Last Sunday, the Philippine Patriots won 74 - 61 against the Thailand Tigers at the Ynares Center in Pasig City. As usual, the contributions of the Philippine locals brutally outmatched their Thai counterparts as the imports virtually cancelled each other out.
Perhaps, more important than the final score (which expected that the Patriots would win) was the debut of three of the UAAP's biggest stars in the Philippine Patriots' line-up. Nonoy Baclao (Ateneo), Elmer Espiritu (UE) and Val Acuna (UE) all debut as new additions to Louie Alas' line-up. I am not sure if this meant that Hafer Mondragon, Mark Andaya and Christian Coronel (who started last time) are off the team, but it definitely gives the team an upgrade defensively and more importantly, star power.
Louie Alas, as proven by his Letran teams year after year, is probably one of the toughest defensive coaches in the country. His teams come to battle every game are not afraid to carry scars from the fight. This is why we probably see that in the Patriots' wins, the defense has been great, whether it be in the half-court or full-court. Even in their loss, they poured it on with their full-court trap which put even Al Vergara fits. This is why I am not surprised that Alas jumped at getting the three UAAP gems. Baclao and Espiritu are known for their highlight stoppages of many who dare drive the lane, being awarded the last 2 seasons' Defensive Player of the Year respectively. Acuna, on the other hand, is an underrated defender with speed to handle guards and length to handle bigs. On the defensive end, these 3 contributed immediately and will be a great asset as the season comes along.
However, I think that more than their defense these people provide the Star Power that the Patriots so direly need. If you've seen the league, small venues are not even half-filled and this is because there are no stars so far, only imports who are fed the ball because of their athletic gifts. With Baclao, Espiritu Acuna and Khasim Mirza, the team now hopes to gain the following of other UAAP schools and other hoops followers, possibly even sponsors. Let's see if there's any difference in the team's next game on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.
In relation to this, I sure would hope that the ABL would coordinate with the PBA on their playing schedule. We are a basketball crazy country and we'd like to root for anything Philippine basketball-related as much as we could, but the ABL plays every Sunday at 4:00 PM, going head-on against the PBA's first game. I think that the ABL has to be realistic in that they cannot battle the PBA's popularity and star power, so I would wish that they just play on Saturdays when there is only 1 PBA game. TV ratings wouldn't have to cannibalize each other and gate sales as well.
Also, I think that the Patriots did not get very good imports. Powell, being straight-out of college is still very immature, not to mention playing out of position, and Dixon seems to be out of shape. I'm honestly glad that they are not completely dominant imports as the locals can contribute significantly, but they would be 3-0 if they got better imports.
Anyway, thats the buzzer for this entry...
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Contra: Best Game Ever
For my first non-basketball post, I would like to pay homage to the very first video game that I developed a passion for: Contra (see bottom of the site)
I came across a Flash version of the game to share with everyone, and I was reminded of the game's perpetual greatness and unwaivering influence. As a kid, I think I made believe that the Terminator was the guy in blue and Rambo was in red when in reality they were just player 1 and player 2. Haha!
Anyways, enjoy the game, people. Stick to S for spread bullets, and unfortunate news, up-up-down-down-left-right-left-right-A-B doesn't work here.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Where in the PBA is...?
After a week of PBA action, we've seen all teams in action already. There have already been some surprises like San Miguel being winless, Red Bull winning it's first game and (sadly) the biggest headline of them all Wynne Arboleda of Burger King being suspended for the rest of the season (more on this later)... But perhaps, the first surprise we all encountered was "(Player Name) is already with (Team Name)?!?"
Yes, the has been a huge amount of player movement during the off-season, some of which we did not even hear about in the broadsheets. (Sort of makes you wonder why the professional league of the country doesn't get much press. Haha) Nevertheless, this entry is dedicated to helping you, the fan, find out the new faces in the 10 teams in this year's PBA season. For all teams, I've also placed their current records and where their new players came from. Now, alphabetically...
1. Alaska Aces (2-0)
Mike Burtscher (Bacchus)
2. Barako Bull Energy Boosters (1-1)
Bryan Faundo (Letran)
Bruce Viray (San Sebastian)
Ben Fernandez (FEU)
Ogie Menor (San Beda)
Aris Dimaunahan (Burger King)
Chad Alonzo (Harbour Center)
Yousif Aljamal (Talk n Text)
Orlando Doroya (Arellano)
Paolo Hubalde (San Miguel)
Donbel Belano (Talk n Text)
Alex Crisano (Ginebra)
Gilbert Lao (Talk n Text)
3. Ginebra Gin Kings (2-0)
Celino Cruz (Purefoods)
Kevin White (PBL)
Enrico Villanueva (Purefoods)
Rich Alvarez (Purefoods)
4. Burger King Whoppers (1-1)
Ronjay Buenafe (Coke)
Ronnie Matias (PBL)
Carlo Sharma (Red Bull)
Richard Yee (Purefoods)
5. Coca-Cola Tigers (0-2)
Chris Ross (PBL)
Ken Bono (San Miguel)
Marvin Cruz (Burger King)
Dennis Espino (Sta. Lucia)
Larry Rodriguez (Red Bull)
Wesley Gonzales (San Miguel)
Norman Gonzales (Sta. Lucia)
6. Purefoods Giants (1-1)
Rico Maierhoffer (La Salle)
Rafi Reavis (Ginebra)
Paul Artadi (Ginebra)
Jonathan Fernandez (Harbour Center)
Marc Pingris (San Miguel)
Chris Timberlake (PBL)
7. Rain or Shine Elastopainters (0-1)
Jeffrei Chan (Red Bull)
Marcy Arellano (UE)
Jervy Cruz (UST)
Mark Telan (Coke)
Mike Hrabak (Red Bull)
8. San Miguel Beermen (0-2)
Arwind Santos (Burger King)
Dennis Miranda (Sta. Lucia)
9. Sta. Lucia Realtors (1-0)
Ardy Larong (Alaska Aces)
Joshua Urbiztondo (PBL)
Gabby Espinas (Red Bull)
Chito Jaime (PBL)
Jason Misolas (Coke)
Charles Waters (PBL)
Chris Pacana (Ginebra)
Mark Benitez (La Salle)
10. Talk n Text Tropang Texters (1-0)
Nic Belasco (Coke)
Mark Isip (Sta. Lucia)
With all the common shareholders in the teams (Ginebra-San Miguel-Purefoods and Burger King-Talk n Text), you would think trading would be more difficult if the non-sister teams would strangle the teams for better pieces for being third parties, but Red Bull, with it's limited budget, has become the Memphis Grizzlies of the PBA and they have taken all offers it seems.
Contrary to what was expected though, teams which stayed almost intact or did not have lots of new faces have actually been the ones that have succeeded so far - Alaska and Talk n Text. Naturally, team chemistry and familiarity is becoming an issue as of the moment. Maybe the other teams will round into shape come the latter portions of the tournament. However, I still predict that these 2 teams will probably get the semis incentives after the eliminations and prove thar solid teamwork can beat a band of mercenaries.
--------------------
In related news, Burger King will be short one point guard as Wynne Arboleda has been suspended for the season, losing close to Php 3 million in salaries and fines. He will not be allowed to participate in any games, practices and other leagues. This somewhat resembles the Malace at the Palace NBA suspension of Ron Artest.
This kind of surprised me, but then again, with the PBA trying to get credibility back as a top league in Asia, it was a right decision. The PBA is not a place for 6-foot and above bullies to bare down on simple fans. To the PBA fan though, hurl all the insults you want at the players, but please stay away from their families (like in the Marlou Aquino incident). You deserve your rights as a paying patron, but you have to know your limits just as much as the players do.
Yes, the has been a huge amount of player movement during the off-season, some of which we did not even hear about in the broadsheets. (Sort of makes you wonder why the professional league of the country doesn't get much press. Haha) Nevertheless, this entry is dedicated to helping you, the fan, find out the new faces in the 10 teams in this year's PBA season. For all teams, I've also placed their current records and where their new players came from. Now, alphabetically...
1. Alaska Aces (2-0)
Mike Burtscher (Bacchus)
2. Barako Bull Energy Boosters (1-1)
Bryan Faundo (Letran)
Bruce Viray (San Sebastian)
Ben Fernandez (FEU)
Ogie Menor (San Beda)
Aris Dimaunahan (Burger King)
Chad Alonzo (Harbour Center)
Yousif Aljamal (Talk n Text)
Orlando Doroya (Arellano)
Paolo Hubalde (San Miguel)
Donbel Belano (Talk n Text)
Alex Crisano (Ginebra)
Gilbert Lao (Talk n Text)
3. Ginebra Gin Kings (2-0)
Celino Cruz (Purefoods)
Kevin White (PBL)
Enrico Villanueva (Purefoods)
Rich Alvarez (Purefoods)
4. Burger King Whoppers (1-1)
Ronjay Buenafe (Coke)
Ronnie Matias (PBL)
Carlo Sharma (Red Bull)
Richard Yee (Purefoods)
5. Coca-Cola Tigers (0-2)
Chris Ross (PBL)
Ken Bono (San Miguel)
Marvin Cruz (Burger King)
Dennis Espino (Sta. Lucia)
Larry Rodriguez (Red Bull)
Wesley Gonzales (San Miguel)
Norman Gonzales (Sta. Lucia)
6. Purefoods Giants (1-1)
Rico Maierhoffer (La Salle)
Rafi Reavis (Ginebra)
Paul Artadi (Ginebra)
Jonathan Fernandez (Harbour Center)
Marc Pingris (San Miguel)
Chris Timberlake (PBL)
7. Rain or Shine Elastopainters (0-1)
Jeffrei Chan (Red Bull)
Marcy Arellano (UE)
Jervy Cruz (UST)
Mark Telan (Coke)
Mike Hrabak (Red Bull)
8. San Miguel Beermen (0-2)
Arwind Santos (Burger King)
Dennis Miranda (Sta. Lucia)
9. Sta. Lucia Realtors (1-0)
Ardy Larong (Alaska Aces)
Joshua Urbiztondo (PBL)
Gabby Espinas (Red Bull)
Chito Jaime (PBL)
Jason Misolas (Coke)
Charles Waters (PBL)
Chris Pacana (Ginebra)
Mark Benitez (La Salle)
10. Talk n Text Tropang Texters (1-0)
Nic Belasco (Coke)
Mark Isip (Sta. Lucia)
With all the common shareholders in the teams (Ginebra-San Miguel-Purefoods and Burger King-Talk n Text), you would think trading would be more difficult if the non-sister teams would strangle the teams for better pieces for being third parties, but Red Bull, with it's limited budget, has become the Memphis Grizzlies of the PBA and they have taken all offers it seems.
Contrary to what was expected though, teams which stayed almost intact or did not have lots of new faces have actually been the ones that have succeeded so far - Alaska and Talk n Text. Naturally, team chemistry and familiarity is becoming an issue as of the moment. Maybe the other teams will round into shape come the latter portions of the tournament. However, I still predict that these 2 teams will probably get the semis incentives after the eliminations and prove thar solid teamwork can beat a band of mercenaries.
--------------------
In related news, Burger King will be short one point guard as Wynne Arboleda has been suspended for the season, losing close to Php 3 million in salaries and fines. He will not be allowed to participate in any games, practices and other leagues. This somewhat resembles the Malace at the Palace NBA suspension of Ron Artest.
This kind of surprised me, but then again, with the PBA trying to get credibility back as a top league in Asia, it was a right decision. The PBA is not a place for 6-foot and above bullies to bare down on simple fans. To the PBA fan though, hurl all the insults you want at the players, but please stay away from their families (like in the Marlou Aquino incident). You deserve your rights as a paying patron, but you have to know your limits just as much as the players do.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Behind the Scenes: Fr. Martin's Cup II
Earlier today, the semifinals of the Fr. Martin's Cup II was held in the FEU Gym in Morayta. The league has been going on quietly for a while, under the radar with all the UAAP and NCAA hype that's gone on. For those unfamiliar, the Fr. Martin's Cup II features the Team B's of major colleges. Often you can see future Team A recruits serving out their residencies and familiarizing themselves with the school's systems... This year is no different.
The semis match-ups were FEU vs UP and Arellano vs Ateneo, and the finals will be some time next week.
Results:
FEU def. UP by 30+
Arellano def. Ateneo by 8
Some notes:
> FEU features another African, not mention great recruits from all over the country. They'll be loaded for the next couple of years, so they should be considered as the title favorites for next year (again).
> UP also featured its own African recruit as well as their prized Fil-foreigner recruit. Expect them to improve on this year's UAAP performance, assuming their players and their coaches get their act together. Something's not right in the land of State U.
> Following the "Sam Ekwe Trend," Arellano also had 2 African recruits - both raw and super athletic - hopeful for inclusion in next year's NCAA still. If they don't, I wonder how they could manage keeping the two.
> Ateneo (which does not have an African. hehe) played with the 2 players Norman Black mentioned to be in consideration for Team A - Escueta and Erram. For Blue Eagle fans, you have to hope that Norman Black can develop these boys alongside Salva, Chua, Burke and Golla because they aren't ready to resemble Baclao and Al-Hussaini's roles. You have to hope that Salamat and Buenafe can carry the team to the Three-peat.
Next week, the Unigames will be played in Iloilo. I'll try to get some info on what happens. But for now, you have to expect a UAAP or NCAA school will champion this meet. After all, everybody needs all the good press they can get in preparation for the PCC.
The semis match-ups were FEU vs UP and Arellano vs Ateneo, and the finals will be some time next week.
Results:
FEU def. UP by 30+
Arellano def. Ateneo by 8
Some notes:
> FEU features another African, not mention great recruits from all over the country. They'll be loaded for the next couple of years, so they should be considered as the title favorites for next year (again).
> UP also featured its own African recruit as well as their prized Fil-foreigner recruit. Expect them to improve on this year's UAAP performance, assuming their players and their coaches get their act together. Something's not right in the land of State U.
> Following the "Sam Ekwe Trend," Arellano also had 2 African recruits - both raw and super athletic - hopeful for inclusion in next year's NCAA still. If they don't, I wonder how they could manage keeping the two.
> Ateneo (which does not have an African. hehe) played with the 2 players Norman Black mentioned to be in consideration for Team A - Escueta and Erram. For Blue Eagle fans, you have to hope that Norman Black can develop these boys alongside Salva, Chua, Burke and Golla because they aren't ready to resemble Baclao and Al-Hussaini's roles. You have to hope that Salamat and Buenafe can carry the team to the Three-peat.
Next week, the Unigames will be played in Iloilo. I'll try to get some info on what happens. But for now, you have to expect a UAAP or NCAA school will champion this meet. After all, everybody needs all the good press they can get in preparation for the PCC.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
ABL - New Kid on the Block
As mentioned previously, I will give a look at the ABL, the ASEAN Basketball League.
(Sorry, I'm not crazy enough to preview the Ateneo Basketball League which most Filipinos will probably be familiar with.)
The ABL is a five-nation (one team each) league for the members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), a political/economical association of the region. Eventually, two (2) teams will be allocated to Indonesia and Philippines due to the population size and wide-reach of basketball in the countries. It will be played on a home-and-away format with four (4) teams making the playoffs. It's been sanctioned by FIBA through SEABA, so performances in these tournaments will help boost a country's rating. Any wrongdoings will also be noticed naturally.
It's supported by big companies in each of the home nations, and media partners are present from all countries to boost the league as well as make it a vehicle for other cultural communication.
Each team is allowed 5 imports - 2 international, 3 ASEAN - to play on their rosters. So, if you've been watching, here's a list of the Filipinos imported by other nations.
Rensy Bajar (Satria Muda BritAma) - formerly from Shell and Alaska
Al Vergara (Singapore Slingers) - formerly from Purefoods and Harbour Centre
Kiko Adriano (Brunei Barracudas) - formerly from Red Bull and San Miguel
Leo Avenido (Brunei Barracudas) - formerly from Coke and FEU
Don Camaso (Brunei Barracudas) - formerly from Red Bull and Purefoods
If Jason Castro's contract (Talk n Text/PCU) would have pushed through, we might have seen him go up against the Philippine Patriots.
But who are the Philippine Patriots? Here's the roster...
Coach: Louie Alas
Warren Ibanez
Christian Coronel
Rob Wainwright (c)
Mark Andaya
Khasim Mirza
Jerwin Gaco
Hafer Mondragon
Froilan Baguion
Erwin Sta. Maria
Brandon Powell (i)
Jason Dixon (i)
Their schedule for the next few weeks can be found below. Maybe we could all go out and show some Pinoy Pride!
vs Thailand (Oct. 25, 4:00 PM; Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
vs Brunei (Oct. 31, 4:00 PM; Fil Oil Flying V Arena, San Juan)
vs Singapore (Nov. 7, 4:00 PM; Fil Oil Flying V Arena, San Juan)
(Sorry, I'm not crazy enough to preview the Ateneo Basketball League which most Filipinos will probably be familiar with.)
The ABL is a five-nation (one team each) league for the members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), a political/economical association of the region. Eventually, two (2) teams will be allocated to Indonesia and Philippines due to the population size and wide-reach of basketball in the countries. It will be played on a home-and-away format with four (4) teams making the playoffs. It's been sanctioned by FIBA through SEABA, so performances in these tournaments will help boost a country's rating. Any wrongdoings will also be noticed naturally.
It's supported by big companies in each of the home nations, and media partners are present from all countries to boost the league as well as make it a vehicle for other cultural communication.
Each team is allowed 5 imports - 2 international, 3 ASEAN - to play on their rosters. So, if you've been watching, here's a list of the Filipinos imported by other nations.
Rensy Bajar (Satria Muda BritAma) - formerly from Shell and Alaska
Al Vergara (Singapore Slingers) - formerly from Purefoods and Harbour Centre
Kiko Adriano (Brunei Barracudas) - formerly from Red Bull and San Miguel
Leo Avenido (Brunei Barracudas) - formerly from Coke and FEU
Don Camaso (Brunei Barracudas) - formerly from Red Bull and Purefoods
If Jason Castro's contract (Talk n Text/PCU) would have pushed through, we might have seen him go up against the Philippine Patriots.
But who are the Philippine Patriots? Here's the roster...
Coach: Louie Alas
Warren Ibanez
Christian Coronel
Rob Wainwright (c)
Mark Andaya
Khasim Mirza
Jerwin Gaco
Hafer Mondragon
Froilan Baguion
Erwin Sta. Maria
Brandon Powell (i)
Jason Dixon (i)
Their schedule for the next few weeks can be found below. Maybe we could all go out and show some Pinoy Pride!
vs Thailand (Oct. 25, 4:00 PM; Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
vs Brunei (Oct. 31, 4:00 PM; Fil Oil Flying V Arena, San Juan)
vs Singapore (Nov. 7, 4:00 PM; Fil Oil Flying V Arena, San Juan)
Tip Off
First entry time... So why 40 minutes of freedom?
For those non-basketball fans out there, 40 minutes is the regulation length of an amateur basketball game. If you've heard of FIBA rules, that's it!
So if you haven't figured out by now, this will be a basketball blog (most of the time). But I will post and link up anything that I feel is worth noticing. You might see some videos, some scouting reports, etc. I'll try to keep the rumors to a minimum though so that this would have some credibility. Hehe
Anyway, I'll probably skip the UAAP since it's done, and everybody's written about it already. If there's something I hear for the Philippine Collegiate Championships though, I'll drop something about the UAAP and NCAA schools without hesitation. Watch out for my PBA predictions and news while we're all waiting for the NBA to kick-of again. I'll also try to look into the ABL (ASEAN Basketball League) and give you a heads-up on what's going on there.
Now, time for tip-off!
For those non-basketball fans out there, 40 minutes is the regulation length of an amateur basketball game. If you've heard of FIBA rules, that's it!
So if you haven't figured out by now, this will be a basketball blog (most of the time). But I will post and link up anything that I feel is worth noticing. You might see some videos, some scouting reports, etc. I'll try to keep the rumors to a minimum though so that this would have some credibility. Hehe
Anyway, I'll probably skip the UAAP since it's done, and everybody's written about it already. If there's something I hear for the Philippine Collegiate Championships though, I'll drop something about the UAAP and NCAA schools without hesitation. Watch out for my PBA predictions and news while we're all waiting for the NBA to kick-of again. I'll also try to look into the ABL (ASEAN Basketball League) and give you a heads-up on what's going on there.
Now, time for tip-off!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)