It was round 2 for the Baranggay Ginebra Kings against the Purefoods TJ Giants. Both of which are struggling badly for consistency in this series. The Kings without Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and even Celino Cruz while the Giants without team captain Kerby Raymundo. But the show has to go on and so will the game.
Coach Ryan Gregorio of the Giants steadily reminded his boys to keep on putting their defense and what's even better for them is that they brought offense to the center stage that made them strong during the 1st quarter. They also took advantage of the Kings' poor offense who has never made any connection with the basket. Coach Jong Uichico meanwhile sued for a lot of time talking to his boys in the huddle. He wanted to make his team stop the non-stop shooters of the Giants. But as the game went on, the Kings still looked like they were trailing halfway down the court, bleeding for offense.
Halftime break is one of the favorites of the coaches where they could talk things over and get mad inside the dug-out (I'm not sure with the latter though haha). And that opportunity made the Kings climb for a comeback just as the Giants try protecting the lead. They are getting free throw line opportunities but just couldn't knock them down.
Ronald Tubid and Cyrus Baguio are some of the players the Gin Kings are relying on to alongside Johnny Abarrientos who still plays for them. On the other hand, James Yap is one hell of a Giant who can take shots even with contenders all over him.
And since we're talking about names, there came Kevin White, the rookie of the Kings who has been their hero for a split second. Having 3s and 2s all over the court, making things happen for the Kings, savoring a short time lead during the 4th quarter (This young athlete is also the nephew of Jimmy Alapag of the Tropang Texters). However offense the Kings make, the Giants are fearlessly responding. And talking about that, Roger Yap is one fearless Giant who showed credibility as he recognizes the opponent's defense.
It was one tight game but in the end, only 1 team has to emerge for the win. And it was The Purefoods TJ Giants who ended strong in the ball game finishing an 89-81 game, with Roger Yap as the best player with 21 conference high points.
"Pinag-aralan namin ang defense" Yap said when asked how they got the win. "Actually, apektado talaga kami sa crowd at sa fans nila (BGK), pero kelangan na naming manalo. Sana tuloy-tuoloy na to", he added.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
SMB's lucky 9 against the SLR
Will the Sta. Lucia Realtors have their revenge from the first-round beating? Or will the San Miguel Beermen continue to gun for another win?
And the game tonight answered those questions.
It was the Retribution vs. the Mastery. The holy war of the saints! The San Miguel and the Sta. Lucia. The #1 fast break team vs. the #1 defensive team.
Game after game, both teams are probably considering mistakes as a challenge in order to get back on track. And that was what the Beermen practically had for dinner just before the game.
It was almost impossible to stop the Beermen from shooting baskets during the first quarter of the game. Perimeter shots and jumpers from Dondon Hontiveros started the SMB-confidence that electrified the other Beermen who continued the shots. But coach Boyet Fernandez and the Realtors are definitely not giving up this fight, not another defeat against the Beermen, as we all remember how they got beaten during their on-the-road game at Victorias City. And with that motivation, coach Boyet’s boys tried to break the momentum cutting the lead down to 1 during halftime. A point coach Siot had to talk over in the dug-out.
“Let’s try to be a better team. We have to execute proper defense to limit turn overs and turn over points” coach reminded his boys.
And the 2nd half made the Beermen execute what coach told them to. They never took the Realtors lightly making them bleed for so many baskets, making their shooting skills sour on the court. They showed the battle and the rhythm, the momentum and the skills. It was so hard to stop SMB especially when the guys are shooting non stop. They spotted the gaps and played like veterans putting the ball in the paint. Assists and steals filled the SMB court making it easy for them to take in the money for the ball. It was like picking and rolling and finishing with not just 2 but 3-pointers. And looks like the Beermen found all the answers, pushing it down to the core.
Stellar frontline performance, bench-scoring was excellent plus the exceptional coaching staff coming into pace were the perfect match for the lucky 9th win of the San Miguel Beermen.
It was shining time for Dondon Hontiveros who had 21 points and 7 rebounds. Mike Cortez, Lordy Tugade, Danny Siegle and of course Arwind Santos were also some of the Beermen who contributed big time finishing a 110-94 game against the Sta. Lucia Realtors.
And the game tonight answered those questions.
It was the Retribution vs. the Mastery. The holy war of the saints! The San Miguel and the Sta. Lucia. The #1 fast break team vs. the #1 defensive team.
Game after game, both teams are probably considering mistakes as a challenge in order to get back on track. And that was what the Beermen practically had for dinner just before the game.
It was almost impossible to stop the Beermen from shooting baskets during the first quarter of the game. Perimeter shots and jumpers from Dondon Hontiveros started the SMB-confidence that electrified the other Beermen who continued the shots. But coach Boyet Fernandez and the Realtors are definitely not giving up this fight, not another defeat against the Beermen, as we all remember how they got beaten during their on-the-road game at Victorias City. And with that motivation, coach Boyet’s boys tried to break the momentum cutting the lead down to 1 during halftime. A point coach Siot had to talk over in the dug-out.
“Let’s try to be a better team. We have to execute proper defense to limit turn overs and turn over points” coach reminded his boys.
And the 2nd half made the Beermen execute what coach told them to. They never took the Realtors lightly making them bleed for so many baskets, making their shooting skills sour on the court. They showed the battle and the rhythm, the momentum and the skills. It was so hard to stop SMB especially when the guys are shooting non stop. They spotted the gaps and played like veterans putting the ball in the paint. Assists and steals filled the SMB court making it easy for them to take in the money for the ball. It was like picking and rolling and finishing with not just 2 but 3-pointers. And looks like the Beermen found all the answers, pushing it down to the core.
Stellar frontline performance, bench-scoring was excellent plus the exceptional coaching staff coming into pace were the perfect match for the lucky 9th win of the San Miguel Beermen.
It was shining time for Dondon Hontiveros who had 21 points and 7 rebounds. Mike Cortez, Lordy Tugade, Danny Siegle and of course Arwind Santos were also some of the Beermen who contributed big time finishing a 110-94 game against the Sta. Lucia Realtors.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
my meet and greet experience with SMB
It was almost impossible for me to watch the game last Saturday. But hey, I couldn’t miss that for the world! Me? Missing the SMB game? Live? Hell no! So I kind of muscled up some time and doubled my efforts just to get my butt on the game.
3 days left and I still haven’t got my ticket. No tickets available in Ayala and for sure none from SM.
Losing hope, 2 words to describe the feeling I had at that time. 2 days, still none. And at the very last day, I really thought, I had to do something about it or else its goodbye SMB live game and hello CS9 on tv, and that’s pretty lousy! Urgh! So there and then, I heaved myself to something, or anything, that could give me the tickets that I have been wanting. I had to! And so right there and then, I had the tickets. (long story how I got it).
And the awaited day came. Saturday. The day of the ball game. I was so excited and nervous at the same time. Me and my friend Adz, got our butts inside Cebu Coliseum just in time for the pre-game shooting. Also just enough time to take pictures. Haha!
Where our seats were located was just perfect to take shots from our idols. So while they were shooting around baskets, I was also shooting for pictures. Haha. I even called along some players so we can smile with them at the camera and luckily they were friendly enough to say yes. Arwind Santos, Denoch Miranda, Lordy Tugade and of course, (why would I waste the opportunity) Dondon Hontiveros my idol, took their time off the court to say hi on ringside. Not only the Beermen were too friendly but as well as the Tigers. So I took the chance to talk and take pictures with them. Yea, they were really friendly. Marvin Cruz, Franciz Allera and Alex Cabagnot were some of the friendly Tigers. Even the injured Asi Taulava smiled with me at the camera. Same is true with Danny Siegle and coach Pido Jarencio. Lucky day.
It wasn’t my first time to watch them play live but I felt like it was. I mean every time they come over for a game, the more I get excited. The adrenaline was really rushing. And the game was almost unbelievable. The San Miguel Beermen, which happens to be the team that I’m cheering for stretched out the lead that it was very impossible for the Coca Cola Tigers to run. And until the end of the game, the Beermen never gave the Tigers a single taste of happiness on the court.
What a day that was. Something to be tatooed on my memory. And even if the Beermen didn’t win, I will still be an SMB fan. Basketball surely is the home of the heroes!
3 days left and I still haven’t got my ticket. No tickets available in Ayala and for sure none from SM.
Losing hope, 2 words to describe the feeling I had at that time. 2 days, still none. And at the very last day, I really thought, I had to do something about it or else its goodbye SMB live game and hello CS9 on tv, and that’s pretty lousy! Urgh! So there and then, I heaved myself to something, or anything, that could give me the tickets that I have been wanting. I had to! And so right there and then, I had the tickets. (long story how I got it).
And the awaited day came. Saturday. The day of the ball game. I was so excited and nervous at the same time. Me and my friend Adz, got our butts inside Cebu Coliseum just in time for the pre-game shooting. Also just enough time to take pictures. Haha!
Where our seats were located was just perfect to take shots from our idols. So while they were shooting around baskets, I was also shooting for pictures. Haha. I even called along some players so we can smile with them at the camera and luckily they were friendly enough to say yes. Arwind Santos, Denoch Miranda, Lordy Tugade and of course, (why would I waste the opportunity) Dondon Hontiveros my idol, took their time off the court to say hi on ringside. Not only the Beermen were too friendly but as well as the Tigers. So I took the chance to talk and take pictures with them. Yea, they were really friendly. Marvin Cruz, Franciz Allera and Alex Cabagnot were some of the friendly Tigers. Even the injured Asi Taulava smiled with me at the camera. Same is true with Danny Siegle and coach Pido Jarencio. Lucky day.
It wasn’t my first time to watch them play live but I felt like it was. I mean every time they come over for a game, the more I get excited. The adrenaline was really rushing. And the game was almost unbelievable. The San Miguel Beermen, which happens to be the team that I’m cheering for stretched out the lead that it was very impossible for the Coca Cola Tigers to run. And until the end of the game, the Beermen never gave the Tigers a single taste of happiness on the court.
What a day that was. Something to be tatooed on my memory. And even if the Beermen didn’t win, I will still be an SMB fan. Basketball surely is the home of the heroes!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
SMB's big win against Purefoods
It has been an exciting game between 2 of the hottest teams in the league-the San Miguel Beermen and the Purefoods TJ Giants-where the Beermen led the game from start to finish.
SMB is a powerful team fighting for their 5th winning streak in this conference. They started the game just as strong as they ended it. First three 2-pointers from Dondon Hontiveros initiated the ball game making the other Beermen more confident in taking the shots, no hesitations as they knock down baskets. Three and two-point shots came everywhere from Arwind Santos, Mike Cortez, Jonas Villanueva, Mick Penisi and Lordy Tugade.
Though the Giants started with a big line up, the Beermen are still racing for a lead, being able to use their speed against the bigger men of the opponent. Shooting 3 pointers all over the Beermen court made coach Ryan Gregorio sue for a time.
“Madaming pwersa ang San Miguel so try to match up with them at wag hayaang mka score”, coach Ryan reminded his boys.
Even without Danny I, Danny S and Jay Wash for SMB, coach Siot tried to shuffle his line up to keep his big men fresh on the court. And the beermen couldn’t get any better on the first half. Choosing the right team mate to pass on to, great time and great vision and the ability to shoot 3 points taking it to the middle, taking it to the rim, stretching to a 22-point lead during the 3rd quarter while the Giants couldn’t get any rhythm. No shooting from James Yap and Kerby Raymundo on the court. Their miscommunications led them to struggle so much.
But the intensity of the game came in during the late 3rd quarter until the 4th where the Giants cut short the lead into 8, proving that they definitely don‘t wanna go down without a tough fight against the Beermen. And SMB coach Siot wasn’t very happy with that.
“Technically, you only have 24 seconds to execute your offense on the court so try to muscle up some more points inside the paint to extend the lead”, coach Siot said during the time out, making the Beermen work more harder.
And with that motivation, they continued to hurt the Giants, making them bleed for more baskets, finishing a 92-76 SMB and PF game.
SMB is a powerful team fighting for their 5th winning streak in this conference. They started the game just as strong as they ended it. First three 2-pointers from Dondon Hontiveros initiated the ball game making the other Beermen more confident in taking the shots, no hesitations as they knock down baskets. Three and two-point shots came everywhere from Arwind Santos, Mike Cortez, Jonas Villanueva, Mick Penisi and Lordy Tugade.
Though the Giants started with a big line up, the Beermen are still racing for a lead, being able to use their speed against the bigger men of the opponent. Shooting 3 pointers all over the Beermen court made coach Ryan Gregorio sue for a time.
“Madaming pwersa ang San Miguel so try to match up with them at wag hayaang mka score”, coach Ryan reminded his boys.
Even without Danny I, Danny S and Jay Wash for SMB, coach Siot tried to shuffle his line up to keep his big men fresh on the court. And the beermen couldn’t get any better on the first half. Choosing the right team mate to pass on to, great time and great vision and the ability to shoot 3 points taking it to the middle, taking it to the rim, stretching to a 22-point lead during the 3rd quarter while the Giants couldn’t get any rhythm. No shooting from James Yap and Kerby Raymundo on the court. Their miscommunications led them to struggle so much.
But the intensity of the game came in during the late 3rd quarter until the 4th where the Giants cut short the lead into 8, proving that they definitely don‘t wanna go down without a tough fight against the Beermen. And SMB coach Siot wasn’t very happy with that.
“Technically, you only have 24 seconds to execute your offense on the court so try to muscle up some more points inside the paint to extend the lead”, coach Siot said during the time out, making the Beermen work more harder.
And with that motivation, they continued to hurt the Giants, making them bleed for more baskets, finishing a 92-76 SMB and PF game.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
SMB's battle against Sta. Lucia
“SMB is one scary team on paper and even scarier when you get to play with them”, said PBA commentator Magoo Marjon.
It was a holy war in the south as PBA took the game on the road with the San Miguel Beermen against the Sta. Lucia Realtors at Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center (just a 3-hour-drive from my hometown).
Chemistry was once an issue for the Beermen but with their last performance against the Painters, they finally found their rhythm and figured out the characters and roles of each and everyone of them, making their team as dangerous as they could possibly be. There were, however, some rough spots for them especially as they did not start the conference well, but just as the series goes, they are becoming more consistent. Etching and gelling together as a team, Coach Siot Tangquincen couldn’t be more happier.
Just like any other teams, the San Miguel Beermen are as hungry for the win as they could ever be. And now they took the chance to cook some delicious win-the-basket meals against the Sta. Lucia Realtors, which they did. SMB started strong in the ball game and ended even stronger keeping the Realtors from striking distance both defensively and offensively. With Dondon Hontiveros who drove first kill with his second three in this season; Bonbon Custodio whose steals and shots were way beyond explanation; Lordy Tugade who came in surprisingly amazing off the bench; Jonas Villanueva who threw 3points out of nowhere; Ra-Ra Racella who was their stabilizing form through his hustle; and Arwind Santos with an exclamation point, punctuated with some slamdunks in the face of the Realtors.
The Beermen outscored Sta. Lucia during halftime, pushing them too much behind the court. It was almost close to a 30-point lead but Coach Siot is not yet done coaching here. He steadily reminded the boys to execute full court pressure. And the Beermen, just as coach wanted, did enough to hang on and dominated the game, not allowing any offense from the Realtors, making it even harder for them to keep up with the Beermen.
Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez was definitely not satisfied with what his boys were showing and tried suing them to put on their offense, as Kelly Williams had back-to-back slamma-jamma actions pairing Gabby Espinas’ late bloom play, having huge number of points in the last 2 quarters.
But at the end of the game, it was still the Beermen who took the big win. With an 88 to 69 game, the Realtors still find themselves stuck on traffic down below the PBA standings.
It was a holy war in the south as PBA took the game on the road with the San Miguel Beermen against the Sta. Lucia Realtors at Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center (just a 3-hour-drive from my hometown).
Chemistry was once an issue for the Beermen but with their last performance against the Painters, they finally found their rhythm and figured out the characters and roles of each and everyone of them, making their team as dangerous as they could possibly be. There were, however, some rough spots for them especially as they did not start the conference well, but just as the series goes, they are becoming more consistent. Etching and gelling together as a team, Coach Siot Tangquincen couldn’t be more happier.
Just like any other teams, the San Miguel Beermen are as hungry for the win as they could ever be. And now they took the chance to cook some delicious win-the-basket meals against the Sta. Lucia Realtors, which they did. SMB started strong in the ball game and ended even stronger keeping the Realtors from striking distance both defensively and offensively. With Dondon Hontiveros who drove first kill with his second three in this season; Bonbon Custodio whose steals and shots were way beyond explanation; Lordy Tugade who came in surprisingly amazing off the bench; Jonas Villanueva who threw 3points out of nowhere; Ra-Ra Racella who was their stabilizing form through his hustle; and Arwind Santos with an exclamation point, punctuated with some slamdunks in the face of the Realtors.
The Beermen outscored Sta. Lucia during halftime, pushing them too much behind the court. It was almost close to a 30-point lead but Coach Siot is not yet done coaching here. He steadily reminded the boys to execute full court pressure. And the Beermen, just as coach wanted, did enough to hang on and dominated the game, not allowing any offense from the Realtors, making it even harder for them to keep up with the Beermen.
Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez was definitely not satisfied with what his boys were showing and tried suing them to put on their offense, as Kelly Williams had back-to-back slamma-jamma actions pairing Gabby Espinas’ late bloom play, having huge number of points in the last 2 quarters.
But at the end of the game, it was still the Beermen who took the big win. With an 88 to 69 game, the Realtors still find themselves stuck on traffic down below the PBA standings.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
SMB-a little struggle against ROS
CS9 made a very dramatic question prior to the game between the San Miguel Beermen and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters - “will the drought for the painters continue or will the beermen come anew?”
And San Miguel answered the issue. The run-and-gun action continued after back-to-back wins from SMB (which they also had against the Talk n Text Tropang Texters). But hey, it was no easy play for the Beermen against the Painters. They did struggle a bit.
There were no solid commotions from San Miguel in the first 3 quarters, yet wished to play like Pacquiao and Cotto-jabbing against each other-but unfortunately, they were not hitting any basket. They were, unluckily, unable to connect to the game, they had no honest defense on the court and that they had to bleed for every basket. The rotation is messed up and they were piling up mistakes in their zone defense. Coach had to keep on reminding the boys in the dug-out “to go in the post for mismatches and match them on the board”.
That was what they practically did during the last quarter of their 7-deadlock game with the Elasto Painters. They stayed in defense and energy and turned multiple misses into an unbelievable comeback. Three-point shots came everywhere off the bench - from Cortez to Tugade and even from Miranda- that probably boosted a lot of confidence from each and every Beermen, a realization that made them take advantage of their fast breaks, not just sitting around on half court offense. And the hustle of the SMB huddle went crazy as they were jumping up and down, savoring the big lead and feeling an inch close to winning the game.
And with just a minute away, everything just went down very well on the side the of the Beermen and finished a 93-77 game against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
And San Miguel answered the issue. The run-and-gun action continued after back-to-back wins from SMB (which they also had against the Talk n Text Tropang Texters). But hey, it was no easy play for the Beermen against the Painters. They did struggle a bit.
There were no solid commotions from San Miguel in the first 3 quarters, yet wished to play like Pacquiao and Cotto-jabbing against each other-but unfortunately, they were not hitting any basket. They were, unluckily, unable to connect to the game, they had no honest defense on the court and that they had to bleed for every basket. The rotation is messed up and they were piling up mistakes in their zone defense. Coach had to keep on reminding the boys in the dug-out “to go in the post for mismatches and match them on the board”.
That was what they practically did during the last quarter of their 7-deadlock game with the Elasto Painters. They stayed in defense and energy and turned multiple misses into an unbelievable comeback. Three-point shots came everywhere off the bench - from Cortez to Tugade and even from Miranda- that probably boosted a lot of confidence from each and every Beermen, a realization that made them take advantage of their fast breaks, not just sitting around on half court offense. And the hustle of the SMB huddle went crazy as they were jumping up and down, savoring the big lead and feeling an inch close to winning the game.
And with just a minute away, everything just went down very well on the side the of the Beermen and finished a 93-77 game against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
SMB's first win
SMB has been struggling for chemistry when they added a few number of new players on the team. This teamwork could have been their stepping stone to gain confidence and fluidity to win another championship.
After 2 painful losses, the Beermen are once again back in the ball game and tried to savor their first career-high win of the season against the Burger King Whoppers. Ball control, good defense and perfect chemistry were the points the San Miguel Beermen executed to stay on track. Even without Danny I in the ball game (because of sprained ankle), the Beermen still managed to capture the big win.
And I guess it was shining time for Arwind Santos where he came out as one hell of a Beerman.
It was at first difficult for Santos to execute what coach Siot has been trying to tell him as it was his first game against his former team, the Whoppers, but he assured everyone that he comes in prepared for the big fight and promised to go home with a win. “Suot ko ang jersey ng SMB so maglalaro ako para sa kanila”, said Santos. Another challenge is for him not playing as a front liner but rather just coming off the bench (probably just one of coach Siot’s impressively unique game plans).
Everything went a little clumsy for the Beermen at the first few minutes of the game. Petty things such as bad passes, air ball shots, back to back misses and useless fouls. But it went otherwise when Arwind Santos entered the court. He had the ball and the team in control, with his zigzag end to end fast breaks - effortlessly. He had 28 points, 18 big rebounds and 3 steals to top the record. He consistently scored 3s and 2s, survived put-backs and rebounds, great rotation and not to mention his unbelievable last-second-way-beyond-half court shot. A very good way to start the rally in motivating the team.
“Arwind is a great talent, there’s no doubt about that,” said SMB coach Siot Tanquincen. “But that alone can’t put us to the many wins that we desire. Yes indeed we won tonight but we still have to achieve greater chemistry that we need. We are still a work in progress,” he added.
Mike Cortez, Dondon Hontiveros, Mick Pennisi, Jonas Villanueva and Lordy Tugade were also some of the Beermen who scored with double digits contributing to a 117-99 SMB-Burger King game.
After 2 painful losses, the Beermen are once again back in the ball game and tried to savor their first career-high win of the season against the Burger King Whoppers. Ball control, good defense and perfect chemistry were the points the San Miguel Beermen executed to stay on track. Even without Danny I in the ball game (because of sprained ankle), the Beermen still managed to capture the big win.
And I guess it was shining time for Arwind Santos where he came out as one hell of a Beerman.
It was at first difficult for Santos to execute what coach Siot has been trying to tell him as it was his first game against his former team, the Whoppers, but he assured everyone that he comes in prepared for the big fight and promised to go home with a win. “Suot ko ang jersey ng SMB so maglalaro ako para sa kanila”, said Santos. Another challenge is for him not playing as a front liner but rather just coming off the bench (probably just one of coach Siot’s impressively unique game plans).
Everything went a little clumsy for the Beermen at the first few minutes of the game. Petty things such as bad passes, air ball shots, back to back misses and useless fouls. But it went otherwise when Arwind Santos entered the court. He had the ball and the team in control, with his zigzag end to end fast breaks - effortlessly. He had 28 points, 18 big rebounds and 3 steals to top the record. He consistently scored 3s and 2s, survived put-backs and rebounds, great rotation and not to mention his unbelievable last-second-way-beyond-half court shot. A very good way to start the rally in motivating the team.
“Arwind is a great talent, there’s no doubt about that,” said SMB coach Siot Tanquincen. “But that alone can’t put us to the many wins that we desire. Yes indeed we won tonight but we still have to achieve greater chemistry that we need. We are still a work in progress,” he added.
Mike Cortez, Dondon Hontiveros, Mick Pennisi, Jonas Villanueva and Lordy Tugade were also some of the Beermen who scored with double digits contributing to a 117-99 SMB-Burger King game.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
my very own bucket-list
Its another PBA conference and basketball maniacs out there would probably be coming home early to watch the games on tv. Not a rumor but a hundred percent fact. And as one of those fanatics, listed below are my top 4 favorites. Oh, make that 5, including a guest team. =)
1. SMBeermen - my ALL-TIME FAVE
I was and still am a very avid supporter of the Beermen. In fact, I came to watch their exhibition game here in Cebu last August. Their defensive stats and shooting skills outnumbered their opponent during the game, a proof of their hundred and two percent will to win.
Fresh from last fiesta cup’s championship, expect to see more improvements from the Beermen. Not only improvements but new faces as well. Added to their strong team are guard Dennis Miranda from Sta. Lucia and wingman Arwind Santos from Burger King (both from UAAP’s FEU Tamaraws years back).
With the addition of these two, might as well anticipate a more solid rotation and defense from the team, which already has Jonas Villanueva, Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Ildefonso, Mike Cortez, Lordy Tugade, Olsen Racela and Danny Siegle.
Good luck coach Siot Tanquingcen!
2. Gin Kings - the CONTENDER
With the possible comeback of Mark Caguioa, the Gin Kings would probably be the most serious threat to the Beermen and to other teams. Not only that, the Kings will also be the most confident team in this conference because of the addition of some big names in PBA like Rich Alvarez and Rico Villanueva to help Ginebra’s strong lineup - Erik Menk, Ronald Tubid, Billy Mamaril, Cyrus Baguio and JC Intal.
And if there’d be somebody who very much missed Caguioa’s playing defense, it would be reigning PBA MVP Jayjay Helterbrand who was his “first love team in the Gin Kings”, both of them as the fast and the furious. Let’s just all expect for a tougher scene this time.
However, though new names might have joined, coach Jong Uichico’s number one concern would be the chemistry. But don’t worry coach, with Caguioa and Helterbrand on the team, expect for a very organized gameplay.
3. Pure Foods - the GIANTS
Paul Artadi (from Gin) and Marc Pingris (SMB) rejoined the Giants once again after helping them win the Philippine Cup 2006 title.
The Giants also intensified their team with gigantic forwards Raffi Reevies, a veteran traded from Gin, and Rico Maierhofer, the former La Salle stalwart who also happens to be the number 2 overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft. A perfect tandem to complement the scoring machines of James Yap and Kerby Raymundo.
And with this line up? I think that the Giants, together with coach Ryan Gregorio’s system, will have a very huge chance to enter the finals this season. Great backcourt and strong wingmen.
4. Talk n’ Text - the UNDERDOGS
The Tropang Texters did not have any draft this season but that doesn’t even bother them. What they have is mere confidence and a 14-year forward Nick Belasco who will be their rebounding machine this season.
This team handled by Coach Chot Reyes had been trained in Serbia and Australia that will probably make them very dangerous this conference. Also combine the way Jimmy Alapag and Macmac Cardona play, you will all see the monsters in them that will strike fear in the hearts of many a PBA player.
With the same frontline that won last year’s title - Ren-ren Ritualo, Yancy and Ranidel de ocampo, Ali Peek, Jared Dillinger and Harvey Carey - I just can’t see how they can’t make it to the finals. The only way to beat these guys is if you control the momentum and hope that they’d be off in the three-point territory.
5. Smart Gilas - my own GENERATION
Coach Rajko Toroman did an excellent job during the game where they won against the Powerade Team Pilipinas. And one of the reasons why they managed to pull off that heartbreaking upset is because they played with no pressure and just had some fun. A very Toroman-ish kind of game. And for them to continue to bag wins in this season, coach must find a way to get through to Japeth Aguilar, Mark Barrcoca and the rest of the team to play their defense on the court.
This conference will be a very useful tool for the Nationals to be playing against the pros to prepare them for international tournaments ahead. Size factor would somehow be one of their issues but if height matters, speed kills. That’s why they are steadily reminded to sustain their energy in the ball game.
And why did I say my own generation? Because it literally is. Chris Tiu, Dylan Ababou, JR Cawaling and JV Casio are my all time favorites since UAAP where they all started their basketball careers and I was able to see them grow in that industry.
So, there you have it guys. My very own bucket list. I expect a lot of fireworks in this conference. Because once again its time for some run-and-gun actions. Who will be this year’s basketball champs? That remains to be seen. =)
1. SMBeermen - my ALL-TIME FAVE
I was and still am a very avid supporter of the Beermen. In fact, I came to watch their exhibition game here in Cebu last August. Their defensive stats and shooting skills outnumbered their opponent during the game, a proof of their hundred and two percent will to win.
Fresh from last fiesta cup’s championship, expect to see more improvements from the Beermen. Not only improvements but new faces as well. Added to their strong team are guard Dennis Miranda from Sta. Lucia and wingman Arwind Santos from Burger King (both from UAAP’s FEU Tamaraws years back).
With the addition of these two, might as well anticipate a more solid rotation and defense from the team, which already has Jonas Villanueva, Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Ildefonso, Mike Cortez, Lordy Tugade, Olsen Racela and Danny Siegle.
Good luck coach Siot Tanquingcen!
2. Gin Kings - the CONTENDER
With the possible comeback of Mark Caguioa, the Gin Kings would probably be the most serious threat to the Beermen and to other teams. Not only that, the Kings will also be the most confident team in this conference because of the addition of some big names in PBA like Rich Alvarez and Rico Villanueva to help Ginebra’s strong lineup - Erik Menk, Ronald Tubid, Billy Mamaril, Cyrus Baguio and JC Intal.
And if there’d be somebody who very much missed Caguioa’s playing defense, it would be reigning PBA MVP Jayjay Helterbrand who was his “first love team in the Gin Kings”, both of them as the fast and the furious. Let’s just all expect for a tougher scene this time.
However, though new names might have joined, coach Jong Uichico’s number one concern would be the chemistry. But don’t worry coach, with Caguioa and Helterbrand on the team, expect for a very organized gameplay.
3. Pure Foods - the GIANTS
Paul Artadi (from Gin) and Marc Pingris (SMB) rejoined the Giants once again after helping them win the Philippine Cup 2006 title.
The Giants also intensified their team with gigantic forwards Raffi Reevies, a veteran traded from Gin, and Rico Maierhofer, the former La Salle stalwart who also happens to be the number 2 overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft. A perfect tandem to complement the scoring machines of James Yap and Kerby Raymundo.
And with this line up? I think that the Giants, together with coach Ryan Gregorio’s system, will have a very huge chance to enter the finals this season. Great backcourt and strong wingmen.
4. Talk n’ Text - the UNDERDOGS
The Tropang Texters did not have any draft this season but that doesn’t even bother them. What they have is mere confidence and a 14-year forward Nick Belasco who will be their rebounding machine this season.
This team handled by Coach Chot Reyes had been trained in Serbia and Australia that will probably make them very dangerous this conference. Also combine the way Jimmy Alapag and Macmac Cardona play, you will all see the monsters in them that will strike fear in the hearts of many a PBA player.
With the same frontline that won last year’s title - Ren-ren Ritualo, Yancy and Ranidel de ocampo, Ali Peek, Jared Dillinger and Harvey Carey - I just can’t see how they can’t make it to the finals. The only way to beat these guys is if you control the momentum and hope that they’d be off in the three-point territory.
5. Smart Gilas - my own GENERATION
Coach Rajko Toroman did an excellent job during the game where they won against the Powerade Team Pilipinas. And one of the reasons why they managed to pull off that heartbreaking upset is because they played with no pressure and just had some fun. A very Toroman-ish kind of game. And for them to continue to bag wins in this season, coach must find a way to get through to Japeth Aguilar, Mark Barrcoca and the rest of the team to play their defense on the court.
This conference will be a very useful tool for the Nationals to be playing against the pros to prepare them for international tournaments ahead. Size factor would somehow be one of their issues but if height matters, speed kills. That’s why they are steadily reminded to sustain their energy in the ball game.
And why did I say my own generation? Because it literally is. Chris Tiu, Dylan Ababou, JR Cawaling and JV Casio are my all time favorites since UAAP where they all started their basketball careers and I was able to see them grow in that industry.
So, there you have it guys. My very own bucket list. I expect a lot of fireworks in this conference. Because once again its time for some run-and-gun actions. Who will be this year’s basketball champs? That remains to be seen. =)
Saturday, October 10, 2009
warriors on the move
Losing to the blue eagles must have been as expected by every opponent. But for the red warriors? It was and forever will be a heartbreak. I am not studying in UE nor an alumnus but my family were. So, it sorta gives me a pinch of UE spirit.
I’ve been watching UAAP basketball since James Yap, Paul Artadi and Ronald Tubid up to Marcy Arellano, Mark Borboran and Mark Fampulme. Who would ever forget the 14-0 phenomenon? The Elmer Espiritu slamma-jammas? These were some of the highlights from the past that COULD HAVE BEEN MORE than just history. They have always been these ‘shadows’ to the bigger seeds in the UAAP. Always in the final 4 but ends up bagging just silver or bronze. When was the last time they won? Since Allan Caidic mid 80‘s? That was way too long. I guess that’s how the 24-year drought brought them to mere desperation. And I condole with them for that.
UAAP season 72 gave the red warriors another chance to make up to their mistakes and redo what needs to be done to bag wins and make it to the finals. But before the season started, unfortunately for them, veteran guard James Martinez had an ACL injury that stopped him from playing for the red warriors. None the less, rookie coach Lawrence Chongson never made this an issue of losing but rather a challenge of winning.
The first round of eliminations gave the warriors a tough time. Losing to the defending champs (ADMU), beaten by the big men of the Tams (FEU) and even brought down by the leftovers and rookies of the archers (DLSU). That’s why the undersized veterans of the warriors stepped up and proved to be bigger than what people have expected. They showed countless offensive rebounds, holy-cow alley-oops and even perfect outside shots as proofs of their desire to win the finals.
I mentioned “undersized” warriors a while ago and I meant it literally. Llagas and Espiritu are not big enough as compared to their counterparts – Baclao and Rabeh (ADMU) and Cawaling and Ramos (FEU)- but surely had the most blocks in this season. Espiritu was even awarded the most defensive player. Adding up to the undersized bucket list are guards – Reyes, Zamar and Lingganay who are all small but terribly terrible. And oh! Don’t forget the long and strong arms of Acuña that hits 3s consecutively , that when he gets hot in the ball game, his shots become way hotter. To top the bucket with gravy, Paul Lee was never an exception, always the pepper that gives spice to the game. Inside or out, just give him the ball and he’ll probably throw a bang! And as for coach Lawrence Chongson, since the boys have adjusted to his new coaching system after coach Dindo, 3 of the many things on his to-do list - force turnovers and convert them into turnover points; rebound, box-out and put on a good defense; and lastly play big to win big. He steadily reminds the boys not to be selfish on the court, move the ball around and never pass an open shot, but he knew perfectly well that his boys are confident and never lose their swagger when it comes to their shooting skills.
In conclusion, defense, rhythm and momentum, put them together, that’s how the red warriors showed this season. Play better next year even without the veterans. Prove that the warriors never give up even against the toughest fights. Congratulations UE RED WARRIORS for the games well played.
I’ve been watching UAAP basketball since James Yap, Paul Artadi and Ronald Tubid up to Marcy Arellano, Mark Borboran and Mark Fampulme. Who would ever forget the 14-0 phenomenon? The Elmer Espiritu slamma-jammas? These were some of the highlights from the past that COULD HAVE BEEN MORE than just history. They have always been these ‘shadows’ to the bigger seeds in the UAAP. Always in the final 4 but ends up bagging just silver or bronze. When was the last time they won? Since Allan Caidic mid 80‘s? That was way too long. I guess that’s how the 24-year drought brought them to mere desperation. And I condole with them for that.
UAAP season 72 gave the red warriors another chance to make up to their mistakes and redo what needs to be done to bag wins and make it to the finals. But before the season started, unfortunately for them, veteran guard James Martinez had an ACL injury that stopped him from playing for the red warriors. None the less, rookie coach Lawrence Chongson never made this an issue of losing but rather a challenge of winning.
The first round of eliminations gave the warriors a tough time. Losing to the defending champs (ADMU), beaten by the big men of the Tams (FEU) and even brought down by the leftovers and rookies of the archers (DLSU). That’s why the undersized veterans of the warriors stepped up and proved to be bigger than what people have expected. They showed countless offensive rebounds, holy-cow alley-oops and even perfect outside shots as proofs of their desire to win the finals.
I mentioned “undersized” warriors a while ago and I meant it literally. Llagas and Espiritu are not big enough as compared to their counterparts – Baclao and Rabeh (ADMU) and Cawaling and Ramos (FEU)- but surely had the most blocks in this season. Espiritu was even awarded the most defensive player. Adding up to the undersized bucket list are guards – Reyes, Zamar and Lingganay who are all small but terribly terrible. And oh! Don’t forget the long and strong arms of Acuña that hits 3s consecutively , that when he gets hot in the ball game, his shots become way hotter. To top the bucket with gravy, Paul Lee was never an exception, always the pepper that gives spice to the game. Inside or out, just give him the ball and he’ll probably throw a bang! And as for coach Lawrence Chongson, since the boys have adjusted to his new coaching system after coach Dindo, 3 of the many things on his to-do list - force turnovers and convert them into turnover points; rebound, box-out and put on a good defense; and lastly play big to win big. He steadily reminds the boys not to be selfish on the court, move the ball around and never pass an open shot, but he knew perfectly well that his boys are confident and never lose their swagger when it comes to their shooting skills.
In conclusion, defense, rhythm and momentum, put them together, that’s how the red warriors showed this season. Play better next year even without the veterans. Prove that the warriors never give up even against the toughest fights. Congratulations UE RED WARRIORS for the games well played.
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