Barako bolsters slate

Barako Bull on Thursday signed veteran players Leo Najorda and Jojo Duncil to a similar one-year extension aside from getting two more free agents to bolster its roster for the coming PBA Fiesta Cup set March 21.

The 6-foot-3 Najorda, a former NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) from San Sebastian College, is averaging 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in the previous Philippine Cup, while Duncil, a one-time University of Santo Tomas ace guard who won Finals MVP when the Tigers won the UAAP title in 2006, also signed a one-year contract.

Both contracts, sources said, approximately worth P1.5 million.

The Boosters also signed a pair of free agents, 5-foot-6 point guard Al Vergara, and power forward Gerwin Gaco, considered one of the best defenders from the amateur ranks.

Vergara, who played last season with Purefoods, recently suited up for the Singapore Slingers in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) won by the Philippine Patriots.

Gaco made key contribution in the RP Patriots victory in the ABL.

The Boosters also tapped the services of 6-foot-6 Sam Monroe, who last played for the Potros Itson in Mexico. He had his first practice yesterday.

The 25-year-old Monroe, a physical education/sports management graduate at Newberry, averaged almost 25 points per game in Mexico with 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He also played three years ago with the Rochester RazorSharks in the Premiere Basketball League (PBL).

Meantime, Air21 will have Keena Young as import after its original choice, Leroy Hickerson, figured in a vehicular accident in Kentucky, USA after a stint in Mexico.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Yancy trade may fill gap in Gin Kings’ weak center

The latest trade that shipped Yancy de Ocampo to Ginebra from Air21 is expected to strengthen the Kings’ depleted frontline.

The 6-foot-9 De Ocampo, who was sent to Ginebra in exchange for two forwards, is expected to fill in the center spot left by veteran Eric Menk who has been constantly hobbled by injuries in the semifinals of the previous Philippine Cup, where the Kings were swept in the best-of-seven Final Four series by the Alaska Aces.

Now on his eighth season, De Ocampo should provide stability in the center position for Ginebra as he shares playing minutes with Menk and Enrico Villanueva.

De Ocampo averaged 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds for Talk ‘N Text in the Philippine Cup.

It remains to be seen, however, if the trade will really help both the Kings and the Express in their respective campaigns in the Fiesta Cup, which is set to open March 21. Ginebra will have NBA veteran Awvee Storey as their reinforcement, while Leroy Hickerson will play for Air21.

Ginebra acquired De Ocampo in a trade with Air21 the other day in exchange for two power forwards in Doug Kramer and Rich Alvarez.

“We’re trying to strengthen our team since he’s the best available player. Hopefully he can help us,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said. “But not a single person can answer our team’s problem. It’s a team effort.”

Air21 representative and current PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, on the other hand, said he is excited with team’s ongoing talks with San Miguel Beer.

The Express are hoping to land versatile point guard Mike Cortez in exchange for Alex Cabagnot.

Barring any late changes, the two sides are expected to ink the deal this Wednesday.

Sidelined last season because of knee injuries, Cortez played a major role in SMB’s guard rotation last conference, averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steal.

Last week, they obtained De Ocampo and three-point specialist Renren Ritualo, who both started their pro careers with them, from TNT for Mark Yee, JR Quinahan, and Aaron Aban.

Air21, however, did not pass up on the opportunity to take back former player Kramer and get the services of Alvarez, two seldom-used forwards in the Ginebra rotation as team manager Lito Alvarez felt both will be major contributors.

“We’re thrilled to have them as they’ll be reunited with former Ateneo teammate Wesley Gonzales,” Alvarez said.

Through 15 games, Alvarez averaged only 2.1 points and 3.4 rebounds with Ginebra last conference.

Winner of the Rookie of the Year award in 2005, this will be Alvarez’s sixth team after stints with the Shell, Alaska, Red Bull, and Purefoods, while Kramer, who played only three games, will return to the team that tabbed him No. 5 in 2007 PBA Rookie Draft.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Barako gets Harbour as PBA sponsor

Barako Bull’s reported plan to sell its franchise has apparently been shelved after it agreed to a deal with Harbour Centre to sponsor the team in the PBA Fiesta Cup, opening the door to the possible entry of businessman Mikee Romero in the country’s only professional sports league.

Barako Bull representative Raffy Casyao said Friday that the PBA board has approved in principle Romero’s role as sponsor of the Energy Boosters under the Harbour Centre banner.

Romero has made no secret of his dream to join the PBA, announcing his plan after the Philippine Patriots, a team he co-owns, captured the Asean Basketball League title two weeks ago.

The Barako Bull official said that the idea of co-branding or sponsorship can be beneficial to the league as interested companies like Harbour Centre will now have a chance to test the waters in the PBA before venturing to a long-term program.

He added that this can pave the way for the league’s expansion plans or taking in two more teams in the next season. The PBA currently has 10 teams.

The Fiesta Cup is set to open March 21 and Barako Bull is still looking for an import. Some players of Romero in the RP Patriots like PBA free agents Rob Wainwright and Jerwin Gaco are trying out for slots with the Leo Isaac-mentored Boosters.

Barako Bull has until Monday to submit the terms and condition of the deal to PBA Commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios before it becomes official.

Casyao said that it’s pure sponsorship for Romero, a well-known basketball supporter whose teams ruled the Philippine Basketball League, winning a record seven championships, and also guiding the Philippine Patriots in capturing the ABL title.

According to Casyao, Harbour’s participation will be limited to providing financial assistance to Barako Bull whose money woes have put the team under severe stress in which the salaries and allowances of players and other personnel were reportedly often delayed.

“We still have to submit the agreement, that’s basically the requirement. But it’s already approved in principle by the board,” Casyao told The Bulletin in a phone interview yesterday, adding that nothing will change, including the franchise ownership.

A logo and name of Harbour Centre will be put at the back of the players’ jerseys, but in terms of basketball operations, Romero will have no say on any decisions, Casyao said. The amount has yet to be decided by Romero and Barako Bull owner George Chua.

The idea of co-branding or sponsoring a team was actually approved by the board during the off-season to give financially challenged teams, particularly Barako Bull, special consideration.

“We’re financially challenged, we don’t deny it,” said Casyao, who denied reports that their company is selling its PBA franchise to Meralco.

Casyao said that in the previous Philippine Cup, Yakult was considered to be a sponsor but plans didn’t push through.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Can Aces stop tide of history

Purefoods has won its last three matches against Alaska Milk by an average of two points – one reason why Alaska Milk is not throwing in the towel in their best-of-seven showdown for the PBA-Philippine Cup championship.

This Wednesday, the Giants hope to close out the Aces at 7 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum and wrap up their eighth conference crown and first since beating Red Bull in 2006 for the Philippine Cup.

Against a franchise that has not been swept in four games, Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio is aware of the task at hand.

“Our mission is not complete,” Gregorio said. “The same intensity on defense and intelligence in our execution of offense in the end are required if we want to close out the series against the best team in the league.”

Gregorio pointed to defense as the single reason why the Giants are on top.

“It has been a defensive match up. We will again set the tone on defense. In the first three games, we have been disrupting the rhythm of the triangle and we intend to do the same,” he said.

The Giants won Game 1, 81-77; Game 2, 86-85; and Game 3, 79-78. History does not favor Purefoods.

Only two teams have swept a best-of-seven title series, the first was in 1985 when Northern Consolidated shut out Manila Beer to win the Reinforced Conference.

In 1992, Swift, then led by import Tony Harris, shut out 7-Up for the third conference crown.

But if history is again the gauge, that would only be delaying the inevitable.

No team has ever come back to win after falling 0-3.

So far, the Giants have held the Aces’ “triangle offense” to 80 points per game, 15 points less than their average in the eliminations.

The Giants’ tall and quick frontline has allowed Gregorio to use 6-foot-5 players like Marc Pingris, rookie forward Rico Maierhofer, and wingman Niño Canaleta to defend against smaller players, including the Aces’ point guards LA Tenorio and 5-foot-11 Willie Miller.

Purefoods will again rely on the defensive mismatches, while counting on James Yap, Kerby Raymundo, Roger Yap, and Rafi Reavis to provide the firepower in the opposite side of the court.

Yap and Miller are disputing the Best Player of the Conference award which will be given at halftime.

Gregorio is expecting a tough fight.

“We can’t relax, we can’t get complacent and we have to compete until the end. We expect a proud Alaska team to come out firing on all cylinders and we must equal if not surpass the effort that they will render,” Gregorio said.

Alaska coach Tim Cone remains defiant.

“Our attitude is, they beat us three straight so there’s no reason we can’t beat them three straight as well. We believe,” he said.

Games this Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
4:45 p.m. — PWBL
7 p.m. — Alaska vs Purefoods

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Yap, Miller lead ‘best player’ race

Will it be James Yap of Purefoods or Willie Miller of Alaska? The former national team backcourt partners are again locked in a tight and exciting race for the Best Player of the Conference in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup, a development that is expected to add to their ongoing final series.

Interestingly, the coveted award will be given in Game 4 with the Giants going for a ‘dream sweep’ of their best-of-seven series.

Though Miller is ahead of Yap in the statistical points category, the Purefoods’ top gunner has provided leadership and consistent scoring for his team and is the big reason why the Giants are leading 3-0 in their series.

Yap has been doing great for the team since their classic quarterfinal duel with Rain or Shine where the former MVP averaged 21.4 points.

The 5-foot-11 Miller actually finished tied for third with Alaska teammate, forward Joe Devance, at the end of semifinals with similar 31.0 Statistical Points (SP).

Sta. Lucia’s Kelly Williams, the MVP two years ago, emerged the topnotcher with 40.6 followed by San Miguel’s Arwind Santos (35.4).

William’s bid, however, was scuttled when the Realtors lost to the Elasto Painters in the knockout wildcard.

The same thing befell on Santos as the Beermen, despite gaining outright semis berth, were beaten by the Giants in the Final Four.

The 6-foot-2 Yap, on the other hand, climbed steadily since their quarterfinal win over Rain or Shine.

From No. 12, Yap moved up to No. 8 with 27.6 SP.

In the first three games of the series, Yap averaged 23.3 points, which included a 32-point explosion in an 86-85 victory in Game 2, while Miller normed 18.3 points.

Miller, a two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), is out to repeat his feat last year, and if successful, it will be his third BPC award.

Yap, on the other hand, is eyeing only his first trophy given to the top individual player every conference despite having won the MVP in 2005-06.

The two played together for the PBA-backed Powerade-Team Pilipinas in the previous FIBA-Asia Championship in Tianjin, China.

Others in the Top 10 were Talk ’N Text guard Mark Cardona (No. 5, 30.7), Alaska’s LA Tenorio (No. 6, 29.8), Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood (No. 7, 29.0),TNT’s Harvey Carey (No. 9, 27.5), and Ginebra’s Ronald Tubid (No. 10, 27.2).

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Alaska not giving up, vows strong comeback

In 24 previous Finals appearances – 22 under coach Tim Cone – Alaska has won 12 times and has never been swept in a best-of-seven title series.

The team also got into a 0-3 hole once, but it managed to make a series out of it.

That’s the reason why Cone, despite facing the grim scenario of losing four straight games in a title series, remains upbeat of turning their faltering fortunes around and still win the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.

After all, the team lost each of the last two games by a single point and the first game by four, 81-77. Overall, that’s losing by an average of two points which could easily mean that had the gods of basketball been kinder, they should be 3-0 and not 0-3.

For sure, Alaska’s 79-78 loss in Game 3 and their 86-85 defeat in Game 2 could have a devastating effect on the morale of the team. But they could also be rallying points. And because of this, Cone believes the war is far from over.

“I’ll tip my cap and I’ll be ready to sing Purefoods praises when the series is over,” Cone said.

“But it’s certainly not over yet,” he added.

In Alaska’s rich history, only once did the Wilfred Uytengsu-owned franchise fall to a 0-3 hole – against Gordon’s Gin in 1997 Commissioner’s Cup. They won the next two games before losing to the Robert Jaworski-mentored squad in Game 6.

The Aces, the top ranked team in the semifinals when they took an outright slot, actually swept their opponent, the Ginebra Kings, in the Final Four and were heavily-favored against the Giants, who won in six games against sister-team, the San Miguel Beermen.

“Were supposed to be the fresh team, they’re supposed to be the tired team. (But) I don’t think we look tired,” Cone said.

“I don’t think it’s coming down to energy. It’s coming down to their ability to defend and execute. They’re taking us away from our execution, it’s the same thing they did against San Miguel Beer and we are falling in the same trap,” he added.

After averaging 95.6 points in the classification phase (third-best in the league), Alaska has been limited to 80 points per game in the Finals, struggling against Purefoods’ lockdown defense.

In a move that surprised almost everybody, Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio allowed 6-foot-5 Marc Pingris and 6-foot-6 rookie Rico Maierhofer to guard Alaska’s playmaker LA Tenorio.

In one stretch, he also ordered the 6-foot-5 Niño Cañaleta to hound former two-time MVP Willie Miller. Normally, it was the job for either James Yap or Roger Yap.

The tactic has been working brilliantly.

“Our defense held up (in Game 3),” Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said.

“I always look at Tim Cone as the best coach in the league. I don’t have a reason to be happy, it takes four wins to win the series. We have to come up with the same kind of energy, the same willingness to wrap it up.”

“We don’t want to give them a chance, the air to breath. It’s still defense which will definitely dictate and set the tone in Game 4,” Gregorio added.

Games on Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
4:45 p.m. — PWBL
7 p.m. — Alaska vs Purefoods

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

TNT, Coke imports known

Talk ’N Text will have former University of Cincinnati player Eric Hicks as its reinforcement while James Penny has agreed in principle to play anew for Coca-Cola in the next PBA conference – the Fiesta Cup.

“Just confirmed last night (Thursday),” said TNT mentor Chot Reyes when asked Friday if they have already an import for the Fiesta Cup starts on March 21.

Hicks, regarded as a reliable inside player, is set to arrive on Monday.

TNT hopes to do better in the Fiesta Cup after failing to retain the Philippine Cup title when it lost to Barangay Ginebra in a five-game quarterfinal series, 3-2.

After his stint with the UC Bearcats, the 6-foot-6 Hicks played professional basketball for Telindus BC Oostende in Belgium, Polpak Swiecie in Poland and CSK VVS Samara in Russia.

His experience playing in the NBA Summer League where he suited up for Miami Heat and Boston Celtics is expected to serve TNT in good stead.

Hicks averaged 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in his last stint in the tough Euro League.

Coke, on the other hand, will have the 6-foot-5 Penny only if he can join the team in Dubai for an invitational tournament set March 5.

Penny just finished playing in Mexico and the Tigers are expecting his arrival on Monday.

“He’s actually third on our list, but he’s the first available player for the Dubai meet,” Coke head coach Bo Perasol said. “I’m hoping that if he plays for us in Dubai, Penny will be the first and last import for us in the PBA.”

“It’s a tough tournament in Dubai. Teams are allowed to bring three imports. We don’t want to play there just for the sake of competing, we want to use that to jumpstart our campaign in the PBA with a winning attitude,” he added.

Perasol also said that having Penny, who powered Red Bull (now Barako Bull) to the Fiesta Cup title in 2006, in the Dubai meet will give him time to adjust particularly with new teammates like rookie guard Chris Ross and sophomore playmaker Marvin Cruz.

Purefoods, which leads Alaska, 1-0, in the best-of-seven Philippine Cup Finals, is eyeing several imports, including Reggie Larry.

The 6-foot-5 Larry almost made it to the team in last season’s Fiesta Cup but suffered an injury during a practice game. The Giants replaced him with Brian Hamilton, and then Jahmar Thorpe before settling with Marquin Chandler.

Air21 (formerly Burger King) will also compete in the Dubai meet and the Express are expected to bring their import Leroy Hickerson.

Aside from TNT, Coke and Air21, other ball clubs already with import are defending champion San Miguel with reigning Best Import winner Gabe Freeman, Ginebra will have former NBA campaigner Awvee Storey, and Rain or Shine has tabbed anew Jai Lewis.

Sta. Lucia is finalizing its deal for the return of Anthony Johnson, while still searching for their imports are Alaska and Barako Bull.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Alaska set for Game 2 comeback this Friday

Even before the Finals started, Alaska coach Tim Cone likened their best-of-seven title series with Purefoods to a boxing match.

So after being hit and floored in the opening round, Cone said they have to learn how to counter punch to keep alive their title bid.

And that will start this Friday as the Aces battle the Giants in Game 2 of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Finals starting at 7 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Showing the same kind of toughness and resilience on the defensive end, Purefoods held Alaska’s vaunted “triangle offense” to a conference low 77 points while exploding for 81 points to take the opener of their series Wednesday at the Big Dome.

Alaska’s former two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Willie Miller did score 23 points but not after missing 19-of-27 tries.

Overall, the Aces were 30 of 83 (36.1 percent) from the field.

“They did a good job of stopping our rhythm, we battled but we didn’t play well,” Cone said.

But there’s still a lot of hope for the Aces.

“I think we can play better than that. They (Purefoods) really played the kind of game that they wanted to play. They’re disciplined defensive team, so we have to be disciplined offensively as well. We can be better in terms of attacking them.”

Although Cone pointed to two non-call fouls in the fourth quarter – first on LA Tenorio and then on Miller – could have changed the reflection of Game 1, he said that they have to refocus for Game 2 in order to level the series.

“We don’t have time to feel bad about this. We don’t have time to worry too much about this. It’s a seven-game series we don’t have time to,excuse the pan, since we’re Alaska Milk, you don’t have time to cry on you milk. One game doesn’t make a whole series.”

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio readily agreed.

Being one of the great teams in league history, Gregorio expects the Aces to come out strong in Game 2.

“Our defense held up, that’s the only way to beat a really fluid scoring team like Alaska,” Gregorio said. “This is really great momentum win for us, but the battle is not over, we’ve only won Game 1. The only advantage is we started on the right foot.”

Despite his struggles, Gregorio said that Miller got his usual numbers, but what the Giants’ defense accomplished was they were able to contain other Alaska players like Joe Devance (10 points), Sonny Thoss (9 points,) LA Tenorio (8 points), and Tony dela Cruz (4 points).

Game Friday (Araneta Coliseum)
7 p.m. — Purefoods vs Alaska

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Search on for next Billy Ray Bates

Sta. Lucia Realty is still negotiating with former import Anthony Johnson to be the Realtors’ reinforcement in the PBA Fiesta Cup.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, the 6-foot-5 Johnson played for Sta. Lucia in the previous Fiesta Cup averaging 28.7 points – including 43 points in one of his games – with 17.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2 blocks per game.

“We are negotiating with him,” SLR coach Boyet Fernandez confirmed. “He’s currently playing in Korea and he’ll be finished playing there March 8.”

The teams are allowed to get an import with a height limit of 6-foot-6 in the Fiesta Cup, which opens March 21.

With the high-leaping Johnson, a former Louisiana-Lafayette standout, the Realtors made it to the quarterfinals. Injuries to key players like Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes proved crucial as they lost to the Purefoods Giants, 2-1, in a shortened three-game series.

“We want him back after what happened (last conference). It was not his fault. We lost because of injuries and sickness to our players. I hope he’s in shape and ready to play.”

Sta. Lucia lost to Rain or Shine, 90-86 in the first round of the knockout wildcard of the ingoing Philippine Cup. They finished the classification round with a 10-8 record.

Teams already with imports in the Fiesta Cup are defending champion San Miguel Beer with returning Best Import winner Gabe Freeman, Rain or Shine with Jai Lewis, Ginebra with Awvee Storey and Air21 with Leroy Hickerson.

Still searching for their reinforcement are Alaska, Purefoods, Talk ’N Text, Coca-Cola and Barako Bull.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Tired Giants, refreshed Aces begin title series

Despite having only two days of rest, Purefoods TJ Hotdogs head coach Ryan Gregorio believes fatigue won’t be a factor when his Giants battle the Alaska Aces at the start of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven title series this Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Entering the Finals, we’re the team with the most number of games played,” said Gregorio, whose team already played a total of 29 games – 18 in the classification phase, five in the quarterfinals and six in the Final Four.

“It might be a factor (fatigue), but in the Finals, the will to win of my players will be bigger than our weary legs,” Gregorio said.

Clashing for only the seventh time – third in an all-Filipino conference and first since the Governors’ Cup seven years ago – the Giants and the Aces meet at 7:30 p.m.

The two teams split their first six Finals matches, and both are gearing for a title win after each lost in a separate seven-game battle the last time they played in the championship. Purefoods lost to Sta. Lucia Realty in 2008 and Alaska against Talk ‘N Text last season.

They also split their head-to-head encounter this conference, with Alaska winning first, 101-87, last November 22, before Purefoods bounced back with a 94-77 victory last January 15.

Alaska earned its 24th stint in the Finals and eighth in the AFC by sweeping Barangay Ginebra, 4-0, in their semifinals series.

Purefoods, on the other hand, will be making its 21st championship appearance and 13th in the all-Filipino as it came back from a 1-2 deficit in its Final Four showdown with San Miguel Beer by winning the next three games capped by an 87-78 win in Game 6 last Sunday.

Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — Ginebra vs San Miguel
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Purefoods

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Defense is the name of the game in PBA Finals

For Alaska Milk and Purefoods TJ Hotdogs the old cliché “defense wins games’ will really spell the difference in their best-of-seven title showdown in the Filipino KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.

This was more evident during the two teams’ semifinals series which they won in contrasting fashions but with the use of the same gameplan – a terrific defense.

Since the time of their title campaigns in the 90s, until their last championship in 2007, the Aces are known to be a defensive-minded team, while the Giants have made their own mark as one of the best defense-oriented teams this conference.

“Playing defense is the reason why we’re in the Finals,” Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said in Monday’s press conference at the Gateway Suites in Cubao, Quezon City. “It’s going to be the same mindset against Alaska.”

“They’re so sharp that I told my coaching staff not to come close to them. They’re so sharp we might get cut. We want to at least slow them down and take them away from their comfort zone,” he added.

Gregorio is also concerned with the Aces’ vaunted “triangle offense,” saying: “They are running the triangle so well. We really have to look for ways to break it, but it’s going to be tough.”

As for Alaska’s revered head coach Tim Cone, he said they have to find ways to counter the height and heft advantage of the Giants, whose towering frontline of Kerby Raymundo, Rafi Reavis, Marc Pingris, Don Allado, and Romel Adducul boasts an average height of 6-foot-6.

“It’s really about their length, and they were able to cover for each other. They’re not just tall and long, but they are quick,” Cone said.

“We’ve got to get our execution and make sure we get good looks. It will come down to defense winning the championship. Hopefully we can match them up stop-for-stop,” Cone said.

Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — San Miguel vs Ginebra
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Purefoods

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Purefoods eyes to end series this Sunday

Purefoods TJ Hotdogs hopes to arrange a championship showdown with Alaska Milk when it tries to close out its best-of-seven semifinal series against San Miguel Beer in Game 6 of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup playoffs this Sunday at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Giants and the Beermen clash in the lone game at 6 p.m.

Purefoods moved a win away from entering the Finals for the 19th time in franchise history – and 12th in the All-Filipino conference – when the Giants thumped the Beermen, 94-82, in Game 5 last Friday at the Araneta Coliseum for a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Veteran playmaker Roger Yap, who was a rebound shy of a triple-double in Purefoods’ 97-84 win in Game 4, was again a solid factor in Game 5 as he scored 18 points while adding seven boards and six assists. Forward Kerby Raymundo also had 18 markers.

It was the first time in the series that a team won back-to-back games – the Beermen won Games 1 and 3 while the Giants took Games 2 and 4.

And Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio is hoping that they can carry the momentum of that two straight wins in today’s game.

“It’s going to be tough closing out San Miguel. They have the firepower, the right tools to stage a comeback,” Gregorio said. “But if we can bring the same kind of attitude, the same kind of focus and determination we had in Games 4 and 5, we have a strong chance of ending the series. It’s going to take a lot of effort. We know they’ll come out strong, but we have to come out strong too.”

A win by Purefoods will arrange a best-of-seven titular showdown with Alaska, which swept Barangay Ginebra, 4-0, in the other semifinals pairing.

If the Giants win this Sunday, Game 1 of the Finals will be played on Wednesday. But if San Miguel wins, it will be a do-or-die affair for both on Wednesday.

Gregorio said James Yap, who was held to an average of only 13 points in the first three games but has come alive in the last two with 20 points a game, and Raymundo should be aggressive on offense.

Game this Sunday (Astrodome, Pasay City)
6 p.m. — San Miguel vs Purefoods

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Alaska on a high after PBA semifinals sweep

Alaska coach Tim Cone is ready to face any team. Whether it’s going to be San Miguel Beer or Purefoods, is just fine with him.

What’s important he said is the mindset of his players who are aching to end their 10-year drought in an All-Filipino tournament which they hope to achieve in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

“Both those teams are going to be a real tough match up for us,” Cone said after Alaska completed a four-game sweep on Barangay Ginebra in their best-of-seven Final Four series following a 102-95 win in Game 4 Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

SMB and Purefoods, sister teams together with Ginebra under San Miguel Corp. (SMC), on the other hand, are all tied up at 2-2 in their semifinal showdown after the Giants downed the Beermen in Game 4, 97-84, also last Wednesday.

Game 5 is set this Friday at the Big Dome.

“Honestly, we hope it goes to a Game 7, and couple of guys gets injured on both teams,” said Cone, which of course, was a statement made in jest.

“They get all beat up and we can maybe start off the first game like we did against Ginebra. We came into that series very fortunate.”

The Gin Kings dethroned the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in a highly emotional and physical five-game series in the quarterfinals.

However, by the time Ginebra took on Alaska, coach Jong Uichico’s squad appeared to be tired against the well-rested and well-prepared team of Cone. The injuries to starting point guard Celino Cruz (sprained right ankle) and forward Eric Menk (groin) added to the Kings’ woes.

“I just had no idea that we’re going to able to do this (sweep), against a team like Ginebra, with the coaching staff of Jong. I have so much respect for him. To go out here and win four straight games was just an incredible feat,” he said.

Depending on the outcome of the series SMB-Purefoods, Alaska will have at least a week off before Game 1 of the best-of-seven Finals.

“It’s going to be us gathering ourselves, getting refreshed, coming back out and see if we can play similar basketball. I hope this gives us enough momentum and confidence to go out and battle against San Miguel or Purefoods,” said Cone who is seeking his 13th PBA title and his 12 is just three shy of Baby Dalupan’s 15.

“That’s what you hope for in this series. I can guarantee that we’re not going to the series over-confident. We know how good those teams are,” he added.

It was the first ever sweep in a seven-game series for the Wilfred Uytengsu-owned Alaska franchise, and only the fourth in league history.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

PBA governor welcomes Meralco entry

For Sta. Lucia Realty board representative Manuel “Buddy” Encarnado, the idea of Meralco or the Manila Electric Company joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will be a good development to the league.

That is if indeed, Meralco is planning to join the league.

Last Wednesday, the Barako Bull representative to the PBA board said there is no ongoing negotiation regarding the possible purchase of the franchise by Meralco.

“We have no idea about it. There are no talks with Meralco or any other company. We’re staying,” said Raffy Casyao, the Barako Bull representative.

But The Bulletin source (click here), who requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the negotiation, reconfirmed that there had been talks, though still in the early stages.

Though Encarnado likes the idea of Meralco playing in the PBA, he hopes that Barako Bull stays on and continues to play in the league.

“I want Meralco in by all means. But as a board member, as much as possible, I want Barako Bull to stay,” Encarnado told the Bulletin in a phone interview Thursday, reacting to a report that Meralco is eyeing a return to basketball.

Should the two camps agree to terms, the PBA board, currently chaired by Burger King’s Lito Alvarez, have to approve it “by a simple majority vote and five (teams) will do.”

The PBA has 10 teams, but only nine can vote.

Purefoods, which belongs to San Miguel Corp. (SMC) together with San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, regularly joins the board deliberations but it has no voting rights.

Meralco, the largest electric power distributor in the country, is a private firm controlled by the companies of business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan through the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), the Metro Pacific Investment Corp. and Piltel Group (50.3 percent).

SMC and Global 5000 Investment also have a 43 percent stake with Meralco, while the First Philippine Holdings owning 6.7 percent shares.

Talk ’N Text is owned by Pangilinan’s company.

“It’ll have to be approved by the board. Regardless of the personalities involved, every new franchise will have to be approved. The board will have to scrutinize it. A board approval is imperative,” Encrnado said.

“Whether or not they (Meralco) will be buying a new franchise, or buy the franchise of Barako Bull, that’s all together another story. It’s between them,” he added.

The possibility, though, of having Meralco looks good for Encarnado.

“Considering that it’s Meralco, and considering its track record both in the MICAA and the PABL, it’s a good development,” he said.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Now-or-never for Kings

Alaska coach Tim Cone knows very well that closing out a series is the toughest thing to do, particularly if it is against Barangay Ginebra.

But just the same, the Aces will go for it as they collide with the Kings in Game 4 of their semifinal showdown in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup this Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska, which has a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Final Four series, meets Ginebra in the main game at 7:30 p.m., right after the 5 p.m. encounter between Purefoods and San Miguel Beer.

Another win by the Aces will enable them to become the fourth team in league history to sweep a best-of-seven series.

But Cone expects another down-the-wire showdown with the Kings.

In Game 3, Alaska blew a 23-point lead in the fourth quarter (65-88) when Ginebra used a 23-2 run capped by a layup by Mark Caguioa to cut the deficit to only two, 88-90, with 37.8 seconds left.

But the Aces held on to win the game that put them on the verge of a return trip to the finals.

With the way the Kings erased that huge lead, Cone said there's no way for them to be complacent as anything can still happen.

"If it's against other teams I might (be comfortable), but we're playing a very dangerous team Ginebra," said Cone, who is also eyeing his first sweep in a seven-game series since he took over as coach of Alaska in the late '80s.

The two-day rest, Cone said, could be beneficial to Ginebra, which had a tough quarterfinals series against erstwhile champion Talk 'N Text, winning it in fives game.

Since they clinched a semis slot, the Kings had one day to prepare for Game 1, as well as Games 2 and 3, thus taking its toll on players nursing injuries like forward JC Intal, who averaged 23.8 points in the quarters but was held so far to seven points per game in the semis.

While Intal has yet to recover his top form due to leg injury, Ginebra may play again without Erik Menk and Celino Cruz. Menk suffered a groin injury in Game 1, which forced him to miss the next two games. Cruz sprained his right ankle also in the series opener.

"They've had a couple of days off to re-gather and refresh themselves, so we're expecting a stiffer challenge. We're just going to focus on those things that have made us successful and try to keep our momentum," Cone said.

In the 35-year history of the PBA, only three teams have swept a seven-game series, the last was Ginebra against Red Bull in the 2008 Fiesta Cup semifinals.

Games this Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — San Miguel vs Purefoods
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Ginebra

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Meralco set to buy Barako franchise in PBA

Nearly 40 years after disbanding its basketball team, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is eyeing a return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) next season.

Negotiations are under way for the purchase of Barako Bull franchise by Meralco, now owned by the group of telecommunication tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, according to informed sources.

“There have been initial talks,” said the source who wished not to be named. “Meralco could take over the Barako Bull franchise starting next season.”

Meralco, the largest electric distributor in the country, is a private firm controlled by Pangilinan’s Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Metro Pacific Investment Corp. and Piltel Group (50.3 percent).

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Global 5000 Investment also have a 43 percent stake with Meralco with the First Philippine Holdings owning 6.7 percent shares.

Pangilinan owns the Talk ‘N Text basketball team in the PBA, while San Miguel has three teams, Ginebra, Purefoods TJ, and San Miguel Beer.

Although the deal could be completed before or during the PBA Fiesta Cup, the source said there would be no major changes at Barako Bull.

“The alignment and changes will happen next season,” the source said.

Calls to Raffy Castao, Barako Bull’s representative to the PBA board, were not returned.

Meralco is one of the original teams of the now defunct Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA).

Among its players then were Robert Jaworski, Big Boy Reynoso, Francis Arnaiz and Orly Bauzon.

Before Toyota came into the picture, Meralco, then owned by the Lopez family of ABS-CBN, was the great rival of the legendary Crispa Redmanizers in MICAA.

The rivalry reached boiling point in 1971 when Jaworski and Reynoso attacked referees Eriberto Cruz and Jose Obias in protest over dubious calls. The game was stopped with Crispa ahead, 65-50.

Jaworski and Reynoso were banned for life by the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) but were reinstated in 1973.

Meralco disbanded in 1972 with majority of its players absorbed by the Silverio-owned company Komatsu Comets (later to be known as Toyota).

The possible return of Meralco is seen to add glamour and history to a league struggling to keep fans’ interest amid hard times.

Reports of Barako Bull’s financial difficulties began as early as 2008, but the franchise owned by businessman George Chua managed to stay with the league.

At the start of the current conference, Talk ‘N Text and Coca-Cola agreed to loan their players to the Energy Boosters, but reports of delayed release of players’ salaries persisted.

Alex Crisano, Barako Bull’s veteran center, confirmed the delay during the SCOOP forum weeks ago, a statement that did not draw reaction from the team.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

TNT seeks clarification over fine

Talk N' Text walks out of Quarters game vs Kings

Talk ’N Text has asked a clarification from Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as to why it was penalized an additional P500,000 that brought its total fine to P1.250 million when it walked out and forfeited Game 4 of their quarterfinal series against the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.

The letter addressed to league commissioner Renauld Barrios was delivered yesterday by team manager Virgil Villavicencio.

“We just want some clarification as to why we were fined the additional P500,000,” Villavicencio said.

Talk ’N Text walked out of the game with Ginebra up, 27-20, late in the first period when forward Ranidel de Ocampo was ejected because of a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 (F2) after he bumped hard a driving Ronald Tubid and hitting him in the face with an elbow.

TNT was fined P500,000, which, under section 32 of the PBA constitution and by-laws, shall be paid to Ginebra.

Aside from that, the commissioner also imposed an additional fine of P500,000 to the ballclub, which, according to Barrios will go to the Players’ Educational Trust Fund for the benefit of the players and their dependents.

The Texters’ share in the gate receipts and TV revenues for that particular game – which could be anywhere from P200,000 to P250,000 – has also been forfeited in favor of the nine other PBA squads.

“Maybe the commissioner missed out some of the points we raised in our letter. We’ll comply but we just want to clarify it first. Whatever it is, we’ll just wait and see,” Villavicencio added.

The Kings dethroned the Texters by winning the best-of-five series, 3-2, with a 113-100 victory in Game 5 to advance to the Final Four against the Alaska Aces.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Giants, Kings try to level semis series

James Yap, Purefood’s main offensive weapon, was held to eight free throws by San Miguel Beer last Wednesday – a fact not lost on Giants coach Ryan Gregorio.

“James probably went full throttle against Rain or Shine in Game 5; he didn’t have enough gas (in Game 1),” he said. “We really need James to step up for us and consistently score in order for us to compete and eventually win against San Miguel. If he scores eight points, then we’ll have problems.”

Gregorio, however, doesn’t want to pin the blame solely on Yap.

“Other players will have to step up. I know James knows that, he really needs to score and step up his offensive weapon. Hope we can will ourselves to victory in Game 2. We don’t want to dig a deeper hole, which might be hard for us to extricate,” he said.

The Giants, still drained from their five-game series against Rain or Shine, try to level their best-of-seven semifinal series against the Beermen at 5 p.m. this Friday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

Yap, who was 0-of-8 from the field Wednesday, is expected to come strong after being bottled up by San Miguel’s defense. The former King Warrior poured 28 points against Rain or Shine in Game 5 last Sunday.

Six Beermen scored in double figures to typify the team’s balanced offense in Game 1, which they won, 99-83.

Jayjay Washington and Dondon Hontiveros led the Beermen with 17 points apiece, Arwind Santos chipped in 16, Denok Miranda had 15, and Danny Seigle added 10.

In the other semifinal match at 7:30 p.m., Alaska Milk guns for a repeat victory over Barangay Ginebra, although Aces coach Tim Cone expects it won’t be as easy as the opener.

The Aces shot 50 percent from the field and limited the Kings to 31-of-86 shooting. They also controlled the boards, 59-40.

Cone, however, is aware of what Ginebra can do.

“It’s a seven-game series for a reason. We know it’s going to be a long series. It’s going to be a tough series,” Cone said. “They took this first game to take a kind of a deep breath and they’ll start the series on Game 2, basically.”

“What this equates to winning the series? Probably it had very little to do it except the fact that we’re up and that’s all that counts. That’s all it means. Obviously we all know that Ginebra was down 0-1, then 0-2 in the last series,” he added.

Averaging just eight points this conference, Mark Caguioa sizzled with 23 points in Game 1 but failed to get support from teammates.

Games today (Astrodome, Pasay City)
5:00 p.m. — Purefoods vs San Miguel
7:30 p.m. — Alaska vs Ginebra

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Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

For Alaska, it’s three against one in Last Four

 San Miguel Corp., the most successful franchise in PBA history, has three teams in the Final Four of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup and will be facing a familiar foe – the equally proud Alaska Milk.

Eight years after losing to Purefoods TJ Hotdogs in seven matches for the 2002 Governors’ Cup championship, the Aces are back to thwart the three-pronged SMC offensive .

This Wednesday, the well-rested Aces collide with Barangay Ginebra at the start of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown at 5 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Clashing in the other semifinal series at 7:30 p.m. are San Miguel Beer and Purefoods TJ Hotdogs.

Alaska coach Tim Cone is the only remnant of the 2002 squad that eliminated San Miguel Beer in the semifinals and extended Purefoods to the full route in the finals.

Beaten by then neophyte Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, Cone gets another chance to gatecrash the San Miguel party.

The Aces, who topped the preliminaries, had the luxury of a two-week rest. The last time they played, they beat Rain or Shine, 95-94, last Jan. 22.

"The long layoff is always a factor," said Cone. "But unlike the Christmas break, I feel we've prepared very well during this recent break and we're ready to play at a high level. The Gins are tough, no doubt. So we have to play tough."

The Kings, saddled by injuries, finished the eliminations with a fourth-best 10-6 card to secure an automatic quarterfinal slot.

They looked on the way out after dropping their first two matches against the Phone Pals, but rebounded with a victory in Game 3.

Talk ’N Text walked out over a disputed call in Game 4 and the Kings, egged on by their huge army of supporters, capitalized and closed out the series last Sunday.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico is wary about the fatigue factor.

"That's for sure (fatigue). That's why being in great shape is so important,” said Uichico. "I need to do a good job of pacing the players. The road is tough for us. We need to find ways to win again."

Both teams split their elimination matches. The Aces won their first match, 105-96, and the Kings took the second, 93-90.

Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo was quick to downplay its rivalry with San Miguel-owned teams.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s San Miguel or not. We’re not aiming at them. We’ll just take it one game at a time.”

It marks the second time San Miguel sent three teams to the semifinals – the first during the Governors’ Cup in 2002 when Purefoods, San Miguel and Coca-Cola were joined by Alaska. Coca-Cola, at that time, was still owned by SMC.

The other semifinal pits sister teams San Miguel Beer and Purefoods.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Do-or-Die Sunday, But will Talk ’N Text play?

Talk ’N Text governor Ricky Vargas will recommend to team owner Manny V. Pangilinan for the appearance of the Tropang Texters in the do-or-die Game 5 of their quarterfinals series against the Ginebra Kings in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup this Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Vargas, who flew to Hong Kong last Saturday for an important business meeting, is set to arrive this Sunday and will meet Pangilinan, who is also the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

“I will recommend to MVP we play tomorrow,” Vargas said, adding that he could have arrived late last night to attend a team meeting with Pangilinan but failed to book a flight back.

However, Vargas said that there should be fairness in the calls of the referees to avoid what happened in Game 4 which TNT forfeited by walking out following a controversial foul called on forward Ranidel de Ocampo.

“We would like to be assured fairness and the refs associated with these unfairness not be allowed to referee the game. We will not hesitate to walk out (again) if such unfairness continues,” Vargas said. “We can no longer tolerate unfairness and will not allow ourselves to go down to that level.”

The walk out ensued after the 6-foot-5 de Ocampo was assessed a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 (F2) for bumping hard and hitting a driving Ginebra guard Ronald Tubid with an elbow to the face late in the first quarter of Game 4 last Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The game between TNT and Ginebra is set at 6:30 p.m., right after the other no-tomorrow game in the other quarterfinals series featuring Rain or Shine and Purefoods.

The Elasto Painters tied their own best-of-five series with the Giants, 2-2, with a 103-100 victory in Game 4 as point guard Sol Mercado scored 24 points, Gabe Norwood added 20 markers, while veteran forward Eddie Laure buried a big triple late in the game.

Purefoods won Games 1 (90-85) and 2 (95-94), but Rain or Shine foiled a sweep when it came back in Game 3 with a 95-92 win last Wednesday.

All eyes, however, are on the controversial TNT-Ginebra series.

“It’s hard for us to process right now because we’re a very demoralized team,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes after meeting PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City together with team manager Virgil Villavicencio last Saturday.

“We feel like we’re in the short end of the stick. Our mindset is very demoralized. It’s unfortunately they (PBA) saw it that way,” he added.

Villavicencio said they appealed to Barrios to reconsider band downgrade de Ocampo’s misdemeanor to F1 instead of F2, which penalizes the culprit with an automatic one-game suspension and a fine of P20,000.

“But if you ask my personal thoughts about it, I’ll recommend that we play,” Villavicencio said.

As this developed, several sources said that several officials and players of TNT already requested for Game 5 tickets.

“If that’s any indication, Talk ’N Text will play (Game 5). It’s already sold out,” said a source.

As for Barrios, he said that he’s optimistic that TNT will play, saying: “I hope and pray to see them in Game 5. I don’t want to think of the negative things. I kept on harping that I’ll see them in the game.”

Barrios also said he did not discuss the team penalty of P500,000 for forfeiting Game 4, saying that this could be discussed after the quarterfinals series.

Games Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Purefoods vs Rain or Shine
6:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs Talk ’N Text

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin