Aces and the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.
"We're just going to be the gate crashers in this particular semis. This team, they just don't want to lose.
"We were able to prove something that we can win despite our lineup."
Scores
Air 21 (101): Witherspoon 26, Anthony 18, Taulava 16, Yeo 11, Villanueva 8, Ramos 8, Cardona 8, Poligrates 5, Borboran 1, Burtscher 0, Menor 0.
San Miguel Beermen (95) : Jones 23, Fajardo 20, Ross 18, Santos 16, Lassiter 12, Hubalde 2, Lutz 2, Marcado 2, Maierhofer 0, Tubid 0, Lanete 0, Kramer 0.
Quarter scores: 21-17, 40-43, 56-65, 82-82, 88-88, 101-95.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56411-air-21-says-san-miguel-semis)
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opinion lang po ng isang ginebra fan :-\
I have been an Ginebra fan since jawo day's and till noli ,bal & marlou's era..never been a fan of marc,jj era,
but nagbalik Ginebra ako ulit when they started getting japhet & greg,well coz i cant help but be impress on the potential of both those guys,
lalu na nung all-filipino conference we've seen the potential of japhet unleashed,
he's average alone was enough for him to be among the leading candidates for Best player of the conference awards in the regular season, an average of -5-6 shot blocks per game is great by any standards,
but he's semis's average got sag down, is it because the semis is more physical? yes that's part of it i guess,
but one thing na napansin ko last conferences semis till today ay ang pagbaba ng confidence ng twin towers lalu na ang kay japhet, why?
in my opinion i think less touches,
parang decoy nalang sila ni greg.
the veterans of Ginebra are asking too much out of the twin towers they keep blaming those two for missing out on the rebounds,
ang hirap kayang kunin ang rebounds pag katapos mong manapal like those twin towers do,
kaya other teams are very much intimidated once they go into the shaded area dahil sa shot blocking presence nila,
pero dahil kulang daw sa rebounding efforts ng big man's, kaya the twin towers are ask to contcentrate more on the rebounding department,
ang result? less block attemps, less intimidating pressence sa loob. the veterans want the ball to move more para magkaroon sila ng touches,
e ang baba naman ng percentage nila resulta? ayun nagtatatalo sila..why dont they try to look for the pose for greg for starters or japhet in the wing, and let them get their offense going
then when they got double team, that will leave the shooters open diba and get the ball from one end to the other?
the ginebra has the advantage of having a twin towers but the vets are holding them back wants their share of the limelight
then blame the bigs for not getting the long rebounds that came from their long threes..kung gusto lang pala nila ay rebounders na makikipag palitan ng mukha ay dapat mga role players nalang pinag kukuha nila mga clone's of billy mama.
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(https://fbcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-0/s200x200/1898032_704838462913583_911636575173734786_n.jpg)
yun oh haha bora na daw ;D
waiting na yung service nila haha .
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Rain or Shine hangs on in OT to barge into semis (04/26/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters hung tough against the gallant stand of the Meralco Bolts in another overtime playoff thriller, 97-96, on Saturday, April 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to set a semifinals date with top seed Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup.
Rain or Shine's advantage was as big as 11 points, 85-74, with 3:55 left in the game after a Ryan Araña basket. But the Bolts, the relentless team that they are, refused to give up their conference that easily.
The Bolts replicated Air21's late game comeback on Friday night with a 9-0 run of their own to come to within 83-85 following a Gary David baseline drive with the foul for a 3-point play with 1:21 left.
The Painters were left scoreless from the 3:55 mark up until the end of regulation when David forced the extra 5 minutes with a cold-blooded baseline fadeaway, 85-85, as time wound down for the Painters to even run the ball back up the court.
Jeff Chan, who went down on the floor with 5:21 left on the clock as a result of an elbow by Cliff Hodge, took over for the Painters in overtime. He scored his team's first 4 points at that juncture on an and-one play and a split from the line for an 89-85 cushion before he orchestrated a play for Wayne Chism that resulted to a wide open dunk to pad on the lead some more, 91-85, with 3:24 to play.
Rain or Shine then built an 8-point 95-87 advantage with 1:59 left after a Lee jumper. But Meralco still did not stay down as David drilled back-to-back triples to slash the lead again, 95-93, with 1:16 on the clock.
However, Meralco failed to take advantage of the situation where Lee committed back-to-back lapses on the other end –a turnover and a charge on Reynel Hugnatan – as David got a heat check with a rushed three-point attempt with 10 ticks remaining.
The empty Meralco possession allowed Lee to ice the game with two freebies, 97-93, with 5.7 seconds left before David got a three-pointer to go to ink the final tally.
"It's another grind out game," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. "I just thought the referees just missed a lot of calls in the endgame."
Guiao made good on his word of turning the aggression up a notch as his team attacked the hoop early in the game, which resulted to 24 first half free throw attempts. While Meralco only took to the stripe 8 times in the first 24 minutes of play.
The Painters sprinted to a 56-50 lead early the second half, forcing two turnovers right away on the Bolts, who were very sloppy in ball handling at that juncture in the third.
But Meralco kept in step with their opponents well enough for only a manageable 4-point deficit, 66-70, to start the final frame.
Both teams eased up somewhat from penetrating the paint in the first 3 minutes of the fourth, settling for jump shots instead. But that didn't last long as Rain or Shine created some separation from Meralco, 81-72, thanks to makes from downtown by Beau Belga and import Wayne Chism along with some much needed attacks to the basket and fastbreaks.
Guiao commended his import for his 37-point output to go with 21 rebounds.
"He just carried us on his shoulders. He's a far more superior import than Jackson. I think that's our advantage," he explained, also adding a crucial weakness they discovered about Meralco import Darnell Jackson.
"Their import couldn't play defense. So we just attacked that and exploited that weakness. So we ran all of our ball screens and pick and rolls on the import. That's how we were able to survive this series against Meralco.
"We had no other plays. We just had one simple play which is to force the import to play defense on our guards."
Lee provided support to Chism with his 19 points as Belga and Chan added 9 and 7 points, respectively.
For Meralco, Jackson led the way with 31 markers as David finished his hot shooting night at 20 points, 16 of which he scored in the fourth quarter and in overtime.
Scores
RAIN OR SHINE (97): Chism 37, Lee 18, Belga 9, Norwood 8, Chan 7, Cruz 4, Almazan 4, Tiu 4, Ibanes 4, Arana 2, Tang 0.
MERALCO (96): Jackson 31, David 20, Salvacion 18, Hugnatan 6, Dillinger 5, Hodge 5, Al-Hussaini 4, Wilson 4, Sena 3, Timberlake 0, Caram 0.
Quarter scores: 20-28, 48-46, 70-66, 85-85, 97-96.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56460-ros-hangs-ot-semis)
Post Merge: April 26, 2014, 08:48:11 PM
San Mig Coffee blasts defending champs Alaska out of Comms Cup (04/26/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Last team in.
There will be a new Commissioner's Cup champion as the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers punched their ticket to the semifinals of the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner's Cup by way of a 79-65 drubbing of defending champions Alaska Aces to close out Game 3 of the quarterfinals on Saturday, April 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With PJ Simon exploding for 21 points and with Marc Pingris back in his hustling groove -tallying 10 points himself - there was no way San Mig Coffee was walking out of the Big Dome without the win.
"To be absolutely honest I didn't think I'd be here," Mixers head coach Tim Cone sighed in relief. "I just thought that Alaska was playing at too high of a level for us to be able to beat them twice in a row. At this point I feel very fortunate."
Unlike the first two games of their best-of-3 quarterfinals series where the defense was so stingy that it was extremely difficult for either team to pull away, Game 3 saw the Mixers maintaining the same defensive intensity but also coming alive offensively to bury Alaska for good as early as the third canto.
The Mixers broke the game wide open straight out of the dugout with an 18-8 blitz as Simon sank his 20th point on a one hander, 53-35, for the biggest lead of 18 points under the final 4 minutes of the third. Timely monster jams by Pingris also fueled the momentum of the Mixers who carried a 57-45 lead to the fourth.
By the final period, San Mig continued to pound on the Aces – with the help the defensive energy provided by James Yap – making sure to maintain their double digit advantage by still being patient with their offense and staying consistent with their defense.
Down the stretch, the Mixers made sure there would be no glimmer of hope for Alaska to make one final stand as they built a 15-point 74-57 lead on a Mark Barroca attack with 1:46 remaining in the contest.
The shifty playmaker finished with 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting.
For Alaska, it was the 2013 Commissioner's Cup Best Import Rob Dozier who led them with 23 points and 16 rebounds.
JVee Casio lit up from deep with 4 triples for his 14 points but couldn't bail his team out, who has been struggling for the most part since their 2013 Commissioner's Cup title.
Meanwhile, Cone also brushed off the supposed teacher-student rivalry of Cone and Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo, a former assistant of Cone when he was still with Alaska.
He said ousting the defending champions this conference was in no way a measure of revenge against the Aces that defeated them in the semis of the 2013 Commissioner's Cup.
"We beat them in the quarters two conferences ago so I don't have a payback with Alaska. I think that's a little bit overrated and overstated," Cone said. "I'm all about moving forward. That was an integral part of my past and I loved every minute and every moment I was there (with Alaska.)
"It's not a personal rivalry to me. That's my philosophy, just keep moving forward and moving on."
As the Mixers move forward to the semifinals against the underdogs Air21 Express on Tuesday, April 29, talks of their claiming a Grand Slam will continue to heighten.
As it is, the Mixers have won the titles for the last two conferences (2013 Governors' Cup and 2014 Philippine Cup). But to get the Grand Slam recognition, they must win all titles of a single season.
An interesting statistic, according to PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III, is the fact that the last 4 times San Mig Coffee and Alaska battled each other in a playoff series, the winner emerged as conference champion.
Going up against Air21, Cone knows they can't relax.
"Franz (Pumaren) said they're the dragon slayers and they're gonna come looking to slay us as well," Cone said. "I'd like to think we're one of the big dragons in the league so hopefully we'll be ready and try to avoid their arrows or swords or whatever I should say."
Scores
San Mig Super Coffee (79): Simon 21, Mays 17, Barroca 14, Pingris 10, Sangalang 6, Devance 5, Mallari 4, Melton 2, Reavis 0, Yap 0.
Alaska (65): Dozier 23, Casio 14, Jazul 8, Hontiveros 7, Espinas 5, Baguio 4, Thoss 2, Manuel 2, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Abueva 0.
Quarter scores: 21-15, 35-27, 57-45, 79-65.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56476-san-mig-coffee-champs-alaska-comms-cup)
Post Merge: April 27, 2014, 02:45:08 PM
PBA 2014 Commissioner's Cup semifinals schedule
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters
Game 1: Monday, April 28 - 8:00 PM
Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 2: Wednesday, April 30 - 8:00 PM
Cuneta Astrodome
Game 3: Friday, May 2 - 8:00 PM
Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 4: Sunday, May 4 - 5:00 PM (If necessary)
5PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 5: Tuesday, May 6 - 8:00 PM (If necessary)
Mall of Asia Arena
San Mig Super Coffee Mixers vs. Air21 Express
Game 1: Tuesday, April 29 - 8:00 PM
Mall of Asia Arena
Game 2: Thursday, May 1 - 8:00 PM
Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 3: Saturday, May 3 5:00 PM
Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 4: Monday, May 5 8:00 PM (If necessary)
Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 5: Wednesday, May 7 8:00 PM (If necessary)
Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Post Merge: April 27, 2014, 02:47:45 PM
Tim Cone confirms SMC plan to name 'chemistry guy' Jeff Cariaso as Ginebra coach
SAN Mig coach Tim Cone feels his long partnership with assistant coach Jeffrey Cariaso is at an end.
The multi-titled PBA coach has confirmed a story first run by Spin.ph that his former prized player-turned-chief assistant is being considered to take over San Mig's sister ballclub Barangay Ginebra.
“I don’t know if the (San Miguel) organization has come out with a statement, but I think it’s (Cariaso’s move to Ginebra) gonna happen,” Cone said shortly after San Mig ended Alaska’s titlle-retention bid on Saturday by winning their rubber match, 79-65, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"But I’m not gonna conform it because there are still details to work out," he added.
According to Spin.ph sources, Cariaso wants to bring in a number of associates to be part of his staff in the event he takes over the Ginebra job from Ato Agustin.
Cone said he is happy for Cariaso, a key player for the American mentor during Alaska’s glory years in the 1990s who is now being considered to take over the league's most popular ballclub.
“I’m extremely happy for Jeff, if that’s the case. I mean, this is what you do as head coaches. You try to groom your guy to be head coaches and every time it happens, it’s a great reflection on what you do,” said the 16-time PBA champion coach.
Nonetheless, the 56-year-old Cone said if ever Cariaso moves to the Ginebra camp, he will be sad to lose someone who has served as the Mixers’ “chemistry” guy.
“He’s our chemistry bringer. Jeff is a chemistry guy because he builds our chemistry, so when we lose him, that’s gonna be a void for sure,” he added.
Cariaso, 41, joined Cone along with former Alaska teammate Johnny Abarrientos to serve as two of San Mig/B-Meg assistant coaches before the start of the 2012 season.
The former Rookie of the Year has since won three PBA championships with Cone at San Mig.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/tim-cone-confirms-smc-plan-to-name-chemistry-guy-jeff-cariaso-as-ginebra-coach)
Post Merge: April 28, 2014, 10:27:57 AM
PBA semis preview: ROS tries to stain TNT's onslaught
MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao's mindset for the semifinals is simple: they have to beat the best in order to be called the best team.
Right after ousting a gallant Meralco Bolts squad in the hardest way possible in their best-of-three quarterfinals, Guiao quickly recognized Talk 'N Text as the best squad in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup.
And he is keen on dealing them a defeat to steal that distinction.
"It is a challenge. We want to be the best and we have to beat the best which is Talk 'N Text," said the fiery mentor, who begins his best-of-5 showdown with the Tropang Texters on Monday, April 28 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters have won four of their last five outings, and while giving away 86.3 points to their opponents in wins, Rain or Shine's physicality especially on the defensive end can tire an opponent out.
Particularly in Game 3 against the Meralco Bolts, Wayne Chism was phenomenal in stopping Darnell Jackson as if putting a hex on the Bolts' import. Jackson breathed heavily from his mouth, settled for jumpers, and walked slowly up and down the court from the fatigue brought by Chism's stinging defense.
When most others doubted Chism early in the conference, the Painters' reinforcement upped his elimination averages of 17.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 2.3 BPG to a dominating 30 PPG, 13.3 RPG, and 3.7 BPG stat line in the quarterfinals.
"Our import, he carried us on his shoulders. He is the far more superior import than Jackson," added Guiao.
One of ROS's defensive stalwarts, Jireh Ibanes, knows they have no other choice but to go through TNT. He wants the troops' discipline to be solid.
"We have no choice. We will stay with them (on defense) and be physical without fouling."
But beating Meralco is just the first step. Guiao's troops are matched up against the league's best team who have won 10 in a row on fluid offense and solid execution.
Getting back a healthy unit on the floor is exactly what Coach Norman Black ordered, and it is paying dividends.
"I think being healthy has been the key since in the previous conferences, we always had a teammate who is out," said Jayson Castro, who is injury-free this conference.
The Tropang Texters' one-two combo of Ranidel de Ocampo, the league's 3rd-best scorer with 15.5 PPG and Larry Fonacier, the most accurate rifleman from long distance at 52.6%, will be Black's old reliables for this series.
De Ocampo himself is shooting above 40% from three-point land while the entire squad is the best-shooting team from rainbow territory, hitting 35.3% while only taking 24.4 attempts a game.
Aside from the two, TNT's veteran core composed of Jayson Castro, Ryan Reyes, Kelly Williams, Harvey Carey, Jimmy Alapag, and new season additions Danny Seigle and KG Canaleta, shall all help the crew in their quest to make it to the top once again.
It has been 4 conferences since their last title, and the pack is determined to roll over and assert dominance.
Key match-up
Jayson Castro (13.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.7 APG) vs Paul Lee (14.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.8 APG)
The battle between the two teams' premier backcourt generals will give people a glimpse of who the better creator is. Lee is bulkier and more physical than Castro but the latter will bolster his speed to get away from ROS's defense. The 25-year-old Lee is fresh from a stinging finals loss against San Mig Coffee but has carried the Elasto Painters on his back convincingly. Castro, as expected, puts reliable numbers each night on a consistent basis. Expect the two Gilas Pilipinas guards to take charge when the game goes down the wire.
X-Factors
Talk 'N Text: Kelly Williams
It is hard to pick an X-factor when you have a powerhouse roster, but Williams' presence on defense and rebounding will be huge.
Rain or Shine: Ryan Arana, Jireh Ibanes
The Elasto Painters' pair of defensive wing men are assigned to stretch out on TNT's outside gunners, and will have to contain the Texters' cat-quick guards too from time to time.
The question
Can Rain or Shine solve the Talk 'N Text riddle?
It will all depend on how well Rain or Shine defends throughout the series. The semifinals is best of 5 and the Tropang Texters are well-equipped for war. The Elasto Painters need to double up on the defensive end and limit the Tropang Texters' attacks.
Rappler pick
Richard Howell is coming off a 41-point, 22-rebound performance in the quarterfinals game against Ginebra, sending a statement that he might be the best import in this season after all. But Chism's breakout showing in the playoffs is also a strong sign that he means business.
In terms of bench depth, both crews have reliable second and third units. Rain or Shine can push Talk 'N Text to the limit, but the Tropang Texters are hungrier. Talk 'N Text in 5.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56553-pba-semis-preview-ros-stain-tnt)
Post Merge: April 28, 2014, 04:18:52 PM
San Miguel Beer looking to bring back Elijah Millsap for quest for redemption in Governors Cup
AFTER another forgettable playoff exit in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, San Miguel Beer has its eyes set on bringing back Elijah Millsap for the Beermen's quest for redemption in the season-ending Governors Cup.
Millsap, younger brother of Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap, is best remembered for leading the Beermen, then known as the Petron Blaze Boosters, to the Finals last season opposite San Mig.
The 6-4 Millsap averaged 28.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.1 steals as the Boosters lost a griping seven-game Finals series against eventual Governors Cup champion San Mig Coffee Mixers last season.
“Under negotiation now but he’s (Millsap) our priority,” a team insider told Spin.ph on Tuesday.
The Beermen coaching staff remains silent, just days after the team, which entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed, was shown the door after being beaten twice by the Air21 Express.
Still, the team believes Millsap’s entry would entail little adjustment since the sweet-shooting former University Alabama-Birmingham standout is already familiar with the PBA brand of play.
Millsap is coming off a stint with the Maccabi Ashdod in the Israeli League before re-joining the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the NBA D-League early this month.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-miguel-beer-looking-to-bring-back-elijah-millsap-for-quest-for-redemption-in-governors-cup)
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Alapag's hot shooting secures Game 1 for Talk 'N Text (04/28/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Jimmy Alapag showed once again how reliable a leader he is as he took over for the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters on Monday, April 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in order to draw first blood against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 91-85, in their best-of-5 semifinals series in the 2014 PLDT Home Commissionerms Cup.
Alapag scored 11 of his total 15 points (4-of-5 3-point shooting) in the pivotal final period as the veteran Gilas Pilipinas point guard sparked a solo 8-0 run with two triples, including the go-ahead trey, 74-72, with 8:54 to go.
He didn't stop at that as he involved himself in successive plays, allowing the Texters to pull away from the Painters after a tight ballgame that even had the Painters leading at the half, 47-44.
Alapag, 36, was red hot in that final canto as he drilled in another back-breaking three-pointer with 5:56 remaining that carved an 84-76 hole for Rain or Shine.
He also had help from backcourt partner Jayson Castro, who tallied 16 points and 7 assists.
Import Richard Howell added 14 points and 22 rebounds as well, together with 8 offensive boards that greatly helped Talk 'N Text produce 17 second-chance points.
Additionally, they also scored 20 turnover points against only 10 by Rain or Shine despite each team having the same number of miscues at 13.
"I think this is the way the series is gonna go," TNT head coach Norman Black said of the controversial Game 1 that saw a crucial non-call by the referees -- an out-of-bounds call on a save by Alapag of the ball towards the end -- and a scuffle between Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao and Howell.
"It's gonna be physical, it's gonna be rugged. We just have to do a better job at controlling our emotions. We should be focusing more on playing basketball than extracurricular activities."
Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism had a game-high 25 points along with 22 rebounds, two assists and a whopping 7 blocks.
Jeff Chan and Ryan Araña chipped in 18 and 10 points, respectively.
"I think we're going to expect more of this type of basketball in the next two games."
Rain or Shine last made a Finals appearance in the previous Philippine Cup where they succumbed to the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in 6 games. Head coach Yeng Guiao has been on the hunt for his follow-up title with the Painters since the 2012 Governors' Cup.
Talk 'N Text, on the other hand, has now only been truly healthy since key players such as Alapag, Castro, Larry Fonacier and Ranidel de Ocampo served the national team at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
The Texters, who are now gunning for their 7th franchise title after completing a hat trick of the Philippine Cup conferences from 2010 to 2013, remained undefeated this conference with a streak of 11 wins.
Rain or Shine played sans swingman Gabe Norwood, who was invited to the State dinner with US President Barack Obama and PH President Noynoy Aquino at the time of the game. The Painters also missed the services of guard Chris Tiu who injured his knee.
Game 2 will be played on Wednesday, April 30 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Scores:
TALK N' TEXT (91): Castro 16, Alapag 15, Howell 14, De Ocampo 13, Williams 10, Reyes 8, Canaleta 5, Seigle 4, Carey 4, Fonacier 2, Aban 0.
RAIN OR SHINE (85): Chism 25, Chan 18, Arana 10, Lee 9, Belga 7, Cruz 4, Rodriguez 4, Almazan 2, Tang 2, Nuyles 2, Ibanes 2, Uyloan 0, Teng 0.
Quarter scores: 26-24, 44-47, 64-66, 91-85.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56645-jimmy-alapag-hot-shooting-talk-n-text-game-one)
Post Merge: April 29, 2014, 10:25:15 AM
Yeng Guiao: 'Richard Howell called me a bitch'
MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao held nothing back as he described what happened during a controversial endgame scuffle in Game 1 of the best-of-5 semifinals series between the Painters and the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup.
"He called me a bitch," Guiao declared what Talk 'N Text import Richard Howell said following an initial scuffle on Monday, April 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The initial scuffle occured with Rain or Shine down 91-85 with 17.1 ticks left in the game, and Guiao was speaking with the referees on the court with both his hands raised. Howell was then seen walking past Guiao as the coach's hand hit the torso of the passing Howell.
But it was only after Howell was a few steps away that he suddenly turned and went for Guiao and pointed his finger directly at the veteran coach.
"I was raising my hand and he walked through me," Guiao recalled. "And then he came back at me, I don't know what his problem was.
"I just held my ground that's why (my hand hit him)."
It escalated to the point that Beau Belga rushed to his coach's defense and pushed Howell away. But cooler heads prevailed with TNT head coach Norman Black pacifying his players that already had Harvey Carey in the mix as well.
No violation was called and as play was about to resume and Rain or Shine set to inbound the ball, that's when Guiao claimed Howell called him a 'bitch.'
"The refs heard it and they did not do anything. And that's supposed to be profane language," Guiao explained. "Pag ako profane language agad yun eh. That was within hearing distance of a lot of people. Again, the refs should do their job."
He added, "Lahat kami narinig namin sa bench."
(If it was me that would have been an automatic call of profane language. All of us on the bench heard it.)
Howell was then subbed out by Black to contain the situation before play resumed. Jayson Castro even had to restrain Howell a little as the import was still clearly upset.
"I guess he's just having a bad game, he got blocked 5 times. Maybe he's trying to take it out on me," Guiao remarked.
For his part, the 6-foot-8 Howell denied calling Guiao a 'bitch' or any other curse words for that matter.
"No, I never cursed at him," Howell, 23, told media after the game.
"I never said anything to start it. I feel like he started the whole argument."
Howell, who finished with 14 points and 22 rebounds, admitted it was his first time to experience that kind of argument with a coach in-game.
"(It was a) misunderstanding. It was some words going back and forth between me and the coach. He just said some things that he probably shouldn't say but it was just a little argument."
Black shared what he thinks happened from his vantage point.
"I don't think he (Howell) could've said anything to make Yeng put his hands on him though," he said.
"I'll let the Commissioner be the one to evaluate that and handle it. But I did not see Richard say anything."
The altercation wasn't the only controversy of the game.
There was also a missed call on a clear out of bounds violation by Talk 'N Text as Alapag tried to save the possession from a scramble as time wound down. It resulted to a split from the line by Ranidel de Ocampo, which inked the final scored and secured the Game 1 win for the Texters, 91-85. That prompted Guiao to talk to the referees about reviewing the play, which resulted to the scuffle.
"I didn't see the play. I heard the reaction of the Rain or Shine crowd but I was not sure whether it was their ball or our ball," Black addressed the crucial missed call.
"But these plays happen the whole game so that's really the referees' responsibility to govern the game. Whatever call they make, that's what we have to abide by."
With the win, the Texters remained undefeated in 11 games this conference. Game 2 will happen on Wednesday, April 30.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56651-yeng-guiao-richard-howell-bitch)
Post Merge: April 29, 2014, 10:28:38 AM
PBA semis preview: Overachieving Air21 try to derail San Mig Coffee
MANILA, Philippines - The resilience shown by the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers and Air21 Express when their backs are against the wall makes both of them tailor-made for do-or-die matches.
"They're comfortable playing in this type of games," said head coach Tim Cone after dethroning the defending PBA Commissioner's Cup champions Alaska Aces in three games.
This is why the Mixers have won five straight do-or-die matches dating back to the 2013 Governor's Cup and have made it to the semifinals seven out of a possible eight times under the Tim Cone era.
The mutual trust among players, Cone said, has helped them overcome adversity each time and win back-to-back PBA conference titles.
"There is a real level of trust. This is where the chemistry comes from. It is about trusting and nothing else," shared Cone.
But the Mixers - which Cone referred to as "big dragons," - will have to watch out for the Air21 Express whose players won't back down.
After dwelling in the cellar for the past three seasons, the Air21 (formerly Shopinas.com) franchise bagged their maiden Final Four appearance, as they fought their way to oust the mighty San Miguel Beermen.
"We literally came from the bottom and worked our way up against all odds," said forward Mike Burtscher.
Franz Pumaren's soldiers slayed the dragons behind the juggernaut of Asi Taulava and Sean Anthony in the series.
The 41-year-old Taulava became a youthful and ruthless monster, logging 16.5 PPG and 8.5 RPG in the quarterfinals as he severely bullied the Beermen frontline.
Anthony infused endless amounts of hustle and imposed hard-nosed defense en route to collecting one loose ball after the other and stopping the Beermen's offense. It is only his fifth game back in the conference yet the Fil-Canadian forward has averaged 21.5 PPG and 9.5 RPG in the quarterfinals.
Together, the two kept Air21 in the conference, the same way the Mixers' Marc Pingris' valiant effort has kept San Mig Coffee on track.
The Mixers' victories spell hustle. They turned the series to their favor after keeping Alaska to just 65 points on 35.6% shooting in their last two games. Their defense enabled them to log +9.5 in turnover points, +3 in steals, and 3.5 less turnovers than the Aces.
But the Express are also fond of doing the dirty work. The gang of Anthony, Mike Burstcher, and even Mac Cardona are out there to give San Mig all that they could handle.
"I take a lot of pride in my defense and hustle. I am excited to play these energy guys. We are matching up very good against any team at this point (on defense)," claimed Burstcher.
In the San Miguel series particularly, the Express forced a whopping 49 turnovers in two games, which became 42 points of their own.
Key match-up
Asi Taulava (13 PPG, 10 RPG) vs James Mays (20.6 PPG, 16.4 RPG)
After shutting down San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo (and eventually knocking him out of the Best Player race this conference), Taulava is in for another tough grind this time against James Mays. Taulava's Herculian task is to keep Mays out of the paint to prevent offensive boards and second chance points. Mays meanwhile must put up a body on Taulava at all times to stop the ageless big man. Expect a lot of pushing and shoving in this battle between the two heavyweights.
X-Factors
Air21: Joseph Yeo
Joseph Yeo's firepower will be tested against PJ Simon and James Yap, but more than his offense, the fiery wing man of the Express must keep his cool in the entire series.
San Mig: Marc Pingris
The Mixers' heart and soul on defense is the perfect guy to stop Wesley Witherspoon one on one. Witherspoon likes to facilitate Air21's offense and having a man to disturb him may shatter the Express' offensive sets.
The question
Does Air21 have enough gas left on their tank?
The Express, like what Anthony said in their San Miguel series, has nothing to lose and everything to achieve. They will go up against all odds anew, but this time they are facing an even more relentless squad in San Mig Coffee - a team that has copped the last two PBA titles. Experience favors the Mixers but if the Express will take it one possession at a time and play perfect basketball, this semifinal match-up will go the distance.
Rappler pick
It will all boil down hustle, and the desire that fuels both teams to make it to the Promised Land. Both teams are embattled heading into the semifinals. Both won their last two do-or-die matches. Diving for loose balls, sacrificing bodies, imposing in-your-face defenses will show up evidently in the tussle as both teams try to emerge victorious. San Mig Coffee in 5.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56647-pba-semis-preview-air-21-san-mig-coffee)
Post Merge: April 30, 2014, 04:15:36 PM
Air21 continues rolling, shocks San Mig in Game 1 (04/29/14)
MANILA, Philippines - In the PBA's intense semifinal wars, no lead is safe, especially for a gritty Air21 crew that knows how to fight tooth and nail.
The Air21 Express never surrendered in their semifinals opener, battling back with a searing explosion in the fourth quarter to shock San Mig Coffee, 103-100 in the 2014 PLDT Home Tvolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday, April 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Playing catch-up for most of the match, the heavy underdogs relied on their suffocating defense in the final period, exerting pressure and giving their opponents trouble with different defensive schemes while erupting for 37 points.
Comfortably ahead 74-66 at the start of the fourth, the Mixers were stunned by the Express' defense, unable to find the answer as Air21 nailed key baskets down the wire.
An Aldrech Ramos trey gave Air21 an 88-87 edge with only 3:43 to go, followed by a Joseph Yeo and-one play coming off a turnover to push the lead to 91-87.
San Mig melted on offense, failing to find a field goal over a of three minute span, leading to the game-turning play which added more tension to the already heated match up.
Asi Taulava drove from top of the key and appeared to take too many steps before making a hoop; however, the referees did not see the miscue, and it compelled a fuming Mixers mentor Tim Cone to storm the court.
Cone was ejected with two technicals, and Sean Anthony and Wesley Witherspoon completed the turnaround with more points from the line to make it a 98-90 game in the last 1:17.
James Mays attempted to pull off a miracle as he single-handedly carried the Mixers in a last-ditch effort, scattering 12 straight points highlighted by two triples and a putback that pulled San Mig within three, 100-103 with only three seconds left.
Anthony was fouled on the other end coming off a timeout, but failed to hit both charities. However, the Mixers had no more stoppages left as Pingris hurried to bring the basketball up front, finding Mays for a desperation shot that went astray after the buzzer.
The seventh-seeded Express took the 1-0 edge into their best of 5 semifinals duel, moving two wins closer to the championship round.
"What can I say. It's a team effort. We don't want to quit. There were times we are down big but we just regrouped and did what we're supposed to do," said Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren, who reminded his wards to remain hungry.
"We are here to seize the moment. We are uninvited guests in the semis. We still need two more games. This is just a small step in the series."
Sean Anthony topscored everybody with a career high-tying 29 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter on a hot 5 of 6 shooting from beyond the arc. Wesley Witherspoon added 25 points for the Express, who recorded 13 steals as a group and forced 20 turnovers from the Mixers.
Game 2 will be played on Thursday, May 1.
Scores
Air21 (103) - Anthony 29, Witherspoon 25, Taulava 14, Yeo 11, Ramos 9, Poligrates 7, Cardona 4, Borboran 2, Villanueva 2, Burtscher 0, Camson 0.
San Mig (100) - Mays 27, Barroca 11, Simon 11, Devance 10, Sangalang 10, Melton 8, Pingris 7, Mallari 7, Reavis 6, Yap 3, De Ocampo 0.
Quarter scores: 23-24, 48-51, 66-74 103-100.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56741-air21-continues-rolling-san-mig)
Post Merge: May 01, 2014, 09:54:13 AM
Talk 'N Text stays unbeaten, builds 2-0 series lead over Rain or Shine (04/30/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The magic number, for now, is 12.
The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters have extended their win streak to 12 and in the process erected a daunting 2-0 series lead in their best-of-5 semifinals against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday, April 30 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Texters came through in the final frame to emerge victorious, 94-87.
There were many heroes for Talk 'N Text but veteran point guard Jimmy Alapag was crucial to their win.
Alapag scattered 14 points, including another one of his impressive fastbreak pull-up triples, 73-69, early in the fourth, to fuel the Texters' endgame momentum.
"In the end I think it was Jimmy Alapag who made the big plays for us again down the stretch," said TNT head coach Norman Black.
Both teams had to adjust to playing without their imports.
Talk 'N Text import Richard Howell was saddled with foul trouble, eventually committing his 6th foul with 4:09 left in the contest. He wound up with 12 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes on the court.
On the other hand, Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism played for only 14 minutes as he was taken out of the game midway in the second after spraining his MCL in his left knee in a rebound play. He still managed to shoot his free throws, though struggling, and finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds.
The Painters also missed Jervy Cruz for this game as he suffered from a strained medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee.
Ranidel de Ocampo scored a game-high 20 points, including a perfect 8-of-8 from the stripe, to go with 7 boards and a steal. While Jayson Castro was close behind his teammate with 19 points.
Castro managed to eke out that many points despite going 1-of-10 from the field by pounding through to the lane all game long and scoring most of his points from the free throw line, going 14-of-18. He also had one triple that was made during the Texters' momentum grabbing 29-point fourth quarter output.
A Beau Belga (16 points, 12 rebounds) triple with 3:34 left shoved Rain or Shine to within 87-84, in prime position to launch a last ditch fight back.
But De Ocampo quickly closed that door on Rain or Shine with a bucket shortly after to make it 89-84.
Gabe Norwood had a chance to cut the deficit to 3 once again in the final 30 seconds as he jumped high above the ring to catch a lob pass from Paul Lee on the inbound, but his lay-in bounced off the rim to his dismay, effectively shutting the door on the Painters as the Texters scored two freebies with 9.3 seconds left to notch the final score.
"We gutted it out, we won the game, that's what's important. We will try to finish this on Friday," Black said.
The Painters are on the brink of bowing out of the conference even as 6 of their players were in double digits.
Ryan Araña scored 14 markers while rookie Raymond Almazan stepped up in the absence of Chism with 12 points and 16 rebounds, even as he himself fouled out towards the end.
TY Tang came up with 10 points in the last 24 minutes on two-of-4 triples.
Black also addressed any pressure the team may be feeling due to their still undefeated conference and moving one win away from another finals appearance.
"We haven't really talked about the streak. It hasn't come up, I haven't mentioned it. The players haven't mentioned it, we've never discussed it. We're just taking it one game at a time. I don't think we're concerned about that right now."
Talk 'N Text's last Finals appearance was during the 2013 All-Filipino Cup where they completed their hat-trick of that conference. On Friday, May 2, they look to finish off the Painters and make a return trip to the finals.
"There's always pressure, whether it's a winning streak or a losing streak," Black noted. "Coaching in the PBA is a pressure job. It's just part of it."
Scores
TALK N' TEXT (94:) De Ocampo 20, Castro 19, Williams 14, Alapag 14, Howell 12, Fonacier 7, Carey 4, Seigle 2, Canaleta 2, Aban 0, Reyes Jai 0, Reyes Ryan 0, Baclao 0.
RAIN OR SHINE (87):Belga 16, Arana 14, Almazan 12, Chism 10, Tang 10, Lee 10, Norwood 5, Rodriguez 4, Chan 2, Nuyles 2, Ibanes 2.
Quarter scores: 21-17, 43-38, 65-64, 94-87.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56858-talkntext-wins)
Post Merge: May 01, 2014, 09:58:33 AM
Cariaso's focus remains with San Mig for now
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will be given another chance to turn over a new leaf as they aim to arrest a 6-year title drought with the appointment of Jeffrey Cariaso as new head coach.
But he won't be turning his attention to a reeling Ginebra just yet.
Cariaso, 41, is an assistant coach for the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, who is still in the thick of its semifinals series against the Air21 Express in the 2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
"I'm here [with San Mig] until we're done," Cariaso said firmly. "I'll be here."
The former Alaska guard and an understudy to multi-titled coach Tim Cone had a timely taste of what it was like to man the sidelines in San Mig's Tuesday night Game 1 loss to Air21.
Cariaso took over for Cone who got ejected with 1:17 minutes left in the game after incurring two technical fouls.
San Mig rallied from 93-87 and inched to within 100-103 with 3.9 ticks left as import James Mays scored the Mixers' final 13 points.
That short 1 minute and 17 seconds of experience was like a test run for Cariaso and it proved to be valuable for him in preparation for the new head coaching job.
"It felt like it a little bit with recent events. Nagkataon na (It just so happened) you get an opportunity," Cariaso said.
"Yeah, I look at it like that [as an internship]. It was a good experience, good test a little bit. Something to look forward to."
Interestingly, Cariaso also coached a scrimmage between Ginebra and San Mig Coffee prior to the start of the Commissioner's Cup, with Cone and key San Mig players taking a breather from the Philippine Cup at the time. San Mig lost that tune-up game to Ginebra.
Product of San Mig's success
Before the rumors of Cariaso's new head coaching job were confirmed, Cone already expressed his support for his assistant coach.
Seeing Cariaso fly from under his wing, according to Cone, is a reflection of the team's success.
"I'm extremely happy for Jeff. This is what you do as head coaches, you try and groom your assistants to be head coaches," remarked the 16-time champion coach.
"And every time that happens, it's a great reflection on what you do and what the organization does. From a San Mig Coffee point of view we're really happy. It's a reflection on us and our success that he's getting an opportunity."
Though Cone did admit that he wasn't too keen on losing his "chemistry guy" in the middle of the playoffs.
"He is very, very key to what we do. He's our chemistry guy. He builds our chemistry," Cone described what Cariaso does for San Mig and what type of coach he could be.
"If I have to say one single guy that's responsible for the chemistry we have on our team, it's Jeffrey. So when we lose him, there's going to be a void. That's for sure."
But when it is time for Cariaso to move on and handle a new team, Cone said he'll still be happy for his assistant, like he is with others before Cariaso such as Luigi Trillo. And as happy as he is for Cariaso, he's even happier to be going up against him in the future.
"I'll cheer him from the sidelines but, basically, now we're rivals."
San Mig Coffee distracted?
After leading for most of Game 1 of the semis, the Mixers caved in the face of Air21's stingy defense in the fourth period. San Mig Coffee's own defense couldn't contain the Express' sheer desire to score, allowing them 37 points.
Since the 103-100 loss came on the same day news broke that Cariaso would be parting with the Mixers, and with rumors swirling about it already in the last week, it's not improbable that San Mig may be getting distracted.
Cariaso admitted the team hasn't addressed him leaving yet.
"I hope not. The last couple of days or since it started coming out, we've never talked about it. We've never discussed it as a team.
"But obviously they read it on Twitter, so they hear it. So maybe it wasn't our normal week of preparation. But I think there's more reasons beyond that that we can fix."
With the PBA Governors' Cup only weeks away, Ginebra is set to resume practice to try and bounce back from their lackluster Commissioner's Cup performance.
Cariaso admitted "that's gonna be kind of tricky at practice" but says he'll take it one at a time.
"Right now I'm here at San Mig, we're gonna finish this conference, we're gunning for a third straight championship. Then I'll focus on my next job."
Cariaso played for 15 seasons in the PBA before retiring in 2010. He was drafted 6th overall in 1995 by the Alaska Milkmen and became the Rookie of the Year for that season. He was also a vital part of the 1996 Grand Slam team of Alaska.
Cariaso played for Alaska, the Mobiline Phone Pals (now Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters), the Tanduay Rhum Masters, and the Coca-Cola Tigers.
His number 22 jersey was retired by the Alaska Aces and Coca-Cola.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56802-cariaso-focus-remains-san-mig)
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The 'uninvited guest' in PBA playoffs, Air21 seeks to ruin San Mig party in Game Two
COACH Franz Pumaren hopes Air21’s “team-first” mentality will continue to work wonders as the biggest revelation of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs shoots for a commanding 2-0 lead against San Mig Super Coffee on Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game Two of the best-of-five semifinals series is set at 8 p.m.
The Express refused to roll over and die even after trailing the Mixers by 10 points, relying on the game-long brilliance of Sean Anthony and the timely snipings of veteran Asi Taulava and import Wesley Witherspoon to steal the series opener on Tuesday night, 103-100.
“The beauty right now of what’s happening is that everybody is staying the course. Everybody is setting aside their egos and everybody’s concerned right now with playing,” said Pumaren, who has steered the team to its first-ever semifinal appearance since joining the league as Shopinas in the 2011-12 season.
Pumaren calls the Express the “uninvited guests” in the semis, though they intend to seize the moment.
“We’re just here to seize the moment playing in the semis. In fact, we’re the uninvited guests in the semis right now,” he added. “But this (1-0 lead) is just temporary, we still need two wins. This is just a small step in this series.”
San Mig lost coach Tim Cone during the final 1:17 of Game One after being tossed out for incurring two straight technical fouls.
Assistant coach Jeffrey Cariaso, set to take over Barangay Ginebra soon, called the shots in lieu of Cone.
Cariaso cited the team’s high field goal shooting of 56 percent doesn’t necessarily translate to a victory every time.
“The No. 1 thing, usually when you shoot that well, you win. But the fact that even if you shoot well, it also showed we didn’t play defense,” Cariaso said.
Air21 outscored San Mig, 37-26, in the final period with Anthony and Witherspoon combining for 25 points as both waxed hot from the perimeter.
The soft-spoken Cariaso, a former 10-time All-Star, admitted Air21 is playing relaxed and with less pressure at this point, though the hunger factor is one of the biggest reasons for the team’s playoff resurgence.
“We have to come out and play. You face an Air21 team that’s hungry, confident, and very eager and excited,” he said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/the-uninvited-guest-in-pba-playoffs-air21-seeks-to-ruin-san-mig-party-in-game-two)
Post Merge: May 02, 2014, 04:31:11 PM
San Mig subdues Air21's winning run to tie semis series (05/01/14)
MANILA, Philippines - This time, there was no locker room celebration in the middle of the semis. This time, the fairy tale run hit a speed bump. This time, the giants won.
The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers put a stop to the thrilling run of the Air21 Express in the playoffs with an 82-75 rout to even their best-of-5 semifinals series at 1-1 in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup on Thursday, May 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
This game meant two things for the Mixers. First, it meant returning to their roots and their greatest strength: defense.
"I just felt we got back to our identity tonight," remarked SMC head coach Tim Cone.
"First and foremost we're a defensive team. We gave up 100 points in the first game and that just wasn't our character."
In Game 1 of the series, the Mixers, indeed, allowed Air21 103 points, including a 37-point outburst that did them in for the final period.
But in this game, San Mig managed to shackle the Express to just 21 points and below for every quarter. Their defense was on full display most especially in the second canto as Air21 could only muster 14 points. At which point the Mixers started pulling away and notched 16-point and 18-point bubbles (62-45 and 66-48) in the third frame, including a 70-55 advantage heading into the fourth, that Air21 couldn't pop.
"Really good defensive game on our part. We took care of the ball better," Cone said.
Second, this game meant dealing Air21's spirits a prick that could spell the difference between them advancing and continuing on with their inspiring run, or retreating and turning that prick into a much deeper wound.
"One game doesn't make momentum. I'm a big believer of that," Cone said, noting the 3-game win streak that the 7th seed Air21 was able to string together as they went through the second seed twice-to-beat San Miguel Beermen in the quarters, and snatched a Game 1 semis victory over Cone and his team.
"Maybe after two or 3 in a row you start to develop momentum. Right now all we did was stop their momentum."
"They're a confident team at this point and they believe in themselves and they're not gonna back down from a lead," Cone commended the relentless Express.
"Teams who believe in themselves don't worry about falling behind. They stay with it and keep going and Air21 did a good job at that tonight."
Despite the final score, however, no way was Game 2 easy pickings for the Mixers.
Up until the very end the Express just would not stay down, even as San Mig Coffee buried Air21 into seemingly insurmountable double-digit pits, they still found ways to come back and jeopardize the game for San Mig.
The Express accelerated with a sterling 13-0 run midway in the fourth, which was capped off by a Sean Anthony (8 points, 4 rebounds) bucket to slice the deficit to 77-70 with 6:55 to play.
But Mark Barroca (6 points) broke the Mixers' scoring silence with two freebies on the other end for a 79-70 spread, pulling the Mixers to safety.
James Mays played a well-balanced game despite foul trouble with 25 points and 23 rebounds along with 5 dimes, a steal and a block.
San Mig's starters also had a much needed boost from their second group led by rookie Justin Melton, who scattered 12 points and hitting his long range bombs without fail at 3-of-3.
PJ Simon and Joe Devance also added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Asi Taulava still showed no signs of slowing down as he tried to fire up his teammates in the second half with a massive dunk attempt and a completed jam towards the end. He finished with 21 points and 18 rebounds as he clocked in another long night at 39 minutes.
Mark Cardona, who committed a crucial turnover within the final minute as he failed to catch a pass to him at the corner, figured in 20 points in a losing cause.
The pivotal Game 3 between Air21 and San Mig Coffee will be played on Saturday, May 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scores
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE (82): Mays 25, Simon 13, Melton 12, Devance 10, Pingris 6, Barroca 6, Yap 5, Sangalang 4, Reavis 1, Mallari 0.
AIR 21 (75): Taulava 21, Cardona 20, Yeo 9, Witherspoon 8, Anthony 8, Borboran 3, Villanueva 2, Ramos 2, Burtscher 2, Poligrates 0, Camson 0.
Quarter scores: 25-20, 50-34, 70-55, 82-75.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/56954-san-mig-coffee-evens-series)
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Tropang Texters hold on late to beat ROS, book ticket to Finals (05/02/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters won their 13th straight game, beating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-91, to sweep their adversaries 3-0 in the semifinals and advance to the Finals of the PBA Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup on Friday evening, May 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Led by import Richard Howell, who had 26 points, and locals Ranidel de Ocampo and Ryan Reyes, who scored 15 each, the Tropang Texters led from start to finish and managed to hold off the late rally by Rain or Shine, which was spearheaded by Wayne Chism’s 31 markers, in spite of being hobbled by an injured leg.
“It was an extremely hard fought game,” said Talk ‘N Text head coach Norman Black after the game. “I thought both teams played very well. I’d like to give Chism a lot of credit for coming out to play tonight, despite the injury.”
Heading into the final quarter, Howell and company had a comfortable 80-64 lead, although they were not out of the woods. Thanks to Rain or Shine’s 11-2 spurt to start the fourth period, Coach Black was forced to re-enter his starting unit with the lead shortened to seven.
Towards the end of the game, a crafty lay-in by Chism got his team to within six, 91-97. However, Rain or Shine, which made just two three-pointers the entire game, failed to get a stop after as a 15-foot jumper by Kelly Williams made the contest a three-possession game with under a minute remaining.
“I must say that Rain or Shine really tested our defense,” admitted Black after the game, though his club is 13-0 in the Commissioner’s Cup. They now await the winner of the San Mig Cofee vs. Air 21 semifinal series, which is currently tied at 1-1.
“The ultimate goal is at hand, which is to win the championship,” added the head coach.
“Like the players were saying in the locker room, ‘three more to go.’”
The Tropang Texters didn’t waste time getting down to business. Spearheaded by two early three-pointers from Reyes, the Norman Black-coached club raced off to a 10-2 lead against Rain or Shine, which had Jeric Teng inserted in the starting line-up.
With Chism coming off the bench, rookie big man Raymond Almazan shouldered the scoring load for the Painters to start the contest, putting up six early markers on the scoreboard to help trim TNT’s lead, 14-8. Moments later, a couple of turnovers forced by Gabe Norwood helped ROS get within five, but timely baskets form Jayson Castro and a buzzer-beating three by Williams gave their team a 30-17 advantage after 12 minutes of play.
The second period commenced likewise to its predecessor, with Talk ‘N Text being the first time to gain an upper hand. Thanks to a pair of long-range bombs from Castro, the Yeng Guiao-led team found themselves facing a 16-point deficit, 40-24.
The never-say-die Elasto Painters clawed their way back to the contest on the shoulders of Chism and Norwood, both of whom created havoc on defense with steals and were able to knock in their free throws.
After a pair of charities by the latter, the Tropang Texters’ lead slimmed to six, 47-41, towards the end of the canto. However, a momentum-killing foul on a Jimmy Alapag three-point attempt and another buzzer-beating three – this time by de Ocampo – put Talk ‘N Text ahead by 10, 55-45, at halftime.
In need of a jolt of energy, Coach Guiao turned to freshman Alex Nuyles in hopes of energizing his club to start the third quarter.
Early in the period, a zooming Norwood forayed to the basket and managed to complete an and-one slam over two TNT defenders. Not long after, a pair of charities from Chism got his squad within eight.
Though the Elasto Painters time and time again lessened their opponents’ advantage to single-digits, the unbeaten Tropang Texters had a response every single time, whether it was a Fonacier or Canaleta three-pointer, or an easy lay-up for Howell thanks to the team’s fantastic ball-movement.
ROS, on the other hand, relied on the prowess of Chism, who managed to take advantage of the Tropang Texters’ vulnerable interior defense. However, the injured import failed to get aid from his local teammates, outside of Norwood.
Paul Lee, who played only six minutes due to an injury, was held scoreless and did not return to the game after the first quarter.
Scores
Talk ‘N Text: Howell 26, De Ocampo 25, Reyes 15, Castro 10, Fonacier 10, Williams 7, Seigle 6, Canaleta 6, Alapag 3, Carey 1
Rain or Shine: Chism 31, Almazan 13, Norwood 12, Chan 11, Rodriguez 9, Uyloan 5, Tang 5, Nuyles 2, Teng 2, Belga 1, Arana 0, Lee 0
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/57077-lucky-13-tropang-texters-beat-ros-ticket-finals)
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Ano na kaya ang mga team standings sa PBA?
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Ano na kaya ang mga team standings sa PBA?
eto po updates sir jamesbond
2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup Semifinals
(1) Talk n Text Tropang Texters vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4)
Game 1: Talk 'n Text 91, Rain or Shine 85
Game 2: Talk 'n Text 94, Rain or Shine 87
Game 3: Talk 'n Text 99, Rain or Shine 91
Talk n Text Tropang Texters wins series 3-0
(6) San Mig Coffee Mixers vs. Air 21 Express (7)
Game 1: Air21 103, San Mig Coffee 100
Game 2: San Mig Coffee 82, Air21 75
Game 3: Saturday, May 3 - Smart-Araneta Coliseum - 5:00 p.m., Live on TV5
Series tied at 1-1
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Wow ang bilis naman ng updstes mo sir zurca... Salamt ng narami... So i guess TNT na ito... Laging angat sa laban...
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yep, tnt sa finals pero i'm rooting for san mig coffee para sa grand slam ni coach tim cone lol
Post Merge: May 04, 2014, 08:36:55 AM
Mays’ monster rebounding propels San Mig Coffee past Air21 (05/03/14)
MANILA, Philippines – After relinquishing a double-digit lead in the third quarter, the San Mig Coffee Mixers dominated Air21 Express on the glass and forced their foes to consecutive turnovers in the fourth period to win Game 3, 84-73 on Saturday, May 3.
With the victory, San Mig Coffee took a 2-1 series lead in their semifinal playoff at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
All throughout the game, the Express, playing without injured Sean Anthony, were dominated in the rebounding department by the Mixers, 54-26, led by import James Mays.
Mays scored 15 points and grabbed 32 rebounds. Leading the team in scoring were locals PJ Simon and Marc Barroca, who combined to score 35.
“Anthony really changes the game for them. He’s been playing very well,” San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone said after the game.
He added: “He keys their defense, he keys their hustle on the boards, and he’s a threat offensive. He’s really a major player for them, so that put more pressure on the import, and we were able to take advantage of that.”
The Express were spearheaded by Asi Taulava, who contributed 21 points and 8 rebounds. Import Wesley Witherspoon, meanwhile, had 19 markers but shot only 3-of-9 from 3-point range.
In the fourth quarter, the Mixers started to pound the glass ferociously, taking advantage of the Express’ weak rebounding while forcing steals and getting easy layups. A Barroca 3-ball raised San Mig Coffee’s lead to 9, while a series of fastbreak buckets from Melton and Simon made the count 78-65 in favor of the Mixers.
With a little over two minutes left, a struggling Pingris streamed through a wide open sideline to throw down a massive slam, putting SMC on top, 82-68, and providing the dagger to end the ballgame.
The Mixers are now one more win away from reaching the Finals of the PBA Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup, where they would face Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters. Cone, though, is not yet concentrating on a possible date with the Norman Black-coached club.
“We’re taking it one game at a time. It’s a cliché and everyone says it, but everyone says it because it’s true.”
Furthermore, Cone, who owns the record for most championships won by a head coach in the PBA, said some of his guys are still not 100% – particularly Marc Pingris, who scored only 7 points in 30 minutes of action.
“There’s no doubt that right now Pingris is playing on fumes. Anything we can get from guys coming off the bench – Ian, we’re hoping to get more from Ian – but that really helps us out.”
With Simon and Witherspoon each recording 5 early points, both clubs raced off to quick starts, knotting up at 9-9. Moments later, a triple by Simon started a 13-4 run for the Mixers, which featured a couple of consecutive blocks from Mays to spark SMC’s defense, giving them a 22-13 advantage.
Taulava, meanwhile, struggled against the defense of the San Mig Coffee import and settled for a couple of mid-range jumpers to start the game.
After 12 minutes of action, San Mig Coffee led by 9, 24-15, as Simon led the way with 10 points.
The Express trimmed SMC’s lead and got within 3, thanks to a pair of jumpers by stretch forward Aldrech Ramos, 28-25, a few minutes into the second canto.
Cone, sensing his team was in need of a spark, quickly reinserted Joe Devance, who converted on an and-one play to put the Mixers back up 6 and stop Air 21’s rally.
In the next few minutes, the contest started to get chippy, as both Air 21 and SMC made consecutive trips to the free throw line with the game getting more physical.
Mays dominated the Franz Pumaren-coached squad on the glass for second-chance points, scoring 9 of his 15 markers in the second quarter.
Eliud Poligrates managed to hit a right-corner 3-ball just before intermission, but SMC still had a 9-point advantage, 49-40, after 24 minutes of playing time.
The third quarter started with a more aggressive Taulava attacking the rim, converting on a lay-up and earning a trip to the charity stripe. However, great defense from San Mig Coffee led to a couple of Air 21 turnovers, giving the Mixers a 58-45 lead.
With 8:25 left, things got heated as Pingris was assessed a technical foul for shoving (second motion) Witherspoon, sparking a 14-3 Express run, 61-59, capped off by a couple of free throws by Taulava. However, a 3-ball by Mark Barroca ended Air 21’s surge late in the third period, giving the Mixers a 64-59 threshold heading into the deciding quarter.
Though the Express shot 44.1% from the field, its main perimeter guys, Joseph Yeo and Mark Cardona, scored only a combined 10 points thanks to San Mig Coffee’s hardnosed defense.
“We think stops instead of makes,” added Coach Cone.
Game notes: the Mixers shot only 39.5% from the field; both clubs had 15 turnovers each; SMC attempted 21 free throws to Air 21’s 11 in the first half, and wound up with 27 total for the game; Mays had 19 offensive rebounds – the second most by an import in PBA history.
Scores:
San Mig Coffee: Simon 18, Barroca 17, Mays 15, Devance 9, Pingris 7, Melton 6, Yap 6, Reavis 4, Sangalang 2, De Ocampo 0, Gaco 0, Mallari 0
Air 21: Taulava 21, Witherspoon 19, Ramos 10, Yeo 5, Burtscher 5, Cardona 4, Borboran 3, Poligrates 3, Villanueva 2, Jaime 0, Menor 0, Atkins 0
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/57140-san-mig-coffee-win-air-21)
Post Merge: May 05, 2014, 10:19:33 AM
Talk 'N Text bringing in NBA D-League co-MVP Othyus Jeffers for Governors Cup
WHILE awaiting its finals opponent in the Commissioner's Cup, Talk 'N Text has laid the groundworks for its Governors Cup campaign by tapping 2014 NBA D-League co-MVP Othyus Jeffers.
Jeffers, an NBA veteran who played for the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, the Washington Wizards and lately, the Minnesota Timberwolves in a total of 37 games, was described as an “all-around player” by Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black.
“He’s a good all-around player. He does everything. He was just named co-MVP of the NBA D-League,” Black said in briefly describing the 28-year-old former standout out of Robert Morris University.
The Tropang Texters' current reinforcement, Richard Howell, is the top candidate for the Best Import award.
Listed at 6-5, Jeffers, who owns NBA averages of 3.8 points, 1.6 rebounds and 11.9 minutes, is expected to bring in his defensive skills to a Tropang Texters squad that has yet to lose a game in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The Chicago, Illinois, native has been named to the NBA D-League All-Defensive team twice (2011 and 2014) and is a three-time D-League All-Star as well.
The 210-pound Jeffers played in 44 of the Iowa Energy’s 50 regular season games before earning a call-up to the Timberwolves early last April.
The wide-bodied Jeffers averaged a team-high 20.9 points, eighth-best in the NBA D-League, along with 9.9 rebounds and 2.2 steals. He led Iowa in scoring 20 times and was the team’s top rebounder in 20 games.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/talk-n-text-bringing-in-nba-d-league-co-mvp-othyus-jeffers-for-governors-cup)
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Witherspoon’s hot-shooting night helps Air21 force Game 5 (05/05/14)
Manila, Philippines – Import Wesley Witherspoon knocked down 8 three-pointers and Air21 as a whole converted 15 – a franchise-record – as the Express outlasted the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 94-91, on Monday, May 5, to force a do-or-die Game 5 on Wednesday with a trip to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Home TVolution Finals on the line.
Witherspoon, who totalled 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals in the contest, was helped out by locals Joseph Yeo, Asi Taulava, and Mark Cardona, who contributed 13, 12, and 11 markers, respectively.
The Mixers, on the other hand, got 26 points from PJ Simon and 22 from James Yap, while their import, James Mays, had 14 markers to go with 21 rebounds. Marc Pingris, meanwhile, had another troublesome night, putting up just 6 points and 6 boards.
“Probably they were looking forward to playing in the Finals,” Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren said about SMC after his team’s Game 4 victory. He also added that prior to tonight’s matchup, his team had no plans of taking an early vacation.
“They didn’t wanna end the conference today.”
After Simon converted on a lay-up off an Express turnover to make the count 66-61 in the third canto, Air21 generated 5 straight markers to enter the final quarter with a 10-point breathing room, capped off by Simon Atkins’ three-point bomb.
In the final period, Mark Cardona discharged 9 quick points in the first 6 minutes to help extend his club’s edge.
After Witherspoon’s eighth 3-ball and a three-point play by Atkins put the Express ahead, 90-73, with a little under 5 minutes to go, 6 quick points by the Mixers kept them within striking distance. However, consecutive field goals from Cardona and Yeo helped their team regain their 17-point advantage, which kept them in control the rest of the way.
“That’s why we’re in the semis,” mentioned Pumaren. “There’s a certain approach in every game. But during the last two games, it vanished.”
Though the final score had the Express winning by just three, the game was pretty much decided with two minutes remaining. Nevertheless, the Mixers were able to go on a last hurrah, and were able to get within just three after a Yap triple sinked in with 1.7 seconds to go in the game.
The Express were more physical to start Game 4 than they were in Game 3 by not allowing SMC’s bigs to grab easy offensive boards for put-back buckets.
Air21 surprised the Mixers’ offense by utilizing a full-court press on almost every SMC possession in the first half, which isn’t shocking for a Franz Pumaren-coached squad.
Thanks to a couple of treys from Witherspoon and Jonas Villanueva and a steal and acrobatic lay-up by Yeo, Air 21 raced off to an early threshold, going on top 16-7, while proving to be the more desperate team in the initial moments of the contest.
With his squad in need of a spark, Tim Cone turned to rookie Ian Sangalang, whom he requested to provide more firepower after Game 3.
However, the freshman struggled, going 1-of-3 from the field in the early goings, as the Express raced off to a 26-14 advantage after 12 minutes of play.
A three-point play from Sangalang and floater from Mark Barroca kick-started a potential run for San Mig Coffee in the opening moments of the second quarter.
But it didn’t take long for Witherspoon to respond with another couple of 3-balls, followed by some post-shot celebrations that drew irk from the SMC supporters at the Big Dome.
“Well, yesterday’s practice, we just did some soul-searching. Like what I was trying to tell the players, ‘We just have to enjoy this game, spread the floor, and if you’re open, don’t hesitate,’” added Pumaren when inquired on how his team was able to knock down so many threes.
The Mixers, which were struggling to get to their offensive sets thanks to Air21’s press and 2-3 zone, managed to attain some rhythm eventually thanks to a tandem of jumpers from James Yap, who got his squad within five, 38-33, with 2:30 to go in the second canto.
However, an easy lay-in for Taulava and another triple for Witherspoon, who had five in the first half, kept SMC at bay.
At halftime, the Express were on top, 48-39 – courtesy of a Yeo three moments before the end of the second period – and 24 minutes away from forcing Game 5.
Witherspoon continued his barrage of threes early in the third period, making two to bring his total up to seven at that point. However, the pesky Mixers would not go away, and were able to unfurl an 8-0 rally that was eventually halted by a Mark Borboran bunny at the rim.
Scores:
Air21 (94): Witherspoon 32, Yeo 13, Taulava 12, Cardona 11, Borboran 8, Ramos 7, Atkins 6, Villanueva 3, Burtscher 2
San Mig Coffee (91): Simon 26, Yap 22, Mays 14, Sangalang 9, Pingris 6, Barroca 6, Devance 4, Melton 4, Mallari 0, Reavis 0
Quarter Scoring: 26-14, 48-39, 71-61, 94-91
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/57288-witherspoon-hot-shooting-air21-force-game-5)
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San Mig Coffee books trip to finals with blowout of Air21 (05/07/14)
Manila, Philippines – Prior to Game 5 of San Mig Coffee and Air21’s PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series, players of the Express talked about how no one expected them to be in the situation they were in, one win away from a PBA Finals appearance.
It was like they had nothing to lose.
However, after SMC put on a clinic by dominating Air 21, 99-83, on Wednesday, May 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Franz Pumaren-coached club got a first hand view of what it takes to be a championship-caliber team.
James Mays had 24 points and 17 rebounds, while locals PJ Simon and James Yap contributed 18 and 15 respectively to lead their club to victory in Game 5, booking a date with the unbeaten Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the conference finals.
“That teams looks unbeatable,” said SMC head coach Tim Cone about Talk ‘N Text after the game. “We’re going to have to try to figure out a way. Right now, they’re the Crispa of the PBA right now.”
Game 1 of the Finals is on Friday, May 9, 8:00 pm at the Big Dome.
Air21 was spearheaded by Wesley Witherspoon, who had 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Asi Taulava had 20 and 12, while Mark Cardona submitted 13 off the bench.
Not long after the Express took an 11-9 advantage following a free throw by Simon Atkins, the Mixers proceeded to go on an 8-2 rally led by the combined efforts of Mays, Yap, and Mark Barroca, who each took turns in putting points on the scoreboard.
After Simon subbed into the game, it didn’t take long for him to make an impact, knocking down a 3-ball which was followed by a Marc Pingris free throw to give the Mixers a 21-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. Furthermore, Witherspoon, who hit eight threes in Game 4, was 0-for-3 from downtown after 12 minutes of play.
“Certainly, our guys came to play,” added Cone after the contest. “It was a total team effort. And it was just one of those nights when we were hot. We were hitting shots, we were defending on a high level, we got great play from Alex (Mallari) off the bench.”
Just like he has for many times this conference, Taulava played liked a 10-years-younger version of himself in the second period, grabbing a number of offensive rebounds for putbacks and easy bunnies at the rim to keep the Franz Pumaren-coached team within striking distance.
However, the Mixers had an answer for every Express bucket and led, 35-22, after Yap’s third triple. A few possessions later, SMC began to pull away, increasing its threshold to 16, 41-25, courtesy of two Pingris charities.
“The bottom line is, this is what happens when you play zone all the time – teams figure it out,” Cone said of the Express’ defense.
Thanks to Mays, Simon, and Yap’s combined 35 points, San Mig Coffee led Air21, 50-33, at halftime, while limiting Witherspoon to only seven markers after 24 minutes of gametime.
“A lot of people thought we wound run right over them. We knew we wouldn’t be able to do that,” Cone also mentioned about the Express, which played Games 2-5 without the injured Sean Anthony.
Taulava tried his best to give his club a puncher’s chance in the third canto, but the lack of support from the rest of his teammates caved Air21 in, as San Mig Coffee extended their advantage to 22, 73-51, with 3:30 left in the period thanks to five quick markers from Joe Devance.
Heading into the final quarter, the Mixers were comfortably on top, 81-58.
Witherspoon managed to find his stroke early in the fourth quarter by nailing two threes in the first few minutes. However, his efforts were too late, as the championship-tested, Tim Cone-coached club made sure to not relinquish their lead.
Scores:
San Mig Coffee (99): Mays 24, Simon 18, Yap 15, Barroca 11, Mallari 10, Devance 7, Pingris 7, Reavis 5, Melton 2, Gaco 0, Sangalang 0, Cawaling 0, Holstein 0
Air21(83): Witherspoon 21, Taulava 20, Cardona 13, Yeo 10, Borboran 7, Camson 6, Ramos 3, Villanueva 2, Atkins 1, Poligrates 0, Burtscher 0
Quarter Scoring: 21-13, 50-33, 81-58, 99-83
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/57499-san-mig-coffee-finals-blowout-air21)
Post Merge: May 08, 2014, 04:10:02 PM
2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals Schedule
San Mig Coffee Mixers vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters
Game 1: Friday, May 9 8:00 PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 2: Sunday, May 11 5:00 PM Cuneta Astrodome
Game 3: Tuesday, May 13 8:00 PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 4: Sunday, May 15 (If necessary) 8:00 PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Game 5: Tuesday, May 18 (If necessary) 5:00 PM Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Post Merge: May 10, 2014, 03:57:53 PM
San Mig Coffee busts Talk 'N Text's streak to win Game 1 (05/09/14)
MANILA, Philippines – The San Mig Coffee Mixers entered Game 1 of their PBA PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against Talk ‘N Text with a lot of confidence, despite knowing that their opponents were 13-0 entering tonight’s contest.
However, by the end of the game, it seems like the sixth seed in this duel is the team to beat in this series.
PJ Simon had 16 points, James Yap had 17, Mark Barroca had 12, and the Mixers forced the Tropang Texters to 12 turnovers in the second half to halt Talk ‘N Text’s winning streak at 13 and take Game 1 of their best-of-five championship series with a 95-80 victory on Friday night, May 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“They deserve this victory. They came out and played with defensive intensity. They forced us into a lot of turnovers, which was a little uncharacteristic for us, but it happened tonight,” stated Talk ‘N Text head coach Norman Black following his team’s walloping loss.
James Mays had 10 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals for SMC, while Richard Howell was limited to just 11 markers and 13 boards for the Tropang Texters, which were spearheaded by Jayson Castro (17 points), Ryan Reyes (13 points), and Kelly Williams (12 points).
“The two fouls on Howell took away his aggressiveness in the start,” mentioned Black, talking about why he felt his import wasn’t as effective as he usually is. “But he really committed the first foul. I always tell him he has to stay out of foul trouble.”
The Mixers totaled 45 rebounds, 21 assists, and 11 steals for the night, while doing a fantastic job of disrupting their opponents’ offensive sets, which had previously worked to perfection in the past few weeks.
“I think a couple of things happened tonight: one, we carried over momentum from the last game… and then, they obviously weren’t sharp tonight. They made uncharacteristic turnovers,” said Mixers head coach Tim Cone after the game.
He added to his statement, talking about how he felt like tonight’s version of the Tropang Texters won’t be the same one that shows up for Game 2.
“We know we didn’t see the real Talk ‘N Text tonight. We know we’re going to see them on Sunday.
“I don’t want to lessen our effort, our energy, and our energy, but truly, they weren’t the same tonight. It was less us beating them than them beating themselves tonight.”
A quick 6-1 run by San Mig Coffee gave them the early momentum in the third period, and a nine-point lead, 50-41. Moments later, a tandem of visits to the free throw line from Simon and Barroca and an Ian Sangalang floater extended their team’s lead to 15, 62-47.
SMC continued to pressure Talk ‘N Text’s pick-and-roll offense and managed to thieve a number of steals near halfcourt, leading to easy bunnies at the rim. By the end of the third canto, the Mixers had taken all the momentum of the game, 70-57, and were 12 minutes away from putting a stop to the Tropang Texers’ winning streak.
Both clubs got off to a quick and even start, as three different SMC players converted field goals while two triples from Ryan Reyes trickled in to tie the game at six-all.
Over the next few minutes, defense remained the theme of the first period, with both teams failing to put many points on the scoreboard.
The Tim Cone-coached squad did a good job of denying the Tropang Texters’ pick-and-roll plays from the get-go, forcing them to jack-up shots from three-point range instead while shattering TNT’s off-ball movement and route-running.
However, they also weren’t able to take advantage due to the Norman Black-coached squad’s ability to get to the free-throw line, as their opponents went 5-of-6 from the charity stripe in the first quarter.
After 12 minutes of action, both clubs were deadlocked at 17.
In the second quarter, the Mixers were able to build a three-point advantage thanks to a Melton step-back jumper in the early goings. Afterwards, a flagrant foul was assessed to Ranidel De Ocampo, which forced the Best Player of the Conference candidate to take a seat.
Tempers continued to flare as SMC head coach Tim Cone was given a technical foul for complaining to the referees for a blocking foul called on Barroca which he felt was wrongly-assessed.
Later on, with the contest knotted up at 38, Jimmy Alapag was called for a flagrant foul for a play he made on Barroca, much to the dismay of TNT fans at the Big Dome. As the game turned more physical and rugged, the Mixers were forced into committing more turnovers (11), but the Tropang Texters continued to struggle from the field (43.3%).
At halftime, SMC had a four-point lead, 44-40, thanks to a late put-back by Mays.
“Again, sometimes you get that second wind because, when you’re doing something, and it’s going well for you, even if you’re tired you get that second wind,” added Cone after the contest. “Now we have to find that third, and fourth, and fifth wind.”
With a little over six minutes to go in the game, a pair of jumpers from Joe Devance muffled the Tropang Texers’ defense to give his club a 17-point margin, 68-51. TNT answered back with four quick points, but another defensive stop by Barocca led to a rim-shattering dunk from Mays, which turned out to be the dagger of the contest.
“The team I’m coaching right now, they’re into winning,” uttered Tim Cone, before talking about how dedicated his club is to the task at hand.
“We got one game in the series, and we’re trying to win a championship.”
Black, on the other hand, is expecting more from his guys: “We need more fight, more intensity, and more energy for next game.”
Game 2 is on Sunday, 5:00PM, at the Big Dome.
Scores
San Mig Coffee (95): Yap 17, Simon 16, Barroca 12, Sangalang 12, Mays 10, Pingris 10, Devance 7, Mallari 5, Reavis 4, Melton 2, De Ocampo 0, Gaco 0
Talk ‘N Text (80): Castro 17, Reyes 13, Williams 12, Howell 11, Canaleta 9, De Ocampo 5, Fonacier 5, Alapag 3, Seigle 2, Reyes 1, Reyes 1, Carey 1, Aban 0, Baclao 0
Quarter Scores: 17-17, 44-40, 70-57, 95-80
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/57680-san-mig-coffee-busts-tnt-game-1)
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PBA Governors Cup list of imports:
1. Alaska Aces – Bill Walker (already in the country)
2. Air21 Express – Allen Durham (arriving next week)
3. Barako Bull Energy – Eric Wise (already in the country)
4. Brgy Ginebra Kings – Zaccheus Mason (arrived on Sunday)
5. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Leroy Hickerson (already in the country)
6. Meralco Bolts – Terrence Williams (already in the country)
7. Rain or Shine Elastopainters – Arizona Reid (already in country)
8. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Marqus Blakely (already in the country)
9. San Miguel Beermen – Reggie Williams (arrived on Sunday)
10. Talk n’ Text Tropang Texters – Othyus Jeffers (already in the country)
(https://fbcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-0/s240x240/10268622_713896835341079_6494216091357760687_n.jpg)
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Castro leads the way as Talk ‘N Text ties finals series (05/11/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Prior to the Finals of the 2014 PBA PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters played like champions, going unbeaten with a 13-0 clip.
And after suffering its first loss in a while in Game 1, Talk ‘N Text responded like champions in Game 2, using a massive offensive explosion in the third quarter to beat the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 86-76, and tie their finals series at 1-1.
Jayson Castro had 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals to lead the Tropang Texters, which outscored the Tim Cone-coach squad 28-16 in the third period.
“We had much better effort tonight,” said TNT head coach Norman Black after the game. “We had to really go back to the drawing board and really analyze what this San Mig team was doing to us.”
Richard Howell had 18 points and 20 rebounds, while Kelly Williams pitched in eight points and five rebounds to aid the winning side. The Mixers, on the other hand, got 15 markers, 12 boards, and four takeaways from James Mays and 15 points and three assists from Justin Melton.
“They certainly turned the table on us tonight. They were us and we were them in Game 1,” stated Coach Tim Cone after the contest. “It’s not something we didn’t expect. We expected this series to be really tough.”
The start of the third period was good for the Tropang Texters, as consecutive bunnies at the rim by Ryan Reyes and Ranidel De Ocampo pushed their team’s lead to eight, 41-33. After SMC missed to convert on the other end, KG Canaleta connected on a triple to give TNT its first double-digit lead of the game, 44-33.
San Mig Coffee was able to get the lead back down to single-digits, but it didn’t take long for Talk ‘N Text to start forcing its opponents to multiple turnovers again while displaying the dominant offense that helped them go unbeaten prior to the finals.
“We were able to take advantage of our big guys being guarded by their small guys,” explained the Tropang Texters head coach following his team’s win.
Thanks to a couple of baskets by Castro, Larry Fonacier, Howell, and Williams, the Norman Black-coached club entered the fourth quarter with a 65-49 lead.
SMC erected a mini-fightback in the opening minutes of the fourth period, thanks to a couple of nifty buckets from rookie Ian Sangalang, who finished with seven markers.
With a little over six minutes remaining in the contest, Justin Melton knocked in a 3-ball to get his team within 12, 75-63. Simultaneously, Coach Cone opted to keep James Yap, PJ Simon, Joe Devance, and Marc Pingris on the bench in favor of playing his reinforcements, who were able to get the lead down to six thanks to a Mays free throw with 3:02 left.
“James and PJ were playing tired tonight. And if we had made an earlier run in the game in the fourth quarter, I would’ve put them back in,” explained Cone.
“I’m thinking about keeping these guys fresh,” he added, before stating later on: “In a series, you have to have big-picture thinking.”
Yap finished with only six points in 18 minutes, while Simon put up four in 25. Pingris, meanwhile, scored 11 and grabbed six boards, while Mark Barroca had seven points on 1-of-9 shooting.
With a minute and 10 seconds remaining, SMC had the handle, down six, 82-76. However, a couple of missed lay-ups by Mays awarded the Tropang Texters the ball with 50 seconds remaining. De Ocampo, who finished with eight points on 2-of-10 shooting, was then able to convert on his free throws to put the game out for good.
“I don’t think any team has a talent advantage,” added Coach Black, who also said that it would be up to the coaches’ ability to exploit matchups that will play a huge role for the remainder of the series.
It was a back-and-forth affair to start the contest as both clubs exchanged early jabs with San Mig Coffee gaining an early threshold, 11-10, thanks a Yap floater from the baseline.
Castro responded on the next possession with a top-of-the-key triple, and then managed to get a breakaway lay-up off a steal to give the Tropang Texters a four-point lead. Talk ‘N Text carried its momentum, and was able to end the first quarter with a 19-15 advantage.
“I think we came out with a lot more focus today; a sense of urgency that resulted to the win,” express Coach Black about his team’s early performance.
Castro continued to light it up in the beginning of the second period by nailing a three and converting on a spin-and-layup to put Talk ‘N Text on top, 24-15.
However, the Mixers, despite turning the ball over often, were able to stay within striking distance thanks to the offensive and defensive heroics of Melton, who helped spearhead a 12-4 run.
With 3:20 to go in the first half, Devance countered a Harvey Carey lay-up with a 3-ball, knotting the game at 30-apiece. Both teams proceeded to exchange long-range bombs again, but it were the Tropang Texters which entered halftime with a lead, 37-33, courtesy of a couple of jumpers from Castro and Williams.
Scores
Talk ‘N Text (86): Castro 30, Howell 18, Fonacier 9, De Ocampo 8, Williams 8, Carey 4, Alapag 4, Canaleta 3, Reyes 2, Reyes 0
San Mig Coffee (76): Mays 15, Melton 15, Pingris 11, Barroca 7, Sangalang 7, Yap 6, Devance 5, Simon 4, De Ocampo 2, Mallari 2, Reavis 2
Quarter Scores: 19-15, 37-33, 65-49, 86-76
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/57774-castro-talk-n-text-finals-series)
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Big Game James comes up huge again as San Mig Coffee wins Game 3 (05/13/14)
MANILA, Philippines – They don’t call him Big Game James because it sounds nice.
Thanks to a tremendous, off-balance shot by James Yap, the San Mig Coffee Mixers erased a late four-point deficit to win Game 3 against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 77-75, and take a 2-1 series lead in their PBA PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Tuesday evening, May 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game 4 is on Thursday, May 15, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Yap totaled 13 points and six rebounds, while James Mays contributed 20 and 14 to go with PJ Simon’s 17 points and three rebounds.
Talk ‘N Text, on the other hand, got 21 markers from Jayson Castro, who was given the Best Player of the Conference plum prior to the game. Ranidel De Ocampo pitched in with 18 points, and KG Canaleta provided 12. Howell, though he only had 10 markers, grabbed 22 rebounds and dished five assists.
“It was a game for the ages, in my opinion. It’s two real proud teams that don’t quit,” expressed San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone after the game. “We have absolute, total respect for Talk ‘N Text,” he added.
The start of the second half was an exchange of jabs by each squad, as neither of them managed to connect on a haymaker to pull away. Nonetheless, Talk 'N Text was able to get on top, 46-43, thanks to four straight points from Castro, who found ways to get into the teeth of SMC's defense.
After Simon hit a 3-ball to increase his scoring output to 13 and tie the ball game, both clubs exchanged baskets again, unwilling to give their opponent a significant threshold.
A crafty side-step and lay-up by Yap put his club back on top by one, but Kelly Williams, who had five total points, answered on the other end to give TNT a 53-52 edge with 2:45 to go in the third.
After De Ocampo connected a long-range bomb to put the Texters up 56-52, the Tim Cone-coached squad unleashed an 8-0 spurt, mostly on open lay-ups near the rim. Though Joe Devance missed two free throws to end the third quarter, the Mixers still had a four-point cushion, 60-56.
“That 8-0 run really gave us a belief that maybe we can really win this one. But, a four-point lead, an eight-point lead doesn’t mean much in this series,” added Coach Cone.
The deciding 12 minutes started with TNT going on a run of their own, knotting the joust at 62-all while getting the Mixers in early penalty situation.
With 7:07 remaining, a humongous three-pointer by the best player of the conference awarded his squad with a three-point margin. But right away, Mays countered on the next possession to deadlock the contest once again.
The game went down to the wire, as Simon hit a tough pull-up to put SMC up two, only to have De Ocampo answer on the other end with a three to help Talk ‘N Text regain the lead, 72-71. After Mays misfired on a mid-range jumper on the succeeding play, Castro added to his squad’s breathing room by banking in a three of his own with 1:15 to go.
The Tropang Texters hit 10 total threes in Game 3, making 32.3% of their attempts.
However, the Mixers refused to go down, with Mays finishing a three-point play to get SMC within one, 75-74. After Castro missed a triple from the top of the key, the Mixers got the ball back, a shot away from taking control of the match.
That’s when Big Game James happened.
Falling sideways near the baseline, Yap launched an off-balance fade-away over the stretched arms of Williams and made it, putting the Mixers up 76-75. TNT couldn’t counter and turned the ball over, giving the handle back to Big Game James and company.
After Devance, who finished with 10 markers and five boards, split his charities, the Texters had one more possession, with 4.8 seconds to go, to tie or win the game. However, Castro missed his on his last attempt, sending TNT to a 2-1 deficit.
“It was a tremendous game. One big shot after another big shot,” added Coach Cone. “At the end, our defense made a big stop.”
San Mig Coffee shot 48.5% from the floor, despite going just 3-of-10 from downtown. The Tropang Texters, which forced their opponents to 13 turnovers – they had just seven – had 16 turnover points and 16 second chance points.
A win on Thursday for the Mixers would give them their third straight conference title. If TNT prolongs the series, Game 5 will take place on Sunday, May 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Unlike previous games, one of the two finalists managed to race off to an early lead. In Game 3, it were the Mixers that did so, attaining an 11-2 advantage following a mid-range J by Simon to gain an upper hand.
The Tropang Texters were finally able to get some more points on the scoreboard thanks to a tandem of jumpers by De Ocampo. However, SMC did a great job early of forcing its adversaries to taking tough, contested jumpers, while keeping Castro scoreless in the first period.
The first quarter onslaught continued for San Mig Coffee, as Yap and Marc Pingris put seven quick markers on the scoreboard to make the count 23-9.
In the succeeding possessions, Howell, who was crowned Best Import of the Commissioner's Cup prior to the game, was responsible for six TNT points to help cut the Mixers' lead to 10, 25-15, after 12 minutes of action.
As the second quarter came alive, so did the Texters' offense. A couple of easy deuces from Harvey Carey and Ryan Reyes got their team within six, 25-19, prompting Coach Cone to call time-out. However, SMC committed two straight turnovers following the 60-second break, which were followed by two straight jumpers from Castro, 25-24.
A three-pointer by Canaleta with 5:30 to go in the first half tied the match at 29, but a pair of bunnies at the rim from Mays and Pingris soon followed, putting the defending champions back up four.
Both clubs went on to exchange buckets for the rest of the second quarter, with Canaleta upping his point total to nine following a three-point play. But heading into halftime, his Tropang Texters were still down a field goal, 37-35.
Scores
San Mig Coffee (77): Mays 20, Simon 17, Yap 13, Devance 10, Pingris 7, Sangalang 6, Barroca 2, Mallari 2, De Ocampo 0, Reavis 0, Melton 0
Talk ‘N Text (75): Castro 21, De Ocampo 18, Canaleta 12, Howell 10, Williams 5, Carey 5, Reyes Ryan 4, Reyes Rob 0, Aban 0, Fonacier 0, Alapag 0
Quarter Scores: 25-15, 37-35, 60-56, 77-75
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/57978-big-game-names-huge-mixers)
Post Merge: May 16, 2014, 10:13:22 AM
San Mig Coffee bags third straight championship at expense of Talk 'N Text (05/15/14)
MANILA, Philippines - With two minutes left in Game 4 of the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals, Joe Devance made a silent prayer as he made his way back on the court following a timeout.
His team, the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, were finally leading with a more comfortable cushion, 93-89, after a James Yap triple.
Nobody heard Devance's prayer. His lips didn't even move. But it was clear he was praying for his team to hold on to their slim lead and finish off the series right then and there.
It took the Mixers over 35 minutes to even have a taste of the lead when Marc Pingris found himself open for a short stab, 69-68, to cap off a 13-0 run with 50.3 seconds remaining in the third.
But once they did, the Mixers tasted blood and wrested control of the game in the fourth and silenced the dominant Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, 100-91, to bag their third straight championship on Thursday, May 15 at the historic Philsports Arena.
Despite going 13-0 from the eliminations all the way to the semifinals, the Texters succumbed to the Mixers in just 4 games in the best-of-5 Finals series.
Before this title, the Mixers also copped the 2014 Philippine Cup and the 2013 Governors' Cup titles.
Coach Tim Cone and his team are now in prime position to achieve the coveted Grand Slam if they win next conference's championship.
"That's the last thing we're gonna talk about as a team," admitted the now 17-time champion coach. "We're not gonna talk about that because it's so much pressure to win a grand slam."
Cone already has one Grand Slam under his belt with Alaska in 1996.
He said the team will be leaning on the energy of comebacking import Marqus Blakely and Allein Maliksi as they make their run for the Grand Slam in the season-ending Governors' Cup, which starts this Sunday.
"We don't want to make this conference an excuse for next conference," he said. "We're gonna keep pushing and see what we can do."
The winningest coach in the PBA made history as well in his return trip to the Philsports Arena.
According to PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III, the last time Cone battled for and won a title in the arena was with Alaska in 2003 against Coke.
Dynasty overpowers dominance
After starting off the game cold and allowing the Texters to jump to a 17-1 lead, the Mixers delivered when it mattered most, fielding vital contributions from this conference's Finals MVP Yap and last conference's Finals MVP Mark Barroca.
Yap, who was scoreless for the first 3 quarters, came alive in the payoff period with all of his 10 points.
He sparked his teammates with an off balanced one-hander with 7:37 left in the final canto as the Mixers slowly chipped away at the once double-digit lead, 73-80.
He later nailed a triple to make it a one-possession game, 82-85, with under 6 minutes left.
But Yap wasn't the only savior for the Mixers.
Yap and shifty guard Barroca combined for 15 of San Mig's final 16-4 blast to end the game and overturn the Texters, who caved under the pressure and committed turnovers as well as failed to convert on baskets in the clutch.
Barroca had a game-high 22 points as import James Mays added 18 points and 15 rebounds. Devance added 12 as rookies Justin Melton and Ian Sangalang held their own with 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
Defense holds up
Unlike Game 3, when San Mig's defense was toughest, Talk 'N Text was able to get craftier in finding ways to zigzag through the lane and crack the San Mig Coffee interior defense in Game 4.
Kelly Williams, for one, was all over the place, going 4-of-4 from the field in the first half for 8 of his 12 markers.
Talk 'N Text was able to dictate the pace of the game at the onset, rattling the cold-shooting Mixers.
It was evident with the 8 fastbreak attempts of the Texters - and their 8 points off of that - in the first half that Coach Norman Black's wards were having their way to start Game 4.
Even as Larry Fonacier continued to fire blanks (he had no points in this game) veteran guard Jimmy Alapag snapped out of his funk and dropped three bombs throughout the game, dousing water on San Mig's every rally. He led the Texters with 17 points on 4 treys.
However, it wasn't enough to extend the series to a rubber match.
The Mixers' defense held up in the end despite the Texters' first half 52.3% field goal shooting clip. San Mig was able to limit their opponents eventually to just 48.5% by game's end and upped their own 36.4% first half shooting percentage to 47.6%.
Bobby Parks Best Import Richard Howell scattered 16 points and 12 rebounds. Ranidel de Ocampo and KG Canaleta also added 16 markers apiece.
Noticeably missing in the Texters offense, however, is Best Player of the Conference Jayson Castro. He only mustered 5 points for the entire game.
But the most telling statistic for Game 4 was the free throws.
Talk 'N Text finished the first half going to the line only twice (2-of-2) and they never took another free throw again as they continued trying to cash in on perimeter shots.
In contrast, the Mixers had 41 cracks at the basket and made 30 free throws.
Scores:
SAN MIG COFFEE 100 - Barroca 22, Mays 18, Devance 12, Sangalang 12, Melton 11, Yap 10, Pingris 6, Simon 6, Reavis 2, Mallari 1, de Ocampo 0, Gaco 0.
TALK 'N TEXT 91 - Alapag 17, Howell 16, de Ocampo 16, Canaleta 16, Williams 12, Castro 5, Reyes 5, Seigle 2, Carey 2, Fonacier 0.
Quarters: 15-25, 38-52, 69-74, 100-91.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/58146-san-mig-coffee-wins-comms-cup-championship)
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San Miguel's road to redemption begins as it battles Alaska in PBA Governors Cup opener
SAN Miguel Beer begins its quest for redemption as it kicks off its PBA Governors Cup campaign against Alaska in Sunday’s main game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen go into the 5:15 p.m. game still smarting from a playoff debacle in the last Commissioner’s Cup which saw them lose twice to seventh seed Air21 Express in the quarterfinals.
San Miguel entered the playoffs as the second seeded team and enjoyed a twice-to-bead edge.
But team active consultant Todd Purves said the team has since put behind that sad episode in its campaign and instead, focused on improving their execution on both offense and defense with NBA veteran Reggie Williams in tow as the Beermen’s import.
“Our preparation just continues. There’s nothing else we can do but continue to work hard. There’s no sense dwelling on the past mistakes, but we have to correct those and get better,” Purves said.
Williams, a left-handed gunner who played five seasons in the NBA, provides an added outside scoring threat, which Purves said could complement the team’s big frontline of June Mar Fajardo, Doug Kramer, Arwind Santos and newly-acquired rookie Justin Chua.
“Reggie gives us another element. He can spread the floor and we hope it could open things up for our inside players like June Mar, Arwind, and Doug,” explained Purves, the former coach of Indonesia Warriors who steered the team to the 2012 Asean Basketball League (ABL) championship.
The 27-year-old Williams played for the Golden State Warriors, the Charlotte Bobcats and, later, with the Oklahoma City Thunder in a five-year NBA stint.
On the other hand, Alaska coach Luigi Trilllo said San Miguel has always been a tough match for the team considering the size and numerous outside shooters the Beermen have.
“San Miguel is always a hard team to face. Just take a look at the last conference, they are no. 1 in assists and hustle points,” said Trillo.
The Aces will be reinforced by former NBA veteran Bill Walker, a stocky forward out of Kansas State, who is expected to add an inside-outside presence for the team in the season-ending conference.
“He’s (Walker) very skilled, but now, it’s how we fit him in whether at the three (small forward) or four (power forward),” Trillo said of Walker, who was slapped with a P20,000 fine for engaging Meralco forward Danny Ildefonso in a scuffle last Tuesday during a tune-up match.
While Walker is coming in with an impressive NBA credential that saw him average a career-high 11.9 points on 43.1 percent shooting from the three-point distance during the 2009-10 season with New York, Trillo said he expects the locals to provide the support for the Aces to get back into championship contention.
“Our offense allows everybody to get involved. As much as he’s (Walker) good at three-point shots, I like to see him take a bigger role defensively,” explained the Alaska mentor.
“Now, it’s also gonna be the responsibility of our local crews to help him out because the more they help him out, the better everybody grows,” he added.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-miguels-road-to-redemption-begins-as-it-battles-alaska-in-pba-governors-cup-opener)
Post Merge: May 17, 2014, 09:09:51 PM
Kia Motors seeking privilege to sign Manny Pacquiao directly without going through PBA rookie draft
ALTHOUGH the PBA board has already decided against giving direct-hire concessions to the three expansion teams, Kia Motors is set to appeal for special draft case for boxing hero Manny Pacquiao who is being eyed as the new ballclub's playing coach.
Incoming Kia team manager Eric Pineda, who is also Team Pacquiao's business manager, told Spin.ph that team officials are now contemplating on writing a letter to the PBA requesting a meeting with the board do they can "know the consensus of the board of governors."
Pineda stressed that Pacquiao’s case is different from the other aspirants in the rookie draft pool since the eight-division would boxing champion is set to be named as the team’s coach.
“We want to know the consensus of the board about it (Pacquiao being tapped directly by Kia), how we would go about it. Kasi nga we were informed by the commissioner that there are no direct hire (concessions for the three new teams),” said Pineda.
”Siguro kung may concession kami na hihingin, siguro 'yun sana payagan na lang si Manny na maglaro for Kia as playing coach,” he added. “Nasa pakikiusap naman siguro yan.”
Pineda bared that they still have to draft the letter of appeal as they are still trying to evaluate other options including a possible trade where they will hope to get one of the top picks which they will exercise to tab Pacquiao.
Kia Motors' turn in the draft will come with the 11th to 13th picks, depending on a lottery also involving fellow expansion sides NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Sports.
“Pero malayo pa naman ang draft. Anything can still happen. But syempre, kami umaasa that the board of governors will grant us the special concession for Manny,” he said.
“Manny’s entry will be good for the PBA din naman.”
The longtime Team Pacquiao associate bared that they are still evaluating other options ahead of the coming dispersal draft for the expansion teams which is set on July 21.
“Pinag-aaralan pa naming ang lahat. May dispersal draft pa kasi kaya pati yung pagsali sa draft ni Manny, if ever, is also hanging in the balance,” Pineda said.
And with a long line of marquee amateurs coming in like Bobby Ray Parks, Kevin Louie Alas, Chris Banchero, Garvo Lanete, Matt Ganuelas, Jake Pascual, Ronald Pascual, and Brian Heruela, Pineda was asked: “Is there a chance that Pacquiao will be targeted by other teams in the first round?”
“I don’t see why not? Syempre, 'yun ang worry namin. It has come to our attention that other teams are also interested in him,” Pineda replied.
“The likes of Manny Pacquiao, hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na hindi nila (other teams) kukunin. For whatever it’s worth it’s (his name) always (valuable to a team),” said the outspoken Team Pacquiao business manager.
Pineda also assured that when Pacquiao plays in the big league, he’ll definitely show his "court value."
“They have always known Manny as a boxer, but what a lot of fans don’t know, boxing is a profession for him … but basketball is his passion, his love,” said Pineda while revealing how basketball has become an important key in Pacman’s training camp.
“Mas matagal siya maglaro ng basketball kaysa boxing. Almost everyday nagbabasketbol 'yan. Mga kalaro niya ex-PBA players or some active pa, may mga taga-D-League,” said Pineda of Pacquiao, who through the years has maintained and coached a semi-pro basketball team.
“So he knows how to run a team.”
Pineda also bared that it was him who introduced the idea of Pacquiao playing for Kia, as he is a good friend and golf buddy of Columbia Motors owner Pepito Alvarez.
“Sa akin, hindi ko naman siya isusubo lang kung wala naman akong kumpiyansa, kung mapapahiya lang siya,” he said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/kia-motors-seeking-privilege-to-sign-manny-pacquiao-directly-without-going-through-pba-rookie-draft)
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Barako Bull escapes Meralco in Govs Cup opener (05/18/14)
MANILA, Philippines - As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) enters its season-ending 2014 PBA PLDT Home Telpad Governors' Cup, the Barako Bull Energy Cola are already off to a good start.
It would also appear, for now, that they made quite a 'wise' decision on bringing in 24-year old import Eric Wise.
The 6-foot-6 former USC Trojan and a second-generation PBA import (his father was Francois Wise, who played for 5 seasons in the PBA from 1981-1987) dropped 33 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and dished out 6 assists in 41 minutes of playing time for his first PBA game with the Energy.
But it was his 33rd point that allowed Barako to squeak past the Meralco Bolts, 95-94, to gain their first win of the conference on Sunday, May 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Playing only in his second overseas stint, Wise was quick to use his mind and outsmart his counterpart at Meralco, NBA veteran Terrence Williams, as he fished for the foul on his way up for a jumper in the dying seconds of the hard-fought contest.
With 1.3 seconds remaining, Wise took care of his first charity and wisely missed the second, leaving a Meralco squad all out of timeouts heaving from across the court for a Hail Mary shot that surprisingly hit the rim but didn't go in.
"The best way to describe what we're trying to do right now is basically just like the Chinese adage, 'A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step' so that's how I'm looking at this one," explained Barako coach Siot Tanquingcen, who took over for Bong Ramos as new head coach.
"We just gotta take that step and hopefully try to correct some things we need to improve on and just enjoy the journey, wherever it takes us."
It was a good first step for the Energy despite blowing a 21-point second quarter lead, 46-25, as they managed to keep their heads in the game and finish what they started.
"Somehow they (Meralco) got hot, and I mean they got really hot," Tanquingcen remarked, also adding how he kept his guys' mentalities on the task at hand. "We just kept reminding the guys, as long as the shots are challenged. Just do your best to defend. Don't get frustrated or don't get discouraged. And that's how we want to approach this conference."
This game was definitely a show of that mental approach, what with the Bolts all charged up and firing 14 triples all game long - and 6 in the third frame alone.
Jared Dillinger made it a 10-point game with another triple in the early goings of the fourth, 68-78. After which Barako had to settle for exchanging baskets with Meralco for alternating 11-point and 9-point leads.
A Williams jumper with 6:22 left put an 86-75 spread on the scoreboard before Barako went on a 10-0 spurt to cut the deficit down to size, 85-86.
The Bolts broke the 89-all deadlock with 1:06 on the clock with a huge trey by Williams, 89-92.
But rookie Jeric Fortuna hit an even bigger three-pointer right after.
Given the green light by Tanquingcen to take open shots, Fortuna found himself open at the top of the key 5 seconds after Williams shot. He let the ball fly and knotted the score at 92.
The 6-foot-6 Williams, a 2009 11th overall pick in the NBA Draft, then missed another three-point attempt (he went 4-of-20 from that distance throughout the match), before Wise got crafty at the post on the other end to make it a 94-92 Barako lead with 35.1 ticks left.
Though Gary David (19 points) tied the game at 94 on a pair of charities, Meralco was unable to make the necessary stop to send the game to overtime.
Cliff Hodge paced the Bolts with 20 points, including 3-of-5 triples and 3-of-5 field goals, as well as 11 boards, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
Williams finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.
Fortuna, on the other hand, cashed in on 3 triples and two-of-4 field goals for his 13 markers as another rookie, Carlo Lastimosa, chipped in 10 points.
Scores
BARAKO 95 - Wise 33, Fortuna 13, Lastimosa 10, Wilson 10, Miranda 8, Jensen 7, Marcelo 6, Intal 3, Pennisi 3, Thiele 2, Deutchman 0.
MERALCO 94 - Hodge 20, Williams 19, David 19, Dillinger 8, Timberlake 6, Salvacion 6, Bringas 4, Hugnatan 4, Wilson 4, Ildefonso 2, Sena 2, Guevarra 0.
Quarter scores: 28-17, 52-39, 68-70, 95-94.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/58327-barako-bull-meralco-govs-cup-opener)
Walker’s near triple-double lead Aces past Beermen (05/18/14)
MANILA, Philippines – Despite having to deal with 42 points from San Miguel Beermen import Reggie Williams, the Alaska Aces managed to pull away late thanks to their overall team effort and win their first game in the PBA PLDT Home Telpad Governors’ Cup, 94-87, on Sunday evening, May 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces got 27 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists from their own import, Billy Walker, who was dealing with cramps late in the fourth quarter.
“Billy Walker had cramps, so we sat him out a bit,” mentioned Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo after the game. He also added that it was the passion exhibited by Sonny Thoss, who finished with 18 points and nine boards, that helped propel his squad.
“Again, also just happy and proud of Sonny Thoss. He was the main reason; he was playing with a lot of fire.”
Alaska also received 12 markers and seven boards from Calvin Abueva, who had a tough time defending with Williams, who also contributed nine rebounds and five dimes in the losing effort.
Only one other San Miguel player scored in double-figures – June Mar Fajardo, who submitted 13 points and 16 rebounds.
“It was nice to see them (his team) score 94, and holding San Miguel down to 87,” added Coach Trillo.
The fourth quarter commenced with Gabby Espinas, who totaled 10 markers and seven rebounds, helping Alaska retake the lead, 71-70, after a late surge by Williams in the third period gave San Miguel the lead.
Both teams proceeded to exchange baskets, as the Beermen went back up by one, 76-75, thanks to a Fajardo bunny at the rim.
But due to a series of SMB turnovers, Alaska was able to get out on the break and earn easy opportunities near the basket. One of which helped Abueva earn a three-point play, which put his squad up five, 82-77, with a little over seven minutes to go.
However, much like they did the entire game, San Miguel didn't cave in and tied the contest at 82 after Williams' third 3-ball of the second half upped his total to 37.
With 2:30 to go, both squads were dead even at 87. The tie was eventually broken by Thoss, whose lay-in awarded the Aces with an 89-87 edge.
After Williams missed a potential game tying three-pointer, Abueva came back on the other end and converted a mid-range J to extend Alaska's breathing room to five, 92-87.
Williams was fouled on the succeeding possession, but missed both attempts at the line, sealing SMB's loss.
“Both these teams were knocked out last conference, and both these teams, obviously, wanted to get a win,” mentioned the Alaska head coach.
Trillo also talked about the tough schedule of the Governors’ Cup, indicating that momentum will be key for the teams searching for a title.
“It’s an open race for anyone,” he said. “It’s really going to be about rhythm for most teams.”
Both clubs got off to a pretty good start, as the two imports carried the scoring burden early on. Five minutes into the contest, the Aces and Beermen were tied at 11, following a put-back lay-up by Fajardo.
It was Alaska that managed to erect an early advantage first, going up by six, 18-12, thanks to Walker’s second triple of the afternoon. However, San Miguel refused to bow early, and trimmed its adversaries’ lead to two, 20-18, by the end of the first quarter.
The second canto began with tempers flaring, as Abueva and Ronald Tubid – no strangers to confrontations – both got assessed with technical fouls. Eventually, the Beermen would regain the lead, going on top 27-25 courtesy of some Justin Chua charities.
The Aces also had no answer for Williams, who got into the paint at will and recorded 20 points by halftime. Nevertheless, Alaska reclaimed the momentum, building another six-point cushion, 38-32, following a tip-in by Thoss, who helped his team win the rebounding battle in the first half of the game.
San Miguel had troubles early on containing Walker, who stroked three long-range bombs and had 17 markers after 24 minutes of action. Still, the Beermen managed to not let the Aces extend the lead to double-figures, as Williams’ penetration and series of acrobatic lay-ups got the team within three, 43-40, at the half.
After a corner three from Marco Lassiter, who finished going 2-of-7 from the field, deadlocked the match to begin the second half, Alaska unfurled a 10-5 run – capped of by a Dondon Hontiveros 3-ball – to build another small threshold, 53-48.
The Beermen tried to regain the advantage, but the Aces had an answer for every shot San Miguel managed to hit. With Walker attacking the interior rather than settling for outside shots in the third quarter, Alaska was able to hold its opponents at bay and extended its lead to seven, 67-60, late in the period.
In need of a spark, Head Coach Biboy Ravenas turned to Rico Maierhofer, who converted four quick points to put a halt to the Aces’ run. Moments later, Williams tried his luck from the outside and connected on a triple to tie the contest at 67, and then followed that up by hitting another three to give San Miguel its first lead in the third quarter.
Entering the deciding period, the Beermen were on top by one, 70-69.
Scores
Alaska Aces (94): Walker 27, Thoss 18, Abueva 12, Espinas 10, Baguio 7, Casio 6, Jazul 6, Hontiveros 6, Manuel 2
San Miguel Beermen (87): Williams 42, Fajardo 13, Lassiter 8, Maierhofer 6, Tubid 6, Mercado 5, Santos 3, Lutz 2, Chua 2, Lanete 0, Kramer 0, Ross 0
Quarter Scoring: 20-18, 43-40, 69-70, 94-87
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/58331-walker-triple-double-aces-beermen)
Ginebra eases into triangle and dispatches Globalport (05/20/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The neckties of the coaching staff weren't the only noticeable change in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Tuesday, May 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Under a new coach and a new system - the triangle offense for that matter - the Ginebra players, though sweating in their jerseys, have never looked so put together as far as their on-court offense and defense is concerned.
Their systematic, more calculated game earned them an 89-71 triumph over the Globalport Batang Pier in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup.
Though clearly still feeling their way around the new system, Ginebra managed to showcase flashes of brilliance and potential as they shifted to a defense-oriented squad that played a more or less consistent game against Globalport.
"You know what impressed me – it's only been 3 weeks – is just the guys' willingness to run the triangle," said new Ginebra head coach Jeff Cariaso, who replaced Ato Agustin after the 2014 Commissioner's Cup.
"It's not easy to run, it's not easy to be disciplined. It's not easy to stay with it when you feel like it's not working, when you feel like nothing's happening. In that regard, I'm happy so far with how the guys are performing."
At the beginning of the contest, Ginebra struggled to get their rhythm going but at the same time found ways to hinder Globalport from getting past them as well. They kept the Batang Pier to just 14 points in the opening period and, although loosened up somewhat in the second, suffocated coach Pido Jarencio's wards once again the third, 68-56.
Ginebra began pulling away midway in the third on a Mark Caguioa (15 points) basket that made it a 61-52 advantage.
Executing Cariaso's plays to a T, Ginebra found themselves up by 18, 83-65, with 3:08 remaining following back-to-back hook shots by their import Zaccheus Mason, who finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Gin Kings never looked back, especially with Greg Slaughter doing damage with his 19 markers and 17 rebounds.
The nature of the triangle entails good big men and Ginebra utilized its bigs extensively in this game, allowing them to control the boards by a huge margin, 60-32, with 22 on the offensive glass. That massive advantage on rebounding yielded last conference's 8th seed 22 second-chance points.
On defense they shackled the Batang Pier to just a 35.2% field goal shooting clip and also kept their ball movement in check with a 17-10 assist margin.
Even as import Leroy Hickerson dropped 16 of his 30 points in the second, Globalport couldn't go very far with only Alex Cabagnot supporting Hickerson.
Cabagnot scored 21 points on 3 triples, and had 4 assists as well as 3 steals.
No other Globalport player scored more than 6 points. Even Jay Washington had only 6. They're obviously feeling the absence of rookie Terrence Romeo, who was relegated to the injured list.
But even as Ginebra found some sense of identity with the new system in this game, there were still some bumps they had to endure.
Most glaring was their 22 turnovers that started out at 13 in the first half.
According to Cariaso, this is a result of tentativeness of his players as they grope around to master the triangle.
"It's a part of it because they're not used to making those passes," Cariaso explained. "Because the triangle is so intricate, you really have to be firm with your passes and when there's doubt, that's when the turnovers happen. There is a progression you have to follow and sometimes when you don't follow that progression, you can't find the one to pass to."
It's only one game and there is plenty to clean up, but as Ginebra finds its new identity, Cariaso hopes the triangle finds success in this team - one that's aching to get back its former glory.
"It's a good first step," Cariaso said, "but I know there's a lot of hard work we need to do."
Scores
GINEBRA 89 - Mason 21, Slaughter 19, Caguioa 15, Ellis 10, Aguilar 8, Baracael 7, Monfort 3, Reyes 2, Helterbrand 2, Mamaril 2, Knuttel 0, Tenorio 0, Urbiztondo 0.
GLOBALPORT 71 - Hickerson 30, Cabagnot 21, Washington 6, Macapagal 5, Salvador 4, Garcia 3, Menk 2, Matias 0, Taha 0, Ponferrada 0, Salva 0.
Quarter scores: 18-14, 41-39, 68-56, 89-71.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/58508-ginebra-triangle-dispatches-globalport)
Air21 capitalizes on Guiao-less Rain or Shine for first win (05/20/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The Air21 Express took full advantage of a Yeng Guiao-less Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and trounced them, 103-96, on Tuesday, May 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to open their 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup campaign on a high note.
With Guiao currently abroad and unable to be along the sidelines during his team's first game this conference, the Express pounced right away, banking on their solid 3-point shooting (12-of-25) and their dominance on the boards (54-36) to register their first win of the conference.
Their import Dominique Sutton, 27, led the way with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, including an 11-point first quarter outburst that allowed the Express to promptly set the tone of the match.
He received sufficient support from the locals with Asi Taulava dropping another double-double performance of 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Joseph Yeo and Aldrech Ramos provided 18 and 11 markers, respectively as well.
Air21 kept the Painters at a safe distance with double-digit leads, which soon ballooned to 17 early in the second half.
However, Rain or Shine, who was temporarily led by assistant coach Caloy Garcia, forced turnover after turnover on Air21 for a total of 25 miscues and milked 25 points off of that. They managed to trim the double-digit deficit to 97-91 with 1:37 left in the game thanks to import Arizona Reid's fastbreak lay-up off a Gabe Norwood steal on the other end.
If this was the old Air21 that was perennially bullied by all other teams, they may have caved under the pressure. But this is a newer, much more motivated, and semifinal-experienced Air21 team.
They showed a calm and collected demeanor amid Rain or Shine's furious endgame rally. They defended well and sank free throws steadily as the clock wound down, ensuring that no comeback by the Painters would be successful.
"It's a good start for us," remarked Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren. "Like what I told the players coming out of the locker room, we should consider every game as a playoff game."
For the Painters, it was former PBA Best Import Reid who led all scorers with 20 points to go with 12 boards, 5 assists and two steals.
While Beau Belga and Jeff Chan chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.
This win over Rain or Shine isn't as simple as going 1-0. For the Express, the implications are far greater.
For one, this is Air21's first victory over Rain or Shine in franchise history. That alone is indication enough of the 180-degree turn the Express is experiencing.
But most important of all, this game is a crucial first step to building on what Air21 has achieved in the past Commissioner's Cup and taking on a new tag as a contender.
"We wanna pile up on the wins already. We don't wanna let our fans down and let our team down with what we achieved last conference," explained the veteran Taulava. "We wanna continue on our momentum and build on what we started."
Taulava and Pumaren agree that their incredible journey last conference and their semifinal finish has definitely changed the mentality, attitude, and atmosphere within the team.
"Once you taste success, it's so hard to let that go," Taulava said.
And that achievement is something Air21 will hold on to for dear life as they hope to complete their turnaround this conference and become an entirely different team.
"Our goal right now is to make sure that what we achieved last conference is not a fluke," said Pumaren. "We want to establish ourselves as contenders now."
Scores
Air 21 103 - Sutton 25, Taulava 19, Yeo 18, Ramos 11, Borboran 8, Villanueva 6, Camson 6, Jaime 4, Atkins 3, Cardona 3, Poligrates 0, Burtscher 0.
Rain or Shine 96 - Reid 20, Belga 14, Chan 12, Lee 11, Norwood 11, Nuyles 7, Ibanes 6, Arana 5, Almazan 4, Rodriguez 4, Uyloan 2, Tiu 0, Tang 0.
Quarter scores: 33-24, 62-50, 85-73, 103-96.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/58498-air21-capitalizes-guiao-rain-shine-win)
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Jayson Castro lifts Talk 'N Text past Meralco (05/21/14)
MANILA, Philippines - After scoring just 5 points barely a week ago in a Game 4 Finals loss against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, Jayson Castro had that look on his face.
He had that fiery, determined, and focused look in his eyes during the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters first game in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday, May 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The speedy and crafty point guard exploded in the final frame with 14 of is total 21 points to carry Talk 'N Text over the Meralco Bolts, 105-99, for their first win on a new road to bagging a championship.
Understandably still trying to gain back his confidence after a tough loss in the previous Commissioner's Cup, Castro felt his way throughout the first 3 quarters, scoring only 3 points in the first, 4 in the second, and none in the third.
But seeing the Bolts slash the Texters' once double-digit lead to just a precarious 75-72 heading into the payoff period, Castro's demeanor changed.
From the buzzer signaling the start of the fourth, Castro was on beast mode. His finger prints were all over everything Talk 'N Text did, keeping them afloat as Meralco continued to pound on the Texters and exchanged baskets with them for half of the last period.
It was at the 6:19 mark that Castro finally gave Talk 'N Text some breathing room with two free throws to make it an 88-85 lead.
But Meralco was too pesky, yearning to bounce back from their first loss against Barako Bull.
Gary David (15 points) hit a long range bomb to push the Bolts ahead, 90-88 with 6:06 to play.
The nip-and-tuck trend raged on until Cliff Hodge, Meralco's leading scorer for this game with 24 points and 11 rebounds, came up with a 7-0 spurt built on an emphatic jam, a putback and a huge triple to give Meralco some cushion, 97-92, heading into the final two minutes.
But then came Castro, completing a three-point play to cut the deficit to two, 95-97, and with the help of a masterful spin move by Ranidel de Ocampo (22 points, 6 rebounds), knotted the count at 97 with 1:07 remaining.
Asia's best point guard then knocked down a momentum-crushing trey with 44.3 seconds left to break free of Meralco's grip, 100-97.
After that it was also Castro who put the finishing touches on their victory with his steady hand at the stripe.
"It was a good way to start the third conference," said Talk 'N Text head coach Norman Black. "I told the players that the best way to get back into the groove was to come out and get a win today, to put the Finals behind us. And the players came out and responded, they played very, very well."
Black commended how his import Othyus Jeffers managed to quickly blend in for this game despite only practicing with the team thrice due to last conference's Finals.
Jeffers paced the Texters with 38 points, going two-of-3 from long range and 12-of-14 from the line, and grabbed 13 rebounds as well.
"We're hoping to get him in better shape and get him blended with the team, and hopefully over the next few days we'll be able to accomplish that," said Black.
This win served as a means for Talk 'N Text to get rid of the heavy monkey on its back - one that represented the bitterness of having gone 13-0 through the eliminations and semifinals of the Commissioner's Cup, only to fall in 4 games against a seemingly hungrier team.
And Black wasn't afraid to admit the effect that loss had on his team.
"We're coming off of a finals loss, so you expect there's going to be a little problem with confidence at the beginning. It's gonna take a while for them to get back in the groove again and get their confidence back," explained Black.
"Any time you lose a game, not just the Finals, sometimes in the next game it's hard to get your confidence back. Sometimes it takes the whole first quarter before you get back into playing the type of basketball you want to play. But in the end we got the win, that's all I'm concerned about at this point."
Talk 'N Text can only hope that this time around, it will be their turn to hoist a trophy again.
Scores
TALK N' TEXT 105 - Jeffers 38, De Ocampo 22, Castro 21, Carey 7, Fonacier 6, Williams 4, Alapag 3, Seigle 2, Canaleta 2, Reyes Ryan 0, Reyes Rob 0, Baclao 0.
MERALCO 99 - Hodge 24, Williams 20, David 15, Hugnatan 12, Dillinger 12, Salvacion 6, Ildefonso 4, Bringas 2, Sena 2, Wilson 2, Timberlake 0.
Quarter scores: 26-19, 50-43, 75-72,105-99.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/58592-jayson-castro-lifts-tnt-meralco)
San Mig Coffee starts bid for Grand Slam with rout of Barako Bull (05/21/14)
MANILA, Philippines - The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers are one trophy away from claiming the coveted Grand Slam recognition. And that last title will undoubtedly be the toughest.
But the Mixers moved one win closer on Wednesday, May 21 after putting away the Barako Bull Energy Cola, 76-66, in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
PJ Simon showed the way for the Mixers with 17 points as they cruised to their first victory of the conference just days after copping their third straight title by winning the 2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The veteran Simon claimed the victory early for his team by hitting a dagger three-pointer, 72-63, with 4:01 left in the game to cap off an 8-0 San Mig run.
With two minutes remaining, Simon got another basket to go and made it a 10-point 74-64 game, leaving Barako to absorb their first loss in two outings.
The Mixers showed no signs of letting up from the start of the contest, leading by the end of the first half, 39-35.
They clearly aren't tired of winning.
And with their comebacking import from their 2013 Governors' Cup championship run, Marqus Blakely, the Mixers are early favorites for making, at the very least, a deep playoffs run.
Blakely, who according to San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone has truly practiced with the team just once before tonight's game, had a 10-point, 24-rebound production.
There was no need for an offensive explosion from the 2013 Governors' Cup Best Import as the rest of the Mixers chipped in on offense and did the work on defense as well.
James Yap added 9 points and comebacking Allein Maliksi, who San Mig lost to a knee injurt in 2013, had 8 points in his return.
For Barako, import Eric Wise finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds. While JC Intal had 11 markers.
Despite the double-digit victory, Cone wasn't particularly satisfied with his team's performance.
"To be honest we certainly didn't look like a championship team out there," he said.
"Marqus was rusty. And Allein, to be honest with you, it's a little bit of a disruption right now bringing him into the rotation.
"Marqus is trying to get his rhythm back into the triangle. And Allein still is trying to find his way and he's kind of in the wrong places sometimes. But we stayed in the game with our defense. I think we'll sharpen our offense with a little bit more time."
With the championship high barely even settling for the Mixers, Cone admits they want to milk it for all that it is worth in as far as carrying that momentum to get an early lead in the standings.
"It's just been a whirlwind for us right now. We're just gonna grind out some early wins and hopefully be in the top 4. We'll just pick it up in the playoffs," he said.
But what about the pressure that surely follows the Mixers around due to their huge opportunity at claiming a Grand Slam?
Cone says that pressure will surely grow as the conference wears on. But he has faith in his team. He says he knows they can handle it well, even adding that he is certain his experienced team is sure to perform better.
"I think we can make some noise in this conference," remarked the 17-time champion coach.
And even if the Mixers fail to make history, Cone says 3 consecutive titles spanning two PBA seasons aren't so bad at all.
"In all honesty we really wanna try and win this thing and go down in history. But if we don't, it's gonna be a great run anyway.
"One of my favorite quotes of Phil Jackson is, 'You can't learn to be a true winner until you learn not to be afraid to lose.'
"I don't think this team is afraid to lose."
Scores
San Mig Super Coffee (76) - Simon 17, Blakely 10, Yap 9, Maliksi 8, Pingris 8, Devance 6, Sangalang 6, Melton 5, Barroca 3, Mallari 2, Reavis 2.
Barako Bull (66) - Wise 25, Intal 11, Fortuna 7, Lastimosa 6, Najorda 4, Miller 4, Deutchman 3, Jensen 2, Isip 2, Thiele 1, Miranda 1, Wilson 0, Marcelo 0.
Quarter scores: 25-21, 39-34, 58-54, 76-66.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/58608-san-mig-coffee-grand-slam-bid-rout-barako-bull)
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Barangay Ginebra Kings now on an early Solo Lead in the Standings with a 3-0 slate after defeating the Air21 Express, 84 - 76.
kahit mag 9-0 ang barangay ngaun di mag cha-champion yan....nakatadhana nang mag grand slam ang san mig >:(
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ganyan naman Ginebra, nangunguna minsan pero pagdating ng playoffs, laglag, he he he. .
pero fave team ko pa rin ito, si bwakaw na #47 at si kangkarot Urbiztondo lang ang ayaw ko.
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Meralco finally nails first win as Cortez returns (06/01/14)
MANILA, Philippines - Finally, coach Ryan Gregorio and his Meralco Bolts can exhale a little.
After losing their first 4 games, the Bolts finally had a breakthrough in their 5th outing as they escaped from the Alaska Aces, 88-87, to break into the win column of the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday, June 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was a hard-earned win for the Bolts who barely even got away with it as the Aces clung on to them until the very end.
Alaska had a chance to win it in the final possession after import Henry Walker nailed a wide open three-pointer from the top of the key to make it just a one-point game, 88-87, with 10.7 ticks remaining.
And instead of closing out, the Bolts fumbled the ball on the inbound twice and eventually turned it over completely with the ball bouncing off of Gary David's chest with 8 seconds left.
A wide open window of opportunity for Alaska was slammed shut as they ran out of time in the potential game-winning possession with Dondon Hontiveros making one pass too many to Walker, who chucked the ball from beyond the arc as time expired.
"It's been a trying conference for us, when one player becomes healthy the other one goes down," Gregorio said, noting that Jared Dillinger is still having problems with his back.
Gregorio won this game with a 9-player rotation.
"But what we're really showing is our resilience, courage under pressure, courage in pain, courage in adversity. In one word we call it fortitude.
"The purpose really (for this game) is nothing else but to stay alive. I think with this win we were able to make ourselves relevant again in this conference."
Gregorio, who has previously lamented the injuries that have plagued his players, also breathed a sigh of relief as point guard Mike Cortez returned to action after a 5-month absence due to an MCL injury in his right knee.
It was an explosive comeback for the 33-year old former De La Salle Green Archer, pouring in 19 points on 4-of-8 three-point shooting from deep and with 5 assists to boot.
"It's just like rain in the middle of the desert to have somebody like Mike, who was able to bail us out in tonight's game," an elated Gregorio credits the Bolts' win to Cortez. "He is the biggest difference and I hope he becomes healthy and stays healthy and keeps on playing the game for us because we will always have an increased chance of winning every time he's inside."
"The past months I've been out, it was just so frustrating," Cortez described what it is has been like for him to watch from the sidelines for a whole conference.
"I have been dying and itching to get back. I was working so hard after my injury, doing rehab just to get back to play. And I just had fun tonight. I had so much fun playing."
Meralco was in the driver's seat for most of the contest as Alaska simply hung around, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pull the trigger.
The Bolts took a 44-38 halftime edge before a Cyrus Baguio (9 points) trey knotted the count at 58-all with 3:48 left in the third. But the very hungry Bolts maintained their composure and scored baskets on the other end to stay ahead.
The trend continued in the fourth until Walker, who tallied 25 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists for Meralco, tied the game again at 77 on a nifty post-up move against Mario West with 6:05 to go.
Calvin Abueva, who was aggressive all game and had 17 points, gave the Aces the lead, 79-77, nearing the 5-minute mark with his two charities.
Though Reynel Hugnatan (16 points) then mounted a solo 5-point swing with points collected mostly from the stripe to push Meralco ahead, 82-79, with 2:47 left.
"I want people to see how we handle adversity," Gregorio said. "We were rewarded with a victory simply because we know how to handle adversity."
Alaska, who went down to 2-3, was in foul trouble for much of this game with a team total of 33 fouls, sending the Bolts to the line. Though they didn't do a particularly good job of taking advantage of those freebies as they went 19-of-36.
West led the Bolts with 21 markers and 9 rebounds while Cliff Hodge added 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Hodge was also responsible for saving crucial possessions for the Bolts towards the end.
Scores
Meralco 88 - West 21, Hodge 20, Cortez 19, Hugnatan 16, Guevarra 9, David 3, Bringas 0, Caram 0, Sena 0.
Alaska 87 - Walker 25, Abueva 17, Casio 15, Espinas 13, Baguio 9, Jazul 3, Hontiveros 3, Manuel 2, Belasco 0, Dela Cruz 0, Thoss 0.
Quarter scores: 21-20, 44-38, 66-64, 88-87.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/59400-pba-meralco-first-win-cortez-returns)
San Mig Coffee deals Ginebra first loss (06/01/14)
MANILA, Philippines – "For us this game was just trying to get to first place and staying amongst the leaders."
Getting to the top of the standings was the biggest prize for head coach Tim Cone and his San Mig Super Coffee Mixers after they trounced Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 102-90, to gain a 4-1 win-loss record and sit solo atop everybody in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday, June 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 3-time champions proved to be too much for the previously unbeaten Ginebra, who now dropped to 3-1, after a sizzling start to the conference under new coach Jeff Cariaso, a former assistant of Cone with San Mig.
The Mixers still came out on top even as Ginebra controlled the game for the first 3 quarters.
"For 3 quarters they looked like the dominant team but our experience took over in the fourth quarter," Cone noted. "We're experienced with what we do. We know it's gonna be difficult for them so we tried to exploit that."
The turning point came midway in the fourth when, after both teams exchanged baskets for most of the third and fourth cantos, the Mixers' fullcourt pressure defense began taking its toll on Ginebra.
Two freebies from James Yap put the Mixers ahead, 80-79, before Mark Barroca (11 points) padded onto that with a couple of charities for an 82-79 cushion.
It was the early beginnings of a massive 16-0 run for the Mixers as Ginebra never found their footing again.
Mixers import and last Governors' Cup's Best Import Marqus Blakely took over for his team in that crucial stretch, scoring 10 of those 16 points, including key steals, on his way to 34 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals.
At that point, Ginebra was simply deflated owing to the consecutive turnovers they committed and couldn't convert even on lay-ups on the other end.
"They really put a lot of pressure that caused all those turnovers and that just threw us off course," Cariaso pointed out the fourth period pressure defense that pushed Ginebra to 20 turnovers, from which San Mig milked 19 points.
That fullcourt press was simply too disruptive for a team still feeling their way around the triangle.
"We didn't seem to know what to do when they were pressuring us," Cariaso said. "That's one thing most teams do to disrupt the triangle. They don't even allow us to get to that point."
He added: "I think what happened there was we weren't mentally strong enough after a couple of turnovers. So instead of being mentally strong, we put our heads down a little bit."
Since employing that defensive scheme about 9 minutes into the fourth, Ginebra was only able to score 4 points with the Mixers eventually going on that huge run.
It was only until Ginebra was blown out of the water and the Mixers safely out of harm's way did they loosen up somewhat on defense. By then, it was too late for any Gin Kings comeback.
"Obviously this is an up and coming team, Ginebra," Cone said in jest, "and we hope they stay up and coming for a while. Let them get to the top in the next conference or so.
"This conference we're still battling for it. And as I often say to our team, it's still our time."
Cone also credited Joe Devance for being the main disruptor in this game and doing a splendid job on passing despite his quiet offensive night of 8 points. He did have 5 assists to his name.
"Joe was incredible tonight. I've never seen a bigman pass the ball like he did tonight. He was an incredible passer that just kind of got the whole triangle moving really smoothly," he said. "He was our lead guy on the pressure defense in that fourth quarter. He was the one that was disrupting everybody."
Ginebra import Zaccheus Mason finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Mark Caguioa equalled the import's performance with 18 markers as well.
Meanwhile, PJ Simon had 19 points on 8-of-11 field goals for the Mixers.
Scores:
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 102 - Blakely 34, Simon 19, Barroca 11, Maliksi 9, Devance 8, Pingris 8, Yap 8, Sangalang 4, Reavis 1, Mallari 0.
GINEBRA 90 - Mason 18, Caguioa 18, Aguilar 12, Slaughter 11, Tenorio 11, Ellis 6, Helterbrand 5, Monfort 5, Reyes 2, Mamaril 2, Baracael 0, Ababou 0.
Quarter scores: 26-25, 47-50, 70-70, 102-90.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/59403-san-mig-coffee-ginebra-first-loss)
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Ayos na sana ang balita eh... tsk... kaso laglag pala ang gin kings sa san mig.... haaays....
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Ayos na sana ang balita eh... tsk... kaso laglag pala ang gin kings sa san mig.... haaays....
OK lang yan boss james! bawi na lang next time ganun talaga dami pa dapat iimprove ni Cariaso sa mga abata niya
next conf na kayo magchampion patikimin nio muna kami ng Grand slam,,hehe
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Ayos na sana ang balita eh... tsk... kaso laglag pala ang gin kings sa san mig.... haaays....
nakabawi na kagabi tol.....
LA Tenorio back to his best as Ginebra deals Barako Bull a PBA hammering.
LA Tenorio sparked Barangay Ginebra’s second half breakaway with his red-hot shooting and brilliant playmaking to power the Kings to a smashing 98-70 victory over Barako Bull in the main game of the PBA Governors Cup on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Tenorio fired a personal conference-high 22 points, had five assists and three rebounds to anchor the Kings’ murderous 22-0 bomb bridging the third and fourth quarter that turned a slim seven-point lead to an 80-51 bubble.
The huge run took the fight out of the Energy, who tumbled to a 1-5 record under new coach Siot Tanquingcen after opening the conference with a 95-94 victory over Meralco.
Prior to the game, Tenorio averaged career-lows of 5.7 points on a frigid 28.6 shooting from the field as he found a way to explode against Barako Bull’s rookie backcourt duo of Jeric Fortuna and Carlo Lastimosa.
It was a huge bounce-back victory for the Kings who suffered a 102-90 defeat at the hands of three-time champion San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.
The loss was Ginebra’s first loss under new coach Jeffrey Cariaso in his highly-anticipated face-off with former long-time mentor Tim Cone.
“I think the best thing about this (win) is we’re able to bounce back from our last game,” Cariaso said after the game.
“Tonight, we showed character. Even if the improvement was just a little bit, it’s still an improvement,” he added.
http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/la-tenorio-back-to-his-best-as-ginebra-deals-barako-bull-a-pba-hammering-v02 (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/la-tenorio-back-to-his-best-as-ginebra-deals-barako-bull-a-pba-hammering-v02)
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Joseph Yeo headed for Ginebra, Sean Anthony bound for Meralco under Air21's pre-agreed deals
(http://contents.spin.ph/image/yeo-anthony-62014.jpg)
AIR21 has agreed to a pair of trades while waiting for the sale of its PBA franchise to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to be completed, multiple sources told Spin.ph on Friday.
Sources said Express management has reached agreements on Friday morning that will see rejuvenated Air21 forward Joseph Yeo going to Barangay Ginebra and Sean Anthony going to Meralco.
Trades involving Ginebra, Air21, and Meralco are already allowed since all three are already out of contention in the PBA Governors Cup, although the Commissioner's Office has yet to make an announcement on the deals.
There is still no clear information on which player the Express will get in return, although one source said Ginebra may likely give up seldom-used Josh Urbiztondo in the one-on-one swap.
It will be recalled that Urbiztondo was reported by Spin.ph to be bound for Air21 as far back in December until the deal was aborted after the report was leaked prematurely to the media.
Though he was retained by Ginebra after the trade was called off, Urbiztondo never got the playing minutes he deserved as he played only three games in the PBA Governors Cup at a 5.33-minute per game average.
On the other hand, Meralco is expected to give up John Wilson to get its hands on the fit-again Anthony, who is expected to form an exciting tandem with fellow gung-ho forward Cliff Hodge.
AIR21 has agreed to a pair of trades while waiting for the sale of its PBA franchise to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to be completed, multiple sources told Spin.ph on Friday.
Sources said Express management has reached agreements on Friday morning that will see rejuvenated Air21 forward Joseph Yeo going to Barangay Ginebra and Sean Anthony going to Meralco.
Trades involving Ginebra, Air21, and Meralco are already allowed since all three are already out of contention in the PBA Governors Cup, although the Commissioner's Office has yet to make an announcement on the deals.
There is still no clear information on which player the Express will get in return, although one source said Ginebra may likely give up seldom-used Josh Urbiztondo in the one-on-one swap.
It will be recalled that Urbiztondo was reported by Spin.ph to be bound for Air21 as far back in December until the deal was aborted after the report was leaked prematurely to the media.
Though he was retained by Ginebra after the trade was called off, Urbiztondo never got the playing minutes he deserved as he played only three games in the PBA Governors Cup at a 5.33-minute per game average.
On the other hand, Meralco is expected to give up John Wilson to get its hands on the fit-again Anthony, who is expected to form an exciting tandem with fellow gung-ho forward Cliff Hodge.
From Spin.ph (http://m.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/joseph-yeo-to-be-traded-to-ginebra-sean-anthony-bound-for-meralco-as-air21-pull-off-deals)
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kailan naman kaya papalitan si #47 ng Gins... Palitin na cguro...buwayang lutang eh...
Sent from my 007 iPhone using Tapatalk
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kailan naman kaya papalitan si #47 ng Gins... Palitin na cguro...buwayang lutang eh...
may tama ka dito sir james, ha ha ha
panahon na talaga na i-trade si 'the crocs'.
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yeah I think need nga nila magre build ng team
pero retain nila si Gregzila para siya ung maging foundation ng team,,tanggalin na ung players na hinde naman coachable
at kumuha ulet ng mga never say die players
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Yes, dapat yung no. 47 ang palitan, di makuha ang triangle... Tira lang ng tira... Ay crocs nga pala...
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semifinals for both matches are getting intersting
do or die pareho
hope san mig wins so they can continue their journey to Grandslam title :-X
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James Yap delivers as San Mig Coffee snatches away Game 1
MANILA, Philippines – The true mark of the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers' success in the past 4 conferences has been the fact that any one of the players on its roster can be called and relied upon to deliver whenever needed.
The bearing of the game doesn't matter. The Mixers simply get it done.
In Game 1 of the best-of-5 Finals series, San Mig Coffee did just that and had crucial contributions from both their bench players and their key players as they snatched the win away from the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 104-101, on Tuesday, July 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup.
The joint effort between the Mixers' first and second units allowed them to overturn a 17-point third quarter lead, before San Mig's trusted veteran James Yap delivered the final blow that put away the Painters in the last minute of the ballgame.
Yap, who finished with 14 points, was subbed in for Allein Maliksi with 7:37 left in the fourth after Maliksi had helped erase a 71-54 deficit and brought the Mixers to within 78-73.
As the Mixers hung around and waited for the time to strike, Yap came through and hit two huge shots.
The first was the go-ahead three-pointer with 57.8 ticks left that put them up 99-98. He then pushed the dagger deeper with a jumper, 101-98, with 16.6 seconds to play, leaving the Painters in utter shock from the unfortunate turn of events.
"Big Game James hitting those two big shots, a tough three and a tough leaning jumper. Those are two of the toughest shots in basketball and he made them look easy at a very crucial time," said San Mig head coach Tim Cone after the game. "He's really stepping up and playing big when we need him."
Even more heartbreaking for Rain or Shine was a non-call on what the team believed was a foul by Marc Pingris on Paul Lee (12 points), who was trying for a game-tying three-pointer as time expired.
"I just thought Paul (Lee) got fouled in the last play," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao aired his disappointment. "That's just too big a break to lose in this situation."
He added: "This is going to be a close series. There are gonna be close games but if the referees don't do their jobs as they are supposed to, I think it really diminishes the beauty of the series.
"We're an underdog team and we need every break we can get and supposed to be that was a break that we deserved and we did not get it."
Lee, too, was left stunned on the floor as he was expecting to shoot some free throws.
"I don't know whether that was a foul or not," Cone remarked of the controversial play. "I was too far away from the play."
The Painters appeared to have already won the game as they notched their biggest lead in the third after a Beau Belga putback, 69-52, and another 71-54 bubble after a Ryan Arana basket. This was after Rain or Shine scorched hot and piled up on 8 three-pointers in the first half, while the Mixers had only one.
"We didn't play a good half. We came out remarkably flat in a championship game and I was incredulous at halftime that we could play that way," Cone said.
But San Mig managed to slice it to a very manageable 78-71 entering the fourth as they rode the brilliance of Joe Devance in the third frame.
Devance, who wound up with 10 markers, had some much-needed help in guys like Justin Melton and Maliksi – those same guys that saw limited minutes in the crucial games of the semis.
Maliksi, for one, came through with 4 straight points bridging the end of the third and start of the fourth to make it just a 78-73 affair. He finished with 10 points.
"Allein was fabulous. I wouldn't have taken him out except he has to come out, he was so tired," Cone commended his comebacking swingman. "His energy gave us the spark and the last two or 3 minutes our first group came out and was able to pull it off."
Both teams saw several faces stepping up and taking the lead for their respective teams in the first half.
Whether it was Gabe Norwood sparking Rain or Shine's scoring, or Lee picking up where his teammate left off, there was no shortage of players to count on.
For San Mig, it was Pingris (14 points) who controlled the reins at first before PJ Simon and Mark Barroca came up with 13 and 9 points to end the first half.
"I felt our second group, with Justin (Melton) and Mark (Barroca), and Ian (Sangalang) and Rafi (Reavis), that team really gave us the lift," Cone said.
"The credit all goes to that second group for getting back in the game and getting us the lead."
Simon led 7 Mixers in double digits with his 18 points to go with 7 rebounds, as import Marqus Blakely figured in a quiet 13-point, 14-rebound output.
Meanwhile, import AZ Reid was reliable once again for the Painters with 35 points and 12 rebounds. Jeff Chan came through with 17 points on 3-of-6 three-point shooting.
Rain or Shine will have a chance to e qualize the series on Thursday, July 3 for Game 2 of the series.
But they will have to stand together, just as they did on centercourt after Game 1 as they appealed for the foul call, and let go of the tough break.
Guiao said it right, "We'll just have to put this behind us."
Scores
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 104 - Simon 18, Pingris 14, Yap 14, Blakely 13, Barroca 11, Maliksi 10, Devance 10, Sangalang 7, Reavis 5, Melton 2, Mallari 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 101 - Reid 35, Chan 17, Lee 12, Belga 11, Norwood 7, Almazan 6, Arana 5, Cruz 2, Tiu 2, Nuyles 2, Ibanes 2, Rodriguez 0.
Quarter scores: 24-29, 46-57, 71-78, 104-101.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/62141-james-yap-delivers-san-mig-coffee-snatches-game-1)
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mas lalong nakalbo si Guiao sa pagkatalo nila. 17 points na lamang, natalo pa. di nya nabalasa masyado bench nya during end game, lalim pa naman ng bench nya. :suka3: :suka3:
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kasi nga gumawa ng paraan yung refs lol
Sent from my mom's ipad using Tapatalk
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Complete List of PBA Leo Awards 2014 :
*Sportsmanship Award: Willie Miller (Barako Bull)
All Defensive Team:
Marc Pingris (San Mig Coffee),
Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine),
June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beer),
Mark Barroca (San Mig Coffee) and
Jireh Ibanes (Rain or Shine)
Most Improved Player: June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beer)
PBA Rookie of the Year: Greg Slaughter (Brgy. Ginebra)
Mythical Second Team:
Paul Lee (Rain or Shine),
PJ Simon (San Mig Coffee),
Greg Slaughter (Brgy. Ginebra),
Marc Pingris (San Mig Coffee) and
Sonny Thoss (Alaska)
Mythical First Team:
Jayson Castro (Talk 'N Text),
Mark Barroca (San Mig Coffee),
June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beer),
Ranidel de Ocampo (Talk 'N Text) and
Asi Taulava (Air 21)
Most Valuable Player: June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beer)
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AZ Reid proves himself as Rain or Shine equalizes series (Game 2)
MANILA, Philippines - The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters never said they were going out without a fight. They said they wanted to make their own history. And the first step towards that was equalizing the finals series after a 0-1 start.
They successfully made it to 1-1 thanks to newly minted Best Import of the Conference AZ Reid's game-winning triple late in overtime, which gave the Painters an 89-87 victory in Game 2 of the best-of-5 Finals series against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup on Thursday, July 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Down by a point, 86-87, Reid pulled up for the second time on Tuesday night from the top of the key with 6.7 seconds left in overtime and knocked down the go-ahead three-pointer, 89-87, to help his team avoid a 2-0 hole and, more importantly, prove exactly why he was given his second Bobby Parks PBA Best Import award just two hours earlier.
"That's why he's Best Import. He wants the ball when it's crunch time and he will most likely deliver," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao of Reid.
He also explained that Reid did exactly what was asked of him, which was to make an attempt right away.
"That's the play. We were telling him to attack under 7 seconds and that's I think 6.5."
Reid, who won the Best Import plum by a landslide 1306 points, posted 29 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists after scoring just two points in the first half of Game 2.
Starting out flat and down 19-7, the Painters came back in no time - literally in just over a minute - as they cut the lead to 20-18 with 3:11 left in the first period. They eventually knotted things up at 37-all at the break and the game had since been a seesaw affair.
Thanks to the timely emergence of guard Mark Barroca early in the fourth, San Mig Coffee quickly overcame a 7-point 62-55 third quarter deficit and turned it into a 71-66 advantage, punctuated by a Justin Melton alley-oop jam off a lob from Alex Mallari.
Barroca, who had no points at halfime, scored 6 of the Mixers' points in a 12-0 run to start the fourth.
He also involved himself a great deal in setting up his teammates and defending, even causing Chris Tiu to turn the ball over with over 9 minutes left in the fourth.
However, the Painters, a team dead set on making their own history, kept it a close one as Reid tied the count at 80 with 1:08 remaining on a three-pointer from the top of the key.
Little did he know, he would be making the exact same shot again 6 minutes later to win the game for his team.
Guiao's wards hurt themselves dearly towards the end of regulation by missing crucial free throws that could've finished the Mixers off.
After Paul Lee missed 4 charities in the fourth, Beau Belga followed suit with two empty attempts from the line, robbing themselves of the chance to be up by two with under 50 seconds to play.
Those missed freebies held greater weight as both teams failed to score again in regulation and the game went into overtime.
"I just thought the game could've ended earlier if we just made free throws from Beau (Belga) and from Paul (Lee)," Guiao noted. "Uncharacteristically, Paul missed 4 free throws. He doesn't usually miss that many free throws in the endgame."
The extra session found both teams letting loose all their ammunition - from triples courtesy of James Yap and Jeff Chan, to beautiful defensive stops that tipped the scale slightly to either team's favor in every possession.
"We just grinded it out, we just stayed there and stayed composed and we did not give up," Guiao said.
Chan wound up with 14 points for the Painters as Lee and Gabe Norwood added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
On the side of San Mig Coffee, Yap led his teammates with 22 points while Marc Pingris added 17 markers and 13 rebounds.
Best Import runner-up Marqus Blakely chipped in 14 points and 14 rebounds in another quiet game for him.
"Bottomline is we didn't execute," San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone said. "Sayang (What a waste) because we had that game a couple times and we couldn't pull through."
It truly was a waste for San Mig Coffee as they held a one-point lead, 87-86, with 13 seconds remaining in overtime thanks to a big shot by Yap. Prior to that, Yap delivered as well on a go-ahead one-hander that made it 83-85.
But unlike Game 1, Big Game James could not bail his team out of this one.
The Grand Slam-seeking Mixers couldn't hold on despite their best efforts as Reid stood tall in the end, taking proud strides toward the camera with the signature game face he's come to be known for.
Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE (89) - Reid 29, Chan 14, Lee 12, Norwood 10, Cruz 8, Teng 7, Belga 4, Arana 3, Almazan 2, Tiu 0, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE (87) - Yap 22, Pingris 17, Blakely 14, Simon 11, Mallari 7, Barroca 6, Sangalang 6, Melton 4, Maliksi 0, Devance 0, Reavis 0.
Quarter scores: 18-24, 37-37, 66-59, 80-80, 89-87.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/62340-arizona-reid-three-pointer-game-2-rain-or-shine-win)
Post Merge: July 05, 2014, 05:52:08 PM
Ranidel de Ocampo, AZ Reid bag Best Player, Best Import plums
MANILA, Philippines - It's the first time for one, and the second time for the other.
Ranidel de Ocampo of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters won his first ever Best Player of the Conference award in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup, while Rain or Shine Elasto Painters import Arizona "AZ" Reid wound up with his second Bobby Parks PBA Best Import plum.
De Ocampo, 32, came up with 1084 statistical points as he averaged 16.89 points, 7.78 rebounds and 1.67 assists throughout the conference as his team ended their season after a grueling 5-game semifinal series against the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.
"Sobrang saya talaga kasi first award ko 'to. Dati nagiging candidate naman ako pero hindi ako nananalo," De Ocampo said after he and Reid were recognized prior to Game 2 of the best-of-5 Finals series between Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee on Thursday, July 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(I'm very happy because this is my first Best Player award. I was a candidate several times before but I never won.)
"Hindi ko naman masasabi na deserving ako kahit dati pa, kasi lahat naman ng player sa PBA deserving." (I can't say I deserved it before because all the players in the PBA are deserving.)
The Gilas Pilipinas forward added: "Siguro okay rin yung nangyari dati na dalawang beses ako na-cut sa national team and hindi nanalo sa Best Player. Kasi mas sumisipag ka, mas nag-hardwork." (Perhaps it was okay that I got cut twice from the national team and didn't win the Best Player award before. You work harder.)
De Ocampo is now also a candidate for this season's Most Valuable Player. Though he says he is happy simply to be in the running for the league's highest individual award.
With a 9-year career in the PBA, and still counting, De Ocampo says he doesn't desire any more individual recognitions.
"Gusto ko siyempre more championships. Mas maganda yung marami kang championship rings." (Of course I want more championships. It's much better to have more championship rings.)
San Miguel Beermen's June Mar Fajardo came in second with 989 points followed by Air21 Express' veteran bigman Asi Taulava with 638.
Meanwhile, the 28-year old Reid from South Carolina won the Best Import award for a second time this conference with a landslide total points of 1306.
Reid normed 30.3 points and 13 rebounds as he helped carry his team to the Finals.
Reid won the award previously during the 2011 Governors' Cup, though the Painters failed to make the Finals then.
San Mig Coffee import Marqus Blakely came in second place with 1043 points, while Paul Harris (Talk 'N Text) and Henry Walker (Alaska Aces) had 602 and 572 points, respectively.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/62332-reid-de-ocampo-best-import-player-pba-governors-cup-2014)
Post Merge: July 05, 2014, 05:54:24 PM
Guiao asks for investigation on 'suspicious' PBA Draft lottery
MANILA, Philippines - "This is just to inform the public that we're pursuing our intenion to have the lottery draw investigated and if possible to have a re-draw."
After winning Game 2 of the best-of-5 Finals series over the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers Thursday night, July 3, Yeng Guiao, head coach of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, made the announcement during the post-game press conference that the Painters intend to ask for an explanation if not an investigation over the PBA Rookie Draft lottery.
"We thought it was just crude, it was lacking in credibility. And I don't think the issue is just the process. The process needs to be improved. But I guess it's really the credibility and the integrity of the process itself and the Commissioner who was conducting the lottery draw," Guiao explained before the media inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum press room.
According to Guiao, the team plans to submit a formal letter of intent on Friday, July 4. They wish to elevate the matter to the PBA Board.
The lottery, which occured right before Game 1 of the Finals on Tuesday, July 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena, aimed to determine which between the Globalport Batang Pier and the Meralco Bolts will get the first overall pick for the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft to be held on August 24.
The fiery coach said the lottery, which saw Commissioner Chito Salud drawing among 3 balls in a box at centercourt of the Arena, looked "suspicious" and cited specific instances that caused them to question the process.
"We were just wondering why we did not have any representative close range during the lottery draw. We were wondering why the box was not transparent. We were wondering why it was the Commissioner who put the balls inside and then he was also the one who picked it out," Guiao enumerated.
"And the most fatal flaw is that the Commissioner did not show his hands after he put the ball in the box."
There were 3 balls used for the lottery with two of them representing Globalport, the last team in the standings, giving them a higher probability of gaining the first pick. The third ball had the Bolts' name on it.
Salud drew Globalport for the first overall pick in this year's rookie draft.
"We are the aggrieved party here because the Meralco draft pick is our draft pick," Guiao pointed out. "And the PBA knew that."
Rain or Shine acquired Meralco's first round pick in a trade.
Asked if he believes the lottery was rigged, Guiao simply said,"To say the least, probably, it's suspicious."
He added, "To us it's a question of credibility, it's a question of integrity."
Guiao criticized the way the lottery was conducted and emphasized transparency.
"I think it's for the good of the league that number one, all those things I mentioned be clarified. Why is there not a proper way of doing the lottery? Why do we have to subject ourselves to a crude method? If we cannot conduct a credible, simple lottery draw, how can we conduct a credible professional basketball league?"
He also rounded back to the non-call of a foul on Rain or Shine guard Paul Lee in the controversial final play of Game 1, which the PBA ruled in a statement as a "straight-up borderline call that could have gone either way."
The statement added, "It was a down the line, 50-50 judgment call. It can be debated and second guessed, but the referees' judgment cannot be faulted under the circumstances."
Guiao believes there should have been a foul, which would have given Lee three free throws and the chance to tie the game and send it to overtime.
"We are again the aggrieved party. Nakakahalata na ako, parati kaming aggrieved party." (I'm beginning to notice that we're always the aggrieved party.)
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/62346-yeng-guiao-investigate-pba-draft-lottery)
Post Merge: July 05, 2014, 05:56:11 PM
Commissioner Salud says draft lottery was an 'honest draw'
MANILA, Philippines – Despite questions raised by Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao on the credibility and integrity of the PBA Rookie Draft lottery, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Atty. Chito Salud maintained the lottery was an "honest draw."
"It may have appeared unrefined, but it was an honest draw," he said in a statement on Friday, July 4.
The statement comes in response to Guiao announcing Thursday night, July 3 the team's intention to pursue an investigation on the draft lottery held before Game 1 of the Finals in the season-ending Governors' Cup on Tuesday, July 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Guiao said the process of the draft lottery was "crude" and was "lacking in credibility."
"The process needs to be improved. But I guess it's really the credibility and the integrity of the process itself and the Commissioner who was conducting the lottery draw," he explained.
For his part, Salud admitted the process can be improved upon for the future and apologized to fans, teams, and coaches "for the distraction it has caused."
"This is an entirely avoidable issue," he said. "Improvements could have easily been instituted had I given this more attention. It simply never occurred to me that the whole process looked crude as coach Guiao called it."
He also assured that "improvements will be implemented anchored on fullest transparency."
Guiao, who called the draft lottery "suspicious," said the team plans on submitting a letter of intent to the PBA Board to pursue an investigation on the lottery and request for a re-draw.
"We were just wondering why we did not have any representative close range during the lottery draw. We were wondering why the box was not transparent. We were wondering why it was the Commissioner who put the balls inside and then he was also the one who picked it out," Guiao cited the team's specific concerns about the draw.
"And the most fatal flaw is that the Commissioner did not show his hands after he put the ball in the box."
No letter has been submitted yet, per PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial, as of posting time.
The draft lottery was conducted to determined which between the Globalport Batang Pier and the Meralco Bolts will get the first overall pick for the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft to be held on August 24.
Salud drew Globalport for the first overall pick, leaving Meralco with the second pick. However, Rain or Shine owns Meralco's pick from a previous trade.
Beermen backs Salud
In a separate statement on Friday, July 4, San Miguel Beermen Governor Robert Non said they are "101% in support of the Commissioner in his stewardship of the league."
Aside from criticizing the process, Guiao also questioned the league's and Salud's credibility and integrity.
"Why is there not a proper way of doing the lottery? Why do we have to subject ourselves to a crude method?" Guiao said.
"If we cannot conduct a credible, simple lottery draw, how can we conduct a credible professional basketball league?"
But Non vouched for the Commissioner and the PBA.
"He has proven his impeccable professionalism, integrity and fairness, which led to the league's success. We don't believe in such accusation of impropriety," he said in the statement.
"This accusation is also tantamount to undermining the league and Commissioner Salud's ability to lead it."
Read the full statements of Commissioner Salud and Governor Non below.
Salud: "I have seen the video of the draft lottery I recently conducted. I can now also see and understand why people have expressed concerns, some even doubts. This is an entirely avoidable issue and I apologize to our fans, our teams and coaches for the distraction it has caused. Improvements could have easily been instituted had I given this more attention. It simply never occurred to me that the whole process looked crude as coach guiao called it. It may haveappeared unrefined, but it was an honest draw. Improvements will be implemented anchored on fullest transparency."
Non: "We are 101% in support of the Commissioner in his stewardship of the league. He has proven his impeccable professionalism, integrity and fairness, which led to the league's success. We don't believe in such accusation of impropriety during the lottery to determine the first pick in the coming rookie draft. What will he gain in return, nothing. This accusation is also tantamount to undermining the league and Comm. Salud's ability to lead it. Such allegation have no place in the pba where sportsmanship and integrity are of utmost importance."
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/62392-commissioner-salud-draft-lottery-honest-draw)
Post Merge: July 05, 2014, 06:04:50 PM
June Mar Fajardo thanks former Cebu coach, teammates after winning PBA MVP award; Greg Slaughter is top rookie
The 6-10 slotman easily beat out 41-year-old center Asi Taulava as well as Talk ‘N Text stars Ranidel de Ocampo and Jason Castro for the honor during the PBA Annual Leo Awards on Saturday to become the first Cebuano to lift the league's highest individual honor.
The 24-year-old top pick of the 2012 rookie draft totalled 2614 points in statistical points and votes from the players, media, and PBA officials to take home the MVP trophy in runaway fashion, just two days after losing the Governors Cup 'Best Player' award Ranidel de Ocampo.
Fajardo became the first player since Ginebra star Mark Caguioa in 2011 to win the league's highest individual award without reaching the finals during the season.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay God unang-una, then sa pamilya, ko, dahil maraming dreams ang nabuo dito,” the soft-spoken Fajardo said in his brief thank you speech.
The power-playing Fajardo also thanked his former coach from University of Cebu, Roehl Gomez, who he credited largely for his development from a raw big man from Pinamungahan, Cebu, as well as his former teammates from UC for helping him reach his basketball dreams.
“Hindi ko mai-spell ang success kung wala sila saka kung ang gamot may tatak BFAD, ako may tatak UC na ako,” added Fajardo, who also carted away the Most Improved Player award.
Joining Fajardo in the Mythical First Team are Talk ‘N Text cat-quick guard Jason Castro, San Mig’s third-year guard Mark Barroca, Texters forward Ranidel de Ocampo and Taulava.
On the other hand, the Mythical second team includes Rain or Shine guard Paul Lee, San Mig’s Peter June Simon, Ginebra’s rookie center Greg Slaughter, Mixers forward Marc Pingris and Alaska’s Sonny Thoss.
Meanwhile, Slaughter ran away with this season’s Rookie of the Year trophy, beating out Ian Sangalang of San Mig and Raymond Almazan of Rain or Shine.
The members of the All-Defensive team were San Mig Super Coffee’s Marc Pingris and guard Mark Barroca, Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood and Jireh Ibanes as well as Fajardo.
Barako Bull’s Willie Miller won this season’s Sportsmanship Award, besting Alaska’s Dondon Hontiveros, JVee Casio and Sonny Thoss as well as Fajardo.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/june-mar-fajardo-pays-tribute-to-former-cebu-coaches-teammates-after-winning-pba-mvp-award-v02#read)
Post Merge: July 06, 2014, 10:31:01 AM
Grand Slam beckons as San Mig Coffee goes up 2-1 (Game 3)
MANILA, Philippines – The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, with their extraordinary ability to deliver a mean finishing kick, came through once again in the fourth – when it counted most – to dispatch the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 78-69, in Game 3 of the Finals in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup on Saturday, July 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After guys like James Yap and Allein Maliksi, this time, it was rookie Ian Sangalang who stole the show and played like a veteran in the early goings of the fourth as he carried the Mixers during a 12-2 fourth quarter run, which permanently turned the tables on Rain or Shine.
"Ian stepped up," said San Mig head coach Tim Cone. "He was the one who gave us that run along with Mark (Barroca) and Justin (Melton)."
The 22-year old slotman out of San Sebastian College-Recoletos scored 6 points during that 12-2 spurt that turned a 58-59 deficit into a 70-61 advantage for the Mixers.
Sangalang finished with 13 points with 8 of those coming in the final frame.
Operating quietly was guard Mark Barroca, who made all those plays possible during that crucial stretch. He tag-teamed with Justin Melton in breaking down the defense, creating space and providing the assists for easy baskets underneath.
Barroca had a quiet 6 points and two assists while Melton chipped in two markers and 4 dimes.
"Ian played big, Mark played big, Justin played big in that little run in the fourth quarter that got us that lead," Cone said.
The Mixers never relinquished the lead from that point on, clearly playing with much more energy than their counterparts.
That momentum-shifting stretch also exposed the uncertainty in the Painters' game on Saturday night.
They tallied 4 turnovers from the 10:34 mark of the payoff period up until 7:10 alone, during which time San Mig Coffee was scoring at will. It showed the defensive intensity that was propelling the Mixers all game long, even against a 25-point third quarter burst by Rain or Shine.
"It wasn't really a game of big shots this time," Cone pointed out. "But it was more a game of big stops."
Cone's wards milked 13 turnover points on Rain or Shine and out-rebounded them 52-39.
"They played with a lot more energy, with a lot more aggressiveness. I'm not happy with the way we came out today," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.
"We had a chance in the fourth quarter but we turned the ball over I think 5 straight times. Just terrible mental lapse."
Import Marqus Blakely led all Mixers with 17 points and 17 rebounds as Joe Devance and PJ Simon each had 10 points.
With the win, San Mig Coffee shoved the Painters into a precarious position as they went up 2-1 in the series, moving one game away from their 4th crown and the third one to claim the much talked about Grand Slam.
Though Cone would much rather not speak about it, at least inside his team's locker room.
"You can't talk about it until it's done," he said. "We just can't afford to do that."
Cone is in no way expecting the series to end on Monday. Though he hopes it will.
"We just have too much respect for this team. I can tell in our guys that this is the mentally strongest team we will play. They are so mentally strong, they don't break. You just gotta go out and compete with them every moment, every possession and hope you win more possessions than they do."
Best Import of the Conference AZ Reid was the only Rain or Shine player in double digits with 31 points to go with 8 rebounds.
Guiao failed to get contributions from his locals as Beau Belga had only 8 points while usual suspects Jeff Chan and Paul Lee had only 4 and two points, respectively.
"We just got outworked today. We relied too heavily on AZ (Reid) for scoring," Guiao said.
"Just thought that if we're not gonna get scoring from the locals, we're not gonna beat San Mig. AZ's trying hard to carry us on his shoulders but it's just not gonna happen."
Unlike a triumphant Reid at the end of Game 2, the import was a picture of everything that went wrong for Rain or Shine in Game 3.
As the final buzzer sounded, Reid had both hands on his knees with his head down, staring at the floor, perhaps hoping that a Game 5 is in their futures.
Scores:
San Mig Coffee (78) - Blakely 17, Sangalang 13, Devance 10, Simon 10, Pingris 7, Yap 7, Barroca 6, Reavis 6, Melton 2, Maliksi 0.
Rain or Shine (69) - Reid 31, Belga 8, Cruz 6, Arana 6, Almazan 4, Chan 4, Tiu 3, Ibanes 2, Lee 2, Norwood 2, Rodriguez 1, Tang 0, Nuyles 0.
Quarter scores: 17-14, 39-30, 58-55, 78-69.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/62482-sangalang-san-mig-coffee-game-3-win)
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Naudlot ang Grand Slam kagabi. Sana makuha ulit ni Tim Cone ang grand slam.
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Rain or Shine withstands San Mig Coffee storm, forces Game 5 (Game 4)
MANILA, Philippines - And a Game 5 is upon us.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters invested in an early 20-point lead and subsequently withstood the San Mig Coffee Mixers' second half barrage on their way to taking Game 4, 88-79, on Monday, July 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and forcing a winner-take-all Game 5 in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup.
The Painters broke down the Mixers' defense and put up a 53-33 lead late in the second period as they shot 53.8% for the entire first half.
That investment turned out to be good enough as Rain or Shine weathered a San Mig Coffee 9-0 burst and their own quiet first 6 minutes of the third frame, which chopped the Painters' lead to 53-47.
But Paul Lee promptly stopped the bleeding with a triple on his way to making up for his two-point Game 3 performance with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in this game.
"It's really just postponing their party," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said, knowing that San Mig Coffee was hoping to close the series out in this game and come out with the Grand Slam.
"We're hoping we have a chance to cancel it on Wednesday."
The Mixers managed to keep the deficit at just single digits towards the end of the third but a pair of buckets from Ryan Arana (10 points) and Arizona Reid gave Rain or Shine some breathing room entering the fourth with a 69-55 advantage.
A visibly determined Painters simply answered back every Mixers rally in the fourth as coach Tim Cone's wards found no answer to the physical and lightning quick defense employed by Rain or Shine.
Guiao's men blocked out the noise from the 18,168 fans in attendance and silenced the rowdy crowd cheering against them with every made basket and every defensive gem.
"Well, we certainly didn't play well today," Cone remarked simply. "We just seemed a step slow tonight."
A Lee jumper with 2:12 left on the clock effectively shut the door on a deflated Mixers, 87-69, before San Mig mounted a 10-1 run in the final two minutes, which came a little too late for them.
"We had an opportunity to try and close this thing tonight and it now comes down to a 50-50 game," Cone said.
"They just beat us up today."
"It's really just a simple formula for winning today, we just played a lot harder. Definitely a lot harder than Game 3," Guiao added.
"Also we got others involved in the scoring other than the import. We played a lot better defense today."
Guiao's wards did come out in this game with a conscious mindset to distribute the ball and help out their import more than they did in Game 3.
Rain or Shine moved the ball enough for 20 assists while the Mixers had 14.
And as Gabe Norwood posted 14 points on top of his infectious energy on the floor, Guiao found unexpected contribution from seldom-used Jonathan Uyloan, who went two-of-two from long range and tallied 8 marks within 6 minutes of being on the floor.
Reid led all Painters with 22 points to go with 17 boards.
Meanwhile, Marqus Blakely tallied 21 markers and 16 rebounds as James Yap joined the import as the only two Mixers in double figures with his 12 points.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (88) - Reid 22, Lee 14, Norwood 14, Belga 11, Arana 10, Uyloan 8, Almazan 3, Cruz 2, Tiu 2, Chan 2, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.
San Mig Super Coffee (79) - Blakely 21, Yap 12, Devance 9, Sangalang 8, Simon 8, Barroca 7, Maliksi 6, Pingris 4, Taha 2, Melton 2, Mallari 0, Reavis 0.
Quarter scores: 21-21, 53-38, 69-55, 88-79.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/62651-rain-or-shine-pba-finals-game-4-win)
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Yun oh. May pag asa yung ros ko!! Wag lang ma rereferee sa wednesday malaki pag asang mag champion!!
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San Mig Coffee marches into history with Grand Slam feat (Game 5)
MANILA, Philippines - It was never a sprint for the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers. It was always a marathon.
As James Yap scored on one-hander after one-hander on Wednesday, July 9, the Smart Araneta Coliseum rumbled and rattled anew just like the countless times it stood witness to historic championships like the Mixers were about to have.
With Mark Barroca running around finding his teammates like he has done all year and Joe Devance stepping up as needed, San Mig Coffee finally crossed the finish line of their season-long marathon and trumped the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 92-89, in a classic Game 5 in the Finals of the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors' Cup to finally stamp their claim in history with a Grand Slam.
The Mixers took home their fourth straight silverware and the third one for the rare and coveted Triple Crown. It is also the second Grand Slam feat for the now 18-time champion coach Tim Cone, who last accomplished the same in 1996 with Alaska.
"This 4-peat, this Grand Slam still hasn't hit me yet. I'm overwhelemed by it," said Cone after the awarding ceremonies, drenched in water and looking a mix of relieved, ecstatic and exhausted from a grueling season.
"Every time that we came to a big game, I'd say, well, this is the time it ain't gonna happen. We played with fire too much, it ain't gonna happen. But somehow the guys just found a way."
Yap, whom Cone himself said he was saving for big games and big moments like a winner-take-all Game 5, could do no wrong on Wednesday night on his way to 29 markers and 8 rebounds, keeping the Mixers afloat all game long.
Rain or Shine, despite their best efforts at chopping down the once 16-point 69-53 lead in the third to one, 73-72, early in the fourth, bowed down to yet another payoff period assault from Cone's wards.
The Mixers came out with a mission to crowd the paint and gang rebound, saving many possessions and getting the edge on second-chance points, 16-10. Though Rain or Shine, after having zero second-chance points in the first half, came back in the second half thanks to multiple putbacks off misses.
Despite being down for most of the fourth, the Painters rallied to within 3, 92-89, with 1:32 to play after an Arizona Reid basket.
But for the potential party crashers, no matter how many chances they were given, those 89 points were their last ones for the 39th season of the PBA.
Towards the end both teams failed to knock down crucial shots that could've finished either of them off.
As San Mig Coffee missed 4 straight endgame free throws from Barroca and Yap, the Painters, too, missed 5 triple attempts from Reid, Paul Lee and Jeff Chan that could have tied the game and force overtime.
Down to the last possession, however, like coach Yeng Guiao had always taught, the Painters fought.
Lee had a nice open look on the left corner with 26 seconds on the clock but the 25-year old gunner, who had been 4-of-7 from long range before that attempt, watched in horror as the ball rattled in and out of the rim.
He and Chan would make two more attempts in the wild sequence that ensued, which had the misfiring Chan (6 points with zero makes from beyond the arc) heave a shot that was rebounded by Lee for his own long one that was too strong.
And with 2.2 seconds left in the season, Reid took the last shot, a triple, that could have prevented the Grand Slam. But it wasn't meant to be.
As Lee finished with 21 points for the Painters and Reid had 23, chaos broke out around the Big Dome and the Mixers basked in the moment they've all been working toward all year.
"Just watching the journey we had and being able to watch these guys and observe, it's truly just an honor," Cone said.
The 56-year old Cone made sure to air his awe over his hard-working players.
He spoke of the relentless energy and tenacity of Pingris (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Devance (11 points, 8 rebounds), as well as the calmness of Yap, who he says was relaxed in one corner before this game while his other teammates were pumped up and intense.
"That's why he's Big Game James, nothing fazes him," Cone said of the 32-year old former UE Red Warrior.
Fittingly, Yap won his second consecutive Finals MVP award after bucking injuries throughout the season.
"He just comes out and plays calmly and is able to withstand the big moments."
Toughest Grand Slam
This particular Grand Slam is the toughest, according to Cone, even if just for the rough schedule this season.
The PBA shortened its usual year-long season to give the national team ample time for preparations as they gear up for the FIBA World Cup in Spain this August.
As a result, this 39th season was played in 235 days, with barely any breaks. The 38th season was played in the span of over a year in 391 days.
"It's gotta be one of the hardest that was won of the other Grand Slams," Cone said, explaining that it was a real challenge to keep his team interested and motivated what with routine and exhaustion creeping in.
Compared to his Grand Slam team of 1996, this team, according to Cone, is a true workhourse.
"This batch I think was much more frenetic. It's just the constant playing without any true breaks."
Sitting on the dais before the press, Cone looked incredulous at various moments.
The celebrations were in full swing, especially inside the Mixers' locker room, but he was visibly still in shock of his achievement.
"It didn't really seem possible, honestly. Even to me and the fact that 18 years ago was such a special moment," he said.
"I was telling the guys you can only do that once in your life and now two of us, Johnny A and myself have been able to do it twice in our lives.
"I was telling our players, 'This is gonna be the greatest times of your life, right now, right here. This will be the ones you'll always remember in your career.'"
Scores:
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE (92) - Yap 29, Blakely 20, Devance 11, Pingris 10, Simon 10, Barroca 6, Maliksi 4, Sangalang 2, Mallari 0, Reavis 0, Melton 0.
RAIN OR SHINE (89) - Reid 23, Lee 21, Almazan 11, Norwood 11, Belga 7, Chan 6, Arana 4, Uyloan 2, Cruz 2, Tiu 2, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.
Quarter scores: 23-16, 43-38, 73-70, 92-89.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/62873-san-mig-coffee-pba-grand-slam)
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Kia coach Manny Pacquiao to attend dispersal draft for PBA expansion teams
Filipino boxing icon and current Kia Motors coach Manny Pacquiao will be present when his team participates in the PBA dispersal draft, which will be held on Friday at the league offices in Eastwood City, Quezon City.
PBA media bureau chief and special assistant to the commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the development to interAksyon.com.
Pacquiao is the head coach of one of two expansion teams for next season. His team, Kia, will participate in the dispersal draft to fill out its roster with players that were left unprotected by their mother teams.
Among those that may be available for Kia to select are two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso, Rain or Shine regulars Alex Nuyles and Larry Rodriguez and Alaska’s first-round pick from a year ago, former Ateneo star Ryan Buenafe.
Blackwater Sports is the other team slated to participate in the dispersal draft alongside Pacquiao’s squad.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/kia-coach-manny-pacquiao-to-attend-dispersal-draft-for-pba-expansion-teams)
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^ heto na si pacquiao... hmmm... ano ba alam nito sa basketball... tignan nga natin...
Sent from my 007 iPhone using Tapatalk
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Karnabal na pala ang pba ngayon.
Sent from my mom's ipad using Tapatalk
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Pacquiao 'doubtful' to attend PBA dispersal draft
MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao is "doubtful" to attend the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) dispersal draft on Friday, July 18, according to PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial.
Pacquiao, who was named head coach of KIA Motors, was initially set to attend the dispersal draft but Marcial said the Filipino ring icon needs to attend to his wife Jinkee, who is said to be sick.
"Doubtful kasi may sakit daw si Jinkee, masakit daw buong katawan," Marcial explained in a brief phone interview with Rappler. (He's doubtful to attend because Jinkee is sick and not feeling well.)
The 8-division boxing champion has ventured into basketball and is tasked to steer PBA expansion team KIA.
Team KIA and Blackwater Sports will begin forming their teams for the 40th season of the PBA, which unfolds in October, by drafting players unprotected by the league's 10 existing teams.
It was also reported that Pacquiao may submit an application to enter the PBA Rookie Draft during the dispersal draft to be held at the PBA Office in Eastwood City, Libis.
Among the notable players in the expansion draft are former MVP Danny Ildefonso, Ryan Buenafe of the Alaska Aces, and Alex Nuyles and Larry Rodriguez of Rain or Shine.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/boxing-mma/pacquiao/63614-pacquiao-doubtful-attend-pba-dispersal-draft)
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Pacquiao officially applies for PBA Rookie Draft
MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao took one big step closer to making a reality out of his bid to become a playing coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
KIA Motors team manager Eric Pineda confirmed Friday, July 18 during the PBA Expansion Draft that Pacquiao has officially submitted his application for the PBA Rookie Draft happening on August 24.
"The documents are already with the Commissioner," he said. "Just today."
The 8-division boxing champion Pacquiao, who is also the head coach of KIA, had previously expressed his desire to become playing coach when it was announced that he would steer one of the new franchises entering the PBA next season.
However, Pacquiao joining the draft doesn't necessarily mean he will automatically play for KIA.
Since KIA will be picking 11th in the first round of the draft, Pacquiao will be free for the 10 other teams to select.
"We talked about that (in the team) but we spoke to the Commissioner and he said he will handle it his way so we leave it to the Commissioner," said Pineda when asked whether there is already a gentlemen's agreement with the rest of the league's teams to not select Pacquiao.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, on the other hand, responded by saying that Pacquiao will go through all the regular procedures of a rookie applicant.
"We welcome the draft application of Congressman Manny Pacquiao for the 2014 Rookie Draft," Salud said.
"We wish him luck and as he previously committed, he will go through the normal, regular procedure to get a shot at playing in the PBA. And we in the PBA will also observe all the rules that ought to apply to rookie applicants."
For the PBA Rookie Draft, team KIA will get the 11th pick, as decided by a coin flip during the expansion draft, followed by Blackwater at 12th and 13th and then KIA once again at 14th in a process called alternating priority picks. Come the third round and the rest of the succeeding rounds during the draft, all picks will belong to KIA and Blackwater.
Both KIA and Blackwater have already formed their initial teams via the expansion draft, selecting 12 players each. Former two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso and former FEU standout Reil Cervantes led the expansion draft picks.
The 35-year-old Pacquiao of General Santos City is scheduled to defend his WBO welterweight title against New Yorker Chris Algieri on November 23 at the Venetian Resort in Macau.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/boxing-mma/pacquiao/63710-pacquiao-applies-pba-rookie-draft)
Post Merge: July 21, 2014, 06:30:41 PM
Ildefonso, Cervantes lead PBA expansion draft picks
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) two new franchises have finally formed teams of their own.
Former two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso and former FEU standout Reil Cervantes led the expansion draft, which saw two of the 3 new PBA teams KIA Motors and Blackwater Sports deciding over the players they'd like to take in a closed door meeting on Friday, July 18 at Tito Chef's Restaurant, Microtel at Eastwood City, Libis.
The NLEX Road Warriors, the third new franchise set to enter the league in its 40th season come October, opted to take a different route coming in by purchasing the Airfreight 2100 Inc franchise (Air21 Express) and were not included in the expansion draft.
Among the other players drafted were Alex Nuyles from Rain or Shine, JR Cawaling from San Mig Super Coffee, Jai Reyes from Talk 'N Text and Mike Burtscher from Air21 Express (now NLEX).
Noticeably absent among the picks were Ronnie Matias from San Mig Super Coffee and Larry Rodriguez from Rain or Shine, both coming off a championship series in the recently concluded Governors' Cup.
KIA assistant coach Glenn Capacio explained the team's decision to go with Cervantes as their first pick and second overall.
"For me he's our best player," he said. "I know they're (Blackwater) interested in Reil so sayang naman yung chance, so we grabbed the opportunity."
(I know they're interested in Reil and we didn't want to waste our chance, so we grabbed the opportunity.)
He added: "For me it's a wise move for us and we're happy. At least we got 90% of the players we wanted."
On the other hand, Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy explained the team's decision to go for Ildefonso.
"We look at him as the extended arm of the coach," said Sy, who represented Blackwater along with head coach Leo Isaac. "We're happy with Danny I. and we hope he can be a leader for the team and give more tips to the other younger players."
According to PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, the expansion draft order was determined via a coin flip with Blackwater winning it and picking first.
The two teams selected players from a pool of free agents and players left unprotected by their mother ballclubs. Both KIA and Blackwater will also be joining the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft on August 24 with KIA picking as 11th and Blackwater as 12th. The order was also decided via coin flip, according to Salud.
KIA was represented by CAC President Ginia Domingo along with team manager Eric Pineda and assistant coach Glenn Capacio in the absence of head coach Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao was unable to be present at the draft as he had to attend to his wife Jinkee who was said to be sick.
Though Capacio confirmed that Pacquiao still had a hand in the team's picks.
"Siyempre. Nandiyan naman siya every time na nag-meeting kami and sinasabi naman namin sino yung players na available and at the same time siya rin sinasabi niya sinong players ang gusto niya," Capacio explained, adding that they spoke with Pacquiao on the phone the previous night.
(Of course. He's there every time we have a meeting and we tell him the available players and at the same time he tells us the players he wants.)
Both teams are set to start practicing next week in preparation for the new PBA season.
Below is a full list of KIA's and Blackwater's picks.
KIA
Reil Cervantes
Mike Burtscher
Hans Thiele
Alvin Padilla
Jai Reyes
Paul Sanga
Angelus Raymundo
Eder Saldua
Nic Belasco
LA Revilla
Joshua Webb
Richard Alonzo
Blackwater
Danny Ildefonso
Alex Nuyles
JR Cawaling
Eddie Laure
Bryan Faundo
JP Erram
Paul Artadi
Gilbert Bulawan
Bambam Gamalinda
Chris Timberlake
Norman Gonzales
Robby Celiz
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/63708-ildefonso-cervantes-pba-expansion-draf-kia-blackwater)
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medyo mahina pa mga rookie teams... panlaban lang nila ay youth power... pero sa diskarte medyo mangangapa mga yan....
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Pacquiao-led KIA team 'quite competitive already,' says team manager
MANILA, Philippines – Following the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) expansion draft on Friday, July 18, Eric Pineda, team manager of new franchise KIA Motors, believes the team they built is already a formidable bunch.
"I think it's quite competitive already," he remarked. "It's going to be a different kind of team, especially with the kinds of plays we've already set up and the kind of game that we want to play based on the recommendation of coach Manny (Pacquiao)."
Pineda was all smiles after KIA selected 12 players from a pool of rookie and veteran free agents during the expansion draft held at Tito Chef's, Microtel in Eastwood City, Libis. Their first selection and second overall was Reil Cervantes, a former FEU standout who restarted his career with Big Chill and Blackwater in the PBA D-League after failing to make some noise as a rookie in the PBA 3 years ago.
They also picked Mike Burtscher, Jai Reyes, LA Revilla, and Nic Belasco among others.
According to Pineda, the team landed most of the players they initially wanted and that most of them have already been training with KIA for the past month and a half.
"They played and tried out with us and we narrowed them down to 17 players," he explained the process KIA undertook right after finalizing head coach Manny Pacquiao's assistant coaches.
"We are very happy that the majority of the players we got from this draft came from that pool of players. So it will not be hard for them to adjust anymore."
Starting next week, Pineda said the team will hold practices 5 days a week which Pacquiao will oversee. From there they will begin putting the players through training specifically to boost their stamina and endurance.
Pineda relayed Pacquiao's plans to strengthen his players and be at par with the league's best as far as conditioning is concerned, allowing them to relentlessly play hard all game long and at the very least give themselves a chance to win.
"Manny wants a team that can keep up with any team even if they play for 96 minutes because that's how he trains. If he trains for a 12-round fight, he trains like it is a 30-round fight. That's what he wants for his basketball team," Pineda explained.
"We are hoping with the kind of training they will undergo, hindi kami mahihirapan masyado (we won't have a hard time). There's a chance for us to win. In case we lose, we might lose by just a few points, which is a big achievement for the team."
Ahead of the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft on August 24, KIA will look to boost their roster some more. KIA already holds the 11th overall pick and Pineda already confirmed they will definitely use it to draft Pacquiao, who already submitted his application for the rookie draft on Friday as well.
"The 11th pick is sure to be for Pacquiao," said Pineda.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/63935-pacquiao-kia-team-competitive-already-manager)
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lintek na pacquiao ito, nakigulo pa.
tama ang sinabi ng isang nasa taas ko, karnabal na ang PBA. . at mas masahol pa sa PBB. :suka3:
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Fil-Ams Stanley Pringle, Chris Banchero join Manny Pacquiao as PBA draft applicants
Filipino-American guards Stanley Pringle and Chris Banchero lead the lineup of foreign-born aspirants for this year's PBA draft.
The two men, who both began their Asian professional basketball careers in the ASEAN Basketball League, figure to be among the top picks in the annual event.
The 27-year-old Pringle was a star for two seasons for the Indonesia Warriors, which was coached by current San Miguel Beer team consultant Todd Purves. Pringle won finals Most Valuable Player honors in 2012 after leading the Warriors to an upset of the ABL edition of the Beermen featuring Banchero.
After two seasons with San Miguel in the ABL, Banchero spent this past season in the PBA D-League, where he was the first overall pick last year by the Boracay Rum Waves.
NCAA stars Kyle Pascual, Rome dela Rosa, and Jonathan Semira also signified their intentions to join the PBA draft.
Other foreign-born players throwing their hat into the pool are Andrew Avillanoza, Philip Morrison, Franklin Bonifacio Jr., Jeremy Bartolo, Giorgio Umali, Cody Tesoro, Richard Cole and Anthony Gavieres.
None of them, however, figure to have the star power of Filipino fight icon Manny Pacquiao, who earlier signified his intention to join the draft and fulfill his goal of being playing coach for expansion team Kia.
The PBA set an earlier deadline of filing for foreign-born applicants, who still need to have their papers secured before being eligible to be in the final list of the draft. Local-born applicants can still apply until August 13.
The draft will be held on August 24. GlobalPort will pick first overall while Rain or Shine has the No. 2 pick after an earlier trade with Meralco.
From GMA News Online (http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/371855/sports/basketball/fil-ams-stanley-pringle-chris-banchero-join-manny-pacquiao-as-pba-draft-applicants)
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Bobby Pacquiao ditches plan to join PBA rookie draft, will play instead in new regional league
FORMER boxing lightweight contender Bobby Pacquiao is no longer keen to follow the path of celebrated brother Manny Pacquiao in his bid to join the coming PBA Rookie Draft.
The 34-year-old retired boxer bared he is now focusing instead on a possible stint with the family-supported Sarangani team in the soon-to-be-inaugurated Countrywide Basketball League (CWBL). “Hindi na ako magpapa-draft. Sa CWBL na ako ini-lineup," said Bobby, whose billionaire brother is supporting the franchise.
Bobby does not need to go through the rigorous process of joining any rookie draft as CWBL rules allow each member team to hire non-PBA players aged 30-years-old-and-up.
Pacquiao has no experience playing in collegiate basketball leagues, but has been a regular member of every team his brother Manny formed like the MP and chaMP teams that competed in Mindanao leagues.
Former NCAA star guard and now Letran Knights assistant coach Ronjay Enrile can actually attest to the decent basketball skills of the younger Pacquiao.
“Mas may galaw 'yun. Mas mahusay magdala ng bola. Maayos din lumaro," said Enrile, who has played against the Pacquiaos several times in the past.
Bobby, meanwhile, denied he withdrew from the PBA Draft owing to the fierce opposition from fans who denounced the plans for him and his Kuya Manny to make themselves available for the August 22.
"Hindi naman sa ganun. Sa CWBL na lang muna ko, kasi baka mag assistant coach din ako run," said the soft-spoken General Santos city native. Meanwhile, the opening of the CWBL, reportedly being backed by television giant ABS-CBN, has been again deferred to November this year.
Tournament director Joe Lipa told Spin.ph organizers are still finalizing some details of the regional-based league patterned after the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).
Lipa bared currently there are 22 applicant teams which are mostly funded by local government units.
But Lipa hinted the roster will be trimmed to around 12 teams only to make the league inaugural season more fluid.
"Baka 12 teams lang muna. Kasi umpisa pa lang. Mukhang isa na run yung kina Pacquiao," said Lipa, a former UAAP champion coach and national mentor.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/bobby-pacquiao-no-longer-joining-pba-draft)
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di gaano magaling si banchero.... pero mukhang matindi na din ang build-up sa Team KIA.... Abangan natin yan...
Sent from my 007 iPhone using Tapatalk
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JVee Casio, Sonny Thoss, Cyrus Baguio sign fresh three-year deals with Alaska
Alaska made sure it would keep the core of its lineup intact after locking down several of their key players to new deals.
Dickie Bachmann, the Aces’ team manager and the squad’s representative to the PBA Board, told InterAksyon.com that premier guard JVee Casio and old reliables Sonny Thoss and Cyrus Baguio are among the players who re-upped with the Aces.
Veteran Tony Dela Cruz and big man Samigue Eman also signed fresh pacts with the squads.
“We’ve signed up JVee, Sonny and Cy to three years each,” Bachmann told InterAksyon. “Sam and Tony, two years.”
Casio, Thoss and Baguio played key roles for the Aces’ successful Commissioner’s Cup campaign two years ago.
In the most recent conference, the Aces came to within one game of making it to the championship round before suffering some bad breaks at the end.
In Game Four of their best-of-five semifinals series against Rain or Shine, Alaska seemed to be on the verge of wrapping up the series when Casio had an unfortunate slip that denied the team an easy insurance basket in transition.
The Elasto Painters forced a deciding fifth game, which they won to reach title series opposite San Mig Coffee.
New additions
With the Aces’ core secured, they’ll have a chance to look ahead to the future that could be interesting owing to the fact that they own several picks in the upcoming PBA rookie draft.
Alaska will pick 5th overall in the first round while also having an abundance of second round picks, with the number 1, 4, 5 and 7 picks all belonging to the Aces.
But Bachmann said they have not discussed what’s in store for Alaska in the draft as their head coach, Alex Compton, is still currently on vacation overseas.
“We’re still waiting for Coach Alex who is on vacation in the US,” he said.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/jvee-casio-sonny-thoss-cyrus-baguio-sign-fresh-three-year-deals-with-alaska)
Post Merge: August 01, 2014, 06:01:01 PM
PBA top pick favorite wants $20,000 salary
Even if Fil-American Stanley Pringle feels he is worth more than the first year contract of P150,000 a month for a PBA rookie, a team that drafts him in August will not be allowed to offer more than that amount under existing league rules.
Pringle, a talented point guard whose star shined when he played for the Indonesia Warriors last year in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), loomed as a strong choice for No. 1 overall pick after he entered his name in the draft.
But initial contact made by Globalport, which owns the first pick, to Pringle’s management team immediately showed that their objectives are worlds apart, especially in the matter of compensation.
Globalport is forced to stick to league limitations while Pringle’s team wants the 6-foot-1 player to receive nearly the same salary he got when he played for the Indonesian team.
That would be $20,000 or P864,000 a month. That amount is nearly double the salary of players allowed to get the maximum under PBA rules. That amount is P420,000 a month.
This has put Globalport in a quandary.
If the team picks him first on draft day on Aug. 24, Pringle might not sign for P150,000. But he also cannot sign with any other team.
In a worst case scenario, Pringle may have to sit out the season if he does not want to play for P150,000 a month.
Globalport surely needs a player like Pringle who is compared to Jason Castro and Mark Caguioa, only he’s better.
But will Globalport take him and risk losing its No. 1 pick should Pringle decide not to play?
“I will not give somebody something that is beyond the allowable,” said Globalport owner Mikee Romero.
PBA rules for rookies stipulate a maximum of P150,000 a month in the first year, P225,000 on the second year and P337,000 on the third year.
Globalport team manager BJ Manalo is confident they can work things out and get the services of Pringle in the end.
“But we will do it according to league rules,” said Manalo.
Pringle began his pro career in 2009 with the Leuven Bears in Belgium. He spent the next season with the Siarka Tarnobrzeg in Poland, where he averaged 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.4 steals per game. He also saw action for Dnipro Azot in Ukraine, averaging 15.0 points, 4.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.
In 2012, Pringle played for the Indonesia Warriors, leading them to the championship with 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.
From Manila Bulletin (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/pba-top-pick-favorite-wants-20-000-salary-191006836--nba.html)
Post Merge: August 01, 2014, 06:07:36 PM
PBA style not suited for FIBA tilt – Chot
The PBA style of play may be a hindrance to Gilas Pilipinas when it competes in next month’s FIBA World Cup in Spain.
Gilas Coach Chot Reyes told his players during their ongoing training camp in Miami that they must capitalize on their speed and quickness instead of the physical play they have been accustomed to in the PBA for them to produce a solid showing.
“In the PBA we have to be strong, we have to be physical because of all the grappling, and that is getting the way of our quickness in FIBA,” Reyes told his team during the team’s second day of training camp that was recorded through video by Sports5.
“In FIBA, if you’re strong, then you can’t move, so we have to be relax and move more unlike sa PBA,” added Reyes, whose Gilas is bracketed in Group B with Argentina, Greece, Croatia, Puerto Rico and Senegal.
Jayson Castro and Paul Lee are players Reyes expect to provide the hustle for the team.
Despite the presence of Andray Blatche in the shaded lane, Gilas still has a size disadvantage against its Group B opponents.
Meanwhile, Sports5 and ABS-CBN Sports will share the coverage of the World Cup when it starts on Aug. 30.
Under the arrangement, Sports5 has an exclusive free television deal to cover all of Gilas’ games live on TV5, while ABS-CBN Sports is scheduled to air a delayed telecast of the national team matches on ABS-CBN Sports + Action.
ABS-CBN gained the local rights to air the World Cup after purchasing the local network rights from Solar Entertainment, but will only air games of the United States, Spain and Group B teams, aside from the knockout stages.
Solar will air the World Cup games live on its cable channel Basketball TV.
From Manila Bulletin (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/pba-style-not-suited-fiba-tilt-chot-171522781--nba.html)
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Leo Austria named new San Miguel Beermen head coach
MANILA, Philippines – Former Adamson Falcons head coach Leo Austria has officially been named the next head coach of the San Miguel Beermen franchise, the team announced Saturday, August 2.
Through their official Twitter account, the Beermen mentioned that Austria would take over coaching duties beginning the All-Filipino Conference of the PBA’s 40th season that starts in the next few months.
Austria becomes the fourth head coach dating back to 2013 for San Miguel, which was previous led by Biboy Ravanes and Team Consultant Todd Purves.
Austria started his coaching career in 2004 when he was hired to mentor the Shell Turbo Chargers in the 2004 Philippine Cup. He went on to coach in the PBA for three more years, finishing with the Welcoat Dragons in 2007.
From 2008-2013, Austria coached the Adamson Falcons, in which he led the team to two straight Final Four appearances from 2010-2011.
In his career, Austria has a 30-60 record in the pros and a 36-46 win-loss clip in the collegiate rank.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/65103-leo-austria-named-san-miguel-beermen-coach)
Post Merge: August 04, 2014, 11:32:40 AM
Ray Parks Jr 'not focusing on the PBA' as he aims for the NBA
MANILA, Philippines - Former two-time UAAP MVP and NU Bulldog Bobby Ray Parks Jr. says that he is currently not focusing on the PBA and confirmed he is still looking to make it to the NBA.
In an exclusive conversation with Rappler on Sunday, August 3, at the Araneta Coliseum, Parks confirmed he is still pursuing his main goal which is why he's been out of town lately.
"At the end of the day, I really want to make it to the NBA, but we'll just see what God has in plan and see how it unfolds," Parks mentioned moments after watching the Bulldogs beat the UE Red Warriors in Season 77 action of the UAAP.
"Right now, I'm not focusing on the PBA. I'm on vacation right now."
Parks spent the last few months in the states trying to improve his game. In the process, he was invited to work out with the Los Angeles Lakers twice prior to the 2014 NBA Draft.
According to Parks, the experienced improved his as a basketball player.
"Each and every day is a grind. In the States, it's a different level of basketball. And to be able to just play pick up ball against some of the best players - James Harden, Paul George, Brandon Jennings - just to name a few, just working out with them, it makes you better," Parks shared.
"You learn what they do, you learn more about the game and the knowledge."
After their win over the Red Warriors, the Bulldogs improved to 5-1 on Season 77 and currently top the league standings.
Parks, who played in the UAAP from 2011-2013, said that while he is happy for his team and their success, he doesn't regret finishing his college career early to go after his other goals.
"I'm happy with my decision and I really got a lot better as a basketball player individually, which was my goal."
"For the UAAP-wise, I can go for any MVP title as much as I want to, but I didn't feel it would be the same as this experience as I had coming to the States."
Nonetheless, Parks still misses being in the UAAP and said the feeling of playing for NU was memorable.
"Of course I miss the UAAP action. It feels kind of weird coming here as alumni instead of coming here as a player," said Parks, who averaged 19.68 PPG, 7.41 RPG, and 3.70 APG in his UAAP career.
Parks also said that he plans on continuing to keep track of NU's performance in Season 77, whether he's in the States or not.
"I'll still support them regardless I'm with the Bulldogs or not."
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/65161-parks-jr-focusing-pba-aims-nba)
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iba na naman pala coach ng SMB sana this time tama na sila na... sana nga mag champion na sila
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Rain or Shine determined to keep star guard Paul Lee despite interest from other teams
“No plans of letting him go.”
That’s the stand of Rain or Shine co-owner Raymond Yu on the future of superstar guard Paul Lee.
In an interview with InterAksyon.com, Yu said they’ve already made a maximum contract offer to Lee for two years amidst reports that teams have expressed interest in acquiring the player, who emerged as one of the best players of the Philippine national men’s basketball team in the recent FIBA Asia Cup.
The PBA allows a maximum monthly salary of P420,000, which Lee is set to receive in the Rain or Shine offer.
“We have all intentions to keep him,” Yu said.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said they’ve heard that teams are talking to Lee. He said it’s not only unethical but a violation of rules since a team cannot talk to a player who still has a live contract.
The coach doesn’t envision any hitches in the franchise’s attempts to keep their backcourt star in the fold, though.
“I don’t think there will be any problem keeping Paul,” he said.
Atty. Mamerto Mondragon, the team’s representative to the PBA’s Board of Governors, admitted that the team has made an offer to Lee, who is currently overseas as he attempts to make the final Gilas Pilipinas lineup to the FIBA World Cup.
He said they have exhausted all avenues to reach their prized player.
“Pati nga yung Facebook ng kasamahan namin sa opisina, ginamit na rin namin just to reach him because we understand mayroon siyang Facebook,” Mondragon said.
“Pero sinabi naman ng manager niya, si Lawrence Chongson, na wala naman siyang nakikitang problema. Gusto lang niyang makipagusap kina Raymond and Terry (Que) regarding Paul Lee.”
Yu, however, feels like there’s no urgent need to talk as they’ve already made the maximum allowable offer according to the rules of the PBA.
“Hindi na naman naming kailangang mag-usap kasi maximum na yung ibinibigay namin, so ano pa pag-uusapan namin?”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/rain-or-shine-determined-to-keep-star-guard-paul-lee-despite-interest-from-other-teams)
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Jimmy Alapag re-ups with Talk ‘N Text on short, one-year deal
Former PBA Most Valuable Player Jimmy Alapag will be staying on with the one franchise he’s played for his entire career after coming to terms on a one-year deal with Talk ‘N Text.
He will be playing on a short deal, though, which the Philippine national men’s basketball team captain pushed for, according to his agent Charlie Dy.
“That’s his choice,” Dy told InterAksyon.com on Thursday.
The 5-foot-9 Alapag is currently training in Spain as part of the Gilas Pilipinas national pool.
The point guard has been with the franchise since it drafted him in 2003 and has helped the Tropang Texters win numerous championships.
He posted career-best averages in his MVP season of 2008-09, scoring 14.9 points per game and shooting 40.6-percent from the three-point area.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/jimmy-alapag-re-ups-with-talk-n-text-on-short-one-year-deal)
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Kia coach Manny Pacquiao on possibility of getting drafted by other team: ‘Problema’
With the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft fast approaching, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is starting to feel the anticipation.
He has plenty to look forward to as the eight-division boxing world champion is not only the head coach of the Kia Motors squad that will be making some important decisions during the draft, but also himself a draft applicant.
“Excited tayo para sa PBA Draft,” Pacquiao told a room full of reporters at the media launch of the Rexona Training Camp where he appeared as the ambassador of the deodorant brand.
Pacquiao, who is aiming to become a player-coach in his first year in the league, is in no danger of going undrafted but there will be some nervous moments, especially if some other team decides to select him before his Kia squad gets a chance.
Kia will hold the 11th or 12th pick, meaning several teams will get the opportunity to pick Pacquiao.
When asked about the possibility, he replied “Problema (yun).”
The rookie coach was also upbeat about his team’s preparations for the coming season as the squad has been hard at work in training.
“May mga players ako na masipag mag-ensayo,” Pacquiao said.
He named Paul Sanga, Reil Cervantes and Alvin Padilla as standouts in the team’s practices so far.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/kia-coach-manny-pacquiao-on-possibility-of-getting-drafted-by-other-team-problema)
Post Merge: August 14, 2014, 09:42:30 AM
Best talent, team need, trade? Rain or Shine considering all draft-day options, says coach Yeng Guiao
With two picks in the first round, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will not be lacking in options when the PBA Rookie Draft rolls along.
Rain or Shine’s fiery coach Yeng Guiao told InterAksyon.com that the team is willing to explore everything available to improve the team.
The Elasto Painters have the second and ninth overall picks in the upcoming PBA Draft and while the coach had a specific team need he hoped to fill in the draft, his options opened up after several members of the Philippine national men’s basketball team cadet pool members joined the draft at the last minute.
“We’re looking at a big player who can play the No. 3,” Guiao said. “But those Gilas cadets – (Kevin) Alas, (Matt) Ganuelas and Ronald and Jake Pascual – can all be considered.”
Alas, Ganuelas and Ronald Pascual all filed their applications on the final day while Jake Pascual entered the draft last Monday.
The four are part of the core of the Gilas cadet pool and were teammates in the NLEX Road Warriors team in the PBA D-League.
Guiao said the entry of those players have added depth to the draft, although it still fails to live up to some of the drafts in the past.
“It has become deeper, but not as deep as the previous years,” he said.
The coach added that Rain or Shine is in need of a frontliner with size that’s capable of slotting in beside some of the team’s larger mainstays like Beau Belga, JR Quinahan, Jervy Cruz and Raymond Almazan.
But Rain or Shine, which already boasts of one of the deepest lineups in the league, is also willing to consider trading away their first rounders, possibly for future assets.
Last month, they were forced to leave Alex Nuyles, the ninth overall pick of last year’s rookie draft, available for the expansion draft, where the former Adamson stalwart was selected by new team Blackwater Sports.
“Everything is possible,” Guiao said. “Depende kung sino o ano ang ibibigay nila, then we’re open to negotiations regarding our first round picks.”
Other players in the draft pool eligible to be selected are potential first overall pick Stanley Pringle, former ASEAN Basketball League star Chris Banchero, former Adamson Falcons Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial, NCAA stars Juneric Baloria and Paolo Taha and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who is also the coach of the Kia expansion team.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/best-talent-team-need-trade-rain-or-shine-considering-all-draft-day-options-says-coach-yeng-guiao)
Post Merge: August 14, 2014, 09:43:42 AM
Gilas Pilipinas cadets Kevin Alas, Matt Ganuelas enter PBA Draft
Philippine national men’s basketball team cadet pool standouts Kevin Alas and Matt Rosser Garnuelas both joined fellow national pool teammate Jake Pascual in the coming PBA Rookie Draft.
Alas and Ganuelas beat the August 13 deadline as they submitted their application on the last day of filing.
Alas, who contemplated staying in the amateur ranks to continue serving as part of the Gilas cadet pool, finally made the decision to turn professional one night before the deadline.
His dad, current Alaska assistant coach Louie Alas, said they were consulted by his son during family dinner on Tuesday night.
“He had decided to join the draft. We’ve been telling him that this year is the right time to join since he had already served the national team last year,” the elder Alas told InterAksyon.com.
“I just want to pursue my dream of playing in the PBA,” the younger Alas said.
Louie, who also served as Kevin’s coach during college in Letran, also gave his son advice on how to continue playing for the national.
“I just told him that if ever gusto niya pa ring maglaro sa national team i-request niya sa team na kukuha sa kanya o kaya ilagay niya sa clause ng contract na payagan siya if ever his services is needed,” added the coach.
The PBA office confirmed that Ganuelas, too, made the decision to join the PBA Draft.
Ganuelas, who is still in the United States, was furnished a copy of the application form by his manager Charlie Dy.
The 6-foot-6 swingman represented the country in several international games, including the 2012 William Jones Cup and the 2013 Southeast Asian Games.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/gilas-pilipinas-cadets-kevin-alas-matt-ganuelas-enter-pba-draft)
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NLEX serious about winning right away, says veteran center Asi Taulava
Veteran center Asi Taulava is impressed with the direction that NLEX management has shared with him.
The 6-foot-9 center, whose contract with the former Air 21 franchise expired at the end of last season, is currently negotiating a deal to remain with the Road Warriors and the former PBA and ASEAN Basketball League MVP feels like NLEX is serious about putting together a winning team.
“They really want to win right away. They want to bring in the winning culture they had in the D-League,” Taulava told InterAksyon.com in an interview.
The Road Warriors, who dominated the PBA D-League, have established a winning culture that they hope to bring up with them to the pro ranks.
“I believe they’ve won six of the last seven conferences. So I’m not surprised that the team really wants to win from the get go.”
Taulava also raved about the championship pedigree of NLEX’s head coach in the D-League, Boyet Fernandez, who has won multiple titles in different levels of competition.
“Man, Coach Boyet has won championships in the D-League, in San Beda and in the PBA with Sta. Lucia,” Taulava said.
“That simply explains everything.”
Taulava, who at age 41 is the oldest player in the league, is hoping for another opportunity to compete for a title.
“Right now, my focus is to stay in shape and help my team win and hopefully give myself a chance to play for the championship,” he said.
“Hopefully, it will be finalized before the draft but I’m seeing nothing but positive things from this squad.”
NLEX, which is picking fourth in the upcoming PBA Draft, will have a chance to bring in a piece of their old D-League squad with former players Kevin Alas, Matt Ganuelas Rosser, Ronald Pascual and Jake Pascual all joining the pool of applicants.
The Road Warriors will select after GlobalPort, Rain or Shine and Barako Bull.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/veteran-center-asi-taulava-says-nlex-serious-about-winning-right-away)
Post Merge: August 17, 2014, 05:33:09 PM
San Mig Coffee considering trading No. 7 pick in PBA Draft
San Mig Coffee, fresh off winning a fourth consecutive championship in the PBA, is considering trading its first round pick in the upcoming 2014 PBA Rookie Draft.
“Intact pa naman yung lineup namin so we’re thinking of trading our No. 7 pick,” Rene Pardo, San Mig Coffee’s representative to the PBA Board of Governors, told InterAksyon.com.
San Mig Coffee is set to select seventh overall in the draft, which is set for August 24.
But with the team successful in keeping its Grand Slam lineup intact, there isn’t really a spot available for a rookie to come in and take over on the Mixers.
That’s why San Mig Coffee, even if it ends up keeping the pick, isn’t keen on picking up a player ready to contribute right away and is instead looking for a prospect that they can groom for the future.
“We want someone we can develop and fit into our system in the coming years,” Cone said in a previous interview.
“We’re not getting a player who can make an immediate impact because we already have that on our team.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/san-mig-coffee-considering-trading-no-7-pick-in-pba-draft)
Rene Pardo on Mark Barroca’s contract extension: ‘No way I would let him play for another team’
The San Mig Coffee Mixers, whose main goal in the offseason was to keep their Grand Slam-winning lineup intact, made huge strides in ensuring that goal after locking up rising star Mark Barroca to a three-year deal.
Rene Pardo, San Mig Coffee’s representative to the PBA board, told InterAksyon.com that signing up Barroca had long been decided even before last season ended.
“We just didn’t want it to become a distraction since we were in the midst of our Grand Slam campaign. But there’s no way I would let him play for another team so we gave him a three-year contract extension,” Pardo said.
Barroca, just completed his most productive season where he averaged 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals. The third-year point guard won a Finals MVP award in the Philippine Cup and was named to the Mythical Five in the year-end Leo Awards.
He has been a huge contributor to San Mig Coffee’s run of four straight championships.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/rene-pardo-on-mark-barrocas-contract-extension-no-way-i-would-let-him-play-for-another-team)
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NLEX hopes to find replacement for Yeo, backup for Taulava in PBA Draft
The NLEX Road Warriors are hoping to fill in a couple of team needs in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft.
Boyet Fernandez, who is expected to be named head coach of NLEX after he finishes his commitments with San Beda in the NCAA, told InterAksyon.com that among the team’s immediate needs are a shooting guard and a big man to come off the bench.
“Since we lost Joseph Yeo, we would like to get another big guard who can replace him. We also need a backup for Asi Taulava,” Fernandez said.
The Road Warriors will be picking fourth overall in the draft, which could put them in the position to select one of their old players from the PBA D-League, something they have expressed interest in doing in the past.
Former NLEX stars Kevin Alas and Ronald Pascual could fit the bill as possible replacements for Yeo, who has been traded to Ginebra.
Other members of the Road Warriors’ D-League team in the draft pool are forward Jake Pascual and Matt Ganuelas Rosser.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/nlex-hopes-to-find-replacement-for-yeo-backup-for-taulava-in-pba-draft)
Post Merge: August 19, 2014, 05:59:50 PM
Chris Banchero tops Day 1 of PBA Rookie Draft combine
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Italian Chris Banchero was all business the moment he stepped on the court of the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong. He was dead serious as he warmed up, sprinted through the shuttle run station, completed the drills, and jumped highest over everybody in the vertical leap tests.
He gave off the vibe he was determined to make a mark on Day 1 of the two-day 2014 PBA Rookie Draft combine on Monday, August 18, which featured half of the total applicants whose last names start with the letters A up to G. And he succeeded in doing so by topping all 5 tests set for the aspirants.
“At the end of the day, I came here to be a top performer. I worked every day to be the best and to perform at the top level,” said Banchero, 25.
It was the first time ever that one player topped all tests in the rookie draft combine since it started in 1995.
“Ever since I got done in the D-League, I’ve been working every day on my game.”
The 6-foot-1 guard, who was selected first overall in the first-ever 2013 PBA D-League draft, is tagged as a sure first-rounder in the upcoming 2014 PBA Rookie Draft to be held on August 24.
Despite being a shoo-in for the draft and being quite well-known due to his impressive stint with the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League, Banchero still took the combine seriously as he registered the following numbers for each of the required tests.
Standing vertical leap: 33.73 in.
Maximum vertical leap: 68.32 in.
Lane agility drill: 8.33 sec.
Shuttle run test: 16.87 sec.
3/4 court sprint: 2.91 sec.
Banchero tallied two points, one rebound, and 3 assists during the scrimmage among rookies right after the tests.
“Regardless of what team I go to, I feel like I’m gonna be able to make an impact at the end of the day.”
Other top prospects at Day 1 of the combine included Kevin Alas, Jericho Cruz, Rome Dela Rosa, and Juneric Baloria. Dela Rosa of the San Beda Red Lions did not participate in the scrimmage after he pulled his hamstring during the tests.
Cruz, a former Adamson University standout, was third in the maximum vertical leap test with 62.97 inches. He also came in third for the lane agility drill at 8.90 seconds. Cruz leads a crop of Falcons also joining the draft including Rodney Brondial and Roider Cabrera.
Meanwhile, Alas, a former Letran Knight and PBA D-League MVP who also donned the national colors with Gilas Pilipinas, showed up at the combine sporting a more relaxed albeit excited demeanor.
The 22-year-old guard decided to join the draft just hours before the deadline.
“It was a last-minute decision. Before going to the deadline of the draft, ang daming meetings. Kasi yung Gilas tuloy-tuloy yung program eh. Siyempre iniisip ko rin dahil pangarap ko makapag-serve sa national team,” explained Alas, who posted zero points on 3 field goal attempts during the 5-on-5 but had 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and a block.
(It was a last-minute decision. Before going to the deadline of the draft, there were plenty of meetings. The Gilas program does not stop. Of course I was also considering my dream to serve the national team.)
He emphasized exactly why he chose to make the jump to the PBA.
“Just chasing the dream. Since nag-start ako mag-basketball, pangarap ng bawat basketball player is to make it to the PBA. Ito na yung opportunity so I grabbed it.” (Just chasing the dream. Since I started playing basketball, it’s been a dream of every basketball player to make it to the PBA. This is my opportunity so I grabbed it.)
Draft applicants rotated through 5 stations, executed motion offense, and played through scrimmages, which are all designed to give coaches, teams, and scouts a general idea of the abilities of their prospects.
Applicants were first measured for height, weight and wingspan before going through the different tests. The vertical leap test covers two stations, which measures rookies’ leaping abilities both from a standing position and with momentum.
The lane agility drill, the 3/4 court sprint, and shuttle run stations are meant to reveal players’ speed, footwork, and movement.
While the scrimmages had the first batch of applicants divided into 4 groups and playing a normal 5-on-5 game for coaches to see how players react in an in-game environment.
Below is a list of the top performers from Day 1 of the combine.
Standing vertical leap:
Chris Banchero – 33.73 in.
Franklin Bonifacio – 33.46 in.
Hazel Foja – 31.49 in.
John Forondan – 31.34 in.
Jerald Bautista – 30.71 in.
Jonathan Banal – 30.70 in.
Juneric Baloria – 29.91 in.
Rome Dela Rosa – 29.15 in.
Rodney Brondial – 29.14 in.
Alwin Elinon – 29.14 in.
Maximum vertical leap:
Chris Banchero – 68.32 in.
Franklin Bonifacio – 64.31 in.
Jericho Cruz – 62.97 in.
Hazel Foja – 62 in.
Alwin Elinon – 60.18 in.
Mike Gamboa – 59.9 in.
Juneric Baloria – 59.18 in.
Jonathan Banal – 58.61 in.
Rome Dela Rosa – 58.13 in.
Lord Casajeros – 58.1 in.
Lane agility drill:
Chris Banchero – 8.33 sec.
Hazel Foja – 8.35 sec.
Jericho Cruz – 8.90 sec.
Anthony Gavieres – 8.91 sec.
Richard Cole – 9.17 sec.
Franklin Bonifacio – 9.38 sec.
Rocky Acidre – 9.51 sec.
Gab Banal – 9.59 sec.
Juneric Baloria – 9.67 sec.
Jerald Bautista – 9.68 sec.; Roider Cabrera – 9.68 sec.
Shuttle run:
Chris Banchero – 16.87 sec.
Rocky Acidre – 17.29 sec.
Hazel Foja – 17.33 sec.
Jackson Corpuz – 17.39 sec.
Franklin Bonifacio – 17.62 sec.
Jonathan Banal – 17.65 sec.
Mark Berry – 17.74 sec.
Richard Cole – 17.85 sec.
Rodney Brondial – 17.88 sec.
Lord Casajeros – 17.92 sec.
3/4 court sprint:
Chris Banchero – 2.91 sec.
Franklin Bonifacio – 3.00 sec.
Raymond Alcasabas – 3.03 sec.
Jericho Cruz – 3.13 sec.
Lester Dickens – 3.13 sec.
Jonathan Banal – 3.16 sec.
Hazel Foja – 3.16 sec.
Mike Gamboa – 3.19 sec.
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/66593-pba-draft-combine-chris-banchero)
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GlobalPort decided on Stanley Pringle as No. 1 pick, says salary issues not a concern
The GlobalPort Batang Pier, despite backing down on an earlier declaration, are finally decided on making Stanley Pringle the first overall pick of the 2014 PBA Draft on Sunday at Robinsons Place Manila.
The team had previously named Pringle as its choice for the top pick but was forced to rethink its plans after the player was reported to have been expecting a salary above the maximum allowed by the league for rookies.
But GlobalPort team manager BJ Manalo confirmed to InterAksyon.com that Pringle and the Batang Pier have already sorted out the matter and the team is once again set in its choice at No. 1.
“He understands it. We told him that there are rules in terms of salary. Of course, we understand him when he told us of his asking price because he’s been receiving such salary when he was playing in Europe but this is the PBA,” Manalo said.
“We have to follow the rules. He understands.”
Pringle, a 6-foot-1 guard with experience playing not only in the ASEAN Basketball League but also in Belgium, Poland and Ukraine, is considered as the top talent in this draft.
The 27-year-old averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists for the Indonesia Warriors in the 2012 ABL season while leading the team to the championship.
Manalo added that GlobalPort plans on making Pringle a key part of the team for the foreseeable future.
“He will be part of our core and we intend on keeping him,” he said.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/globalport-decided-on-stanley-pringle-as-no-1-pick-says-salary-issues-not-a-concern)
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sino kaya mag number two pick?? sana kunin ng RoS si ALAS..
mawawalan na ng playing time si ROMEO nyan hehe
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Ayaw daw ng ROS magdagdag ng new players this season. Pwede nila kunin si Pacquiao tapos i-trade sa KIA for future first round picks.
Post Merge: August 20, 2014, 07:18:19 PM
Pacquiao a no-show at PBA Draft Combine but cousin Rene shows wares
Day 2 of the PBA Draft Combine featured stars from the UAAP, NCAA, PBA D-League, and ABL. Yet, one relative unknown got the most interest from the media members present at the Gatorade Hoops Center.
The reason? He shares his surname with the reigning WBO welterweight champion of the world and the Congressman of the lone district of Sarangani.
Rene Pacquiao is an unassuming 27-year-old basketball player who came from Cebu’s Southwestern University. At 6-foot-5 inches, he was one of the tallest in the field. He has a soft touch from the outside and a good mix of post-up moves.
There are better bigs who applied for the draft. NCAA products such as Jake and Kyle Pascual are more polished. UAAP graduates such as Raul Soyud and Papot Paredes have more upside.
Yet, Rene Pacquiao trumps them all because on draft day, a team will surely select him.
Manny Pacquiao, the head coach of Team KIA and a 2014 PBA Draft applicant, already expressed his desire to select his cousin.
The world champion boxer was not able to attend the PBA Draft Combine. He asked to be excused from the activity as he had important things to do for his constituents in Sarangani. With the vacuum created by Manny Pacquiao’s absence, the media members turned their attention to Rene who tried his best to answer the questions hurled his way.
From a basketball career heading nowhere, Rene Pacquiao will now play against the best ballers in the land under the bright lights of Manila. From being an unknown Pacquiao, he will try to make a name for himself in the PBA.
“I lost my interest in basketball because when I played in the PBA D-League, my coaches didn’t give me the chance to prove myself. They never gave me minutes on the floor,” the younger Pacquiao said in Filipino.
“I gave up on my dream to be in the PBA and I just played for money in different leagues in Cebu but I tried my best to stay in shape by jogging and playing basketball in my old school.”
Rene Pacquiao played for Hog’s Breath Café in the PBA D-League but his stint was largely forgettable. With nothing going on for him, he went home to his province of Cebu. He toiled in small leagues until he got a call that would change his life.
“When Congressman Manny gave me a call and told me he wanted me on his team, I got excited,” he recalled. “He told me to show my best because he’s giving me this opportunity. I won’t relax just because he’ll draft me. I’ll just show my best in practice and during the game.”
From playing in unknown leagues in Cebu, Rene Pacquiao is now living large with his cousin in the Congressman’s Forbes Park mansion.
In a few months, he will be a full-fledged PBA player with his cousin as coach.
“I’ve played basketball with Manny for so long,” Rene said. “He’s a point guard and I think he’ll be able to play in the PBA. He’s good, and he shoots well.
Most of the people inside the gym hoped to catch a glimpse of Manny Pacquiao. All Filipinos are aware of his skill in boxing but most of them are in the dark in terms of his basketball.
Rene Pacquiao vouched for his absent cousin after the combine.
“Even if he’s 35 years old, he’s in great physical condition,” he said. “I know he can compete in the PBA because he has the skills.”
From Y! Sports Philippines (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/manny-pacquiao-no-shows-pba-draft-combine-while-his-cousin-rene-shows-his-wares-093604394-nba.html)
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loko talaga si coach yeng.. si caidic nuon kinuha niya via trade sa red bull at ginebra ng playing coach pa si allan caidic kaya napilitan mag bitiw as a player hehe
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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PBA expansion team Blackwater Sports sets quarterfinals as goal in maiden PBA conference
Blackwater Sports team owner Dioceldo Sy is confident that his team will make a strong first impression when it makes its debut as an expansion team in Asia’s first professional basketball league.
That’s because the Elite have begun practicing weeks ahead of the other PBA teams and that should give the team a little bit of an edge in the coming season.
“That makes us more prepared by the time the PBA has opened its season,” Sy told InterAksyon in an exclusive interview.
The Blackwater owner is trying to manage expectations but is hoping to reach the playoffs in the team’s maiden campaign.
“Sa tingin ko we can get four wins, which would be enough to land us in the quarterfinal round,” he added.
Blackwater, which has loaded up on veterans and a couple of young players through the expansion draft, is pretty much set on its roster, save for a couple of picks in the upcoming PBA Draft.
“We’re okay with this current roster, except that we need to finalize everything during the rookie draft,” Sy added.
The Elite will be bannered by two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso, who stayed in top shape despite being one of the oldest players in the league.
He will be joined in the frontline by younger player JP Erram, Bryan Faundo and Pari Llagas. They’re also hoping to get something out of the comebacking Norman Gonzales, who has done well in practice.
Blackwater coach Leo Isaac believes they are close to being ready but could use at least another quality player to help shore up the post.
“Kulang pa ng isa. Maybe we can get one during the draft,” said Isaac, who helmed the Blackwater squad that broke NLEX’s string of championships in the D-League.
The guard rotation will be led by Paul Artadi and Chris Timberlake and while the team is looking at additional backcourt options in the draft.
They’re also counting on a quick return from injury for Rob Celiz, a former Blackwater player in the D-League who was selected by the squad in the expansion draft.
“Nagpatanggal siya ng turnilyo sa paa, but he’ll be back soon. Mga ilang weeks lang naman ang recuperation na kailangan niya,” added Isaac.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-expansion-team-blackwater-sports-sets-quarterfinals-as-goal-in-maiden-pba-conference)
San Mig Coffee drawing suitors for No. 7 pick; Mixers looking for future first-rounders
The San Mig Coffee Mixers, who had made known their intentions of trading their first round pick in the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft, have attracted a number of suitors ahead of the big day.
San Mig Coffee, fresh off winning a historic Grand Slam last season, owns the seventh overall pick of the draft but isn’t in need of a new player after successfully keeping its roster intact during the offseason.
“The MVP Group and even GlobalPort have asked me about our No. 7 pick,” Rene Pardo, San Mig Coffee’s representative to the PBA Board of Governors, told InterAksyon.com in an interview.
“Pero wala pa namang malinaw na usapan. Of course, kapag wala talagang agreement, gagamitin pa rin namin yun dahil sayang naman.”
Neither Talk ‘N Text nor Meralco, two teams from the MVP Group of Companies, holds a first round pick this year’s draft. The two squads are in transition after a coaching shuffle that saw Jong Uichico take over the Tropang Texters’ post and Norman Black move over to the Bolts.
GlobalPort, which owns the No. 1 pick in the draft, but could use the additional help after struggling to win games last season.
Pardo said that the Mixers are looking for future assets that can pay off down the line instead of players that can contribute right away.
“We’re looking at 2015 or 2016 first round picks,” he said.
“Hindi namin masyadong kailangan ngayon yung pick kasi kapapanalo lang and wala naming halos nabawas sa team namin.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/san-mig-coffee-drawing-suitors-for-no-7-pick-mixers-looking-for-future-first-rounders)
Post Merge: August 22, 2014, 11:00:54 PM
‘Kasi Paul Lee siya’: Lee’s camp continues holdout from signing max contract, confirms trade request
Paul Lee has clearly established himself as one of the best point guards – if not the best – in the PBA today.
That’s why Lawrence Chongson, his manager, remains in no rush to sign the maximum contract offered to him by Lee’s mother team, Rain or Shine.
“Hindi naman sa pagmamalaki, eh kasi Paul Lee siya eh,” Chongson told InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview.
“Kung ibang player lang yan baka maski hindi pa naiaabot yung kontrata gusto na agad pumirma.”
Rain or Shine currently holds the rights to Lee, a restricted free agent, and made its desire to keep the backcourt star in the fold by giving him the maximum salary allowed by the league.
But Chongson, who is handling the negotiations on Lee’s behalf while the player is with the Philippine national men’s basketball team in Spain for the FIBA World Cup, has yet to sign the deal.
The manager had earlier announced Lee’s desire to be traded to a different team.
“I did it (announcement) in respect to them. Baka kasi they are looking to pick a big man or a forward. I just want them to be ready for the eventuality of Paul’s possible transfer to another team,” Chongson said.
“At least, dito sa announcement na ginawa ko, magiging handa sila sa posibleng mangyari.”
He added that the Lee is looking for a change of scenery so that he can continue his development as a basketball player.
“Paul is only 25 and you cannot blame him kung gusto niya ng pagbabago. Change is good. Maaring gusto niya pang matuto sa iba. Maaring gusto niyang matuto ng bagong sistema. Kasi kung ganito pa rin yung ma-experience niya, magiging stagnant siya. Maaring hindi niya ma-experience yung improvement na hinahanap niya.”
Chongson maintained, though, that the player had no problems in his three years with the Rain or Shine franchise.
“Maayos naman yung naging treatment nila. It just so happened that maaring ang reason kung bakit may desire si Paul na makapaglaro sa iba, baka gusto niyang mayroon siyang bagong matutunan,” he added.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/kasi-paul-lee-siya-lees-camp-continues-holdout-from-signing-max-contract-confirms-trade-request)
Post Merge: August 22, 2014, 11:02:52 PM
‘I want to hear it from him personally’: Yeng Guiao wants to talk to Paul Lee about trade request
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao knows of the trade request issued by Lawrence Chongson, the manager of Elasto Painters star Paul Lee, on behalf of his client.
But the fiery mentor told InterAksyon.com that he wants to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.
“I want to hear it from him personally. But we cannot do it as long as Paul is in Spain with the Gilas Pilipinas national squad,” Guiao said in an interview.
Rain or Shine offered Lee, a restricted free agent, a new deal where the player would be set to make the league’s maximum allowable monthly salary of P420,000, but his manager has held out from signing the contract.
The Elasto Painters have not been able to communicate with Lee, with the negotiations being handled by Chongson while Lee continues to serve as part of the Philippine national men’s basketball team.
Guiao believes keeping Lee incommunicado is intentional on Chongson’s part in order for him to negotiate freely with other PBA teams.
“I think that’s part of their plan para legal yung gawin nilang pakikipagusap sa ibang teams,” he added.
Lee’s contract will expire at the end of August and he will then be allowed to accept offers from other teams. Rain or Shine, though, will have the right to match any offer as part of the league’s restricted free agency system.
Guiao said that they will not pursue a trade of Lee until they have the chance to speak with the player directly.
“I’m sure Gilas players are being isolated to avoid any distraction. But by any chance, I would like to hear from Paul if he really wants to be traded,” Guiao said.
“We also want to know if he’s not happy with this team anymore. If so, that’s the only time we can make a trade for him.”
Rain or Shine had always had the policy of trading away players that no longer wanted to remain with the team. Though they want to keep Lee in the fold, they are open to making a trade as long as they receive comparable value in return.
“I think it’s a good problem in the sense that we can still get something out of it,” the coach added.
The team had earlier stated they would trade Lee if they could get a quality big man in return.
With the request from Lee, Rain or Shine’s draft plans may be affected. They are now considering picking up one of the talented guards with their second overall pick, and showed interest in former Gilas cadet and Letran star Kevin Alas.
“Pwede yun,” Guiao said. “Pwede rin naman na in the event that we reach an agreement with Paul’s camp and we’ve drafted Kevin, we can keep both of them instead of one. In that case, you have two talented guards than one.”
“But if it’s true that Paul wants to be traded, then we can make it happen and I’m sure we can get something out of it.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/i-want-to-hear-it-from-him-personally-yeng-guiao-wants-to-talk-to-paul-lee-about-trade-request)
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Pringle, Alas lead PBA Draft class; Pacman selects self
MANILA, Philippines – As expected, Filipino American Stanley Pringle was drafted first overall by the Globalport Batang Pier while the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters opted for Gilas cadet Kevin Alas for the second overall pick in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday, August 24 at Midtown Atrium, Robinson’s Place Manila.
Pringle, a 6-foot-1 guard out of Penn State University, is set to join Alex Cabagnot, Terrence Romeo and Jay Washington to bolster a very young Batang Pier squad raring to finally rise from the cellar and improve on its two consecutive dead last finishes in the past two conferences.
Pringle played college ball at Penn State for two years from 2007 to 2009. In his first game for Penn State, he tied a Bryce Jordan Center and school record with his 7 steals. He was also awarded the 2007 Suncoast Conference Player-of-the-Year Award.
During his junior year playing for the university, Pringle started in 12 of his 31 games, and came up with 7 double-digit scoring games as well. He also shot 40.9% from beyond the arc – a team-best performance at the time.
The 27-year old Pringle played for the Indonesia Warriors in the ASEAN Basketball League in 2012 where he lead them to a championship with averages of 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists.
He also acquired international playing experience right out of college with his stint in the Basketball League Belgium as well as playing in Poland and Ukraine, norming double digit points per game.
Meanwhile, the 22-year old Alas out of Letran was among the guards pitted to take the second overall pick after reports emerged that Paul Lee wished to be traded when his contract expires. Alas is a Gilas cadet who suited up for Gilas Pilipinas during its FIBA Asia Cup stint last July.
Fil-Italian Chris Banchero, who was also expected to land the second overall pick, fell to fifth overall as selected by the Alaska Aces. Banchero played for Boracay Rum in the PBA D-League and topped all Day 1 pre-draft tests.
Meanwhile, the 22-year old Alas out of Letran was among the guards pitted to take the second overall pick after reports emerged that Paul Lee wished to be traded when his contract expires. Alas is a Gilas cadet who suited up for Gilas Pilipinas during its FIBA Asia Cup stint last July.
Fil-Italian Chris Banchero, who was also expected to land the second overall pick, fell to fifth overall as selected by the Alaska Aces. Banchero played for Boracay Rum in the PBA D-League and topped all Day 1 pre-draft tests.
Third pick Ronald Pascual of San Miguel Beermen. Photo by Josh AlbeldaThird pick Ronald Pascual of San Miguel Beermen. Photo by Josh Albelda
As the first round wound down, KIA head coach Manny Pacquiao drafted himself with the 11th overall pick, officially making him a part of the PBA and a playing coach come the league’s 40th season.
Pacquiao, however, was not present at the draft. He also missed the rookie draft combine a week prior.
Another Gilas cadet Matt Ganuelas Rosser, on the other hand, reunited with his D-League team as the NLEX Road Warriors selected him fourth overall.
Two Adamson Soaring Falcons also cracked the first round with Rodney Brondial going to Barangay Ginebra as the 6th overall pick and Jericho Cruz making his way to Rain or Shine as the 9th overall pick.
Below is a list of the first and second round draft picks:
First round:
1. Globalport Batang Pier: Stanley Pringle
2. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (pick from Meralco): Kevin Alas
3. San Miguel Beermen (Barako Bull Energy traded pick to SMB for Chico Lanete, Jojo Duncil, second round pick 2014 and first round pick 2016): Ronald Pascual
4. NLEX Road Warriors: Matt Rosser Ganuelas
5. Alaska Aces: Chris Banchero
6. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel: Rodney Brondial
7. Globalport (San Mig Coffee gets a 2016 first round and 2018 second round. Globalport gets San Mig Coffee’s 2014 7th pick and 2016 second round pick): Anthony Semerad
8. Barako Bull (from Talk ’N Text): Jake Pascual
9. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters: Jericho Cruz
10. Barako Bull Energy (from San Mig Coffee): David Semerad
11. KIA Motors: Manny Pacquiao
12. Blackwater Sports: Juami Tiongson
Second round:
13. Alaska Aces (from Meralco): Rome Dela Rosa
14. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (from Globalport): Kevin Espinosa
15. Barako Bull Energy: Philip Paredes
16. Alaska Aces (from Air21): Jun Jun Alas
17. Globalport (from Alaska): Prince Caperal
18. Barako Bull Energy (from Ginebra): Philip Morrison
19. Globalport (from Alaska, from Meralco, acquired from Petron): John Pinto
20. Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters: Harold Arboleda
21. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters: Mike Gamboa
22. Barako Bull (pick acquired from San Miguel): Gab Banal
23. Blackwater Sports: Frank Golla
24. KIA Motors: Kyle Pascual
From Rappler.com (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/67099-stanley-pringle-pba-draft-globalport)
Post Merge: August 24, 2014, 06:56:43 PM
Paul Lee gets offer to play in China
The shockwaves from Paul Lee’s announcement that he is seeking a trade have not completely settled down and yesterday the Rain or Shine star delivered another shocker.
Reliable sources said Lee may consider playing in China after getting an offer from one of the teams in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
“I think he has an offer to play in China, and Paul might try his luck there if he decides not to play for Rain or Shine next season,” said a source who requested not to be named.
Lee’s management group headed by his agent Lawrence Chongson, his former coach at the University of the East, dropped a bombshell the other day when it announced that Lee has asked to be traded at the end of his contract which expires on Aug. 31.
Rain or Shine officials said they will do everything to keep Lee in the team. Recently, they offered Lee a P15.12-million contract spread over three years, the maximum allowable under PBA rules.
But Lee apparently turned down the offer and sought a trade, leaving Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao and team owners wondering why this is happening.
Lee, nor his agent Chongson, was available for comment. Lee is with the Gilas Pilipinas team in Spain preparing for the FIBA World Cup which begins in a few days.
A team insider said that Lee already contacted Guiao to inform his coach of his intention to be traded. There is still hope, though, for Rain or Shine to keep Lee as he agreed to talk to Guiao once he returns from Spain.
Lee’s possible departure has greatly altered Rain or Shine’s rookie draft plans. The team is now looking at picking Kevin Alas in today’s draft just in case Lee’s bail out becomes real.
From Manila Bulletin (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/paul-lee-gets-offer-play-china-source-170622598--nba.html)
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ni drop ang sarili hehe galing ni pambansang kamao.. sabi ko na nga ba Alas sa RoS.. dati pa kase yan, gusto ng RoS makuha si Ian sa San Mig Coffee kapalit ni Lee.. well sana nga makalaro si Lee sa CHina...
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Naghanap na agad si coach Yeng ng kapalit ni Lee lol. Kala ko pa naman may mada-draft si Pacman ng mas maaga to trade for next years draft sayang. Tumawag pa daw si Pacman kay coach Yeng para magpasalamat kasi di daw siya nadraft ng ROS lol.
Manny Pacquiao thanks Yeng Guiao for dropping plan to draft boxing hero with No. 9 pick overall
MANNY Pacquiao was grateful to Yeng Guiao after succeeding to talk the Rain or Shine out of his plans to draft the incoming Kia coach with the Elasto Painters' No. 9 pick overall in the PBA rookie draft.
Spin.ph personally caught Guiao getting an overseas call on the draft floor from Pacquiao straight from his hotel room in Beijing to relay his gratitude for not beating Kia to the playing rights to the boxing hero.
The fiery Rain or Shine mentor has been very vocal about his intention to draft Pacquiao, who he said can be a priceless marketing asset for the company which the team represents.
“We really have an intention to pick him,” said Guiao.
But a few miniutes before the draft proceedings opened, Guiao said he and Pacquiao had reached an agreement.
“Nag-usap na kami ni Manny, sabi ko hindi ko na siya ida-draft,” said Guiao.
“Nagpasalamat naman siya, at masayang masaya.” Guiao said Pacquiao was also grateful for taking a close look at him.
“Sinabi nga niya, salamat daw kasi kahit papaano na-consider ko siya. Hindi naman daw siya ganun kakilala bilang (basketball) player,” shared Guiao of his conversation with the eight-division world champion.
“Pero sabi ko, ‘Manny, itaas lang ng isang kamay mo ang lata ng Rain or Shine, papalo na ang sales namin.' Pero OK na, sabi ko sa kanya, 'Nag-usap na kami ng mga bata mo dito.'"
Meanwhile, a source told Spin.ph that Columbian Autocar Corporation owner Pepito Alvarez even went to the point of calling his fellow team owners to leave out Pacquiao with the first 10 picks of the draft.
“Kinausap kami ni Gov Pepito, sabi naming OK. Ganyan naman sa PBA respetuhan,” said one team owner who refused to be named.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/manny-pacquiao-thanks-yeng-guiao-for-not-drafting-him-in-pba-rookie-draft-kia-rain-or)
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Team KIA drafts the former flyweight, former super bantamweight, former featherweight, former super featherweight, former lightweight, former junior welterweight and the reigning and defending WBO welterweight champion of the WORLD!!!! Manny “The Pacman” Pacquiao.
Pati yata yung pinsan ni Pacman ni draft niya sa kia hehe
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Yup, yung Rene Pacquiao 1st pick ng 3rd round (25th overall). Sana magtagal siya sa PBA lol.
Rain or Shine offering Paul Lee to Blackwater Sports, says expansion team’s owner
With Rain or Shine point guard Paul Lee asking to be traded to another squad, team management has begun to gauge interest in the services of the backcourt star.
Blackwater Sports team owner Dioceldo Sy confirmed to InterAksyon.com on Monday that Rain or Shine has been in touch with the expansion club regarding Lee.
“We’ve received feelers from Rain or Shine regarding Paul Lee, pero pag-uusapan pa naming kung ano or sino yung magiging kapalit,” Sy said in a telephone interview.
Sy, who is scheduled to go to Spain to watch the Philippine nationa men’s basketball team play in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, will be looking for a chance to speak with Lee about playing for their squad.
“I will also use the opportunity to talk to Commissioner Salud and possibly ask for his wisdom regarding this,” Sy added.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said that if ever the team look for trade options for the talented guard, he would ask for a big man in exchange.
“That would be the first option, but if not, then we’ll look for equal value,” added Guiao.
In the absence of a marquee player from the Blackwater camp, however, the Elasto Painters are expected to seek a future first round pick should they decide to trade Lee.
The 2015 and 2016 Rookie Draft are expected to be deeper with the likes of Kiefer Ravena of Ateneo, Arnold Van Opstal of La Salle, Garvo Lanete of the Gilas cadet team and even Bobby Ray Parks possibly joining the coming drafts.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/rain-or-shine-offering-paul-lee-to-blackwater-sports-says-expansion-teams-owner)
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trade nila sa beerman kunin nila si fajardo or santos kung gusto niya bigmen...
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Pwede din sa Ginebra para kay Slaughter o Aguilar.
‘Ang ganda ng samahan natin’: Yeng Guiao surprised by Paul Lee’s decision to ask Rain or Shine for trade
“I was surprised.”
That’s how Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao described his feelings after Paul Lee called up and talked to him about his intentions of being traded to another team.
Lee, who is in Spain as part of the Philippine national men’s basketball team set to compete in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, made a call to Guiao on Saturday, informing him that he wants out of Rain or Shine.
It was a move that shocked Guiao, who had the impression that their relationship – from the players, coaching staff and management – was like that of family.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanya, ang ganda ng samahan natin. Pamilya tayo. Rookie of the Year ka, nag-champion tayo, perennial contenders tayo. Nag-national team player nang galing dito sa Rain or Shine. Binigyan ka ng maximum salary. Bakit?”Guiao asked Lee during the call.
“Ano pa ba ang hahanapin ng isang player? Mayroong bang nangyayari na hindi natin alam? Si Paul lang makapagsasabi niyan.”
According to Guiao, even PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who approached him and told him he would help out during the arbitration when they meet with Lee’s camp, was surprised himself.
“We appreciate that,” Guiao said regarding Commissioner Salud’s gesture. “Kasi alam rin ni Commissioner yung sitwasyon. Actually, kausap ko nga rin si Commissioner, nagtataka siya kung bakit dahil alam niya yung relationship namin, maganda naman. Alam niya yung salary ay nakasagad na. Bakit pa lilipat si Paul? Alam rin niya yun. That’s why we also want probably a clarification or explanation from Paul himself pagdating niya.”
But Guiao believes Lee’s decision wasn’t his alone.
“I don’t think he can do that on his own. Wala sa nature niya yun,” added Guiao. “Paul said he would pay his respects and talk to the owners and to myself pagbalik niya. Kasi nga sabi ko hindi rin ako lubusang naliwanagan sa explanation niya kasi napaka-vauge. Ayoko naman siyang pilitin na mag-explain.”
“Mabait na bata si Paul. I’m sure he cares a lot for the team pero baka mayroong ibang considerations na hindi natin alam. Hindi ko masasagot yun. Siya lang makakasagot nun.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/ang-ganda-ng-samahan-natin-yeng-guiao-surprised-by-paul-lees-decision-to-ask-rain-or-shine-for-trade)
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Pwede si paul lee sa ginebra para sa bigman. Pero hindi si slaughter at aguilay kundi si reyes at si mamaril tapos isama na si caguia... Ayos na ayos yan...
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Alaska already fielding ‘multiple’ offers for rookie Chris Banchero, says coach Alex Compton
Alaska coach Alex Compton, who was fortunate to have talented guard Chris Banchero fall on his lap at No. 5 in the PBA Rookie Draft, admitted on Monday that the team has already received multiple offers from teams interested in trading for the Filipino-Italian rookie.
“There are a lot of teams that expressed interest in him. That only goes to show how valuable our pickup in the draft is,” Compton told InterAksyon.com in an interview.
But Compton added they would like to see what they have in Banchero before they even consider moving him.
“We’ll see how Chris fits into our system and how he’ll play alongside the other players. But definitely, we’re happy to pick him up at No. 5.”
The Aces’ mentor admitted that it was a surprise to the team when the former ASEAN Basketball League Finals MVP was still available for them at No. 5.
They quickly jumped at the opportunity to draft the 6-foot-1 guard, who impressed observers at the PBA Draft Combine days before.
“He’s hard to pass up. He is No. 1 in the biometrics and topped almost category there,” he said.
The coach was also pleasantly surprised with their selection of San Beda’s Rome De La Rosa in the second round.
“We were hoping that he would be available at No. 13. We were expecting he’ll be selected in the early goings and we’re fortunate to have him in the second round,” Compton added.
“I wasn’t joking when I passed by coach Boyet Fernandez and told him how he had done a great job on Rome. He seems to be a good teacher and Rome had learned valuable things from his teachings.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/alaska-already-fielding-multiple-offers-for-rookie-chris-banchero-says-coach-alex-compton)
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Tim Cone ‘extremely impressed’ by Chot Reyes in Gilas Pilipinas’ tough loss to Croatia
“Extremely impressive. I thought Chot coached brilliantly.”
That was how the winningest coach in PBA history, Tim Cone, described how Philippine national men’s basketball team coach Chot Reyes steered Gilas Pilipinas in its tough overtime loss to Croatia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Reyes caught the fancy of the American mentor, who once coached the Philippine team to the Asian Games with his game adjustments and strategies that enabled the Filipinos to push the powerhouse Croatians to the limit.
“He made great adjustments throughout the game and showed his trust to all his players,” Cone wrote in a text message to InterAksyon.
Cone has served in different capacities for the national squad, including helping Reyes when the latter was first appointed as the Philippine team coach in 2007.
The San Mig Coffee bench tactician served as Reyes’ deputy in the Tokushima FIBA Asia Championship. When Reyes was appointed as coach of the national team for the second time, the American mentor lend a helping hand by giving him inputs while preparing for the FIBA Asia Championship last year.
Cone said that Reyes made the Gilas Pilipinas players believe that they could play at a very competitive level in the FIBA World Cup.
The Philippines is playing in the world level for the first time since 1978, and is now ready to earn the respect of the world’s best basketball teams in the world’s biggest tournament.
“They really showed that we have the potential to compete at the highest level internationally,” added Cone.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/tim-cone-extremely-impressed-by-chot-reyes-in-gilas-pilipinas-tough-loss-to-croatia)
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‘The Kraken’ is FIBA World Cup’s 2nd most ‘efficient’ player, just behind Pau Gasol
Philippine national men’s basketball team center June Mar Fajardo is the second most efficient player in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, according to RealGM.com, a website which provides advanced statistics to NBA teams.
Fajardo got a total of 44.92 Player Efficiency Rating (PER), just behind Spain’s Pau Gasol who had 48.66. The reigning PBA Most Valuable Player also ranked ahead of Slovenia’s Zoran Dragic (44.82), Team USA’s Anthony Davis (41.46) and Spain’s Serge Ibaka (41.41).
The PER, developed by renowned advanced stats advocate and now Memphis Grizzlies executive John Hollinger, “sums up all a player’s positive accomplishments, subtracts the negative accomplishments, and returns a per-minute rating of a player’s performance.” It uses a formula which calculates data from the traditional box scores of a game.
Fajardo is averaging six points on 58.3 percent shooting, four rebounds, and one block, over 9.3 minutes a game.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/june-mar-fajardo-is-fiba-world-cups-second-most-efficient-player-according-to-advanced-stats-site)
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‘Unti-unti nang nagbabalik loob’: Paul Lee in talks with Yeng Guiao about staying put with Rain or Shine
“May tsansa pa, unti-unti nang nagbabalik loob.”
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao confirmed to InterAksyon.com that he already talked to star point guard Paul Lee about the possibility of staying with the Elasto Painters for the upcoming PBA season.
“Nag-usap kami sa phone kahapon (Thursday). Mukhang OK naman dahil it seems, may mga ibang tao rin siyang nakakausap while he was in Spain,” said Guiao in a telephone interview.
“When he comes home, mag-uusap ulit kami para ma-finalize na.”
Lee is one of the four Rain or Shine players included to the Gilas Pilipinas pool.
Prior to the team’s participation in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, Lee made known his intention to be traded and play elsewhere.
But following his recent conversation with Guiao, it seems that Lee could continue his career with the Elasto Painters, who offered the 6-foot-1 guard a maximum contract.
Once Lee decides to come back and play for the Elasto Painters, Guiao will have to make another tough decision.
“Ang problem ko lang, kapag bumalik si Paul, ang dami na naming guards,” Guiao added.
Rain or Shine has just signed up second overall pick Kevin Alas, whom the team drafted in anticipation of Lee’s possible departure.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/unti-unti-nang-nagbabalik-loob-paul-lee-in-talks-with-yeng-guiao-about-staying-put-with-rain-or-shine)
Post Merge: September 06, 2014, 08:58:33 AM
Huge cash incentives await Gilas players
SEVILLE, Spain – Members of Gilas Pilipinas will be dividing significant amount of cash incentives for their worthy showing in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
In dinner at the end of Gilas’ “WC” journey, SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan announced a bonus that would be available any time for each member of the team.
“Those going home tomorrow just let us know how you want to receive, in pesos, euro or us dollars,” said Pangilinan to the cheers from the members of the team.
A Filipino-Chinese group led by businessmen/sportsmen Cecilio Pedro and Deoceldo Sy, and the PBA board both announced a cash windfall of P1 million to be divided by the team.
Asked later by the sportswriters privately how much he’s giving the players as bonus, Pangilinan smiled and said: “It’s more than what the others give. They fully deserve it.”
From PhilStar.com (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/09/05/1365742/huge-cash-incentives-await-gilas-players)
Post Merge: September 06, 2014, 10:00:33 PM
Gilas Pilipinas players arrive in Manila
MANILA, Philippines - The boys are back in town.
After their gutsy showing at the FIBA World Cup in Spain, the first batch of the Philippine men's national basketball team arrived in Manila on Saturday, September 6.
Players Jay Washington, Paul Lee, Beau Belga, June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, Jeff Chan, Gary David, and Ranidel De Ocampo plus assistant coach Ryan Gregorio landed in the Philippines, where they will begin preparations for the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, which begin September 19.
Gilas lost their first 4 games to Croatia, Greece, Argentina and Puerto Rico before concluding their run with a two-point victory over Senegal. The win was their first at the World Championships in 40 years, while their inclusion was the country's first in 36 years.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/68355-gilas-pilipinas-players-arrive-manila)
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Back from Spain, Paul Lee a no-show at Rain or Shine’s Monday practice
Star guard Paul Lee arrived in Manila from Spain on Saturday, fresh from his stint with Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA World Cup.
He was expected to show up at Rain or Shine’s practice on Monday, but he was not around, and failed to advise the PBA team’s staff as to whether or not he would indeed be around.
Beau Belga, a member of the Gilas pool who accompanied the team to Spain, dropped by and watched his team practice.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was also anticipating Lee would show up. He spent Monday morning instead making light of the situation.
“Nagtago sa inyo (media). Alam yata na dadating kayo eh,” Guiao told InterAksyon.com.
Guiao said settling with Lee is now the primary concern of the squad, and the coach is setting a time frame of up to the end of the week for things to be clear. While in Spain last week, Lee was bared to have asked for trade from Rain or Shine, though Guiao later said that the two sides were talking, and relations between team and player seemed warm enough to remain hopeful.
“Ang pinaka-urgent sa ngayon, we need to settle with Paul,” Guiao said. “Kailangan naming malaman kung ano yung final plans niya, kung ano yung desisyon niya.”
“Doon naka-hinge yung plano ng team. Kapag andyan na siya, madali nang mag-manipulate ng rest of the other moves. Pero habang wala pa siya dyan, naka-hold lahat yung desisyon. The latest maybe is this week, we want to know what his plans are and what our options are after that.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/back-from-spain-paul-lee-a-no-show-at-rain-or-shines-monday-practice)
Two-time MVPs Willie Miller, Danny Ildefonso still left unsigned for upcoming PBA season
In PBA history, only few players have won the Most Valuable Player award at least two times.
Danny Ildefonso and Willie Miller, two future Hall of Famers, are among those included on the list.
More than a decade ago, they were the best in their respective positions. But how time flew by so fast — now, both of them are still left unsigned about a month before the start of the new PBA season.
For the first time in his career, Miller, MVP awardee in 2002 and 2007, felt uneasy.
“Ngayon lang kasi nangyari sa akin yung ganito,” Miller told InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview. “Siguro dahil hindi maganda yung resulta ng takbo ng team last year.”
Miller has been continuously working out with Barako Bull during the offseason and the lefty veteran guard is hoping he would be given a chance.
“Gusto ko kasi talaga magtapos ng career ko dito kasi dito rin ako nagsimula,” he added.
Miller said that he wants to finish his career with a championship — a feat which he might have to do elsewhere should Barako Bull opt not to re-sign him.
“Wish ko pa rin talaga magkaroon ng magandang exit and manalo ng championship,” he added.
Miller said that he is not yet ready to hang up his sneakers as he likes the challenge of going up against younger players.
“Ang basketball naman hindi lang panay takbo. Maraming nagsasabi ang laki ko raw, eh kailangan talagang magpalaki atsaka sa nakikita ko, kadalasan naman na magagaling na player hindi panay bilis lang. Tapos na ako doon sa panahon na mabilis ako,” explained Miller.
“Kailangan magaling ka mag-set up. Kailangan alam mo kung kelan ka tatakbo at kelan ka magsi-set up. Gusto kong makalaban yung mga batang players kasi doon ko mapapatunayan kung hanggang saan na lang ba ako. Kapag nakita ko na hindi ko na kayang sumabay sa kanila, ako na mismo magriretiro.”
Ildefonso also without a team
Like Miller, Ildefonso is also having difficulty finding a team.
He was picked up by Blackwater in the dispersal draft, but both camps failed to reach an agreement.
Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy said the veteran slotman was asking too much.
“He’s overpricing himself, kaya I’m not interested in him anymore,” said Sy.
Ildefonso’s manager, William Ong, explained they’re not asking for the moon as told by Sy.
“Hindi naman totoong humihingi kami ng malaki. Pero huwag naman kaming bibigyan ng maliit dahil kung ganun ang ibibigay, huwag ka na maglaro,” said Ong.
With Ildefonso failing to come to terms with Blackwater, his rights will still be retained by the Meralco Bolts, the last team he played for.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/two-time-mvps-willie-miller-danny-ildefonso-still-left-unsigned-for-upcoming-pba-season)
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wow willie boy in trouble, sana may kumuha pa dito sayang naman basta basta na lang hindi maglaro ???
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kia ang kukuha sa kanila
Sent from my iMommy
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Paul Lee’s manager wants appointment with Rain or Shine management to resolve contract issue
With Paul Lee back from the Philippine national men’s basketball team’s campaign in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, his camp will attempt to finally resolve the ongoing contract dispute with mother team Rain or Shine in the coming days.
Lee arrived in the country on Saturday and was expected to make an appearance during Rain or Shine’s practice session on Monday but failed to show up.
“Of course, pahinga lang muna siya after nung FIBA and hopefully, maka-set kami ng appointment with RoS management in the next few days,” Lee’s manager Lawrence Chongson told InterAksyon.com.
He reiterated that no deal with Rain or Shine has been reached and that they are still waiting to see what the Elasto Painters’ next move will be.
“It’s not for us to decide since RoS owns the rights to Paul, kung pipirmahin o i-te-trade ba nila. Call nila yun eh,” Chongson said.
Rain or Shine had previously offered Lee the maximum contract but the player’s camp held off from signing it before eventually requesting a trade to a different PBA team.
“We’ve been getting mixed signals from them through media. May lalabas na willing silang i-trade, meron din naman na hindi i-te-trade at nitong huli nga eh kailangan daw mag-usap muna,” he added.
“So hihintay lang din namin kung what’s next.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/paul-lees-manager-wants-appointment-with-rain-or-shine-management-to-resolve-contract-issue)
Lee will stay with Rain or Shine
Former Rookie of the Year winner Paul Lee will stay with Rain or Shine.
Hounded by bad publicity after asking the ROS management that he will be traded to another team, the mercurial point guard had a chance of heart, saying he will continue playing for the team he helped become a consistent title contenders the past two years.
Sources disclosed yesterday that the 6-foot-1 Lee actually already made a decision last week but has kept mum on the issue since – at that time – he was still focused with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain.
“He’ll stay with ROS,” said a source, who requested not to be named as Lee has to formally make an official announcement.
Another person who has knowledge with Lee’s decision said that it was last week when he made up his mind after consulting some confidants particularly those who are close to him even while he was in Spain.
Lee arrived last Saturday with several other players, including his Rain or Shine teammates Jeff Chan and Beau Belga.
After Gilas scored an 81-79 overtime win over Senegal, the country’s first in 40 years in the tournament, Lee reportedly said that he will visit Rain or Shine’s practice session once he returns home.
Lee was also quoted that he also wants to have a ‘heart-to-heart’ talk with ROS mentor Yeng Guiao, whom he considers like a father.
Asked to comment on Lee’s change of heart, Guiao was happy although he wants to hear it personally from his prized guard.
“One of the reasons why he treats me like a father is because he knows that I’m actually concerned about his welfare. This is not for me, this is for him, for his own good,” said Guiao.
Through his manager, former UE Coach Lawrence Chongson, Lee announced his desire to be traded to another team at the end of his three-year contract with ROS, which expired last Aug. 31.
Lee made the request despite Rain or Shine’s offer of a new maximum three-year deal worth P15.1 million.
In previous interviews, Guiao has said that it is not in the character of Lee to ask for something like that, adding that there night be people manipulating the prized guard from Tondo, Manila.
From Manila Bulletin (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/lee-stay-ros-154734231--nba.html)
Post Merge: September 10, 2014, 08:27:47 PM
LG Sakers defeat Ginebra in 'Asian Basketball Showdown'
MANILA, Philippines - The Changwon LG Sakers prevailed in the "Asian Basketball Showdown" by outlasting the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 81-76, on Tuesday evening, September 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Leading the Korean side was import Christopher Massie, who finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Ki Seung Ho pitched in 21 markers.
Kim Si Rae also contributed by registering 13 markers.
Greg Slaughter had 23 markers and 12 boards to lead Ginebra, who also got a combined 26 points from Mac Bacarael and Chris Ellis.
Gilas cagers Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio made it back from Spain in time for the game, but didn't suit up for the Gin Kings.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/68639-lg-sakers-ginebra-asian-basketball)
Post Merge: September 10, 2014, 08:29:59 PM
PBA considering opening new season at 55,000-seat Philippine Arena
Last year, the Philippine Basketball Association opened its season in three different cities across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, drawing an audience of over 30,000 combined.
This year, the league is looking to top that as it considers holding the ceremonies in the country’s largest arena – the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena at the Ciudad de Victoria in Bocaue, Bulacan.
PBA operations chief Rickie Santos confirmed in a text message that the league would like to kick off the new season in the venue if things are in place in time.
“Yup, may chance if the facilities are laid out on September 18,” Santos said.
The PBA is set to make a final inspection on that date but said that the facilities were not yet set during their previous visit to the arena.
“We asked them when we were there last month, malamang doon mag-opening,” Santos said. “Last time we went there, wala pa silang basketball floor.”
The Philippine Arena, owned by Iglesia ni Cristo, has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest mixed-use indoor theater when an audience of 51,919 attended the worship of the INC’s 100th anniversary.
Aside from the basketball coliseum, the complex that holds the arena has the Philippine Sports Stadium – a football and track stadium that seats 20,000 – a sports center, an indoor aquatic and tennis center, a hotel and a 600-bed hospital.
The PBA does not foresee any problems with having their opening there despite arena management being selective about the activities held in the venue.
“Ayaw lang nila yung mga sabong and anything that has to do with gambling,” newly-installed PBA chairman Patrick Gregorio of Talk ‘N Text said.
The PBA will open its new season on October 19 with a total of 12 teams, with two new expansion squads – Blackwater and Kia – and one franchise that changed ownership, NLEX, set to take part.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-considering-opening-new-season-at-55000-seat-philippine-arena)
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Meralco gets Anthony in three-team deal with NLEX, Blackwater
September 11, 2014
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco, undergoing a serious revamp under new coach Norman Black, is acquiring energetic forward Sean Anthony through a trade deal with sister team NLEX with Blackwater serving as conduit.
The Bolts are also taking in guard Simon Atkins while moving veteran players Sunday Salvacion and Jason Ballesteros over to the Blackwater Sports Elite.
In giving away Anthony and Atkins, the Road Warriors, meanwhile, get Blackwater’s 2016 and 2017 second-round picks along with rookie Juneric Baloria.
Meralco, NLEX and Blackwater have finalized the deal which, however, still needs the approval of PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
The three teams believe they have got a fair deal.
Black, just back from Spain where he helped out coach Chot Reyes in Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA World Cup, is looking to improve the makeup of the Meralco team which has yet to make a major breakthrough in the PBA since joining the league in 2010.
Last season was particularly bad for the Bolts who failed to finish better than seventh in each of the three conferences.
Talk n Text also didn’t fare above expectation, prompting the MVP Group bosses to effect major changes in the coaching rosters and management teams of the Texters and the Bolts.
Meanwhile, NLEX and Blackwater are in the process of fine-tuning the lineups that they're introducing in PBA Season 40.
Coach Boyet Fernandez officially assumes the head-coaching position at Meralco at the end of the current NCAA season.
Coach Leo Isaac is on board Blackwater.
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No-show, negotiation delays only hurting Paul Lee’s image, says Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao
Restricted free agent Paul Lee, fresh off a stint with the Philippine national men’s basketball team in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, has been back in the country for almost a week but there’s still no sign of him at the Rain or Shine camp.
Lee was expected to be back in practice with his PBA club last Monday but has neither attended any training session nor even been in touch with anyone from the team.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, who last spoke to Lee in an overseas call where the player told his coach that they would talk personally after he returned, questioned the decision of Lee’s camp to prolong the negotiations.
“I don’t see any advantage for their side if they keep on delaying these negotiations,” Guiao told InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview. “Kami, okay lang kami because their decision of delaying the talk doesn’t put our team at a disadvantage.”
“The more na tumatagal, the more na nakakasira rin sa image niya.”
Rain or Shine had already offered Lee the maximum contract allowed within PBA rules but the player’s camp held off from signing it before eventually making a request to be traded.
The team, though, is still hoping to come to an agreement with their star guard but his continued absence has kept the two sides from holding negotiations.
Guiao said that Rain or Shine had already made preparations for the worst case scenario, as indicated by their selection of guard Kevin Alas with their second overall pick in last month’s PBA Rookie Draft.
“Napaghandaan na namin yan. In fact, kami, tatakbo yung team even without him. Eh siya, ano gagawin niya?” the fiery coach said.
“I really don’t see any advantage on their part sa pag-de-delay ng usapan.”
Guiao added that while Rain or Shine can afford to be patient with Lee at the moment, the team is not willing to wait for him for too long a time.
“We can wait for him. We can wait for him even until next year,” the coach said.
“But we cannot wait for him forever.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/no-show-negotiation-delays-only-hurting-paul-lees-image-says-rain-or-shine-coach-yeng-guiao)
Post Merge: September 13, 2014, 05:38:10 PM
June Mar Fajardo hopes mentor Danny I lands PBA contract: ‘Sana makalaban ko pa siya’
With two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso still left unsigned after failing to come to terms with expansion team Blackwater Sports, current MVP and one-time teammate June Mar Fajardo is hoping that his former mentor’s basketball career hasn’t met its end just yet.
“Sana makalaban ko pa siya sa PBA,” Fajardo told News5 in a visit to the TV5 Media Center in Reliance, Malanduyong.
“Kasi kuya ko yun. Gusto ko pa siya makalaro sa court eh.”
The veteran Ildefonso was left by mother club Meralco on its unprotected list prior to the PBA expansion draft, where he was selected by Blackwater. The two sides could not come to an agreement regarding salary, though, and Ildefonso was left without a contract.
The 24-year-old Fajardo, coming off a strong campaign with the Philippine national men’s basketball team in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, believes his old teammate still deserves to be in the PBA.
Fajardo – who experienced Ildefonso’s mentoring firsthand – said the veteran’s work ethic and willingness to impart knowledge to younger players would be an asset to any pro team.
The pride of Pinagmugahan, Cebu added that Ildefonso still has it in him to be a contributor on the floor – and not just for this season.
“Mga four years pa siguro.”
From Rappler (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/june-mar-fajardo-hopes-mentor-danny-i-lands-pba-contract-sana-makalaban-ko-pa-siya)
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akala ko ok na si Paul Lee balik na ulit sa RoS.... maaga ito malalaos pag hindi niya inaayus ang ganyan problema.. :(
Kawawa naman si Danny I... dapat kunin na lang ulit ng SMB at i retire after season... 2time MVP tapos ganun lang kakatapusan ng career niya :(
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Hindi na kasi seryosong maglaro si miller. Puro joke nalang sya. Ginagawa nyang comedy ang basketball. Kung nagseryoso sana sya edi may contract sya ngayon. Malakas pa naman maglaro.
Sent from my mom's iPad using Tapatalk
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Danny I. masyado kase mataas ang presyo na gusto nang agent niya.. dapat tanggapin nalang nila na pana-panahon ang pagiging superstar, at tapos na ang panahon ni Danny I. Kung ayaw nila nang alok na sweldo mas maganda naman talaga na mag retire nalang siya at madame na siyang napatunayan sa larangan nang basketball.. Puede naman siya pumasok na isa sa coaching staff ng any team just like Aducul and the rest of the veteran Big Mens of the PBA..
ABout Lee, maaga lalaos yan kapag ganyan, baka mamaya kuhanin pa siya nang RoS tapos di siya gamitin ibangko may saltik pa naman si coach Yeng hehe...
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Tautuaa, Newsome, Van Opstal headline PBA D-League draft
MANILA, Philippines – In a move that came as no surprise, the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns selected Fil-Tongan 6-foot-7 big man Moala Tautuaa as the first overall pick in the 2014 PBA D-League Draft held at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City on Monday, September 15.
Expected to be one of the top picks in the 2015 PBA Draft, Tautuaa will first spend the next few months in the D-League as part of his residency as a Filipino-foreign before becoming eligible to turn pro.
Tautuaa is currently suiting up for the Malaysia Dragons in the Asean Basketball League, where he’s averaging 11.1 PPG and 6.5 RPG.
Going second in the D-League Draft to Tanduay Light was Ateneo second-year man Chris Newsome, whose Blue Eagle teammate, Nico Elorde, was taken by Hapee-San Beda as the ninth pick in the third round.
Rounding up the top three is DLSU big man and 2013 UAAP Most Improved Player of the Year Arnold Van Opstal, who will suit up for Café France-CEU in the upcoming Aspirants Cup of the D-League, which begins on October 27 at the Ynares Sports Arena.
With the fourth pick, Cebuana Lhuillier attained Van Opstal’s teammate at La Salle, Norbert Torres, who’s currently playing his last season with the Green Archers in the UAAP. Going fifth was Kris Rosales to Jumbo Plastic, while FEU Tamaraws starting center Anthony Hargrove was selected sixth overall by M-Builders-FEU.
University of the East star Roi Sumang was selected first overall in the second round and will team up with Newsome at Tanduay Light. His Red Warriors teammates Bong Galanza (second round, third pick) and Chris Javier (second round, ninth pick) were also taken by Café France-CEU and Hapee-San Beda, respectively.
UST’s Rob Hainga was taken seventh by Wangs Basketball, followed by Fabren Redoh who was picked eighth by Racal-St. Claire.
Maverick Ahanmisi (Hapee-San Beda), Rizalde Angeles (AMA Titans), Hernal Escocio (MP Hotel), and John Azores (Bread Story) round up the rest of the first round draftees.
Meanwhile, CSB Blazers stalwart Jonathan Grey was picked up by Cagayan Valley in the second round, which was also where Achie Inigo of FEU was claimed by M-Builders-FEU. Later on in the third round, the third big man from the Green Archers was drafted as Yutien Andrada went 27th overall to Café France-CEU.
DLSU shooter Almond Vosotros fell to the fourth round where Cebuana Lhuillier took him with the fourth pick.
Other UAAP players selected late include Kent Lao of UST and JR Gallarza of UP, both of whom went in the sixth round to Tanduay Light and M-Builders-FEU, respectively.
A total of 153 hopefuls applied for the D-League Draft.
(http://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/31B32C575F0942129AF7E6272F6D0176/teams-picks-tables_31B32C575F0942129AF7E6272F6D0176.jpg)
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/69167-tautuaa-newsome-van-opstal-pba-league-draft)
Post Merge: September 15, 2014, 06:32:49 PM
Daniel Padilla to play in PBA D-League?
MANILA, Philippines – Is teen star Daniel Padilla adding basketball player to his resume?
In a surprising move, the AMA Titans selected the actor in the 15th round of the 2014 PBA D-League Draft Monday.
Padilla was the lone pick in the 15th and final round, after the league's 11 other teams elected to pass.
Tournament director Eric Castro confirmed to reporters at the draft that Padilla is eligible to play for the AMA Titans since he is enrolled at the school.
Padilla was surprised by the news. "Siyempre po gusto ko maglaro for PBA pero hindi po totoo ang balita," the actor said in a text message.
In a statement to ABS-CBN News, Castro admitted that Padilla was not part of the 153 players who applied for the draft.
"But AMA invoked its right as a school-based team to sign a player who is enrolled in its school even though he didn't apply for the draft," Castro said in the statement.
Filipino-Tongan big man Moala Tautuaa was the top pick of the draft, selected No. 1 by Cagayan Valley.
From ABS-CBN Sports (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/09/15/14/daniel-padilla-play-pba-d-league)
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asan na yun kirk long pala dati ng ateneo... sayang yun pang pba na yun ayaw ata papaglaruin kasi kano... ???
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Parang napanood ko yung si Kirk Long na naging commentator sa UAAP.
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wow naman sa lalaki ng haybols nila.. kusina palang buong bahay na ???
Post Merge: September 15, 2014, 07:00:43 PM
Brader namali ako ng post... hindi ko ma modify hehe.. :hilo:
heto dapat ang post ko... :(
ganun ba? sayang yun para naging kapalaran ni compton hindi nagPBA as a local... si compton kasi nun import...
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Paul Lee makes peace with coach Yeng Guiao but still needs to settle with Rain or Shine ownership
Rain or Shine’s restricted free agent Paul Lee is back on the same page with his coach, Yeng Guiao, after the player expressed his willingness to stay on with the franchise although he still has to make peace with ownership and management following a messy contract dispute, according to the fiery mentor.
Lee attended Rain or Shine’s practice for the first time since arriving from the Philippine national men’s basketball team’s campaign in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and he finally made true on his promise to his coach of speaking personally upon his return.
“OK na, he has decided to stay on,” Guiao told InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview.
Lee and Guiao have renewed their interest in working together after a dispute that saw the player’s camp refuse to sign a maximum contract offer and request a trade to a different team.
The one hitch remaining will be repairing Lee’s relationship with Rain or Shine’s owners after the offseason mess.
“Yun nga ang problema. Kasi maski naman gusto ko, kung ayaw ng mga bossing, wala tayong magagawa,” the coach said.
“Kaya sinabihan ko nga si Paul na kausapin yung mga may-ari ng team at makipag-ayos.”
Lee, who went to Rain or Shine’s practice without his manager Lawrence Chongson, was expected back in the fold over a week ago but was not in attendance in any of the team’s sessions since returning from Spain.
The player admitted that he was advised against returning to practice by his camp due to his not having a live contract with the team.
“Yung agent ko hindi kasi ako ina-allow,” Lee said during Gilas Pilipinas’ practice on Monday. “Sinasabi naman niya kasi na wala naman daw akong kontrata, kaya sumunod lang ako kasi may kontrata naman ako sa kanya.”
But Rain or Shine made a request to PBA commissioner Chito Salud to intervene and the player finally showed up after the league directed Lee’s camp to settle the issue.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/staying-on-paul-lee-makes-peace-with-coach-yeng-guiao-but-still-needs-to-settle-with-rain-or-shine-ownership)
Post Merge: September 16, 2014, 04:56:31 PM
‘Hindi siya kasama’: Yeng Guiao says Rain or Shine could look to trade guards – but not Paul Lee
With restricted free agent Paul Lee expressing an interest in staying with mother club Rain or Shine, his coach Yeng Guiao is finally able to think about the formation of the team for the upcoming PBA season.
Guiao told InterAksyon.com that as soon as the team is able to sign the Philippine national men’s basketball team member to a contract, they will begin to study which moves will be necessary for the guard-heavy Elasto Painters to balance out their roster although he made it clear that Lee isn’t likely to be among those traded.
“Hindi siya kasama because ayaw kong pahinain yung guard lineup natin dahil OK na siya,” the coach said.
“We have a very stabilized backcourt once we have Paul in the lineup.”
Rain or Shine prepared for the possibility of losing their backcourt star by stocking up on guards in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft.
They selected amateur standout and Gilas Pilipinas cadet team member Kevin Alas as the second overall pick and nabbed Jericho Cruz at No. 9 to join a rotation that already includes Lee, Chris Tiu, Jonathan Uyloan, TY Tang and even Gabe Norwood, who steps into the point guard role on occasion.
“Once we have Paul, we really have to study who among the guards will have to be used as trade bait or which of them will be moved out,” Guiao said.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/hindi-siya-kasama-yeng-guiao-says-rain-or-shine-could-look-to-trade-guards-but-not-paul-lee)
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ayun naman pala... hindi pwedeng manalo ang player sa nagpapakain sa kanya.... yumabang naman kasi ang Paul Lee, hehehe.... di naman ganun katindi ang impact nya as far as his performance is concerned... alalahanin nya na mas maraming bago at bata na pwedeng ipalit sa kanya...
Sent from my 007 iPhone 6 using Tapatalk
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madami na nga tama yan si Paul lagi injured, mahirap yan ibangko ni kalbo sira ulo yan e :)) :)) :))
Post Merge: September 16, 2014, 06:57:27 PM
PBA mulls holding season opener at brand-new Philippine Arena
September 16, 2014
MANILA, Philippines – Whether the 40th PBA season opener at the 50,000-seater Philippine Arena on Oct. 19 is a go or not will be known within the week.
Plans are afoot for the holding of the grand ceremonies at the new giant dome in Bocaue, Bulacan, but the PBA has yet to make a final decision pending inspection of the hard court that has just been assembled in the venue.
“We’re doing the inspection Thursday. We want to make sure the court is in place. If satisfied, we’ll hold two games there during the opening day,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
“We’ll be ready with shuttle buses to bring the fans from Metro Manila to the Bocaue venue,” Salud also said.
The PBA chieftain said a second option is an inaugural day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with a lone game that is most likely Barangay Ginebra versus Talk n Text.
A twinbill at the Philippine Arena will be featuring newcomers Blackwater and Kia Motors in the first game and Ginebra versus Talk n Text in the second match.
Under new chairman Patrick Gregorio, the PBA board is looking to break the opening-day crowd of over 30,000 attracted in three different playing venues last year – Davao, Cebu and Manila.
The Philippine Arena management has assured the PBA they can easily fill the venue for the first ever sporting event held in the venue.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao and controversial player Paul Lee finally had a heart-to-heart talk yesterday – a development that could lead to the player’s stay at the Asian Coating Inc. ball club.
“Simple, I just asked him if he still wants to play for us. He said yes, and the discussion was over,” said Guiao on his talk with Lee in the sideline of the RoS practice at the NEGA Gym in Greenhills.
"I explained the background of what has happened as he might think we didn’t value what he has done to the team. At least naintindihan nya,” Guiao also said.
With things threshed out, Guiao advised Lee to pay team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que a visit.
The problem cropped up when Lee’s agent, Lawrence Chongson, said more than three weeks ago that his ward wanted out of Rain or Shine and was demanding a trade despite being offered the maximum allowable amount of P15.12 million for a three-year extension.
Additionally, the league commissioner reiterated the league will not allow any ball club to be held hostage by any player.
“I do not care which player we are talking about. Let’s follow the rules,” Salud said.
“Agents, do not mislead your players, because in the long run, it is the players who will suffer. So please, show more concern to your players,” Salud also said. “The league will protect the rights, not just of the players, but most especially the mother ball clubs. That is why we have rules – the right of first refusal.”
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Pacquiao to play in Oct. 4 PBA preseason game
MANILA, Philippines – Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, in the thick of his preparation for his fight with Chris Algieri in November, will see action in the Kia Motors-Blackwater preseason match-up on Oct. 4 and in the keenly awaited duel between the two new PBA teams right in the opener of PBA Season 40 on Oct. 19 most possibly at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“Manny has confirmed to the commissioner (PBA commissioner Chito Salud) he’s playing against Blackwater,” Kia Motors Eric Pineda told The STAR after the formal presentation of the Kia Motors Sorento team to the media at the World Trade Center Thursday.
“After the fight (with Algieri in Macau on Nov. 23), Manny will rest for two weeks and he’ll play more games with his Kia Sorento team,” Pineda also said.
Kia Motors, with Glenn Capacio as Pacquiao’s chief deputy, is confident it has formed a team competitive enough to win at least four games in its coming PBA debut.
“We’ve got scrappy, hard-working players who will give the other teams a good fight,” said Capacio.
“Our goal is to win four to five games. On where that brings us, it’s hard to tell. We have to be realistic this is the PBA. It’s a highly competitive league,” Capacio also said.
The management is hopeful Pacquiao’s competitive spirit will rub off on the team.
“I’m lending my name to the team. Hindi ako papayag na mapahiya,” said Pacquiao on a video shown during the team presentation.
“Success is a product of hard work. We’ll work very hard to achieve that in the PBA,” Pacquiao also said.
From the free agent pool and the rookie draft, Kia got Mike Burstcher, Hans Thiele, Rich Alvarez, Reil Cervantes, Angelus Raymundo, Chad Alonzo, Eder Saldua, Paul Sanga, Kenneth Ighalo, Joshua Webb, Chito Jayme, Rudy Lingganay, LA Revilla, and JR Buensuceso.
“These are players all committed to work hard and try their very best to give all our rivals a good fight,” said Capacio.
“As a newcomer, we’re not aiming high. We give a good fight in each game and we’ll be happy with that,” Capacio also said.
From PhilStar (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/09/18/1370481/pacquiao-play-oct.-4-pba-preseason-game)
Post Merge: September 18, 2014, 08:17:17 PM
Teen actor Daniel Padilla on decision to decline spot in AMA Titans team: 'Hindi tayo pang PBA or D-League'
TEEN sensation Daniel Padilla on Wednesday explained his decision to beg off from the AMA Computer University team that will see action in the coming PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, saying he doesn't feel that he deserve the spot.
“Personal na desisyon ko 'yun (pullout sa team). Hindi naman ako para sa basketball. Mas marami talagang players na dapat maglaro. Hindi naman tulad ko na pinasok lang,” the 19-year-old star of the blockbuster movie 'She’s Dating A Gangster’ told Spin.ph.
The teen heartthrob also cleared his mother network ABS-CBN and his handlers from blame, saying they had nothing to do with his decision not to play for the Titans, who picked him during the 15th round of the recent D-League rookie draft. [See Teen idol Daniel Padilla named to AMA Titans lineup in PBA D-League]
“Ang panget brad eh. Lalaro ako 'dun (D-League). Pero hindi tayo pang PBA o D-League. Hindi ko feel na na-earn ko ang paglalaro,” he said.
But he did admit that playing in the PBA was his boyhood dream, although he was also the first to say that training and improving his basketball skills is next to impossible at this time owing to his hectic schedule.
“Hindi na talaga kakayanin ng schedule ko. Kaya naglalaro ako, hobby na lang. Pero 'yung talagang ensayo … wala, hindi ko na kakayanin,” he said.
While he regrets that declining the D-League chance made his PBA dream even dimmer, Padilla said he doesn’t mind since he felt he was included in the team not so much for his basketball stills but more for his popularity as an actor.
“(Ayokong tanggapin `yung position kasi) hindi ko naramdaman na kaya ako napasok dahil magaling ako. Ayaw ko… hindi ko pinag-trabahuhan eh,” Padilla reiterated. “Parang pinasok lang ako sa team dahil artista ako.”
“Gusto ko 'yung papasok ako dun, dahil magaling ako maglaro… hindi 'yung pinasok ako dahil (sikat ako) o ta-artits ako,” added the son of actors Rommel Padilla and Karla Estrada.
“PBA … talagang pangarap ko din yan… noon pa man.”
At the same time, Padilla said he’s very much willing to talk to AMA officials about the situation since the teen sensation is both an endorser and student of the university.
“Basketball 'yan eh. Lahat tayo gusto 'yan. Ako adik ako sa basketball… pero 'yung galing ko hindi para dun (sa D-League). Hindi ko kakayanin, tol,” said the popular nephew of action superstar Robin Padilla.
The young actor from the famous Padilla clan in showbiz insisted he will continue to play basketball, but only for recreation.
“Pang hobby-hobby lang… Kahit isang laro dun… hindi ko kaya tol (D-League),” he told Spin.ph.
Meanwhile, Blackwater guard Paul Artadi, whose Pimp Kicks shoe shop has Padilla as one of its models, claimed the young actor is indeed, good enough to play in the D-League if he pours his heart into it.
“Marunong 'yan. Pwede sa D-League 'yan. Kaya lang kulang lang sa plyometrics at agility. Kaso hindi mo naman masisi kasi hindi naman siya talaga babad sa training,” said Artadi.
“Magaling magdala ng bola 'yan. Saka shooter talaga. Mataas din tumalon, kasi 5-9 lang yan pero abot niya 'yung ring,” he added.
Asked if the screen partner of charming Kathryn Bernardo can get far if he takes up basketball seriously, Artadi answered in the affirmative.
“Oo, pwede yan pre… Kailangan lang talaga ng ensayo. Pero mahilig talaga lumaro yan,” he said.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/actor-daniel-padilla-on-decision-to-beg-off-from-pba-d-league-ama-university-titans-basketball)
Post Merge: September 19, 2014, 09:34:52 AM
Paul Lee hopes to sign new Rain or Shine contract before Asian Games
Paul Lee is staying with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters after ironing things out with head coach Yeng Guiao. And if it was up to the player, it would be much better if he’ll be able to sign his new contract before he leaves with Gilas Pilipinas for the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
“Wala nang problema sa akin yung sa Rain or Shine. Di na siya nakakaabala,” Lee said during the thanksgiving dinner and send-off party for Gilas.
“Marami na akong napagdaanang problema na mas malaki pa dito. Okay na ako. Tingin ko hindi naman ganun ka-grabe yung issue sa contract ko,” he added.
Weeks ago, Lee’s agent Lawrence Chongson bared the player’s request to be traded even after Rain or Shine offered him a maximum-salary contract. The agent bared a litany or possible reasons for Lee’s request such as wanting a bigger role or wanting to play in a different system but their camp did not explain exactly why they wanted out of Rain or Shine.
The Elasto Painters waited to Lee to come back from Spain for them to settle their issues. They picked multiple guards in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft, players who may be traded soon because of Lee's decision to stay.
“So far, nakapag-usap na kami. Hinihintay na lang yung go-signal ng mga bosses. Okay na lahat. Ilang days na lang ang hinihintay,” Lee said.
“Sana bago ako lumipad maayos na lahat.”
As of the moment, Gilas still has not released their lineup for the Asian Games as many of their players including Lee have injuries.
“Basta kung ma-line up ako, ready ako. Yung sakit, pagkatapos ko nararamdaman lahat e,” the point guard said. “Pagka nakatakbo na, nawawala naman yung sakit. Pag nakaupo ako or pagkatapos ng game dun sumasakit. Nung nasa PBA pa ako nararamdaman ko na ito.”
Suffering from plantar fasciitis on both feet, Lee is not the only one hobbled after their 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign.
“Gawa nung may mga injured na players, kinailangang maglaro ulit ni Jimmy [Alapag],” Lee said. “Pero masaya ako kasi mabibigyan ako ng one last time para makasama si Jimmy sa international game.”
From Y! Sports Philippines (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/paul-lee-hopes-to-sign-new-contract-rain-or-shine-contract-before-asian-games-050410373-nba.html)
Post Merge: September 20, 2014, 02:36:27 PM
Paul Lee signs two-year, P10M deal with Rain or Shine
Paul Lee has officially decided to remain a Rain or Shine Elasto Painter.
The 6-foot-tall guard signed a two-year, maximum contract worth over P10 million last Friday afternoon at the Asian Coatings office. Lee is set to receive a maximum salary of P420,000 per month.
Atty. Mamerto Mondragon, Rain or Shine’s representative to the PBA Board, confirmed this development to InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview.
“He was so happy dahil natapos na yung problema,” Mondragon said.
In signing the deal, Lee woud join an Elasto Painters’ squad loaded at the guard positions.
The team selected Kevin Alas as its No. 2 overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft in preparation for Lee’s possible departure.
The Elasto Painters also have Chris Tiu, point guard TY Tang, the ever-improving Jonathan Uyloan and even versatile wingman Gabe Norwood, who can fill in at either guard spot when called for.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao earlier told InterAksyon.com that the team will be looking at making some moves in the backcourt once the team is able to sign up Lee.
The Elasto Painters’ star is set to leave for Korea on Saturday to join the Philippine national men’s basketball team in the Incheon Asian Games.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/paul-lee-signs-two-year-p10m-deal-with-rain-or-shine)
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Beau Belga: Pacquiao will get no special treatment in PBA
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao will receive no special treatment on his first foray into professional basketball, a rival player has vowed, as the Philippine boxing superstar struggles with a hectic training schedule for both sports.
Beau Belga, a 250-pound, 6-foot-5 Philippine Basketball Association bruiser, told Spin.ph on Friday, September 19 that he will be no walkover when the 5-foot-7 Pacquiao starts playing next month.
"I have no intention of hurting him, but I will play my normal game against him. I don't have to change it just because he's Manny Pacquiao," the 27-year-old center of the league's Rain or Shine team added.
"This is basketball. He won't get an open shot or (be) allowed to drive past me," Belga added.
Pacquiao, 35, has won world boxing titles in eight different weight divisions and was drafted by expansion team Kia Sorentos in August even though he has no experience in high-level basketball.
He is known for playing intense pick-up games during breaks in training for bouts, and remains in top physical condition while enjoying a successful sunset to his career in the ring.
The boxer was hired as player and coach for Kia, which will open their account on October 19 in a league that has produced players of enough calibre to see the Philippines qualify for this year's World Cup.
Kia will face fellow expansion team Blackwater on opening day, and are scheduled to play Belga's Rain or Shine later in the tournament.
Kia team manager Eric Pineda told Spin.ph the would-be pro-basketball star has been forced to skip much of the team's daily training to fit in his boxing workouts.
"They (Kia) know they cannot compete for time with Manny's boxing career. They know how important Manny's next fight is," Pineda added.
Belga, who is half of the duo comprised of teammate JR Quinahan known as “Extra Rice" for their heft, told the website he had played against Pacquiao previously, and suggested he was none too impressed.
"People are saying he has improved, probably because he was challenged by the fans' criticism," Belga said.
"He's the rookie, I am the veteran," he added.
Pacquiao, who is also a congressman of the Sarangani province in the Philippines, is in training for the defense of his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against undefeated American Chris Algieri in Macau on November 23.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/boxing-mma/pacquiao/69747-beau-belga-pacquiao-special-treatment-pba)
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hindi naman papasok si pacquiao sa mga dikdikan laro, siguro pag lamang na kalaban at wala ng chance manalo pa team niya papasok pampasaya lang :))
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Talk ‘N Text set to acquire Jay Washington for Noy Baclao, draft pick
Talk ‘N Text is set to welcome versatile forward Jay Washington back into the fold.
Washington, a 6-foot-7 power forward who started his career with the Tropang Texters, will be traded by GlobalPort in exchange for former top overall draft pick Noy Baclao and a future first rounder.
Talk ‘N Text team manager Aboy Castro told InterAksyon.com that deal has not been finalized yet, although they are looking forward to acquiring Washington, who joined the Philippine national men’s basketball team for the FIBA Asia Cup and the team’s preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
“He averaged 16 points and eight rebounds last year and he’s a versatile player,” Castro wrote in a text message.
Washington, who was named Best Player of the Conference twice in his career, averaged 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds in 28 games for GlobalPort last season.
The deal is awaiting approval from the Office of the PBA Commissioner.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/talk-n-text-set-to-acquire-jay-washington-for-noy-baclao-draft-pick)
Post Merge: September 22, 2014, 08:34:35 PM
Talk 'N Text eyes Matt Rosser, NLEX targets Kevin Alas in three-team PBA trade
IT turned out the Jay Washington-Noy Baclao trade is just the tip of the iceberg.
Sources told Spin.ph that another wave of trade transactions involving rookies Kevin Alas and Matt Rosser are about to take place, shortly after PBA commissioner Chito Salud approved the deal that sent GlobalPort's Washington to Talk 'N Text in exchange for Baclao and the Texters' 2017 first-round draft pick.
Talk 'N Text, in a bid to add young blood to an ageing lineup, is currently finalizing talks with Rain or Shine for the rights to Alas, the former Gilas cadet and Letran star who played for the Texters' sister team NLEX Warriors in the PBA D-League.
Alas was picked by Rain or Shine at No. 2 overall in the last rookie draft but has suddenly become dispensable after free agent guard Paul Lee decided to stay put on a fresh two-year deal.
Once Talk 'N Text succeeds in getting Alas, the Texters plan to send the former D-League MVP and Washington to NLEX for fellow Gilas cadet Rosser, who the Warriors picked at No. 4 overall in the draft.
NLEX is expected to get both Alas and Washington in the transaction while dealing away a couple of draft picks which are still under negotiation.
The only remaining hitch in the negotiations, sources said, is that Rain or Shine wants two first-round picks for Alas while NLEX is only willing to part with its 2015 first-round pick and a second-round draft pick in 2016.
“Gusto nung kabila (Rain or Shine) dalawang first round (picks),” said a source privy to the negotiations. “Depende pa kung ano ang mapapagkasunduan. Pero ongoing ang negotiation.”
Another source said the San Miguel group is also looking to join the hunt for Alas if the current deal falls through.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/pba-trade-kevin-alas-jay-washington-noy-baclao-draft-picks-rain-or-shine-nlex-talk-n-text-2014)
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Talk 'N Text reloads with addition of Ganuelas, Alas
MANILA, Philippines – The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters pulled off two pre-season moves that should ensure they will remain competitive for the foreseeable future in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
In two separate deals, the Texters were able to nab two of the top 5 picks in the 2014 PBA rookie draft.
The first trade, approved by the PBA Commissioner's office Monday, September 22, saw them get the services of athletic wingman Matt Ganuelas. The series of deals was bannered by the return of Jay Washington to Talk 'N Text after regaining his deadly form following his stint with the GlobalPort Batang Pier where he normed 15.57 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
The Texters traded way 2010 first overall pick Nonoy Baclao, rookie Harold Arboleda, and their second round pick in the 2018 Rookie Draft for Washington.
GlobalPort then sent Arboleda, the 2018 second round pick, and a 2016 second round pick it earlier acquired from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to the NLEX Road Warriors for Ganuelas.
Lastly, the Batang Pier exchanged Ganuelas for the Texters' 2017 first round pick.
In another trade reported by Spin.ph, Talk 'N Text acquired the services of 2014 second overall pick Kevin Alas in a three-team deal involving the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and NLEX.
Rain or Shine, the team that drafted Alas, sent the sharp-shooting combo guard to the Texters in exchange for five-time slam dunk king Niño 'KG' Canaleta. The Elasto Painters then sent Canaleta to NLEX for the Road Warriors' 2015 first round pick.
Painters coach Yeng Guiao told Spin.ph that they traded away Alas to give him the opportunity to showcase his wares in the pro league - something he might not be able to do playing behind the team's plethora of guards that include newly resigned Paul Lee, former Xavier teammates Chris Tiu and TY Tang, and UST Growling Tigers standout Jeric Teng.
Texters reloaded
Getting Washington back gives Talk 'N Text more versatility in their frontcourt. The 2005 first overall pick gives another stretch big man that can either give 2014 PBA Governors' Cup best player Ranidel De Ocampo extended rest on the bench, or the team may opt to pair the two for an all three-point shooting five on the floor.
The acquisition of Ganuelas and Alas is the Texters' way of addressing its aging and ailing backcourt. Despite being loaded with top-caliber perimeter operators, both players should get enough playing time to show what they can do on the hardcourt as most of the team's mainstays will likely need rest following stints with the National team Gilas Pilipinas.
Team Captain Jimmy Alapag, who is coming off an inspiring stint with Gilas, at 36-years-old, is nearing the twilight of his career. Fellow Gilas guard Jayson Castro is recovering from an ankle injury while shooting guard Larry Fonacier begged off entirely from being part of the team due to medical reasons.
The Texters will have the luxury of resting or limiting the minutes of their main guns in favor of Ganuelas and Alas - both of whom have also dawned the National colors in the past two years in minor tournaments.
Ganuelas, listed at 6-foot-5, arrived in the Philippines as a natural point guard. He has since shifted to the small forward spot but hasn't lost the ball handling and passing abilities he displayed upon arriving in the country.
He gives back Talk 'N Text the kind of versatility they lost when Jared Dillinger was traded away.
But Ganuelas appears more like the second coming of Gabe Norwood. Both players share court general playmaking skills along with freakish athleticism. Like Norwood, Ganuelas has taken advantage of his length and athletic gifts on defense. In the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, Ganuelas averaged two blocks per game according to pba-online.net.
Again, like Norwood, Ganuelas needs to work on his shot. In the same conference where he averaged two rejections, the Fil-Am cager averaged just 37% on his two-point field goals.
Meanwhile, the Texters get a natural scorer who added playmaking skills to his arsenal in Kevin Alas.
Alas has the potential to become Talk 'N Text's next marquee perimeter player with his combination of size (listed at 6-foot-2) and skill. Alas is also used to a winning culture, having led the Letran Knights to multiple finals appearances in the NCAA and being a key player for the NLEX Road Warriors in their multi-title run in the PBA D-League.
Another positive for both players is the fact that Talk 'N Text is not a team bound by traditional positions. The system the team has run in recent years takes full advantage of the strengths of its players putting them in spots on the floor where they can be most effective.
However, it remains to be seen if newly-installed head coach Jong Uichico will keep this style of play. Uichico should have a field day mixing and matching lineups of his versatile squad.
In any case, the team has done a splendid job of making sure they field a team that can win now, while keeping an eye on the future by acquiring two talents with massive upside.
If and when Alapag decides to hang his sneakers for good, Ganuelas and Alas both have the potential to pick up where the Mighty Mouse left off.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/69969-talk-n-text-matt-ganuelas-kevin-alas-pba-trade)
Post Merge: September 26, 2014, 04:24:16 PM
Rain or Shine to trade forward Larry Rodriguez to Talk ‘N Text for second round pick
Rain or Shine forward Larry Rodriguez will be headed to Talk ‘N Text in exchange for the Tropang Texters’ 2015 second round pick.
A highly-placed source from the Elasto Painters camp told InterAksyon.com that the deal has been agreed upon by both sides.
The deal could be a precursor to a series of trades that will eventually see Talk ‘N Text land second overall pick Kevin Alas. Talk ‘N Text had shown interest in acquiring Alas with a proposed three-team deal that would have seen the rookie moved in exchange for NLEX’s 2015 first round pick.
The deal has not been finalized but the teams have continued to remain in talks.
The Tropang Texters have been busy in the offseason, acquiring Jay Washington from GlobalPort and NLEX’s fourth overall pick Matt Ganuelas Rosser in a series of trades earlier this week.
For now, though, the only certainty remains to be the trade of Rodriguez, who will join a loaded Talk ‘N Text squad that is looking like a major player this coming season.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/rain-or-shine-to-trade-forward-larry-rodriguez-to-talk-n-text-for-second-round-pick)
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mukha hindi mo nakita to TS.. now ko lang nabasa..
Villanueva, Arana figure in fight in NLEX-RoS exhibition
September 26, 2014
MANILA, Philippines – Rico Villanueva and Ryan Arana sustained bruises in their faces and bodies as they figured in a wild brawl that forced the stoppage of the NLEX-Rain or Shine tune-up match at the Meralco Gym in Pasig Friday.
The two players, rivals from their collegiate days with Ateneo and La Salle, went after each other, trading punches then getting entangled in a virtual wrestling match on the floor after Villanueva gave a driving Arana a hard foul. The RoS wingman then retaliated by throwing the ball to the NLEX forward.
Both teams left their benches and rushed to the hard court, but witnesses weren’t certain if any one joined the fight.
“Everyone was on the floor, but probably they’re there just to help separate Rico and Ryan. It’s not clear to me as the players in front of me are so big, I didn’t see all the things that had happened,” NLEX team manager Ronald Dolatre told The STAR.
“It’s a fight that went all the way down the floor. Rico ended up bloodied as he’s bit by Ryan, as Rico later told us,” Dolatre also said.
Rain or Shine was holding a 23-22 edge as the fight erupted at the start of the second quarter.
A PBA official called for the cancellation of the match even as the two teams were hoping the referees just eject the erring players then let the game continue.
“It’s very unfortunate especially with the two teams engaged in a good, exciting match,” said Dolatre.
“Apparently, Rico was hit in an earlier play. With no call from the refs, he got back at Arana in the next play. And as Arana threw the ball at Rico, nagkagulo na,” Dolatre also said.
“I’ve already sent Rico to Medical City to have him checked,” the NLEX official added.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao talked to both Villanueva and Arana before the two players left the venue.
“We let coach Yeng talk to Rico since he used to be Rico’s coach. Mukhang pinagkamay nya yung dalawa,” said Dolatre.
Villanueva was under Guiao at Red Bull when he figured in a fight with another former La Salle player Joseph Yeo at the Araneta Coliseum parking lot a few years back.
It came on the heels of an on-court fight between the two players during a La Salle-Ateneo dream match also at the Big Dome.
Despite the incident, officials of Rain or Shine and NLEX were to continue to talk about a trade involving Kevin Alas.
“We may come up with something within the day,” said Dolatre.
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PBA Commissioner Salud to meet with MVP to plan Gilas Pilipinas' future
MANILA, Philippines - With national squad Gilas Pilipinas' international campaign winding down, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the country's basketball federation Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are looking to assess the team's campaign and explore what can be done for the future.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said in a statement that he will meet with SBP head Manny V. Pangilinan to "exchange thoughts on what happened in Spain and Korea, in essence - to conduct a critical analysis."
"I will then do a round of consultations with our team owners to express gratitude for their support and share my views, as well as, solicit theirs," he said.
The PBA has offered its full support to the Gilas program since before the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, which paved the way for Gilas head coach Chot Reyes to borrow one player from each PBA team to form the roster. The PBA also further showed its support by squeezing the schedule for its 2013-2014 season to allow Gilas ample time to train for this year's World Cup.
"On that basis, we should arrive at a consensus on how best to pursue the program moving forward," Salud said.
The hope is for the PBA to continue its support of the program as Gilas looks ahead to the future - particularly for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, which will serve as qualifier for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
"We've all been positively encouraged by the improvements in our performance, but I know many expect more in our future outings. And rightfully so," Salud added.
Right after the conclusion of the 2014 PBA season, Gilas immediately competed in the FIBA Asia Cup in China last July where they clinched the bronze medal, the country's best finish in the tourney.
Gilas later exceeded expectations at the FIBA World Cup in Spain, nearly upsetting world powerhouse teams such as Argentina, Croatia and Puerto Rico before finally claiming the Philippines' first World Cup victory in 4 decades by defeating Senegal.
However, despite the high morale and blitzing momentum, Gilas was unable to ride the tide through the Asian Games in South Korea, where expectations were far higher as most hoped they could finally break the nation's 16-year medal drought.
The Philippines won the bronze medal at the Asiad in 1998 with Tim Cone's Centennial Team.
The heartbreak cut deeper for the sputtering nationals as they are about to set the country's worst finish in the Asian Games after losing to China on Monday, September 29 in the classification phase. The loss relegated Gilas to the battle for 7th place. Previously, the Philippines' worst Asian Games placing since the inclusion of pro players was at 6th in 2010.
Despite the disappointing finish, the Philippines can still take comfort in Gilas' efforts as the country improved 3 notches to 31st place in the FIBA world rankings.
This, among others, will be part of the discussions between the PBA and SBP as it looks to find ways to better the program and continue the improvement.
"This is how it should be: consolidate the gains and then chart a course so we exceed our current performance," Salud added.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/70536-pba-commissioner-mvp-gilas-future)
Post Merge: October 01, 2014, 10:06:01 AM
Ginebra-Talk 'N Text, Kia-Blackwater to open 40th PBA season
MANILA, Philippines - The 40th season of the Philippine Basketball Association is set to open with an exciting double-header at the largest arena in the country.
The league's All-Filipino Philippine Cup conference will commence on Sunday, October 19 at the brand-new Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan with the PBA's new expansion teams, KIA Sorentos and Blackwater Elite, going head to head following the opening ceremonies.
The Sorentos will be led by playing-coach and Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and some of the team's notable young players like Reil Cervantes, LA Revilla, and Paul Sanga.
Blackwater will field veterans Paul Artadi, Sunday Salvacion, and Eddie Laure, and other young prospects such as Alex Nuyles, JP Erram, and Juami Tiongson.
For the other game of the day, long-time franchise favorites Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings will square off.
TNT will play its first game under new head coach Jong Uichico, but mainstays such as Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag, and Kelly Williams are expected to be present, along with the recently-acquired Jay Washington.
Ginebra will commence its second conference under the tutelage of head coach Jeffrey Cariaso while being led by Mark Caguioa, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, and Chris Ellis.
The opening day schedule was first reported by the Philippine Star, and later on confirmed to Rappler by PBA media chief bureau Willie Marcial.
Marcial also confirmed a report of PhiStar that the league will impose new policies with regards to the bringing in of imports in the PBA's latter two conferences: the Commissioner's and Governors' Cups (the league has 3 annual conferences per season).
The teams that finished in the top 8 of the league standings in the Philippine Cup will have a height limit for imports at 6-foot-9 in the subsequent Commissioner's Cup, while the bottom four squads will have an unlimited height advantage.
The same rule will be applied for the top 8 and bottom 4 of the Commissioner's Cup in the subsequent Governors' Cup, with the exception of the height limit being at 6-foot-5 for the better-performing squads rather than 6-foot-9.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/70636-ginebra-tnt-kia-blackwater-pba-opener)
Post Merge: October 01, 2014, 10:16:21 AM
Manny Pacquiao to play limited minutes for Kia before fight vs Chris Algieri
GENERAL SANTOS – Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao Monday brushed off Floyd Mayweather’s latest taunts, saying he pitied his American rival as he urged him to read the Bible.
Pacquiao also assured fans that he would play a few minutes of professional basketball when the new season opens next month even while he trains for a match in Macau in November against unbeaten American Chris Algieri.
Despite calls by boxing fans for the two biggest names in the sport finally to meet, Mayweather has refused to commit to a match but has not refrained from baiting Pacquiao.
In his latest jibe, Mayweather — undefeated in 47 fights — recently posted several pictures on his social media account, showing Pacquiao knocked down in his past fights. He added that “Miss Pac Man is broke for a pay day”.
The deeply religious Pacquiao, who has 56 wins and five losses, said: “I’m not affected by it. I pity him and I pray that someday he would change his ways.”
“He (Mayweather) should fear God,” Pacquiao said, advising him to heed the biblical passage reading “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”
The 35-year-old Pacquiao, who has held world titles in eight separate weight divisions, has other things to worry about than Mayweather’s insults.
Aside from training to defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against Algieri, he is also acting as coach and player for the newly-created Kia Motors team in the highly-competitive Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
The 169-centimeter (5-ft,6-in) Pacquiao said he would make training for the fight his main priority, leaving most of his basketball duties to his assistant coach.
“I already talked to (boxing) coach Freddie (Roach) that I am going to play in the PBA maybe just two to three minutes. My focus is on my training for the November fight,” he said.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/manny-pacquiao-to-play-limited-minutes-for-kia-before-fight-vs-chris-algieri)
Post Merge: October 01, 2014, 10:17:28 AM
Matt Ganuelas Rosser pays tribute to family with name, number on Talk ‘N Text jersey
On some of his jerseys, the name on the back says ‘Ganuelas’, on others ‘Rosser’.
When he steps onto the PBA floor as a member of the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, rookie Matt Ganuelas Rosser wants to pay tribute to both of his names and have ‘Ganuelas Rosser’ spelled out in full.
“When I first came here and played for the national team, I had to use Ganuelas. Now I want to use both in tribute to both names,” he told InterAksyon.com in an exclusive interview.
Ganuelas is the name of his Filipino mother, Gina, but he also wants to recognize the surname of his father James, a retired member of the US Navy who was stationed in Subic Bay. Matt, who was born in Olongapo City, and his family moved to San Diego as a child after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991.
Now, he wants to honor his family by not only using both of his names, but also the favored jersey number of his very first basketball idol, his father’s No. 22.
Ganuelas Rosser remembers watching his dad play with the number and how he wanted to follow in his footsteps.
“When he was based in Subic, he had this jersey No. 22. When I was a kid, I used to wear this jersey number all the time.”
Well, Matt is no kid anymore – having made it to the big leagues at last. And he’ll be able to take a little piece of his family with him.
And though it’s a pretty lengthy name, he doesn’t envision it to be a problem for the outfitters.
“If they can fit in (NBA player) Michael Carter-Williams’ name at the back of the jersey, I’m sure they can do it with Ganuelas Rosser.”
Living up to ‘tradition’
Ganuelas Rosser, who was selected by NLEX with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 PBA Draft, has already been traded before even having the chance to begin his PBA career.
But he is not discouraged as he knows he will be joining a proud winning tradition with Talk ‘N Text, which acquired him in a three-team deal with NLEX and GlobalPort last week.
The rookie was moved to GlobalPort for Harold Arboleda, Talk ‘N Text’s 2018 second round pick and GlobalPort’s 2016 second round pick acquired from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. He was then traded by the Batang Pier to the Tropang Texters in a follow-up deal for their 2017 first round pick.
“For me, it’s really an honor to be considered playing for Talk ‘N Text,” he said. “When I heard the buzz that I might be moving, I was flattered and excited.”
“There’s so much tradition. I just hope I can help contribute to continuing that tradition.”
The league newcomer knows all about the winning legacy of not just the Talk ‘N Text franchise but of the team’s new coach, Jong Uichico.
“As for coach Jong, he’s a great coach, he has a great system. We have this good line of communication,” said Ganuelas Rosser, who played for Uichico on the gold medal-winning Philippine national team to the 2013 Southeast Asian Games.
He’s most impressed, though, with Uichico’s championship pedigree, having already won eight league titles as a coach.
“I did my research. Man, he has a lot in the PBA.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/matt-ganuelas-rosser-pays-tribute-to-family-with-name-number-on-talk-n-text-jersey)
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PBA to feature Asian imports for Governors' Cup conference
SEOUL, Korea – Basketball stars from around Asia like Nikkhah Bahrami, Fadi El-Khatib, Sam Daghles, Anton Ponomarev, Kim Mingoo and Lin Chi-chieh may soon find themselves in the Philippine Basketball Association.
In a move aimed at attracting fans and advertisers from around Asia, the PBA has agreed to open its doors to players from surrounding countries for its milestone 40th season.
“The board agreed to try it for one conference specifically and exclusively for marketing outside the country and within the Asian region,” said PBA board chairman Patrick Gregorio.
“It’s another way of looking at the PBA as the no. 1 professional league in Asia,” added Gregorio, who originally pitched the idea.
The PBA introduces the “Asian integration” in the season-ending Governors Cup with the PBA teams allowed one player each with a height ceiling of 6-foot-4.
Asian recruits will be on top of the regular imports playing in the season-ending Governors Cup. Naturalized Asian players, like Chinese Taipei’s Quincy Davis, will be ineligible however.
“It’s optional. And why 6-4? It’s the average height of Filipino players,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
“But it’s still tentative. Everything will be finalized as the governors cleared things with their principals (team owners),” Salud added.
The board chairman, however, is convinced his proposal would help the league increase its fan base and firm up its stature as the no. 1 pro league in Asia.
“Imagine if you recruit Korean players. I heard Korean population in the Philippines has hit a million,” Gregorio said.
“We want to showcase the league in the region. We’re reaching out as we target big sponsors in the region like Samsung and LG,” Gregorio also said.
Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy and Ginebra board representative Alfrancis Chua – a multi-titled coach in the defunct PBL – remembered the mania brought by the participation of former Chinese star Ma Jian in the PBL in the 90s.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/70754-pba-asian-imports-governors-cup-conference)
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John Wilson sparks Meralco to preseason win over Ginebra in Panabo City
Meralco’s John Wilson showed up prepared to play against his former team Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
The Bolts’ deadshot swingman finished with 18 points, including back-to-back baskets in the fourth period that led to a Meralco breakaway, and towed his current team to a 91-79 win in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, in one of the few provincial games under the PBA’s Liga ng Bayan, a series of preseason matches.
Wilson, who played a few years as part of the Gin Kings, was a steady presence all game long. His back-to-back baskets gave the Bolts an 86-77 lead with 3:28 left, allowing his team to pull away from a tight endgame.
The Bolts played with several new recruits in their line up, including Sean Anthony, Simon Atkins, Ryan Buenafe and John Ferriols among others. They played without Philippine national men’s basketball team members Jared Dillinger and Gary David, though.
The Gin Kings were without their own Gilas Pilipinas players – point guard LA Tenorio and big man Japeth Aguilar – as well as center Greg Slaughter.
They did have the services of comebacking James Forrester, who spent last season on the injured list and new acquisition Joseph Yeo, who also played a key role for the Gin Kings.
Forrester opened up the fourth period with a triple that tied the ball game for the last time at 66-all, but a 7-0 run by the Bolts started their breakaway and never looked back from there.
Mark Caguioa led all scorers with 21 points.
The scores:
Meralco (91) – Wilson 18, Hugnatan 15, Hodge 13, Guevarra 11, Anthony 10, Atkins 7, Caram 6, Ferriols 4, Morrison 3, Buenafe 2, Sena 0, Macapagal 0
Ginebra (79) – Caguioa 21, Yeo 11, Baracael 9, Ellis 8, Ababou 8, Reyes 7, Mamaril 5, Forrester 5, Helterbrand 4, Monfort 1, Urbiztondo 0.
Quarterscores: 25-13, 38-34, 66-61, 91-79.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/john-wilson-sparks-meralco-to-preseason-win-over-ginebra-in-panabo-city)
Post Merge: October 06, 2014, 09:39:10 AM
Manny Pacquiao scores 1 point in PBA pre-season debut
Manny Pacquiao made his Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) pre-season debut with the KIA Sorentos in a game against fellow expansion team Blackwater Sports in Binan, Laguna on Saturday night.
Blackwater won, 88-77, in the 2014 PBA Holcim Liga ng Bayan, a pre-season tournament used by teams to gear up for the upcoming PBA season.
The eight-division and current WBO welterweight champion started the game for the team that he also coaches. In ten minutes on the floor, Pacquiao scored one point and grabbed a rebound. He also committed two turnovers.
One of the turnovers came when Pacquiao brought the ball down and tried to elude his defender with a crossover and behind-the-back dribble combo. His defender, veteran Chris Timberlake, read Pacquiao's next move well and stole the ball from the incoming PBA rookie. The left-hander took a triple as his first shot of the game but it fell short.
The 35-year-old Pacquiao has always considered basketball his second sport. He has played alongside NBA legends Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller in outside the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. Last month Pacquiao even played some hoops in the practice facility of the Golden State Warriors.
The Pacman has long bankrolled a basketball team called the MP Warriors, a squad that competed in smaller commercial leagues. Pacquiao would often start the game, play most of the first quarter and sit out the rest.
The boxer made it clear that he would only play spot minutes for his team as he’s also preparing for the first defense of his WBO title in Macau next month against American Chris Algieri.
KIA and Blackwater will meet again on October 19 at the Philippine Arena in the opening game that will usher in the PBA's 40th season.
From Y! Sports Philippines (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/manny-pacquiao-scores-1-point-in-pba-pre-season-debut-184507789-nba.html)
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pacman for three.......... bang ay mali..... dong pala kapos e... :)) :)) :))
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Changing of the guard: Once-dominant Talk ‘N Text slowly but surely rebuilding lineup
When people talk about dominance in the PBA these days, there’s really only one team in the league that comes to mind – the Grand Slam champion San Mig Coffee Mixers.
It’s easy to forget that a few years ago, prior to San Mig Coffee’s ascension into the ranks of the great teams in PBA history, it was Talk ‘N Text that ruled as the league’s alpha dogs, winning four championships in a span of just three seasons.
This year, it will be a slightly different look for the team as they officially began a rebuild that they hope can bring them back to the heights that they once reached.
“Yes, we’re on a rebuilding stage,” Talk N Text’s representative to the PBA Board and incoming chairman Patrick Gregorio told mediamen during the press luncheon for the league’s 40th season at the Palawan Ballroom of Edsa Shangrila hotel.
“We have to do that. Everybody knows that na yung panahon na napakaganda nung performance ng Talk ‘N Text ay nasusubukan na rin because of the really good players and we tried our best to rebuild our team,” he added.
Team captain Jimmy Alapag will begin the season on the Tropang Texters’ injured list after a grueling farewell tour with the Philippine national men’s basketball team. He signed a short, one-year contract extension this offseason, leaving many pondering how much longer the ‘Mighty Mouse’ will continue playing in the league.
Another player who was banged up in the offseason is Alapag’s Gilas Pilipinas teammate Jayson Castro, who will need time to recuperate from an injury sustained in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.
That’s not to say that Talk ‘N Text will enter the season lacking in firepower.
They’ve acquired a number of players that are expected to play big roles as Talk ‘N Text attempts to retain its place among the PBA’s most feared squads under newly-appointed coach Jong Uichico, who was elevated to the head coaching spot after serving in different capacities with Meralco and later Talk ‘N Text over the past two seasons.
The Tropang Texters have reacquired the services of 6-foot-7 forward Jay Washington as well as rookie standout Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and veteran frontline Larry Rodriguez.
The team is also expected to trade for Kevin Alas from sister NLEX in a three-way deal that has yet to be completed. The impending transfer has been put on standby as sources from the team told InterAksyon.com that they are seeking a third team to act as a middle to make the trade possible.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/changing-of-the-guard-once-dominant-talk-n-text-slowly-but-surely-rebuilding-lineup)
Grand Slam champion San Mig Coffee remains consensus favorite heading into PBA’s 40th season
On the day San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone was named Coach of the Year by the PBA Press Corps, he warned the rest of the league that his team wasn’t planning on slowing down in its chase for more championships.
“Our time isn’t over yet,” Cone had said. And in this coming PBA season, it will be up to the reigning Grand Slam champions to live up to that as they gun for a fifth consecutive PBA title despite every other team sure to bring its best shot against the Mixers.
“We just lost our tuneup game against NLEX… but we know expectations are high. We can’t put down our guns because we’ve won the Grand Slam,” Rene Pardo, San Mig Coffee’s representative to the PBA Board of Governors, told sportswriters during the press conference of the PBA’s 40th season held at the Palawan Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-la hotel.
“We’re now looking at the All-Filipino and go for win No. 5,” he added.
San Mig Coffee, winners of four straight championships including a sweep of all three titles in the PBA’s 39th season, will return with an intact lineup anchored on their own version of the ‘Big Three’ in superstars James Yap, Marc Pingris and Peter June Simon.
With other talents like Joe Devance and Mark Barroca, youngsters like Ian Sangalang, Allein Maliksi and Justin Melton and role players Rafi Reavis, Yousef Taha, Ronnie Matias and Isaac Holstein also on board, the Mixers are sure to remain one of the top contenders for this year’s crowns.
Their lineup is so stacked that they even decided to trade away their first round pick in the 2014 PBA Draft for future assets.
It’s little surprise that the other teams picked San Mig Coffee as an overwhelming favorite in the coming season, which is set to open on October 19 at the Philippine Arena in Boucaue, Bulacan.
Other teams that garnered some consideration as contenders include Talk ‘N Text, Rain or Shine, San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra.
“San Mig (Coffee), Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine will be there pero kami, nakaabang kang kami, kakagatin lang namin sila,” said Robert Non, San Miguel’s representative to the board.
Al Panlilio, Meralco’s new representative to the board, also picked San Mig Coffee, though he mentioned sister team Talk ‘N Text as a close second.
“From my standpoint, obviously, San Mig Coffee with Talk ‘N Text not far behind,” he said.
“I would put San Mig Coffee as No. 1 being the Grand Slam champion,” added GlobalPort representative Erick Arejola. “But I would also include the two other SMC teams – San Miguel Beer and Ginebra – in the top three.
Other members of the board like NLEX’s Ramon Fernandez and Ginebra’s Alfrancis Chua also picked San Mig Coffee as the favorite.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/grand-slam-champion-san-mig-coffee-remains-consensus-favorite-heading-into-pbas-40th-season)
Post Merge: October 09, 2014, 05:27:37 PM
PBA slaps four players with hefty total of P140,000 in fines for preseason brawl
The Philippine Basketball Association came down hard with fines on four players that took part in a recent preseason brawl.
Veteran slotman Enrico Villanueva of NLEX and Rain or Shine’s Ryan Arana, Jervy Cruz and rookie Jericho Cruz, the players involved in the unfortunate fracas during an exhibition game, were fined a combined P140,000 by the Office of the PBA Commissioner.
The four players were summoned separately by league commissioner Chito Salud but none of them were spared from receiving a hefty fine.
Villanueva was fined P40,000 for throwing the first puch and engaging Arana in a fight.
Arana, who instigated the fight by throwing the ball at Villanueva, and Jervy Cruz, who kicked the NLEX center while he was down on the floor, were both fined the same amount.
Even Jericho Cruz, a rookie that has yet to play in an official PBA game, saw his involvement penalized getting fined P20,000.
Curiously, Villanueva engaged in the incident against the Rain or Shine squad of Yeng Guiao, his old head coach. Villanueva played under Guiao when both were still with the Red Bull franchise.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-slaps-four-players-with-hefty-total-of-p140000-in-fines-for-preseason-brawl)
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Talk ‘N Text rookie Kevin Alas excited to learn from new teammates Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro
Talk ‘N Text rookie Kevin Alas is ready to learn from the very best.
Alas, the latest player to join the reloaded Tropang Texters squad, was part of a three-team deal that was recently approved by the PBA and he’s pretty excited to join and learn from one of the most talented veteran backcourts in the league.
“Not only because you’re joining a team that has a rich championship tradition, you’re also getting the opportunity to learn from two of the best point guards – Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro,” he told InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview.
Alas will get a rare opportunity to be under the tutelage of the Philippine national men’s basketball team captain Alapag and its star guard Castro and receive some much needed playing time as well with both veterans expected to be out to begin the season.
Castro is recovering from injuries he incurred during the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain while Alapag is getting some much needed rest after one last tour of national team duty in the Incheon Asian Games.
Alas, who joined Talk ‘N Text in time for the team’s preseason game against GlobalPort on Sunday, will also be joining a favorable situation as he’s already familiar with his new coaches and teammates from his time as a cadet on the national team pool.
Among those he’s already played for or with are Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico, Alapag and Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo and even fellow cadet and rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser.
“I know a lot of them. I’ve played for Coach Jong, who was our coach last year sa national team (in the Southeast Asian Games) and siya rin yung assistant coach sa Gilas, so I know how he coaches. Tapos sina Jimmy, Jayson, Kuya Ranidel and Matt, nakasama ko na rin sa Gilas,” Alas said.
“We’re like a family here.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/talk-n-text-rookie-kevin-alas-excited-to-learn-from-new-teammates-jimmy-alapag-jayson-castro)
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balita ko halos sold out na daw ang tickets sA phi ARENA ah
yung dulong dulo na lang daw ang available :))
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Parang si kiefer mag pba na rin, sumama na daw sa practice ng talk and text, o para sa gilas iyon?
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80% of tickets for PBA opening at Philippine Arena already sold, says commissioner
The biggest opening day crowd in league history.
That’s what the Philippine Basketball Association foresees for the opening of its 40th season as around 80 percent of the tickets for the ceremony set for the Philippine Arena were already sold with less than a week before the event.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud told InterAksyon.com about this latest development in a text message.
“I am happy to report that our opening for the PBA’s 40th season this Sunday is being met with enthusiastic response from our fans. I have been informed that 80 percent of the venue tickets have been sold, translating to some 35,000 fans already confirmed to attend,” Salud said.
“This is a huge number by any measure that can only become bigger as we get closer to opening day,” he added.
The Philippine Arena, the largest arena in the country, can accommodate up to 55,000 people.
Just recently, the Philippine Arena was awarded by Guinness for biggest attendance in worship gathering as the 100th anniversary of Iglesia ni Cristo attracted more than 50,000 attending the celebration.
Last year, the PBA drew a combined 30,000-plus in attendance as the league opened in three separate venues in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
With the league opening the season at Philippine Arena, Salud is confident they could set the biggest opening-day crowd in league history due to clamor of fans for tickets.
“But more than the numbers, we in the PBA feel privileged to have this opportunity to give our fans a treat – fans whose unwavering support have brought PBA to where it is today,” the commissioner said.
“Maraming dapat pasalamatan pag dating sa istoryang PBA at ang nasa katuktukan nito ay ang ating mga fans.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/80-of-tickets-for-pba-opening-at-philippine-arena-already-sold-says-commissioner)
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SMC Mixers to be renamed Purefoods Star Hotshots
MANILA, Philippines - The defending PBA Grand Slam champion San Mig Coffee Mixers will change their team name to Purefoods Star Hotshots ahead of the 2014-2015 PBA season.
Changing team names isn't an unfamiliar happening with the franchise, which has juggled with different titles since its entry into the Philippine Basketball Association in 1988.
Before being renamed the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers in 2012, the team was known as the B-Meg Llamados from 2010-2012, and called the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants before that from 2007-2010.
Purefoods Star Hotshots is the 13th name the franchise will have during its successful tenure with the league - the eighth time the term "Purefoods" will be attached - which includes 13 championships and 27 finals appearances.
Purefoods star James Yap posted pictures of his club's new uniform on Instagram on Wednesday, October 15.
"This is where I started: Purefoods!," said yap, who was picked second overall in 2004 by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs.
The Star Hotshots open their title defense on October 22, Wednesdays, against the Alaska Aces at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum at 7:00 pm.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/72108-san-mig-coffee-pba-purefoods-star-hotshots)
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nakita ko lang po...
MUSES for the Opening!
ALASKA – Michelle Gumabao
(http://thumbnails110.imagebam.com/35834/6d29bf358339572.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/6d29bf358339572)
BARAKO BULL – Nathalie Den Dekker (2013 Miss International first runner-up)
(http://thumbnails111.imagebam.com/35834/5d0293358339594.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5d0293358339594)
BLACKWATER ELITE – Sunshine Cruz
(http://thumbnails110.imagebam.com/35834/530b29358339623.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/530b29358339623)
BRGY GINEBRA – Ellen Adarna
(http://thumbnails110.imagebam.com/35834/a189bd358339530.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/a189bd358339530)
GLOBALPORT – Cha Cruz, Rachel Ann Daquis
(http://thumbnails111.imagebam.com/35834/234cc0358339503.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/234cc0358339503)
(http://thumbnails110.imagebam.com/35834/882218358339602.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/882218358339602)
KIA – Jinkee Pacquiao
(http://thumbnails112.imagebam.com/35834/4efb17358339553.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4efb17358339553)
MERALCO – Ritz Azul
(http://thumbnails112.imagebam.com/35834/78f7b3358339611.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/78f7b3358339611)
NLEX – Dianne Medina
(http://thumbnails110.imagebam.com/35834/2077ad358339511.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/2077ad358339511)
PUREFOODS - Mj Lastimosa (Miss Universe Philippines 2014)
(http://thumbnails109.imagebam.com/35834/7bde8d358339586.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/7bde8d358339586)
RAIN OR SHINE – Glennifer Perido (Mutya ng Pilipinas Cordillera)
(http://thumbnails109.imagebam.com/35834/4b655e358339547.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4b655e358339547)
SAN MIGUEL – Alice Dixson
(http://thumbnails110.imagebam.com/35834/68d649358339494.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/68d649358339494)
TALK 'N TEXT – Megan Young
(http://thumbnails111.imagebam.com/35834/0b9dcc358339558.jpg) (http://www.imagebam.com/image/0b9dcc358339558)
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ganda ni jinkee talo mga bata amoy macman siguro yan >:D >:D
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Devance says Purefoods is ready to face challenges with history on the horizon
MANILA, Philippines – The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, now known as the Purefoods Star Hotshots, are two championships shy from tying one of the most long-lasting records to stand in PBA history.
From the third conference of the PBA’s maiden season in 1975 until the Open Conference in 1977, the historic Crispa Redmanizers won six straight PBA championships led by the super play of Philippine basketball legends like Atoy Co, Bogs Adornado, Philip Cezar, and Freddie Hubalde, to name a few.
In the upcoming 2014-2015 PBA season that begins this Sunday, October 19, the Hotshots, coming off four straight championships and a Grand Slam, have the opportunity to become just the second franchise ever to win six straight rings if they come out on top in this season’s Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup conferences.
If they could also add the 2015 Governors’ Cup championship, they would break Crispa’s 34-year record by winning seven straight titles and create an unprecedented feat of their own: winning consecutive Grand Slams.
“I’m challenging you to try and win six straight championships like we did at Crispa,” Co dared Purefoods head coach Tim Cone during the 2014 PBA Press Corps Awarding Night where Cone was named the 2013-2014 PBA Coach of the Year.
Many regard Cone, owner of 18 PBA rings, as the greatest coach ever in Philippine basketball. But even the multiple-champion, like everyone else, has yet to attain back-to-back Grand Slams.
But despite having the chance at history on the horizon, Purefoods isn’t going to let that veer them away from the mentality that has helped them remain undisputed for more than a year now in the PBA.
“It hasn’t changed from before. We are not a goal-orientated team,” Purefoods stretch forward Joe Devance said to Rappler in an exclusive interview on Thursday, October 16.
“We are a growth-orientated team,” he explained. “Meaning we already won championships. And that’s the ultimate goal. So now what?”
He elaborated, talking about “growth” and how every day provides the Star Hotshots to improve on their cohesiveness and move a step closer to winning even more titles.
“Usually teams that win will let up. So we focus on just getting better every day. We try to grow as individuals and grow as a team.”
Purefoods will have huge targets on their back. They are four-time defending champions, and as WWE legend Ric Flair would say, “To be the man, you have to beat the man.”
The man in the PBA right now is Devance’s team. They will receive the best out of every opponent on every given night they play.
Does that add pressure for the defending champions?
Their rivals shouldn’t count on it.
“We have no pressure on us to do anything,” Devance says. “[We] just take it day by day improving and pushing each other to be the best teammate we can be for each other.”
No PBA team has taken down Purefoods since mid-2013 in a playoff series, giving them all the reason to be confident heading into their title defense this season.
But the opening chapters of their journey may prove challenging with their heart and soul hustle man and national team favorite, Marc Pingris, scheduled to miss a few games.
“Mga two weeks ako mawawala. And then pa-condition na rin ako. Plano ko lang talaga from now, mga 10 days nang pahinga, and then tama na yun,” Pingris told Rappler a few weeks ago.
(I’ll be out for two weeks so that I can condition myself. My plan is to rest for 10 days, and that will be enough.)
Assuming he’s out for 10 days, Pingris, who averaged 9.8 PPG and 7.4 RPG last season, should be back for San Mig Coffee’s October 31, Friday, game against the Global Port Batang Pier at 7:00 pm at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, after missing his club’s first two games against the re-tooled Alaska Aces and the always-dangerous San Miguel Beermen.
“The absence of Ping will be huge,” said Devance, who averaged 9.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 2.3 APG last season, and will be given the task to shoulder much of the load with Pingris out.
“Everyone will have to do his part defensively and offensively.”
SMC’s play was uneven to start the latest PBA conference, the 2014 Governors’ Cup, as they exchanged wins and losses throughout the elimination round, finishing at 5-4 and at fourth place.
During the 2013-2014 Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup, the Mixers finished the eliminations with 7-7 (fifth place) and 4-5 (sixth place) records, respectively.
In all three times, they managed to turn on the switch in the playoffs, as is evident by the three championships on their mantle.
But Devance thinks it’s best if the team doesn’t play with fire anymore.
“Starting off on a good note is going to be vital this conference. So hopefully we can do that.”
“Kaya nila yan. Wag lang lumaki yung ulo nila na galing kami sa Grand Slam. Kailangan lang talaga mag-laro na, syempre, gutom parin para makuha ulit yung semis,” said Pingris, confident about his teammates’ ability to make do without him during the opening stretches of the season.
(They can do it. Their heads just better not get big since we came from a Grand Slam. We need to play hungry so we can get to the semis.)
Aside from Devance, Coach Cone will have to rely on is second-year man Ian Sangalang, who despite being a rookie played like a tested and seasoned veteran in key stretches for San Mig during their Grand Slam run.
Sangalang, who averaged 7.5 PPG and 5 RPG last season, fits that last role well. Justin Melton, whose pesky defense and athleticism seemed to always wake up his team during their rough stretches last season, also will be looked to in the coming season.
“These two guys are great people and excellent talent. They are both learning Coach Tim’s system – where their spots are going to be in the triangle and learning our defense,” Devance said about the two sophomores. “I’m so proud to have those guys as my teammates.”
How about the changing of team name from San Mig Coffee to Purefoods, how does he feel about that?
“I’m really happy to actually be apart of the team that’s called Purefoods,” he says. “I’ve been a part of the franchise but not so much the actual name ‘Purefoods.’”
“People would ask me what team I play for and I would say B-Meg (former team name) or San Mig Coffee and they would look at me like, ‘what team is that?’”
“So then, [now] I would say we are the new Purefoods and they would get all happy.”
But regardless of which brand Devance and his teammates wear across the front of their jerseys, nothing gets fans riled up more than the mention of one specific player's name.
“If I know James Yap,” he joked.“Aaaaaaah!” would be their (fans) reaction.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/72248-joe-devance-says-purefoods-is-ready-to-face-challenges-with-history-on-the-horizon)
FHM show-stealer Alice Dixson to lead muses in PBA opening ceremonies
Veteran actress Alice Dixson, the show-stealer of FHM Philippines’ Top 100 sixiest Women last July, will be back in the spotlight when she leads the parade of muses as one of three ladies representing the San Miguel Beermen in the opening ceremonies of the Philippine Basketball Association’s 40th season on Sunday at the 55,000-seat Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
It will be 20 years since Dixson’s first appearance in front of PBA fans back when the then-budding young actress was selected to become the muse of PBA club Great Taste.
She featured in a memorable moment when the late great sports commentator Joe Cantada requested a kiss from the young Dixson. After he was rebuffed by the actress, Cantada settled for getting one from her escort, PBA legend Philip Cezar, instead.
Dixson will be flanked by two volleyball players in Erica Adachi, a Brazilian import in the Super Liga Grand Prix, and Alaina Bergsma, another player who was named Miss Oregon in 2012.
Dixson isn’t the only one expected to make a splash in the show.
Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of boxing icon and Kia Sorento playing coach Manny Pacquiao, will walk alongside her husband in the parade.
Two lovely young talents of TV5 were also selected as muses for the ceremonies.
Meralco will feature ‘Tropa Mo Ko Unli’ star Ritz Azul, a frequent guest of Sports5’s PBA coverages, while NLEX will parade Dianne Mediano of Good Morning Boss.
Blackwater Sports, one of the two expansion clubs debuting this season, will have two muses – actress Sunshine Cruz and Binibining Pilipinas 2012 first runner-up Ali Forbes.
Several other ladies, mostly beauty queens and volleyball players, will join the parade as other teams.
The Purefoods Star Hotshots, the team formerly known as San Mig Coffee, has tapped 2014 Binibining Pilipinas winner MJ Lastimosa while Rain or Shine will be bannered by Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International Glennifer Perido.
GlobalPort and Alaska turned to local volleyball stars. The Batang Pier will feature the pair of recent FHM cover girl Rachelle Anne Daquis and Cha Cruz while the Aces will have La Salle star Michelle Gumabao represent them.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/fhm-show-stealer-alice-dixson-to-lead-muses-in-pba-opening-ceremonies)
Post Merge: October 19, 2014, 07:13:01 PM
Manny Pacquiao’s Kia debuts with victory over fellow expansion team Blackwater
Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and his Kia Sorento squad debuted with a win over fellow expansion club Blackwater Elite, 80-66, to kick off their PBA Philippine Cup campaign on opening day at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Kia, which trailed 34-25 at the half, turned the game around with a 38-point third quarter behind speedy guard LA Revilla, who scored 14 big points in the quarter.
Revilla finished with a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds.
Three other Sorento players finished in double figures with Reil Cervantes and Hans Thiele scoring 13 apiece and Rudy Lingganay added 11.
Playing coach Pacquiao finished the game scoreless after playing in just the first quarter. He did give his team an effective halftime pep talk, however, after a poor offensive first half for the Sorento.
The eight-division boxing world champion, who is used to big crowds, tried to ease his team’s jitters about playing in front of the huge crowd at the arena, which has a capacity of 55,000.
“Sabi ko na wag kayo mailang sa dami ng tao. Nandito sila para i-cheer tayo. Wag kayo ma-pressure, laro lang,” he said.
Kia, with Pacquiao starting the game, got off to a very slow start. They were able to go toe-to-toe with Blackwater in the opening minutes but watched as the Elite extended its lead behind some solid post play from 6-foot-8 center JP Erram.
Pacquiao came out of the ballgame midway through the quarter with his team trailing, 15-6, and never checked back in again.
Blackwater finished the first with a 21-12 lead. Erram finished with eight points in the opening period, at one point having the same output as the entire Kia team combined, 19-8.
The second, meanwhile, was a defensive grind of a quarter with both teams managing to score just 13 apiece.
The Sorento shot just 22% from the field in the first half.
It was vastly different in the third period, though. Kia overmatched Blackwater with its hustle play as their high-motor, run and gun play produced 38 big points in the period.
Revilla used his speed advantage to the fullest, scoring 14 big points in the quarter while Cervantes added nine in a high-energy quarter that saw them forcing turnovers left and right.
When the dust settled, it was a 23-point turnaround for the Sorento, turning an 11-point halftime deficit into a 12-point lead at the end of three.
They carried their momentum over to the fourth, where they extended their lead to a high of 18 points, 75-57, after a three-point play from Lingganay.
The scores:
Kia (80) – Revilla 23, Thiele 13, Cervantes 13, Lingganay 11, Saldua 7, Alvarez 4, Sanga 3, Webb 2, Padilla 2, Buensuceso 1, Ighalo 1, Alonzo 0, Pacquiao 0, Raymundo 0.
Blackwater (66) – Tiongson 10, Erram 10, Faundo 6, Nuyles 6, Menor 6, Cawaling 6, Artadi 6, Salvacion 6, Ballesteros 4, Rodriguez 2, Laure 2, Austria 2, Timberlake 0, Gamalinda 0.
Quarterscores: 12-21, 25-34, 63-51, 80-66.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/manny-pacquiaos-kia-debuts-with-victory-over-fellow-expansion-team-blackwater)
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daming taong nanood
halos 52,000 plus daw ang estimate ok na :))
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52k-strong fans watch PBA opener at Philippine Arena
(http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/assets/2014/10/1-10.jpg)
The opening day of the PBA’s 40th season on Sunday drew one of the biggest crowds in Philippine sports history, with no less than 52,612 fans trooping to the humungous Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The crowd easily eclipsed the league’s previous all-time highs in gate attendance, including the previous record of 24,883 fans during the finale of the Manila Clasico finals between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee last February.
Fans were treated to a pair of exciting games, with Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao making his debut as a playing coach for Kia which rallied past Blackwater Elite, 80-66, in the battle of the league’s two newest teams.
Crowd darlings Barangay Ginebra San Miguel then pleased the crowd in the second game, dominating the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 101-81, in the second game.
Here’s another look at the record crowd.
(http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/assets/2014/10/phl-arena-crowd-pba.jpg)
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/photo-52k-strong-fans-watch-pba-opener-at-philippine-arena)
Twin towers Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter lead Ginebra in opening day rout of Talk ‘N Text
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings were impressive in an opening day dismantling of retooled powerhouse Talk ‘N Text, 101-81, in PBA Philippine Cup action on Sunday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Ginebra’s twin towers of Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter had a terrific outing in this game, with the athletic Aguilar finishing with 18 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks while frontcourt partner Slaughter notched a double-double of his own with 16 points, 12 boards and two blocks.
The Kings, coming off an offseason where they were able to continue learning both the triangle offense and the defensive mindset that their coach Jeffrey Cariaso has been implementing, looked extremely sharp on both ends in this one.
The Kings were merciless down the stretch, outscoring their foes 18-5 and pouring it on well after the outcome was decided as the quotient system could come into effect after the elimination round.
Mac Baracael also scored 16 points while longtime Ginebra duo Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand added 12 and 10, respectively.
Talk ‘N Text jumped to a 7-2 lead after scoring seven consecutive points early in the opening period. They mostly kept Ginebra at bay, taking a slim 19-18 lead at the end of the first.
But the Kings began to find its range from the outside in the second. They went on a 14-5 run with Mac Baracael connecting twice from long range and Jayjay Helterbrand adding another.
Billy Mamaril capped the run with a three-point play off a beautiful dish from LA Tenorio, giving Ginebra a 34-24 lead.
But the Tropang Texters, despite being undersized against the Kings, continued to pound the ball inside with Harvey Carey, Kelly Williams and rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser all hitting key baskets.
Larry Fonacier cut Talk ‘N Text’s deficit back down to just four, 45-41, on a corner triple with 10 seconds remaining in the period.
Slaughter kept Ginebra in the game, scoring the last five of his team’s points in the first half.
Williams and Slaughter each had 11 points for their respective teams at the break.
In the third, more outside sniping from Baracael and some scrappy play from Mark Caguioa sparked a 9-1 blast for Ginebra that pushed their lead back up to double digits, 61-51.
Jayson Castro, who scored 11 points in the third quarter, attacked the basket relentlessly to score six points in a 9-2 Talk ‘N Text blast that got them back to as close as three, 63-60.
But Ginebra was back to its old tricks once Castro returned to the bench, scoring seven unanswered points on a Helterbrand three, an alley-oop finish for Slaughter and tough, off balanced jumper for Aguilar.
Talk ‘N Text rookie Kevin Alas finally got his first points of his PBA career in the fourth quarter and he poured it on, scoring the first seven of his team’s points.
Unfortunately for him, the Ginebra offense was even better during that stretch with Chris Ellis slamming home a highlight reel dunk and Helterbrand knocking down a jumper as the Kings extended their lead even further, pushing it to 13, 83-70, after a putback from Aguilar.
The Tropang Texters made their last stand after that with Williams splitting from the line, Alas knocking down another three-pointer and Williams scoring again to come to as close as seven, 83-76, with 5:43 remaining.
Williams had 20 points and 11 rebounds while Castro finished with 19 for Talk ‘N Text.
The scores:
Ginebra (101) – Aguilar 18, Slaughter 16, Baracael 16, Caguioa 12, Helterbrand 10, Mamaril 8, Yeo 7, Ellis 6, Brondial 4.
Talk ‘N Text (81) – Williams 20, Castro 19, Alas 10, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Fonacier 9, Seigle 4, Carey 4, Ry. Reyes 4, Ro. Reyes 3, Aban 0.
Quarterscores: 18-19, 45-41, 70-62, 101-81.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/twin-towers-japeth-aguilar-greg-slaughter-lead-ginebra-in-opening-day-rout-of-talk-n-text)
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ang laki ng venue parang di na kita dun sa taas... lakas ng Ginebra palo si agui... >:D
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Talk ‘N Text’s Jimmy Alapag looking forward to working with ‘incredibly talented’ Kevin Alas
Highly-touted Talk ‘N Text rookie Kevin Alas made his PBA debut against Ginebra last Sunday and already he’s impressed a number of observers, including his own team captain Jimmy Alapag.
Alas took until the fourth quarter before scoring his first points as a pro, but they came in bunches as he finished with 10 points in the ballgame.
The veteran Alapag, who is expected to take Alas under his wing, wasn’t too surprised with the performance of the young player currently.
“Kevs is incredibly talented,” Alapag told InterAksyon.com. “I’m happy that he’s with us and I’m looking forward to really spend quality time at practice with Kevin, just probably impose some of my experience.”
“I’m a little bit older than Kevs, but he’s a great player. He’s got a great work ethic and attitude, we’re happy to have him.”
Alas and Alapag have yet to share the floor in the PBA with the Philippine national men’s basketball team captain and former PBA MVP skipping the game as he rests up from his recent international campaigns.
But the two are pretty familiar with each other’s play as they’ve been training together for a while now, since both are members of the Gilas Pilipinas national team pool.
Alas, the son of Alaska assistant coach Louie, is cherishing every moment spent learning from the legendary point guard.
“Sabi niya sa akin i-enjoy ko yugn dati kong ginagawa kasi alam naman niya yung capabilities ko,” the rookie said.
In fact, Alas admitted that it was Alapag who helped him find his rhythm in the fourth quarter of his debut game.
“Kanina nga medyo passive ako, napansin ni Jimmy hindi ako tumitira. Sabi niya I have to be aggressive. Sinabihan niya ako na huwag akong mahiyang tumira.”
Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico believes that Alas, as well as former rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, have a lot of more room to grow in their PBA careers, although he did preach patience on their behalf.
“It will take time before we can see or improve their potential,” Uichico said.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/talk-n-texts-jimmy-alapag-looking-forward-to-working-with-incredibly-talented-kevin-alas)
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Buti naman nanalo ang ginebra, sana makapasok naman sila ngayun sa final...
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tama morena, kaso minsan banderang kapos mga yan... lalu na pag tinopak na mga player at napasiklaban na >:D
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Ageless Asi Taulava shines in NLEX’s season-opening win over retooled GlobalPort (October 21, 2014)
Veteran center Asi Taulava started off slow but made sure he finished strong as he led the NLEX Road Warriors to a 101-96 win over GlobalPort in their maiden game in the PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Taulava was scoreless in the first period but scored 12 points in the fourth period as they came back from a nine-point deficit and retake the lead at the 1:42 mark of the game.
Mac Cardona led NLEX with 22 points while the ageless Taulava finished with 21 points and eight rebounds for the Road Warriors. Aldrech Ramos added 16 markers.
NLEX zoomed off to a 14-2 start before GlobalPort, behind the sizzling play of the duo of Terrence Romeo and Alex Cabagnot, came right back to take the lead at the end of the first quarter, 29-25.
Cabagnot scored 12 and Romeo 11 in the opening period.
The Batang Pier held the lead for most of the game, answering every Road Warriors rally in the second and third period. They led 53-47 at the halftime break and 76-70 at the end of three quarters.
GlobalPort continued to hold off NLEX in the fourth, pushing their lead up to 87-78 after a jumper from center Kelly Nabong.
But Taulava established himself in the post and Canaleta and Jonas Villanueva made some big threes as they charged right back in the final minutes.
The veteran center scored 10 of the team’s next 16 points, including a pair of three-point plays as the Batang Pier defense could do nothing but foul the big man in the paint.
Canaleta, who scored just two points over the first three quarters, hit two three-pointers as the Road Warriors took the game over with a 17-2 run.
Romeo hit a layup and drew a foul with 26 seconds remaining to bring GlobalPort to within three, 99-96. They got a stop n the next possession but Cabagnot turned the ball over on a traveling violation with nine seconds left.
Ramos gave NLEX some breathing room with a free throw that made it 100-96 with 7.9 to play.
GlobalPort looked dangerous with their ‘three-headed monster’ of Romeo, Cabagnot and rookie top overall pick Stanley Pringle.
Romeo finished with 33 big points while Cabagnot added 23 for the Batang Pier.
Pringle debuted with 14 points in a solid showing. He clearly deferred to his more experienced backcourt partners at certain points, especially in the first quarter, where he scored just two points.
Only the three of their players reached the double figure mark, however.
The scores:
NLEX (101) – Taulava 21, Cardona 20, Ramos 16, Villanueva 11, Borboran 9, Canaleta 8, Villanueva 8, Raymundo 5, Camson 2, Villarias 1, Poligrates 0, Apinan 0, Baloria 0.
GLOBALPORT (96) – Romeo 33, Cabagnot 23, Pringle 14, Buenafe 6, Nabong 6, De Ocampo 6, Baclao 4, Isip 2, Jensen 2, Taha 0, Duncil 0, Ponferada 0, Cabrera 0.
Quarterscores: 25-29, 47-53, 70-76, 101-96.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/ageless-asi-taulava-shines-in-nlexs-season-opening-win-over-retooled-globalport)
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Maganda nanaman start ng ginebra, parang last season lang..
Sana di sila kumapos ngayon..
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Talk 'N Text crushes Rain or Shine behind Alas, de Ocampo explosion (November 2, 2014)
MANILA, Philippines - The Talk 'N Tropang Texters epitomized its attack mentality all game long to come away with a 99-76 rout of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday, November 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and level their win-loss record at 2-2 in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup.
Rookie Kevin Alas showed Rain or Shine what they missed out on when they traded him away during the pre-season, scoring 18 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, dishing 4 assists and at the same time leading the Texters as court general.
"Siyempre binibigyan natin ng minuto yung rookie para mag-gain ng confidence," Talk 'N Text head coach Jong Uichico said. "He played very well. Ang tanong na lang diyan ay consistency. Consistency lang ang kailangan natin."
(Of course we just give minutes to the rookie so he can gain confidence. He played very well. The question now is consistency. Consistency is what we need.)
The Painters drafted Alas second overall in August 2014, but when star combo guard Paul Lee re-signed a two-year contract with them, they opted to give up Alas to a team where his services were needed more.
Alas, who is being molded to eventually fill in the shoes of veteran Jimmy Alapag when he retires, gave a glimpse of what could come in a few years. He also eased the pressure for guard Jayson Castro, who is expected to lead in the absence of Alapag.
"At least it gives Jayson a chance to rest," Uichico said.
Forward Ranidel de Ocampo hit a game-high 20 points on 4-of-6 makes from beyond the arc. He scattered his points evenly with 5 each quarter.
While veteran sharp-shooter Jay Washington finished with 18 points as well on top of his 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
Coming off stinging 100-98 loss to the Alaska Aces, the Texters ensured there would be no meltdown and no buzzer-beater to haunt them as they buried the Painters with their biggest lead late in the third, 83-58, on a Ranidel de Ocampo triple.
And unlike their previous game, Talk 'N Text never slowed down until the final buzzer sounded.
"What we did is just try to fix what went wrong against Alaska," Uichico explained. "We tried to correct it."
The Texters erected a 36-21 lead early in the second frame, which the Painters managed to trim to a manageable 56-45 by halftime.
But Talk 'N Text outscored their opponents in the third, 27-15, and extended their assault to the fourth to block any comeback attempt from Yeng Guiao's wards.
Rain or Shine had problems matching up with the Texters in the paint as big man Beau Belga earned himself 4 fouls by halftime. Foul trouble also hounded Raymond Almazan.
A more smooth-running Talk 'N Text frontline severely out-rebounded Rain or Shine, 62-31, on their way to dominating the second-chance points, 17-3.
Things took a turn for the worse when Lee went down early in the third clutching the same right knee he hyperextended against San Miguel.
He never returned to the game and tallied just 8 points.
Jeff Chan was the lone bright spot for Guiao with his 16 points.
Rain or Shine dropped to a 2-2 record.
Scores:
TALK N' TEXT (99): De Ocampo 20, Washington 18, Alas 18, Ganuelas-Rosser 11, Carey 10, Castro 9, Fonacier 5, Espiritu 3, Aban 3, Wiliams 2, Labagala 0, Reyes Ryan 0, Reyes Rob 0, Seigle 0.
RAIN OR SHINE (76): Chan 16, Uyloan 10, Norwood 10, Lee 8, Almazan 8, Quinahan 7, Teng 5, Cruz Jericho 5, Ibanes 2, Cruz Jervy 2, Belga 2, Tang 1, Arana 0.
Quarter scores: 29-21, 56-45, 83-60, 99-76.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/73841-talk-n-text-crush-rain-or-shine-alas-de-ocampo)
Santos' 27 points lead San Miguel Beer past Barako Bull (November 2, 2014)
MANILA, Philippines - Arwind Santos tallied 27 points and 7 rebounds to lift the San Miguel Beermen over the still winless Barako Bull Energy, 103-89, on Sunday, November 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and gain a share of the top spot with Alaska, which holds a similar 3-0 slate in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup.
The 2013 PBA Most Valuable Player shot 5-of-6 from beyond the arc and established his momentum early on with 12 points in the first period before dropping another 8 in the final frame to turn back the pesky Barako Bull.
"I think Arwind wants to win. He's our leader," San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said of his team captain. "I'm happy to see him (play well). He seems very inspired."
Reigning PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo showcased his chops once more with a double-double outing of 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Fajardo held his own without his usual back-up Doug Kramer and Rico Maierhofer, who were sidelined due to injuries.
According to Austria, the 6-foot-5 Kramer suffered an ankle sprain 5 minutes before practice ended on Saturday, November 1. While the 28-year old Maierhofer is nursing some swelling in his knee caused by a contusion he had in the game versus Purefoods.
"Nasira ang rotation ko (I had to alter my rotation)," Austria said. "Usually we are able to sustain the output from the first quarter because we have those two big men, now my rotation suffered."
Despite its now 0-3 record, Barako Bull didn't simply roll over and die against the Beermen.
The Energy came out to fight and stayed with San Miguel all throughout. They trailed by as much as 12, 68-56, late in the third and capitalized on a relaxed Beermen side for a 12-2 spurt, highlighted by a Denok Miranda triple at the buzzer to slice the deficit to just 68-70 entering the payoff period.
Barako even led several times during the fourth quarter with the last one at 80-82 on a JC Intal basket with 7 minutes to go.
But an efficient Marcio Lassiter buried a go-ahead three-pointer, 83-82, 30 seconds later to put San Miguel ahead for good. Lassiter contributed 20 points on 3-of-6 three-pointers.
Despite San Miguel's steady play, the Energy were relentless and pounded some more on the Beermen's door until Santos stepped up with a dagger three-pointer at the top of the key with over a minute left, 94-87, to shut the door on Barako.
"I was surpised because the energy level was too low," Austria admitted what he saw lacking in his team, which also had a 12-point contribution from Sol Mercado.
Miranda led the Energy with his 17 points on 7-of-11 field goals while Carlo Lastimosa and Intal added 12 points apiece. Sophomore guard Lastimosa carried Barako with 9 markers in the fourth, including a bucket which tied the count at 71 to start that quarter.
Jeric Fortuna and Chico Lanete had 11 and 10 points, respectively.
San Miguel is on a collision course with fellow leaders Alaska on Wednesday, November 5.
Austria is looking forward to having his frontline battle-ready against the Aces' defensive wall.
But he also admitted that his primary concern is Alaska's perennial energizer Calvin Abueva, who previously hit the game-winner against Talk 'N Text and was instrumental to the Aces' lopsided 41-point victory over Meralco.
"Our main concern is Abueva because he is the spark for Alaska."
Scores:
San Miguel Beermen (103): Santos 27, Lassiter 20, Fajardo 18, Mercado 12, Lutz 8, Omolon 8, Tubid 3, Semerad 2, Ross 2, Hubalde 2, Chua 1, Pascual 0.
Barako Bull Energy Cola (89): Miranda 17, Lastimosa 12, Intal 12, Fortuna 11, Lanete 10, Garcia 8, Pennisi 6, Paredes 4, Wilson 4, Salvador 2, Marcelo 2, Pascual 1, Salva 0.
Quarter scores: 26-24, 43-45, 70-68, 103-89
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/73820-san-miguel-beer-barako-bull-pba)
Post Merge: November 05, 2014, 10:49:44 PM
Alaska improves to perfect 4-0, grabs solo lead after tough win over San Miguel (November 5, 2014)
Alaska point guard JVee Casio came up big in the clutch for the Aces as they grinded out a tough victory over San Miguel, 66-63, to become the last undefeated team in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta-Coliseum.
The Aces, who have now won four straight games to start the season, got four points from Casio in the final minute as they handed the erstwhile unbeaten Beermen their first loss.
With the Aces down by one, 63-62, Casio sent his defender flying with a pump fake and buried a crucial jumper at the shotclock buzzer to take the lead with just 32.6 seconds remaining.
After a big defensive stop by Alaska’s Calvin Abueva and Dondon Hontiveros on a driving Chris Lutz, Casio took care of two pressure-packed free throws to make it 66-63 with 17.9 ticks left to play.
The Aces looked like they would seal the game when Abueva grabbed a big rebound with 8.7 left but he missed a pair of free throw attempts to leave the door open.
They would get one last stop, though, as they escaped with yet another come from behind victory.
Cyrus Baguio led Alaska with 13 points while Casio finished with 11.
Abueva scored just five points on 2-for-12 shooting and turned the ball over seven times but had a monster night on the boards, grabbing 16 rebounds for his team.
San Miguel got solid outings from their MVP duo of Arwind Santos (14 points and nine rebounds) and June Mar Fajardo (10 and 16) but the two combined to shoot just 9-for-25 from the field.
Alaska scored the first seven points of the game but San Miguel was able to come right back behind the aggressive play of Lutz, who scored seven straight points as part of a 9-0 run that gave the Beermen its first taste of the lead at 11-9.
The rest of the first quarter remained tight as the teams ended it tied at 19-apiece.
It was San Miguel starting the second off in a big way, though, opening with a 14-3 run that turned the deadlock into a double digit margin, 33-22.
Lutz and Chris Ross combined to score nine of the Beermen’s points in the run.
Sol Mercado would help the team keep the lead with a nifty layup in traffic and a nice pass to set teammate June Mar Fajardo up for a basket down low.
The Beermen, led by Lutz with 12 points, held an eight-point lead at the half, 38-30.
Abueva struggled in the first half, turning the ball over six times and missing seven of his nine attempts.
In the third, the Aces repeatedly got to the free throw line and took advantage of early penalty situation for the Beermen, outscoring their foes, 14-5, and eventually taking the lead on big three-pointer from Casio.
Alaska scored 13 of their 20 third quarter points from the charity stripe.
The Beermen, though, would lead by six points, 61-55, in the fourth quarter after a three-pointer by Arwind Santos.
But Alaska would come up big in the clutch. Sonny Thoss scored in the post before Baguio knocked down a big three-pointer to come to within one, 61-60, with 1:28 remaining.
Mercado went one-for-two from the line to make it 62-60 before Thoss tied the game at 62-all.
Lutz would give San Miguel the lead, 63-62, before Casio scored the last four points to seal the win.
The scores:
ALASKA (66) – Baguio 13, Casio 11, Thoss 9, Eman 8, Manuel 8, Abueva 5, Jazul 4, Banchero 3, Hontiveros 3, Exciminiano 2, Dela Cruz 0, Bugia 0, Dela Rosa 0, Vanlandingham 0.
SAN MIGUEL (63) – Santos 14, Lutz 13, Fajardo 10, Mercado 7, Tubid 6, Ross 5, Semerad 4, Lassiter 4, Pascual 0, Hubalde 0, Omolon 0, Chua 0.
Quarterscores: 19-19, 30-38, 50-52, 66-63.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/alaska-improves-to-perfect-4-0-grabs-solo-lead-after-tough-win-over-san-miguel)
Meralco bounces back strong against NLEX, assured of share of second place (November 5, 2014)
The Meralco Bolts, coming off a tough 41-point loss in their previous game, bounced back strong, leading by as much as 30 points before clinching a 90-75 victory over sister team NLEX in PBA Philippine Cup action on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, Meralco (3-1) assured itself of a share of second place with San Miguel (3-0) and Alaska (3-0) facing off later in the day.
Gary David led the way with 23 points, including 15 in a dominating first half for Meralco, and five assists while Jared Dillinger added 17 points.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Bolts, though, as they saw a 30-point lead, 69-39, trimmed down to as little as 10 points in the fourth quarter before coming away with the victory.
The Bolts were on point from the start, jumping out to an 18-4 lead en route to a 25-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
They opened the second quarter with an 8-2 run behind the play of reserves JR Sena, Sean Anthony and Ryan Buenafe. They would later mount an other rally with David catching fire, knocking down three straight baskets to cap a 9-2 run that made it a 25-point lead, 46-21.
Meralco led 52-29 at the half with David leading all scorers with 15 points.
It was Dillinger’s turn to take over in the third quarter, scoring nine points over the first seven minutes of the period as he helped the Bolts extend its lead even further.
They took it to a high of 30 points, 69-39, after back-to-back triples from David and Mark Macapagal.
But NLEX got a badly-needed spark from rookie Juneric Baloria, who accounted for eight points in a 10-0 run for the Road Warriors.
They carried that momentum into the fourth and, in typical NLEX fashion, came back with a big rally.
They went on a blistering 12-2 run, punctuated by a three-point play from Taulava and a three-pointer from KG Canaleta, to come to within 13 points, 83-70.
After a basket from Reynel Hugnatan, the Road Warriors scored five consecutive points to come to as close as 10 points, 85-75.
Taulava went 1-for-2 from the free throw line to bring their deficit down to 10 but Hugnatan grabbed the long rebound and found a streaking Anjo Caram to take a 12-point lead at the two-minute mark.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/meralco-bounces-back-strong-against-nlex-assured-of-share-of-second-place)
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San Miguel Beer hangs on to down NLEX, grab fourth win in five games (November 8, 2014)
The San Miguel Beermen endured a miserable free throw shooting in the endgame to escape with a 79-76 win over the NLEX Road Warriors in PBA Philippine Cup action Saturday night at the Mindanao Civic Center gym in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
Arwind Santos posted 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Beermen, who almost allowed NLEX to steal the victory after missing four of their six free throws down the stretch that could have sealed the game earlier for San Miguel Beer.
San Miguel Beer was up, 77-76, after a Chris Lutz baseline jumper with two minutes left. After a couple of NLEX misses, Marcio Lassiter split from the line as the Beermen remained on top, 78-76.
Mac Cardona then missed a floater on the other end as NLEX sent Santos to the line. However, the former Most Valuable Player muffed both free throws.
Luckily for San Miguel Beer, Chris Ross got the rebound. But he only made one of his two charities, opening the door for NLEX to send the game to overtime with a triple with eight seconds left.
However, Jonas Villanueva’s long heave missed the mark as San Miguel Beer came away with the win.
San Miguel Beer improved to a 4-1 record, while NLEX settled for a 2-3 slate.
NLEX led by as much as 10 points, 28-18, after unleashing a 7-0 run to open the second period.
But Lassiter waxed hot for the Beermen, drilling three triples to score 13 points in the quarter as San Miguel Beer took a 42-40 halftime lead.
Both teams exchanged leads in the third period, but a late surge by NLEX led by Asi Taulava and Aldrech Ramos put the Road Warriors on top, 64-59, entering the final frame.
San Miguel Beer wingman Ronald Tubid suffered a scary knee injury early in the fourth period after a rebounding battle. He was escorted out of the court and never returned to the game.
The Beermen and the Road Warriors continued to engage in a tight battle, but San Miguel Beer seemed to break away after a Santos fastbreak that gave them a 75-70 lead with 4:32 remaining.
But Asi Taulava carved out a basket against three defenders inside, while KG Canaleta drilled a booming three-pointer to give NLEX back the lead, 76-75, before Lutz’s jumper that gave San Miguel Beer the lead for good.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/san-miguel-beer-hangs-on-to-down-nlex-grab-fourth-win-in-five-games)
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Jeff Chan sizzles in fourth as Rain or Shine escapes GlobalPort (November 12, 2014)
Sharpshooter Jeff Chan scored 11 points in the fourth quarter as he helped lead Rain or Shine move up the standings with a win over GlobalPort, 86-83, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Chan finished with a team-high 16 points, most of them coming in the crucial final period, as the Elasto Painters climbed up the standings with a 4-2 record.
Aside from Chan, five other Rain or Shine players finished in double figures in the game.
Beau Belga scored 12 points, Paul Lee and Raymond Almazan each added 11 while big men JR Quinahan and Jervy Cruz chipped in with 10 apiece.
The Batang Pier, which fell to 3-3, were led by Alex Cabagnot, who had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, and No. 1 pick Stanley Pringle, who finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Yancy De Ocampo had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Rain or Shine led by 13 big points at the halftime break, 49-36.
But GlobalPort who could only score 36 points in the first two periods, found itself scorching hot in the third, nearly matching their first half output with 34 points to just 14 from suddenly ice-cold Rain or Shine.
Cabagnot scored nine points and had four assists in the quarter, including two dishes that resulted in three-pointers courtesy of Keith Jensen in the final minute, as the Batang Pier not only erased their deficit, but took a seven-point lead heading into the final quarter as well.
Cabagnot, Pringle, Jensen and Anthony Semerad all hit three-pointers in the third.
Rain or Shine quickly made short work of the GlobalPort lead, though with Jericho Cruz and Raymond Almazan finding the hoop and Jireh Ibanes adding a three-pointer for a quick 7-0 run that tied the game at 70-apiece.
Chan would later catch fire, scoring 11 straight Rain or Shine points as the Elasto Painters extended their lead to four points, 82-78.
GlobalPort would come back to within one point, 84-83, but Cabagnot could not get a clutch basket with the bigger Gabe Norwood defending him.
Lee missed one of his two free throw attempts in the dying seconds, giving GlobalPort a shot at forcing overtime but Cabagnot again could not get the shot to fall.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE (86) – Chan 16, Belga 12, Lee 11, Almazan 11, Jerv. Cruz 10, Quinahan 10, Ibanes 8, Jeri. Cruz 4, Norwood 3, Teng 1, Tang 0.
GLOBALPORT (83) – Cabagnot 20, Jensen 15, Pringle 14, De Ocampo 14, Semerad 8, Isip 6, Romeo 3, Buenafe 3, Baclao 0, Ponferada 0, Nabong 0, Taha 0, Caperal 0, Pinto 0.
Quarterscores: 23-20, 49-36, 63-70, 86-83.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/jeff-chan-sizzles-in-fourth-as-rain-or-shine-escapes-globalport)
Mark Caguioa, Joseph Yeo lead Ginebra to dominant win over Barako Bull
Mark Caguioa did his damage early while Joseph Yeo came on to carry the team late as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel cruised to another lopsided victory in the PBA Philippine Cup, this time over Barako Bull, 94-75, on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
In an encore to his terrific performance in the ‘Manila Clasico’ last Sunday, Yeo starred once again with 17 points, including a 5-for-8 shooting performance from beyond the arc.
He hit four of those three-pointers in a crucial fourth quarter run that put the game away for the Kings. He also had seven rebounds and four assists.
Caguioa, meanwhile, showed off not just his scoring ability but his playmaking as well, finishing with 15 points and a game-high seven assists as Ginebra improved to 5-1, good for solo second place.
Greg Slaughter added 14 points and eight boards while frontcourt partner Japeth Aguilar had 10 and eight. Rookie Rodney Brondial gave the team a boost as well, scoring seven points on 3-for-4 shooting and grabbing eight rebounds of his own.
Mac Baracael hit three-pointers and finished with 12 markers.
It was Ginebra’s third consecutive win after notching back-to-back victories over Blackwater and Purefoods in their last two assignments.
Barako Bull remained winless in five games to start the season.
Ginebra trailed early and led by just three points heading into the final period but outscored the Energy, 30-14, in the fourth, where they led by as much 23 points.
It was all Barako Bull in the first quarter, though, outscoring Ginebra, 23-13, over the first 12 minutes.
But it was Ginebra’s veteran star Caguioa coming up big for them in the second. ‘The Spark’ kept the Kings in the game, scoring 11 points and dishing out three assists in the quarter as they closed in to within five points, 42-37.
Ginebra went back down by double-digits, 51-41, in the third but the Kings were able to change the complexion with a 14-4 run spearheaded by Caguioa and Rodney Brondial.
They tied the game at 55-apiece on a free throw from Chris Ellis.
Ellis would later add four more points, two on a layup in transition and two more on a big dunk, as Ginebra ended the third up by three, 64-61.
Ginebra then dominated the fourth quarter as Yeo caught fire from beyond the arc.
Yeo could not miss as he went a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc in a dazzling 23-3 start to the fourth period that gave them a lead of as high as 23 points, 87-64.
Barako Bull hit back-to-back threes to come to within 17, 87-70, but that was as close as they could get.
Denok Miranda led Barako Bull with 19 points.
The scores:
GINEBRA (94) – Yeo 17, Caguioa 15, Slaughter 14, Baracael 12, Aguilar 10, Ellis 7, Brondial 7, Mamaril 4, Tenorio 4, Urbiztondo 2, Helterbrand 2, Monfort 0, Forrester 0, Reyes 0.
BARAKO BULL (75) – Miranda 19, Garcia 10, Intal 10, Pennisi 9, Wilson 7, Lastimosa 6, Pascual 5, Marcelo 3, Hubalde 2, Salvador 2, Salva 2, Paredes 0, Lanete 0.
Quarterscores: 13-23, 37-42, 64-61, 94-75.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/mark-caguioa-joseph-yeo-lead-ginebra-to-dominant-win-over-barako-bull)
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Purefoods climbs back to .500, hands gutsy Blackwater seventh straight loss (November 18, 2014)
The Purefoods Star Hotshots evened out their win-loss record with a 90-82 victory over gutsy expansion club Blackwater in PBA Philippine Cup action on Tuesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Peter June Simon scored 18 points, Joe Devance added 16 and reserve Allein Maliksi chipped in with 11 points from off the bench as the Grand Slam champions improved to 3-3 for the season.
Marc Pingris finished with just seven and James Yap had six but the pair combined to score eight of the team’s last 12 points in the game.
Blackwater, now at 0-7, was led by Bryan Faundo and Sunday Salvacion, who each scored 14 points.
Purefoods led by as much as 15 in the first half but Blackwater scored the last eight points of the second quarter to cut the deficit to just seven, 46-39, at the half.
The Elite chipped away at the lead in the third. Led by point guard Paul Artadi, they came to as close as one point, 53-52.
But the Hotshots once again settled down to push the lead to double figures later in the period.
In the fourth, Blackwater was still within seven points, 75-68, with 7:14 remaining after a tip-in by Sunday Salvacion.
But Maliksi scored on a three-point play and Yap drove down the middle for two more points to make it a 12-point game, 80-68.
The Elite could not get any closer than eight the rest of the way.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/purefoods-climbs-back-to-500-hands-gutsy-blackwater-seventh-straight-loss)
Terrence Romeo explodes for 30 as GlobalPort defeats Talk ‘N Text for first time in franchise history (November 18, 2014)
The GlobalPort Batang Pier picked up their first ever win over Talk ‘N Text in franchise history after a lights-out shooting performance in the fourth quarter that gave them a 105-97 victory on Tuesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
GlobalPort hit seven three-pointers in the fourth period, two each from Terrence Romeo and No. 1 pick Stanley Pringle and three from Ronjay Buenafe, as the Batang Pier tied the Tropang Texters at 4-3.
Romeo exploded for 30 points on 5-for-9 shooting from three-point range and 9-for-10 from the free throw line. He scored 13 of his total in the fourth period, where the Batang Pier outscored their opponents, 35-21.
Four other Batang Pier players finished in double figures.
Buenafe, Pringle and Mark Isip each scored 13 while Alex Cabagnot had 10 points and a team-high eight assists in the win.
It was the first win for the GlobalPort franchise over Talk ‘N Text since it entered the league in the 2012-2013 season.
Romeo, who was struggling with a shooting slump prior to the game, broke out in the first half. He scored on a tough, twisting reverse layup to close the first period and knocked down a three-pointer at the top of the second as part of a 10-0 GlobalPort run bridging the first two quarters.
The Batang Pier led by as much as 11 points, 27-16, early in the second.
But Talk ‘N Text’s shooters put it together as they charge right back to tie the ballgame at 29-apiece, with Ranidel De Ocampo, Ryan Reyes and Jayson Castro all hitting from beyond the arc.
GlobalPort led by two points, 41-39, at the halftime break with Romeo leading all scorers with 13 points.
Talk ‘N Text captain Jimmy Alapag changed the complexion of the game in the third quarter.
He checked into the game for the first time at the 8:54 mark with his Tropang Texters trailing by seven, 51-44. But he made his presence felt almost immediately, passing to longtime teammate De Ocampo and giving a simple screen to help set up a basket.
The ‘Mighty Mouse’ would later score six straight points on a three-pointer and three free throws after he was fouled taking another three.
He then found a cutting Harvey Carey for a layup, kicking off a stretch where Carey scored eight of Talk ‘N Text’s next 10 points. The last basket of the stretch, a midrange jumper by Carey from the left wing, capped a 25-10 run for the team from the moment Alapag entered.
Talk ‘N Text led 76-70 at the end of the third.
But it was GlobalPort dominating the final period, at one point scoring 12 unanswered points to take a double-digit lead, 101-91.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/terrence-romeo-explodes-for-30-as-globalport-defeats-talk-n-text-for-first-time-in-franchise-history)
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Purefoods survives gritty Meralco behind Taha's clutch baskets
Given a golden opportunity by Purefoods Star coach Tim Cone, back-up center Yousef Taha couldn’t have pick a more opportune time to repay his trust.
The well-traveled Taha shone on both ends in the stretch as the Hotshots survived the Meralco Bolts in a thrilling windup Sunday night and eked out a 77-74 victory to sustain their steady climb in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Alonte Sports Center in Biñan City, Laguna.
In a tightly-fought battle marked by several lead changes and rough plays, the 6-foot-8 Taha delivered six straight points and made crucial defensive stops before guard Mark Barroca took charge in the critical juncture to help Purefoods Star hold off the hard-fighting Meralco crew.
Acquired late in last season’s Governors Cup for veterans Yancy De Ocampo and Val Acuña, the 6-foot-8 Taha came in for the foul-plagued gunner PJ Simon with four minutes left in the game but rose to the occasion by coming through with three straight tough buckets that enabled the Hotshots to regain control and eventually hold on for their third straight victory and fourth overall against four setbacks, tying their latest victims and idle GlobalPort in the process.
After Taha’s exploits enabled them to turn a one-point deficit into a 72-67 cushion, the 5-foot-10 Barroca took matters into his own hands by setting up teammate Joe Devance for a corner jumper then knocked down a big triple in front of Meralco defender Jared Dillinger for an eight-point lead with 42.2 seconds left to play.
But the Bolts, who were coming off a 109-99 victory over Ginebra last Friday, refused to throw in the towel as Gary David drilled in a triple and Dillinger made a lay-up in the next 30 seconds to cut their deficit to just three, sending the match down the wire.
The Hotshots nearly shot themselves on the foot when they struggled to protect the leather and eventually turned the ball over, with Simon losing it at the sideline in the face of the Bolts’ pressing defense with 6.1 seconds left.
Off a timeout, Meralco had a chance to force an extra five-minute period but Dillinger misfired on a triple.
Another gunner, Mark Macapagal, was able to track down the leather then stepped his way back outside the arc but was forced to fake off Purefoods forward Marc Pingris and lost time to uncork a shot as time expired.
Simon finished with 18 markers while Barroca added 16 points for the Hotshots.
David led the Bolts with 20 markers.
The Main Man: Yousef Taha certainly played his best game under Tim Cone by firing away six of 14 points in the payoff canto on top of nine rebounds and two blocks.
Honorable Mention: Preserving Taha’s notable exploits was guard Mark Barroca, who added 16 points.
Game Turning Point: The Hotshots were trailing by a solitary point halfway through the final canto when Yousef Taha provided the needed spark on both ends that eventually helped them overcome the Bolts.
Stat of the Game: Just like the efficient forward Ian Sangalang who is still recuperating from an ACL injury, Yousef Taha made the most of his minutes by knocking down six of his seven shots from the field, the last three of them coming in the last four minutes.
Next Games:
Purefoods Star versus Kia on Nov. 26 at the Ynares Sports Center (Antipolo)
Meralco versus San Miguel Beer on Nov. 28 at the Araneta Coliseum
The scores:
Purefoods 77 – Simon 18, Barroca 16, Taha 14, Yap 11, Devance 7, Pingris 4, Maliksi 4, Mallari 3, Melton 0, Reavis 0.
Meralco 74 – David 20, Dillinger 12, Hodge 9, Macapagal 9, Caram 8, Hugnatan 4, Atkins 3, Cortez 2, Ferriols 2, Buenafe 2, Sena 2, Guevarra 0.
Quarterscores: 18-16, 40-33, 52-59, 77-74.
By Chris Lagunzad | Yahoo PH Sports
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PBA ALL STAR WEEKEND 2015:
Coaches:
Leo Austria, coach of the San Miguel Beermen, and Alex Compton, coach of the Alaska Aces, were selected as the North and the South head coach, respectively. As with the past All-Star Games, the coaches of the teams who entered the season's Philippine Cup Finals will coach the all-star teams
Roster
The rosters for the All-Star Game were chosen in two ways. The starters were chosen via a fan ballot (online and at the venue during PBA games).
Players are assigned to represent the North or South All-Star teams based from their place of birth. Players born in Luzon are assigned to the North All-Stars team while players born in Visayas and Mindanao are assigned to represent the South All-Stars. If the player is born outside the Philippines, the player is assigned to his parents' birthplace.
Two guards and three frontcourt players who received the highest vote were named the All-Star starters. The reserves are voted by the twelve PBA coaches after the results of the fan ballot are released.
June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen received the most number of fan ballots with 38,107 votes, which earned him a starting position as a center/forward in the South All-Stars team. Asi Taulava of the NLEX Road Warriors earned a record 13th All-Star selection. Taulava, Greg Slaughter, James Yap and Mark Barroca completed the South All-Stars.
The North All-Stars' leading vote-getter was Purefoods Star Hotshots' Marc Pingris, who finished with 23,947. Japeth Aguilar, Mark Caguioa, Justin Melton and Calvin Abueva completed the starting position for the North All-Stars.
Jimmy Alapag, who announced his retirement on January 9, 2015 has been added as the 13th man of the South All-Stars by PBA commissioner Chito Salud. He is the current team manager of his former team, the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters. The retirement of his #3 jersey by Talk 'N Text is also scheduled to be held during the All-Star game.
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Texters gain upperhand in game 1 over well-rested Painters
The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters maintained their winning ways fresh from the semifinals to outplay the well-rested Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-92, and take game 1 of the best-of-7 Finals in the 2015 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday, April 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ranidel de Ocampo showed the way by scattering 24 points on 7-of-13 field goals, while import Ivan Johnson wound up with 23 markers, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.
Jayson Castro, who had a huge target on his back coming into the Finals owing to his explosive last two games, settled for 14 points, 5 boards and 5 assists.
Rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in 10 points.
Despite gaining the upperhand in what is expected to be a long series, Texters coach Jong Uichico looked anything but happy during the post-game interview.
"We're happy we won but we're not satisfied with the way we played," admitted the multi-titled coach, lamenting his team allowed Rain or Shine too many points.
"Though we won, we didn't show the level of emotion we had in the Purefoods games."
Talk 'N Text, though playing generally flat and shooting just 33-of-80 in total, looked better next to an even more listless Rain or Shine, who was more well-rested after a semifinals sweep of Meralco.
Painters coach Yeng Guiao expressed during the Finals presser that game 1 should go to his team, saying that it would be a "setback" for if they failed to draw first blood.
But Talk 'N Text, still hot from winning their last 3 games to nip Purefoods in the 4-game semis, still had enough steam to carry them, leading from the get-go.
Castro, though not as hot as his previous games, was still responsible for the dagger three-pointer with less than two minutes to play.
Wayne Chism topscored for the Painters with 34 points and 15 rebounds, while Paul Lee, the only other player in double figures on their side, had 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
As expected, both teams canceled each other out in three-point shooting with 8 apiece. But it was the turnovers that killed Rain or Shine with 17 compared to just 8 by Talk 'N Text.
"We'll have to try a solution in practice to the turnovers we committed," Guiao said.
Despite constantly being within striking distance even in the fourth, Rain or Shine was unable to make a serious run. They will try to even things out on Friday.
With physicality another expected element of the series, game 1 did not escape without a hitch.
A commotion ensued in the 3:36 mark of the third after Johnson bumped into Guiao after a play, causing the coach to lose his balance and clutch the bench.
Johnson was whistled for a technical foul but Lee missed the charity.
Uichico admitted he did not see what happened but was told that Johnson did not bump Guiao intentionally.
Guiao, however, saw the replay and was adamant Johnson had clear visual of him. Johnson apologized right after but Guiao already expects the league to "do something about."
Scores:
TALK N' TEXT (99) - De Ocampo 24, Johnson 23, Castro 14, Rosser 10, Fonacier 8, Williams 8, Washington 5, Alas 5, Carey 2, Aban 0.
RAIN OR SHINE (92) - Chism 34, Lee 13, Almazan 9, Chan 8, Tang 6, Norwood 5, Tiu 5, Ibanes 4, Arana 3, Belga 2, Quinahan 2, Cruz Jervy 1, Uyloan 0, Cruz Jericho 0.
Quarters: 28-23, 49-41, 76-70, 99-92
– Rappler.com
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Wala talaga ang Ginebra, nagpalit man ng coach ganun pa rin laro at sistema. Kakahiya, natalo pa sa Blackwater.
Hilig nila sa 3 guards line-up eh anliliit nila, imagine pagsabayin si Tenorio, Helterbrand at Urbiztondo eh puro point guard ito tapos nandun pa sa bench si Mercado at Monfort na point guards din. 5 point guards, dapat tanggalin na dun si kangkarot maglaro na si Urbiztondo at trade na rin si Tenorio at inaartehan na paglalaro. Tama na si Sol Mercado starting point guard at tama lang na Monfort at Helterbrand back-ups. Sayang at pinakawalan nila si Ababou eh magandang starting off guard sana para matangkad backcourt nila. Backup na lang si bwakaw na Caguioa (kung di man mai-trade).
Paano na pag kalaban RoS eh ang tangkad ng backcourt rotation nito (Lee, Norwood, Arana, Chan at Cruz), eh di panis na naman Baranggay at aasarin na naman sila ni baBoy Belga.
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Wala talaga ang Ginebra, nagpalit man ng coach ganun pa rin laro at sistema. Kakahiya, natalo pa sa Blackwater.
Hilig nila sa 3 guards line-up eh anliliit nila, imagine pagsabayin si Tenorio, Helterbrand at Urbiztondo eh puro point guard ito tapos nandun pa sa bench si Mercado at Monfort na point guards din. 5 point guards, dapat tanggalin na dun si kangkarot maglaro na si Urbiztondo at trade na rin si Tenorio at inaartehan na paglalaro. Tama na si Sol Mercado starting point guard at tama lang na Monfort at Helterbrand back-ups. Sayang at pinakawalan nila si Ababou eh magandang starting off guard sana para matangkad backcourt nila. Backup na lang si bwakaw na Caguioa (kung di man mai-trade).
Paano na pag kalaban RoS eh ang tangkad ng backcourt rotation nito (Lee, Norwood, Arana, Chan at Cruz), eh di panis na naman Baranggay at aasarin na naman sila ni baBoy Belga.
Well ginebra just won against RoS. For now may excuse sila since wala si Slaughter at Aguilar for 4 games, at mahilig si Frankie Lim sa mga post-up plays. Actually Urbiztondo coming off the bench brings out the energy and the hustle, sarap nga panoorin pag nagsabay sila ni Mercado kasi nabubuhay ulit yung run n' gun. Better kung mag retire si Heltherbrand, and help the coaching staff na lang ala Jimmy Alapag, sya talaga yung nagpapasikip sa guard position. Also if I'm the GM of Ginebra, I won't trade Tenorio for now, maganda yung ball rotation pag nasa loob sya, and I think he's the best passer and better shooter compared to the other point guards. Si mercado is more of a combo guard and also fits the run n' gun system pero may knee injury issues yan. What they need is a solid wing-man na mala Lassiter who can defend and shoot the 3-ball. Sayang lang di natuloy yung trade.
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natawa ako sa shoe pal pal
ng red bull player
sayang walang shaqin the fool ang PBA :)) :)) :)) :))
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putcha, mapapamura ka talaga sa kabobohan ng coaching staff (lalo na si head coach Austria) at players ng San Miguel (pinpoint ko si Santos at Cabagnot).
Nacontrol nila ang game vs RoS about 99% along the way tapos matatalo lang. COMPLACENCY at SUPERSTAR MENTALITY ni ARWIN SANTOS at kabobohan ni COACH AUSTRIA ang dapat sisihin.
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Alapag gets P10.8M, 2-yr pact with Bolts
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) | Updated August 22, 2015 - 12:00am
(http://s11.postimg.org/5ttlw0mar/jimmy_alapag.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
MANILA, Philippines - One-time PBA MVP awardee Jimmy Alapag is guaranteed a basic pay of P10.08 million in the next two years under the terms of agreement in his PBA comeback with the Meralco Bolts.
Alapag, the 2003 Rookie of the Year awardee who became MVP winner eight years later, signed a maximum two-year pact with the Bolts before leaving for Estonia with the Gilas Pilipinas training pool.
The heady Fil-Am guard is making a PBA comeback after a retirement in the league’s last two conferences. During the last PBA All-Star Game, Talk n Text even held a formal retirement ceremony for the team’s longtime skipper.
But Alapag was forced to return to competitive ball again with all the withdrawals in the Gilas team set to compete in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China.
The MVP Group worked on a trade, sending Alapag to Meralco and Larry Rodriguez to Talk n Text while Blackwater absorbed Mike Cortez and James Sena.
Alapag, from Cal State San Bernardino, plays his 13th season in the next PBA wars beginning in October.
The Star Hotshots’ Alex Mallari, Meralco’s Cliff Hodge and Rain or Shine’s Jeff Chan are among other PBA stars who got lucrative deals ahead of the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.
Mallari, Hodge and Chan all signed maximum three-year contracts worth P15.12 million, involving a monthly pay of P420,000.
Chris Ellis, back from a foot surgery, is also expected to ink a substantial deal with Barangay Ginebra. The two parties, however, are still negotiating.
At Talk n Text, up for negotiations are Kelly Williams, Danny Seigle, Harvey Carey and Aaron Aban.
Williams, the 2007 Rookie of the Year and the 2008 MVP awardee, got injured in Day One of the Gilas training camp with his existing pact with the Texters about to expire.
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>:D syempre bakit naman hindi papayag si Jimmy eh same company lang din ang pupuntahan nya... hehehe.... did you know that he is earning so much at the backroom? he has company stocks with PLDT and MERALCO where all of which have been doing quite well... thanks to his former contracts which gave him a stable income and thereby serves as his back-up plan when its time to hang up his jersey....
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2015 PBA DRAFT PICK
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2nd Round :
13 Black Water Almond Vosotros dlsu
14 Kia Bradwyn Guinto SSC
15 ROS Don Trollano ADU
16 Gin Aljon Marano UST
17 RoS Simon Enciso Notre Dame
18 Ala Marion Magat NU
19 Barako Kris Rosales
20 Ala JP Mendoza SBC
21 Barako Michael Miranda SSC
22 Ala Abel Galliguez John Brown Univ.
3rd Round :
23 BW Jason Melano St Francis
24 Kia Leo De Vera SSC
25 NLEX Jansen Rios ADU
26 Glo Roi Sumang UE
27 Bar Yutien Andrada DLSU
28 Gin Lee Villamor NU
29 Mer Joseph Sedurifa
30 Star Marc Cruz Letran
31 TNT Michole Sorela SBC
32 SMB Michael Mabulac JRU
33 Ala Nico Elorde AdMU
4th Round :
34 BW Keith Agovida USA
35 Kia Mike Do Gregorio Mckendree Univ.
36 NLEX Jerramy King California State Univ.
37 Glo Ryan Wetherell Cal State
38 Bar JR Alabanza UE
39 Gin Passes
40 Mer Passes
41 Star Samboy De Leon
42 TNT Joshua Cobillo Cal State
43 SMB Andreotti Stevens Mapua
44 Ala Robin Rono NU
Round 5 :
45 BW Jawhar Purdy Cal State
46 Kia Alex Austria San Francisco
47 NLEX Alfred Batino CEU
48 Glo Bong Gallanza UE
49 Bar Passes
50 Star Passes
51 TNT Passes
52 SMB Passes
53 Ala Passes
Nothing Follows. . .
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:o damokles na yan oo... sino sino ba yung mga kinuha ng GSM? mukhang maaga na naman magbabakasyon ang team ko ah.... haaays.... pero Tim Cone na ang hinete so baka may pag-asa naman.... +like nga pala syo Lord James...
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:o damokles na yan oo... sino sino ba yung mga kinuha ng GSM? mukhang maaga na naman magbabakasyon ang team ko ah.... haaays.... pero Tim Cone na ang hinete so baka may pag-asa naman.... +like nga pala syo Lord James...
matindi ang pick nang GSM dun ramdam na nga ang pagpasok ni cone sa gsm dahil kung hindi si cone ang coach baka di nila kinuha si scottie thompson bangis sa ncaa yun sa pekpektual collage.. MVP yun last season... may fan base kase pogi na tulad natin hihi
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Si Scottie Thompson kinuha nila kasi triangle offense sila Perpetual so familiar na yung rookie sa sistema. All around player
mala Johnny A daw accdg kay Tim Cone. Di ko na nasusubaybayan ncaa pero triple double machine din si Thompson. Gusto kong surprise pick ng GSM si Mariano!
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anlayo ng binagsakan ni Roi Sumang, #26?
eh scoring point guard ito, parang style eh pang-egoy na 1, score first and pass later.
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eto sa FIBA naman tayo ^^
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no japhet and no chan and no greg !
Parks,Ravena and Clarkson bagong name.
Official 24-man Gilas 3.0 lineup for the 2015 FIBA Asia
Championship:
CENTER :
- Andray Blatche
- Sonny Thoss
- Paul Asi Taulava
- JunMar Fajardo
- Moala Tautuaa
FORWARD :
- Calvin Abueva
- Gabe Norwood
- Jean Marc Pingris
- John Christopher Intal
- Matt Ganuelas
- Jeth Troy Rosario
- Ranidel De Ocampo
- Aldrech Ramos
GUARD :
- Jimmy Alapag
- Jayson William
- Jordan Clarkson
- Terrence Romeo
- Lewis Alfred Tenorio
- Paul Dalistan
- Keifer Ravena
- Bobby Ray Parks Jr
- Ronaldo Hontiveros
- Marcio Lassiter
- Gary David
The 12-man roster will be
submitted on Sept. 8.
Post Merge: August 25, 2015, 09:13:14 PM
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As expected 2nd Overall Pick Troy Rosario finally landed to Talk and Text in a three team 5 man trade. Mahindra (Kia) will get KG Canaleta, Aldrech Ramos and Rob Reyes as Kevin Alas goes to NLEX.
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Dapat sa kia di na sumali sa PBA, Pinakawalan si Troy Rosario langya..
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Dapat sa kia di na sumali sa PBA, Pinakawalan si Troy Rosario langya..
Kung ang SMC may Barako Bull Farm,
ang TNT naman ay may Blackwater at Kia as their farm team. Obvious na obvious naman na may under the table negotiations yang mga deals na yan.
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eto sked nila . . .
37TH JONES CUP PILIPINAS SCHEDULE :
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panalo pala ang perlas pilipinas sa fiba
at ang gilas sa jones good news sa basketball natin
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37 Jones Cup :
Gilas earlier defeated Russia 85-71 in a highly physical and intense game. The nationals are back on the winning track after losing to Korea last night.
Gilas Stats (Gilas vs Russia)
De Ocampo - 13pts, 1reb, 4TOs, 4Fouls
Romeo - 11pts, 4rebs, 2asts, 1stl, 4Fouls
Abueva - 10pts, 8rebs, 1stl, 1blk, 4TOs, 5Fouls (3rd Honor)
Rosser - 10pts, 2rebs, 4asts, 1stl, 2TOs, 1Foul
Tautuaa - 10pts, 2rebs, 5asts, 1TO, 5Fouls (2nd Honor)
Intal - 8pts, 3rebs,1TO, 5Fouls (1st Honor)
Taulava - 7pts (All in the 4th Q), 8rebs, 2asts, 3TOs, 3Fouls
Hontiveros - 6pts, 4rebs, 3stls, 2TOs, 2Fouls
Rosario - 6pts, 4rebs, 3asts, 1TO, 3Fouls
Alapag - 3pts, 2rebs
Thoss - 1pt, 1reb
Ramos - 2rebs, 1TO, 2Fouls
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:-\gapang Pilipinas ang mangyayari dyan. . . . sana lang eh makapasok tayo sa finals. . . . .
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galing ng gising today ng gilas at tinalo ang wala pang talong mga ruso.
next stop: japan.
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To comply with cap on Fil-foreigners, Meralco unloads Sean Anthony in 3-team trade with NLEX, Mahindra
The Meralco Bolts were forced to unload hardworking forward Sean Anthony to comply with the limit on Fil-foreigners imposed by the PBA.
Meralco assistant coach Luigi Trillo confirmed to InterAksyon.com that with Anthony, the squad would have six Fil-foreigners in its roster. The PBA only allows five for each team.
“We have Jimmy (Alapag), Jared (Dillinger), Kelly Nabong, Cliff Hodge and Chris Newsome, so we were forced to unload Sean,” Trillo told InterAksyon in a telephone interview.
Anthony was traded to Mahindra in exchange for the Enforcers’ 2016 and 2017 second round picks.
The Enforcers then agreed to trade the 6-foot-4 Fil-Canadian to the NLEX for the Road Warriors’ 2016 and 2017 second round picks and Juneric Baloria.
Trillo believes that the trade was a win-win situation for all the teams involved.
“It’s unfair for Sean to wait if any of the Fil-Ams would not perform better or if one of them gets injured. With the trade, I think Sean can use his own wings and fly high with NLEX and complement Asi Taulava,” added Trillo.
Taulava and Anthony played together with the Air21 Express, a seventh-seed team that defeated No. 2 San Miguel Beer during the Commissioner’s Cup last year.
That Express team went a game away from clinching a championship berth.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/to-comply-with-cap-on-fil-foreigners-meralco-unloads-sean-anthony-in-3-team-trade-with-nlex-mahindra)
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dapat i boy cott
ang pba nakaka awa ako sa gilas
sa china wala kasing size and length :))
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Glenn Capacio files complaint vs Mahindra management for failure to honor his coaching contract
Glenn Capacio has now brought to the courts his battle with his former team, Kia (now known as Mahindra Enforcers), over its alleged failure to honor contract obligations to him and some players and members of the coaching staff.
In a press conference held at Shakey’s Edsa, Capacio, who was with the other members of the coaching staff and players like Alex Nuyles and JR Buensuceso, shared his frustration on the treatment they have received from the team.
It can be remembered that after he coached Kia in its maiden conference, Capacio was suddenly removed from the team in the Commissioner’s Cup, being replaced by Chito Victolero.
“May 19 months pa ako sa contract, tapos mag-o-offer ka ng three months. Parang sampal naman sa akin yun,” Capacio told a small group of sportswriters.
Capacio, who was accompanied by his lawyer, Atty. Edward Lim, disclosed that they’ve already filed a case against Kia management before the Department of Labor and Employment.
“Iba-iba sinasabi”
Capacio, who played 14 years in the PBA and had been an interim coach at GlobalPort, recounted how the contract he signed with Kia was suddenly not recognized by the team.
“Unang-una sa lahat, may existing contract ako sa GlobalPort nung na-hire nila (Kia). Kinausap ako kung puwede ako sa Kia, si Boss Manny (Pacquiao) mismo ang kumausap sa akin. Ganun ang nangyari. Syempre magandang opportunity ito para sa akin,” Capacio said.
“Assistant coach on paper pero parang head coach, malaking challenge. Syempre hindi biru-biro, under contract ako sa GlobalPort, nakipagusap ako. Kasi may ilang years rin ako sa GlobalPort. Amateur days, tapos nung nag-pro sila. Matagal ako doon. Hindi biru-biro yung umalis lang ako. Nagpaalam ako kay Mr. (Mikee) Romero (of GlobalPort).
“Then later on, naiiba na yung kung ano yung napagusapan namin sa Kia. Hindi na nasusunod. Tatlong grupo sila eh, hindi ko alam kung kanino ako maniniwala. Sa manager namin (Eric Pineda), iba sinasabi. Tapos kay Mr. Santos (team executive) gusto niya paano iha-handle yung team kasi nga bata paano patatakbuhin. Nagustuhan niya yung gusto kong mangyari.”
Capacio said he sought a meeting with Pacquiao, the team’s playing-coach, to talk about the confusion but was told to wait either before or after the eight-division world champion’s birthday.
To Capacio’s surprise, that meeting with Pacquiao never happened and the former was suspecting that Pineda’s group was trying to avoid such discussion to happen.
“Naguguluhan ako dahil iba yung sinasabi ng manager namin tsaka sa sinasabi ni Mr. Santos. Iba rin yung sinasabi ni Mr. (Demosthenes) Rosales (Kia executive). Yung kay Mr. Pineda hindi namin alam kung sa kanya or kay Coach Manny. Naguguluhan kami pati na sa ibang grupo na nakapaligid. Naguguluhan kami kung anong gusto nila,” said Capacio.
“Dumating sa point na dahil naguguluhan ako sa role ko, gusto naming kausapin si Coach Manny before pa mag-end yung conference (Philippine Cup). Sinabi ko kay Boss Manny baka pwede siya makausap then ang sabi niya before or after ng birthday niya kung saan may time siya.
“Ang hindi ko alam, bakit hindi namin siya makausap. Hindi ko alam para bang ayaw nilang makausap ko si Manny. Hindi ko alam bakit ayaw nila. Baka natatakot sila siguro baka may sabihin kami tungkol sa pagpapatakbo ng team. Naguguluhan ako bakit ayaw nila Mr. Pineda, Jo Ramos, na ipakausap sa akin si Boss Manny,” added Capacio.
Instead of having a meeting with Pacquiao, Capacio was reached out by Pineda and Ramos.
“Ang nangyari dahil hindi nga kami nagkakausap, nagpatawag sila ng meeting, December 11 yun, thru text, sabi ko hindi ako makaka-attend, kasi gusto ko munang makausap si Boss Manny, bilang head coach, respeto sa kanya, gusto kong kausapin kasi naguguluhan ako sa role ko. Gusto kong malaman ano ba talagang kalagayan ko sa Kia. Walang nangyari doon sa December 11,” said Capacio.
A few days later, Pineda’s group asked for another meeting and Capacio and assistant coach Luis Gonzales went to Kia’s office in the hope of threshing out the mess, according to Capacio.
“Nagpatawag ulit sila ng meeting, December 16. Nagpunta kami sa office, 10 a.m. daw yung meeting, andun na kami ng 9:30 a.m. Naghintay kami, walang dumating. Dumating ng 12 noon si Jo Ramos, sabi ko sino ka-meeting natin. Sabi niya sila lang dalawa (ni Eric Pineda). Sabi ko kung kayong dalawa lang hindi ako makikipag-meet sa inyo.
“Kung mayroong taga-Kia, makikipag-meeting ako sa inyo. So walang nangyari doon. So naghintay kami, ang gusto namin may makausap kaming taga Kia. Naghintay kami kay Ma’am Ginnia (Domingo) sa office. Hindi ko rin alam bakit si Ma’am Ginnia hindi kami kinausap,” added Capacio.
Termination memo
Curiously, it was also on the same day that a memo was served to them for failure to attend a dinner meeting set by Governor Pepito Alvarez, one of the backers of Kia.
In the years he had been in the PBA, Capacio said he has never heard of a coach being terminated because of his failure to attend a mere a dinner or for just requesting a company official to talk to players.
A memo was given to Capacio on January 31, that stated his termination and reasons for his sacking:
- Refusal to attend the dinner meeting called by Governor Jose Alvarez on October 31, 2014 at the Manila Golf Club.
- Refusal to attend the meeting called by team manager Enrico Pineda on December 11, 2014 at the Kia office.
- Proceeding directly to Mr. Demosthenes Rosales on November 12, 2014 to present his concerns and bypassing team manager Enrico Pineda
- Giving to media the line up of Kia as pertains to the article wrote by Quinito Henson regarding his intention of bringing in a big import in the mold of Iran center Hamed Haddadi.
Capacio and Gonzales defended themselves against the memo.
“Yung unang memo, yung hindi kami naka-attend sa dinner na pinatawag ni Governor Pepito Alvarez, pero we were scouting sa game ng GlobalPort kasi kalaban namin sila the next game. Feeling namin kaya naming makapag-compete sa GlobalPort pero kailangan naming mag-scout,” said Gonzales.
“Yung kay Mr. Rosales naman kaya kami lumapit kasi nga medyo masama na yung takbio ng team. Bilang tumatayong head coach, sinabi ko kay Coach Louie (Gonzales), my assistant coach, baka puwede siyang may makausap na taga Kia para i-lift lang yung kumpiyansa ng team, para lang may pumansin sa amin,” added Capacio.
Capacio was also surprised that he was given a memo because of his intention to bring in a big import, one which he divulged to media during a post-game interview.
Capacio already to then PBA commissioner Chito Salud, but was told that contract disputes against coaches are not under the jurisdiction of the league unlike the players where there’s a UPC (Union Players’ Contract).
Capacio intends to bring the matter to new PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa, a former coach and ex-president of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines.
Pineda nor anyone from the Mahindra management haven’t released a statement explaining their side about the matter.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/glenn-capacio-files-complaint-vs-mahindra-management-for-failure-to-honor-his-coaching-contract)
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TRICK OR TREAT | Mahindra players open up about misleading promises, disorganization within team
The Mahindra Enforcers may have begun to settle the contract disputes that have had them all over the headlines in the past several days but not before their players were able to disclose details about their plight with one of the PBA’s newest franchises.
Alex Nuyles, Hans Thiele, JR Buensuceso, Mike Burtscher and former coach Glenn Capacio all revealed stories of empty promises, tricky negotiation tactics, and misleading communication from inside what they perceived to be a disorganized organization.
Nuyles and Thiele both shared how they were convinced to sign contracts with terms that changed from what they were led to believe.
With the former Adamson Falcon’s contract set to expire last August, Nuyles signed a one-year contract extension but was surprised to learn that his contract was deemed invalid – and only because he question why he didn’t receive his salary as expected.
“Nag-end na yung contract ko sa kanila ngayong August, pero pinapirma nila ako July 29,” Nuyles told sportswriters. “Nagulat ako invalid daw. Nung nag-tanong ako ng September 15 kung bakit wala akong sahod, bigla nilang sinabi not valid daw yung contract.”
He was also frustrated due to the terms of his deal turning less and less favorable despite the team proclaiming its commitment to him.
“Una, sinasabi nila three years daw, tapos biglang naging two years, biglang naging one year. Tapos lately, sinasabi nila hindi ako fit sa system. Eh samantalang kelan lang sinasabi nila sa akin ako daw ang gagawin nilang core ng team nila. Biglang nagulat ako nung September 15, hindi na daw ako fit,” Nuyles said.
He said he was informed by team manager Eric Pineda to expect a dip in salary.
“Ibababa na naman daw yung salary ko hindi raw sila approve doon sa ibinibigay sa akin,” added Nuyles, recounting what the team exec told him.
The late timing of the contract troubles also left him in limbo with no leverage to find another team to potentially transfer to.
“Paano pa ako makakahanap ng team yung manager ko para sa akin, wala nang malilipatan. For me, walang protection. Basta mo na lang kaming ilalaglag,” he said.
Thiele, too, said he was misled by management when he was convinced to sign for a lower salary with the club. He said that he was led to believe that the additional benefits – the free use of a condominium unit and a car – would have made up for much of the lost income.
“Magaling sila manloko like sa case ko. Nagpirma ako ng mas mababang kontrata kasi nakiusap sila wala daw budget, then my free naman daw use ng condo and car so inisip ko na lang hindi na masyado malayo yung diperensya kasi I was renting din naman so yun pumayag na ako so I signed the contract,” Thiele said.
It was only after he signed up for the team when he learned the exact details of the benefits he was set to receive.
“Pero yung trick pala doon, ihuhuli nila papa-sign yung sa condo and car so separate na pirmahan. So once nakapirma ka na ng contract, sunod na darating yung separate na contract ng condo, so doon na lalabas na hindi one year pwede mo magamit ang condo. If you’re not part of the team – which means para sa kanila, pag na-reserve ka – pwede kunin sa iyo ang unit,” Thiele said.
“Yun nga ang dahilan kaya kami pumayag mag-pirma ng mas maliit na kontrata kasi para ma-balance out lang ng tirahan,” he added.
Buensuceso, meanwhile, was put in a very difficult situation as he made certain financial decisions under the belief that he had another year with the club.
“On July 14th, coaches and management sat me down to discuss my future. From there, they told me they will extend me one more year. There was a gentlemen’s agreement, tapos may tender offer pa,” he shared.
“Then in August, I noticed my teammates were signing new contracts. I kept thinking maybe my contract will come. Then Alex signed. After he signed, I got very worried. They said they will sign me for another year pero there’s nothing in writing yet. One week after the Rookie Draft, I met with Kia officials and gave me the bad news that the team had decided to go on a different direction,” the guard added.
“What really hurt me was I already got a house, I took my family to a vacation and was given assurance that don’t worry, you’ll be fine. You had another year with us. I was led to believe that I still had money coming in. If I had known early on that I had no more place with Kia, I wouldn’t have made the same decisions.”
Buensuceso was even told by management to report to the practice of another PBA club, the NLEX Road Warriors, which he was informed had secured his rights, but was surprised to learn that the team wasn’t expecting him.
“They told me to report to NLEX, that I have a chance with NLEX. Something like ‘All is not lost’. But no one from the NLEX organization had contacted me. So I did it on my own and messaged Coach (Boyet Fernandez). I asked him what time is the practice on Monday? I’m happy to make the team and show my wares again,” the player said.
“Nagulat siya. ‘We have no word of you coming in. Plus, there’s no space for you here’. It kinda hurt. So I asked the Kia officials regarding NLEX and they told me to just wait.”
He was eventually allowed to join practice but was informed that the team had no available space to offer him.
Mike Burtscher, meanwhile, could not hide his frustration relaying how he was left unpaid and did not receive any care from the club after he got injured more than five months ago.
The coach and players also rued the fact that they didn’t even have copies of their contracts, making it much more difficult to claim what they felt they were due.
“By the time na nakuha namin yung contract namin terminated na kami,” Capacio shared. “May 19 and a half months pa ako sa contract ko na parang bula lang.”
“They never gave us pay slip. Paano namin malalaman (yung deductions). Walang paper trail,” Nuyles added.
“Tapos yung contract nga, katulad nung kina Coach Glenn ang tagal ibigay. Ako never ako nakatanggap ng contract sa kanila. Kaya yung huling pinirmahan ko, para akong pumirma sa tubig. Hindi sila nagbibigay ng contract. Dapat pala kinuhaan ko ng picture.”
In his many years as player and coach in the PBA, Capacio, who has brought the matter to court to seek justice on his case, said this is the only disorganized organization he has been a part of.
“Basic lang ito, kahit ikaw mag-organize, ma-o-organize mo ito. Kahit wala kang background ng basketball dito o wala kang pinangggalingan, basic lang yung mag-organize. Itinerary lang hindi mo pa magawa. Out of town games, walang itinerary. Anong klaseng team ka?”
Nuyles added that during out of town games, members of the team were set to receive allowances, but these were not released until after they returned home.
SETTLING THE MATTER
Mahindra has begun to put things back in order. They’ve pledged to honor Nuyles’ contract extension and have agreed to a buyout of Burtscher’s (which is set to last until 2016). They may already be on their way to clear up the other concerns as well.
Pineda stated that management never had any intention not to honor the contract he signed and that some of the conflict was due simply to miscommunication.
But it is clear that the damage to their relationship with their players, to the trust they have from within their own personnel, that’s already been done. Their reputation as a basketball team has been hurt as well because, make no mistake, players from other teams have kept a close watch on the issue as well.
They may be able to settle all the disputes, make all the necessary amends. But bouncing back from this issue isn’t going to be as easy as that.
It will take more than just putting things in order to really clean up this mess.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/trick-or-treat-mahindra-players-open-up-about-misleading-promises-disorganization-within-team)