PBA Scores, News and Updates

[jamesbond]

^ heto na si pacquiao... hmmm... ano ba alam nito sa basketball... tignan nga natin...


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[ThrashMetal]

Karnabal na pala ang pba ngayon.

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[Zurca]

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

[Zurca]

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
Post Merge: July 21, 2014, 06:30:41 PMIldefonso, 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

[jamesbond]

medyo mahina pa mga rookie teams... panlaban lang nila ay youth power... pero sa diskarte medyo mangangapa mga yan....


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[Zurca]

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

[tonistork]

lintek na pacquiao ito, nakigulo pa.

tama ang sinabi ng isang nasa taas ko, karnabal na ang PBA. . at mas masahol pa sa PBB.

[Zurca]

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

[Zurca]

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

[jamesbond]

di gaano magaling si banchero.... pero mukhang matindi na din ang build-up sa Team KIA.... Abangan natin yan...


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[Zurca]

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
Post Merge: August 01, 2014, 06:01:01 PMPBA 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
Post Merge: August 01, 2014, 06:07:36 PMPBA 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

[Zurca]

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
Post Merge: August 04, 2014, 11:32:40 AMRay 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

[Troll Montero]

iba na naman pala coach ng SMB sana this time tama na sila na... sana nga mag champion na sila

[Zurca]

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

[Zurca]

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