Kia wins opener against Blackwater, Ginebra clobbered Talk N Text

PBA opens its 40th season at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue Bulacan. PBA first held its opening ceremony at 1:30 pm, Every team paraded their Beautiful muses. But one of the thing that the fans are waiting is the debut of Manny Pacquiao-led Kia and Blackwater and the Return of the Barangay Ginebra Kings against Talk N Text.

Kia opened its quest in the Philippine Cup with a win against Blackwater. In the 1st half, Kia is struggling on the offensive end while Blackwater is capitalizing on Kia's struggles led by Sundae Salvacion, Paul Artadi and Alex Nuyles. Blackwater even finished the 1st half with a 13 point lead, but seems like at the start of the 2nd half the Kia Sorento had a renewed energy. Led by the hot shooting of LA Revilla the Kia Sorento was able to end the offensive drought. Reil Cervantes, Hans Thiele and Rich Alvarez also contributed for the Sorento's. LA Revilla led the Kia Sorento with 23-career high points while Reil Cervantes and Hans Thiele made 13 points each. Rich alvarez only has 4 points but his defensive presence made a huge factor for the rally of Kia in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Pacquiao also announces that he won't play the next games of Kia due to preparation for his fight against algeri. Kia is now 1-0 at the start of the PBA 40th season. 

Ginebra Clobbered Talk N Text with a final score of 101-81. Led by the Twin towers Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter, Ginebra was able to control the paint and also involve other teammates like Mac Baracael who scored 16 points. Kelly Williams led the Tropang texters with 20 points alongside Jason castro who got 19 points. But the effort from the Texters wasn't enought because of the defense and hustle shown by ginebra especially in the 2nd half. Newly acquired Joseph yeo was able to contribute for the Ginebra camp. Coach Jeff Cariaso is happy with his team's performance saying that they've taken care of the small things. Ginebra's next opponent will be Manny Pacquiao's Kia on October 25 at the Lucena City.

Friendzone: It's not the end mga bro may perks yan!

Mga bro, Na-Friendzone na ba kayo? Ako maraming beses na minsan nga nakakairita na ehh at nakakawala na ng pagasa. Minsan nga sumayad sa isip ko na Baka friend material lang ako (Diba kung may Boyfriend material may friend material). 

Ewan ko ba kung bakit, pero lahat ata ng pinormahan ko tingin lang sa akin: KAIBIGAN. Yah alam ko mahirap ang ganitong sitwasyon pero wala ehh minsan hindi sumasang ayon ang pangyayari sa atin. 

Pero mga bro kahit na ilang beses na tayong na ffriend zone wag kayo mawalan ng Pag asa! Everything happens for a reason sabi nila, malay natin hindi siya ang girl para sa iyo o pwede rin hindi pa ito ang right time para sa ganyan (in short magtapos ka muna ng pag aaral). 

Alam niyo kaysa magmukmok kayo diyan dahil frinend zone kayo ni girlie isipin niyo nalang, na bawas gastusin at makakatipid pa kayo. Kasi sa pagkakaalam ko ang pagkakaroon ng GF ay parang pagkakaroon ng Kotse: Mahal at mahirap ang maintenance. 

Pangalawa you spend more time sa mga barkada mo (Kung wala eh maghanap ka na ng mga bros mo bro). Kasi pag may GF ka na you tend to focus on her thus nawawala/naglelessen ang time mo sa mga original bros mo. 

Pangatlo bawas sa iisipin. Mga bro tignan niyo to diba pag may girlie kayo lagi siyang pumapasok sa isipan mo o parang naka save na siya sa utak mo. Eh pano na kung nagaway kayo tapos sumabay pa yung mga thesis at other schoolworks mo? sino uunahin mo? Para lang yan nung isang kanta sa Youtube na may title na "Dota o Ako". instead na wala kang dilemma p*cha nagkaroon pa, dagdag stress yan mga bro.

Pang apat Malaya ka. Bro you can do whatever you want! Pumunta kahit saan, Samahan kahit sino, Uminom, maglaro at lahat! at ang pipigil lang sa inyo ay ang magulang niyo. pag pumasok ka kasi sa relasyon mga bro para yang pagaartista, lahat ng galaw mo may nagmamasid kumbaga parang paparazzi (unless walang tiwala ang girlie mo sa iyo, eh kung meron naman eh di ang swerte mo at wag mong abusuhin) kaya magiging limited ang movements mo. 

Diba mga bro? may mga perks din ang pagffriend zone sa iyo ni girlie tsaka what's with the rush? ang relation ay hindi isang karera na may deadline kang hahabulin, Hindi mo o natin kailangan ng Girlfriend ngayon. Yes nakakakilig ang may karelasyon kasi may taong nagmamahal sa iyo, may kausap ka kapag kailangan mo ng kausap at marami pang iba.

What I'm trying to say here mga bro maghintay ka lang, siguro kaya tayo na ffriend zone ng mga girlie kasi nasa plano to ni God, maybe there is someone in the future na naghihintay din sa atin. As of now Aral muna tayo at ang pasiyahin muna nating girlie ay ang ating inay na nagpapaaral sa atin. 

Tandaan mga Bro: Friendzone is not the end, it's a start of something new

Why should Ginebra Pick a Forward in this year's Draft despite of a Guard-laden Draftees

The Rookie Draft is about to take place on August 24 and will be held at the Robinson's Midtown Manila. A lot of team are speculating who will they pick, Stanley Pringle, Kevin Alas, Chris Banchero, Matt Ganuelas, Jake Pascual and Ronald Pascual. 

Most of the names there are purely Guards and as we all know Ginebra is loaded with guards especially now with the Acquisition of Joseph Yeo. Also next season will be the return date of the Injured James Forrester which will load the Guard position more. 

If they pick a guard then the coaching staffs will have another hard time deciding on who will they play. 
Remember The guard spot of Ginebra is consisted of Mark Caguioa, Jay Jay Helterbrand, Joseph Yeo, James Forrester, Dylan ababou (Who also can play the 3 spot), Emman Monfort, LA Tenorio, Josh Urbiztondo and also the reserved player Jens Knuttel. 

 Now that's a lot of Guards, But I guess Ginebra could also pick for a Forward guy because they lack a guy who can play Forward. Their forwards are consisted of Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael (Who plays like a SG), Jay-R Reyes, Billy Mamaril and Japeth Aguilar. Their only LEGIT Center is Greg Slaughter. 

Now I guess all Ginebra needs to do is to focus on getting a Forward/Center guy and try to develop it so that they won't lack people who can bang their bodies inside the rim. Even with the Guard-laden Draftees Ginebra should consider their rosters and who knows? It might be a remedy to some of their problems. 

What does a Joseph Yeo brings to a team like Ginebra?

Now with the Acquisition of the NLEX Franchise on the Air21 Franchise, The team looks to Revamp the players and the coaching staffs. One move they did is Sending Michael Burtscher into the unprotected list and also Trading Joseph Yeo for a 1st round pick to Ginebra. 

Now Ginebra Acquired Joseph Yeo, the Question remains: What would he bring in this Ginebra team?

Joseph yeo is a talented player, his career was revived in the Air21 team and I'm sure having him on a team is really a treasure indeed. 

Here are the things Joseph yeo can bring in the Ginebra camp:

* His Versatility - Joseph yeo is a stretch-1, he can play point guard even though his original position is a Shooting guard. During his stint on Air 21, The team is lacking a legit point guard and when Joseph Yeo went to the team he has no choice but to slide down into the Point Guard Position so that the Air 21 would have at least a point guard. Now him being versatile is a big factor for this ginebra team because the team is now using the Triangle offense and in the offense being versatile is a huge factor, if you can set the triangle and at the same time be a threat in the offense then you're going to be unpredictable and being unpredictable/surprising is one of the purpose of the Triangle Offense. 

* His Athleticism - Joseph yeo is still fast, he still can run the floor and with that Athleticism he will help the veterans like JJ helterbrand and Mark Caguioa to have a breather and also help the team when they are in need of speed. 

* His Fighting Spirit - Ginebra is known for it's "Never Say Die" Spirit and as we all know Joseph yeo has loads of Fighting Spirit and he might Inject this team some of his Fighting Spirit and revive the old "Never Say Die" Spirit. 

But the problem of having Joseph yeo in the Ginebra is that they are already loaded up in the Guard position and he might not get the minutes he had and might not produce like he did during his Air21 Days. 

Alaska Aces: All Heart

Alaska Aces just finished their Brilliant run this Governor's cup Yesterday with a loss against the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters. 

But even though they are eliminated, they earned my respect in this Governor's Cup. How can you not be enthralled with this Alaska team? they showed Great heart in their whole run this PBA 2014 Governor's Cup

They had a minor setbacks at the start of the conference, in their first 2 games Alaska had a 1-1 record everything was going well until the Trillo's announces their leave in the Alaska camp, leaving the Alaska team Coach-less. After that the Alaska team appointed Assistant Coach Alex Compton to Replace Luigi trillo in the head coach position. 

The First few games of Alex Compton was exceptional, Alaska Won against Talk N Text but had a 3-game losing streak. In their 3rd losing streak, Alaska was defeated by Rain or Shine by 51 points and it led to the resurgence of the Alaska. Alaska won it's last 3 games and even finished the playoffs in the top 4 earning a Twice-to-beat Advantage against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. 

They defeated Ginebra thus allowing them to advance for the Semi-final round against the Rain or shine Elasto Painters. They gave the Rain or shine a tough match, Every game was very physical and emotions went high. This Alaska team just couldn't be intimidated by the Rugged Play style of the Rain or shine, they fought them Mano e mano. 

The very heartbreaking part of this series is the game 4 where Alaska had a 2-1 advantage against the Rain or shine, one more win and Finals here they come. 

Game 4 was a very close game, actually Alaska crawled from being down by as much as 18 points and sending the game into Overtime. In the Overtime Period both teams are already unleashing it's big guns and when the other team makes a run, the other retaliates. So there was this time it was around the last minute and Jvee Casio stole the ball from Paul Lee. He was left all alone in the other side of the court but sad part is that he slipped and committed a turnover plus he injured his right leg because of that bad slip and with that, Rain or shine won game 4 and forced a game 5. 

In game 5 this is where the Alaska Aces Squad showed Heart. because 3 key players will not suit up on this very important game: Sonny Thoss (back Spasms) Jvee Casio (The Right leg) Gabby Espinas (Fractured right ankle). Everyone thought Rain or shine will win convincingly. But the Cebuano Hotshot won't allow that. Don Don Hontiveros led the charge for the Alaska Aces shooting the lights out for the Alaska Aces. It was a hard fought match but sadly Alaska lost with just 4 points and Rain or shine advances to the Finals against the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

Photo by SlamOnline.PH 

Alaska Aces may have lost this Governors cup but they just showed the epitome of the word Never say die. I actually never thought that they'd reached this far because of the new coach but Coach Alex Compton also showed heart, he never let the doubters gets the best of him but he still did his job and led this Bruised Alaska Team into a Semi final Finish. 

No matter how undersized you are, but you showed great heart for the game you will end up in a good note and I just want y'all to see what Alaska did and take it as a Lesson that even though you are down you just have to fight it with all your heart and who knows you might succeed.

Perks of Having a Zaccheus Mason Like Import

Zaccheus Mason might be the youngest and let's say the least experienced import of all imports at this Present Governor's Cup.

Coming from Tennessee, Zach Mason doesn't have any experience in the field of Professional Basketball Yet he was the assigned import for the famous Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team. 

Credit to: RG GRFX

But with that inexperience I see it as a Advantage especially with a team like ginebra who's coming from a offense change. Coach Jeffrey Cariaso Installed the Triangle Offense in the camp of Ginebra and with that he needs cooperative players. 

You see because of the inexperience of Zach Mason, He will surely follow all the tasks given to him by coach jeff and he will see this one as a learning experience for him to be a better player when he comes back in the United States. 

He may not be the flashiest of the imports around nor the well-known import but as you can see he is doing well in the PBA it's because he is young, ready to listen and ready to do every tasks given to him. 

Sometimes credentials are not the basis of a good player in a basketball team, but with great attitude and great skills even without a colorful background you can be successful in everything you do and that is what Zaccheus Mason shows to every one of us. 

Observation: Is Coach RG the problem of the Meralco Bolts?

Meralco bolts Entered the PBA at 2010 replacing the Sta. Lucia Realtors. Meralco bolts also tapped Coach Ryan Gregorio as their head coach.

Coach RG was the Head coach of Purefoods (San Mig Coffee) before he was tapped as Head coach for the Meralco Bolts. Coach RG led the Purefoods into 4 championships and 3 runner-up finishes during his stint. He was even hailed as a 3-time Coach of the year (2002, 2006, 2010) and became a 4-time all star coach. 

With that credibility, no wonder Coach RG would be a prized possession for the teams who's looking for a head coach and I can say Meralco is very lucky to have him. 

But now in his stint at Meralco, looks like all that credibility wasn't able to fit for the team. Yes He was able to create Meralco a Formidable team but still their performance is Inconsistent. Meralco's greatest performance was during the 2012 PBA Governor's Cup where they defeated the Powerade Tigers for a semis berth. 

But until now Meralco's still struggling..

Photo by Spin.ph

What might be the problem? is it Coach RG or the choice of players?

All I can say not all is Coach RG's fault I guess the lineup is the problem and also the executions are the problem for the Meralco bolts. Coach RG was able to win those championship at Purefoods because he had a formidable lineup composed of Kerby Raymundo, James Yap, PJ simon, Marc Pingris, Paul Artadi, Raffy Reavis and a lot more. Those guys are energy guys and the guys who really can step up to the occasion. 

That is what's Meralco's Lacking, The Plays are fine and the Rotation's fine it's just that the consistency of the players. Meralco Basketball is always like this: They go all out at the 1st to 3rd quarter and when they've reached the 4th quarter their energy and hunger just got depleted instantly. try to watch a Meralco game and you can see that their only problem is the inconsistency throughout the game. 

Some fans are blaming Coach RG that's why Meralco is not a contender, but when you look at the credentials you will know what's really wrong. Props to the Meralco Management that they've given Coach RG a lot of chances, it's about 3 years since he was the head coach of the Meralco bolts and in those 3 years same results are given. 

But if you were to ask me if Coach RG needs to stay at the Meralco bolt's Camp as their head coach? 

My Answer is no, Why not try someone else? they've already given a chance to Coach RG for at least 3 seasons already. I'm not saying Coach RG is not a good coach, I have all my respect to him but I guess 3 seasons are enough and they should try someone else. Why not put coach RG as a assistant or team consultant and put someone to the head coach position and with that it might change the Fortunes of the Meralco Bolts. 

I Know this team is still young, but I really have this hunch that they will become a contender in the future but just as I said, The pieces are not right. they should try to explore other options to get the pieces right be a contender in the future. 

What to expect from the teams this Governors Cup

The 2014 Commissioner's cup has ended and the San mig coffee Mixers grabbed the crown. Now the Governors Cup is coming and here is my insights what to expect from the teams this 2014 Governor's cup.

1.) GlobalPort BatangPier 

It's going to be coach Pido and Alex Cabagnot's 2nd stint in the Global Port batang pier and many are expecting that this team will be a threat because Alex Cabagnot's already jelling with the team and The rest of the team are already familiar with Coach Pido's system. Also with the incoming of Taha, He should provide the bigmen woes of GlobalPort. 

2.) Barako Bull Energy Colas 

With now Siot Tangquincen calling the shots Barako bull seems to be focusing on their defense. Because the System of Coach Siot is all about defense, expect barako bull to be different from Bong Ramos' Barako Bull and they will prove out there that they are not just "farm" team but a real team in the PBA. With their Rookie Carlo Lastimosa already showing great, JC Intal's leg is back, Willie Wilson's defensive capability, Willie Miller's Veteran Presence, Ronjay's Markmanship and Dorian's Big Presence in the Inside Paint. Barako Bull won't be a joke and they might be a force this coming Governor's Cup

3.) Meralco Bolts

After a disappointing loss against the Rain or shine during the quarterfinals of the Commissioner's Cup expect Meralco to release their guns and vent their frustrations here in the Governor's Cup. With the return of their point Guard Mike Cortez, the Bolts' Backcourt will surely be in harmony right now and prepare for the worst for they are no bystanders in the PBA and I'm sure they are hungry this conference to make up for their very disappointing loss in the Commissioner's Cup.

4.) Alaska Aces 

Another Disappointing exit, Because Alaska Aces were the defending champion of this year's Commissioner's Cup and they were eliminated by Coach Tim's San Mig Coffee. By now all they want is redemption and here they are to prove it in this Governor's Cup and you know that this alaska aces is really a force in the PBA and there is no shock if they're able to grab this year's Governor's Cup. 

5.) San Miguel Beermen 

Their exit must be the biggest disappointment in this year's Commissioner's Cup. Finishing up 2nd place and earning a twice-to-beat advantage they faced a #7 Seeded Air 21. Many were already making their judgements that Air21 won't have a match Against SMB because of their Lineup Comparing to SMB's Heavy Lineup. But the Air21 pulled the improbable, they've beaten the San Miguel Beermen even with the twice-to-win disadvantage. Now with that upset, I'm sure this SMB team will be focused and determined not to pull a kind of letdown like that again and with their heavy lineup, I'm pretty sure they will be one of the teams to beat this upcoming conference.

6.) Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Fans were Sad with the early finish of their Beloved BGSM team. BGSM finished their run on the Commissioner's Cup on a very Forgetful game, They were beaten by the Top seeded Talk N Text team with a margin of 20+ points and for the team who hails from the "Never Say Die" Spirit, that is not a way to end your run. Now with the again revamped coaching staff led by Jeffrey Cariaso Ginebra alongside with Olsen Racela, Ginebra is looking for some stability in their Coaching staffs and they believe that Coach Jeff can bring it to them. Also they are bringing the Triangle offense in the ginebra camp replacing the old Run and Gun system they had. Fans are now excited to see what Ginebra can do with their new system and don't underestimate them even though they are adjusting into the new system for they might pull an upset this upcoming Governor's cup and with that Never Say Die Spirit they have, Expect for a true war. 

7.) Air21 Express

After the Impressive Run of the Air21 Express this Commissioner's cup, the Air21 is not done yet and they want to really make a statement that their team is not just a passerby team in the PBA. Now with Asi Taulava being the leader, Joseph yeo and Mark Cardona back to their games, Sean Anthony's Hustle plays plus The return of Rico Villanueva I'm pretty sure they could pull another upset this Governor's Cup.

8.) Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters

Rain Or shine ended their run with a 0-3 record against Talk N Text in the semi final round of the Commissioner's Cup. They weren't able to match up against Talk N Text because they are plagued by injuries when the Semi-final Round starts, but now most of them are already healthy Rain or Shine looks to grab the championship which they've previously won (2011 Governor's Cup). 

9.) Talk N text

After the Disappointing Game 4 loss which actually cost them the Championship, Talk N Text is keen to make another Big conference and might bounceback from their Loss against the San Mig coffee Mixers. Expect all guns blazing this conference for they are determined not to commit those mistakes again and finally get that chip'. Expect Talk N Text to play another dominating basketball this conference and I won't be surprised if they are in the finals again. 

10.) San Mig Coffee Mixers 

Being the champion of this Commissioner's Cup, other Teams are going to expect that this San Mig Coffee Group is Fatigued. But don't let your guard down on this team, Remember they are already fatigued in the opening of the Commissioner's Cup yet they paved their way to the top again, so in this Governor's Cup they might pull another impressive run or big upset's again. Remember the main threat of the team is when they are already backed-up against the wall, They proved it a lot of times already in the past 2 conferences. Trust me this team is the hard team to beat. 

JunMar Fajardo Re-examined

Remember the Last Philippine Cup where JuneMar Fajardo is the Best Player of the Conference? I do too and as we can see back then JuneMar is playing like a beast. 
It's hard to stop him inside the paint once he got his position, He even averages double-double per game, He became the main man for SMB Shadowing the Reigning MVP Arwind Santos.

But there is something wrong in the next conference (Commissioner's Cup). Junemar Lost his rhythm, maybe not all notices this one but I do. Yes He's still averaging double points and double rebounds per game but he wasn't explosive like he was during the Philippine Cup. 

I don't know maybe because of their early exit from the Commissioner's cup? 
But as far as I'm concerned, he is not the "Kayod-Kraken" guy I knew in the Philippine Cup. 

Asi and Junemar Congratulating each other after Air21 ousted SMB in a twice-to-beat disadvantage by Air21
Photo credit to: Pranz Kaeno Billones 

But maybe there are reasons behind it, and I can state a few of it. 

First, Maybe because this conference is reinforced with imports who's heights cannot exceed 6'10 and with that JMF needs to share roles especially they've tapped a Power forward center (Kevin Jones). So with that JMF's production went a little low because he needs to share some of his minutes, scores and rebounds to their import. 

Second, The changing of the coaching staffs. This might also be a factor of his diminishing play because the old coaching staffs are using JMF as their main point of offense but right now seems like he was just a another piece on the offense because mainly their offense is focused on the guards.

Third, JMF's been checked by other teams lately. There is no wonder that the coaches of every team in the PBA would find a way to stop JMF, How can you not? JMF is actually considered the best center in the PBA today. Now it'll be a big coaching lapse if you actually focused on the guards rather than JMF. Dude JMF can punish you once he got that space and position in the paint. I guess that's why All Coaches and players in the PBA are working and thinking hard to stop this what they so-called "The Kraken"

And Lastly, I think he needs his mentor back. Yes I am referring to Danny Ildefonso because look at the lineup of SMB can someone mentor him in his position? As far as I know Arwind is playing outside while Doug is used for defensive purposes and no one from the coaching staffs can really teach him on how to use his height, body and footwork. I've noticed this midway the Commissioner's cup. Obviously JMF's been checked and the way I see it he needs someone who can teach him other post moves, proper positioning and tips on being a dominant center even when checked already. 

Photo By Spin.Ph

Danny I can teach him all of that, for me I guess that's a wrong move in the part of the SMB management where they let go of Danny I. They could just Hire him back just to train JMF. As far as I remember when Danny I was still in Petron (SMB) Junemar Fajardo is eating everyone alive. He is a unstoppable man inside the paint but now without his old mentor Junemar would have a hard time on adjusting and learning new techniques. Unless they bring a guy who really can train him and I guess he'll be back on his tip-top shape. 

My Insight for the Again Revamped BGSM

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has gone again into a coaching revamp.

Jeffrey Cariaso was named as the BGSM's head coach for the next conference and also reportedly he will also bring Asst. Coach Olsen Racela. 

Photo Owned by Spin. Ph

Coach Ato Agustin was moved back to SMB but as an assistant coach again, Assistant coach Art Dela Cruz will also be moved to Barako bull energy alongside with Coach Siot Tangquincen (Which is now the head coach of the Barako Bull replacing Bong Ramos). While Coach Juno, Allan Caidic and Abuda will now focus more on DLSU.

Also reportedly Cariaso and Racela will ought to bring the triangle offense at ginebra and will replace the old Run & Gun.

Now the Question is will Ginebra strive in the triangle? are they going to be like the San Mig Coffee Mixers which perfected the triangle?

My answer will be yes, Ginebra got the pieces for the triangle but it's going to be a different style of triangle because it is Cariaso who will be the one teaching it not the original maestro: Tim Cone. 

Why Do I say Ginebra got the pieces for the triangle to work? because first and foremost they got LA Tenorio which back then was a former point guard of Tim Cone during his stint in alaska.

So when we are talking about familiarity of the Triangle, I guess LA still remembers a thing or two about the offense. secondly Ginebra got Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar who will be the focal point of the offense. The coaching staffs just need to teach the two bigmen on their court vision like Marc Pingris and JDV which are great passers even at the post. 

But (Yes there is a 'But') there will also be guys who will have a hard time on adjusting on the new system. And those are: Mark Caguioa and JJ Helterbrand. 

Why?

Because in their entire career in Ginebra those two played the old Run & Gun system which is the perfect system for those two and which brought back-to-back championship in the 2004-2005 Philippine Cup and Fiesta Conference. They even got their monicker because of that system, "The fast" and "The Furious". 

Now with their old age how would they cope up with the big changes? Now it's going to be a problem for them and the coaching staff but I'm sure they'll find a way to fix it.

With the impending changes on the coaching staffs and system, Fans have just one thing in mind and that is just to reclaim the throne and end the 8-year title drought for their beloved team. 

In My case I think ginebra will be just fine with the new system and new coaches but I hope this would be the last changes in ginebra for a long time. Just like I said Everything needs time to be perfected. So I hope Cariaso and company won't be changed immediately when their run falls short this govs cup, I hope the Corporation would give them at least 2 seasons to fix things up for ginebra because I see a good future in ginebra with these staffs and also with the system.

"Good things come for those who know how to wait"

PBA Playoffs 2014: Air 21 Vs. San Miguel Beermen The battle that should be on the books

It was Playoffs already in the PBA and the teams are already ready to fight for the spot for the semis and eventually the finals. 

there are already a lot of predictions on who will win the 1st round and Air21 is none of those predictions. 

I too did not expect that Air 21 would have a chance to beat San Miguel Beermen in the playoffs. I will tell you why:

First San miguel beermen has a loaded lineup composed of Sol Mercado (PG) Chris Ross (PG) Marcio Lassiter (SG) Chris lutz (SG) Arwind Santos (PF/SF) JuneMar Fajardo (C) Doug Kramer (PF/C) Ronald Tubid (SG) and Rico Maierhofer (PF/C)

Not to forget their notable bench players like Chico Lanete and Paulo Hubalde

Now tell me How will you beat a team with that kind of Lineup? 

Second: They have the twice-to-beat advantage 

Now for some teams this is a intimidating factor because once you lose one you'll be eliminated

Now we all have the reason to bet on SMB that they will really win against Air21 easily

But that didn't happen

Air21 won the 1st game with the help of the Reluctant effort of Sean Anthony

Many were shocked when they found out that the Beermen lost against the Express

I too was shocked, I mean with that caliber? how would someone beat a team like SMB? 

but then it hit me, I totally Forgot the word "Heart".

Air21 used Heart and Determination to win that 1st game and by that time I am now questioning the caliber of this SMB team. (But to be honest I love underdogs) 

Now with that thought set. I assumed that SMB will be more hungrier and focused on their next game for it would be a huge shame if they're just going to let them be beaten by team like Air21

With the 2nd game on I see a JuneMar Fajardo more focused than the 1st game and I just got a hunch that the Kraken will be released in that night. 

So at the 1st and 2nd quarter the game was tight. There was even an altercation in the mid 2nd quarter because Yeo Hit Chris Ross below the belt which caused his ejection and it ignite the run of SMB. After the 1st half SMB were leading and they said they will use that 'altercation' as their spark for the whole game. 

Yes I guess it was a spark for them because SMB fought harder in the 3rd and 4th quarter, man their lead even became a double-digit lead. But in the late 4th quarter the Air21 used their Hunger, Hunger for the win, Hunger for respect, and especially Hunger for that Chip'. they rallied back and erased the double digit lead and made it a close game.

Sadly 3 star players from SMB were already fouled out (Fajardo, Lassiter and Mercado) but they were still confident that they are going to get the win because in the last sequence of the 4th quarter, SMB were up by two and there is only 18 second left in the time but the problem is it is still Air21's ball. 

Now the inbound was coming and the Air21 passed it on their import which took the trey and missed, With that trey missed by Air21's import SMB fans and the players saw a glimer of light that they will win the game. 

But there is Asi Taulava. 

He Grabbed that rebound with 1.8 second left in the shotclock and made the shot in the nick of time. OT! 

All people were amazed and shocked on the sequence. Everyone thought that SMB already won the game because of that missed trey by Witherspoon. but Asi Taulava came like a dark cloud who shuts that glimer of light for SMB and sends the game into overtime.

With the OT coming I can see it's finally becoming in the favor of Air21 for they still have complete lineup (well except for Yeo who was ejected earlier) while SMB will have a big problem because their main gunners are on the bench and can't be deployed already.

the 1st OT SMB was still fighting hard, both teams showed their "Puso" and Determination. No player ever showed signs of fatigue, they still keep running and shooting.

And I guess the basketball gods doesn't want to finish this epic game so they send it again to another Overtime. 

But in this 2nd overtime SMB is now showing fatigue and the effect of the fouling out of their 3 main gunners were already exposing: Asi Taulava eating his defender alive, Mac Mac Cardona penetrating and scoring for Air21 and Sean Anthony... well let's just say he pulled another Sean Anthony. 

And at last! the game ended and everyone was left with shock and awe, Your Air21 express defeated the Mighty San Miguel Beermen! the Impossible became possible for Air21 while the side of the Beermen, Faces of frustration and sadness were in each of the players faces. They might be thinking on why are they beaten by Air21 which is not on their level.

Fans say it's all "Luto" and stuff but I say it's all because of "heart and determination" Players of SMB showed determination but Air21 showed more. SMB battled but Air21 gave it all. maybe if Asi wasn't able to make that shot for the Overtime I guess the speculations would be different.  But just as I say, Asi was able to grab that rebound and make the shot because he got heart. 

Heart.. 

It really changes the game of basketball. If you have heart in every game, you can defy the odds and be like David and defeat a Goliath

"Stay Humbry" - Sol mercado 

Humbry = Hungry and Humble 

Ginebra's Coaching staff's woes

Ginebra is on the losing side right now, yes they've managed to enter the Playoffs but their run on this 2014 PBA Comissioner's Cup is totally an Eye-sore. 

There've been a lot of problem on the part of Ginebra at the start of this Conference.

But I'm going to mention only one: 

there were a 'slight' coaching change (or that's what they call it). Coach Ato Agustin is still Ginebra's Head coach but he won't be calling the shots temporarily, Assistant Coach Juno Sauler became Active since the UAAP is on it's offseason and Assistant Coach Juno was given a task to Handle the shots in the Ginebra Camp. 

In their first game against barako (which is actually a close one) Ginebra fans and Basketball fans quickly pointed that there is something new on Ginebra's new style of play. Ginebra did not rely anymore to their Pick and Roll plays and shows more of a ball movement type of play.

Everyone thought that it's nice to see Ginebra on a new kind of system/play but the side-effects came on to the latter part of their games. 

The Question is, Why change coach/leader when Coach Ato already brought Ginebra on a semi-finals finish? Are they not satisified with his performance? Yes I know there has been a lot of expectations for ginebra but I guess switching of Coach doesn't fit the bill for the team to end the 6-year title-drought. 

I guess they should not change coaches frequently so that the players won't be so confused because all they do is to adjust adjust adjust. How can you be comfortable/Confident when you are always changing the one who's calling the shots? 

It's like you're in a game you are almost at the finish but you erased all your files and you have nothing to do but to start all over again.

long story short, that is the main problem of Ginebra. Coaches don't have any Checkpoints during their stay in the team and when they mess up they will be changed immediately and won't be given another chance, and now players will be having another hard time on adjusting on a new coach. 

why don't they try to give the coaches minimum of 1 season and a maximum of 3 season and see how the team progress on the coaching staffs. I don't see any problems with the players anymore for Ginebra is already complete from PG to C, name it they have it.

So I guess in order for Ginebra to be back on the winning side I guess the "Vast" changes needs to be stopped and give everyone on the team Chances and Time who knows? when they follow my advice They might win a Chip' again and end the so called "Title-Drought"

Juno Sauler: The rain for the drought?

Ginebra is on a 6-year title drought and the fans wants to end the drought.

Ginebra is trying on many things for them to end the drought: They changed the players, they changed the system and even changed the coaching staffs.

But still Ginebra is still having a title-drought. They were 3rd place in the latest 2014 Philippine Cup, Coach ato was the head coach of the team. 

Here comes the Commissioners Cup, Coach ato is still the head coach. But there is something wrong..

 Barako bull is giving a head-to-head match against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, so they called a timeout on the last 2 minutes.. Players huddled up and there was this man talking in the middle, setting up plays for the team. At first I thought it's coach ato until I saw him just standing beside the players..

So who is now calling the shots? 

So when the camera focuses on the Ginebra bench, I saw Assistant Coach Juno Sauler calling the shots for Ginebra. I was shocked, well I guess all of the fans were also shocked. 

After the Barako-Ginebra Game all of us were confused.. 

"Why is Coach Juno Calling the plays?"

"Coach ato is still the head coach right? then why isn't he calling the shots?"

Then the next day Ginebra head coach Ato agustin clarified that he is still the head coach but they gave Assistant coach Juno Sauler 'more active role'. More details here: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-coaching-set-up-takes-new-twist-as-sauler-given-a-more-active-role

So now the Big Question is.. Will Assistant Coach Juno Sauler be the rain for this title drought by Ginebra? Will the fans see Their idols holding up a championship trophy? 

Petronovela: The Coaching and Player change (Again)

Photo by AKTV

Petron ended the 2014 Philippine Cup with a 4th place because of an early elimination in the semis. they lost to Rain or Shine with a 4-1 status, Quite a good run for them actually for It's hard to enter in a semis. 

But the thing is, Petron is a loaded team they have all the caliber they wanted: from Center up to Point guard they are all complete (Well even the their bench is locked and loaded) but why are they still losing? 

Fans said because of the team lack of teamwork for they are only focusing on individual stats, some says it the coaching staff for they lack experience with this kind of series.

By that SMB/Petron seem to follow both statements. They started to trade some of their key players specifically: Alex Cabagnot and Jason Deutchman. Alex Cabagnot was traded to GlobalPort for Sol Mercado and Jason Deutchman was traded to Barako bull for Rico Maierhofer. 

That was not the end of the change..

Petron/SMB took another step; They reshuffled their coaching staff..
Coach Gee Abanilla was promoted to Team manager of the Petron/SMB team, Biboy Ravanes was named Head coach, Todd Purves was allowed to be an active consultant (AKA: To be in charge), Siot Tangquincen (Former Team manager of Petron/SMB) was moved to Barako bull and Leo Austria was removed in the coaching staff by the SMC management

The big question remains: Was this a good move by the Petron Management? 

Well I guess this is not a good move by the Petron Management, why? 
Well because first of all why trade players when you know The "Teamwork" is not working? Trading would just make the team chemistry go back to 0 as they say
Also why would you Reshuffle your coaching staffs? There would be a hard time on adjusting to a another system again, this also affects the team chemistry. 

We all have this little observations on what will happen on the Team but we really can't say for sure if this would be a good or bad move for the team. Who knows? our Observations might be wrong and they might be right. 

But there is one thing I wanted to say not just for the Petron/SMB team but to other teams as well: Change affects Chemistry, Chemistry results into teamwork and bond, Teamwork and Bond can win Championship 

Epekto ng pagkatalo ng Ginebra sa isang Die Hard Fan

Kanina ang ganda ng gising ko dahil panalo ginebra kagabi, at malakas ang feeling ko na mananalo ulit sila ngayong laro dahil na sa kanila yung momentum..

Masaya ako pumasok sa klase ko kahit isa lang kasi nga goodvibes ako nung araw na yun.. 
binungad ko nga sila ng pagiging hyper ko ehh, pinagyayabang ko pa nga na ginebra mananalo sa series na to kasi nasa amin yung momentum ehh. 

eh di ayun nagklase na kami at sakto Basketball ang PE namin ngayon, eh di syempre dahil na masaya ako maligalig ako maglaro kahit natalo masaya pa rin ako kasi yun talaga ang epekto ng ginebra sa akin, basta't panalo sila gumaganda ang mood ko kinabukasan.. actually mahirap nga sirain ang mood ko pag ganun ehh

ganun talaga ang epekto ng ginebra, ibang klase kasi tong team na to. parang walang team sa buong mundo ang may ganitong kalakas na impact. Kahit nga siguro mga fans ng LA Lakers di kaya tumabasan ang Fans ng Ginebra. at isa na ako dun! 

eh di pagkatapos ng klase diretso uwi na ako at naglakwatsa muna sandali bago talaga umuwi sa bahay.. kahit pagod na pagod ako kanina, nakangiti pa rin ako kasi nararamdaman ko na maganda ang resulta mamaya o pag positive ang araw ko baka maging positive rin ang laro.

So ayun 7:30 na at sobrang excited na ako, kumain na ako, naligo't lahat lahat di ko pa nga nagagawa yung physics assignment ko eh kasi malapit na laro ng ginebra..

ayan pumatak na ang 8 nag online na ako sa twitter at sobrang proud ako sa twitter na sinasabi ko nga na "Sa atin tong larong to" lahat na ata ng forms ng cheering para sa ginebra natweet ko na..

ayun nagsimula na ang Game 7 ng Manila Clasico Semi finals, eh di sobrang excited na ako nung tip off. 

nung 1st quarter medyo lumamang ang San mig coffee, pero humahabol pa rin  naman ang ginebra kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, "ok lang yan may 3 quarters pa" so ayun nanalig pa rin ako na babawi ang ginebra sa mga susunod na quarters.

eto na dumating na ang 2nd quarter at dito na ako nagsimulang mangamba kasi medyo umaarangkada na ang San Mig Coffee at ayun nga nakabuo sila ng 13 na puntos na kalamangan sa ginebra..

So dun ako medyo kinabahan, pero di pa rin ako nawalan ng pagasa.. Nung halftime inubos ko yung oras ko nun kakadasal na sana manalo ang ginebra this series kasi gustong gusto ko talaga na makuha ng ginebra ang panalo para mag finals na kami at matapos na ang matagal naming paghahabol sa championship..

So after ako magdasal ng magdasal, gumaan ulit feeling ko at bumalik yung feeling na hahabol ang ginebra..

Eto na 3rd quarter na.. at this time mukha na akong tanga dito sa bahay kasi parang ako yung coach kasi salita ako ng salita dito sa bahay kung ano dapat gawin and at the same time parang cheerleader din. humahabol ng onti ang ginebra pero sa dulo hindi pa rin makadikit.. kaya nagdasal na talaga ako ng nagdasal.. sabi ko "Lord sana talaga etong 4th qtr sa amin na talaga"

Pero mukhang kabaliktaran ang nangyari.. 

Pumasok na ang 4th quarter at tambak pa rin ang ginebra ng 12 pts. pero sabi ko "12 points lang yan! hindi naman tayo tinawag na never say die na team ng para sa wala"

Pero wala pa rin.. nakakascore nga ang ginebra pero mas umiiskor ang san mig coffee.. at nung last 5 minutes tambak na kami ng 16 points.. dun ako nawalan ng pagasa.. para akong hinulugan ng langit nung naramdaman ko na wala na talaga.. lalo na nung mga pumapasok yung mga tira nila james yap at PJ simon napakasakit.. parang tuwing papasok ang mga tira nila parang may tumutusok sa dibdib ko..

Pero eto ang isang part na nagudyok sa akin kung bakit ako napaiyak..

last 1 minute na.. hawak na Mac Baracael yung bola.. pinilit niyang magdrive sa basket.. pero na foul siya, at laking gulat ko nalang na pag focus ng camera sa mukha niya habang nagffreethrow, may luha..

dun ako bumigay at simulang napaluha.. hindi siya basta basta na pawis lang, nakita ko talaga na may luha siya.. 

kaya hindi ko talaga mapigilang maging malungkot at maluha sa nangyari.. siguro dala na rin sa pagkatalo ng ginebra at dahil na rin sa sobrang suporta ko sa kanila tapos makikita ko nalang na matatalo sila ng ganito.. 

ganun na ang nangyari sa araw ko.. nagsimula sa sobrang saya at nagtapos sa sobrang lungkot..

Iba kasi talaga ang dala ng ginebra sa akin.. alam ko minsan yung iba parang iniisip sa akin na weird dahil dito, pero hindi ako nahihiya. wala akong pakielam kung ano sabihin sa akin ng ibang tao basta ako I will just continue on being a Die hard fan of this team. Kaya etong pagkatalong to, siguro dadamdamin ko to.. wala eh ganun talaga pag die hard fan ka talaga para ka na ring nasa team.. 

Masakit talaga matalo.. pero dahil sa talong ito lalong lumakas ang pananalig ko sa grupo na ito, hindi ako titigil na suportahan to. mahal ko tong ginebra eh kaya kahit anong mangyari GINEBRA PA RIN Hanggang mamatay ako.. 

BABAWI ANG BARANGGAY! 

NEVER SAY DIE!! 

Coach ato and Coach Tim Getting at each other

Photo credit to Spin.PH

 Here's a picture of Coach Ato Agustin and Coach Tim Cone having an altercation at each other at the start of the 3rd quarter at the Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Semis. Always Fun to see coaches to get at each other especially when it's Semis/Playoffs

Mark Barroca SMALL player but a BIG Revelation

Who is Mark Barroca? Why the sudden fame? 

Ok so first I'm going to tell you a short background of Mark Barroca's Basketball Career.

Mark Andy Barroca Graduated from the Far Eastern University (FEU) Where he played for 2 season. After Graduating from college he was asked to join the Smart Gilas headed by former Barako Bull Consultant Rajko Toroman. 

After his stint in Gilas, He joined the 2011 PBA Draft and was picked by the Shopinas Clickers (Now Air21) but then was traded immediately to B-meg (Now San Mig Super Coffee Mixers). 

At First he was just a reliever for Josh Urbiztondo playing just a few minutes off the bench. He was completely a unknown force in the Bmeg bench. They won a championship in the 2011 Comissioner's cup with Denzel Bowles as their Import. 

Still there were no Spotlight for Barroca..

But everything changed after the 2011 season, where Bmeg traded Josh Urbiztondo to Barako Bull, Everyone was shocked why did Bmeg traded their Shooting Point Guard. Coach tim said it is part of their rebuilding program and just to trust the decisions. Many said that Mark will have a hard time on replacing Urbiztondo's shoes for he was just a reliever at the bench. 

At first Barroca just started to play his game wasn't that sparky but he is now earning quality minutes of the bench. 

Little the fans know that this guy will be one of the future of their team.

Bmeg changed it's name to San Mig Coffee mixers. With the change of the name, Barroca recieved it's monicker and was called "The Coffee Prince".

After the change of name, Barroca's numbers grew.

During his B-meg days he averages: 5.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.1 ASP

And after just one season of the San Mig Coffee Mixers he now averages: 8.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG and 3.5 APG

Barroca became one of the main man of the San Mig Coffee Mixers and he was even compared to the late Johnny Abbarientos who is right now one of the Assistant coach of Tim Cone. Basketball Fans not just the San mig coffee fans started to love Barroca for everytime the San mig coffee needs a sparkplug, he's always there to provide that much needed spark.

His name even grew during this 2014 Philippine Cup season especially at the start of the 2nd round. San mig coffee struggled at the 1st round of this season and got a standing of the 8th spot at the end of the 1st round. 

But then Barroca and the San mig coffee mixers started to run in the 2nd round, they beat the top teams like ginebra, petron and rain or shine. And with every game, Mark's been always the man of the moment.

And now they've reached playoffs and made it into the Semi-finals which they face the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. and during the 1st 3 games of the series Barroca has been a huge revelation for the San Mig Coffee Squad.

In the 1st game he got no score because Ginebra made a great adjustment for him not until the last 22.2 seconds of the game. Barroca was able to steal the inbound pass of Baracael and able to shoot the game winning shot in just one posession. 

In the 2nd game they loss a big margin to Ginebra led by Slaughter and Aguilar.

But in the 3rd game, Barroca Bounced back even scored his career high 25-points plus 8 rebounds and 5 steals and defeated the Ginebra

San mig Coffee now has a 2-1 advantage against ginebra.

You see? how can you not love this guy? He brings a lot of energy in the court and his heart for the game is what making him excell in this game. Yes Mark Barroca is just a Small player but he can go toe-to-toe with the big men. Why? it's because of his BIG heart, this guy wants to win he don't care about the pain he's getting, he don't care about the mismatches of the game, he just care about his game and how he can contribute for the team. 

I really never thought that Mark Barroca will be a huge impact in the PBA but then like they say; Looks can be deceiving. With how Barroca's playing today, I am pretty sure in the future he will be a superstar and end up being a Hall of Famer if he keeps up his good performance during his Basketball career