PBA Scores, News and Updates

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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

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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

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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

[tonistork]

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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