Sad Sad Sad Sad Sad Basketball Newses

Sad news 1 (at least, to me)… When each W in the West could propel you to have a higher playoffs seeding, the Lakers dropped a Bobcats game. No energy from the get-go. Body signs show they are tired and frustrated. Every teammate error, Kobe is whining and raising his arms in dismay. Eventually, he was tossed. For a supposed guaranteed win, the Lakers absorbed one big loss. Every downslide for Lakers, means New Orleans Hornets could top the West, which means, more votes going the way of Chris Paul. LA-Charlotte game recap here.

Sad news 2 (at least, to me)… Been tied up with so much things, biz and personal, I am not able to write a lot here at Hoops basketball site. April, sched might change for the better.

Sad news 3… No PBA representation in the Champions Cup to be held May in Kuwait. A clear conflict for schedule between that and the PBA import-powered cup. Sta. Lucia, as Philippine Cup champions, was supposed to gear up in the Champions Tour. Consolation is, the PBA is amenable to SBP’s request, in beefing up an RP Team with PBA players for the Jones Cup in Taiwan. The Jones Cup will run after already three PBA teams are already out of PBA action. Simply put, LOSERS will enforce the RP Basketball team.

Sad News 3-a… Chua says, they’ll revert back to 3-conference PBA format. I like the 2 cup format, where it has long eliminations and classifications phases. Rather than have a ten game elims, as it used to be during the 3 conferences format. In NBA, they play freaking 82 games just to enter the playoffs and get the seedings. Why shorten the elims to 10 games? Besides, what are the Cup formats? All Filipino, 1-Import then 2 Imports Cups? Borrriiiinng. Even them, they know, great foreign players are playing in other Euro, Australian, China, Latin leagues, why force us to take 3rd tier imports for two cups equal to 5 months? If they will not incorporate a full-trottle invitational cup as the 3rd-conference (where they invite other champions fro other leagues), might as well scrap the 3 conference format. See, we are not blind, iba na panahon, we get to see NBA all day, all night, we now know the caliber of imports vis-a-vis NBA players. News link here. Good luck with the sloooooow PBA website.

Sad News 4… Timeout! Webber, calling it quits. Chronic knee problems (and age) will end for it Chris. Two times, he’s able to barge into the NCCA Finals, two times, he failed. His Sacramento Kings looked really close in making an NBA Finals trip. Almost. And oh by the way, remember, he’s that guy who called THE TIMEOUT. ESPN article here. Some memos… Webber’s legacy is sad one. Webber’s career path full of promise and pain. Webber’s career ends exactly like Penny’s

Sad news 5… Rommel Adducul diagnosed (and in treatment) with cancer. He has been diagnosed with stage 2 nasal pharynx cancer. This is one sad sad sad news. But I am hoping (and quite positive) that he’ll REBOUND on this one. Optimizing… the guy is a fighter, he’s an athlete, conditioned and might be able to absorb the chemo well, he has money, Purefoods (Or, SMC, hes a one time San Mig and Ginebra player) might support some medical bill and more importantly, he’s a believer, being a Born Again Christian… Our prayers Rommel, get well. News reports here.

Video: Lakers Rhapsody

Lead from Ball Don’t Lie.

Sydman’s Side Defect: ONE SUNDAY

I can’t help but feel robbed at the outcome of this year’s Ateneo-DLSU tilt. Yes, I know that the match was for charity and I was half-guessing myself whether or not I want to see a brawl between E-Vil and the Ninja but the latter part of the match has the outskirts of an epic encounter. Carlo Sharma being DLSU’s main man as a highlight considering that both Don Allado and Mark Telan were available. For the Eagle side, the usual suspect is drumroll… still Enrico Villanueva and he is battling the odds by his lonesome! I was really hoping that there would be an extra five minutes. Yeo played exceptional and so was Willy Wilson, Wesley Gonzales, and Larry Fonacier.

I’m happy to see Rich Alvarez playing again. He seemed second-guessing his moves but he’ll work it out when the Fiesta Cup starts. However, did you see his reaction when he was taken out by ADMU coach Chot Reyes in the dying seconds in favor of Olsen Racela? Obviously the former top pick was pissed. This goes to show how different is his career from the number two pick of his class James Yap. He needs a strong season in a couple of years or so if he wants to NOT become a draft bust.

Another highlight of the match was the Yeo / Villanueva faceoff. While there were no fireworks installed in this scenario, there were sighs and shrieks whenever Yeo penetrates to meet the Raging Bull in the frontcourt. There was also the head-to-head matchup between Mike Cortez and LA Tenorio. Recently the two figured in a trade which placed Tenorio to the Alaska Aces while Cortez switched to the Magnolia Masters.

In this trade pairing, I pity Racela. Remember when Tenorio was touted as the next Ra-Ra? Well, two years has passed and the results aren’t that productive. Either the Masters are itching for an instant morph or Tenorio just pissed someone off. Tenorio was really into Racela’s tutelage that he somewhat forgot that he was once a dreaded offensive bomb kit in his days as an Eagle and not some lackey to an aging vet. Yes, he got Racela’s minutes in the Philippine Cup but with Cortez in the thick of things, he’ll likely not go into anyone’s footsteps and would work the Masters in his own style. Racela would likely sing the swan song afterwards. When he played in the friendly, Ra-Ra was motioning to anchormen Sev Sarmenta and Andy Jao that he is too old for this. Either, his pointing out that he is the oldest player in both squads or, he is now leaning towards an assistant coach spot… which frequently happens nowadays especially in a SMC organization.

Speaking of which, WHAT IS UP with Studio 23 airing that PBA Game? I know, those schools are bannered entertainment-wise by the Barkada Channel but the actual PBA games are handled by ABC. We know that the PBA is up for grabs and almost every channel wants part of this. ABC though has first dibs on this now that they are morphing as a sports channel. However, given that the NBA games look like replays of the past (due to their crappy reception) and the quality of graphics are pretty much sad and worthless, I guess a transfer seems evident.

Studio 23’s reception is pretty clear compared to its counterpart but the non-cable public might find the games unwatchable since Studio 23 is a UHF channel. The college games aren’t registering big numbers for the reason that 23 is pretty far compared to the 2,4,5,7,9, and 13 fixtures. However, the league could benefit from the various tie-ups that the league could hold (among others, players going to talk shows, participating in an actual station ID and other promotional tools could take place).

If this happens, what will happen to ABC? They can’t tell the public they’re the Idol Network because they lost that to GMA (after a disastrous Philippine Idol campaign). And now that the exodus of PBA is looming, they cannot twist reality and still call themselves Pumped and Loaded! I guess House of Hoops could save them…

Bobby Yan?

Hell no.

Finally the last stop of this cranium bashing is probably Ken Bono. Alongside Fonacier, they were part of the trade that sent Cortez and Tenorio to switch places. Fonacier will definitely be used by the Aces. In the Philippine Cup, the Aces had to use Aaron Aban due to lack of depth. It’s not like that Aban is no good, but he hasn’t developed the way the Aces want him to turn out. Jeff Cariaso, despite playing an exceptional Phil Cup is a year or two away from retiring. Fonacier is a good blend of inside and outside and while his defense is questionable at times, it is not something Jojo Lastimosa can’t take care off. Bono on the other hand met (or was handed) career suicide when he was shipped to the insanely beefed up frontline of the Magnolia Masters. Just when it sucked when he had to play behind (or before) Sonny Thoss, Reynel Hugnatan, John Ferriols, JR Quinahan, Junjun Cabatu, and Eddie Laure, he had to play with Villanueva, Wilson, Dorian Pena, Danny Ildefonso, a Magnolia import, Danny Seigle (if he shows up to become a PF), Racela (if he decides to play PF) and others.

Now if he thinks he’s a dud playing for Alaska… this would further furnish the said feat.

You can surf porn now.

Weekend Basketball Bitstuff 4: PBA Trade, CP3-MVP and Republika Ginebra

Blessed Holy Week to all you folks…


Tenorio, Fonacier for Ken Bono and Cortez

I’ll score this one in favor of Alaska. It gives Alaska one legit playmaker (Cortez is more of a scoring point guard) in Tenorio and finally, they have one reliable outside shooter that will help them spread the floor. Fonacier is the perfect replacement for an aging Cariaso. Larry should be able to cover the position vacated by Jojo Lastimosa, a dead shot 2-guard. The two will surely complement their remaining inside players (Hugnatan, Feriols and Thoss). Mike Cortez who was drafted by Alaska, first pick. Projected to be Johnny A’s heir hasn’t really lived up to that billing. Injuries coupled with Alaska’s disciplined offense are factors with his so-so Alaska resume.

CP3-4-MVP

Tired of Lebron - Kobe MVP debate? Here’s a break, see this site, the Chris Paul for MVP website. Frankly his numbers are better than the Nash MVP years and the Hornets are contending for the top spot in the deep deep West. That makes him a legit MVP candidate. What’s wrong with the drive is that, after hitting on the CP34MVP site, it leads to a (s)crappy MYSPACE site, where commenting is free-4-all. Thus, CP3 is being grilled on his own campaign site.

Republika Ginebra

Being a basketball-crazed nation where you can find an improvised basketball ring/board/ goal or whatever you call it, in almost every street corner, this “Barangay Giñebra” phenomenon may not be anymore a novelty but an articulation of an intrinsic kinship that cuts across social classes and demographics. Proof of this common bond between Barangay Giñebra “citizenry” was exercised when it revealed its potent force through its voting power that catapulted former playing coach Robert Jaworski to gain a senatorial seat in 1998 elections. This is an affirmation that indeed, Barangay Giñebra is now beyond the territorial boundaries of the basketball hardcourts and already penetrated other playing fields like politics and popular culture.

Sydman’s Side Defect: THE RIGHT SHIFT

SYDMAN’S SIDE DEFECT: THE RIGHT SHIFT

There are four players that switched teams in the course of the Philippine Cup and their results vary. As of this moment, there are a lot of talks of player movement as we have heard a couple as of this writing.

I guess the best player to come of the midseason trade was Asi Taulava. His scoring doubled and he recorded import-like numbers in terms of rebounding.

ASI TAULAVA as a Talk N Text Phone Pal:

G	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
10	9.6	11.1	1.5	0.4	0.4

As a Coca-Cola Tiger:

G	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
14	21.2	16.6	3.3	0.5	0.8

Overall:

G	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
24	16.4	14.3	2.5	0.5	0.6
	UP	UP	UP	UP	UP

NOTE: For the Phone Pals, it seems he was not the problem as the team suffered repetitive setbacks throughout the conference. For Coke, his entry was nitro in their engines as they revved up big time to become one of the league’s biggest shockers. Asi also helped the Tigers to eliminate his former team with two crucial wins in the homestretch.

Also gaining a lot from the trade was Gabby Espinas. Espinas played just two games for the Magnolia Masters playing behind Danny Ildefonso, Enrico Villanueva, Dorian Pena, Danny Seigle, Willy Wilson, and Samigue Eman. His entry with the Air21 Express gave him playing time and perhaps a rebirth in his otherwise dreadful PBA stint. Read more

Sydman’s Side Defect: THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINE CUP

Sydman’s Side Defect: THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINE CUP

Conference MVP:

KELLY WILLIAMS – Who do you expect? The team most likely to join Welcoat in the cellars became the conference’s biggest shocker. He had everything from clutch baskets, to stellar feats of athleticism… even making Tim Cone angry. Yes, the surprise find in the States just became the biggest sensation of the tourney.

The Runners-Up:

Kerby Raymundo

Willie Miller

THE First Team:

Forward: KELLY WILLIAMS – I could write something about the Machine Gun but you’re definitely the laziest man on earth to not even look north of what you’re reading right now.

…

Bitch.

G	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
32	17.7	11.7	1.7	1.0	0.6

Forward: KERBY RAYMUNDO – For a guy who is Purefoods’ Mr. Do-It-All, the elusive Best Player trophy proved unreachable. The other thing that should bug him is that his last shot in Game 7 could have urged a run for the Giants. There is always next time…

G	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
31	16.2	9.4	4.6	0.8	0.3

Guard: WILLIE MILLER – Remember when I had the Power Ten and Miller was topping the charts with his impressive all-around performance? Especially his scoring… WOW. Unfortunately for him he lost the scoring title. To whom you may ask?

G	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
28	22.2	5.0	5.0	1.2	0.1

Guard: JAMES YAP – Yes, the heart and soul of the current Purefoods franchise was the league’s best scorer in the tourney. His intensity towards the best was menacing and evil. Had he played in that pivotal Game 5, should that spark a change?

G	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
31	22.8	3.6	1.4	0.7	0.2

Center: ASI TAULAVA – Finally the return of the Rock. The Lava-Man seemed doomed at Talk N Text but he experienced career rebirth when he was traded to the Tigers. Aside from having monster games, he gave Coca-Cola a winning attitude (for a while).

G	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
24	16.4	14.3	2.5	0.5	0.6

Read more

One for Kobe

It’s official! March 12 2008 is Kobe Bryant Blog Day!

*Cheers Cheers*

So this one’s a message to my fellow hoops blink writers, PAY HOMAGE TO THE GUY!

Ok let’s start..

If there’s one thing everyone can agree about on Kobe Bryant, it’s that this guy is man of extreme followers. There are an awful lot of critics, semi critics and critic-wannabes who criticizes this man while on the other side of the table, lies the die hard fans of Kobe who’d live and die defending him.

Critics always criticizes Kobe’s style of play, especially on how he forces shots, rarely passes and how he wanted out of his current team (I don’t think that can be said about him right now). While other people just wants to keep on hating, saying he’s never gonna be like Mike, he never was, never are and never will be close to MJs type of game. Read more

Super Rookies: The Top 10 Individual Rookie Performers in the Philippine Cup

If we would base the ROY award on their team’s perfomance, Ryan Reyes would be a runaway winner with Chico Lanete coming in as a distant second. That’s why I took the liberty to sum up the 10 best individual rookie perfomers of the Philippine conference. I’ll base it on their overall efectiveness on the hard court, their statistical output and their overall importance on their team. So here we go..

10) JR Quinahan - Alaska Aces (3.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.5 BPG)

This former green lancer had a great start in the Philippine Conference. But as the conference goes by, Coach Tim Cone opted to use his veterans more than this rookie. However, despite the limited minutes, Quinahan proved that he’s one heck of a prospect, especially on the defensive side of the court.

9) Samigue Eman - Magnolia Beverage Masters (4.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.8 BPG)

Just like Quinahan, Eman had a hard time breaking in to the Magnolia rotation. Despite sharing his minutes with Enrico Villanueva, Danny Ildefonso, Dorian Pena and Willie Wilson, Eman still found a way to show that the Bev Masters didn’t waste their draft pick on him.

8) JC Intal - Air 21 Express (6.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.9 APG)

One can argue that this was a disappointing season for JC Intal. However, another can argue that sharing your minutes with bigtime scorers like Arwind Santos and KG Canaleta should affect his effectiveness on the court too. Read more

On the Bestern and the Leastern Conference

The playoffs is just around the corner, with approximately 20 games to play for each team, who would’ve expected that a team with a 30-32 record would be sitting pretty in one of the playoff seats while on the other hand, teams with 41-22, 40-23, 39 - 23 and 37 - 25 records are still in danger of not making it to the Playoffs.

It sure sucks to be in the Western Conference now, huh AI? Playing with a team with talents like Carmelo, Marcus and K-Mart, isn’t it ironic that the team you left behind is now sitting pretty at the seventh seat in the Eastern playoff race while your team is in deep danger of getting eliminated early?

Same goes with Mike Bibby and the Kings. Somewhere, somehow, I can hear Mike laughing. Because his new team is fighting for the eight and final spot in the Playoffs while Sac-town, his former team, with better record by the way, is half a step out of the Playoff picture in the West. Read more

Sta. Lucia - Forecasts From Hell

Now they’ve won the PBA’s ultimate crown, what if the championship fever goes into their cocojam and they all go nuts. They are the champions, nothing to prove anymore eh?

This article forecasts the worst case and absurd scenarios for Sta. Lucia franchise.

1. Joseph Yeo - Feeling he’s now one of the established 2-guard, decides to revert to his Coca-Cola trigger happy - bad shot selection - argue with his coach - ways.

2. Nelbert Omolon - Feeling he’s one of Sta Lucia’s pillars, looks for a max deal extension. Getting the adulation of some female fans, decides to break up with his white GF. He’ll then regret this for the rest of his life.

3. Marlou Aquino - Returns to his lazy ways, then retires then puts up a busines: INTERNET CAFE! ANd we all know, Internet Cafe biz is not for the long haul, 3 years later, he’ll start the MARLOU AQUINO BIG MAN CAMP. Where, he’ll teach players 6-5 players and up the art of tanking, mailing-in a season or two, scoop shots, kili-kili shots (Volumes I - XII) and finally… HOW TO DO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERVIEWS 101.

4. Paolo Mendoza - Due to his limited playing time with the emergence of Yeo, requests a trade for coke. Insiders says, he misses Cabagnot a lot. Read more

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