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Torrid Giants battle Beermen; Air21-Coke up


Inquirer
Last updated 01:33am (Mla time) 11/03/2006

Published on Page A25 of the November 3, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

SIZZLING-HOT Purefoods and San Miguel Beer, sister teams which have basically traced the same path in the first month of the Talk ‘N Text PBA Philippine Cup, part ways tonight at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Winners of their last three games after uninspiring starts, the Beermen and defending champion Chunkee Giants slug it out in the 7:20 p.m. game with the winner claiming the tournament’s longest winning streak and creeping closer behind the leaders.

Struggling Air21 and Coca-Cola collide in the 4:35 p.m. match.

The Express, in eighth place with a 2-4 win-loss card, clash with the Tigers (3-4) minus their so-called “Energizer Bunny” after dealing away Ronald Tubid to Barangay Ginebra last week for a song.

Air21’s running game is undoubtedly one of the best -- if not the best -- in the tournament and Tubid, who was swapped for three future Rookie Draft rights to the Gin Kings, was easily a great contributor to that cause.

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio expects the Giants to be fully recharged following their taxing schedule before the brief Halloween break.

The Giants played three games in a seven-day span last week, one of them a classic triple overtime thriller over Talk ‘N Text that was sandwiched by wins over Sta. Lucia Realty and Coca-Cola.

“Certainly, it (rest) was good for the players,” Gregorio said.

The Beermen also welcomed the short respite with two key players still not in game shape and two recent additions still to fully blend with their new teammates.

Danny Ildefonso was sent back into action after sitting out the first five games; Danny Seigle is nearing perfect health; and new acquisitions Rommel Adducul and Lordy Tugade found more time to work out with the Beermen. -- Musong Castillo

[full battle gear]

Teamwork key for Ginebra, says Siot
By Joaquin Henson
The Philippine Star 11/03/2006

Ginebra San Miguel assistant coach Siot Tanquingcen said yesterday there is no substitute for teamwork as the key to bringing the Kings back on the throne in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Last season, Ginebra compiled an overall record of 25-24 to finish fourth in the Fiesta Conference and sixth in the Philippine Cup. Lack of depth was evident as the Kings failed to regroup after injuries struck down Romel Adducul, Rodney Santos, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Andy Seigle and Aris Dimaunahan during the campaign. The previous year, Ginebra bagged two championships.

Now that Ginebra has fortified its fences with the addition of key players, Tanquingcen said all the more, the stress is on teamwork.

Ginebra’s star-studded cast counts on Mark Caguioa, Helterbrand, Rudy Hatfield, Eric Menk, Billy Mamaril, Rafi Reavis, Johnny Abarrientos, Ronald Tubid, Mark Macapagal, Mike Holper, Sunday Salvacion, Seigle and Paolo Hubalde. Still in the injured list is Santos. Gone from last year’s roster are Adducul, Kalani Ferreria, Dimaunahan, Erwin Sotto, Allan Salangsang and Egay Echavez.

Tanquingcen explained that building a championship team starts from identifying the main men.

"In our team, we start with Eric, Mark and Jay-Jay," said Tanquingcen. "Then we surround them with guys who can make us better and help us improve in key departments like rebounding, inside scoring and playmaking. We mold our team and build a strong nucleus with a balance of good offense and good defense."

Tanquingcen, 34, said his demotion from head to assistant coach this year was an opportunity to show the Kings the value of playing as a team.

"When I was first told I wouldn’t be back as head coach, of course, I wondered why," said Tanquingcen. "After winning two championships, I thought I wouldn’t be replaced. But when I found out coach Jong (Uichico) was my replacement, I knew why. It’s management’s call and I support the decision completely. I know God has plans for me and it’s for the good of the team. Basketball is a team sport and the team always comes first, not the individuals in a team."

Tanquingcen said no matter how valuable a player is, his contribution is relevant only in relation to the team’s goals.

"I took the opportunity to be an example to our players," said Tanquingcen. "I told the guys it’s not about me. It’s about doing what’s best for the team. It’s about everyone doing his part and working hard to accomplish the team’s goals."

Tanquingcen said he explained the situation to his friends and relatives who were bothered by the demotion. "When they understood my point, they knew what the decision meant," he said.

Tanquingcen said his PBA history is a story of struggle. In 1996, he was one of only three rookie applicants not picked in the draft. The 5-8 guard didn’t give up and finally got a one-month contract to play for Sunkist to replace an injured player. His contract wasn’t renewed and Tanquingcen later showed up at a San Miguel Beer practice, begging for a chance. As a walk-in, he wasn’t paid for playing. Eventually, he was signed up as a practice player and elevated to the regular roster. In all, Tanquingcen averaged less than two points in 39 games over four PBA seasons.

"I was a horrible player," said Tanquingcen. "I’m short and my hands are small. I can’t jump and I’ve never even touched the ring. When I was in high school, I dreamed of playing not just in the PBA but in the NBA. I sat on the bench for two years at UST (University of Santo Tomas) then played more in my last season when we won the title in 1993. When I wasn’t drafted, it was like my dream was shattered. I realized not every dream has a happy ending but if you try hard enough and don’t quit, something good will happen even if it’s not the way you planned it at first."

Tanquingcen, a certified public accountant, found a way to stay in basketball as an assistant coach at San Miguel Beer, then assistant and head coach at Ginebra and back as assistant coach with the Kings.

Working with Uichico at Ginebra reprises their relationship at San Miguel.

"Our basic concept is the same," said Tanquingcen. "Coach Jong is more mild-mannered and I’m more aggressive but our message is the same. We believe in teamwork. We motivate the players by challenging them. We may be strong on paper but we’ve got to translate that strength to wins on the court. We set goals for the team and make sure everyone is on the same page."

Ginebra has a 5-2 record in the Philippine Cup and plays Purefoods next on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Tubid, recently acquitted from Air21, will make his Ginebra debut against the Chunkee Giants.

[full battle gear]

Surging Giants, Beermen clash

The Philippine Star 11/03/2006

Purefoods Chunkee and San Miguel Beer, two teams which sputtered in the early going but are now on a roll, clash today at resumption of the Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup, both trying to sustain the momentum of their run at the Araneta Coliseum.

With their three-game romp, the Giants and the Beermen now look every inch the title contenders they were touted to be, with the Giants out to break out of a tie with Talk n Text for fourth with 4-3 cards and the Beermen eyeing win No. 4 after dropping their first three games.

Coca-Cola and Air21, two teams closely behind San Miguel, clash in the other game at 4:35 p.m.

The Express will be playing their first game following Ronald Tubid’s transfer to the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

"Ronald had given us quality minutes. But he’s gone and we’ll make do with what we have," said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

Coaches Ryan Gregorio and Chot Reyes attributed their turnaround on mental, rather than mere physical, adjustments.

"We just recalled our happy moments last season. We kept a positive mind and it worked," said Gregorio as his Giants made it three in a row last Friday with an 82-78 thumping of the Alaska Milk Aces.

Incidentally, the Giants made it 3-of-3 on a busy schedule spanning seven days.

"My message to the boys was that we’re used to situations like this, having been in the Finals the last two conferences. Sabi ko sa kanila wala tayong dapat problemahin sa sunud-sunod na laro," said Gregorio.

After a 1-3 (win-loss) start, the Giants made a big charge, going 3-of-3 against formidable rivals — the Sta. Lucia Realtors, the Talk n Text Phone Pals and the Aces.

Purefoods will be coming out fresh from a week-long breather. San Miguel, however, has its own long rest, and the Beermen are raring to plunge back into action with a healthier lineup that now also features two-time MVP winner Danny Ildefonso.

The Beermen welcomed Ildefonso’s return on Oct. 26 with a 118-102 derailing of the Air21 Express in Subic. Before that, the Beermen thrashed the Aces, 81-71, then whipped the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 101-97, in overtime.

Suddenly, everything’s falling into place for the Beermen after figuring in a trade deal with Ginebra and Red Bull that brought to the team Romel Adducul and Lordy Tugade.

The Beermen have turned their fortunes around although coach Reyes has yet to make full use of Tugade, who’s nursing an injury.

[full battle gear]

4 PBA teams try to catch up on leaders

www.mb.com.ph


The Coca-Cola Tigers and the Air21 Express clash today with the objective of boosting their stocks in the Talk ’N Text PBA Philippine Cup.

The Tigers are in slightly better position with three wins in seven games although an Express victory would turn the tide into the latter’s favor.

"With only nine players in our rotation, I told the boys to cling together and work together," said Tigers coach Binky Favis.

The Tigers missed the services of main man Ali Peek, top three-point shooter William Antonio and promising young talent Neil Rañeses in their previous outing, a come-from-behind victory over the Welcoat Dragons.

The Express are also walking wounded these days with Niño Canaleta, Homer Se and Leo Avenido still feeling their way back from varying injuries. The brief lull augurs well for both teams.

It may be a different story for the surging Purefoods Chunkee Giants and the San Miguel Beermen, who will go up against each other in the nightcap at the Araneta Coliseum.

They’re currently the hottest teams in the league with similar three-game winning runs.

The Giants, defending champions of the all-Filipino tournament, are sharing fourth spot with idle Talk ’N Text Phone Pals at 4-3.

"We’re now back in our fighting form," declared Giants coach Ryan Gregorio.

Same is true with the Beermen. After losing their first three games, the Beermen traded some reserves and future picks to acquire the services of marquee players Romel Adducul from Ginebra and Lordy Tugade from Red Bull. They’ve been undefeated since.

"We’re still in the process of adjustment, but the return of the two Dannys will help speed up our recovery," said Beermen coach Chot Reyes.

[full battle gear]

Streaking Beermen, Giants collide

www.abs-cbnnews.com


One streak will end Friday as San Miguel Beer and Puerfoods Chunkee collide in the main game of the Talk ’N Text-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen and the Giants, both on a three-game winning streak, meet at 7:20 p.m. after the tussle between Coca-Cola and Air21 at 4:40 p.m.

After an erratic 0-3 start, San Miguel regains its winning ways mainly because of the return of Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso from injuries and reeled off three straight wins.

"We’re still in the period of adjustment. But the report of the two Dannys should help us along the way," said Beermen head coach Chot Reyes whose wards are coming off a 118-102 spanking of the Express last Saturday at Subic, Zambales.

Reyes is also drawing good games from his second stringers, particularly Wesley Gonzales, LA Tenorio and Willie Wilson while new acquisitions Lordy Tugade and Romel Adducul are slowly feeling their way to the system.

The defending champion Purefoods also started out flat in the tournament but recovered immediately with reigning Most Valuable Player James Yap, Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pinrgis getting back to form.

"After those losses, I just tried to motivate my players by telling them to recall the happy moments last season and it really worked," said Giants mentor Ryan Gregorio.

Purefoods is coming off an 82-78 escape over Alaska last Sunday at the Big Dome that stretches its winning run to three games.

In the first game, the Tigers of coach Binky Favis eye another win over Air21 to move up farther in the team standings.

Coke dismantled newcomer Welcoat in its previous game, 92-86, to improve its mark to 3-4 while the Express of coach Bo Perasol bowed to the Beermen that snapped their two-game winning streak and dropped to 2-4.

[gameface_one]

Beermen stretch win streak to 4


By June Navarro
Inquirer
Last updated 02:51am (Mla time) 11/04/2006

Published on page A15 of the November 4, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

DONDON Hontiveros keyed San Miguel Beer’s final push as the Beermen posted the longest streak in the conference with a hard-earned 87-79 victory over the Purefoods Giants in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Taking over when Danny Seigle limped out with an injury, Hontiveros buried a step-back three-pointer that cooled the rally of the erstwhile rampaging Giants and paved the way for the Beermen’s fourth straight win after a dismal 0-3 season opener.

Hontiveros drove to the basket and shrugged off James Yap before unloading the triple that gave the Beermen a comfortable 82-75 spread with barely a minute remaining.

A free throw by Jun Limpot put the Giants closer, 77-83, but Peter June Simon and Yap flubbed desperation triples to allow the Beermen to seal the victory with freebies on the other end.

“We’re slowly getting the right chemistry for this team,” said San Miguel Beer coach Chot Reyes. “I just hope that we continue to be healthy.”

The question of health, however, will depend on the findings on Seigle, who hurt his right ankle late in the fourth period.

Seigle fell on the wrong foot after squeezing past his defender, forcing the San Miguel coaching staff to bench him the rest of the match.

“I hope it’s nothing serious,” said Reyes.

In the first game, Gary David tallied 27 points in an almost no-relief job and helped the Express topple the Coca-Cola Tigers, 112-110.

Rookie Arwind Santos and Wynne Arboleda also sparkled and with the De Ocampo brothers, Ranidel and Yancy, lording it over in the paint, the Express chalked up their third victory after seven games.

“Gary knows the responsibility of elevating his game to another level after the loss of Ronald (Tubid),” said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

“He (David) didn’t let us down.”

Tubid was shipped to Barangay Ginebra, which traded its second-round picks in 2007 and 2008 and their 2009 first-round choice to Air21.

“We have to continue working hard for us to find the right chemistry,” said Perasol.

The Tigers suffered their fifth loss in eight assignments.

The scores:

First Game

AIR21 112—David 27, De Ocampo 20, Santos 16, De Ocampo 13, Telan 8, Arboleda 8, Sotto 6, Canaleta 5, Se 5, Dimaunahan 2, Avenido 2.

COCA-COLA 110—Arigo 25, Peek 24, Yeo 18, Ramos 9, Pacana 8, Miranda 8, Salangsang 8, Misolas 6, Ferreria 4, Gavino 0, Antonio 0.

Quarters: 28-24, 61-49, 89-78, 112-110.

Second Game

SAN MIGUEL 87—Seigle 24, Hontiveros 11, Tenorio 9, Gonzales 9, Racela 8, Wilson 7, Ildefonso 6, Calaguio 5, Adducul 4, Peña 4, Espinas 0.

PUREFOODS 79—Limpot 16, Yap R. 13, Simon 12, Yap J. 10, Pingris 9, Raymundo 8, Evange lista 7, Artadi 4, Salvador 0, Castillo 0.

Quarters: 22-13, 36-31, 63-51, 87-79

[gameface_one]

Realtors eye best all-Pinoy start ever



Inquirer
Last updated 02:58am (Mla time) 11/04/2006

Published on page A15 of the November 4, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

GAMES TODAY (San Juan Coliseum)
4:05 p.m.—Sta. Lucia vs. Welcoat
6:30 p.m.—Red Bull vs. Talk ‘N Text

EVERYBODY is now convinced that Sta. Lucia is for real.

The Realtors find themselves in a spot where they never used to be, leading the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup with a 5-1 (win-loss) card.

It shouldn’t be too tough trying to keep hold of the lead.

The Realtors take on the Welcoat Dragons, a bunch of newbies who can be dangerous one night and grossly disoriented the next, in a doubleheader today at the New San Juan Coliseum.

Sta. Lucia’s 5-1 record is the team’s best in an All-Filipino conference since 1998, when the Realtors also went 5-1.

Playing against Welcoat could help better that record. The young Dragons are currently stuck at 2-5, near the bottom.

In the second game, Red Bull takes on Talk ‘N Text, looking for its second win in three games since trading Lordy Tugade to San Miguel via a three-way trade.


Francis Ochoa

[gameface_one]

Air21 airborne, strafes Tigers
By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star 11/04/2006

For the Air21 Express, life goes on despite the exit of another high-profile player.

Off-guard Gary David delivered huge numbers while playing extended minutes with the departure of Ronald Tubid, and the Express subdued the Coca-Cola Tigers, 112-110, in the Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

David went 11-of-21 from the field and logged a game-high 27 points as the Express redeemed themselves from a 102-118 blowout by the San Miguel Beermen in Tubid’s farewell game with Air21 Saturday in Subic.

"We wanted to give Ronald a good farewell game then, but the boys were so destructed knowing they’re about to lose a teammate," said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

"But the boys have decided for themselves that we have to move on. Kinalimutan na namin ang nangyari," Perasol added.

Brothers Yancy and Ranidel de Ocampo and prized rookie Arwind Santos also delivered as the Express notched their third win against four defeats.

Ranidel had a double-double game with 13 points and 11 rebounds and personally sealed their win with a split from the line, deliberately missing the second of his two free throws with the team holding a two-point edge with 1.2 seconds left on the clock.

With the Tigers having used up all their timeouts, Chris Pacana could only make a wild heave after collaring the rebound.

Coca-Cola suffered a fifth loss against three wins despite the return of ace slotman Ali Peek from injury.

The Tigers, however, just refused to give up easily although the Express took control the entire length of the game.

Down by 11 at the end of the third, Coca-Cola started the final period with a 10-2 run, and the Tigers kept the game close up to the finish.

"Somehow, it’s better we won it in a close fight for the experience of it. Our first two victories were blowouts," said Perasol.

Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia Realty plays newcomer Welcoat, staking its hold of the solo lead in another weekend doubleheader feature at the San Juan Arena. The Realtors are fancied to score a sixth win in seven outings in the 4:05 p.m. tiff.

Red Bull and Talk n Text clash at 6:30 p.m. with both looking to improve their standings in the upper half of the chart.

The resurgent San Miguel Beer squad breached the .500 mark for the first time in the tourney as it made it four in a row with an 87-79 win over Purefoods in the second game.

"The key was the production of the bench," said San Miguel coach Chot Reyes as they sustained their charge following three straight defeats in the season.

[gameface_one]

3 QC sites eyed for PBA coliseum



By TITO TALAO
mb.com.ph

Build it and they will come. A long-time Field of Dreams for the Philippine Basketball Association is turning into a short-term reality after league officials met with representatives of the Quezon City government yesterday for breakthrough talks that could pave the way for the launching of the PBA’s ultimate project: the construction of a state-of-the-art permanent home.



Three sites within the heart of Quezon City have been identified: a spot at the boundary of Agham Road and Quezon Avenue, prime land located at the North Triangle Development Area beside SM North, and the current Manila Seedling Bank at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue.

"We’ll be talking to the individual owners of the potential sites for lease arrangements next week," said PBA Commissioner Noli Eala whose meeting with QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte was arranged by City Councilor Franz Pumaren.

Joining Eala were PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, whose company Philippine Long Distance Telephone could be one of the major investors in the multi-million venture, and league legal counsel Melvin Mendoza.

"The Mayor was very enthusiastic with our desire to build a permanent venue in his city," said Eala, adding two of the sites are National Housing Authority properties while the third is controlled by the Ayala Group.

With the PBA board having authorized official meetings with the property owners, Eala hopes to furnish ball club governors a comprehensive report on three crucial aspects of the undertaking by December: site selection, financing proposal, and the business model and management terms.

"It’s looking more realistic every moment," said Eala of the long-time vision which took vague form as early as the tenure of Commissioner Rudy Salud in the late ‘80s.

Armed reportedly with a P4B surplus, Quezon City is in strong position to partner with the PBA, primarily through PLDT, San Miguel Corporation and, possibly, real estate developer Sta. Lucia Realty, in the ambitious project.

"The Mayor envisions a civic center with the PBA coliseum there," said Eala.

Belmonte presented the visiting PBA officials with a blueprint for the Quezon City Central Business District which detailed the entire development plan for the QC triangle.

If plans proceed smoothly, Eala said, site selection could be finalized by January next year. Negotiations with banks and financers could follow by March and April, with a groundbreaking ceremony set by July.

"The PBA is debt-free," said Eala. "I don’t know of any commercial bank that would not be happy to get into any business arrangements with us, like a debt-and-equity setup. We could put up, say, 20 percent of the cost, and the banks would shoulder the rest as loans."

[full battle gear]

Realtors dump Dragons, keep lead

By June Navarro
Inquirer
Last updated 05:25am (Mla time) 11/05/2006

Published on page A19 of the November 5, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

GAMES TODAY (Araneta Coliseum)
4:05 p.m.—Air21 vs Alaska
6:30 p.m.—Barangay Ginebra vs Purefoods

STA. Lucia Realty showed it could make both ends meet even without Kelly Williams.

Hardly missing their prized rookie, the Realtors turned to their grizzled veterans and walloped the Welcoat Dragons, 89-83, to stay on top of the Talk ‘N Talk-PBA Philippine Cup last night at the San Juan Arena.

Paolo Mendoza sizzled from beyond the arc after nailing six of his nine three-point attempts for a game-high 20 points while Dennis Espino manhandled the Welcoat frontline like a big boy bullying a couple of school kids in a playground.

Espino unloaded 10 of his 14 points in the pivotal fourth when the Realtors began pulling away en route to their sixth victory against a defeat to keep the solo leadership.

“We really need this win badly,” said Sta. Lucia Realty coach Alfrancis Chua, who steered the Realtors to their best start in years.

“Teams are starting to step up and get their games going. It would be better if we pile up victories early in the conference,” he added.

Williams missed the game to attend a friend’s wedding in the US.

Chua said Williams had long sought and was given permission to make the trip, adding the top pick from this year’s rookie draft will be back to attend the team’s practice this Tuesday.

The Dragons, who were in the game until the third period, drew several top performances from Denver Lopez, Niño Gelig, Jercules Tangkay and Jireh Ibañez but they were not enough to stop a sixth defeat in eight games for Welcoat.

Rookie Ronnie Bughao played the game of his life with a career-high 12 points for the Realtors behind the 13 of Kenneth Duremdes.

Chua said the team was making the most of its hot form since the crack squas are beginning to stir to life.

San Miguel Beer, which started the season at the cellar, is now the hottest team in the league after winning four straight games.

Also in the middle of the pack is Purefoods, which is also beginning to pick up steam for a three-game streak last week that got halted by the Beermen the other night.

“These teams are dangerous so we should keep those victories coming while we’re hot,” said Chua, whose Realtors extended their win streak to three.

The scores:

First Game

STA. LUCIA 89—Mendoza 20, Espino 14, Duremdes 13, Bughao 12, Calimag 6, Aquino 6, Cabagnot 5, Catli 4, Omolon 4, Isip 3, Gonzales 2.

WELCOAT 83—Wainwright 17, Tangkay 14, Ibanes 12, Gelig 12, Lopez 11, Reyes 5, Cabatu 5, Sta. Maria 3, Baguion 2, Lao 2, Mente 0.

Quarters: 24-18, 40-44, 63-62, 89-83