Team Undrafted

On From the Stands, Carlo Pamintuan, Chuck Araneta and Polo Bustamante decided to hold a draft. A draft with quirks. Quirks like all teams should be represented and only one player per team. 

This is how the three built their super teams:

Team Carlo

Starters: Gabe Norwood (RoSE) / Kelly Williams (TNT) / June Mar Fajardo (PBB) / James Yap (SMCM) / LA Tenorio (BGSM)
Bench: Nonoy Baclao (A21) / Sean Anthony (BAR) / Sonny Thoss (ALA) / Mac Cardona (MER) / Willie Miller (GLO)
Head Coach: Tim Cone (SMC)

Team Chuck

Starters: Mark Caguioa (BGSM) / Arwind Santos (PBB) / Marc Pingris (SMCM) / Ryan Reyes (TNT) / Paul Lee (RoSE)
Bench: Sol Mercado (MER) / Danny Seigle (BAR) / Rabeh Al-Hussaini (GLO) / RenRen Ritualo (A21) / Jvee Casio (ALA)
Head Coach: Norman Black (TNT)

Team Polo

Starters: Calvin Abueva (ALA) / Cliff Hodge (MER) / Doug Kramer (BAR) / Gary David (GLO) / Jayson Castro (TNT)
Bench: Chris Ellis (BGSM) / Yousef Taha (A21) / Yancy De Ocampo (SMCM) / Jeff Chan (RoSE) / Alex Cabagnot (PBB)
Head Coach: Yeng Guiao (RoSE)

In that context, I decided to build my own version of the this team. This time, I based it on the list of undrafted players. By undrafted, meaning those that Carlo, Chuck and Polo declined on picking.

Here is #TeamUndrafted after the jump:

2012 PBA Philippine Cup rosters

This was posted by the PBA as of September 25. You might see some interesting quirks on this list.

Air21 Express

Coach: Franz Pumaren
Assistants: Tonichi Yturri, Jack Santiago, Cholo Villanueva, Dan Rose, Joshua Villapando

Players:

2 - John Wilson
3 - Bitoy Omolon
4 - Yousef Taha
5 - Eric Salamat
7 - Nonoy Baclao
9 - KG Canaleta
10 - Simon Atkins
11 - Ogie Menor
12 - Mark Isip
14 - Renren Ritualo
19 - Wynne Arboleda
24 - Rob Reyes
31 - James Sena

Meralco Bolts

Coach: Ryan Gregorio
Assistants: Jong Uichico, Ronnie Magsanoc, Boyet Fernandez, Patrick Fran, Xavier Nunag

Players:

1 - Clifford Hodge
3 - Sol Mercado
4 - Jay-R Reyes
6 - Chris Ross
8 - Ronjay Buenafe
11 - Paul Artadi
14 - Mac-mac Cardona
15 - Gilbert Bulawan
16 - Mark Borboran
21 - Reynel Hugnatan
23 - Kelly Nabong
34 - Carlo Sharma
80 - Sunday Salvacion

Reserve / Injured:

9 - Yousef AlJamal
13 - Chris Timberlake

Petron Blaze Boosters

Coach: Olsen Racela
Consultant: Rajko Toroman
Assistants: Gee Abanilla, Biboy Ravanes, Pido Jarencio, Bobby Parks, Jorge Gallent

Players:

2 - Dennis Miranda
3 - Chris Lutz
4 - Dorian Pena
5 - Alex Cabagnot
10 - Danny Ildefonso
11 - Jojo Duncil
13 - Marcio Lassiter
18 - Joseph Yeo
20 - Alex Mallari
22 - JuneMar Fajardo
23 - Jaw Washington
24 - Magi Sison
26 - Chico Lanete
29 - Arwynd Santos

Reserved / Injured:

? - Hans Thiele
? - Paolo Hubalde

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Coach: Siot Tanquingcen
Consultant: Alfrancis Chua
Assistants: Allan Caidic, Art dela Cruz, Juno Sauler, Freddie Abuda

Players:

2 - Billy Mamaril
5 - LA Tenorio
10 - Rico Maierhofer
11 - Mike Cortez
13 - Jayjay Helterbrand
18 - Allein Maliksi
21 - Kerby Raymundo
23 - Elmer Espiritu
27 - Willy Wilson
32 - Keith Jensen
33 - Dylan Ababou
34 - Chris Ellis
47 - Mark Caguioa
99 - Rudy Hatfield

San Mig Coffee Mixers

Coach: Tim Cone
Assistants: Coy Banal, Richard del Rosario, Jeff Cariaso, Johnny Abarrientos

Players:

2 - Wesley Gonzales
3 - Jonas Villanueva
4 - Rafi Reavis
8 - Peter June Simon
9 - JC Intal
10 - Jewel Ponferrada
14 - Andy Barroca
15 - Mark Pingris
17 - Aldrech Ramos
18 - James Yap
19 - Gerwin Gaco
22 - Chris Pacana
38 - Joe Devance
95 - Yancy de Ocampo

Alaska Aces

Coach: Luigi Trillo
Assistants: Dickie Bachmann, Topex Robinson, Monch Gavieres, Franco Atienza, Alex Compton, Louie Alas

Players:

0 - Nic Belasco
1 - Sam Eman
3 - Cyrus Baguio
4 - Raphy Reyes
7 - Sonny Thoss
10 - Mac Baracael
21 - Paolo Bugia
24 - Brandon Cablay
25 - Dondon Hontiveros
27 - Gabby Espinas
31 - RJ Jazul
35 - Tony dela Cruz
42 - Jvee Casio
65 - Eddie Laure

Reserve / Injured:

9 - Nino Gelig

Barako Bull Energy Cola

Coach: Junel Baculi
Assistants: Bong Ramos, Leo Pujante, Jonas Mendoza

Players:

1 - Celino Cruz
2 - Josh Urbiztondo
5 - Lester Alvarez
10 - Reil Cervantes
12 - Dave Marcelo
13 - Roger Yap
14 - Leo Najorda
17 - Jason Ballesteros
18 - Doug Kramer
21 - Sean Anthony
23 - Enrico Villanueva
42 - Danny Seigle
71 - Ronald Tubid
88 - Mick Pennisi

Reserve / Injured:

3 - Woody Co
6 - Emman Monfort

Global Port Batang Pier

Coach: Glenn Capacio
Assistants: Ricky Dandan, John Cardel, Louie Gonzales, Charles Tiu

Players:

0 - AJ Mandani
1 - Jason Deutchman
2 - Rabeh Al-Hussaini
4 - Rudy Lingganay
5 - Jondan Salvador
7 - Rey Guevarra
9 - Marvin Cruz
10 - Rommel Adducul
11 - Willie Miller
14 - Mark Yee
20 - Gary David
22 - Josh Vanlandingham
24 - Vic Manuel
33 - Angel Raymundo

Reserve / Injured:

34 - Will Antonio
43 - Alex Crisano

Rain or Shine Elastopainters

Coach: Yeng Guiao
Assistants: Caloy Garcia, Roehl Nadurata, Mike Buendia, Jay Legacion, Matt Makalintal, Ricky Umayam

Players:

1 - Jonathan Uyloan
3 - Paul Lee
5 - Larry Rodriguez
6 - Jireh Ibanes
10 - Gabe Norwood
11 - Ty Tang
16 - Jeff Chan
17 - Chris Tiu
18 - Ryan Arana
20 - Jervy Cruz
21 - Chito Jaime
30 - Beau Belga
33 - Ronnie Matias
48 - JR Quinahan

Talk N Text Tropang Texters

Coach: Nash Racela
Consultant: Norman Black
Assistants: Sandy Arespacochaga, Gene Afable, Jamike Jarin, Josh Reyes

Players:

3 - Jimmy Alapag
4 - Harvey Carey
6 - Bambam Gamalinda
10 - Ryan Reyes
12 - Larry Fonacier
16 - Pamboy Raymundo
17 - Jayson Castro
18 - Gilbert Lao
20 - Jared Dillinger
21 - Kelly Williams
33 - Ranidel Ocampo
34 - Ali Peek
40 - Rich Alvarez
51 - Aaron Aban

The Jaworski Inforgraphic

With the PBA coming in a couple of weeks, might as well bring up this cool infographic on the Living Legend. (h/t to Mico Halili's blog)

Mabuhay ka, Jawo.

Analyzing the 2012 PBA draft

c/o Interaksyon

The 2012 PBA Draft came and went. Had the chance to watch this proceeding in person and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Petron: June Mar Fajardo, Alex Mallari, Mark Sarangay. Not surprised with Fajardo going 1st overall. Just making sure Team SMC has him on lock (he was on their ABL team). Hopefully his apprenticeship is smoother than what Sam Eman went through with them. An already strong frontline gets a boost with Mallari now in. Sarangay might just see himself doing ABL stuff soon.

Alaska: Calvin Abueva, Raphy Reyes, Karl Dehesa. The task now for Luigi Trillo would be to try to corral "The Beast" and integrate his skill set onto the triangle scheme. Surrounding himself with veteran coaches helps, as does having Topex Robinson (Calvin's HC at SSC-R). Reyes and Dehesa are depth picks at the backcourt.

Meralco: Cliff Hodge, Kelly Nabong, Janus Lozada, Eric Suguitan. Meralco gets a clear upgrade all around. Nabong and Lozada are going to be off-the-bench lesser versions of Mercado & Cardona. Suguitan gets to be Asi's understudy.

Barako Bull: Dave Marcelo, Lester Alvarez, Emman Monfort, Woody Co, Kokoy Hermosisima (and Sean Anthony). The Manong Brigade needed an injection of youth and skill, as well as being able to play immediately, with Marcelo chiefly being able to already plug the hole that Don Allado put himself into.

Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel: Chris Ellis, Keith Jensen, Ryan Boada, Jerick Canada, Paul Zamar, JR Buensuceso, Elliott Tan. Their first two picks are great additions of size and athleticism, especially with Ellis. Then they added 5 guards, all below 5'11. If you are accumulating that number of guards AND you have the likes of Cortez, Helterbrand and Labagala... Very David Kahn-esque of Siot.

Rain or Shine: Chris Tiu, Bacon Austria, Jewel Palomique. Coach Yeng pretty much has a grasp of the team's needs, adding role players that fit what he wants to achieve. We know Tiu and Austria can defend. They'll figure out their need on size in free agency / trade.

B-Meg: Aldrech Ramos, Jewel Ponferrada, Gian Chiu, Ramon Mabayo. Curious move to virtually trade up to snag Aldrech, especially having to give up a Sakuragi-esque player in Sean Anthony to pull it off. Also curious, snagging three bigs, with Ponferrada then Chiu. Mabayo is a long-shot to make the roster.

Global Port: Vic Manuel, Jason Deutchman, AJ Mandani, Macky Acosta, Jan Colina, VJ Serios (and Val Acuna). Clearly, Mikee Romero wants to beef up the remnants of Powerade. Manuel instantly slots in where Sean Anthony left off. AJ Mandani could be a capable reliever for Casio and David in the backcourt.

Air 21: Yousef Taha, Simon Atkins. The DLSU braintrust knows what Atkins can do, thus no-brainer at where they were picking him. Taha adds ceiling to a really small team (only rookie Magi Sison is taller than 6'4".)

Talk 'N Text: Jaypee Belencion, Jason Escueta. Belencion can shoot. Ask La Salle during a certain Fil-Oil game. The lineup remains stacked, so this is merely a means to stock up on depth. TNT bench is very familiar with what Jumbo can provide, since they coached him.

Thoughts on the draft from being at the venue:

1. Huge crowd at Robinson's Midtown Atrium. All floors occupied as fans flocked around the venue. Someone unfurled an Aldrech Ramos tarp from one floor when he was drafted. Ditto with Raphy Reyes. But with his case, it's the one you're familiar with at courtside on the UAAP games. The PBA is going to be fine, y'all.

2. Ateneo vs La Salle. I was seated behind the Air 21 table. Sure has a DLSU feel to it, from Coach Franz to his assistants Tonichi Yturri and Jack Santiago to Renren Ritualo. Beside them is the Talk 'N Text table. You probably knew that Norman Black is their new head coach. He basically ported over virtually the entire Ateneo coaching staff, as Sandy, Jamike and Gene were there with Coach. Norman has already said he is going to finish UAAP's Season 75 with Ateneo. The PBA opens on September 30. Based on my schedule calculations, that is the Sunday of the UAAP Final Four Week. They are going to have an interesting stretch of games.

3. It pays to be in an established program / team. All Ateneans were drafted. All members of NLEX were drafted. The Adamson players that Coach Leo Austria nurtured were drafted.

4. A sense of timing. Ronald Pascual gets it. This year's draft class is stacked. Next year's batch won't be as strong, but it will be decent, highlighted by the crop of Ateneans in Slaughter and Salva.

Winners:

Teams: Rain or Shine, Meralco and Barako Bull.

Steals: Janus Lozada (Meralco), Gian Chiu (B-Meg), Jaypee Belencion (TNT).

Huge bust potential? Aldrech Ramos (didn't really shock the world with the Patriots), Jason Deutchman (injury issues)

2012 PBA Draft Results (complete roster)

At the Robinson's Place Manila Midtown Atrium, 69 names lay in waiting for the names to be called. 39 names were successfully called over six rounds:

1st Round:

1. Petron: June Mar Fajardo – University of Cebu / San Miguel
2. Alaska: Calvin Abueva – San Sebastian / NLEX
3. Petron: Alex Mallari – Lewis-Clark State / Big Chill
4. Meralco: Cliff Hodge – Reedley College / NLEX
5. Barako Bull: Aldrech Ramos – FEU / Air Asia Philippine Patriots (Note: draft rights traded to B-Meg in exchange for Sean Anthony + draft rights to Dave Marcelo)
6. Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel: Chris Ellis – Mary Harden Baylor / NLEX
7. Rain of Shine: Chris Tiu - Ateneo / SMART-Gilas
8. Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel: Keith Jensen – NYU / Big Chill
9. B-Meg: Vic Manuel – PSBA / Cebuana Lhullier (Note: draft rights + Val Acuna traded to Global Port in exchange for Sean Anthony)
10. Global Port: Jason Deutchman – San Diego State / Cafe France

2nd Round

1. Air21: Yousef Taha – North Lake/Mapua
2. B-Meg: Dave Marcelo – San Beda / NLEX (Note: draft rights + Sean Anthony traded to Barako Bull in exchange for draft rights to Aldrech Ramos)
3. B-Meg: Jewel Ponferrada – NU / Big Chill
4. Global Port:  AJ Mandani – University of Missouri-Rolla / Blackwater
5. Barako Bull: Lester Alvarez – Adamson / Cebuana Lhullier
6. Barako Bull: Emman Monfort – Ateneo / NLEX
7. Rain or Shine:  Kelly Nabong – Santa Rosa Yayce / Blackwater (Note: draft rights traded to Meralco for 2015 2nd rounder)
8. Barako Bull: Woody Co – UP / NLEX
9. Alaska: Raphy Reyes – UE / Big Chill
10. Talk 'N Text: Jaypee Belencion – Letran / NLEX

3rd Round

1. Air21: Simon Atkins – La Salle / Cebuana Lhullier
2. Alaska: Karl Dehesa – Waldorf College / NLEX
3. Barako Bull: Ryan Boada – University of Houston
4. Meralco Bolts: Janus Lozada – Adamson / Cebuana Lhullier
5. Petron: Mark Sarangay – Mapua / Erase Placenta
6. Global Port: Mark Acosta – Mapua / Erase Placenta
7. Rain or Shine: Bacon Austria – Ateneo / Cebuana Lhullier
8. Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel: Jerick Canada – Adamson / Indonesia Warriors
9. B-Meg: Gian Chiu – Oberlin College
10. Talk 'N Text: Jason Escueta – Ateneo / Junior Powerade

4th Round (Alaska, Air21, Petron and Talk 'N Text exercise their passes)

1. Barako Bull: Kokoy Hermosisima – NU / Boracay Rum
2. Meralco: Eric Suguitan – UE/San Beda/ACSAT / NLEX
3. Global Port: Jan Colina – Adamson / RnW Pacific Pipes
4. Rain or Shine: Jewel Palomique – Mapua
5. Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel: Paul Zamar – UE / Blackwater
6. B-Meg: Ramon Mabayo – San Sebastian/STI

5th Round (Barako Bull, Meralco, Rain or Shine and B-Meg exercise their passes)

1. Global Port: VJ Serios – UP / Philippine Patriots (ABL, in 2009?)
2. Brgy. Ginebra: JR Buensuceso – BYU Hawaii / RnW Pacific Pipes

6th Round (Global Port exercise their pass)

1. Brgy. Ginebra: Elliot Tan – Biola University / Big Chill

7th Round (None, since Brgy. Ginebra exercise their pass)

List of Undrafted players. They get the chance to peddle their wares to all the teams, hoping that they become the diamond in the rough.

3. Marvin Agacer – San Sebastian / Ilocos Sur (Liga Pilipinas)
4. Richard Albo – De Ocampo Memorial College
6. Jerry Ang
7. Junar Arce – PCU / Cagayan
10. Ephraim Balagtas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (US NCAA Division II)
11. Fhadz Bandaying – UE / Boracay Rum
12. Darwin Barrameda – Ateneo de Naga
16. Jesse Bustos – Philippine Maritime Institute / RnW Pacific Pipes
19. Andrian Celada – Arellano / Cebuana Lhullier
23. Ramil Cordero – Lacson College
24. Erwin Cornejo – Mapua / Boracay
26. Anthony Del Rio – San Sebastian / Erase Placenta
27. Franz Delgado – San Sebastian / RnW Pacific Pipes
29. June Dizon – UST / Big Chill
33. Jayve Ferreria – PATTS / Freego
34. Paul Gonzalgo – Adamson
37. Mark Jeffries – San Diego Mesa College / Blackwater
39. Rex Leynes – St. Francis of Assisi / Chang Thailand Slammers
42. Raymond Maconocido – San Sebastian / Cebuana Lhullier
45. Allan Mangahas – Mapua / Erase Placenta
48. Ricky Maurillo – PSBA / Wang's Ballclub (MBL)
49. Louie Renn Medalla – University of Mindanao
52. Vincent Neri – Felipe Verallo Foundation College
55. Christopher Pestano – George Brown/Centennial College
56. Czarvin Pilapil – University of Caloocan
58. Danny Pribhdas – UST / MOB Packers (B6BL)
61. Jerome Rubi – CSU – Northridge
64. Stephen Siruma – PCU / Boracay Rum
69. Aldrin Valencia
70. Robby Zablan – AMA / Cobra Energy Drink

The complete list of 2012 PBA Draft Applicants

71 names comprise the wannabe PBA Draftees. There are the clear and obvious ones, and then there are surprises.

The one on Interaksyon, where I took the list from, only noted the school, so I took the tedious time of looking for their respective semi-pro teams, if applicable.

1. Calvin Abueva – San Sebastian / NLEX
2. Mark Acosta – Mapua / Erase Placenta
3. Marvin Agacer – San Sebastian / Ilocos Sur (Liga Pilipinas)
4. Richard Albo – De Ocampo Memorial College
5. Lester Alvarez – Adamson / Cebuana Lhullier
6. Jerry Ang
7. Junar Arce – PCU / Cagayan
8. Simon Atkins – La Salle / Cebuana Lhullier
9. Bacon Austria – Ateneo / Cebuana Lhullier
10. Ephraim Balagtas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (US NCAA Division II)
11. Fhadz Bandaying – UE / Boracay Rum
12. Darwin Barrameda – Ateneo de Naga
13. Jaypee Belencion – Letran / NLEX
14. Ryan Boada – University of Houston
15. JR Buensuceso – BYU Hawaii / RnW Pacific Pipes
16. Jesse Bustos – Philippine Maritime Institute / RnW Pacific Pipes
17. Jerick Canada – Adamson / Indonesia Warriors
18. JR Cawaling – FEU
19. Andrian Celada – Arellano / Cebuana Lhullier
20. Gian Chiu – Oberlin College
21. Woody Co – UP / NLEX
22. Jan Colina – Adamson / RnW Pacific Pipes
23. Ramil Cordero – Lacson College
24. Erwin Cornejo – Mapua / Boracay
25. Karl Dehesa – Waldorf College / NLEX
26. Anthony Del Rio – San Sebastian / Erase Placenta
27. Franz Delgado – San Sebastian / RnW Pacific Pipes
28. Jason Deutchman – San Diego State / Cafe France
29. June Dizon – UST / Big Chill
30. Chris Ellis – Mary Harden Baylor / NLEX
31. Jason Escueta – Ateneo / Junior Powerade
32. June Mar Fajardo – University of Cebu / San Miguel
33. Jayve Ferreria – Patts / Freego
34. Paul Gonzalgo – Adamson
35. Kokoy Hermosisima – NU / Boracay Rum
36. Cliff Hodge – Reedley College / NLEX
37. Mark Jeffries – San Diego Mesa College / Blackwater
38. Keith Jensen – NYU / Big Chill
39. Rex Leynes – St. Francis of Assisi / Chang Thailand Slammers
40. Janus Lozada – Adamson / Cebuana Lhullier
41. Ramon Mabayo – San Sebastian/STI
42. Raymond Maconocido – San Sebastian / Cebuana Lhullier
43. Alex Mallari – Lewis-Clark State / Big Chill
44. AJ Mandani – University of Missouri-Rolla / Blackwater
45. Allan Mangahas – Mapua / Erase Placenta
46. Vic Manuel – PSBA / Cebuana Lhullier
47. Dave Marcelo – San Beda / NLEX
48. Ricky Maurillo – PSBA / Wang's Ballclub (MBL)
49. Louie Renn Medalla – University of Mindanao
50. Emman Monfort – Ateneo / NLEX
51. Kelly Nabong – Santa Rosa Yayce / Blackwater
52. Vincent Neri – Felipe Verallo Foundation College
53. Jewel Palomique – Mapua
54. Ronald Pascual – San Sebastian / NLEX
55. Christopher Pestano – George Brown/Centennial College
56. Czarvin Pilapil – University of Caloocan
57. Jewel Ponferrada – NU / Big Chill
58. Danny Pribhdas – UST / MOB Packers (B6BL)
59. Aldrech Ramos – FEU / Air Asia Philippine Patriots
60. Raphy Reyes – UE / Big Chill
61. Jerome Rubi – CSU – Northridge
62. Mark Sarangay – Mapua / Erase Placenta
63. VJ Serios – UP / Philippine Patriots (ABL, in 2009?)
64. Stephen Siruma – PCU / Boracay Rum
65. Eric Suguitan – UE/San Beda/ACSAT / NLEX
66. Yousef Taha – North Lake/Mapua
67. Elliot Tan – Biola University / Big Chill
68. Chris Tiu – Ateneo / SMART-Gilas
69. Aldrin Valencia
70. Robby Zablan – AMA / Cobra Energy Drink
71. Paul Zamar – UE / Blackwater

The Leo Awards for 2012

The Mythical 1st Team

List of Candidates and Winners (in Bold, for Mythical selection, 1st team = Bold; 2nd team in italics)

Congratulations to the nominees, and especially the winners.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

1. DAVID, Gary (34.00 SPs)
2. SANTOS, Arwind (31.1 SPs)
3. YAP, James (28.8 SPs)
4. CAGUIOA, Mark (28.2 SPs)

MYTHICAL SELECTION

GUARDS

1. ALAPAG, Jimmy
2. BAGUIO, Cyrus
3. CABAGNOT, Alex
4. CAGUIOA, Mark
5. CARDONA, Mark
6. CASIO, Jayvee
7. CASTRO, Jayson
8. DAVID, Gary
9. LEE, Paul
10. MERCADO, Solomon
11. MILLER, Willie
12. NORWOOD, Gabe
13. SIMON, PJ
14. TENORIO, LA

CENTERS/FORWARDS

1. CHAN, Jeffrei
2. DE OCAMPO, Ranidel
3. SANTOS, Arwind
4. THOSS, Sonny
5. WILLIAMS, Kelly
6. YAP, James

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

1. LEE, Paul (25.4 SPs)
2. CASIO, JVee (24.1 SPs)
3. LASSITER, Marcio (21.4 SPs)
4. ABABOU, Dylan (17.4 SPs)
5. SENA, James Ryan (16.8 SPs)

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

1. CHAN, Jeffrei
2. KRAMER, Doug
3. URBIZTONDO, Joshua

ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM

GUARDS

1. ARBOLEDA, Wynne
2. ANTHONY, Sean
3. IBANES, Jireh
4. LASSITER, Marcio
5. NORWOOD, Gabe
6. REYES, Ryan
7. ROSS, Chris

CENTERS/FORWARDS

1. BELGA, Beau
2. DE OCAMPO, Ranidel
3. HATFIELD, Rudy
4. HUGNATAN, Reynel
5. KRAMER, Doug
6. PINGRIS, Marc
7. SANTOS, Arwind
8. TAULAVA, Asi
9. THOSS, Sonny
10. WILSON, William

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

1. CASIO, Jayvee
2. FONACIER, Larry
3. SIMON, Peter June

The Jaworski Homage

Photo 1st seen @ Celest Flores' article on Inquirer.net

I was privileged enough to be able to be at the Araneta Coliseum on July 8, where 15,098 predominately Ginebra fans became witness to the retirement ceremony of the Living Legend, Robert Jaworski.

The Big J clearly remarked that this is merely a retirement of his iconic number 7, and that he will never ever depart the sport that blessed him all the way back from his collegiate days at the University of the East, where he was molded by the Maestro himself, Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan, to his MICAA days, to the iconic Toyota brand and to the Ginebra franchise.

The former senator personally gave thanks to those who helped pave the way to who he was then, and who he is now. For more details, watch the entire speech below.



It was a special night, graced by his former players at Ginebra, his former head coach at Toyota, Dante Silverio (whose jet-black hair still stands amidst the test of time), PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, Ginebra executives and SMC sports head Noli Eala, representing Ramon S. Ang.

Ginebra's Past meets its Current

The game that followed, Barangay Ginebra against Petron Blaze Boosters, had to come close to the pomp and drama of the ceremony. Instead, the match evolved into a modern illustration of the essence that is ang lahing Ginebra San Miguel, in fact, they were sporting throwback jerseys that night as well.

The Gin Kings suffered a sluggish start, trailing early they tried to find their form. But they kept themselves hanging around ensuring they keep themselves in a position for a possible comeback, anchored by the likes of Mark Caguioa and the wily veterans. And then in the fourth quarter, with the Spark firing on all cylinders, Ginebra's future shows up. SMART-Gilas alum Dylan Ababou scored all 13 of his points in the second half, while Rico Maierhofer snags a 10 and 10 performance.

And although Alex Cabagnot scores to even things at 85, it just sets up the drama.



And the postgame.

The Jersey Retirement of Robert Jaworski

Credit to Natashya Gutierrez of Rappler

On July 8, there will be a special ceremony to take place at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. The semifinals of the PBA Govenor's Cup will be ongoing, but at 6pm, all eyes will be on that court, as Barangay Ginebra will honor the Living Legend, Robert Jaworski, Sr. with the retirement of his iconic number 7. 

Jersey retirement is arguably the highest honor that a team can bestow on a player. It means they value you so much that they will never have someone wear your number ever again.

According to Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. President Bernard Marquez, this is the highest honor that they as a franchise can bestow on the Big J, Ginebra and Jaworski are synonymous, whose personifies the never-say-die spirit that is now part and parcel of the company itself.

The former Senator is honored to be bestowed such an achievement, that according to him, nakakataba ng puso na siya ay iniidolo ng mga batang manlalaro ng PBA. But he noted that even with the jersey retirement, he is not ready to leave the sport that he loves very much. He jokingly remarked that he is getting ready for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Being the former politician, he used the press conference to stress and remind us of the need for sports as an integral part of national development, as sports provide avenues for heroes and idols to emerge, so that future generations will look up to them. He chose not to take the opportunity during the press conference to announce his plans for the upcoming 2013 elections.

As a former Olympian and national team player and coach, he is most honored with the privilege of wearing the nation's colors and playing for flag and country. He emphasized the notion that the more important thing in competition is on how you played and your decorum during play instead of how it ended up, reminding our Olympians competing in London to enjoy the journey and the country will always be behind them. He specifically spoke of believing in yourself and going there with a positive attitude, because you are a representation of where you come from.

Yours truly with The Living Legend

Update: According to the trusty Fidel Mangonon a.k.a. @thepbaologist, the matchup on July 8 will be involving the winner of the playoff involving Powerade, Barako Bull and Meralco against Rain or Shine in the first game, while Barangay Ginebra will be facing Petron in the nightcap.

The Commissioner's Cup beckons

Starting later tonight, professional basketball in the Philippines resumes with the start of the Commissioner's Cup. With the backdrop of the fascinating All-Filipino Cup between the underdog Powerade Tigers and the newly minted champions Talk N' Text Tropang Texters, Philippine basketball re-emerges into the spotlight and attention of the Filipino sports fan.

The success of the "Kampihan Na!" campaign fostered by the partnership of the PBA and AkTV has already netted some dividends, as the league earned P39 million in gate receipts, exceeding the P36 million target. With regards to television, 1.2 million viewers watched the Game 7 telecast of the semifinals between bitter rivals Petron Blaze Boosters and TNT.

The previous conference thrust new players into the spotlight, namely SMART Gilas I alumni JVee Casio, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou, Marcio Lassiter and the establishment of Gary David as a bonafide star in the league. Who can forget his virtuoso postseason for the 8th seeded Tigers. He deserved to win the Best Player of the Conference trophy.

The new conference will have one major tweak, and that is the inclusion of an import with unlimited height. As it was discussed during the press conference last Wednesday, having the right import could be all the difference between making it to the next stage or missing it.

The pressure now lies with these guys:

Air 21 Express (formerly known as Shopinas) - Marcus Douthit
Alaska Aces - Adam Parada
B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados - Denzel Bowles
Barako Bull Energy - DerMarr Johnson
Barangay Ginebra Kings - Chris Alexander
Meralco Bolts - Jarrid Famous
Petron Blaze Boosters - Nick Fazekas
Powerade Tigers - Dwayne Jones
Rain or Shine Elastopainters - Willard Crews
Talk N' Text Tropang Texters - Omar Samhan

Kick-off will be tonight, 515pm with Barako Bull versus Alaska and the 730pm game would be B-Meg versus Meralco.

5-Hour Energy and the PBA's Powerade Tigers

H/T to Brosi Gonzales for this celebratory photo of the Tigers

I finally got the opportunity to watch the PBA Finals live for the first time last night. It was Game Three of the Best of Seven PBA All-Filipino Finals involving the defending champions a.k.a Heavyweights Talk N' Text Tropang Texters and the 8th-seed a.k.a. Underdogs Powerade Tigers. TNT had a 2-0 lead over Powerade and no PBA or even a NBA team has escaped from a 3-0 deficit.

I Was in the From the Stands Podcast

I love discussing basketball. So, it was natural for me to join the From The Stands crew in their podcast.

Click To Play

Click on the player to listen, or download the file, or subscribe to it on iTunes or on RSS.

Discussion centers on the latest deals in the NBA (as their stretch run begins) and the PBA (start of the Commissioner's Cup).

Any violent reactions and comments can be directed to either @misterjpmanahan, @chuck_araneta, @carlo_pamintuan, @polobustamante or @from_the_stands.

Fire Quinito and His Commissioner's Cup Query

Fire Quinito asked a series of true or false questions regarding the Commissioner's Cup that just commenced in Laoag, and whose next game will be later this week. This is my take on the questions:

Smart Gilas will win more than half their games in the tournament

Not really, but they'll definitely have a better record than Powerade or Air 21.

Rain or Shine’s Hassan Adams will win the best import award.

Somehow, my instinct tells me Gabe Freeman will be back in the PBA soon.

The Powerade Tigers will end the tournament in last place.

Hard to argue on this one.

Air 21’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini will lead all locals in scoring in the tournament.

Still think James Yap or MacMac finishes on top of local scoring charts. And with the news that he's moving on to another team, he's going to be sharing the load.

Willie Miller will start most of the games for Ginebra.

I think Coach Jong has set the rotation in place. Besides, I think Mark likes coming off the bench, as long as he gets crunch time minutes.

Either Hans Thiele or Paolo Bugia will become regular members of the Alaska rotation.

Maybe Thiele, probably not Bugia. Reynel was their garbage guy. Hans can easily replace him there.

Sol Mercado will struggle to fit in alongside Mac Cardona and Chris Ross in the Meralco backcourt.

I think he'll be fine. That's a good three-guard rotation.

Kerby Raymundo will regain his all-star form for the Derby Ace Llamados.

Nope. Not this year. Let the guy rest and recuperate.

Jay Washington will win his third straight best player of the conference award.

Provided he gets far in the playoffs. Then again, I expect someone from TNT to take the trophy.

Talk N Text will make it to the finals of the Commissioner’s Cup.

It could happen again. They have the local talent and a good import in Paul Harris.

Blog Outsourcing 10/19

Pardon me for this will be simplistic, you might say a mailed-in version. but read the last portion of this and you would understand.

Brutal month, right?

Time for the links.

The BCS standings are out. You better subscribe to the Al Davis philosophy to advance.

Well, TCU is right now on the outside looking in, but their coach does not care. Focus is on BYU. And guess who will be there?

More fodder for TWTWCFB: This guy might end the QB Heisman run.

Exhibit B as to why if you can leave, you ought to leave. I think we should be showing this to a certain QB in South Bend.


Sad sad news from Storrs. I like their chances this Sautrday against a West Virginia team with issues at QB.

Moving to beisbol:

This is the tim kurkjian special: the Game 3 NLCS edition.

Bill Plaschke reminding the Dodgers about their trading gaffe.

Angels hoping their last two games were merely a mirage. However, in New York, A-Rod is clutch (so far). Must be the Kate Hudson.

Btw, Bud is not the only one hoping for a Joe vs Joe.

Your weekly Futbol update: Hot and Not in the Premier League. And btw, World Cup spots on the line as the matchups are to be determined.

Peyton 2008 = Brady 2009. This is why. Hard to believe Titans are 0-6.

The bookends of the NFL Franchise value index have issues. At least Oakland can hang their hat on a win. Zorn without play calling is a lame duck. Btw, their next game is Monday night (October 26) against the Eagles.

Oh, the State of New York lost all three games against Archie's boys, with Sparty's G-Men being the last one.

Parting videos:

After the Palace Brawl, there are times people never learn. See this case:



UPDATE: he has been thrown the book.

Meanwhile: here is a better way to end the post...



Enjoy the week ahead.

P.S. Dad, I love you.

Midnight Special: Club vs. Country

The biggest headline in these parts has been the controversy over Japeth Aguilar and his non-signing. To summarize it, the first pure Filipino baller in years to play in a NCAA team (Western Kentucky), was the first overall draft pick in this year's Philippine Basketball Association Draft. Days later, he decided not to play for the team who drafted him (Burger King), choosing to go with a commitment to the national team. The huge fuss over this is that Burger King was somehow able to secure a verbal agreement that resulted in him being drafted. All of a sudden, a change of mind occurred during the FIBA-Asia Championships in Tianjin recently. The lead-up had been whether Japeth chooses to play either with the National Team or the pros. This is what he said regarding the matter.

I find it interesting because Burger King, thinking that they have it in the bag, decided to overhaul their team and centering it on Japeth. With his decision, they were screwed holding an empty bag. Feeling vindictive, a proposal was made to ban him to the league. Hopefully, that has not prospered as of yet (no update it).

What complicates matters was that Burger King was willing to lend him to the Philippine National Team, but Japeth preferred a full commitment to the team. Contrast it to the move Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made barring his stud Dirk Nowitzki for playing with the German National team. Contrast it to the San Antonio Spurs being apprehensive with Manu Ginobili for Argentina (did not play in the Tournament of the Americas) and Tony Parker for France (who injured his ankle in the Euro qualifiers) over the past few years. Contrast that with the Ricky Rubio situation in Minnesota (who decided to play for FC Barcelona for 2 years). Contrast it to the game of soccer, where national and club aspirations are way way bigger that what we expect it to be.

It is really hard when you are considered as a "savior" for a sport. (case in point: Yao Ming) The pressure is incredible and could be unreasonably high. I hope things do work out on our end as well as Japeth's end.

For as long there is conflict, I don't think this will end.

Pasintabis to start the month

1. Congrats to Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice on entering the Hall of Fame. They deserve it and Rickey is the Man!

2. Michael Vick is a free man and a free agent. Lots of teams want to, but fear the PR hit. The copycat league has to have someone of his skills.

3. The Jones Cup experience was disappointing. Add to that the ridiculous fight in the so-called scrimmage. Wow. Oh well... God, I hope things fall right in China. And it is already this week.

4. Congrats on the Draftees. I will see if i can break down the results as it happened.

5. MLB Trade Deadline (which does not involve waivers) came and went, with a Cy Young winner moving. However, that winner was not named Roy Halladay. The Pirates move another veteran for more prospects.

Snazzy Sport "Pasin-tabis" 2

1. Tom Watson leading the Open @ Turnberry. He's 59 turning 60. One thing that keeps me busy when I am at the office is reading Jason Sobel and his ESPN golf live-blog. It is really captivating what this 5-time Open winner is doing. Wow. Newsworthy. Also Tiger missing his 2nd major cut. Considering how good he has been over the course of his career, this is really a shock.

2. The 2010 Winter Classic will be held @ Fenway, with the Boston Bruins hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. Considering how good the past 2 games were, expectations are high.

3. Congrats to the San Miguel Beermen. Ginebra lost their first Game 7. Jonas Villanueva (FEU alum) wins the Finals MVP. Olsen, your successor is ready. Thanks for the service rendered.

4. Day after Beermen win, Team Pilipinas loses in their Jones Cup opener 90-59 to Jordan. Still need a lot of stuff to work on.

5. The NBA free Agent moves will have its own post before the season starts, so don't be surprised.

6. Since Kobe is coming here, no, I did not go to the Fort to try to fish for a ticket. I do have a day (graveyard, though) job and the schedule and location make it a little impractical. However, if you do, send a link to watch and observe. And, speaking of Nike, the Jordan Brand is going to secure current Converse icon D-Wade. (Which is a lateral move as Nike owns Converse)

7. DLSU lost again. No one scored in double digits, again. This will be a long season for the Archers. However, I just want to let you know, that this team is a 2nd round team, meaning they really play much better from August onwards. It is hard to imagine a Franz Pumaren-coached team like this. Kudos to FEU.

8. Adamson wins it first game against UP. Did I see a Mike Gamboa DNP?

Some Snazzy Sports "Pasin-tabis"

Here are some quick tidbits that have come to my attention. NBA stuff will have their own post probably during the weekend.

1. NCAA Season 85: Just started. UAAP in the horizon.
2. Due to the 2009 Influential Bloggers event, the Let's go Sago surfing event has been moved to August 15-16.
3. Game 1 of the PBA Finals between San Miguel and Ginebra already passed, with the Gin Kings winning.
4. Japeth is in the country, played for the Yeng Guiao NT. I wish he plays for the Toroman NT as well.
5. Manny Ramirez is coming back from his 50-game sabbatical.
6. US Soccer revival with their great showing in the Confederations Cup.
7. Wimbledon with THE siblings squabbling over another grand slam and Federer just 2 wins from 15 slams.

My passion for the NBA really gets you, don't you think?