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.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
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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