PBA Fiesta Conference on: Kings, Texters renew grudge match

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text, two teams which figured in a highly charged, highly emotional all-Filipino quarterfinals confrontation, face each other again right on opening day of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Emotions could still be high as the Kings and the Tropang Texters clash at 6:30 p.m., succeeding the 4 p.m. setto between Barako Energy Coffee (formerly Barako Bull) and Sta. Lucia Realty.

Noelle Cassandra, Asia’s only female harpist, singer and songwriter, and Christine Love, Viva record’s new female artist, provide entertainment during the halftime breaks.

The Kings and the Texters engaged in a passionate and melodramatic quarters battle in the recent Philippine Cup marked by Talk n Text’s infamous walkout in Game Four of the best-of-five series.

Both went short of their bids in the end, and they’re returning in the Fiesta Conference with retooled lineups, hoping to do better than what they achieved in the Philippine Cup.


After settling for fourth place in the all-Filipino tourney, the Kings made two trade deals, acquiring big men Yancy de Ocampo and John Ferriols. Ginebra also reactivated Junthy Valenzuela from the injured list.

Talk n Text, meanwhile, gave up De Ocampo and Renren Ritualo to get solid role players in JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.

Ginebra has NBA veteran Awvee Storey as import while Talk n Text will be reinforced by former Air21 resident import Shawn Daniels.

The opening game pits two teams which also effected changes in their lineups after the Philippine Cup.

Barako changed its coach and team name, then acquired four new players with hopes of regaining their old fire following back-to-back last-place finishes.

Junel Baculi makes his debut as PBA head coach, up against the Sta. Lucia team which is determined to redeem itself from a sorry playoffs fold-up in the Philippine Cup.

Sta. Lucia has given up wingman Joseph Yeo to soup up its backcourt with its acquisition of Bonbon Custodio.

The Realtors are upbeat as they’re reunited with versatile import Anthony Johnson.

The Energy Coffee Masters, however, have also high hopes on their import Sammy Monroe, known to be an energetic player remembered for smashing a backboard in the NBA-D League.

Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods), which completed a fairytale ride in the Philippine Cup, won’t see action in the tourney until April 4.

Coach Ryan Gregorio and his troops return to practice only today.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

PBA: By the numbers

Here are 10 numbers to keep in mind as the PBA inaugurates its Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

23 – players who saw action in at least one game in the last Philippine Cup but are not listed in any opening-day lineup for the Fiesta Conference. The absentees are Japeth Aguilar, Erwin Sotto, Benedict Fernandez, Alex Crisano, Bruce Viray, Magnum Membrere, Adonis Sta. Maria, Gec Chia, Kevin White, Johnny Abarrientos, Cesar Catli, Francis Allera, Dale Singson, Rodney Santos, Ronjay Enrile, Nur Jam Alfad, Chris Calaguio, Ardy Larong, Chris Pacana, Chito Jaime, Mark Benitez, Orlando Daroya and Jonathan de Guzman.

15 – players moving to new teams from last conference. The transferees are Mike Cortez, Rich Alvarez, Ren-Ren Ritualo and Doug Kramer of Air21, Sam Eman of Alaska, Yancy de Ocampo and John Ferriols of Barangay Ginebra, Chito Lanete of Coca-Cola (traded last Jan. 4 but hasn’t suited up for the Tigers), Alex Cabagnot and Joseph Yeo of San Miguel Beer, Bonbon Custodio and Donbel Belano of Sta. Lucia Realty and Mark Yee, J. R. Quinahan and Aaron Aban of Talk ‘N’ Text.

12 – players undrafted since 2005 but in lineups in the Fiesta Conference. The late bloomers are from the 2005 pool, Christian Coronel and Jerwin Gaco, from 2006, Dennis Daa, Chad Alonzo, Don Dulay, Lanete, Erick Rodriguez and Al Vergara, from 2008, Yee and from 2009, Josh Urbiztondo, Bryan Faundo and Ramsey Williams.

8 – players returning from injuries or whatever reason after sitting out last conference. The comebacking veterans are Rodriguez of Air21, Coronel, Rob Wainwright and Vergara of Barako Coffee, Junthy Valenzuela of Barangay Ginebra, William Antonio of Coca-Cola, Allan Salangsang of Rain Or Shine and Kelvin Gregorio of Sta. Lucia Realty. Coronel, Wainwright and Vergara saw action in the inaugural season of the Asean Basketball League (ABL). Antonio, who hasn’t played since 2007, retains his position as assistant coach with Coca-Cola.


5 – new imports signed up for the Fiesta Conference. Barako Coffee’s Sammy Monroe smashed a backboard on a breakaway dunk en route to powering the Rochester Razorbacks to a 142-112 win over the Arkansas Impact in the 2008 Premier Basketball League title game. He did it again in Rochester’s 152-115 romp over the Battle Creek Knights in retaining the crown the next year. Both shatters caused a 45-minute delay to replace the damaged boards. Alaska’s Diamon Simpson is a Chuck Hayes play-alike and finished his St. Mary’s career as the all-time leader in rebounds, blocked shots, steals, free throws made and free throws attempted. He averaged 16 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Los Angeles Defenders in the NBDL this year. Simpson was among the Golden State Warriors’ final cuts last October. Ginebra’s Awvee Storey played for New Jersey, Washington and Milwaukee in the NBA and led the Wonju TG Sambo Xers to the Korean league championship in 2005. Air21’s Keena Young was a 2006-07 honorable mention All-American after averaging 17.4 points, shooting .543 from the floor and .803 from the line, as a senior for Brigham Young, the same school that produced Danny Ainge and Kresimir Cosic. B-Meg Derby Ace’s Lorenzo Wade is fresh from playing in Greece and was a star in three years at San Diego State whose coach Steve Fisher described him “as athletic a player as there is in the league ... extremely confident, intelligent and a big-time player, he carries himself in a fashion that he expects himself to be successful.”

5 – assistants in B-Meg Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio’s staff. No other team has more than four assistants. Gregorio’s lieutenants are Ronnie Magsanoc, Koy Banal, George Gallent, Rey Evangelista and Dayong Mendoza. Teams with four assistants are Alaska (Joel Banal, Dickie Bachmann, Luigi Trillo, Jojo Lastimosa), Rain Or Shine (Richard del Rosario, Mike Buendia, Jay Legacion, Jericho Ilagan), San Miguel Beer (Gee Abanilla, Biboy Ravanes, Pido Jarencio, Freddie Abuda) and Talk ‘N’ Text (Nash Racela, Aboy Castro, Patrick Fran, Joshua Reyes).

3 – team name changes. Burger King is back as the Air21 Express. Barako Bull is now the Barako Coffee Energy Masters. And the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants are the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados.

1 – rookie free agent breaking into the league. Jerwin Gaco, 29, was not picked in the 2005 PBA draft where Jay Washington was the top overall choice. The 6-1 1/2 forward from Quezon was an anchor for the Harbour Centre franchise that established a dynasty in the PBL. In 1999, the former La Salle standout teamed with James Yap, Paul Artadi and Erick Arejola to lead a crack Philippine selection to the Nike high school invitational championship in Taipei under coach Gallent and assistant Trillo. Gaco played for the Philippine Patriots that just won the ABL title and will suit up for Barako Coffee.

1 – new head coach. Junel Baculi takes over from Leo Isaac as Barako Coffee head coach. Isaac remains with the team as consultant. Baculi served briefly as one of coach Yeng Guiao’s assistants at Burger King last conference. Baculi’s assistants with the Energy Masters are Raymond Celis and former Letran hotshot Elmer Bola-bola.

1 – team with no roster changes from last conference. B-Meg Derby Ace, formerly Purefoods, made no lineup moves and retains the same cast that took the team to the Philippine Cup title. Gregorio begins practice tomorrow at the Green Meadows gym with import Wade booked to plane in early this morning on a Philippine Airlines flight.

Source: Joaquin Henson  | Philstar.com

Beermen, Aces determined to win Fiesta Cup title

San Miguel wants to keep the Fiesta Cup crown while Alaska hopes to finally nail a 13th title so they can finally join the legendary Crispa Redmanizers as the two most winningest franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

This was according to Gee Abanilla and Dicky Bachmann, the assistant coaches of the Beermen and the Aces, during Friday’s SCOOP sa Kamayan weekly session in Manila.

The PBA’s Fiesta Conference opens on Sunday, March 21, at the Araneta Coliseum with the Sta. Lucia Realtors taking on the Barako Energy Coffee Masters (Barako Bull) in the 4 p.m. opening game while the Barangay Ginebra Kings battle the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters at 6 p.m.

San Miguel and Alaska became victims of eventual champion Purefoods (now the Derby Ace Llamados) in the recently concluded Philippine Cup with the Giants eliminating the Beermen in the semifinals. Purefoods then scored a 4-0 sweep of Alaska in the finals series.

The Beermen, who captured the same tournament at the expense of sister team Ginebra, beefed up their already formidable lineup to assure themselves of a back-to-back Fiesta Cup crown.

The Aces, likewise, revamped their lineup to avenge their embarrassing loss.

Abanilla said bringing back last year’s best import winner Gabe Freeman is one of the moves San Miguel has down to show its determination that they want to keep the crown in the import-laced tournament.

The Beermen also traded playmakers Mike Cortez and Bonbon Custodio in favor of Air21’s Coca-Cola’s Alex Cabagnot and Sta. Lucia’s Joseph Yeo.

Bachmann, on the other hand, said during their acquisition of Beermen Samigue Eman from the free agent market midway through the Philippine Cup, is exactly what the Aces needed to strengthen their almost intact roster.

The Aces, who actually are eyeing a 13th championship that would tie them with the Redmanizers as the second winningest ballclub in PBA history, will be parading a new reinforcement in Diamon Sampson.

Sampson’s impressive showing in the National Basketball Development League impressed Alaska head coach Tim Cone.

“Let’s just say that we’ve learned our lessons in the last conference which we believe have already been addressed," Bachmann said, admitting that the Alaska management was disappointed in what happened to the Aces last conference.

Ginebra team manager Samboy Lim, who spoke in behalf of coach Jong Uichico, said that addition of Yancy de Ocampo from Talk ‘N Text and John Ferriols from Alaska strengthened the Gin Kings’ frontcourt.

Lim said the Ginebra coaching staff is satisfied in choosing Awvee Storey, who played alongside Gilbert Arenas with the Washington Wizards, as their reinforcement.

“Ang Ginebra naman lagging contender ke malakas o mahina ang lineup. This is because of our do-or-die style of play which we will maintain in the Fiesta Cup," Lim said.

Also present were Freeman, assistant coaches Cholo Martin of Sta. Lucia Realty, Nash Racela of Talk ‘N Text and newly-appointed coach Junel Baculi of the Coffee Masters.

Martin said Yeo’s absence would hardly be felt with Custodio’s arrival and Felix Belano returning in a Sta. Lucia jersey.

He added that unlike last year where Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes spent most of their time on the bench due to injuries, the Realtors expect to have a healthy and injury-free lineup this year.

Tal ‘N Text believes they already solved its defensive woes when it acquired Aaron Aban and Mark Yee from Air21 and having Shawn Daniels as its reinforcement.

Baculi, who replaced Leo Isaac, said mainstays of the ASEAN Basketball League champions Philippines Patriots would help the Photokina franchise reclaim its old winning form.

The Coffee Masters recruited Rob Wainwright, Jerwin Gaco and Christian Coronel from the Patriots.

“Being last placers in the previous conference, the teams, I believe can go nowhere but up," said Baculi, a former assistant of Burger King coach Yeng Guiao.

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Arboleda starts signature drive in PBA return bid

Banned Air21 guard Wynne Arboleda is hoping the captains of the 10 participating teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) would support his signature drive so he could play in the coming Fiesta Cup.

Arboleda, the Air21 team captain who is seeking to get a second chance in his basketball career, was suspended for the rest of the season after attacking a heckling fan last year.

The Express’ stocky 5-foot-9 playmaker already collected four signatures as of press time with Alaska’s Jeffrey Cariaso, Jimmy Alapag of Talk ‘N Text, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola and Air21 assistant captain Carlo Sharma threw in their support.

Arbolda expects other team captains to support his bid of asking the PBA board to lift his season-long ban and allow him to play in the import-laced Fiesta Conference.

“Medyo kumikilos tayo ng kaunti at humihingi ng tulong sa kapwa natin team captains na payagan na tayong lumaro," Arboleda told GMANews.TV. “Sa palagay ko, sapat na yung naranasan ko na penalty."

“So far, nakaka-tatlo pa lang kami. But I’m confident na makakakuha pa kami ng pirma from other team captains."

Arboleda’s name was included in the Air21 line-up that was submitted to the PBA office. His inclusion fueled speculations that he might be reinstated anytime and could suit up for the Express in the Fiesta Cup.

PBA chairman and Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez said the reason for Arboleda’s inclusion doesn’t mean the four-time All-Defensive Team member is now allowed to play.

Alvarez added they cannot replace Arboleda’s spot as teams are prohibited to replace a suspended player.

“And even if nilagay namin siya sa lineup, may open and close parenthesis doon which states suspended. It is also one way of thinking positive na baka we can persuade commissioner Sonny Barrios to reinstate him. We feel enough na rin yung penalty na naibigay sa kanya."

Barrios wasn’t surprised to see Arboleda’s name in the lineup.

“It’s short of saying Air21 wants to have a positive outlook," said Barrios. “There’s nothing wrong with that."

But Barrios clarified he hasn’t received any formal letter from Arboleda’s camp seeking for the lifting of his suspension.

“The truth is, I have yet to receive any letter from them," said Barrios. “But if they’re gathering signatures from the team captains, I assume na isasabay na nila dyan yung letter or wait and see if they can get more signatures."

“Parang gaya ng sa mga tatakbo na gumawa ng signature campaign. They want to know first if they can get more signatures before they run."

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

San Mig, Derby Ace teams to beat in Fiesta

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer, the defending champion, and Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods), the Philippine Cup winner, are among the teams to reckon with in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference, which comes off the wraps tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

Coaches also pointed to Alaska Milk, Talk n Text and Barangay Ginebra as the teams likely to figure prominently in the fight for the championship in the event won by the Beermen over the Kings last year.

The others, however, are not totally discounted with the coaches stressing the imports role in the reinforced tourney.

They mentioned Rain or Shine last year when the Elasto Painters made the Final Four for the first time in franchise history behind hard-working import Jai Lewis

Barako Energy Coffee and Sta. Lucia Realty clash in the 4 p.m. curtain-raiser then Ginebra and Talk n Text collide in the 6:30 p.m. main setto on opening day.


On Wednesday also at the Big Dome, Barako squares off with Coca-Cola at 5 p.m. then Air21 tangles with San Miguel Beer at 7:30 p.m.

However, San Miguel, Derby Ace, Alaska, Ginebra and Talk n Text remain the favorites to fight it out for the crown.

Coaches say the Beermen, the Llamados, the Aces, the Kings and the Tropang Texters have the built-in advantage with their solid local crew.

Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio said San Miguel and Alaska are the teams to beat but the Llamados will be out there to contend for a possible double championship.

For Alaska coach Tim Cone, San Miguel, Derby Ace and Ginebra are the teams that could well pose biggest problems to his troops.

“It’s hard to make predictions without seeing all the imports, but the SMC teams (San Miguel, Derby Ace and Ginebra) will all be favored, especially SMB with returning import Gabe Freeman. Purefoods, as the all-Filipino champion, will be there as well as Ginebra since they went to last year’s Fiesta Conference finals,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“But as I always say, it’s not about getting the best import. It’s about getting the import that best fits your team. San Miguel has shown that already,” Cone added.

Bo Perasol and Siot Tanquingcen are two coaches which rated Talk n Text in the Top Three. Chot Reyes and Boyet Fernandez, meanwhile, included Alaska Milk in their lists. Jong Uichico picked San Miguel, Derby Ace, Alaska and Talk n Text but not necessarily in that order.

“San Miguel should be there because it’s the defending champion, Purefoods should also be a top choice since it’s the all-Filipino champion, then there’s Alaska with its great import,” said Reyes.

“Purefoods should be there. Talk n Text is also tough with Shawn Daniels. Ginebra will be a tough contender with the return of Rudy Hatfield, the addition of Yancy de Ocampo, the continuous improvement of JC Intal and the presence of healthy Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand. Rain or Shine, to me, is a contender with Jai Lewis and its young, energetic local crew,” said Tanquingcen.

“San Miguel, Talk n Text and Purefoods are strong contenders with their solid local lineups,” said Perasol.

Aside from Freeman, Daniels and Lewis, other imports seeing action in the tourney are James Penny for Coca-Cola, Anthony Johnson for Sta. Lucia, Lorrenzo Wade for Derby Ace, Keena Young for Air21, Diamon Simpson for Alaska, Sammy Monroe for Barako and Awvee Storey for Ginebra.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

PBA: Early grudge showdown

Two teams that figured in a controversial quarterfinal series in the previous conference face off right on opening day of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Barangay Ginebra and Talk ’N Text, which battled in a Philippine Cup quarterfinal series marred by a walkout that cost the Texters more than P1 million in fines, square off at 6:30 p.m. right after the opening game tussle between the “new look” Barako Coffee Masters and Sta. Lucia Realty at 4 p.m.

Ginebra, which lost to sister team San Miguel Beer in the semifinals of the All-Filipino tournament, strengthened its frontline by acquiring Yancy de Ocampo in a trade with Air21 and signing free agent John Ferriols.

Plus, the Kings are expecting 32-year-old rebound demon Rudy Hatfield to rejoin the team next month.

“He’s [Hatfield] always a positive addition and I’m sure he still has the same heart and intensity,” said Uichico, who now faces a dilemma on who to relegate in the reserve list once Hatfield joins the team.

“Also, he is a stabilizing presence, not only in the locker room and on the court but also even in practice. Kaya siguradong makakatulong siya, not only with my team pero kahit na saang team,” he added.

Hatfield played six seasons in the PBA and was part of the Ginebra team that ruled the 2006-07 Philippine Cup before returning to the US to help his bride-to-be Bethany sort out some problems from her previous marriage.

Uichico said that aside from resuming his basketball career in the country, Hatfield will also be involved in missionary work.

The Kings are parading former National Basketball Association campaigner Awvee Storey, whom Uichico described as an all-around player

“He’s a hard worker, nothing flashy. A defender, rebounder and a team player,” he said.

Talk ’N Text, also added three role players in a trade with the Express, giving up de Ocampo and Renren Ritualo.

Debuting for the Tropang Texters are Mark Yee, JR Quinahan and Aaron Aban, while coach Chot Reyes decided to get back import Shawn Daniels after their original choice, Erick Hicks, fell short of expectations.

“I’m very pleased with our practice the past week and I’m looking forward to a great conference for us,” said Reyes, who failed to defend their Philippine Cup title after losing to the Kings in a quarterfinals marred by a walkout.

Reyes added that the new additions, including the burly Daniels, will provide new dimensions to the team known for its scoring prowess.

“Iyung mga basurero, mga pulot-pulot, depensa, hustle,” he said. “Sila ’yung magbibigay ng ibang dimensions sa team namin and I’m very happy with them.”

Daniels, who is fresh from a stint in Puerto Rico, arrived on Thursday morning.

“He’s exactly the kind of import we need, a team player who can complement the locals and has the defensive attitude,” said Reyes.

Source: Joel Orellana  | BusinessMirror.com.ph

How do you improve PBA officiating?

As the PBA Fiesta conference opens this Sunday, it will be another three months of watching the teams get used to the personnel changes and the imports.

It’s always fascinating to see which imports stay for the long haul or are dismissed for their inability to fit into a coach’s system.

But let’s face it. Officiating will also have its fair share of the limelight with frustrated teams howling to the heavens how life is so unfair and with coaches and players nit-picking almost every call.

From the simplest out-of-bounds decision to the intricacies of charging and blocking, there will always be a bone of contention among the dramatis personae in a game.

You can’t blame the players, coaches and team owners. Everybody wants to win.

* * *

Some say basketball is almost impossible to officiate. It is arguably the most frenetic of sports with the ball changing hands quickly and 10 individuals fighting for position and possession.

Attempts at the basket happen at least twice in every minute of play with a slew of possible violations along the way.

Hank Nichols, once in charge of officials in the US NCAA, said in Last Dance, John Feinstein’s engaging book on the Final Four, that what coaches are begging for is consistency in the way calls are made and discernment at crucial times of the game.

Thus, what the game needs are uncommon men (and women, perhaps in the future) who will referee the game ably in all its complexity.

* * *

This is perhaps the end in mind of PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios during his watch: To have officials with integrity and the skills to officiate the game as best they can, fully aware of the stress on teams to win and the demands of a discerning public.

Barrios is not a wishful dreamer who hopes that walkouts or a critical endgame call will never happen again.

In the PBA pressure cooker of intense competition, anything can be triggered by frustration or perceived unfairness.

Barrios has been in the league long enough to understand how the heat of battle can shape perception on the way the games are called. Talking with him, you sense he does not believe that nothing can be done about officiating.

Barrios is striving to find individuals who will face the challenge of better basketball officiating straight in the eye. He has underscored the fact that his office has been unceasing in holding training programs and post-game evaluations for the refs.

And yet, he remains open to suggestions on how officiating can further improve and be consistent without imposing on the flow and appreciation of the games.

* * *

On that note, let’s begin with personnel. If teams travel far (which includes scouting for Fil-Ams) to look for talent, the PBA has to do its own talent search and not merely rely on walk-in applicants.

So far, the commissioner has warmed up to the idea of doing talent searches in the cities the league will hop to in the upcoming conference.

There are diamonds in the rough among the whistle blowers in the north as well as in the Visayas and Mindanao that are hoping for a chance to do PBA games.

Being a previous player or having ref experience shouldn’t be the main criteria for acceptance, though. Attitude, body language and communication skills should also be of paramount importance.

That’s because the complaining will never really go away. What are needed are refs who can stand the heat and still call the game as best they can.

Source: Sev Sarmenta  | Philippine Daily Inquirer

Barako Coffee to relive winning tradition

Barako Bull, with a new head coach and a slew of new player acquisitions, will also have a brand new name in Barako Energy Coffee as it plunges into action in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference beginning Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“With the changes we’ve had, we look forward to a highly competitive campaign in the coming PBA tourney,” said team owner George Chua.

“We’re raring to improve on our poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, determined to make good on the playing court and make an impact for the brand Barako Energy Coffee which we’re introducing to the public,” Chua added.

Coach Junel Baculi will call the shots for the team featuring new recruits Jerwin Gaco, Rob Wainwright, Al Vergara, and Christian Coronel and old hands Yousif Aljamal, Rob Reyes, Gilbert lao, Jojo Duncil, Aris Dimaunahan, Leo Najorda, Ogie Menor, Chad Alonzo, and Brian Faundo.

The team will be reinforced by Sammy Monroe, a 6-5 1/16 forward out of Newberry U with a recent stint with the Austin Toros in the NBA Developmental League.

At the moment, only Raymond Celis is listed as assistant coach, while Leo Isaac was elevated as the new Team Consultant. The team is expected to name at least one more assistant coach in the next few days. Jay Llanos Dee remains as team manager and Dr. John Lim as Team physician.

The moniker of the team, which is sponsored by Harbour Centre in this conference, has also been changed from Energy Boosters to Energy Coffee Masters, with the players vowing to live up to it through and through.

“We assure the PBA fans that our team will come out and give its best effort in each game we play. We intend to relive our winning tradition,” said Raffy Casyao, the team’s alternate representative to the PBA board.

The team joined the league as an expansion franchise in 2000 and has since won three championships.

Source: Author Unknown  | Manila Bulletin

Bulls see better finish with new recruits, name

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Bull acquired four new players and changed its coach and team’s name in a bid to regain its old glory in the PBA.

The team will be known as Barako Energy Coffee as it looks to redeem itself from a poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, hopeful of making a good run in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference which kicks off Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy Coffee Masters, now under coach Junel Baculi with four new recruits in Rob Wainwright, Jerwin Gaco, Al Vergara and Christian Coronel and with import Sammy Monroe, play the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the opening game.

Barako Energy Coffee also sees action in the next playdate on Wednesday as it battles Coca-Cola, also at the Big Dome.

“With the changes we’ve had, we look forward to a highly competitive campaign in the coming PBA tourney,” said team owner George Chua.


“We’re raring to improve on our poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, determined to make good on the playing court and make an impact for the brand Barako Energy Coffee which we’re introducing to the public,” Chua said.

Chua also expressed gratitude to the Harbour Centre of Mikee Romero for their sponsorship deal for the duration of the season.

Yousif Aljamal, Rob Reyes, Gilbert Lao, Jojo Duncil, Aris Dimaunahan, Leo Najorda, Ogie Menor, Chad Alonzo and Ryan Faundo have been kept in the lineup of the team which has high expectation on import Monroe, a 6-5 1/16 forward out of Newberry U with a recent stint with the Austin Toros in the NBA Developmental League.

Monroe is a tremendous dunker, who smashed a backboard in the D-League.

He played one season at Newberry after spending first two years at Clinton Junior College in South Carolina and Tallahassee Community College in Florida.

He led Tallahassee in rebounding (6.5 rpg) and blocked shots (1.0 bpg) while ranking second in scoring (14.2 ppg) in 2005-06. He scored 20 or more points six times and posted four double-doubles.

At Clinton JC in 2003-04, he averaged 17 points, earned Second Team Region X honors while helping the team to a 22-10 record and a conference championship.

At the moment, only Raymond Celis is officially listed as assistant coach. The team is expected to name Louie Alas also as assistant coach in the next few days.

“We assure the PBA fans that our team will come out and give its best effort in each game we play. We intend to relive our winning tradition,” said Raffy Casyao, the team’s alternate representative to the PBA board.

The team joined the league as an expansion franchise in 2000 and has since won three championships.

Through the 2008-09 season, the team had a .536 winning performance (with 247 wins against 214 losses), better than the records of Coca-Cola (.504), Purefoods (.500), Ginebra (.482), Talk n Text (.469), Burger King (.469), Sta. Lucia (.455) and Rain or Shine (.314).

Then known as the Red Bull Barakos, the team nailed a championship right on its second year of participation in the league, ruling the 2001 Commissioner’s Cup under the tutelage of coach Yeng Guiao.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Llamados tap young import as Fiesta Cup reinforcement

The Derby Ace Llamados (formerly Purefoods TJ Giants) don’t want to be an underdog in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference.

"How teams perform in the Fiesta Conference depends on the right import, that is why we evaluated carefully who’s the right choice for us," Gregorio told GMANews.TV.

Llamado is a Spanish word meaning called or named but its translation in Filipino is favored.

That’s the reason why coach Ryan Gregorio and team manager Alvin Patrimonio took some time before choosing 6-foot-6 lefty Lorrenzo Wade, the import they believe is the right piece that would help Derby Ace complete its bid of winning a second straight PBA crown.

"After all, we really want to figure prominently in the Fiesta Conference where we have a chance to score a modern-day grandslam."

The Llamados, then known as the Giants, scored a 4-0 sweep of the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Cup.

Wade played for the Rick Pittino-coached Louisville Cardinals that reached the US NCAA’s Final Four tournament during the 2004-05 season. He transferred to San Diego and played two seasons with the Aztecs, 2006-08.

Wade, who possess a great leaping ability that made him an excellent dunker, averaged 25.3 points and 9.8 rebounds in the 66 games he started with the Aztecs. He also had an average of 6.2 assists, 2.9 steals and 1.8 blocks in his two years in San Diego.

This year, Wade played in Greece where he also figured prominently.

"We don’t want to disrupt team chemistry. I believe Lorenzo Wade can fit well with us. He’s a lefty, an open court player, but he’s long, highly athletic and very skillful. He’s an incredible dunker with decent perimeter shot," said Gregorio.

Daniels back for another PBA stint

But while the Llamados tapped a young and talented import, Talk ‘N Text opted for a grizzled veteran who knows what Filipino basketball is.

Talk ‘N Text got the services of Shawn Daniels as Erick Hicks’ replacement even before the Tropang Texters battle the Barangay Ginebra Kings when the import-flavored conference opens on Sunday, March 21, at the Araneta Coliseum.

This was confirmed by Texters team manager Virgil Villavicencio who said that 6-foot-6 Daniels will arrive on Thursday.

"Erick Hicks is good, but we felt he cannot carry us all the way to the finals. Our objective is to make it to the championship round and he is not the right fit," said Villavicencio in a telephone interview.

Daniels, known for making his teammates better, will join a team loaded in talent. The 30-year-old import will be reunited with former Air21 and Burger King teammates Ranidel de Ocampo and JR Quinahan.

PBA approves 4 imports

The PBA commissioner’s office allowed four more imports to finally suit up for their respective teams after passing the 6-foot-6 height requirement.

The Kings will have Awvee Storey (6-foot-5 3/16) as their reinforcement when they face the Daniels and Texters in Sunday’s second game.

The Barako Energy Coffee Masters will be relying on Sammy Monroe (6-foot-5 1/16) when they go up against Anthony Johnson (6-foot-5) and the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the opening game.

Other imports that will be seeing action in the Fiesta Cup are Diamon Simpson (6-foot-5 15/16) for the Alaska Aces and the Air21 Express’ Keena Young (6-foot-5).

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Ferriols to boost Ginebra line-up for coming Fiesta Cup

Barangay Ginebra, a talented but aging team like the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, has bolstered its frontline – by securing veteran John Ferriols.

Ferriols’ acquisition by Ginebra became official on Wednesday night when the 35-year-old former Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) most valuable player (MVP) became an unrestricted free agent.

Alaska Milk put the 6-foot-5 lefty center/forward on the reserved list to make room for new recruit big man – 6-foot-9 Samigue Eman.

Ginebra took advantage as Ferriols officially became an unrestricted free agent being put on the reserved list.

Alaska team manager and board representative Joaqui Trillo said, in a telephone interview, that they’re putting Ferriols on the reserved list. Eman, who was picked up by the Aces during the latter stretch of the Philippine Cup, moved up to join the Aces’ regular roster.

“He’s still with us, but he can be picked up by any team as long as he agrees to play with them," added Trillo.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, whose team just picked up 6-foot-9 Yancy de Ocampo from Air21 a few days ago, was happy to have an additional frontliner in Ferriols.

The multi-titled mentor, however, said he wants young players who can provide support to his aging veterans, who may have to play reduced minutes to be preserved in the long stretch.

“Let’s face it. Our team is not getting any younger. We have a 35-year-old Ferriols coming over and we have a 33-year-old Rudy Hatfield returning. So as veterans Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand who are not getting any younger either and if maglalaro pa si Johnny Abarrientos, we will have the oldest player on the squad," said Uichico.

“We need young players that could somehow eat up 10 to 12 minutes from our veterans and hopefully preserved our older guys for the long stretch," he added.

Ginebra’s sister team, San Miguel Beer, a squad loaded in offensive firepower, had added another marquee player in Joseph Yeo, who was plucked form Sta. Lucia in exchange for Bonbon Custodio.

Yeo will be included on a rotation that has Dondon Hontiveros, Lordy Tugade and Jonas Villanueva. The team recently added Alex Cabagnot, who will also share minutes with Denok Miranda and Olsen Racela.

Trading not yet over

More trade are expected to take place as teams get busy retooling their respective lineups before the opening of the Fiesta Conference.

A source, who requested anonymity, said that the Beermen and the Gin Kings are not done yet with their wheeling and dealing.

“San Miguel are loaded with guards while Ginebra still needs to bolster some positions," said the source. “I believe there will be more movements in the next few days," said the source.

Speaking for Ginebra, Uichico admitted there are still offers left on the table.

“There were offers on the table, but I don’t see it happening before Sunday or the next few days or weeks," said Uichico. “Bottom line, our team is not getting any younger and we want young, quality players who will play as backup for either JayJay Helterbrand or some of our veteran frontliners."

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Llamados to feed on Giants tradition

MANILA, Philippines - The Purefoods TJ Giants have officially changed their name to the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados then vowed to live to their monicker as they bid for a PBA double championship after topping the All Filipino Cup recently.

“The monicker Llamados in itself carries a badge of expectations which I’m sure my players would be very enthusiastic about. In line with this, we pledge to play our best and hearts out in every game. We will be the Llamados through and through,” said B-MEG Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio in the official launch of the B-MEG Derby Ace team at A-Venue Hall in Makati yesterday.

San Miguel Pure Foods Company president Butch Alejo was on hand to present the team to top officials and key personnel of B-MEG, a flagship brand of San Miguel Pure Foods’ feeds business.

“We believe that our B-MEG brand will benefit from the tremendous exposure PBA gave to the Purefoods TJ Giants. We expect the Derby Ace Llamados to carry on the winning tradition of the TJ Giants,” said Alejo.

“And being one of our flagship brands, we hope it delivers the message to our customers that San Miguel Pure Foods always produces high quality and affordable products, from farm to play, 24 hours a day, and we will do so in many years to come,” Alejo added.


“I assure our long-time supporters and the new fans of B-MEG, that we will continue to play our best and win their hearts in every game. Our combined skills, intense training and incessant passion to win will ultimately lead us to another victory,” said team manager Alvin Patrimonio.

Team governor Rene Pardo is confident they would keep their winning tradition as they’ve done while undergoing several name changes from Coney Island Ice Cream, Purefoods Oodles, Purefoods Chunkee to Purefoods Tender Juicy.

The franchise joined the pro league in 1988 and has since won eight championships, including five in all-Filipino tourneys.

Topping the last Philippine Cup, the team is raring to sustain its drive in the coming Fiesta Conference, hoping import Lorrenzo Wade would be perfect fit with team’s local crew.

Meanwhile, John Ferriols is set to move over to Barangay Ginebra after he was relegated to the unrestricted free agent pool at Alaska Milk.

The Aces were forced to drop Ferriols after activating new recruit Samigue Eman.

“Since John Ferriols is not in Alaska’s official lineup, we’re getting him for Barangay Ginebra. We already agreed with Ferriols that we’ll assume his UPC (existing contract with Alaska),” said SMC official Robert Non.

Ferriols is the second big man Ginebra acquired after the all-Filipino tourney. The Kings earlier got Yancy de Ocampo from Air21 in exchange for Doug Kramer and Rich Alvarez.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Ginebra vs. TNT in PBA Fiesta Conference

Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text are all set to start their campaign on high note when they face each other in the opening Sunday of the 2010 Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings, winner of the conference two years ago, meet the Tropang Texters at 6:30 p.m. while newly refurbished Barako Bull collide against Sta. Lucia Realty at 4 p.m.

Commissioner Sonny Barrios admitted that the key in the season-ending conference are the imports, who will carry most of the load in their respective team’s quest for the crown, won by San Miguel Beer last year.

Except for Air21, which is eyeing tentatively on Keene Young, four new imports will display their wares while five old faces led by San Miguel’s Gabe Freeman will see action in the conference, which will be using the same format in the recently concluded Philippine Cup.

Besides the 6’6” Freeman, other old faces are James Penny for Coca-Cola, Jai Lewis for Rain or Shine, Anthony Johnson for the Realtors and Shawn Daniels for the Tropang Texters.

Seeing action for the first time are Diamon Simpson for Alaska, Awvee Story for Ginebra, Sammy Monroe for Barako Bull and Lorenzo Wade for Purefoods, which swept Alaska in the recent Philippine Cup best-of-seven finals.

“We are ready for the Fiesta Conference. We will have the required measurement of all new imports Tuesday afternoon. Only the new ones will undergo the measurement,” said Barrios during Tuesday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s along UN Avenue.

Daniels has played for the Express since 2005, including a stint with Burger King last year where the team finished third. He averaged 20 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks with the Whoppers.

Barrios said that the top two teams at the end of the double-round robin eliminations would advance into the semifinals outrightly, while the next three teams enter the quarterfinal round. Only the 10th finisher bows out early as the No. 6, 7, 8 and 9th finishers battle in the wildcard phase.

Talk ‘N Text, which was marred by a controversial walk-out in the Philippine Cup, will immediately parade Daniels in the opening against newcomer Awvee Story of Ginebra. The 33-year-old Story is a former standout of the Arizona State University.

The comebacking Johnson, who carried the Realtors to the quarterfinals also last year will test the mettle of Barako Bull neophyte import Sammy Monroe.

Source: Frank Calapre  | The Manila Times

Import returnees spice up 'Fiesta'

MANILA, Philippines - Four returnees, headed by last year’s Best Import Gabe Freeman of San Miguel Beer, and six newcomers, including NBA veteran Awvee Storey of Barangay Ginebra, will be featured in the PBA Fiesta Conference which fires off Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

While Freeman is expected to dish out another solid performance for the Beermen, focus will be on Storey, the best-credentialed among the current batch of reinforcements, having played in three NBA teams – Washington, New Jersey and Milwaukee – for four seasons.

Storey was scheduled to be measured late yesterday along with Diamon Simpson of Alaska, Sammy Monroe of Barako Bull, Eric Cory Hicks of Talk n Text, according to PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios, who appeared at yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave. The height limit for imports is 6-6.

Simpson had a brief stint with Los Angeles D-Fenders in the NBA Developmental League while Monroe saw action with the Rochester Razorsharks in the little-known Premier Basketball League.

Hicks played college ball at the University of Cincinnati, before seeing action in the Belgian, Polish and Russian leagues.


Another newcomer is Greek League veteran Lorenzo Wade, who will backstop the All-Filipino champion Derby Ace Llamados (formerly Purefoods TJ Giants).

Air21, meanwhile, will parade Keena Young, who made good impression during the Express practice upon his arrival in the country Monday, according to team manager Lito Alvarez.

However, Alvarez rued their failure to enlist original choice Leroy Hickerson, who suffered injury after figuring in a car accident in Kentucky, a few days before his departure for Manila.

“It’s very unfortunate. Hickerson could’ve been the second coming of Billy Ray Bates,” said Alvarez.

“Hickerson is an exciting player with a good inside and outside game. You can’t give him a breathing space as he can shoot three-pointers. You can’t also give him an open lane as he has an explosive drive. He’s a good outside shooter and dunker, just like Billy Ray Bates,” Alvarez said.

Hickerson had just finished a stint in the Mexican league and already preparing for his trip to the Philippines when he met the accident and sustained an elbow injury.

“He underwent surgery, so it’s very unlikely he can still play for us in this tournament. What’s sure is that he’s a top option for us in the next import-reinforced tourney,” said Alvarez.

The Air21 top official said Hickerson is only 26, a flamboyant player who took the Mexican league by storm.

“I was told he has big billboards in Mexico. After the season, he was even given a testimonial dinner by his team,” said Alvarez.

“It’s really sad we lost him. He’s a big loss to the team and to the league,” Alvarez added.

Alvarez, however, stressed the Express are still upbeat as they got a good import replacement in Young.

“Young may not be as exciting as Hickerson, but he could be as effective and that’s important,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao.

“Like Hickerson, Young can also play an inside and outside game,” Guiao added.

Guiao said the team is raring to come out and compete in the coming tourney following the buildup they have undertaken.

“If our import blends well with the locals, then we can have a good run in the coming tourney,” added Guiao, who has new players in Mike Cortez, Renren Ritualo and Doug Kramer.

Aside from Freeman, other returning imports are Jai Lewis of Rain or Shine, James Penny of Coca-Cola and Anthony Johnson of Sta. Lucia.

Barako Bull clashes with Sta. Lucia while Talk n Text collides with Barangay Ginebra in Sunday’s opener.

Barrios also announced that the league has scheduled several road games for the upcoming conference, including a Coca- Cola-San Miguel showdown in Gingoog City on March 27 and the Ginebra-Rain or Shine tussle in Bacolod on April 10.

Barrios said the league is also staging road games in Cagayan de Oro, Batangas, Davao, Cebu, Ormoc, Tacloban and Dumaguete.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

SMB sends Custodio to SLR for Yeo

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer continued to rebuild its aging lineup, acquiring Joseph Yeo from Sta. Lucia in exchange for Bonbon Custodio five days before the opening of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen, who settled for third place after losing to the eventual champions Purefoods Giants in the recent Philippine Cup, have bolstered their backcourt rotation with Yeo’s acquisition, which came on the heels of an earlier trade deal involving Alex Cabagnot and Mike Cortez.

Yeo, a former La Salle standout, blossomed into a fine playmaker with Sta. Lucia after a forgettable stint with Coca-Cola in the 2006-07 campaign.

In his second season with Sta. Lucia last year, Yeo effectively played his off-the-bench role, winding up as the team’s second-best scorer behind Kelly Williams with a 13.5-point average.

He also normed 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in a remarkable season, prompting the team management to give him a three-year contract-extension worth the maximum pay allowed in the league.


Meanwhile, Custodio, a product of University of the East, is in his second year in the pro league, also playing the off-the-bench role creditably.

The only rookie in the star-studded, talent-laden Beermen squad last year, Custodio performed well to earn a spot on the All-Rookie selection by the PBA Press Corps. He played for San Miguel’s farm team in the PBL before being elevated to the pro ranks. He was the eighth pick in the 2008 annual draft.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Barako’s PBA franchise to go on sale, says team exec

Barako Coffee, Photokina Marketing’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) franchise, is willing to sell its spot in Asia’s first play-for-pay league according to board representative Raffy Casiao.

"Is our franchise for sale, well, if one company would avail it for a reasonable price, why not," Casiao told GMANews.TV.

It’s been no secret in the league that Barako Coffee is financially challenged for several years now. And talks about its franchise sale have been swirling around even when the team keeps on winning championships.

The Masters has been feeling the economic pinch for quite some time now and has traded away marquee players one after another through the years. Among them include Kerby Raymundo, Willie Miller, Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Enrico Villanueva, Mick Pennisi, Cyrus Baguio, Larry Fonacier and Celino Cruz, all members of their champion squads from 2001 until 2006.

But Harbour Centre’s entry could turn things around for Barako in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference.

Barako Coffee made a request to the PBA board to allow Harbour Centre to be its partner. The request needs the PBA board’s approval as co-branding is only allowed for regular member teams to maximize marketing exposure of its other existing brands.

Although Barako and Harbour are different entities, they were allowed by the PBA board to become co-brands for the Fiesta Conference provided that Photokina Marketing would still call the shots for the team.

"It was Boss George Chua who approached Mikee Romero and asked him to become the team’s sponsor for the Fiesta Conference. We proposed it to the board and we got their approval provided that we comply with certain requirements," said Casiao.

But is Barako’s new partnership with Harbour a sign that the Masters are about to sell its franchise? Is Barako really for sale?

"Harbour Centre is just a sponsor for our team for the coming Fiesta Conference and I would like to clarify that we are still running the affairs of the basketball team and not the group of Mikee Romero," said Casiao.

Photokina company came as an expansion squad in 2000. The price of joining the PBA at that time was worth P63-million. Aside from this, the team was allowed to elevate members of their champion squad in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

Lordy Tugade, Davonn Harp, Jimwell Torion and Junthy Valenzuela were among the players elevated by the Photokina franchise when they entered the PBA. The squad also secured the rights on Allan Caidic, who opted to retire and accepted Barangay Ginebra’s coaching job.

Not one, but two teams for sale
Whether Barako Coffee will stay in the league at the end of the Fiesta Conference or find another company taking over its franchise remains to be seen. The PBA has signified intentions of expanding participating squads from 10 to 12 teams.

"Whether the timing is good or not remains to be seen," added Casiao on the league’s expansion plan.

While Barako Coffee has at least made it open to the public about its present situation, another squad has contemplated on putting its franchise on sale.

A top executive of the league, who requested anonymity, told GMANews.TV that another PBA team is now mulling the possibility of selling its franchise and one of the top companies in the land has expressed interest on acquiring it.

"That’s why this team wants to remain competitive because they want to keep the high value once it will be sold," said the source.. “This will give them a good reason to sell its franchise at a competitive price because they still have good materials on their squad."

Source: Rey Joble  | GMANews.TV

Nobody but Wade for Giants

MANILA, Philippines - Purefoods, determined to get a good shot at a double championship, took a long while to enlist its lone choice for the coming PBA Fiesta Conference and tapped Lorenzo Wade, a 6-foot-6, 228-pound forward out of San Diego U.

“The Fiesta Conference will largely depend on the right import reinforcement. That is why I’m cautious and vigilant in choosing the right one so as not to dilute our championship chemistry,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

Purefoods pulled off a stirring sweep of Alaska to capture the PBA All-Filipino Championship with the Giants vowing to go all out to complete a sweep of the season.

“We are determined to figure prominently in the next conference and hopefully complete a modern day grand slam,” Gregorio said.

The Purefoods mentor noted some teams have balanced their rosters with player movement, including Alaska Milk, San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra and Air21. But he’s confident he has a roster that can compete against any team.


Meanwhile, Purefoods is still on vacation savoring its all-Filipino romp, less than a week before the opening of the second conference although the team will not see action until after the Holy Week.

“From my understanding, we won’t play till the fourth of April. That gives us close to two weeks to prepare for the coming tourney, and it would be just right,” said Gregorio.

“Remember that we played a total of 33 games and 15 straight in the all-Filipino playoffs. Some of my players played hurt in our championship run. Now is the time to rest their banged-up bodies,” Gregorio also said.

“The mind was also stretched, so this is a great time for us to quiet down, heal the body and relax the mind,” he added.

Team manager Alvin Patrimonio led the team’s search for the right import.

Patrimonio and Gregorio believe Wade would fit with the team.

“I think he can compliment the players that we have in our roster,” said Gregorio of Wade, who is fresh from his stint with the Greek team in the Euro league.

“His description is a lefty, open-court player, highly athletic and very skillful. He’s an incredible dunker, slasher with perimeter skills and decent three-point shooting,” Gregorio also said.

“He’s our one and only choice. So from all indications, everything is done except formal signing,” Gregorio added.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

PBA to closely monitor Barako-Harbour deal

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will closely monitor Barako Bull in the coming Fiesta Conference to make sure that its benefactor, Harbour Centre, would not act in such a way that it is taking over the franchise.

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios said in a recent interview that the league is confident that the George Chua group is still in charge of Barako Bull—as what they had promised to the board.

“Mr. Chua personally called me and said they are on top of the situation. They will abide by the approval of the board and they do not intend to stray away from that,” said Barrios.

The board, chaired by Lito Alvarez of Air21, approved the cobranding agreement between Barako Bull and Harbour Centre to help the former with its financial obligations in the team. The team will still be known as Barako Bull but “Harbour Centre” will be printed near the top of the back of the players’ jerseys.

But speculations are rife Harbour Centre has gained control of the team because Junel Baculi was appointed head coach. Leo Isaac was said to have been “elevated” as team consultant.

Former Harbour Centre players like Jerwin Gaco and Al Vergara and their Philippine Patriots teammate Rob Wainwright were also signed by the Barako Bull. The Patriots are coowned by Mikee Romero, who also owns Harbour Centre.

The PBA chief said the league will make sure the cobranding agreement, apparently set only for this conference, will be followed.

The Fiesta Cup kicks off on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum with Barako Bull facing Sta. Lucia Realty in the first game at 4 p.m., to be followed by the Barangay Ginebra-Talk ’N Text tussle at 6:30 p.m.

Source: Joel Orellana  | BusinessMirror.com.ph

Llamados excited over new import

MANILA, Philippines--Ryan Gregorio still can't sleep early, quite unusual for someone who has just won a Philippine Basketball Association championship.

“I’m still savoring the feeling,” Gregorio said recently, referring to Purefoods’ four-game sweep of the Alaska Aces in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Finals two weeks ago.

“And of course, I am excited about our chances in the coming conference.”

Purefoods will carry the name Derby Ace Llamados in the Fiesta Cup Conference which fires off March 21.

After watching clips of Lorenzo Wade’s performances in college and in the Greek league, Gregorio said he believes Purefoods will have the best import next conference.

“He’s a slasher, a perimeter threat and he knows how to defend,” Gregorio said.

Wade’s recent statistics with the Kavala/Panorama squad in Greece however didn’t reflect how great a player he is, averaging just 10.7 points in close to 27 playing minutes.

Source: Musong Castillo  | Philippine Daily Inquirer

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