Friday
Ginebra, San miguel try to inch closer to aces
A TEAM's place in the standings is no real gauge of its mettle.
Take it from Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
“They remain a very dangerous team,” noted the veteran mentor on the eve of his Kings' clash with the Barako Bull Energy Boosters Friday in the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The perennial crowd favorites are eyeing a second straight win that will keep them firmly entrenched at at least third-running spot behind idle leader Alaska and San Miguel Beer.
Barako Bull, meanwhile, is trying to snap out of a six-game slide that is currently the tournament's worst. But that doesn't mean spirit has seeped out of the George Chua-owned franchise.
“The boys remain optimistic,” said Energy Boosters coach Leo Isaac. “They have come to realize they can play against anybody in this league and this realization gives them the confidence we need against a tough team like Ginebra.”
Barako's latest loss was via an 88-99 count to Alaska last Sunday in a game where the Energy Boosters rallied back to within five points after trailing by as many as 21 points.
Prior to that, Isaac's charges bowed to the Sta. Lucia Realtors 77-80, but only in overtime.
“They just lose games in the end,” Uichico pointed out. “We must not be in a position to make them be in the game at the end.”
For its part, Ginebra bucked its manpower woes to beat Coca-Cola 113-104 last Friday.
The Kings drew a personal conference-high 33 points from Ronald Tubid and 22 from Cyrus Baguio, plus 11 points and six assists from 39-year-old Johnny Abarrientos, to withstand the absence of point guards Jayjay Helterbrand (pinched nerve) and Celino Cruz (sore back).
A victory by Ginebra and a loss by SMB to Sta. Lucia later in the evening could even move the Kings to a tie for second with their sister team.
Realtors coach Boyet Fernandez is determined to avenge his team's 69-88 loss to the Beermen the first time they met and move his wards up into a share of fourth with idle Talk N Text and Purefoods.
To achieve those goals, Sta. Lucia must stop SMB's tournament-best winning streak at eight.
“It will be a tough game,” said Fernandez. “San Miguel is one of the top teams with a star-studded lineup. We have to show up with lots of intensity and mental toughness to win tomorrow. We are always ready every game and the SMB game is no exception.”
The Realtors have already shown they can hold down the Beermen.
In SMB's streak, it won by an average margin of close to 17 points with a score ratio of 100.1-83.6. Only the Realtors held them below 100.
“Our defense will be crucial tomorrow
Tuesday
WHICH BATCH IS DECADE’S BEST?
By Jason Webb
The Batch of 2009 has gone through their first round of games in the PBA, and so far, most of them are still trying to keep their heads above water. While their individual campaigns have been turbulent, there still have been rays of sunlight that have seeped through the dark clouds of their rookie year.
Batch of 2009 was supposed to be headlined by the return of the prodigal son. Japeth Aguilar, who left Ateneo to work on his craft in the US NCAA, was drafted No. 1 by Burger King. And if it was a headliner that the PBA expected, it surely got it from the 6’9” talent. He hit headline after headline for first refusing to play for the team that drafted him, then for deciding to play for them a day before opening day, and finally, for being traded within the same week.
Still, Japeth will remain a member of the Batch of 2009. But how does he and his batchmates rank compared to the other batches of this decade?
1. BATCH OF 2000 – Interestingly this was arguable the weakest draft in the history of the PBA with only Paolo Mendoza and Egay Billones seeing significant action in the league. Many first round selections were not even signed. But with the entry of Red Bull into the league with guys like Kerby Raymundo, Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Devon Harp and Jimwell Torion, the depth of this batch was truly felt. Add the signing of Jayjay Helterbrand, Dondon Hontiveros, Mick Pennisi and Rob Wainwright through the direct-hire program, star power was added. Alex Crisano, Wynne Arboleda and Rudy Hatfield were all picked up from the free agent pool to complete the best batch of the decade. The batch is composed of the most number of Mythical Team members and former National Team members. This batch is the top class of the decade because of its depth and staying power in the league.
2. BATCH OF 2003 – This was a batch of name brands. With Mike Cortez, Romel Adducul and Enrico Villanueva already household names before they stepped into the PBA, it was a fun day to have numerous draft picks. With Harvey Carey, Eddie Laure, Brandon Cablay, Billy Mamaril, Reynel Hugnatan, Jimmy Alapag, Sunday Salvacion, John Ferriols, Cyrus Baguio and Ronald Tubid added to the mix, this was definitely the deepest draft class of the decade. The only reason they can’t be credited as the best is that the name brands may not have been able to live up to the high expectations they set for themselves.
3. BATCH OF 2001 – Willie Miller, Mark Caguioa and PJ Simon make this batch the best batch of scoring guards. First rounder’s John Arigo, Kiko Adriano and Joey Mente all had decent years in the league while Mike Hrabak, Norman Gonzales, Roger Yap and Allan Salansang continue to be under contract. A draft that seemed to last forever, Topex Robinson was selected in the 5th round. But the steal of the draft had to be PJ Simon selected as the 43rd pick, a pick above Robinson, and 12 picks behind courtside reporter Dominic Uy.
4. BATCH OF 2006 – A thin batch when it comes to depth, this batch will continually be highlighted by Kelly Williams, Arwind Santos and LA Tenorio. Why such a high spot for a batch that will likely be remembered for these three? While Kelly Williams has already won an MVP, Arwind Santos has contended for it twice while LA Tenorio should get a sniff of it if he continues to improve. While its second round only has Jireh Ibanes, Chris Pacana and Magnum Membrere under contract, first-rounders Joseph Yeo and Gabby Espinas are above average starters.
5. BATCH OF 2005 – Rich Alvarez took ROY honors for this batch but has slowed down ever since. The opposite can be said for the rest of his batch mates. James Yap improved enough the next year to grab an MVP while guys like Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, Sonny Thoss, Nelbert Omolon, Gary David, Willy Wilson and Paul Artadi always became integral parts of the team they played for. When it is all said and done, this will be a batch noted for James Yap and their role players.
6. BATCH OF 2007 – Joe Devance, drafted first overall, JC Intal, JR Qinahan and Ken Bono were all players that had success in the amateurs and are now finally figuring their roles in the PBA. While Samigue Eman was undoubtedly going to be a project, no one expected it to take this long. But the eventual star of this batch has been Ryan Reyes. After notching the ROY, the only thing that has slowed him down is his penchant for injuries. This batch packs enough punch from decent big men and good guards. The batch also showcases last year’s Most Improved Player, Jonas Villanueva. While Ronjay Buenafe, Ryan Arana, Marvin Cruz and Yousif Aljamal were all second rounders getting respectable playing time with their teams. While it’s highly unlikely for anyone from this batch to eventually win an MVP, this is a batch of players that looks headed for long careers.
7. BATCH OF 2008 – A batch likely to be remembered as one of the more exciting draft classes with the likes of Gabe Norwood, Jared Dillinger, Jason Castro, Sol Mercado and Bonbon Custodio. A measure of success was delivered by these five players but the question for this group is their ability to be more than a one-trick pony. All the players above were effective and exciting in their first year but of the five, only Castro seems to have carried the momentum from his first year. Larry Rodriguez, Beau Belga, Jeffrey Chan and Mark Borboran may have been overshadowed by their more exciting batchmates but they’re quietly having an improved second year. This is a thin batch with loads of potential.
8. BATCH OF 2005 – Everyone was high on Jay Washington and Alex Cabagnot at the start of their rookie seasons but the excitement was slowly doused when they were not able to match the hype. While a change of scenery eventually got them to levels that were advertised, it was Macmac Cardona who finally made people believe that he is one of the elites of the league. Cardona has become the best player of this batch while guys like Dennis Miranda, Jondan Salvador, KG Canaleta and Leo Najorda have become excellent role players selected in the first round. In an interesting second round, the three players that have continued to contribute for their teams are Cesar Catli, Mark Macapagal and Larry Fonacier (the Rookie of the Year winner), all shooters. Although Cardona may perennially be an MVP candidate, he is the only one capable of that in this group and the batch has less depth than the batches above it.
9. BATCH OF 2002 – Yancy De Ocampo was the first pick of that draft buoyed up by the tremendous upside and potential of a big man with a soft touch and looked upon as a franchise player. Sadly, it seems that to this day that potential remains just that. The star of that batch has to be Renren Ritualo chosen eighth overall behind the likes of Rafi Reavis, Chris Calaguio, Omanzie Rodriguez, Migs Noble and Homer Se. The first round picks of this draft were solid, most of them playing more than five years in the league. There were also late round pick-ups in Gilbert Lao, Celino Cruz, Jason Misolas and Aris Dimaunahan that have managed to stay in the league. A batch that does not have a name brand other than Ritualo, the lasting power of its role players who have been in the league for nine years simply cannot be overlooked.
10. 2009 – Although Japeth Aguilar will not play out his rookie season in the PBA, he will still be listed as part of the batch of 2009. His batch mates will have to make an impression without him, led by Rico Mairhoffer. Of this batch, these two are the only locks to have a long career in the PBA barring any injuries. Jervy Cruz, Ogie Menor, Francis Allera, Ronnie Matias and Josh Urbiztondo have all had apparitions this year but their coaches are hoping they can do better than their sporadic cameos. With the significant drop off after Aguilar and Mairhoffer, this batch will be remembered by the amount of success the two will have. Although I believe that Aguilar will eventually make a significant mark in the league, one man does not make a batch. The depth of this batch pushes them to the bottom of my rankings.
The Batch of 2009 has gone through their first round of games in the PBA, and so far, most of them are still trying to keep their heads above water. While their individual campaigns have been turbulent, there still have been rays of sunlight that have seeped through the dark clouds of their rookie year.
Batch of 2009 was supposed to be headlined by the return of the prodigal son. Japeth Aguilar, who left Ateneo to work on his craft in the US NCAA, was drafted No. 1 by Burger King. And if it was a headliner that the PBA expected, it surely got it from the 6’9” talent. He hit headline after headline for first refusing to play for the team that drafted him, then for deciding to play for them a day before opening day, and finally, for being traded within the same week.
Still, Japeth will remain a member of the Batch of 2009. But how does he and his batchmates rank compared to the other batches of this decade?
1. BATCH OF 2000 – Interestingly this was arguable the weakest draft in the history of the PBA with only Paolo Mendoza and Egay Billones seeing significant action in the league. Many first round selections were not even signed. But with the entry of Red Bull into the league with guys like Kerby Raymundo, Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Devon Harp and Jimwell Torion, the depth of this batch was truly felt. Add the signing of Jayjay Helterbrand, Dondon Hontiveros, Mick Pennisi and Rob Wainwright through the direct-hire program, star power was added. Alex Crisano, Wynne Arboleda and Rudy Hatfield were all picked up from the free agent pool to complete the best batch of the decade. The batch is composed of the most number of Mythical Team members and former National Team members. This batch is the top class of the decade because of its depth and staying power in the league.
2. BATCH OF 2003 – This was a batch of name brands. With Mike Cortez, Romel Adducul and Enrico Villanueva already household names before they stepped into the PBA, it was a fun day to have numerous draft picks. With Harvey Carey, Eddie Laure, Brandon Cablay, Billy Mamaril, Reynel Hugnatan, Jimmy Alapag, Sunday Salvacion, John Ferriols, Cyrus Baguio and Ronald Tubid added to the mix, this was definitely the deepest draft class of the decade. The only reason they can’t be credited as the best is that the name brands may not have been able to live up to the high expectations they set for themselves.
3. BATCH OF 2001 – Willie Miller, Mark Caguioa and PJ Simon make this batch the best batch of scoring guards. First rounder’s John Arigo, Kiko Adriano and Joey Mente all had decent years in the league while Mike Hrabak, Norman Gonzales, Roger Yap and Allan Salansang continue to be under contract. A draft that seemed to last forever, Topex Robinson was selected in the 5th round. But the steal of the draft had to be PJ Simon selected as the 43rd pick, a pick above Robinson, and 12 picks behind courtside reporter Dominic Uy.
4. BATCH OF 2006 – A thin batch when it comes to depth, this batch will continually be highlighted by Kelly Williams, Arwind Santos and LA Tenorio. Why such a high spot for a batch that will likely be remembered for these three? While Kelly Williams has already won an MVP, Arwind Santos has contended for it twice while LA Tenorio should get a sniff of it if he continues to improve. While its second round only has Jireh Ibanes, Chris Pacana and Magnum Membrere under contract, first-rounders Joseph Yeo and Gabby Espinas are above average starters.
5. BATCH OF 2005 – Rich Alvarez took ROY honors for this batch but has slowed down ever since. The opposite can be said for the rest of his batch mates. James Yap improved enough the next year to grab an MVP while guys like Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, Sonny Thoss, Nelbert Omolon, Gary David, Willy Wilson and Paul Artadi always became integral parts of the team they played for. When it is all said and done, this will be a batch noted for James Yap and their role players.
6. BATCH OF 2007 – Joe Devance, drafted first overall, JC Intal, JR Qinahan and Ken Bono were all players that had success in the amateurs and are now finally figuring their roles in the PBA. While Samigue Eman was undoubtedly going to be a project, no one expected it to take this long. But the eventual star of this batch has been Ryan Reyes. After notching the ROY, the only thing that has slowed him down is his penchant for injuries. This batch packs enough punch from decent big men and good guards. The batch also showcases last year’s Most Improved Player, Jonas Villanueva. While Ronjay Buenafe, Ryan Arana, Marvin Cruz and Yousif Aljamal were all second rounders getting respectable playing time with their teams. While it’s highly unlikely for anyone from this batch to eventually win an MVP, this is a batch of players that looks headed for long careers.
7. BATCH OF 2008 – A batch likely to be remembered as one of the more exciting draft classes with the likes of Gabe Norwood, Jared Dillinger, Jason Castro, Sol Mercado and Bonbon Custodio. A measure of success was delivered by these five players but the question for this group is their ability to be more than a one-trick pony. All the players above were effective and exciting in their first year but of the five, only Castro seems to have carried the momentum from his first year. Larry Rodriguez, Beau Belga, Jeffrey Chan and Mark Borboran may have been overshadowed by their more exciting batchmates but they’re quietly having an improved second year. This is a thin batch with loads of potential.
8. BATCH OF 2005 – Everyone was high on Jay Washington and Alex Cabagnot at the start of their rookie seasons but the excitement was slowly doused when they were not able to match the hype. While a change of scenery eventually got them to levels that were advertised, it was Macmac Cardona who finally made people believe that he is one of the elites of the league. Cardona has become the best player of this batch while guys like Dennis Miranda, Jondan Salvador, KG Canaleta and Leo Najorda have become excellent role players selected in the first round. In an interesting second round, the three players that have continued to contribute for their teams are Cesar Catli, Mark Macapagal and Larry Fonacier (the Rookie of the Year winner), all shooters. Although Cardona may perennially be an MVP candidate, he is the only one capable of that in this group and the batch has less depth than the batches above it.
9. BATCH OF 2002 – Yancy De Ocampo was the first pick of that draft buoyed up by the tremendous upside and potential of a big man with a soft touch and looked upon as a franchise player. Sadly, it seems that to this day that potential remains just that. The star of that batch has to be Renren Ritualo chosen eighth overall behind the likes of Rafi Reavis, Chris Calaguio, Omanzie Rodriguez, Migs Noble and Homer Se. The first round picks of this draft were solid, most of them playing more than five years in the league. There were also late round pick-ups in Gilbert Lao, Celino Cruz, Jason Misolas and Aris Dimaunahan that have managed to stay in the league. A batch that does not have a name brand other than Ritualo, the lasting power of its role players who have been in the league for nine years simply cannot be overlooked.
10. 2009 – Although Japeth Aguilar will not play out his rookie season in the PBA, he will still be listed as part of the batch of 2009. His batch mates will have to make an impression without him, led by Rico Mairhoffer. Of this batch, these two are the only locks to have a long career in the PBA barring any injuries. Jervy Cruz, Ogie Menor, Francis Allera, Ronnie Matias and Josh Urbiztondo have all had apparitions this year but their coaches are hoping they can do better than their sporadic cameos. With the significant drop off after Aguilar and Mairhoffer, this batch will be remembered by the amount of success the two will have. Although I believe that Aguilar will eventually make a significant mark in the league, one man does not make a batch. The depth of this batch pushes them to the bottom of my rankings.
Saturday
Tubid, Gin Kings foil Perasol's coaching debut
Not even a coaching change was enough to end Coca-Cola’s current skid in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
Ronald Tubid waxed hot for 33 points in steering the Barangay Ginebra Kings past the woeful Tigers, 113-104, Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Tubid scored 16 of his output in the fourth period, his crucial baskets keeping in check a rallying Coca-Cola side, which had Bo Perasol as its new mentor.
Perasol, the former University of the Philippines stalwart, was promoted from assistant to head coach last Thursday evening, assistant team manager Gerard Francisco confirmed.
Bo called the shots for Burger King (formerly Air21) for three years and led the franchise to a runner-up finish against the Kings during the 2007-08 Fiesta Cup.
Kenneth Duremdes, the man whom Perasol replaced, was made alternate PBA board team governor. He left the organization with a 12-24 (win-loss) record.
But not even a coaching revamp could prevent the Tigers from absorbing their fifth straight setback for a 1-8 record overall.
Scores:
Barangay Ginebra 113 – Tubid 33, Baguio 22, Abarrientos 11, Intal 10, Alvarez 10, White 8, Menk 7, Wilson 6, Mamaril 4, Villanueva 2, Salvacion 0.
Coca-Cola 104 – Macapagal 27, N. Gonzales 17, Espino 16, Cabagnot 15, Bono 10, Ross 7, Rizada 5, Rodriguez 4, Calimag 2, W. Gonzales 1, Allera 0, Singson 0.
Quarter scores: 32-20, 59-50, 81-74, 113-104.
Tubid made sure about that as he sustained a fiery start by the Kings, who led by as many as 12 early in the game before closing the first half ahead by nine (59-50) behind the 14 points of Cyrus Baguio, who went on to finish with 22.
Veteran guard Johnny Abarrientos had a decent showing for the league's crowd darling coming off the bench with 11 quality points as he continues to hold fort for the Kings’ depleted backcourt following the injuries suffered by Mark Caguioa, JayJay Helterbrand and Celino Cruz.
The win was the sixth in nine games for Ginebra, allowing the team to tie Talk ‘N Text at third place.
Mark Macapagal finished with a career-high 27 points for the Tigers, including a basket that put them to within 99-94 in the closing minutes.
But Tubid was there to save the day for the Gins, drilling a pair of baskets that gave the Kings a nine-point cushion. – GMANews.TV
Ronald Tubid waxed hot for 33 points in steering the Barangay Ginebra Kings past the woeful Tigers, 113-104, Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Tubid scored 16 of his output in the fourth period, his crucial baskets keeping in check a rallying Coca-Cola side, which had Bo Perasol as its new mentor.
Perasol, the former University of the Philippines stalwart, was promoted from assistant to head coach last Thursday evening, assistant team manager Gerard Francisco confirmed.
Bo called the shots for Burger King (formerly Air21) for three years and led the franchise to a runner-up finish against the Kings during the 2007-08 Fiesta Cup.
Kenneth Duremdes, the man whom Perasol replaced, was made alternate PBA board team governor. He left the organization with a 12-24 (win-loss) record.
But not even a coaching revamp could prevent the Tigers from absorbing their fifth straight setback for a 1-8 record overall.
Scores:
Barangay Ginebra 113 – Tubid 33, Baguio 22, Abarrientos 11, Intal 10, Alvarez 10, White 8, Menk 7, Wilson 6, Mamaril 4, Villanueva 2, Salvacion 0.
Coca-Cola 104 – Macapagal 27, N. Gonzales 17, Espino 16, Cabagnot 15, Bono 10, Ross 7, Rizada 5, Rodriguez 4, Calimag 2, W. Gonzales 1, Allera 0, Singson 0.
Quarter scores: 32-20, 59-50, 81-74, 113-104.
Tubid made sure about that as he sustained a fiery start by the Kings, who led by as many as 12 early in the game before closing the first half ahead by nine (59-50) behind the 14 points of Cyrus Baguio, who went on to finish with 22.
Veteran guard Johnny Abarrientos had a decent showing for the league's crowd darling coming off the bench with 11 quality points as he continues to hold fort for the Kings’ depleted backcourt following the injuries suffered by Mark Caguioa, JayJay Helterbrand and Celino Cruz.
The win was the sixth in nine games for Ginebra, allowing the team to tie Talk ‘N Text at third place.
Mark Macapagal finished with a career-high 27 points for the Tigers, including a basket that put them to within 99-94 in the closing minutes.
But Tubid was there to save the day for the Gins, drilling a pair of baskets that gave the Kings a nine-point cushion. – GMANews.TV
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings tutulong sa mga nasalanta
(Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated November 28, 2009 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Tutulong ang Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings sa pangangalap ng pondo sa pamamagitan ng Musik Bisig Para Sa Mga Bida: A Benefit Concert na gaganapin sa Nov. 30, alas-6 ng gabi, sa Ynares Center sa Antipolo City.
Sina Junthy Valenzuela, Sunday Salvacion, Billy Mamaril, Jun Jun Cabatu, Ronald Tubid, Cyrus Baguio, Mark Caguioa at 2008-2009 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable player awardee Jayjay Helterbrand ang makakasalo ng mga tao sa event na binuo ng Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) sa pakikipagtulungan sa Rizal provincial government sa pangunguna ni Gov. Jun Jun Ynares.
“Four of the Gin Kings players, Junthy Valenzuela, Sunday Salvacion, Billy Mamaril and Jun Cabatu are residents of Rizal province, so we are glad that they joined us in giving hope to those who were affected by the recent typhoons,” wika GSMI marketing head Nelson Elises na nagdadagdag na ilang Ginebra San Miguel endorsers tulad nina Krista Ranillo at Gary Granada ang dadalo.
Ang mga kumpirmadong banda ay Kamikazee, Spongecola, Silent Sanctuary, Soapdish, Delara, Concrete Sam, Goodbye Tracy at Johnny Cross. Ang mga makakalap na pondo ay ibibigay sa San Miguel Foundation, Inc. para sa mga proyekto sa probinsya ng Rizal.
Para sa mga donasyon at mga ticket, tumawag lamang kay Rona Tanchico sa teleponong 6323303.
MANILA, Philippines - Tutulong ang Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings sa pangangalap ng pondo sa pamamagitan ng Musik Bisig Para Sa Mga Bida: A Benefit Concert na gaganapin sa Nov. 30, alas-6 ng gabi, sa Ynares Center sa Antipolo City.
Sina Junthy Valenzuela, Sunday Salvacion, Billy Mamaril, Jun Jun Cabatu, Ronald Tubid, Cyrus Baguio, Mark Caguioa at 2008-2009 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable player awardee Jayjay Helterbrand ang makakasalo ng mga tao sa event na binuo ng Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) sa pakikipagtulungan sa Rizal provincial government sa pangunguna ni Gov. Jun Jun Ynares.
“Four of the Gin Kings players, Junthy Valenzuela, Sunday Salvacion, Billy Mamaril and Jun Cabatu are residents of Rizal province, so we are glad that they joined us in giving hope to those who were affected by the recent typhoons,” wika GSMI marketing head Nelson Elises na nagdadagdag na ilang Ginebra San Miguel endorsers tulad nina Krista Ranillo at Gary Granada ang dadalo.
Ang mga kumpirmadong banda ay Kamikazee, Spongecola, Silent Sanctuary, Soapdish, Delara, Concrete Sam, Goodbye Tracy at Johnny Cross. Ang mga makakalap na pondo ay ibibigay sa San Miguel Foundation, Inc. para sa mga proyekto sa probinsya ng Rizal.
Para sa mga donasyon at mga ticket, tumawag lamang kay Rona Tanchico sa teleponong 6323303.
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