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. =)