Eyes on the Puppet! (the installment column)

Something made me crazily-pissed as I read the dailies this August 31, 2009.

By the way, Happy National Heroes’ Day to all!

I read about Bill Velasco’s Philippine Star column. The column is all about the hottest news of the PBA right now… and this is not Josh Urbiztondo’s signing with the Sta. Lucia Realtors. The thing is this – Japeth Aguilar joined the PBA Draft so he could play for the Powerade-RP Team in the FIBA-Asia tilt.

While I just finished writing a Japeth piece less than 24 hours ago… all I can is this is BULLS#!%!

The sense of patriotism he had 24 hours ago was basically replaced by an aura of selfishness! Who do you think he is taking an unsuspecting team hostage! Burger King has every right to get fooled here because he is the top prospect and they are the owners of the top pick. Like I said, he will fool everyone if this is the case since he is a sought-after find. It is not like he was a former MyMVP player trying his luck to join the pros! He is Japeth Aguilar damn it, a 6’9 standout from a Division 1 NCAA school!

When Ronnie Nathanielsz said that the PBA doesn’t have any reasons to ban him, he must not be thinking right. For a guy who has been a pillar in the PBA during the Vintage days and the post-Vintage days, he must know that they are a private entity. In his column, Bill Velasco cited Duke University’s Danny Ferry. Ferry played overseas rather than play for the LA Clippers. Smart move… if he didn’t do that, he probably won’t get traded to Cleveland where he was offered a 10-year deal. Sure, Ferry ended his career as a 6’10 beanpole that is only good outside the three-point area but at least he won a NBA title… with the San Antonio Spurs.

If a ban takes place, can Japeth play in the NBA? NBDL? Europe? CBA (the Chinese league)? Singapore Slingers???

If he wanted to stay as an amateur, the PBA will still ask him to play for the team. In 1992, another Duke star Christian Laetner was the token amateur guy in the USA Basketball team that was dubbed “The Dream team”. Former NCAA standouts Duke U’s J.J. Redick and Gonzaga’s Adam Morrison were taken in by current Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski to compete for roster spots during the “Redeem Team” road to the 2008 Beijing games.

Actually, you don’t need to go far with the examples. During the road to the 2006 FIBA-Asia Championships in Tokushima, RP coach Chot Reyes was in the U.S. when he saw a former George Mason standout that is half-Filipino. Yes, this is Gabe Norwood. He was discovered years after Chot Reyes discovered another Fil-Am in Kelly Williams.

If this was the case, he should have stated this early and not shock people about your determination to play for your “motherland”. He should have told team officials that he might linger to the RP Team so they could “draft” him but they’ll have to pay for the consequences.

Case in point: Jason Castro. The former many-time PBL MVP applied to the PBA draft in 2008 even if he had an existing contract with the Singapore Slingers. He was exercising his options when the fact aroused that the Slingers would no longer compete in Australia’s National Basketball League. Even if Talk N Text knows his situation, Castro was selected third overall. When it was sure for him to detach with the Slingers, Castro’s handlers baited PBA legend Johnny Abarrientos and PBA hopeful Al Vergara to replace Castro. The Slingers opted for Vergara, who saw brief action with the Purefoods Giants in last season’s Fiesta Cup (midway in the season, Vergara was called back and Purefoods had no choice but to put him in the reserved list to honor his commitment to play for Singapore).

Whatever he is doing, this is blatant arrogance. Who is pulling the strings in this puppet? When the Grizzlies were still in Vancouver, Steve Francis resisted playing for the squad. This led one of the largest trades in NBA history. While there were no stars in the trade, Vancouver collared Antoine Carr, Othella Harrington, Brent Price, Michael Dikkerson and a second-round pick. At least Vancouver had players. Burger King was left high and dry.

Remember when Alex Cabagnot used to act as a tool? Since then he has been an outstanding member of the PBA community. He signs autographs; Coke hasn’t had any AWOL issues. Hell, he even led the league in assists and steals per game, and was second to Kelly Williams in minutes per game!

But still, people think of him as a bad fate waiting happen.

Why?

Because first impressions last.

Game over.

Happy Birthday Chrisangelo! - My 19th Birthday Basketball Wishlist

Actually my birthday ended about 17 minutes ago but what the heck, it has been one super busy week so don’t expect me to do any extra-curricular activities on time. So yeah, just yesterday I celebrated my birthday and just like any other typical college boy, I too have my own wishlist on my birthday. That of course includes an IPhone, a custom classic Fender Jazz Bass, an M17x Alienware laptop, Jessica Gomes and Jessica Gomes’ used underwear (lol) but since non of those things that I’ve mentioned above are possible right now, I have to be contented with Sydman sending me birthday kisses (I puked while I said that) over at Facebook. And other than seeing Marlou Aquino on a porn flick.. that probably is one of the worst things I can ever see in my entire life. Lol

Anyway, off we go to the sport that I loved ever since August 30 1990… Cricket.

Oh snap, here are my 5 basketball related wishes for my birthday

1) For the Philippines to gain respect once again in Asian Basketball

8th place finish. Well it’s actually better than the last time right? Atleast we made the quaterfinals right? Are you all guys contented with that? I’m not. Right now, we are ranked at number 53 in the FIBA World Basketball Rankings. Exactly how bad is that? Right behind us is a country called Cape Verde, have you heard of it in terms of basketball related stuff? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

For a country that loves basketball so much, it’s tough to see our team sucking in the sport. We probably have more courts on the streets than Argentina has on their whole country combined. But why do we suck so much in a sport almost everyone loves in this country? Is that even a question? Read the newspapers and you’ll see one major reason.

Politics. Yes, the Filipino people apparently loves politics so much, even in basketball they practice it. SBP vs BAP. PBA vs Smart Gilas. If we can’t even pull our shit in our own country together then how can we expect brighter things ahead in international competitions? If we want to become a respected basketball entity in Asia again, this basketball organizing body conflict bullshit has to stop.

2) Atleast 2 more rings for Kobe and the Lakeshow

It’s no secret. I’m a big Laker fan and watching Kobe and the Lakers pull it off last year was probably the most satisfying feeling I’ve had in years. Seeing all the haters shut up for atleast a month or two was fun. Now if only we can shut them off for.. let’s say.. for life, it would be better.

How would it be possible? Well, atleast 2 more rings for Kobe Bryant and he’s on par with Mike on the ring count. It’s not even that far fetched.. the Ron Artest signing and LO’s decision to sign with the Lakers again make this wish one huge possibility.

3) For AI to finally find a team

I’m not a fan of Allen Iverson but it’s tough to see someone like him exit the NBA this way. I mean, he prolly could go down in history as one of the best scorers ever (Top 10 maybe) and to see him go down this way sucks. Sure, he hasn’t been that hot as of late, but he’s definitely not Stephon Marbury. This guy can still contribute and give you respectable numbers night in and night out. Plus, he’s a competitor so.. hopefully he finds a team that will suit him.

4) More teams in the PBA

I’m getting bored with the PBA to be honest with you. With the SMC franchise hogging every player possible and MVP using Burger King as his own basketball player fast food, everything is looking so predictable now. However, if only we could get some of our local business tycoons into basketball we could atleast control the power in the PBA. One named being thrown around is SM’s Henry Sy . It would be cool to see them around considering they have the money and the resources to pay big time players and compete with the San Miguel and the PLDT franchise.

5) Marlou Aquino’s retirement

Hey Syd! Do you really think I’m going to end this entry without taking a shot at my favorite player, Marlou Aquino? Hahaha

Marlou Aquino needs to retire and hopefully he will. The last time I saw him play with heart and an actual drive to win was during his days with Jawo and the storied Ginebra team. After parting ways with Robert Jaworski and the thousands of Ginebra fans, Marlou lost the fire that he once had when he was with the Gins. From being a major low post threat, he became a punching bag for bloggers and fans which I know breaks Sydman’s heart everytime he reads it.

So for your fans’ sake Marlou and thank God I’m not one of them.. you need to retire.

That’s it folks. My five basketball related birthday wishes, I know at some point most of those things that I’ve mentioned above will come true.. just wait and see. hahaha

A thorn between two lovers (of basketball)

Hmmm… so the Japeth Aguilar saga continues?

Burger King’s top guy has ever reason to get pissed at Japeth. The former WKU standout is about to face a brutal punishment for his intentions to not sign with the Whoppers so he could help the Smart-Gilas national team in international competition.

Since he arrived in the Philippines, Japeth is been RP basketball’s most sought player. After weeks of speculation, Aguilar finally decided to play for the PBA. Yeng Guiao was helpful to get this guy’s nod, with the coach a Pampanga native, just like Japeth’s dad, former RP team and PBA player Peter. However, Yeng Guiao will not coach the Burger King Whoppers for long… as he is about to run for the governor position in Pampanga.

With Japeth joining the PBA, he was automatically included to the list of cagers to play in the 2009 FIBA-Asia Championships in Tianjin. He was tested at the Jones Cup and while he was a late addition, he showed a lot of potential. In Tianjin, while he delivered a strong debut, he missed three games due to fever. When he returned, he was seldom used. I guess the feeling was he could have helped more for the Powerade team had he had more minutes. Sure, his repertoire was more of dunks and presence but he wasn’t really struggling, unlike Arwind Santos, Kerby Raymundo, and Jayjay Helterbrand. But hey, its not like we can do anything to salvage a top spot. While in the Iran game Japeth wasn’t fielded, the international competition just became too complicated for our PBA team to endure.

So this could probably be one of the reasons why Aguilar is joining the “other” side.

Let’s compare three first rounders who didn’t play for the teams that drafted them.

In 2000, Purefoods selected Dino Aldaguer as their third pick overall. Aldaguer was a top DLSU guard, actually one of the cornerstones of their championship runs. At this point, all the big amateur names were being lured to the allure of the Metropolitan Basketball Association. At hindsight, Dino Aldaguer wasn’t a top three player, but with the draft depth rather borderline ghastly, the Hotdogs had no choice but to selected the best player available. Aldaguer failed to win a spot in their rotation and was sent to the free agent pool. Luckily, Alaska signed him (they just had Aldaguer’s teammate Don Allado). After a brief stint with the Aces, he signed with the MBA’s Negros Slashers and ICTSI in the PBL.

A couple of years back, new team Welcoat Dragons selected Abby Santos as their first ever draft pick (tenth overall). Santos hails for UP, he is bulky and while he has questionable offense, his defense could improve. The problem is, despite the obvious lack of credible manpower (and size), Santos didn’t sign. He ended up playing for the Lhuillier club in the PBL. He did end up in the PBA as a free agent for Air21 and TNT but he barely played for both squads. He is now in Liga Pilipinas.

The problem with Japeth Aguilar is that he was a first pick overall. BK is in grave need for height and it seems that it is Japeth’s task to give them their first championship. Before the draft the Whoppers traded Arwind Santos to San Miguel for a draft pick, Marc Pingris and Kenneth Bono (Pingris has been since sent to Purefoods while Bono could see action in Coke). Without Santos and Aguilar, the Whoppers will continue to have a lack of size and now… with only Gary David as the only superstar in the squad. This is actually the fault of Yeng Guiao’s no star player system… and they seem to be paying for it.

So let’s predict how the Japeth Aguilar situation could end:

1) PBA BANS JAPETH: Alvarez blames veteran sportsman Ronnie Nathanielsz for giving Aguilar bad advice. With the setup of Smart-Gilas, Japeth could try to play in European leagues to further hone his skills. Smart-Gilas coach Rajko Toroman believes that Japeth could play in Europe. This is a better route actually if he wants to get recognition in international play. Problem is, at this point, Japeth could pretty much be a benchwarmer there. Best bet for him is to go for the Asian Professional League that will be institutionalized this year. If he could dominate there, maybe a chance in Europe could be inevitable.

2) THE SMART – TNT CONNECTION: While Smart-Gilas says they have nothing to do with Japeth’s decision, they could be looking at a possible trade to acquire Aguilar. Of course, this could be mean that they need to give away a couple of their bigs (either a 1 on 1 trade to involve Ranidel de Ocampo and Ali Peek… or a two-on-one trade that could give the Whoppers either Yancy de Ocampo, Renren Ritualo, Jason Castro, the San Beda Connection, or a draft pick). Of course, we are talking about TNT and Burger King, who have been doing lopsided trades since time immemorial (with BK getting the weaker side of things). This solves the Aguilar case for BK, with the team still in need of a star player.

3) WHAT’S THE PROBLEM, ANYWAY?: Lito Alvarez has expressed a go-signal for Aguilar to do extra-curricular things. This is a like an open marriage of sorts. Aguilar can push through his dreams of playing in the RP Team and at the same time, he’ll have a PBA team to back him up. With a maximum salary, this is a great place to be at, money-wise and star-wise. But in order for this to work, both sides need to compromise.

Whoever is telling Japeth what to do, I suggest they ponder on the second scenario. But in order for this to work, they need to not put BK in a place where they cannot get a proper player. TNT is flushed with talents. With Nic Belasco in the team, some of their players are dispensable.

But the most important thing here is that someone needs to sort this. No one wants a person to get banned especially with his talent. While Japeth holding out means he is a “diffucult” person to deal with, there is no question about his potential to succeed. But let this be a lesson for officials and players in the near future…

If undecided… don’t commit. And don’t commit on undecided players. Why? So this would be the last time a party “gays” out of a responsibility.

Game over.

HooPh Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-08-30

• whos the best to never play in the nba? i like the 2nd answer. haha http://bit.ly/k2pQx
  - ben #
• baseball’s lebron james. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1156215/index.htm - ben #
• saying “yamamoto maki gyoza” will take longer than watching this 2 sec fight http://bit.ly/QQXYF
  (via ballhype) - ben #
• man, kobe turned 31. from phenom to a player with the most venom! http://bit.ly/NmklV
  - ben #
• no giles for gilas? http://bit.ly/99Mkf
  - ben #
• shouldn’t there be a fiba mideast? http://bit.ly/F8OJ9
  - ben #
• the aguilar-burger king isnt a slam dunk. ronnie nathanielzzzz maybe pulling some strings. theres this aguilar to gilas talk. #
• the asean basketball will work says turner.i hope so. http://bit.ly/1Lc8vN #
• japeth to go with gilas. risks lifetime pba ban. lito alvarez is smoking mad now. pba, where mockery happens. http://bit.ly/llHGH #
• michael jordan highlights never get old. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/features/jordan23 #
• interesting basketball site: points in the paint. check it in. http://pointsinthepaint.com/ #

Hard Balls: Ball2x

Scene starts with Ocho trying hard to get into the YM conference room. Chrisangelo just ate chicken intestines while I was slacking off at work.

The Sydman: Weh! Wala pa si Ocho eh!

Chrisangelo: What now?

The Sydman: Hehe! Ateneans suck in YM.

Welcome to Hard Balls. Previously we laid waste on the Sri Lankan basketball team.

Here is the link of Hard Balls: Unang Putok - http://hoops.blink.ph/2009/08/07/hard-balls-unang-putok/

And here are the aftereffects of the conversation!

The Sydman: hmmm… mark will kill us We made something that really sounds racist! Tinanggal ko na ang mga stereotypes pero wala pa rin eh. Baka multuhin tayo ng mga critics!

Chrisangelo: We’ll be like Basketbawful: The most awesome blog site in the world!

The Sydman: Like I said, The Boss will kill us!

Chrisangelo: How will he? He’ll E-KILL us pare! That’s how?!?

The Sydman: He’ll impose a 50 percent reduction on our posts!

Chrisangelo: Oh snap!

The Sydman: Now you understand!!!

Chrisangelo: Shit! Holy shit! If The Boss lowers our pay… SHIT!

Yes, we care too much on our writing. We are that damn caring. But we are also not racists.

The Sydman: Are Sri Lankans reading this?

Chrisangelo: I don’t know. Hopefully not.

The Sydman: Can they read? Can they read English?

Chrisangelo: Dude Ronnie Nathanielsz is a Sri Lankan citizen! Patay tayo pare!

The Sydman: Hindi speech defect yung mga resounding R’s niya?!? I can’t diss Sri Lankans now! Why can’t he be from Syria or Abu Dhabi???

Yes we are degenerates but we still respect all pioneers of sports broadcasting.

Well… that was until Chow Time’s Bobby Yan tried his luck in sports casting. How he made the transition to PBL from Philippine Bengga Association is beyond me.

Chrisangelo: I don’t know maybe his parents were born in Sri Lanka? Maybe that’s why he can’t be from Syria!

The Sydman: Is “The Boss” related to those guys?

Chrisangelo: Hopefully not or we all won’t have writing gigs by tomorrow!

And we STILL have writing gigs… prompting us to redo our twisted anecdotes. So before we start, let it be known that all of the words uttered in this article are purely for fun and is not meant to hurt people. Please… if you want to say something bad… TRY NOT TO!

The Ocho: Woohoo! The power of diskarte!

The Sydman: Sabi ni Chris you can’t get through because you’re an Atenean and he’s from Letran!

Chrisangelo: What the fuck man!

The Sydman: Admit it!

Chrisangelo: You’re good in making up stories!

The Ocho: For the sake of parity, I accept it!

BREAKDOWN!

ACT 1: The QUICKIES

A.k.a. Topic Shorties!

The Ocho: Smart Gilas or Team Pilipinas?

The Sydman: Team Pilipinas!

The Ocho: Agree. But I think they should just combine forces. Jeez! Too much pride!

Chrisangelo: Where will Allen Iverson land?

The Sydman: Sta. Lucia once the Fiesta conference starts!

Chrisangelo: Or he’ll probably be naturalized by the Jordanians! Man, that team naturalizes everything! EVEN THE NAME OF THEIR COUNTRY IS NATURALIZED!

The Sydman: Even Mark Andaya?

Chrisangelo: Dude, this is knacks on Jordan… get it? Jordan = Name = Naturalized… get it?

The Ocho: SLR? Dark horse baby! Marlou’s playing for a contract so expect him to play with gusto!

The Sydman: Marlou is awesome! If he goes to Jordan he’ll get naturalized! Then he’ll become SLR’s most awesome import!

Cybersilence.

Chrisangelo: Where’s the “duh” emnoticon when you need it?

The Ocho: Yeah…

ACT 2: The MAIN DISH!

Here is the article’s big read!

The Sydman: Ito na lang: if we are going to pick 12 players for the “HOOPS basketball RP team”… who will they be? Ocho will start with one name… then chris… and then me! We’ll veto the names we hate! Ocho, who’s your top pick?

The Ocho: Japeth Aguilar should be there.

The Sydman: Okay Chris… your turn.

Chrisangelo: CJ Giles.

CJ Giles is Rajko Toroman’s newly-acquired naturalized player. He played for Kansas and Oregon State in the NCAA and was once signed by the Los Angeles Lakers during the preseason of the 2008-09 NBA season.

The Sydman: Actually this is what the Powerade-PBA team lacked: a naturalized guy. So we have Japeth and CJ Giles. So that means… Cyrus Baguio! Love the Kenneth Duremdes style he gave in the RP stint! Ocho’s next!

The Ocho: Hmmm… we need a PG… Ryan Reyes!

The Sydman: Chris, Ocho said Ryan Reyes. Do you agree?

Chrisangelo: Yes.

The Sydman: Your turn.

Chrisangelo: Dondon Hontiveros. Still the best 2 guard in the league right now. Can shoot 3’s, can pull up, can drive, and can take fadeaways…

The Sydman: Ocho do you agree with this? I think he’s old.

Chrisangelo: Still reliable pare.

The Ocho: Hmmm… shooter… maybe a bit early, but I agree. You next, Syd?

The Sydman: I’m going to say Kelly Williams. Agree or disagree?

Chrisangelo: Agree.

The Ocho: Definitely agree. Ok I’m next! Hmmm… Gabe Norwood is a good utility guy to have. Wait, we can pick from the Smart-Gilas folks, right?

The Sydman: Yes, Chris… your turn.

Chrisangelo: Me and Ocho are talking in another window now Syd… and we’re making fun of you!

The Ocho: Chris was just joking…

The Sydman: I hate you guys!

Chrisangelo: My next pick… tada! JARED DILLINGER! He’s the energy guy! He can shoot the threes, can drive and defend!

The Ocho: So far, the team is athletic!

The Sydman: My next pick is Sonny Thoss. The guy was something else in that Tianjin meet.

The Ocho: I’m still iffy on Thoss.

The Sydman: He was better than Arwind Santos and Kerby Raymundo!

Chrisangelo: Definitely.

The Sydman: I like to say Yancy de Ocampo, but he needs to get back his old confidence.

From a guy being lured to play in USBL, the former St. Francis Dove was relegated to a lucrative benchwarmer.

The Ocho: Okay, let me give the first surprise: Mark Barroca! This isn’t about looks anyways! Seriously speaking, he looks like the PG of the future and for the country! He plays with savvy.

The Sydman: Yes! Barocca looks like a CPU…

Chrisangelo: 11th pick would be Jimmy Alapag!

The Sydman: Well I was hoping someone will say Alapag.

Chrisangelo: Jimmy is the best international point guard we have. He has a huge heart, makes good decisions, and can shoot threes on a consistent basis.

The Ocho: Looks like a good PG lineup: Ryan Reyes, Barroca, and Alapag!

Chrisangelo: We need a bigman Syd! You’re the 12th pick! Make or break!

The Sydman: Asi Taulava. He’s old but he’s still feared. This is like when Khatib (the Lebanese player) feared Alapag. And with Giles here, he’ll be a great sub for him!

The Ocho: Even though he’s old, he can still kick ass… occasionally. Okay guys… how about alternates?

Chrisangelo: Dylan Ababou.

The Ocho: No love for Rabeh, huh?

Chrisangelo: You vote for Rabeh! You’re the Eagle guy!

The Ocho: I dunno if he’s okay for the international game. He’s not athletic enough and doesn’t jump as high.

Chrisangelo: I’m a former Tiger kid so I say Dylan. Syd will say Nino Gelig.

The Ocho: What, no Edmund Reyes or Binky Favis?

The Sydman: I will say Udoy Belmonte! Just kidding! I’ll go for Samigue Eman!

The Ocho: My alternates are Kerby Raymundo, Aldrech Ramos, and Jason Ballesteros.

The Sydman: Ugh. Kerby plays wild. I’d rather pick Ramos.

The Ocho: I’m thinking he deserves another run after a horrible Tianjin. He still has the experience. Looking at how the other countries performed, experience really counts!

The Sydman: Well… but we have too many old guys in the team like Baguio, Hontiveros, Thoss, Alapag and Asi although, I want to write Pennisi too.

The Ocho: Yeah… Ramos is a better pick. Iffy on Pennisi. Its better if we develop the young guys. Face it, we’ll be losing in the next few years so developing the young guys maybe the best way.

The Sydman: But in this lineup, we forgot the shooters!

The Ocho: No Chris Tiu? Hahahahaha! Overrated!

An Ateneo guy that isn’t part of the sect called Iglesia ni Chris Tiu?

This is… rare…

Also, at this point Chrisangelo had gone elsewhere.

The Sydman: Tiu is okay but he’s too small to be a SG in international play.

The Ocho: Unless he develops the other aspects of his game… he better develop ball handling.

The Sydman: Or better yet, learn to be a point guard.

The Ocho: Here’s a darkhorse: Chris Lutz. Fourth year player from Marshall University and he’s gonna be with Gilas. He is supposed to be a hell of a shooter. I saw some Youtube clips and he has a form like Richie Frahm. Remember him?

The Sydman: Yes I do remember Frahm. He played for TNT and Portland.

He also played for Gonzaga University. The Zags’ alums include Adam Morrison, Ronny Turiaf, 2009 draft pick Austin Daye, and Hall of Famer John Stockton.

The Ocho: Lutz’ form is just like him. He has a quick release… something Allan Caidic had and James Yap doesn’t. Maybe he’ll be good.

The Sydman: Yap is okay but if Lutz develops, he’ll be better. Guys in the PBA 27 above will have no chance of improving. That is why I am high in developing Sam Eman. Eman has size but lacks confidence.

I heard a rumor that Japeth Aguilar, Jason Castro, Larry Fonacier and Samigue Eman were among the names considered by Smart Gilas if they want to borrow players in the PBA. While it was only a rumor, it seems like Smart was bent to use those players with potential that are being misused by their mother clubs.

The Sydman: If SMB wont use him, how ‘bout they loan him to Smart Gilas?

The Ocho: Well he’s a low risk pick. How old is he… 25? Will he ever get playing time? He needs to get traded out of SMB! Go to SLR! Be the next Marlou! Yeah! Why not? He has a better chance there! SLR needs a center! They were desperate enough to get Mark Benitez… why not trade for Eman? Maybe SMB is asking for Kelly in return? No friggin’ way! Jason Ballesteros is also intriguing. Problem is, he has no offense… for now.

The Sydman: But anyway, he, Greg Slaughter, and that other guy in Visayas could go places in the Smart Gilas team.

The Ocho: Oh yeah… saw Slaughter play… medyo soft. Think James Walkvist… but he’s still young…

The Sydman: Soft now but that 6′11 height is something sacred.

The Ocho: Maybe they can develop his athleticism. He’s not slow like EJ Feihl though. That’s a plus!

Ending this without any semblance of a third installment seems brutal. Anyway, we will end this with a little blind item from Chrisangelo.

Chrisangelo: Psst! Sydboy! May scoop ako pare!

The scoop however was censored by Chrisangelo because he got scared! If you know the secret, your balls (if you are a man) will flip! It’s such a buttock-clenching moment but thanks to Chris, you’ll never see it! BLAME HIM!

Chrisangelo: Pero imagine Tol… Benhur being interviewed by Boy Abunda? SUSUNOOOOODDDDDD!

Benhur by this time WOULD probably hurt us!

Watch out for the third installment!

May Sydman na! May Chrisangelo pa! At higit sa lahat… May Ocho pa!

GAME OVER!

Polls: Smart Gilas FTW

UAAP Roundup

Two-thirds into Season 72 of the UAAP and surprisingly this is our first extended look into what has been an eventful season so far.  The multitude of player movements in the PBA, the rookie draft, and Team Pilipinas’ campaign in Tianjin has overshadowed the premier collegiate tournament of the country  (sorry NCAA) somewhat, but as this season winds down, the spotlight will be shining on the all the teams and its players.  Practically all 8 teams will have 4 playing dates left and they are jockeying for position to make the final Four, and win the championship. Here is my take on the UAAP as we approach the end of the elimination round.

 

POWER RANKINGS           

Contenders

 

1. Ateneo  - The Blue Eagles have picked of from last year, currently leading the field at 8 wins with a single loss.  Counting last year, they’re an amazing 24 – 2. They’ve coasted at times and prone to complacency, leading to their solitary loss to UP but on the big games they’ve shown up (witness their statement game in their 2^nd meeting against LaSalle).  This is probably their best chance to go back-to-back, their first since their glory days of 1987-1989 with Alex Araneta, Eric Reyes, and Jun Reyes.  It’s theirs to lose.

 

2. FEU – A week ago I would have given them the number 1 spot.  Was the hottest team with 8 straight wins leading into Sunday’s game against UE, then got ambushed by the Red Warriors. Still, they’ve showed that they are the team with the best chance of dethroning Ateneo with their combination of length, athleticism, and depth.  They have to prove that their stumble against UE was exactly that, just a stumble.  

3. UE – The Red Warriors are on a high, bouncing back big time after being beaten by Ateneo by stirring wins against Adamson and FEU.  They seem to be peaking at the right time and they have to tools to upset the top 2 teams.  They just need to show more consistency in playing at a high level.  They could very well sustain that as it is facing a relatively light schedule in its last 4 games by playing teams with worse records than they have. 

 

Iffy’s 

4. UST – The Tigers have the league’s best scorer in Dylan Ababou and employs a transition based offense not unlike Ginebra during the Jaworski days.  Coach Pido Jarencio has instilled this high octane offense, enabling them to lead the league in scoring.  Just like Ginebra before, however, the team is devoid of any low post threat. This inability to have an inside game has given them problems especially when the defense adjusts to them.  They can still pull off an upset or two but the lack of an inside presence is too glaring.

 

5. LaSalle – The Green Archers have been beaten by Ateneo 6 straight times already, dating back to last year.  Cleary this is not their year, hurt most by the graduation of resident stars JV Casio and Rico Maierhoffer.  They are in danger of missing the Final Four since 1998, Franz Pumaren’s 1^st year as coach.  This has caused clamor for him to be replaced (younger bro Dindo is waiting in the wings).  Come on fellas!  Is this the way you repay the man who has given you success and 5 titles over the past 11 years?  He deserves better.  Just accept the fact that not every year can be your year and other schools will be better. They’ll be scary next year though.  

Maybe next year

6. UP – Winless 2 years ago, 3 years last year, and 3 wins and counting this year, with wins against Ateneo and LaSalle.  They’ve shown steady progress.  Plays with a lot of heart, yet that can only get you so far.  Still the future is bright for the Maroons.  A lot of their defeats this year are of the heartbreaking kind, so with a little seasoning, and they could be where UST is at right now.   

7. Adamson – They have a more balanced lineup than UP, so they should be better than their record.  Chalk it up to youth and inexperience. Coach Leo Austria needs to be patient with his brood as they have potential, as shown with their win against LaSalle, but overall has performed below expectations this year.  They need an established go to guy to have a better shot next year.

 

8. NU – At times this team is agonizing to watch, especially if they go “threegger happy”.  It seems that all their plays have them shooting from beyond the arc, no matter the situation.  They need to show more discipline in their offense and more teeth in defense.  One game this year had Ateneo limiting them to single digits in the first 3 quarters of the game, scoring only 4 in one. Not surprisingly, they only made two 3-point shots the whole game.  Only 2 wins to show for the whole year, with victories with only with the lower tier teams (UP and Adamson).  They’re one team rooting for expansion next year. 

 

STARS 

• Rabeh Al-Hussaini: Ateneo (17.4 ppg 6.7rpg) – Reigning MVP isn’t even in the top 5 of the official rankings, but their record speaks volumes.  The Blue Eagles will not be where they are at without him. Defenses have adjusted to his play but his points remain the same.  Still 6.7 rebounds seem a bit low for someone who is supposed to be the league’s dominating center.

 

• Dylan Ababou: UST (20.2 ppg 7.0 rpg) – What playing for the national team can do for your game.  Nothing flashy, but plays with fundamentals.  Would be the runaway MVP by now had the Tigers sported a better record.  Don’t count them out in the Final Four. 

 

• Mark Barroca: FEU (13.7 ppg 5.6 rpg 3.0 apg 1.7 spg) – Another beneficiary of the Smart Gilas program.  So good that he is considered the best PG in the league, while playing at OG.  Led Harbor Center to championships in the PBL, trying to do the same for FEU. 

  

LOOK OUT FOR

• Aldrech Ramos: FEU (10.9 ppg 10.7 rpg 1.5 bpg) –Showed flashes last year, plays more this year, and averages a double-double. Gives you some of the most spectacular blocks in the UAAP.  Give him a few more pounds, a few more post up moves, more seasoning with Smart Gilas, and you have the league’s next dominating big man after Rabeh leaves. 

 

• Nico Salva: Ateneo (8.5 ppg 4.4 rpg) – Overshadowed by more highly touted rookie Ryan Buenafe last year Salva has steadily improved this year, almost quadrupling his scoring average from 2.6 to 8.5 this year.  He has compensated for Baclao’s scoring deficiencies and has become a reliable scorer off the bench.  Look for him to blossom next year with Rabeh and Nonoy graduating.  In the meantime, watch out for him during the warm-ups for few of his awesome dunks.

 

• Khazim Mirza: UST (15.4 ppg 8.2rpg) – Effectively playing second fiddle to Abbou. Mirza has seen his share of explosive and highlight plays (dunked over Salva in their first meeting).  Also has a deadly 3-point shot.  Expect him to be the main man when Dylan leaves next year.  Needs to bulk up more.

 

 

MISSING IN ACTION 

• LaSalle Stars – Last year you had Casio and Maierhoffer. Before that you had Yeo and Cardona.  And so on, and so on.  This year you don’t have any household names.  Nobody stepped up for the Gang Green this year.  This after having supposed to be having the best recruiting class for the school in recent memory.  Rumors of discord within the team abound.  Most telling stat: no one is averaging double digits.

 

• Ryan Buenafe: Ateneo (4.5 ppg 3.7 rpg) – Seems to be in the proverbial sophomore slump.  His move towards the bench was with the hope that he will be the main scorer but for now that seems to have transferred over to his batchmate, Salva.  A combination of inconsistent outside shot, defenses now more prepared for his drives, and an apparent lack of conditioning have contributed to this.  He is too talented to be performing this way.

 

• Jewel Ponferada: NU (8.1 ppg 6.9 rpg) – Luster in name hasn’t been translating to game. Talent supposed to be better than his numbers.  Last year he was regularly dunking in games, this year no recorded slams.  Maybe because of all the 3’s his teammates are putting up. 

  

 

Fastbreaks: Smart Gilas now officially takes over the national team.  SBP head Noli Eala wants no pros, Coach Toroman wants at least 3 (Aguilar, Dillinger, and Norwood).  And I though they were supposed to be having a unified program…..Speaking of Eala, could it be a case of sour-graping after being booted out of the PBA 3 years ago?…….Please give Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes a chance to play.  I know they want another chance after being hit with injuries…..They’ve finally signed up CJ Giles for the team.  Here’s hoping that he can help the Team Pilipinas  immediately by giving them an inside defensive presence, and in the future, marrying and having Fil-Am kids……PBA off-season almost over, with Purefoods and Talk N Text already with complete lineups. Can’t wait for Oct. 11 for the opening…..”Dead God, My old coach now wants me and I hope you can help me sign with the Bobcats. I will definitely practice, but will not come off the bench.  Thanks.  Allen Iverson”

HooPh Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-08-23

• #fibaasia2009 finals update: Iran dominating in the half 42-25. Man, that’s an inspired team right there #
• It’s official. The power in Asian basketball has shifted, Iran wins gold medal, 72-50 #fibaasia2009 -Chrisangelo #
• china’s big time error was committd not just last night, it’s 2 yrs ago, when they sent china team B to the fiba2007.Iran began to believe. #
• team pinas forecast: 2007, 9th place. 2009 fiba, 8th. i did my math and follow the trend, we would be asian hoops champs again in 2023. -ben #
• true story: allan caidic will play for team philippines again. http://bit.ly/2mZDWu
  - ben #
• shaq says he wants to return to lakers nxt yr. here’s the vote: kobe says no,pau says no,buss says no,bynum says no.the show is over shaq. #
• RT @tweetmeme 5 Kick Ass Baseball Fight Videos http://bit.ly/lnH73 #
• powerade team pinas, talo na sa fiba09, talo pa kay toroman… - http://bit.ly/17LIPg
  ben #
• rp basketball and deep-fried tempura by mico halili… http://bit.ly/34N646 #
• ninoy day today! “the filipino is worth it” says cory and ninoy. http://bit.ly/OilSO
  - ben #

Survivor Bolado

First of all, this isn’t about basketball. However, once, this guy was part of basketball. If you think about it… he still is. I am talking about the luckiest man in Philippine Basketball, Chris “Lucky or Jumbo” Bolado.

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The FILIPINO FLASH REPORT: PLANT MORE POWER!

Nonito Donaire aims to be the next Manny Pacquiao. He wants to reign all the alphabet soup organizations in the world and became a multi-division champion.

This could happen… if he gets his power to climb too.

Last August 16, Nonito Donaire Jr. captured the interim WBA superflyweight crown against Panamanian Rafael Concepcion. The fight finished with a unanimous decision in favor of Donaire. Fight fans saw the Filipino Flash masterfully dismantling his opponent. This is only the second time a Filipino has beaten a guy from Panama since Flash Elorde defeated Ismael Laguna at the Araneta Coliseum in 1966. Concepcion was a tough cookie as he withstood Donaire’s punches. However, one thing Concepcion lacked was the ability to break down Flash as he threw more misses than hits. Donaire’s gameplay resembles a created superstar fighting in a created career mode of the Fight Night game. He doesn’t engage the opponent into a brawl. Instead, he patiently looks for the opponent’s opening, eventually making him realize that Donaire suckered his opponents into playing “his” game.

If you watch Donaire’s last three fights, you’ll see he has a trademarked style. While he is a smart fighter and waits for his opponents to commit a mistake, he seems like a lazy fighter. He doesn’t throw combinations a whole lot. There will be an instance where his last three shots all came from the same fist. If you look at his style, you’ll see him play around his opponents like he’s the older brother slapping his kid’s brother’s head… during kindergarten. While his footwork and the ability to slip out of nasty predicaments are awesome, if he can’t see the right formula, he tends to backtrack and bounce away from his opponents. While this is all too normal… a tall guy playing in a division played by 5’3 fighters or below is like a giant that doesn’t like to get tagged.

But you know, the last paragraph could pretty much be his trademark so if this really works for him, then all they need is to refurnish this style for his liking, However, the power is something that needs to be quickly addressed. Sure, Concepcion is a wiry vet that sacrificed his money so that he could come into the fight a few pounds overweight (a bit shady, but since the fee is not that high, it was a great tactic for Panamanian Bull). Donaire had many punches that could have been easily be knockouts. Curing this early should be the focus of their camp. Donaire like I said, looks like a super-sized boxer in his current weight class. This means, he won’t look like a chomp once he moves to other heavier and more money making divisions. Amongst the current Pinoy crowd drawers, Flash is only behind Manny Pacquiao and a notch higher than Brian Viloria, AJ Banal, Boom Boom Bautista, Donnie Nietes, Gerry Penalosa, among others.

With Manny getting distracted by various endorsements, television appearances, and a political career, we need to get another power player in the mix for at least three years time.

The Filipino Flash has the capabilities to scour on that possibility but he needs to raise his arsenal up a notch.

By the way, who was channeling in his fight hairstyle… a 70’s version of a NBA player?

POSTSCRIPT: didn’t get to watch Bernabe Concepcion in action. When I logged into my PC I saw that he got DQ-ed. I don’t know what happened but… did this amount to a brawl? Also the action finished a shade after 1:30pm. What? Oh wait… this is because this is not a Pacman fight! Riiiight! Did the Philippines-Korea match aired? I want to see how Korean wielded their imaginary magic wands anew!

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