Dissecting the Ginebra - BMEG - Barako Bull Trade

Yesterday, the trade proposal from Barangay Ginebra, Barako Bull and BMEG Llamados was received by the Commissioner’s office around 2-3 in the afternoon, but the day before the submission of the proposal, a lot of PBA fans knew already what the trade is all about and who are the players involved in the trade.

It was Allein Maliksi (Barako Bull) and Rico Maeirhofer (BMEG) to Barangay Ginebra, Jimbo Aquino (BGK) plus 2014 and 2015 second round pick (BGK) to Barako Bull and Yancy de Ocampo (BGK) to BMEG.

For Barangay Ginebra, I think this trade will improve their front court rotation by acquiring Maierhofer, which can play the PF position, vacated by Rudy Hatfield. This will also give Rico the chance to prove himself and will earn more playing minutes in the Ginebra camp.

For Allein Maliksi, BGK will have a log jam in the 3 position where JC Intal, KG Canaleta and even Ronald Tubid play similar position.

But the drawback of this trade is both players acquired by BGK are coming off from ACL injury.

For BMEG Llamados, adding Yancy de Ocampo will give their line up with more flexible shooters in their triangle offense. De Ocampo, the top pick in the 2002 PBA Draft, is considered a journeyman in his 9 year as a pro.

For Barako Bull, they will add another scorer in the mold of Jimbo Aquino. Aquino, drafted in the first round by BGK in the 2010 PBA Draft, spent most of the time in the BGK’s bench because of the surplus of guards in their lineup. They also received two second round picks (2014 and 2015)

Game Face

I think this is the first part of the trade for Ginebra. Adding Rico and Allein will not solve their problems in their front court rotation, although I would pick Rico any day for Yancy. Noli Eala also confirmed that in order to upgrade the lineup of BGK, they cannot do it with one move, meaning another trade is on our way.

I feel sad for Barako Bull, no more "Espana Express". Dylan Ababou might be the next victim if he continue to play well in this conference. For Jimbo Aquino, Noli Eala made a good move by trading him to Barako Bull. This is the only way for Coach Ato Agustin to acquire his beloved player from college. How about the two second round pick given to them? Forget that, by 2014, this team will be disbanded if they will continue to sell their players.

For Yancy de Ocampo? Well goodluck! I hope Tim Cone will unleash your potentials that you've been hiding for almost a decade.

and for the PBA fans, just wait for the next trade. It might be the trade that will broke the hearts of the fans of the teams involved.

Clue? A trade between A - P - G...

The PBA Monthly Report (Winners and Losers)

It’s been one month after the season-opening of the first “pay for play” basketball league in Asia, the PBA. The ten teams already played a maximum of 5 games in the entire month and gave us shocking result in which we didn’t expected to happen. So let’s have a trip down the memory lane and decide which team performed well in this conference.

WINNERS

Barako Bull – Surprisingly, they are on the top of the standings (tied with Rain or Shine and Talk n Text with 4-1 win-loss card). Willie Miller came out strong for his team by averaging 13 points per game. The team is already known as “The Giant Killer” for beating powerhouse teams like Barangay Ginebra, Talk N Text and their latest victim, the BMEG Llamados. I admire Coach Junel Baculi because of his excellent player rotation and for injecting composure on this team. Not to mention their super rookies, Dylan Ababbou and Allein Maliksi, both late picks in the first round, averaging double figures for the team. This team believed that “age is only a
number”.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – The wonders of Yeng Guiao is properly working. From being a cellar-dweller team upon entering the PBA, they are now one of the deadliest team in the league. With a 4-1 record, opposing teams now is trying to figure out on how to defeat this young team composed of defense specialist Gabe Norwood, sweet-shooting Jeff Chan and the lethal Paul Lee. This trio helped the team to accomplish such feat in the early part of this conference.

Talk N Text Tropang Texters – despite playing with a depleted line up in the start of the conference (Gilas member Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams is out for a vacation), this team proved that they are the defending champs. With the addition of Japeth Aguilar, this team is now complete in every position. Harvey Carey and Jason Castro are playing a hell of a ball game. Chot Reyes is very serious to try another run for the grand slam this season. And once the team is complete and healthy comes play-offs, opposing teams must start thinking a way to prevent a back to back championship from happening.

Meralco Bolts – what will happen if the main core of the team is beleaguered by injuries? From the start of the conference, the Bolts are playing without their two main scorers, Sol Mercado and Mac Cardona, while Asi Taulava is tired because of the Wuhan FIBA Championship. Chico Lanete, Gabby Espinas and Mark Macapagal, shouldered the needed offense and defense for the team and that’s why they are on the second spot in the standings. With Sol Mercado back on the team and Gabby Espinas is playing an excellent game with a double-double average, this team is on a mission: to enter the play-offs.

LOSERS

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings – coming from a two game winning streak, but those win was decided in a matter of seconds only. Against Powerade, Mark Caguioa’s shot gave their second win (73 - 72), thanks for the poor free throw shooting of the Tigers. For Shopinas.com, the team got carried away and celebrated too early, thanks to JayJay Helterbrand for the win.
Despite of their winning streak, I placed them in the losers’ column because this team needs an upgrade on their front line. This team must not rely on “miracles” or “bad game of the opposing teams” just like what happened to Powerade and Shopinas.

Petron Blaze Boosters – after a 3-0 start, here comes 0-2, two losses with a 10 point margin against Talk N Text and Meralco, both from MVP teams. We thought that this team is invincible in terms of talent and defense, but their main weakness after their last two games is the manpower. Last Friday, we’ve seen Chris Lutz and Alex Cabagnot played the entire game without rest. The team already signed their 3rd PG, Axel Doruelo, but he won’t play against Powerade because he must wait for the “go” signal from the Commissioner’s Office.

Powerade Tigers – same with Petron, from 2-0 start, they dropped their last three games. Marcio Lassiter is playing a good game in his rookie season, averaging 14.20 points per game. Gary David is still their number one option for scoring but the team needs another scorer to complement with David because Lassiter, Anthony and Kramer is focusing more on defense. JV Casio, playing with limited minutes coming from an injury, is slowly getting his game to harmonize with the team.

BMEG Llamados – After six games this conference, they found themselves at the bottom of the standings. Despite of having a great coach in the person of Tim Cone and talented composition of roster, the main problem of the team is how to absorb the triangle system. If you will able to watch their previous game, they started their game with the triangle and ends up with isolation/one-on-one game (the Ryan Gregorio system). They need to master their system or else we will see Wilfred Uytengsu with a great smile on his face.

Alaska Aces – I think this is the first time in this franchise to start a conference with a 0-5 record. They were abandoned by Tim Cone before the start of the season, and replaced by Joel Banal as head coach of the team. Jay R Reyes and Sonny Thoss are playing their best game this season (especially Jay R Reyes), but LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio is still “missing in action”. Why does Banal giving Brandon Cablay too much playing time when you have Eric Salamat, Julius Pasculado and Ariel Mepana on the bench? Sam Eman is a freaking bust!

Shopinas.com Clickers – this team is very promising, despite of being the new kid on the block in this league. I hope that if ever they will be eliminated early this conference, they will be able to find a very good import to reinforce them in the Commissioner’s Cup. One thing, I hope Ms. Sheila Lina will watch their game always. It is quite inspiring for the team to see her watching the team.

Colliding with the Barako Bull

No one expected that this cellar-dweller team, the Barako Bull, will display an unstoppable dominance in the 37th season of PBA.

Despite losing their first game against the Petron Blaze Boosters, this team is on a three game winning streak, defeating the crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra, the defending champions Talk N Text, and the new comer and their sister, Shopinas.com, and found themselves on the second spot in the team standings.

This team (formerly Air 21), led by the two-time MVP Willie Miller, with his veteran supporting cast of former San Miguel Beermen/Petron Blaze Boosters Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena, Mick Penissi, Paul Artadi, Sunday Salvacion, former BMEG players Don Allado and Jondan Salvador, original Barako Leo Najorda, Leo Avenido and their super rookies Dylan Ababou and Allein Maliksi, defied all odds and starting to get their rhythm to play basketball in it’s true definition.

Living up to their tagline, “Ang Bumangga, GIBA!”, the Barako Bull is now showing no mercy with every opposing teams that they collide every game. Just in their recent game against Shopinas.com, Homer Se and Dorian Pena was thrown out of the playing court because of an altercation leading to numerous technical fouls that lead both players to their dug-out.

Willie Miller, Barako Bull’s leader, put on a show in their last game against Talk N Text, toying Jason Castro and PBA 2011 MVP Jimmy Alapag by scoring 27 points on a winning output.

The super rookies, former PBA D-League MVP Allein Maliksi and former UAAP MVP and Smart Gilas member Dylan Ababou, showing no rookie jitters in the PBA by averaging on their last 3 games with 12 points and 20 points respectively.

Game Face

Just a reminder to other PBA teams, please never under estimate the Barako Bull because they are very tough team (in both offense and defense) to beat. They are now “playing the game” and no one can question their capability to win games, as they proved already what takes to be a Barako.

To coach Junel Baculi and the rest of his coaching staff, congratulations for giving the team its “new identity”. We, the PBA fans, are very happy to see this team winning games and giving a hell of a basketball every game.

One wish, to those teams that are planning to “raid” again the talents of this team, please LEAVE THIS TEAM ALONE. Let Maliksi and Ababou be the cornerstone of this franchise.

Enough of those lopsided trades!

NOW AVAILABLE: Allein Maliksi and Dylan Ababou

When we talk about Barako Bull (formerly Air21 Express), we cannot deny how powerful their line-up could be if not for the bogus trades that they entered since coming into this league.

Let’s have a quick rundown on the list of players that they acquired during the draft since 2002, the year that they entered the league.

2002

Yancy de Ocampo – 1st pick (now with Barangay Ginebra)
Renren Ritual - 8th pick (now with Shopinas.com)

2003

John Ferriols – 12th pick (now with BMEG Llamados)

2004

Marc Pingris – 3rd pick (now with BMEG Llamados)
Ranidel de Ocampo – 4th pick (now with Talk N Text Texters)
Wesley Gonzales – 9th pick (now with Alaska Aces)

2005

Jay Washington – 1st pick (now with Petron Blaze Boosters)
Mark Cardona – 5th pick (now with Meralco Bolts)
Nino Canaleta – 6th pick (now with Barangay Ginebra)

2006

Arwind Santos – 2nd pick (now with Petron Blaze Boosters)

2007

JC Intal - 4th pick (now with Barangay Ginebra)
Doug Kramer – 5th pick (now with Powerade Tigers)

2008

Mark Borboran – 6th pick (now with Meralco Bolts)

2009

Japeth Aguilar – 1st pick (now with Talk N Text Texters)
Chris Ross – 4th pick (now with Meralco Bolts)
Rogemar Menor – 7th pick (now with Shopinas.com)
Ronnie Matias – 9th pick (now with Rain or Shine)

2010

Noy Baclao – 1st pick (now with Petron Blaze Boosters)
Rabeh Al-Huseini – 2nd pick (now with Petron Blaze Boosters)
Rey Guevarra – 3rd pick (now with Petron Blaze Boosters)

2011

Allein Maliksi – 8th pick
Dylan Ababou – 10th pick

If you will take a look at these players that they drafter, numerous championships is up for grabs for this franchise. But what happened? They entered some trades in order to give away their talents in exchange of series of draft picks and cash considerations.

And in this 37th season, Barako Bull’s roster is consist of washed up veterans like Willie Miller, Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena, Jondan Salvador, Don Allado, Mick Pennissi, Sunday Salvacion, Wynne Arboleda and Paul Artadi. They are once the pride of their former teams, but because of the injuries they have encountered from the past years, I doubt majority of them can complete a whole season without missing a one game.

Last night, Barako Bull won its first game in two outings, defeating the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. Dylan Ababou, after being benched during their first game against Petron, led the team with 20 points. Allein Maliksi scored 13 points also and grabbed 8 rebounds (Maliksi averaged 14 points per game).

Because of the sturdy offense displayed by these rookies in their last two games, I’m afraid that after five more games, we will see them playing to another team.

If this will happen again, Barako Bull must change their name to AMAZON.COM or SULIT.COM…

PBA 37th Season: POWER RANKINGS

This is it! The long wait is over! This is war!

Today will be the opening tip-off of the 37th season of the first “pay-for-play” basketball league in Asia, the PBA.

With their tagline: “Kampihan Na!”, the fans will surely bet on their favorite teams in their quest for All Filipino Championship. (I don’t think the tagline is related to the banner in the PBA website, where 4 SMC teams and 1 MVP team is featured, or maybe PBA is telling that the both SMC and MVP camp will unite for their quest in the 2014 Olympics)

THE KING

The reigning AFC Champions, Talk N Text Tropang Texters, will try to reclaim their title and aim for another grand slam run this season.

With Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Kelly Williams returning to their line up after their stint in Wuhan, their championship core is still intact. With the latest addition of Japeth Aguilar and the rookie sucker puncher (coined by Yeng Guiao) Pamboy Raymundo, they will add youth, speed and talent to the team.

Who to watch out: Chot Reyes’ drama acts and telenovela dialogues.

THE CHALLENGERS

Petron Blaze Boosters – one of the main reason why TNT didn’t experienced how sweet to win a rare grand slam. Coach Ato Agustin and his seven disciples (most in the league) will again try to sneak in the Finals and reclaim the All Filipino Championship. With Jay Washington and Rabeh Al-Husseini still in the sideline, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and Danny Ildefonso, will banner the team this season. Re-acquired during the draft, Dondon Hontiveros might be the last missing piece in the PBB line-up after Duncil and Hubalde return to their mother team. With new recruits, defensive stalwarts Chris Lutz and Carlos Sharma, Petron is a more complete team compared last season.

Who to watch out: Rey Guevarra’s explosiveness and Chris Lutz’ tight defense

Alaska Aces – although they are abandoned by Tim Cone for another team, expect them to prove themselves this season. Armed with four rookies, Mac Baracael, Eric Salamat, Julius Pasculado and Ariel Mepana alongside with their old reliables LA Tenorio, Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and Jay R Reyes, they are still a championship caliber team. They are no push over this season. Joel Banal, their new head coach, will lead the team and promised to bring back the championship glory in the Aces Camp.

Who to watch out: Julius Pasculado and Ariel Mepana
BMEG Llamados – adopting the triangle system which popularized by Tim Cone in the Alaska’s camp for over 22 years, this might be the year of the Llamados. With a new head coach, Tim Cone and new assistants Johnny Abarrientos and Jeffrey Cariaso, BMEG is on a new mission. James Yap will be the cornerstone of their offense with the help of the returning Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris, Joe Devance and the rookie guard Marc Barocca.

Who to watch out: James Yap and Kerby Raymundo

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings – even though Rudy Hatfield left the team (again and again), Jayjay Helterbrand contemplating on retirement, Eric Menk’s injury (as always), and NO PLAYER MOVEMENT/S MADE BY THE SMC COMPARED TO PETRON AND BMEG, no need to worry ka-baranggays because BGK is still capable of whooping some a** every season they played here in the PBA.

With the lone addition of Riel Cervantes in their lineup, Mark Caguioa will still lead the team to the promise land. The never say die attitude of this team is very intact and cannot be questioned by others.

Who to watch out: Mark Caguioa’s MVP performance

THE GATE CRASHERS

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – last season, ROS proved that they are not the league’s whipping boys. They can win games; they can be also threat to the other teams. With the tandem of Gabe Norwood and rookie sensation Paul Lee, expect something different this season. That difference will make every opponent of ROS in deep trouble. And when you see the game face of Yeng Guiao, you are also in deep trouble, dib a Coach Chot?

Who to watch out: Paul Lee and Yeng Guiao (expect fines)

Powerade Tigers – they are the last season’s big time losers, but no longer now. JV Casio and Marcio Lassiter will prove that this is their time. With a lot of improvement in their rosters by acquiring Doug Kramer, Rommel Adducul, Alex Crisano and Josh Vandalingham and holdovers Gary David and Sean Anthony, they might burst the bubble of the opposing teams. They might say “Goodbye Eliminations, Hello Quarters”.

Who to watch out: JV Casio and Alex Crisano’s court antics.

Meralco Bolts – their line up improved a lot with the addition of Jason Ballesteros, Gilbert Bulawan, Mark Macapagal and Chito Lanete. With Sol Mercado, Mark Cardona and Asi Taulava leading the team, they have a lot of reasons to enter the quarters every conference this season.

Who to watch out: Jason Ballesteros

Barako Bulls –Veterans Willie Miller, Danny Seigle, Don Allado, Dorian Pena, Paul Artadi and Wynne Arboleda must drink from the “fountain of youth” in order to give the first championship of this team (formerly Air 21). Always selected as victim by the SMC and MVP group in terms of hoarding their talents, I hope this season, Allein Maliksi and Dylan Ababou won’t be traded at all. They will serve as the future of the team as their veteran teammates guide them in every game. Nothing to ask for, but they might pull a surprise this conference.

Who to watch out: Willie Miller – Danny Seigle tandem

WHIPPING BOYS

Shopinas.com Clickers – aside from Franz Pumaren’s moustache, I don’t see this team will enter the quarters this season. Whoever owns the Shopinas first round pick next year will be happy.

PBA Teams: A Second Look

ALASKA ACES

• Intact roster – no player movements in the Alaska Camp except for drafting significant players in the PBA Draft: Mac Baracael, Julius Pasculado and Eric Salamat.
• New coach, old system – with the departure of Tim Cone, the Aces elevate Joel Banal as their new head coach. Banal said that he will still use the triangle system but he will install new plays for the team.
• Projected First Five: C – Sonny Thoss, PF – Tony dela Cruz, SF – Mac Baracael, SG – Cyrus Baguio, PG – LA Tenorio.
• Dark Horse of the Team: Julius Pasculado

BMEG LLAMADOS

• New Coach, New System – with Tim Cone at the helm, expect that the Llamados will execute the famous triangle system.
• New Players: Marc Barocca, John Ferriols
• Projected First Five: C – Rafi Reavis, PF – Kerby Raymundo, SF – Joe Devance, SG – James Yap, PG – Mac Barocca.
• Dark Horse of the Team: Mac Barocca

BARAKO BULL

• New Coach, Old Players (age factor) – Junel Baculi will handle the team and the team is composed of 90% veterans.
• New Players: Willie Miller, Don Allado, Allein Maliksi, Dylan Ababou, Sunday Salvacion
• Projected First Five: C – Dorian Pena, PF – Don Allado, SF – Danny Seigle, SG – Willie Miller, PG – Wynne Arboleda.
• Dark Horse of the Team: Dylan Ababou

BARANGAY GINEBRA

• New Coaches, Old and Small Players (age /height factor) – Siot and Jong will handle the team. Again, the team is composed of guards and guards.
• New Players: Riel Cervantes, Art dela Cruz (returning asst. coach)
• Projected First Five: C – Eric Menk, PF – Willy Wilson, SF – Ronald Tubid, SG – Mark Caguioa, PG – Jayjay Helterbrand.
• Dark Horse of the Team: John Wilson and Jimbo Aquino

MERALCO BOLTS

• No major player movements except for having four “MARK” in the team – Isip, Cardona, Yee and Macapagal.
• New Players: Mark Macapagal, Mark Yee, Bryan Faundo
• Projected First Five: C – Asi Taulava, PF – Reynel Hugnatan, SF – Nelbert Omolon, SG – Mark Cardona, PG – Sol Mercado.
• Dark Horse of the Team: Mark Macapagal

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS

• No major player movements
• New Players: Dondon Hontiveros, Carlos Sharma, Chris Lutz
• Projected First Five: C – Noy Baclao, PF – Arwind Santos, SF – Chris Lutz, SG – Dondon Hontiveros, PG – Alex Cabagnot.
• Dark Horse of the Team: Chris Lutz (Defensive Player of the Year)

POWERADE TIGERS

• New Players, Same Coach (sigh)
• New Players: Doug Kramer, Josh Vandalingham, JV Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Rommel Adducul, Alex Crisano, Kenneth Duremdes (please, you are not Michael Jordan)
• Projected First Five: C – Alex Crisano, PF – Doug Kramer, SF – Marcio Lassiter, SG – Gary David, PG – JV Casio.
• Dark Horse of the Team: Marcio Lassiter

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS

• Same old but effective lineup!
• New Players: Paul Lee, JR Quinahan,
• Projected First Five: C – Beau Belga, PF – Larry Rodriguez, SF – Gabe Norwood, SG – Ronjay Buenafe, PG – Paul Lee.
• Dark Horse of the Team: Paul Lee (PBA ROY)

SHOPINAS CLICKERS

• New Coach, New Players, New Team, Awful Name.
• New Players: Renren Ritualo, RJ Jazul, Elmer Espiritu, Paolo Hubalde
• Projected First Five: I have no idea!
• Dark Horse of the Team: Franz Pumaren’s bigote (moustache)

TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS

• Intact Roster
• New Players: Japeth Aguilar
• Projected First Five: C – Japeth Aguilar, PF – Harvey Carey, SF – Kelly Williams, SG – Jared Dillinger, PG – Jimmy Alapag
• Dark Horse of the Team: Jason Castro (PBA MVP)