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.