PBA Scores, News and Updates

[spidey]

asan na yun kirk long pala dati ng ateneo... sayang yun pang pba na yun ayaw ata papaglaruin kasi kano...

[Zurca]

Parang napanood ko yung si Kirk Long na naging commentator sa UAAP.

[spidey]

wow naman sa lalaki ng haybols nila.. kusina palang buong bahay na
Post Merge: September 15, 2014, 07:00:43 PMBrader namali ako ng post... hindi ko ma modify hehe..
heto dapat ang post ko...

ganun ba? sayang yun para naging kapalaran ni compton hindi nagPBA as a local... si compton kasi nun import...

[Zurca]

Paul Lee makes peace with coach Yeng Guiao but still needs to settle with Rain or Shine ownership

Rain or Shine’s restricted free agent Paul Lee is back on the same page with his coach, Yeng Guiao, after the player expressed his willingness to stay on with the franchise although he still has to make peace with ownership and management following a messy contract dispute, according to the fiery mentor.

Lee attended Rain or Shine’s practice for the first time since arriving from the Philippine national men’s basketball team’s campaign in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and he finally made true on his promise to his coach of speaking personally upon his return.

“OK na, he has decided to stay on,” Guiao told InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview.

Lee and Guiao have renewed their interest in working together after a dispute that saw the player’s camp refuse to sign a maximum contract offer and request a trade to a different team.

The one hitch remaining will be repairing Lee’s relationship with Rain or Shine’s owners after the offseason mess.

“Yun nga ang problema. Kasi maski naman gusto ko, kung ayaw ng mga bossing, wala tayong magagawa,” the coach said.

“Kaya sinabihan ko nga si Paul na kausapin yung mga may-ari ng team at makipag-ayos.”

Lee, who went to Rain or Shine’s practice without his manager Lawrence Chongson, was expected back in the fold over a week ago but was not in attendance in any of the team’s sessions since returning from Spain.

The player admitted that he was advised against returning to practice by his camp due to his not having a live contract with the team.

“Yung agent ko hindi kasi ako ina-allow,” Lee said during Gilas Pilipinas’ practice on Monday. “Sinasabi naman niya kasi na wala naman daw akong kontrata, kaya sumunod lang ako kasi may kontrata naman ako sa kanya.”

But Rain or Shine made a request to PBA commissioner Chito Salud to intervene and the player finally showed up after the league directed Lee’s camp to settle the issue.

From InterAksyon
Post Merge: September 16, 2014, 04:56:31 PM‘Hindi siya kasama’: Yeng Guiao says Rain or Shine could look to trade guards – but not Paul Lee

With restricted free agent Paul Lee expressing an interest in staying with mother club Rain or Shine, his coach Yeng Guiao is finally able to think about the formation of the team for the upcoming PBA season.

Guiao told InterAksyon.com that as soon as the team is able to sign the Philippine national men’s basketball team member to a contract, they will begin to study which moves will be necessary for the guard-heavy Elasto Painters to balance out their roster although he made it clear that Lee isn’t likely to be among those traded.

“Hindi siya kasama because ayaw kong pahinain yung guard lineup natin dahil OK na siya,” the coach said.

“We have a very stabilized backcourt once we have Paul in the lineup.”

Rain or Shine prepared for the possibility of losing their backcourt star by stocking up on guards in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft.

They selected amateur standout and Gilas Pilipinas cadet team member Kevin Alas as the second overall pick and nabbed Jericho Cruz at No. 9 to join a rotation that already includes Lee, Chris Tiu, Jonathan Uyloan, TY Tang and even Gabe Norwood, who steps into the point guard role on occasion.

“Once we have Paul, we really have to study who among the guards will have to be used as trade bait or which of them will be moved out,” Guiao said.

From InterAksyon

[jamesbond]

ayun naman pala... hindi pwedeng manalo ang player sa nagpapakain sa kanya.... yumabang naman kasi ang Paul Lee, hehehe.... di naman ganun katindi ang impact nya as far as his performance is concerned... alalahanin nya na mas maraming bago at bata na pwedeng ipalit sa kanya...


Sent from my 007 iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

[spidey]

madami na nga tama yan si Paul lagi injured, mahirap yan ibangko ni kalbo sira ulo yan e
Post Merge: September 16, 2014, 06:57:27 PMPBA mulls holding season opener at brand-new Philippine Arena

September 16, 2014
MANILA, Philippines – Whether the 40th PBA season opener at the 50,000-seater Philippine Arena on Oct. 19 is a go or not will be known within the week.

Plans are afoot for the holding of the grand ceremonies at the new giant dome in Bocaue, Bulacan, but the PBA has yet to make a final decision pending inspection of the hard court that has just been assembled in the venue.

“We’re doing the inspection Thursday. We want to make sure the court is in place. If satisfied, we’ll hold two games there during the opening day,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

“We’ll be ready with shuttle buses to bring the fans from Metro Manila to the Bocaue venue,” Salud also said.

The PBA chieftain said a second option is an inaugural day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with a lone game that is most likely Barangay Ginebra versus Talk n Text.

A twinbill at the Philippine Arena will be featuring newcomers Blackwater and Kia Motors in the first game and Ginebra versus Talk n Text in the second match.

Under new chairman Patrick Gregorio, the PBA board is looking to break the opening-day crowd of over 30,000 attracted in three different playing venues last year – Davao, Cebu and Manila.

The Philippine Arena management has assured the PBA they can easily fill the venue for the first ever sporting event held in the venue.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao and controversial player Paul Lee finally had a heart-to-heart talk yesterday – a development that could lead to the player’s stay at the Asian Coating Inc. ball club.

“Simple, I just asked him if he still wants to play for us. He said yes, and the discussion was over,” said Guiao on his talk with Lee in the sideline of the RoS practice at the NEGA Gym in Greenhills.

"I explained the background of what has happened as he might think we didn’t value what he has done to the team. At least naintindihan nya,” Guiao also said.

With things threshed out, Guiao advised Lee to pay team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que a visit.

The problem cropped up when Lee’s agent, Lawrence Chongson, said more than three weeks ago that his ward wanted out of Rain or Shine and was demanding a trade despite being offered the maximum allowable amount of P15.12 million for a three-year extension.

Additionally, the league commissioner reiterated the league will not allow any ball club to be held hostage by any player.

“I do not care which player we are talking about. Let’s follow the rules,” Salud said.

“Agents, do not mislead your players, because in the long run, it is the players who will suffer. So please, show more concern to your players,” Salud also said. “The league will protect the rights, not just of the players, but most especially the mother ball clubs. That is why we have rules – the right of first refusal.”

[Zurca]

Pacquiao to play in Oct. 4 PBA preseason game

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, in the thick of his preparation for his fight with Chris Algieri in November, will see action in the Kia Motors-Blackwater preseason match-up on Oct. 4 and in the keenly awaited duel between the two new PBA teams right in the opener of PBA Season 40 on Oct. 19 most possibly at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“Manny has confirmed to the commissioner (PBA commissioner Chito Salud) he’s playing against Blackwater,” Kia Motors Eric Pineda told The STAR after the formal presentation of the Kia Motors Sorento team to the media at the World Trade Center Thursday.

“After the fight (with Algieri in Macau on Nov. 23), Manny will rest for two weeks and he’ll play more games with his Kia Sorento team,” Pineda also said.

Kia Motors, with Glenn Capacio as Pacquiao’s chief deputy, is confident it has formed a team competitive enough to win at least four games in its coming PBA debut.

“We’ve got scrappy, hard-working players who will give the other teams a good fight,” said Capacio.

“Our goal is to win four to five games. On where that brings us, it’s hard to tell. We have to be realistic this is the PBA. It’s a highly competitive league,” Capacio also said.

The management is hopeful Pacquiao’s competitive spirit will rub off on the team.

“I’m lending my name to the team. Hindi ako papayag na mapahiya,” said Pacquiao on a video shown during the team presentation.

“Success is a product of hard work. We’ll work very hard to achieve that in the PBA,” Pacquiao also said.

From the free agent pool and the rookie draft, Kia got Mike Burstcher, Hans Thiele, Rich Alvarez, Reil Cervantes, Angelus Raymundo, Chad Alonzo, Eder Saldua, Paul Sanga, Kenneth Ighalo, Joshua Webb, Chito Jayme, Rudy Lingganay, LA Revilla, and JR Buensuceso.

“These are players all committed to work hard and try their very best to give all our rivals a good fight,” said Capacio.

“As a newcomer, we’re not aiming high. We give a good fight in each game and we’ll be happy with that,” Capacio also said.

From PhilStar
Post Merge: September 18, 2014, 08:17:17 PMTeen actor Daniel Padilla on decision to decline spot in AMA Titans team: 'Hindi tayo pang PBA or D-League'

TEEN sensation Daniel Padilla on Wednesday explained his decision to beg off from the AMA Computer University team that will see action in the coming PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, saying he doesn't feel that he deserve the spot.

“Personal na desisyon ko 'yun (pullout sa team). Hindi naman ako para sa basketball. Mas marami talagang players na dapat maglaro. Hindi naman tulad ko na pinasok lang,” the 19-year-old star of the blockbuster movie 'She’s Dating A Gangster’ told Spin.ph.

The teen heartthrob also cleared his mother network ABS-CBN and his handlers from blame, saying they had nothing to do with his decision not to play for the Titans, who picked him during the 15th round of the recent D-League rookie draft. [See Teen idol Daniel Padilla named to AMA Titans lineup in PBA D-League]

“Ang panget brad eh. Lalaro ako 'dun (D-League). Pero hindi tayo pang PBA o D-League. Hindi ko feel na na-earn ko ang paglalaro,” he said.

But he did admit that playing in the PBA was his boyhood dream, although he was also the first to say that training and improving his basketball skills is next to impossible at this time owing to his hectic schedule.

“Hindi na talaga kakayanin ng schedule ko. Kaya naglalaro ako, hobby na lang. Pero 'yung talagang ensayo … wala, hindi ko na kakayanin,” he said.

While he regrets that declining the D-League chance made his PBA dream even dimmer, Padilla said he doesn’t mind since he felt he was included in the team not so much for his basketball stills but more for his popularity as an actor.

“(Ayokong tanggapin `yung position kasi) hindi ko naramdaman na kaya ako napasok dahil magaling ako. Ayaw ko… hindi ko pinag-trabahuhan eh,” Padilla reiterated. “Parang pinasok lang ako sa team dahil artista ako.”

“Gusto ko 'yung papasok ako dun, dahil magaling ako maglaro… hindi 'yung pinasok ako dahil (sikat ako) o ta-artits ako,” added the son of actors Rommel Padilla and Karla Estrada.

“PBA … talagang pangarap ko din yan… noon pa man.”

At the same time, Padilla said he’s very much willing to talk to AMA officials about the situation since the teen sensation is both an endorser and student of the university.

“Basketball 'yan eh. Lahat tayo gusto 'yan. Ako adik ako sa basketball…  pero 'yung galing ko hindi para dun (sa D-League). Hindi ko kakayanin, tol,” said the popular nephew of action superstar Robin Padilla.

The young actor from the famous Padilla clan in showbiz insisted he will continue to play basketball, but only for recreation.

“Pang hobby-hobby lang… Kahit isang laro dun… hindi ko kaya tol (D-League),” he told Spin.ph.

Meanwhile, Blackwater guard Paul Artadi, whose Pimp Kicks shoe shop has Padilla as one of its models, claimed the young actor is indeed, good enough to play in the D-League if he pours his heart into it.

“Marunong 'yan. Pwede sa D-League 'yan. Kaya lang kulang lang sa plyometrics at agility. Kaso hindi mo naman masisi kasi hindi naman siya talaga babad sa training,” said Artadi.

“Magaling magdala ng bola 'yan. Saka shooter talaga. Mataas din tumalon, kasi 5-9 lang yan pero abot niya 'yung ring,” he added.

Asked if the screen partner of charming Kathryn Bernardo can get far if he takes up basketball seriously, Artadi answered in the affirmative.

“Oo, pwede yan pre… Kailangan lang talaga ng ensayo. Pero mahilig talaga lumaro yan,” he said.

From SPIN.ph
Post Merge: September 19, 2014, 09:34:52 AMPaul Lee hopes to sign new Rain or Shine contract before Asian Games

Paul Lee is staying with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters after ironing things out with head coach Yeng Guiao. And if it was up to the player, it would be much better if he’ll be able to sign his new contract before he leaves with Gilas Pilipinas for the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

“Wala nang problema sa akin yung sa Rain or Shine. Di na siya nakakaabala,” Lee said during the thanksgiving dinner and send-off party for Gilas.

“Marami na akong napagdaanang problema na mas malaki pa dito. Okay na ako. Tingin ko hindi naman ganun ka-grabe yung issue sa contract ko,” he added.

Weeks ago, Lee’s agent Lawrence Chongson bared the player’s request to be traded even after Rain or Shine offered him a maximum-salary contract. The agent bared a litany or possible reasons for Lee’s request such as wanting a bigger role or wanting to play in a different system but their camp did not explain exactly why they wanted out of Rain or Shine.

The Elasto Painters waited to Lee to come back from Spain for them to settle their issues. They picked multiple guards in the 2014 PBA Rookie Draft, players who may be traded soon because of Lee's decision to stay.

“So far, nakapag-usap na kami. Hinihintay na lang yung go-signal ng mga bosses. Okay na lahat. Ilang days na lang ang hinihintay,” Lee said.

“Sana bago ako lumipad maayos na lahat.”

As of the moment, Gilas still has not released their lineup for the Asian Games as many of their players including Lee have injuries.

“Basta kung ma-line up ako, ready ako. Yung sakit, pagkatapos ko nararamdaman lahat e,” the point guard said. “Pagka nakatakbo na, nawawala naman yung sakit. Pag nakaupo ako or pagkatapos ng game dun sumasakit. Nung nasa PBA pa ako nararamdaman ko na ito.”

Suffering from plantar fasciitis on both feet, Lee is not the only one hobbled after their 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign.

“Gawa nung may mga injured na players, kinailangang maglaro ulit ni Jimmy [Alapag],” Lee said. “Pero masaya ako kasi mabibigyan ako ng one last time para makasama si Jimmy sa international game.”

From Y! Sports Philippines
Post Merge: September 20, 2014, 02:36:27 PMPaul Lee signs two-year, P10M deal with Rain or Shine

Paul Lee has officially decided to remain a Rain or Shine Elasto Painter.

The 6-foot-tall guard signed a two-year, maximum contract worth over P10 million last Friday afternoon at the Asian Coatings office. Lee is set to receive a maximum salary of P420,000 per month.

Atty. Mamerto Mondragon, Rain or Shine’s representative to the PBA Board, confirmed this development to InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview.

“He was so happy dahil natapos na yung problema,” Mondragon said.

In signing the deal, Lee woud join an Elasto Painters’ squad loaded at the guard positions.

The team selected Kevin Alas as its No. 2 overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft in preparation for Lee’s possible departure.

The Elasto Painters also have Chris Tiu, point guard TY Tang, the ever-improving Jonathan Uyloan and even versatile wingman Gabe Norwood, who can fill in at either guard spot when called for.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao earlier told InterAksyon.com that the team will be looking at making some moves in the backcourt once the team is able to sign up Lee.

The Elasto Painters’ star is set to leave for Korea on Saturday to join the Philippine national men’s basketball team in the Incheon Asian Games.

From InterAksyon

[Zurca]

Beau Belga: Pacquiao will get no special treatment in PBA

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao will receive no special treatment on his first foray into professional basketball, a rival player has vowed, as the Philippine boxing superstar struggles with a hectic training schedule for both sports.

Beau Belga, a 250-pound, 6-foot-5 Philippine Basketball Association bruiser, told Spin.ph on Friday, September 19 that he will be no walkover when the 5-foot-7 Pacquiao starts playing next month.

"I have no intention of hurting him, but I will play my normal game against him. I don't have to change it just because he's Manny Pacquiao," the 27-year-old center of the league's Rain or Shine team added.

"This is basketball. He won't get an open shot or (be) allowed to drive past me," Belga added.

Pacquiao, 35, has won world boxing titles in eight different weight divisions and was drafted by expansion team Kia Sorentos in August even though he has no experience in high-level basketball.

He is known for playing intense pick-up games during breaks in training for bouts, and remains in top physical condition while enjoying a successful sunset to his career in the ring.

The boxer was hired as player and coach for Kia, which will open their account on October 19 in a league that has produced players of enough calibre to see the Philippines qualify for this year's World Cup.

Kia will face fellow expansion team Blackwater on opening day, and are scheduled to play Belga's Rain or Shine later in the tournament.

Kia team manager Eric Pineda told Spin.ph the would-be pro-basketball star has been forced to skip much of the team's daily training to fit in his boxing workouts.

"They (Kia) know they cannot compete for time with Manny's boxing career. They know how important Manny's next fight is," Pineda added.

Belga, who is half of the duo comprised of teammate JR Quinahan known as “Extra Rice" for their heft, told the website he had played against Pacquiao previously, and suggested he was none too impressed.

"People are saying he has improved, probably because he was challenged by the fans' criticism," Belga said.

"He's the rookie, I am the veteran," he added.

Pacquiao, who is also a congressman of the Sarangani province in the Philippines, is in training for the defense of his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against undefeated American Chris Algieri in Macau on November 23.

From Rappler

[spidey]

hindi naman papasok si pacquiao sa mga dikdikan laro, siguro pag lamang na kalaban at wala ng chance manalo pa team niya papasok pampasaya lang

[Zurca]

Talk ‘N Text set to acquire Jay Washington for Noy Baclao, draft pick

Talk ‘N Text is set to welcome versatile forward Jay Washington back into the fold.

Washington, a 6-foot-7 power forward who started his career with the Tropang Texters, will be traded by GlobalPort in exchange for former top overall draft pick Noy Baclao and a future first rounder.

Talk ‘N Text team manager Aboy Castro told InterAksyon.com that deal has not been finalized yet, although they are looking forward to acquiring Washington, who joined the Philippine national men’s basketball team for the FIBA Asia Cup and the team’s preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“He averaged 16 points and eight rebounds last year and he’s a versatile player,” Castro wrote in a text message.

Washington, who was named Best Player of the Conference twice in his career, averaged 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds in 28 games for GlobalPort last season.

The deal is awaiting approval from the Office of the PBA Commissioner.

From InterAksyon
Post Merge: September 22, 2014, 08:34:35 PMTalk 'N Text eyes Matt Rosser, NLEX targets Kevin Alas in three-team PBA trade

IT turned out the Jay Washington-Noy Baclao trade is just the tip of the iceberg.

Sources told Spin.ph that another wave of trade transactions involving rookies Kevin Alas and Matt Rosser are about to take place, shortly after PBA commissioner Chito Salud approved the deal that sent GlobalPort's Washington to Talk 'N Text in exchange for Baclao and the Texters' 2017 first-round draft pick.

Talk 'N Text, in a bid to add young blood to an ageing lineup, is currently finalizing talks with Rain or Shine for the rights to Alas, the former Gilas cadet and Letran star who played for the Texters' sister team NLEX Warriors in the PBA D-League.

Alas was picked by Rain or Shine at No. 2 overall in the last rookie draft but has suddenly become dispensable after free agent guard Paul Lee decided to stay put on a fresh two-year deal.

Once Talk 'N Text succeeds in getting Alas, the Texters plan to send the former D-League MVP and Washington to NLEX for fellow Gilas cadet Rosser, who the Warriors picked at No. 4 overall in the draft.

NLEX is expected to get both Alas and Washington in the transaction while dealing away a couple of draft picks which are still under negotiation.

The only remaining hitch in the negotiations, sources said, is that Rain or Shine wants two first-round picks for Alas while NLEX is only willing to part with its 2015 first-round pick and a second-round draft pick in 2016.

“Gusto nung kabila (Rain or Shine) dalawang first round (picks),” said a source privy to the negotiations. “Depende pa kung ano ang mapapagkasunduan. Pero ongoing ang negotiation.”

Another source said the San Miguel group is also looking to join the hunt for Alas if the current deal falls through.

From SPIN.ph

[Zurca]

Talk 'N Text reloads with addition of Ganuelas, Alas

MANILA, Philippines – The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters pulled off two pre-season moves that should ensure they will remain competitive for the foreseeable future in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

In two separate deals, the Texters were able to nab two of the top 5 picks in the 2014 PBA rookie draft.

The first trade, approved by the PBA Commissioner's office Monday, September 22, saw them get the services of athletic wingman Matt Ganuelas. The series of deals was bannered by the return of Jay Washington to Talk 'N Text after regaining his deadly form following his stint with the GlobalPort Batang Pier where he normed 15.57 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

The Texters traded way 2010 first overall pick Nonoy Baclao, rookie Harold Arboleda, and their second round pick in the 2018 Rookie Draft for Washington.

GlobalPort then sent Arboleda, the 2018 second round pick, and a 2016 second round pick it earlier acquired from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to the NLEX Road Warriors for Ganuelas.

Lastly, the Batang Pier exchanged Ganuelas for the Texters' 2017 first round pick.

In another trade reported by Spin.ph, Talk 'N Text acquired the services of 2014 second overall pick Kevin Alas in a three-team deal involving the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and NLEX.

Rain or Shine, the team that drafted Alas, sent the sharp-shooting combo guard to the Texters in exchange for five-time slam dunk king Niño 'KG' Canaleta. The Elasto Painters then sent Canaleta to NLEX for the Road Warriors' 2015 first round pick.

Painters coach Yeng Guiao told Spin.ph that they traded away Alas to give him the opportunity to showcase his wares in the pro league - something he might not be able to do playing behind the team's plethora of guards that include newly resigned Paul Lee, former Xavier teammates Chris Tiu and TY Tang, and UST Growling Tigers standout Jeric Teng.


Texters reloaded

Getting Washington back gives Talk 'N Text more versatility in their frontcourt. The 2005 first overall pick gives another stretch big man that can either give 2014 PBA Governors' Cup best player Ranidel De Ocampo extended rest on the bench, or the team may opt to pair the two for an all three-point shooting five on the floor.

The acquisition of Ganuelas and Alas is the Texters' way of addressing its aging and ailing backcourt. Despite being loaded with top-caliber perimeter operators, both players should get enough playing time to show what they can do on the hardcourt as most of the team's mainstays will likely need rest following stints with the National team Gilas Pilipinas.

Team Captain Jimmy Alapag, who is coming off an inspiring stint with Gilas, at 36-years-old, is nearing the twilight of his career. Fellow Gilas guard Jayson Castro is recovering from an ankle injury while shooting guard Larry Fonacier begged off entirely from being part of the team due to medical reasons.

The Texters will have the luxury of resting or limiting the minutes of their main guns in favor of Ganuelas and Alas - both of whom have also dawned the National colors in the past two years in minor tournaments.

Ganuelas, listed at 6-foot-5, arrived in the Philippines as a natural point guard. He has since shifted to the small forward spot but hasn't lost the ball handling and passing abilities he displayed upon arriving in the country.

He gives back Talk 'N Text the kind of versatility they lost when Jared Dillinger was traded away.

But Ganuelas appears more like the second coming of Gabe Norwood. Both players share court general playmaking skills along with freakish athleticism. Like Norwood, Ganuelas has taken advantage of his length and athletic gifts on defense. In the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup, Ganuelas averaged two blocks per game according to pba-online.net.

Again, like Norwood, Ganuelas needs to work on his shot. In the same conference where he averaged two rejections, the Fil-Am cager averaged just 37% on his two-point field goals.

Meanwhile, the Texters get a natural scorer who added playmaking skills to his arsenal in Kevin Alas.

Alas has the potential to become Talk 'N Text's next marquee perimeter player with his combination of size (listed at 6-foot-2) and skill. Alas is also used to a winning culture, having led the Letran Knights to multiple finals appearances in the NCAA and being a key player for the NLEX Road Warriors in their multi-title run in the PBA D-League.

Another positive for both players is the fact that Talk 'N Text is not a team bound by traditional positions. The system the team has run in recent years takes full advantage of the strengths of its players putting them in spots on the floor where they can be most effective.

However, it remains to be seen if newly-installed head coach Jong Uichico will keep this style of play. Uichico should have a field day mixing and matching lineups of his versatile squad.

In any case, the team has done a splendid job of making sure they field a team that can win now, while keeping an eye on the future by acquiring two talents with massive upside.

If and when Alapag decides to hang his sneakers for good, Ganuelas and Alas both have the potential to pick up where the Mighty Mouse left off.

From Rappler
Post Merge: September 26, 2014, 04:24:16 PMRain or Shine to trade forward Larry Rodriguez to Talk ‘N Text for second round pick

Rain or Shine forward Larry Rodriguez will be headed to Talk ‘N Text in exchange for the Tropang Texters’ 2015 second round pick.

A highly-placed source from the Elasto Painters camp told InterAksyon.com that the deal has been agreed upon by both sides.

The deal could be a precursor to a series of trades that will eventually see Talk ‘N Text land second overall pick Kevin Alas. Talk ‘N Text had shown interest in acquiring Alas with a proposed three-team deal that would have seen the rookie moved in exchange for NLEX’s 2015 first round pick.

The deal has not been finalized but the teams have continued to remain in talks.

The Tropang Texters have been busy in the offseason, acquiring Jay Washington from GlobalPort and NLEX’s fourth overall pick Matt Ganuelas Rosser in a series of trades earlier this week.

For now, though, the only certainty remains to be the trade of Rodriguez, who will join a loaded Talk ‘N Text squad that is looking like a major player this coming season.

From InterAksyon

[spidey]

mukha hindi mo nakita to TS.. now ko lang nabasa..

Villanueva, Arana figure in fight in NLEX-RoS exhibition

September 26, 2014
MANILA, Philippines – Rico Villanueva and Ryan Arana sustained bruises in their faces and bodies as they figured in a wild brawl that forced the stoppage of the NLEX-Rain or Shine tune-up match at the Meralco Gym in Pasig Friday.

The two players, rivals from their collegiate days with Ateneo and La Salle, went after each other, trading punches then getting entangled in a virtual wrestling match on the floor after Villanueva gave a driving Arana a hard foul. The RoS wingman then retaliated by throwing the ball to the NLEX forward.

Both teams left their benches and rushed to the hard court, but witnesses weren’t certain if any one joined the fight.

“Everyone was on the floor, but probably they’re there just to help separate Rico and Ryan. It’s not clear to me as the players in front of me are so big, I didn’t see all the things that had happened,” NLEX team manager Ronald Dolatre told The STAR.

“It’s a fight that went all the way down the floor. Rico ended up bloodied as he’s bit by Ryan, as Rico later told us,” Dolatre also said.

Rain or Shine was holding a 23-22 edge as the fight erupted at the start of the second quarter.
 
A PBA official called for the cancellation of the match even as the two teams were hoping the referees just eject the erring players then let the game continue.

“It’s very unfortunate especially with the two teams engaged in a good, exciting match,” said Dolatre.

“Apparently, Rico was hit in an earlier play. With no call from the refs, he got back at Arana in the next play. And as Arana threw the ball at Rico, nagkagulo na,” Dolatre also said.

“I’ve already sent Rico to Medical City to have him checked,” the NLEX official added.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao talked to both Villanueva and Arana before the two players left the venue.

“We let coach Yeng talk to Rico since he used to be Rico’s coach. Mukhang pinagkamay nya yung dalawa,” said Dolatre.

Villanueva was under Guiao at Red Bull when he figured in a fight with another former La Salle player Joseph Yeo at the Araneta Coliseum parking lot a few years back.

It came on the heels of an on-court fight between the two players during a La Salle-Ateneo dream match also at the Big Dome.

Despite the incident, officials of Rain or Shine and NLEX were to continue to talk about a trade involving Kevin Alas.

“We may come up with something within the day,” said Dolatre.

[Zurca]

PBA Commissioner Salud to meet with MVP to plan Gilas Pilipinas' future

MANILA, Philippines - With national squad Gilas Pilipinas' international campaign winding down, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the country's basketball federation Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are looking to assess the team's campaign and explore what can be done for the future.

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud said in a statement that he will meet with SBP head Manny V. Pangilinan to "exchange thoughts on what happened in Spain and Korea, in essence - to conduct a critical analysis."

"I will then do a round of consultations with our team owners to express gratitude for their support and share my views, as well as, solicit theirs," he said.

The PBA has offered its full support to the Gilas program since before the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, which paved the way for Gilas head coach Chot Reyes to borrow one player from each PBA team to form the roster. The PBA also further showed its support by squeezing the schedule for its 2013-2014 season to allow Gilas ample time to train for this year's World Cup.

"On that basis, we should arrive at a consensus on how best to pursue the program moving forward," Salud said.

The hope is for the PBA to continue its support of the program as Gilas looks ahead to the future - particularly for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, which will serve as qualifier for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

"We've all been positively encouraged by the improvements in our performance, but I know many expect more in our future outings. And rightfully so," Salud added.

Right after the conclusion of the 2014 PBA season, Gilas immediately competed in the FIBA Asia Cup in China last July where they clinched the bronze medal, the country's best finish in the tourney.

Gilas later exceeded expectations at the FIBA World Cup in Spain, nearly upsetting world powerhouse teams such as Argentina, Croatia and Puerto Rico before finally claiming the Philippines' first World Cup victory in 4 decades by defeating Senegal.

However, despite the high morale and blitzing momentum, Gilas was unable to ride the tide through the Asian Games in South Korea, where expectations were far higher as most hoped they could finally break the nation's 16-year medal drought.

The Philippines won the bronze medal at the Asiad in 1998 with Tim Cone's Centennial Team.

The heartbreak cut deeper for the sputtering nationals as they are about to set the country's worst finish in the Asian Games after losing to China on Monday, September 29 in the classification phase. The loss relegated Gilas to the battle for 7th place. Previously, the Philippines' worst Asian Games placing since the inclusion of pro players was at 6th in 2010.

Despite the disappointing finish, the Philippines can still take comfort in Gilas' efforts as the country improved 3 notches to 31st place in the FIBA world rankings.

This, among others, will be part of the discussions between the PBA and SBP as it looks to find ways to better the program and continue the improvement.

"This is how it should be: consolidate the gains and then chart a course so we exceed our current performance," Salud added.

From Rappler
Post Merge: October 01, 2014, 10:06:01 AMGinebra-Talk 'N Text, Kia-Blackwater to open 40th PBA season

MANILA, Philippines - The 40th season of the Philippine Basketball Association is set to open with an exciting double-header at the largest arena in the country.

The league's All-Filipino Philippine Cup conference will commence on Sunday, October 19 at the brand-new Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan with the PBA's new expansion teams, KIA Sorentos and Blackwater Elite, going head to head following the opening ceremonies.

The Sorentos will be led by playing-coach and Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and some of the team's notable young players like Reil Cervantes, LA Revilla, and Paul Sanga.

Blackwater will field veterans Paul Artadi, Sunday Salvacion, and Eddie Laure, and other young prospects such as Alex Nuyles, JP Erram, and Juami Tiongson.

For the other game of the day, long-time franchise favorites Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings will square off.

TNT will play its first game under new head coach Jong Uichico, but mainstays such as Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag, and Kelly Williams are expected to be present, along with the recently-acquired Jay Washington.

Ginebra will commence its second conference under the tutelage of head coach Jeffrey Cariaso while being led by Mark Caguioa, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, and Chris Ellis.

The opening day schedule was first reported by the Philippine Star, and later on confirmed to Rappler by PBA media chief bureau Willie Marcial.

Marcial also confirmed a report of PhiStar that the league will impose new policies with regards to the bringing in of imports in the PBA's latter two conferences: the Commissioner's and Governors' Cups (the league has 3 annual conferences per season).

The teams that finished in the top 8 of the league standings in the Philippine Cup will have a height limit for imports at 6-foot-9 in the subsequent Commissioner's Cup, while the bottom four squads will have an unlimited height advantage.

The same rule will be applied for the top 8 and bottom 4 of the Commissioner's Cup in the subsequent Governors' Cup, with the exception of the height limit being at 6-foot-5 for the better-performing squads rather than 6-foot-9.

From Rappler
Post Merge: October 01, 2014, 10:16:21 AMManny Pacquiao to play limited minutes for Kia before fight vs Chris Algieri

GENERAL SANTOS – Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao Monday brushed off Floyd Mayweather’s latest taunts, saying he pitied his American rival as he urged him to read the Bible.

Pacquiao also assured fans that he would play a few minutes of professional basketball when the new season opens next month even while he trains for a match in Macau in November against unbeaten American Chris Algieri.

Despite calls by boxing fans for the two biggest names in the sport finally to meet, Mayweather has refused to commit to a match but has not refrained from baiting Pacquiao.

In his latest jibe, Mayweather — undefeated in 47 fights — recently posted several pictures on his social media account, showing Pacquiao knocked down in his past fights. He added that “Miss Pac Man is broke for a pay day”.

The deeply religious Pacquiao, who has 56 wins and five losses, said: “I’m not affected by it. I pity him and I pray that someday he would change his ways.”

“He (Mayweather) should fear God,” Pacquiao said, advising him to heed the biblical passage reading “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

The 35-year-old Pacquiao, who has held world titles in eight separate weight divisions, has other things to worry about than Mayweather’s insults.

Aside from training to defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against Algieri, he is also acting as coach and player for the newly-created Kia Motors team in the highly-competitive Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The 169-centimeter (5-ft,6-in) Pacquiao said he would make training for the fight his main priority, leaving most of his basketball duties to his assistant coach.

“I already talked to (boxing) coach Freddie (Roach) that I am going to play in the PBA maybe just two to three minutes. My focus is on my training for the November fight,” he said.

From InterAksyon
Post Merge: October 01, 2014, 10:17:28 AMMatt Ganuelas Rosser pays tribute to family with name, number on Talk ‘N Text jersey

On some of his jerseys, the name on the back says ‘Ganuelas’, on others ‘Rosser’.

When he steps onto the PBA floor as a member of the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, rookie Matt Ganuelas Rosser wants to pay tribute to both of his names and have ‘Ganuelas Rosser’ spelled out in full.

“When I first came here and played for the national team, I had to use Ganuelas. Now I want to use both in tribute to both names,” he told InterAksyon.com in an exclusive interview.

Ganuelas is the name of his Filipino mother, Gina, but he also wants to recognize the surname of his father James, a retired member of the US Navy who was stationed in Subic Bay. Matt, who was born in Olongapo City, and his family moved to San Diego as a child after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991.

Now, he wants to honor his family by not only using both of his names, but also the favored jersey number of his very first basketball idol, his father’s No. 22.

Ganuelas Rosser remembers watching his dad play with the number and how he wanted to follow in his footsteps.

“When he was based in Subic, he had this jersey No. 22. When I was a kid, I used to wear this jersey number all the time.”

Well, Matt is no kid anymore – having made it to the big leagues at last. And he’ll be able to take a little piece of his family with him.

And though it’s a pretty lengthy name, he doesn’t envision it to be a problem for the outfitters.

“If they can fit in (NBA player) Michael Carter-Williams’ name at the back of the jersey, I’m sure they can do it with Ganuelas Rosser.”


Living up to ‘tradition’

Ganuelas Rosser, who was selected by NLEX with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 PBA Draft, has already been traded before even having the chance to begin his PBA career.

But he is not discouraged as he knows he will be joining a proud winning tradition with Talk ‘N Text, which acquired him in a three-team deal with NLEX and GlobalPort last week.

The rookie was moved to GlobalPort for Harold Arboleda, Talk ‘N Text’s 2018 second round pick and GlobalPort’s 2016 second round pick acquired from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. He was then traded by the Batang Pier to the Tropang Texters in a follow-up deal for their 2017 first round pick.

“For me, it’s really an honor to be considered playing for Talk ‘N Text,” he said. “When I heard the buzz that I might be moving, I was flattered and excited.”

“There’s so much tradition. I just hope I can help contribute to continuing that tradition.”

The league newcomer knows all about the winning legacy of not just the Talk ‘N Text franchise but of the team’s new coach, Jong Uichico.

“As for coach Jong, he’s a great coach, he has a great system. We have this good line of communication,” said Ganuelas Rosser, who played for Uichico on the gold medal-winning Philippine national team to the 2013 Southeast Asian Games.

He’s most impressed, though, with Uichico’s championship pedigree, having already won eight league titles as a coach.

“I did my research. Man, he has a lot in the PBA.”

From InterAksyon

[Zurca]

PBA to feature Asian imports for Governors' Cup conference

SEOUL, Korea – Basketball stars from around Asia like Nikkhah Bahrami, Fadi El-Khatib, Sam Daghles, Anton Ponomarev, Kim Mingoo and Lin Chi-chieh may soon find themselves in the Philippine Basketball Association.

In a move aimed at attracting fans and advertisers from around Asia, the PBA has agreed to open its doors to players from surrounding countries for its milestone 40th season.

“The board agreed to try it for one conference specifically and exclusively for marketing outside the country and within the Asian region,” said PBA board chairman Patrick Gregorio.

“It’s another way of looking at the PBA as the no. 1 professional league in Asia,” added Gregorio, who originally pitched the idea.

The PBA introduces the “Asian integration” in the season-ending Governors Cup with the PBA teams allowed one player each with a height ceiling of 6-foot-4.

Asian recruits will be on top of the regular imports playing in the season-ending Governors Cup. Naturalized Asian players, like Chinese Taipei’s Quincy Davis, will be ineligible however.

“It’s optional. And why 6-4? It’s the average height of Filipino players,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

“But it’s still tentative. Everything will be finalized as the governors cleared things with their principals (team owners),” Salud added.

The board chairman, however, is convinced his proposal would help the league increase its fan base and firm up its stature as the no. 1 pro league in Asia.

“Imagine if you recruit Korean players. I heard Korean population in the Philippines has hit a million,” Gregorio said.

“We want to showcase the league in the region. We’re reaching out as we target big sponsors in the region like Samsung and LG,” Gregorio also said.

Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy and Ginebra board representative Alfrancis Chua – a multi-titled coach in the defunct PBL – remembered the mania brought by the participation of former Chinese star Ma Jian in the PBL in the 90s.

From Rappler

[Zurca]

John Wilson sparks Meralco to preseason win over Ginebra in Panabo City

Meralco’s John Wilson showed up prepared to play against his former team Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The Bolts’ deadshot swingman finished with 18 points, including back-to-back baskets in the fourth period that led to a Meralco breakaway, and towed his current team to a 91-79 win in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, in one of the few provincial games under the PBA’s Liga ng Bayan, a series of preseason matches.

Wilson, who played a few years as part of the Gin Kings, was a steady presence all game long. His back-to-back baskets gave the Bolts an 86-77 lead with 3:28 left, allowing his team to pull away from a tight endgame.

The Bolts played with several new recruits in their line up, including Sean Anthony, Simon Atkins, Ryan Buenafe and John Ferriols among others. They played without Philippine national men’s basketball team members Jared Dillinger and Gary David, though.

The Gin Kings were without their own Gilas Pilipinas players – point guard LA Tenorio and big man Japeth Aguilar – as well as center Greg Slaughter.

They did have the services of comebacking James Forrester, who spent last season on the injured list and new acquisition Joseph Yeo, who also played a key role for the Gin Kings.

Forrester opened up the fourth period with a triple that tied the ball game for the last time at 66-all, but a 7-0 run by the Bolts started their breakaway and never looked back from there.

Mark Caguioa led all scorers with 21 points.

The scores:
Meralco (91) – Wilson 18, Hugnatan 15, Hodge 13, Guevarra 11, Anthony 10, Atkins 7, Caram 6, Ferriols 4, Morrison 3, Buenafe 2, Sena 0, Macapagal 0

Ginebra (79) – Caguioa 21, Yeo 11, Baracael 9, Ellis 8, Ababou 8, Reyes 7, Mamaril 5, Forrester 5, Helterbrand 4, Monfort 1, Urbiztondo 0.

Quarterscores: 25-13, 38-34, 66-61, 91-79.

From InterAksyon
Post Merge: October 06, 2014, 09:39:10 AMManny Pacquiao scores 1 point in PBA pre-season debut

Manny Pacquiao made his Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) pre-season debut with the KIA Sorentos in a game against fellow expansion team Blackwater Sports in Binan, Laguna on Saturday night.

Blackwater won, 88-77, in the 2014 PBA Holcim Liga ng Bayan, a pre-season tournament used by teams to gear up for the upcoming PBA season.

The eight-division and current WBO welterweight champion started the game for the team that he also coaches. In ten minutes on the floor, Pacquiao scored one point and grabbed a rebound. He also committed two turnovers.

One of the turnovers came when Pacquiao brought the ball down and tried to elude his defender with a crossover and behind-the-back dribble combo. His defender, veteran Chris Timberlake, read Pacquiao's next move well and stole the ball from the incoming PBA rookie. The left-hander took a triple as his first shot of the game but it fell short.

The 35-year-old Pacquiao has always considered basketball his second sport. He has played alongside NBA legends Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller in outside the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. Last month Pacquiao even played some hoops in the practice facility of the Golden State Warriors.

The Pacman has long bankrolled a basketball team called the MP Warriors, a squad that competed in smaller commercial leagues. Pacquiao would often start the game, play most of the first quarter and sit out the rest.

The boxer made it clear that he would only play spot minutes for his team as he’s also preparing for the first defense of his WBO title in Macau next month against American Chris Algieri.

KIA and Blackwater will meet again on October 19 at the Philippine Arena in the opening game that will usher in the PBA's 40th season.

From Y! Sports Philippines