Latest PBA On-line News

[full battle gear]

PBA willing to reinforce SEAG team
By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star 04/20/2007

Top PBA officials are open to lending some of their players to reinforce the RP team embarking on a gold-medal quest in the SEA Games in Thailand in December.

"(I’m open to) anything that would help them win," said PBA chair Ricky Vargas although he’s quick to add he would no longer be the league’s top honcho by the time the team is put up by August or September.

Red Bull’s Tony Chua is to succeed Vargas as PBA board chair next season. He said he’s also willing to help out the otherwise all-amateur team in the face of real threat posed by the Malaysians, the Indonesians and the host Thais.

Getting a glimpse of what the oppositions would be in the recent SEABA Champions Cup, basketball godfather Mikee Romero said he intends to request the PBA four big men to beef up the RP squad for the SEA Games. The PBA All-Filipino campaign, however, is ongoing by then.

"I’m open to anything that would help our national team win in international competitions. But lending our players (to Harbour Centre-Team Philippines) is subject to the approval of the PBA board," said Vargas.

Chua said it will be up to the PBA governors to come up with the final decision, but added he is personally inclined to support Vargas’ position.

"In our two-year absence in international competitions, our ASEAN neighbors had become strong and confident. They could pose danger that’s why I totally agree that we should help out the national team," he said.

Meanwhile, Vargas is meeting with PBA commissioner Noli Eala and San Miguel Corp.’s Robert Non today to discuss the program of the all-pro RP team which has returned from a two-week training in Carson City, California.

Reserve Enrico Villanueva rejoined the team as it reopened camp at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside Ateneo yesterday.

"I’m still hoping to make it to the team for the SEABA championship. It’s tough to attend two practices a day but I’m willing to do it to have a chance at wearing the national colors," said Villanueva.

The all-pro RP team will get to fully size up the Malaysians, the Indons and the Thais in the SEABA men’s championship slated next month in Ratchaburi, Thailand. The tourney is the regional elimination for the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifying tourney in July in Tokushima, Japan.

[full battle gear]

Tigers parade new import vs Gin Kings

The Philippine Star 04/20/2007

aCoca-Cola introduces a new import in former Washington State standout Jeff Varem as the Tigers take on the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Coke coach Binky Favis said letting go of Anthony Johnson was a hard decision they had to make.

"Very tough on our part because we’d grown to love Anthony. But we had to do it because we need an inside presence. As much as Anthony is very talented, we’re having a hard time matching up with the other teams. We lacked the ceiling," said Favis.

Varem is a 240-pound Nigerian native who was officially measured at a shade under the tourney’s maximum ceiling of 6-foot-6.

"He is highly-touted in defense. But since he wants to ultimately make it to the NBA, he’s also trying to play around the perimeter," said Favis of his new import.

Whether the judgment call is right will be known starting today when the Tigers parade Varem against the Ginebra Kings in their 4:35 p.m. tussle.

Alaska Milk and Talk n Text clash in the day’s other game at 7:20 p.m.

Ginebra and Alaska are aiming to regain a share of the lead with Red Bull at 8-2.

In what would turn out to be his farewell game in the local pro league, Johnson churned out a game-high 28 points that went with 18 rebounds and four assists in leading Coke to a 123-111 shootout with Air21 last Friday.

Meanwhile, Air21 pounded a James Yap-less Purefoods Tender Juicy and fashioned out a 102-89 rout to improve its win-loss slate to 6-3 at The Arena in San Juan last night.

Already without injured players Marc Pingris and Jun Limpot, the Giants were further depleted with Yap skipping the game to attend to his celebrity wife Kris Aquino who gave birth to their first child at the Makati Medical Center. The Giants absorbed their seventh loss against three wins.

[full battle gear]

Lead at stake in PBA doubleheader

By WAYLON GALVEZ
www.mb.com.ph


BARANGAY GINEBRA and Alaska Milk gun for a share of the lead anew when they tackle separate foes to start their second elimination round campaign in the import-flavored Talk ’N Text-PBA Fiesta Cup today at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ginebra plays Coca-Cola, which will parade new import Jeff Varem, in the curtain raiser at 4:35 p.m. while Alaska tackles Talk ’N Text at 7:20.

The Gin Kings and the Aces currently share second place with similar 7-2 win-loss records, half-a-game , behind defending champion and league-leader Red Bull, which improved to 8-2 following a 100-71 win over newcomer Welcoat the other night.

The Tigers and the Phone Pals, on the other hand, are tied for fifth place with identical 4-5 cards, behind the Air21 Espress.

Surprisingly, even with a severely depleted line-up, Ginebra remains in the hunt for back-to-back titles after winning the Philippine Cup last February.

Out for the rest of the season are national team campaigners Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand, as well as forward Rafi Reavis (left shoulder injury).

The return of do-it-all forward Rudy Hatfield, who went back to the US due to personal matters, remains uncertain while still recuperating from their injuries are Eric Menk (right calf musckle) and playmaker Johnny Abarrientos (groin).

In Dubai last week, Ginebra showed up with only 10 players and still scored an impressive 92-82 win over Purefoods TJ Hotdogs for its third straight win. Import Rod Nealy had 23 points and 10 rebounds.

But the Kings will face a Purefoods squad, fresh from a 123-111 win against the Sta. Lucia Realtors, which is aching to improve its record with Varem providing the needed inside presence.

Varem, who arrived the other day and was measured at 6-4 ¾, replaced Anthony Johnson. The 240-pound forward from Washington State U is expected to boost Coke’s frontline with his post-up moves and intimidating defense.

Varem played for the Nigerian national team in last year’s World Basketball Championships in Japan, and participated in Chicago Bulls training camp, although he was waived before the start of the 2006-007 NBA regualr season.

"He’s expected to give Coke’s frontline needed help. We make the adjustment during the game because we don’t know anything about him," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, whose team defeated Coke in their first meeting, 101-97, last Mar. 22.

The Aces, who have won five of thir last six games including a 103-88 triumph over the Realtors last Sunday, are also looking for a repeat against the Pals, whom the beat, 98-94, last March 7.

Talk ’N Text, however, is coming off a 99-84 win over Sta. Lucia Realty last Wednesday.

AIR21 TRIPPED Purefoods, 102-89, at the San Juan Arena last night to cement its hold of fourth spot in the Talk ’N Text-PBA Fiesta Cup.

It was the sixth win in nine games for the Express while the loss was the seventh against three wins for the Giants.

AIR21 — Canaleta 30, David 16, Daniels 15, Arboleda 11, Se 9, Santos 8, Torion 6, Telan 4, Dimaunahan 3.

PUREFOODS 89 — Chandler 26, Simon 19, Evangelista 12, Castillo 10, Yee 8, Salvador 7, J. Yap 5, R. Yap 5, Camaso 2, Artadi 0, Gamboa 0.

Quarters: 28-15, 55-44, 79-64, 102-89.

[full battle gear]

Bulls eye solo lead

Air21 battles Welcoat

Inquirer
Last updated 06:31am (Mla time) 04/22/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- At the rate things have shaped up in the PBA Fiesta Cup, interim Red Bull coach Gee Abanilla feels that 13—no matter how unlucky it sounds—is the number of wins needed to gain outright semifinal entry.

With the second round of elimination in the import-spiced tournament well on its way, teams in the upper half start jockeying for those two seats with the defending champion Bulls hoping to stay a step ahead of the rest.

Red Bull clashes with decimated Purefoods in the 6:20 p.m. game at the Araneta Coliseum, chasing a third straight win and ninth in 11 games overall to regain solo leadership and inch closer toward No. 13.

“Usually, 12 (wins) get you in safely,” Abanilla told scribes moments after a “scary” 100-71 victory over Welcoat on Wednesday. “But with teams bunched up the way they are, I think we have to look at 13 to get in (the semifinals outright).”

The victory over the Dragons was scary in the sense that James Penny took a cheap shot from Jay-R Reyes early in the third quarter that took the prolific Red Bull import out for the rest of the game and required medical attention.

Penny was hit hard in the back of the head while going for a coast-to-coast drive after stealing a pass intended for Reyes. He suffered a swollen left wrist while trying to break a hard fall.

“Luckily, there was no long-term damage (on his wrist),” Abanilla told the Inquirer over the phone. “James still feels some of the pain, but told us that it is bearable.

“James actually had a good practice the last two days.”

Penny may just be motivated enough to play, for this will be the first time that he will cross paths with Marquin Chandler, who won the Best Import plum last year in one of the closest ballotings for the award in recent times.

But Chandler has not gotten the help he has needed from his local crew, and the Tender Juicy Giants will try to avoid a fourth straight loss while welcoming back James Yap.

The reigning MVP missed Purefoods’ last game, a loss to Air21, because he had to attend to wife Kris Aquino, who gave birth to a baby boy last week.

Air21, meanwhile, guns for a second straight win in the 4:05 p.m. game, colliding with a Welcoat side that was left in tatters after a game against Red Bull.

After a respectable debut, new import Rob Sanders saw action for only 30 minutes, unable to carry the team. Welcoat, though, did not file a notice for a change of its import with the PBA as of presstime.

And the Dragons cannot afford to go all-Filipino against the Express. -- Musong R. Castillo

[full battle gear]

Galen stand lifts Beermen

The Philippine Star 04/22/2007

San Miguel Beer rode the momentum of its 96-90 win over Welcoat Sunday as it walloped Sta. Lucia Realty, 78-61, last night in a Talk n Text PBA Fiesta Cup road showcase at the Tacloban Convention Center in Tacloban, Leyte.

Improving further on their third game with import Galen Young, the Beermen earned their third win in their last four outings and pulled abreast with the Realtors and the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants at 3-7.

San Miguel finally got out of the cellar, leaving Welcoat alone at the bottom of the standings at 2-7.

Coach Siot Tangquinsen and his troops are hoping to make a big charge in the second round of the eliminations to make it to the upper half of the chart for at least an outright seat in the quarterfinal round.

The team remains well on target with sixth running Coca-Cola just a game ahead at 4-6 and No. 5 Talk n Text two games in front at 5-5.

Showing great determination, the Beermen started with a 12-2 run and dominated the hapless Realtors up to the final buzzer.

The Beermen actually struggled but the Realtors struggled even more. The error-littered first half ended with San Miguel on top by 11 at 34-23.

But the Beermen picked up their game in the third period and pulled away at 54-35 on clutch shots by Young, Olsen Racela and Christian Calaguio.

Danny Ildefonso scored on a dunk with 30 seconds to go and the Beermen closed the third quarter at 60-42.

The Realtors, through the efforts of Denok Miranda, Bitoy Omolon and Norman Gonzales, narrowed the gap to 12 at 56-68 but San Miguel stopped Sta. Lucia’s momentum on a timely timeout with four minutes left in the clock.

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Beermen rain treys on Aces
By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star 04/25/2007

San Miguel Beer hit heavily from the long court in the second half with import Galen Young on the bench saddled by early fouls, overcoming Alaska Milk, 100-96, to stretch its streak to three games in the Talk n Text PBA Fiesta Cup at the Astrodome last night.

The Beermen converted nine of 15 three-point attempts in the last two quarters with Chris Calaguio accounting for four, LA Tenorio three and Olsen Racela two as they got even with the Aces and improved their win-loss record to 4-7.

Curiously, the Beermen were 0-of-7 from beyond the arc in the first half but the team still enjoyed a 43-37 lead largely behind their collective effort defensively.

"We didn’t have enough time to prepare for this game coming from a road game in Tacloban Saturday. So we put emphasis on defense," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"It doesn’t seem like it but the game plan really was defense. The players deserve all the credit because they did a good job on both ends of the court specially when we needed it the most with Galen on the bench in foul-trouble ," Tanquingcen added.

San Miguel’s outside gunners did much of the trouble for Alaska as Calaguio, Racela and Tenorio delivered clutch baskets to keep the Aces at bay up to the finish.

The Beermen have gone 3-1 with Young as their import, avenging their 84-94 defeat to the Aces last April 11.

The Aces suffered a second straight loss and slid to fourth place at 7-4 with top gun Willie Miller struggling for only six points. Miller is number three in the league in scoring among locals averaging 20.5 points a game.

Reserves Rensy Bajar and Eddie Laure provided the points as Alaska made a last-ditch effort to salvage the game, coming within four at 90-94.

But Racela scored a three-point in the ensuing play then Miller committed an error as the Beermen all but settled the outcome of the game at 97-90 with only a minute left to play.

Tenorio played a bigger role for the Beermen early on as the former Ateneo chief playmaker did practically everything, anchoring their surge to a 15-point spread at 81-66.

The 6-foot-7 guard finished with 11 points, nine assists, two rebounds and two steals.

"LA took over when Galen sat out a few minutes on fouls," said Tanquingcen.

Limited to 33 minutes, Young produced only 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists - all below his normal numbers.

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Refs’ guru bats for PBA reforms
By Joaquin Henson
The Philippine Star 04/25/2007

Visiting FIBA referee instructor Alan Richardson said yesterday the PBA must seriously consider adopting "hybrid" rules to familiarize players with the international game and break away from patterning itself after the NBA to develop its own identity.

Richardson, 59, leaves Manila today after a 10-day trip where he observed PBA action, conferred with PBA coaches, met with the PBA Board of Governors, updated PBA referees on trends in officiating, spoke with national coach Chot Reyes at length, called on SBP president Manny Pangilinan and discussed possible reforms with PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

"The PBA is at a crossroads," said the Euroleague’s technical advisor and clinic director who worked FIBA games as a referee from 1978 to 1998. "It’s a recipe for disaster with the PBA employing basically NBA rules and the Philippines back to playing international tournaments. The national team will only suffer from this situation. The US no longer dominates the Olympics and World Championships because the way the game is played has changed. There are too many rules against physical contact in the NBA and PBA."

Richardson said it’s no wonder in Europe, there is only one American coach in circulation – Gordon Herbert who has learned the international game.

"The PBA should undergo a gradual transition and become a league of its own, not just a copy of the NBA," he said. "It takes drastic measures to achieve drastic results but change won’t come overnight."

Richardson said a top-to-bottom reorientation of officiating is necessary to effect meaningful reforms. He referred to a pyramidal structure where the PBA is at the apex, the PBL at the next level, the UAAP and NCAA at a lower level and the mass-based school system at the base.

Richardson said he is open to working with the SBP and PBA on a long-term basis as a consultant.

"Commitment is a two-way street," he said. "I’ve been invited to come back in August. I hope to return and see some changes already in place. I realize transition will be gradual. I’ve recommended slight changes as a start of a step-by-step process. I’ve suggested some mechanical changes and talked about seat-belt rules for coaches. I"ve stressed the importance of discipline because it breeds respect for authority."

If he returns, Richardson said he will gather the PBA coaches and referees for on-court sessions once in the preseason and once more in mid-season. "I will encourage discussion among the coaches and referees," he said. "Coaches can run through plays and clarify what constitutes a foul. This is a process where both sides earn mutual respect. Nothing social, strictly professional."

One aspect that Richardson emphasized to PBA referees is avoiding ticky-tacky calls.

"My rule is don’t stop the music," said Richardson. "Fans want to hear music, not whistles. Don’t call a foul unless contact affects a play. For as long as contact doesn’t interfere with the game, it should be let go. Don’t rob the excitement of the game."

Richardson said the PBA’s 16 referees are in a privileged position because aside from those in the NBA, they’re the only full-time whistle-blowers in the world.

"My conclusion is PBA referees are honest and human," said Richardson. "A player missing a layup or committing a turnover means he’s human. It’s the same thing with a referee who misses a call. I notice a lack of respect for referees and it isn’t right. I know respect is earned but the lottery system of choosing referees 30 minutes before a game is appalling, degrading and distrustful. You can’t expect a referee to be mentally and physically prepared to work a game 30 minutes before it starts. In the Euroleague, referees are assigned two weeks before a game and FIBA assigns referees four weeks before."

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Realtors pin hopes on new import


By JOAQUIN HENSON

The Philippine Star

Despite a 3-7 record at the All-Star break, Sta. Lucia Realty coach Boyet Fernandez said Wednesday the goal of clinching an outright quarterfinals slot in the PBA Fiesta Conference is achievable and new import Jamaal Williams will play a major role in the campaign.

Williams, 24, flew in from Seattle the other night. He takes over from original import Rock Winston who left Wednesday with a recurring back problem that flared up two games ago.

"No question about Rock’s talent and attitude," said Fernandez. "He suffered a car accident a year ago and he’s still feeling pain in his back because of it. We put him in the injured list. We’re lucky to get Jamaal who gives us a post presence and a big man in the middle. He’ll help us in rebounding and inside defense."

Williams was recommended by Los Angeles-based Filipino recruiter Roger Jimenez through agent Tod Ramassar who also represents Golden State guard Baron Davis.

"Jamaal plays like Elton Brand," said Jimenez. "He’s 6-5 but weighs 240 pounds with a 75-inch wingspan. He’s bigger than Winston. He’s just what the doctor ordered for Sta. Lucia."

Williams played two years for the University of New Mexico and two years for the University of Washington in the NCAA. As a senior in 2005-06, he averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds, shooting .496 from the field and .671 from the line. He shot 27 points in his farewell varsity game, a 98-92 overtime Washington loss to Connecticut in the Sweet 16.

"Jamaal is a great weapon offensively and he demands the attention of the opposing team’s defense," said Washington coach Lorenzo Romar. "He has a real knack of putting the ball in the basket. He plays probably three inches taller than his actual size (and) has a nose for the ball, too."

Williams was among the final Golden State cuts in tryouts last year.

Fernandez said from watching Williams on tape, he’s a legitimate post player. "He can run the break and play four or five," he noted. "He’s what we need down low."

Fernandez said he’s optimistic of the Realtors’ chances in the second half of the double round eliminations.

"We’re not putting ourselves under pressure," said Fernandez. "This is a learning experience for all of us. Morale is high and we’re staying positive. We’ve got a long way to go and making it to the top five is a realistic goal. We’re determined to prove something – that we can work and win together as a team."

Fernandez said veterans Dennis Espino and Marlou Aquino are undergoing therapy for ailing knees but should be up to 80 percent when Sta. Lucia plays Air21 next Wednesday.

"Their conditioning is fine but the pain is still there," said Fernandez. "They’re doing rehab and reporting for practice up to Saturday. We take a break on Sunday then we’re back in the gym on Monday with Kelly (Williams) and Denok (Miranda) who’ll be gone for the All-Star Week."

Fernandez said Paolo Mendoza begged off from the All-Star 3-point shootout to attend to a family obligation and Williams will take his spot. Cesar Catli was also excused because of his graduation at FEU.

Fernandez said the trade that sent Alex Cabagnot, Ricky Calimag and Kenneth Duremdes to Coca-Cola for Miranda was initiated by the Tigers. "We didn’t want to let Alex go but we thought of our salary cap for the next draft where we’re looking at Ken Bono, Doug Kramer, Rob Reyes if he’s available or J. C. Intal."

Fernandez said he expects even more from Kelly Williams in the battle for a quarterfinals ticket.

"Kelly is playing so well and he still has a lot to show," he said. "We’re giving him all the support. You can now see the chemistry in our team. We recently reactivated Paeng (Santos) and Mark (Magsumbol) because they deserve the chance to play after sacrificing so long in the reserve list. We’re giving everyone a chance to show their worth."

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BI fines Welcoat import



By JUN RAMIREZ
mb.com.ph

THE BUREAU of Immigration (BI) has fined Welcoat Paints import Robert Sanders P30,000 for working in the country without a permit.


BI Acting Commissioner Roy Almoro issued the order last Wednesday after Welcoat allowed Sanders to play without proper approval from the agency.

Sanders arrived in the country last April 13 to replace an injured Charles Clark.

Welcoat management immediately paid R5,500 to the agency in order to acquire a special working permit. Armed with a receipt and the assurance from the PBA and the Games and Amusement Board, Welcoat allowed Sanders to play against Air21 without bothering to get the needed clearance.

The management went to the agency yesterday and settled the issue.

According to BI technical assistant Manuel Ferdinand Arbas, Sanders was fined for violating the conditions of his stay as a tourist when he saw action last Sunday without the required work permit from the bureau.

Arbas stressed that it is against the immigration law for any foreigners to engage in gainful activity without first securing the necessary visa or permit from the government.

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Slumping Dragons tap former US collegiate ace

The Philippine Star 04/30/2007

Welcoat, down in the cellar with a woeful 2-8 mark, has tapped a new import in Wayland White, hoping to rebound from a string of setbacks and get back into the thick of things when the Talk n Text-PBA Fiesta Cup resumes this week following the All-Star break.

White, the former University of New Mexico standout, arrived Saturday night and immediately went into practice with the Dragons yesterday.

The 6-foot-6 White, also a former Wichita State’s Evans junior college star, replaces Rob Sanders, who earlier took over the spot of the injured Charles Clark.

The Dragons have lost their last four games since beating the Air21 Express, 103-99, in overtime last March 30.

Welcoat’s last defeat came at the hands of the Express, 94-102, last April 22 despite Alex Compton’s career-best output of 38 points.