Why Jay Washington and Arwind Santos can’t win championship together?

This fearless tandem of Jay Washington and Arwind Santos, both from San Miguel Beermen/Petron Blaze Boosters, is a very tough to beat, in terms of offense and defense.

Jay Washington was acquired by SMB in 2008 in exchange of its third pick in the PBA 2008 Draft, which is Jason Castro. Most of the fans said that the acquisition of Washington is the second coming of Danny Seigle, in which the latter is on his “twilight” of his career because of his injuries. With an impressive resume of being the Top pick in the PBA 2005 Draft, SMB fans expected a lot from him to bring back the “glory days” of SMB.

On the other hand, Arwind Santos, was acquired by SMB through a trade involving Air21 and Purefoods (now BMeg). They (SMB) shipped back Marc Pingris, the other 2008 Fiesta Conference Finals MVP (some analysts said), to Purefoods and gave Air21 Ken Bono and its 2010 first round pick. Some PBA insiders that Santos, before signing a deal with Air21 in 2006, is “already traded” to SMB after his contract expires.

With the tandem of the two best players in the league, and surrounded by the other stars like Hontiveros, Cabagnot, Ildefonso and Seigle, most of the sports-analysts and PBA fans (and even PBA coaches) pick SMB as the top team to beat in 2009 – 2010 season. When the 35^th season of the PBA kicked off, SMB got the semi-finals slot in both Philippine and Fiesta Conference. Both Washington and Santos averaged double figures in points and close to double digits in rebounding. And in the Fiesta Conference 2010, they met Alaska Aces for their finals showdown and the team lost. Jay Washington is the best player of the conference.

Promised to come back in the 36^th season, Washington and Santos brought back SMB to the Philippine Cup Finals versus Talk N Text, where Washington, publicly stated that he has still the animosity of being traded by Chot Reyes, the opponent’s head coach. But still, they lost to TNT in 6 games, for consolation prize, Washington was named as the Best Player of the Conference for the second time.

In the two finals stint by SMB in the finals (with Alaska and Talk N Text), where is Arwind Santos? Well, during that time, he is very busy throwing those three point shots every game and he feels like Allan Caidic or Reggie Miller in SMB jersey. Although both players averaging double figures, they can’t still find the right formula of getting the championships they wanted. And in the Commissioner’s Cup, SMB tasted their first elimination. After trading Seigle, Hontiveros, Pena and Artadi to Air21 to yet unknown rookies then, SMB failed and got eliminated.

With one conference left in the season, Petron Blaze Boosters, armed with youth and athlecism, Washington and Santos again promised to give Ato Agustin another championship run. When Washington got injured against Air21, and declared to be out of the rest of the conference, Santos solely shouldered the responsibilities of bringing back Petron to the finals. And the rest is history…

Arwind Santos is the Best Player of the Conference and the 2011 Governor’s Cup Finals MVP. Played like an import, averaging double-double in both points and rebounds, he deserved to be the MVP of the Finals.

To sum it up, Washington and SMB won Fiesta Cup 2009 without Arwind Santos, and Arwind Santos and Petron won the Governor’s Cup 2011 without Jay Washington. But when the two players played together and faced Alaska and Talk N Text in the finals, yet they are beaten out cold.

Maybe because one factor is they can both play similar positions and they don’t know that each other exists in every game. Washington wanted the ball to be effective and be the focal point of offense, while Santos wanted to be the Triggerman every game. They really don’t know how to deal with their plays when they are both in the court. Washington, sometimes, tend to “go solo” especially when his temper goes wild. Santos, to be fair, is a very good defender. Just ask Willie Miller on how Santos handled him during their face-off.

In order for them to win championship together, one must step forward and the other to step backward. Washington must play aggressive in every game and must learn how to pass the ball, just like Danny Ildefonso. And Santos, already knew what type of play he is more suitable like manning the boards and put backs. Arwind is more comfortable in PF while Jay is more of a SF player. And one thing more, they must minimize their outside shooting, especially in the three point area. They must accept that they are not the Reggie Miller type of a player. If they will accept the role and doesn’t mind who will be the main man of the team, I think that they can “co-exist” with each other.

1989 San Miguel Beermen vs 1996 Alaska Milkmen: Who has the edge?

Both teams are in their grand slam year. San Miguel is the second team behind Crispa, who experienced the sweetness of sweeping the three conferences with a title. On the other hand, Alaska Aces (formerly Milkmen in 1996), after 7 years, has done the impossible by winning the grand slam in 1996.

What if both teams faced each other during a knock-out game? Assuming both players in each team is in their prime? Who gonna win?

Let's dissect it...

CENTER: Ramon Fernandez vs Poch Juinio

Is it too harsh to compare Poch to the "El Presidente"? MVP wise, its Don Ramon. But don't forger, Poch Juinio is the 1996 Most Improved Player of the Year. He is not an offensive threat like Fernandez, but with the system that Coach Tim Cone employ to the Aces (Triangle Offense), the core of that system is Poch himself. But the advantage goes to Don Ramon because he is very capable of playing multiple positions.

EDGE: Ramon Fernandez

POWER FORWARD: Alvin Teng vs Bong Hawkins

The Robocop vs. The Hawk. Primarily, Alvin Teng is one of the defensive soldiers of Norman Black. Though, smaller for his position, but he intimidates imports in terms of defense, especially when guarding Alvin Patrimonio. On the other hand, Bong Hawkins, is a lot heftier than Teng in that position, added to that he has also a mid jump shot that Alvin Teng lacks. He is also a ferocious defender especially when guarding tough imports.

EDGE: Bong Hawkins

SMALL FORWARD: Samboy Lim vs. Jeffrey Cariaso

The Sky Walker vs The Jet, both nicknames are synonymous with "air". Both has a good jumper and slashing ability. Shorter than Cariaso, Lim displayed "heart" in every game he's in. Moving the ball in every fast break, slamming the ball for an easy two. However, Cariaso is one of the scientific players in the Alaska roster. Not as aggressive as Lim, Cariaso displayed his game by quick release jump shot, or slashing to the hoop then dish out passes to Poch Juinio. He is also good passer compare to Lim.

EDGE: Jeffrey Cariaso (slight edge, if not with the injuries by Lim)


SHOOTING GUARD: Ricardo Brown vs. Jojo Lastimosa

The Quick Brown Fox vs. The Helicopter. During the 3rd conference, marks the return of Brown in the PBA. He is the first Fil-Am to win the MVP Award in 1985. He almost averaged 20 plus per game, a very consistent free-throw shooter averaging above .90 plus in the conference. On the other hand, Jolas, dubbed as "the Fourth Quarter Man", is not as a volume scorer like Brown, but the good thing about Jolas is he is a clutch player. A very high percentage shooter both field goal and free throw pecentages.

EDGE: Ricardo Brown

POINT GUARD: Hector Calma vs. Johnny Abarrientos

The Past vs. The Future. Donning the same jersey numbers, Johnny once said that he idolizes Hector Calma. Calma is the main orchestrator of the SMB. He is also a grand slam winner, by winning all the Finals MVP award during 1989. On the PBA Annual noted that ""Numbers just can't fully-determine this little guy's true worth - he just creates so many offensive situations which most often draw the line between victory and defeat." That's how Hector Calma played his role in SMB.

The Flying A is the 1996 MVP. He is the focal point of the Alaska during that time. He averaged close to double-double figures. Once remembered that Charlotte Hornets invited him to have a try-out for a spot in the team. A truly great point guard ever.

EDGE: NONE (They are just both amazing court-generals)

 BENCH:

Yves Dignadice, Franz Pumaren, Elmer Reyes, Ato Agustin, Bobby Jose - SMB
Merwin Castelo, Roehl Gomez, Cris Bolado, Gilbert Reyes, Dickie Bachmann - ALASKA

EDGE: SMB

For me, I think 1989 SMB will win against 1996 ALASKA because of the flexibility of SMB in terms of their starting five and mostly the bench of SMB is very deep compare to ALASKA.

Top 5 Trades and Transactions Made by San Miguel Beermen

One of the most popular team in the PBA for a decade is the San Miguel Beer. Even changing their name to Royal Tru Orange, Magnolia Beverage Masters up to the latest, the Governor's Cup Champion, the Petron Blaze Boosters.

And since it is the off season, and we all know that this is the time where all 10 teams are busy making their roster a force to reckon this coming season.

To begin with, let us look back on how San Miguel Beermen change the phase of their basketball legacy through their trades and transactions made over the past three decades. There are too many to mention but we will go down to top 5 memorable trades and transaction made by the 19th time champion.

TOP 5 (The trade between Ramon Fernandez and Abet Guidaben Part II.)

This trade happened when I was 7 years old and not so aware about the happenings in the PBA. This happened when Ramon Fernandez, by that time is the Purefoods' Playing Coach, is "accused" of dropping the game. He was benched by Chris Calilan, the team's manager, during their game against Anejo Rhum 65. And because of that, he was traded again to Abet Guidaben, who is playing for San Miguel Beermen. This is their second time that they were traded with each other. And after the trade, Don Ramon lead the Beermen to 1988 Reinforced Conference, all the way to their 1989 Grandslam. He also got his 4th and final MVP award during his stint with the Beermen.

TOP 4 (Olsen Racela to San Miguel Beermen)

Before the 1997 season, Ron Jacobs handle the team from Norman Black. The team was very serious in their "rebuilding mode". One of the key position they want to rebuild is the position that Hector Calma vacated. The Director is the vital piece of their numerous championships and the rare grandslam. And after he retired at some point in 1994 - 95, SMB is nowhere to found his replacement. They drafted Siot Tancquincen, Matt Makalintal and even use Frankie Lim as their pointguard, but they were unsuccessful in bringing back the glory.

Enter the Olsen Racela, a seldom used point guard in the rotation of Purefoods, became a free agent. And without hesitations, Ron Jacobs sign him and became the main PG of the team. And the rest is history! Numerous championships, mythical selections and national stint. After the Philippine Cup 2010, Olsen announced his retirement and become one of the assistant coaches of Petron.

TOP 3 (Danny Ildefonso as the 1st pick)

The 1998 PBA Draft is one of the most awaited draft during that time, and its because of the National University Standout, Danny Ildefonso. Unluckily, the Shell TurboChargers got the 1st pick, while the SMB got the second. Still in their rebuilding mode, they want Danny Ildefonso to be their pick in the said draft. So after some negotiations, the Shell and SMB swapped picks and Shell got Noy Castillo, a Fil-Am sweet shooting guard. Shell accepted the swap because they still have Benjie Paras. Some of the rumors back then, Shell agrees to swap their picks as long as the SMB wont sign Chris Jackson, a free-agent by that time, whom Coach Ron wants to be in his team, which is very known about this defense.

TOP 2 (Danny Seigle as Direct Hire)

1999, it was the year where PBA and arch-rival, MBA, is competing on who's the greatest basketball show in Asia. That's why every team is allowed to pick one direct hire Fil-Am aside from the 1999 PBA Draft. SMB set their sights on Asi Taulava, who played for Blu Detergent in the PBL. The management is very silent in negotiating about the Fil-Tongan. But suddenly a rumor comes to Asi that if ever he will be hired by SMB, he will be immediately traded to Marlou Aquino (i don't know if this is true). So Asi decided to accept the offer of Mobiline. Upset by Asi's decision, SMB set their sight to Andy Seigle's brother, Danny Seigle. A NCAA Division 1 player, who can play the 2-3-4 positions. Then after signing him to a contract, together with Danny Ildefonso, they build a SMB Dynasty from 1999 to 2001 winning several championships, including his 5 finals MVP. And if not of his injuries, he might be a PBA MVP, which is a close fight during the 1999 PBA Awards. Because of the Fil-Sham issue, the MVP award goes to Benjie Paras. Some says that Danny Seigle is very close to broke Paras' record of being the MVP and Rookie of the Year at the same time.

TOP 1 (SMB - Air 21 Blockbuster Trade)


This trade broke the million hearts of every SMB fans nationwide (including me). Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena, Dondon Hontiveros and Paul Artadi was traded to Air 21 in exchange of the Top 3 Rookies of the PBA 2010 Draft, Noy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Husseini,  and Rey Guevarra.

Some fans shouted "FOUL!". Why did SMB traded their stars, who gave them numerous championships in the past, to some unknown players who are not yet proven winners during that time. The management explained that SMB is in serious rebuilding mode and the team is aging.

So after the trade, SMB got eliminated during the Commissioner's Cup, while Air21 enters the semis. But during the Governor's Cup, Petron (formerly SMB) bagged the championship against Talk and Text, while Air21 got eliminated first without registering a win.

But in this offseason, Dondon Hontiveros finds a way back home. Check out my first blog about my analysis about the trade aftermath. CLICK HERE.

So that's all. I hope you will enjoy my second blog. Thanks a lot.

sincerELY.

The Aftermath of the SMB - Air21 Trade

After the celebrated trade which broke the hearts of SMB fans, let us analyze what happened after they swap jerseys during the commissioner's cup.

Air 21 gets:

Dorian Pena -  his Philippine Cup average is 8.06 PPG and 8.18 RPG. After being traded, his game went down suffering some injuries that limits his game, playing one game in the Governor's Cup.

Danny Seigle - his average 16.50 PPG and 7.33 RPG, and he is the leading scorer of Air21.

Dondon Hontiveros - his average 9.00 PPG and 3.88 RPG, he is one of the best player for Air21 after his big game on his 1st game donning Air21 jersey.

Paul Artadi - his average 2.29 PPG ,1.29 RPG and 1.29 APG, he usually played second fiddle to Wynne Arboleda.

SMB/Petron gets:

Rabeh Al- Husseini  - his average 11.83 PPG and 4.25 RPG before he got injured in the game against BMeg.

Rey Guevarra -his average 4.18 PPG and 0.91 RPG, who need to find his playing minutes under Coach Ato during the eliminations and thank God, he finally got his playing time during the Finals where the team is depleted with injuries.

Siverino Baclao - his average 0.60 PPG, 2.40 RPG and 1.00 BPG, a very low contributions despite being the 1st pick overall in the PBA Draft 2010.

The trade aftermath:

In the Commissioner's Cup, where the trade was approved, Air21 managed to sneak in the Semis with a showdown against the AFC Champion and eventual Champion Talk n Text, but got eliminated.

However, SMB, experienced their first elimination, after their success getting into the final four every conferences, with 2 wins and 8 losses I think.

In the Governor's Cup, Air21 managed to sweep errr be swept by their opponents and never got the chance to have a single win for the conference. Petron Blaze Boosters (formerly SMB), managed to have a winning streak on the first phase of the eliminations and sneak in to the Final Four. Got lucky when Talk N Text "selected" Petron to face them in the Governor's Cup Finals and adding "insult to the injury", Petron is the eventual champion.

The three rookies, where not given (by chance), substantial playing minutes during their stint in SMB/PBB except Rabeh, who become injured in the latter stage of the Governor's Cup. While Rey and Noy find it hard to be the integral part of Ato's system and Noy also is riding with injury.

The four EX-SMB players, made a triumphant success (as individual players) during their stint with Air21, except Dorian Pena, because of some injuries.

I'm just thinking, will there be a time that Danny Seigle and Dorian Pena, will return to their FIRST TEAM (Just like Dondon Hontiveros)? Or they will continue to play as the "BULLS" and retire from the game after a year or two?

sincerELY,