PBA Scores, News and Updates

[Zurca]

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
Post Merge: August 14, 2014, 09:42:30 AMBest 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
Post Merge: August 14, 2014, 09:43:42 AMGilas 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

[Zurca]

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
Post Merge: August 17, 2014, 05:33:09 PMSan 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


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

[Zurca]

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
Post Merge: August 19, 2014, 05:59:50 PMChris 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

[Zurca]

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

[Troll Montero]

sino kaya mag number two pick?? sana kunin ng RoS si ALAS..

mawawalan na ng playing time si ROMEO nyan hehe

[Zurca]

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 PMPacquiao 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

[Troll Montero]

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

[Zurca]

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


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
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
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

[Zurca]

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
Post Merge: August 24, 2014, 06:56:43 PMPaul 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

[Troll Montero]

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...

[Zurca]

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

[Troll Montero]

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

[Zurca]

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

[Troll Montero]

trade nila sa beerman kunin nila si fajardo or santos kung gusto niya bigmen...

[Zurca]

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