5/02/2009
The PBL Unity Cup non-ranked list
Every time I look at the current roster of the PBL teams, I just say to myself, “What the heck.” Partly because the truncated season is already beyond its halfway mark. Five teams with 20 players in the roster at most. Are they baseball teams or what?
Since Oracle has also already solidified its claim for the first semifinals seed, it is up to the four other squads to determine which gets the other one. Which leads me to asking myself, “Is it still worth doing this?”
Come to think of it, no team actually strikes me as appealing.
1 Oracle Residences and Dorms Titans – that is a mouthful of a team name. Then again, they have a mouthful of a squad also with the core being made up of former Harbour Centre cagers. What Oracle mostly picked from the dispersal draft are former Toyota players. So, unofficially, this is an Oracle-Toyota conglomerate. Tell me now, how can you beat two teams? Even if they have the most number of players presently absent because they are training for the Smart Gilas RP Team in Las Vegas.
2 Magnolia Purewater Wizards – to make it easier for me, let us just do it in the order they finished in the PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup. Al Magpayo is injured and so is Jonathan Banal. Who else is likeable in the team? Neil Pascual and Marvin Hayes maybe.
3 Cobra Energy Drink Warriors – team UE. Growing weary of collecting offseason collegiate titles, the Warriors are now targeting the PBL. Nice.
4 Licealiz Shampoo Hair Doctors – this is an automatic entrant to the ‘weird team names’ list. I tell you, a lot of PBL franchises are guilty of this. It always gives me a laugh whenever I think that Chris Tiu plays in this squad. I mean Chris Tiu and Licealiz in the same sentence. Would it not be funny?
5 Pharex Bidang Generix – the thrust was on chemistry and the management decided to stick with the core. With the rollercoaster that is the second to fifth teams in the standings, I guess the Bidang Generix are still at the thick of the fight. Not bad.
Since Oracle has also already solidified its claim for the first semifinals seed, it is up to the four other squads to determine which gets the other one. Which leads me to asking myself, “Is it still worth doing this?”
Come to think of it, no team actually strikes me as appealing.
1 Oracle Residences and Dorms Titans – that is a mouthful of a team name. Then again, they have a mouthful of a squad also with the core being made up of former Harbour Centre cagers. What Oracle mostly picked from the dispersal draft are former Toyota players. So, unofficially, this is an Oracle-Toyota conglomerate. Tell me now, how can you beat two teams? Even if they have the most number of players presently absent because they are training for the Smart Gilas RP Team in Las Vegas.
2 Magnolia Purewater Wizards – to make it easier for me, let us just do it in the order they finished in the PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup. Al Magpayo is injured and so is Jonathan Banal. Who else is likeable in the team? Neil Pascual and Marvin Hayes maybe.
3 Cobra Energy Drink Warriors – team UE. Growing weary of collecting offseason collegiate titles, the Warriors are now targeting the PBL. Nice.
4 Licealiz Shampoo Hair Doctors – this is an automatic entrant to the ‘weird team names’ list. I tell you, a lot of PBL franchises are guilty of this. It always gives me a laugh whenever I think that Chris Tiu plays in this squad. I mean Chris Tiu and Licealiz in the same sentence. Would it not be funny?
5 Pharex Bidang Generix – the thrust was on chemistry and the management decided to stick with the core. With the rollercoaster that is the second to fifth teams in the standings, I guess the Bidang Generix are still at the thick of the fight. Not bad.
Labels: PBL
12/12/2008
WPBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup appreciation list
Yes, the playoffs are underway. So, what?
1. Sunkist-DeLa Salle Archers – they may not have won a game but they are still my fave team. Duh! Go, Ginny Velarde!
2. Oracle-Benilde Cool Blazers – another duh moment here. Good thing Leonette Salvacion is playing for this squad.
1. Sunkist-De
2. Oracle-Benilde Cool Blazers – another duh moment here. Good thing Leonette Salvacion is playing for this squad.
3. Smart Buddy-UP – Jonas Terrado likes this team for Sai Sadorra, TJ Jurado for Fille Cainglet, while I have my eyes on Danielle Bautista. And oh yeah, Jac Cruz is on the roster.
4. Ever Bilena Gandang Pinay – hooray for De La Salle Patriot Emma Morada for making it to the final cut!5. Muscle Tape-Lyceum Pirates – what, no Machiko Matsuno? Boo, you! Heard she has a heart problem. That could be fixed. *wink* *wink*
6. Xtreme Magic Sing-RP Youth – what I like with the national juniors squad is that despite the handicap, they fight until the end.
7. Discovery Suites-RP Team – this National squad is an enigma to me. No Matsuno, no Fil-Foreigners. And is that gangling Chinese naturalized yet?
8. Mail and More Comets – I have no idea who their players are.
9. Oracle-Far Eastern Tamaraws – Romero and Montinola tie-up here. Get back to me when the memorandum of understanding is already done.
10. Nutri-C-Ateneo Eagles – oh, come on. Where else do you think I would put them?
PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup appreciation list
I am pretty sure things would jumble up in the next conference this summer, so let us just take this one at a time.
1. Toyota Otis Sparks – my favourite team from players to head coach to consultant. I feel no hate with Letran, Jose Rizal, De La Salle, and Mapua players.
2. Pharex Generix – kinda forgot why they are my second favoured team. Must be because they look good on paper and that they have upside. They are also scrappy and uptempo.
3. Harbour Centre Batang Pier – sure, the roster has Rico Nuts, Peejay Barua, and Jerwin Gaco. But teaming with up with Far Eastern University leaves a bad taste in the mouth. I feel betrayed.
4. Bacchus Energy Warriors – the moniker change should have been a giveaway. It is University of the East sans Dindo Pumaren. Do I smell something cooking here or is it just me?
5. Magnolia Purewater Wizards – team unheralded always they are. Trademark of a typical Koy Banal squad.
6. Hapee Complete Protectors – while they do not have Ateneans save for Chris Tiu on paper and Jobe Nkemakolam, I will put them above Burger King just because the head coach is a Lasallian.
7. Burger King Stunners – here is something apparent, a BK-San Beda College tie-up. Boo, you!
1. Toyota Otis Sparks – my favourite team from players to head coach to consultant. I feel no hate with Letran, Jose Rizal, De La Salle, and Mapua players.
2. Pharex Generix – kinda forgot why they are my second favoured team. Must be because they look good on paper and that they have upside. They are also scrappy and uptempo.
3. Harbour Centre Batang Pier – sure, the roster has Rico Nuts, Peejay Barua, and Jerwin Gaco. But teaming with up with Far Eastern University leaves a bad taste in the mouth. I feel betrayed.
4. Bacchus Energy Warriors – the moniker change should have been a giveaway. It is University of the East sans Dindo Pumaren. Do I smell something cooking here or is it just me?
5. Magnolia Purewater Wizards – team unheralded always they are. Trademark of a typical Koy Banal squad.
6. Hapee Complete Protectors – while they do not have Ateneans save for Chris Tiu on paper and Jobe Nkemakolam, I will put them above Burger King just because the head coach is a Lasallian.
7. Burger King Stunners – here is something apparent, a BK-San Beda College tie-up. Boo, you!
4/12/2008
Toyota brushes aside Hapee
Toyota Otis caught a big fish in Hapee Toothpaste, 76-73, at The Arena on April 12 to remain in the hunt for a favorable playoff spot in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup.
Read full article.
Read full article.
Labels: PBL
4/02/2008
Harbour Centre consumes Burger King before heading to SEABA
Harbour Centre handed itself a nice gift before departing for Indonesia for the SEABA Champions Cup, eating up Burger King, 77-66, at the start of the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on April Fool’s Day.
Read full article.
Read full article.
Labels: PBL
3/29/2008
Sparks win two straight, Harbour completes sweep
Toyota Otis is making a turnaround, closing the first round of the eliminations with back-to-back victories, its latest victim being Noosa Shoes, 85-74, at The Arena on March 29.
Read full article.
Read full article.
Labels: PBL
3/21/2008
I are in PBL! lolz
A FANS' LOOK AT THE PBL TEAMS AT THE BREAK...
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Nokia-RP Youth Team: Working and Progressing
by JP Abcede
(March 20, 2008)
The 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup appreciation list
by JP Abcede
(March 20, 2008)
We are now nearing halfway of the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup. As the league takes its break for the Holy Week, let me go through what are the things I like from every team.
Read full article.-----
Nokia-RP Youth Team: Working and Progressing
by JP Abcede
(March 20, 2008)
The country's national basketball program is back on Track – hopefully.
Read full article.Labels: PBL
3/20/2008
The 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup appreciation list
We are now nearing halfway of the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup and we have more than gotten a picture of how the teams are faring as of the moment. This early, we have had our share of pleasant surprises, both good and bad, the I-see-that-coming scenarios, and the what-do-they-need-to-do-in-order-to-get-out-of-their-rut moments.
Article is also posted in Coded Mushroom.
1. Harbour Centre Batang Pier – this team is stacked from higher management, to the active lineup, even in the coaching staff. There is no other way to describe a super team when you get to buyout superstars of other teams to become mere cogs in a great machine, hire two champion coaches and turn one into a consultant, re-christen your mega squad as the de facto National Team, and return home virtually like gods with the gold medal hanging around their necks. You can feel the swagger of confidence, the aura of invincibility emanating from them. Enough of the poetry. All I am saying is that it would be short of ridiculous if you do not go for a roster this loaded.
2. Hapee Toothpaste Complete Protectors – they are no Sparklers or Teethmasters anymore for they are already complete. Making them whole is total package Gabe Norwood. Barring major injuries down the line, he could eventually surpass Danny Seigle and go toe-to-toe with Kelly Williams in the excitement meter, the George Mason alum’s elevation to the pro ranks is eagerly awaited. And before I run out of space mentioning just one guy, it would be hard to imagine a PBL tournament without a Cecilio Pedro-backed franchise, but correct me if I’m wrong, it is just that the governors in the PBA need little more cajoling in considering accommodating two more teams in the immediate future, let us say next season.
3. Toyota Otis Sparks – With former Green Archer Cholo Villanueva in the roster, it is by default that Toyota Otis would be one of the favored teams in my personal list. Still, the rest of the names in the roll call are nothing to sneeze at. Chito Jaime has some recall, playing then for Colegio de San Lorenzo in NCRAA, where he and his teammates humiliated my DLSU-D Patriots time and time again, before transferring to St. Clare to run up his eligibility in NAASCU, and Patrick Cabahug is a close acquaintance. Having fiery Aric del Rosario side-by-side with equally expressive Ariel Vanguardia gives the bench much needed cred. With a team record of 0-5, it is easy to spot problem areas and the most noticeable is the point guard position. Having not much options between one-dimensional court generals in “I only shoot from 20 feet” Ronald Bucao, and ahem, defensive ace Eugene Tan, Villanueva is forced to play point, one of the few things he could not do back in high school nor in college. Picking up Aps Cuan from the abundant Harbour Centre reserve list is just an additional warm body at the most. And what is the deal with the three Letran players getting more court time that the triumvate of Vanguardia’s own JRU Bombers? Then again, if the tables were turned, I might have screamed favoritism instead.
4. Noosa Shoes Stars – the opening day surprise package left a good first impression on me. This is apart from the fact that Noosa head coach Leo Isaac overachieved of sorts for Mapua in the last NCAA basketball season and stole the NCRAA cage trophy for AU out of St. Francis’ grasp. And here is an example of out of a few where your enemies yesterday are your allies the next day. Tasked to build a team nearly from scratch at a moment’s notice, Isaac took whatever scraps are left on the table, and in the process ended up with the core of JRU’s miracle squad. Add to that mix Bomber one time in his life Veejay Serios. If not Arellano Chiefs Gio Ciriacruz and Adrian Celada and last minute acquisition Kelvin dela Peña, the former Ginebra player might have felt lonely out there.
5. San Mig Coffee Kings – this has trademark Koy Banal-type of players from top to bottom. Not because they played for him during their college heydays, but because they are most unheralded, if not unheard of. This reminded me one of the times when Banal employed the recesses of his bench to pull off a rabbit of a surprise. In local parlance, that is called “hugot”. He has this propensity of turning role players and scrubs into one-day superstars. At least, if their playing careers did not flourish due to circumstance, they could look back and recall that one time they had a career game. I also owe former Patriot Joel Solis copies of archived photos taken for our school paper.
6. Pharex Medics – everybody loves a winner and Pharex has elevated itself from “who is that?” to “yeah, I heard good things about that team” status. Emer Oreta and Donn Villamin used to be eyesores back in UST, but now, they are playing good music along with new generation Growling Tiger Francis Allera. Who would have thought? By the way, nice to see Jean Alabanza back in basketball although in a different role. The first and last time I saw him prior to this was in a heated UAAP game I was watching on tv. This was back in 1999.
7. Bacchus Energy Drink Raiders – think about this. You have at your disposal three point guards, but the best player in that position is not even in the depth chart. I am referring to eternally playing out of position Christian Luanzon. During the latter part of Aric del Rosario’s tenure in UST, the lineup was so short he was forced to play number four. Sure, he has shown flashes of being a poor man’s Gabe Norwood that has better freethrow shooting, but would it not be more effective if he plays as a tall point guard? Coupled with that uncanny high offensive awareness, maybe things could get brighter for the Raiders. One thing good going for Bacchus though is that it has one of the most imaginative and humorous tv ads in recent history.
8. Burger King Whoppers – finally, I present team UP. Maroons scatter the roster from tactician Allan Gregorio to alumni Mike Bravo, Nestor David, and Abby Santos, to current UP student Woody Co. Add in Khiel Misa from UP… HDS. Santos, Francis Barcellano, and Chris Baluyot should be thankful they are no mere PBA practice players, or worse, languishing in the waivers waiting to be called for duty. What takes the cake though is that Bravo’s game has not matured a single bit ever since I saw him compete with Paolo Mendoza in a shooting contest. Mind you, they were playing for the same team. To make up for it, BK’s chicken sandwich is the best out there.
Article is also posted in Coded Mushroom.
1. Harbour Centre Batang Pier – this team is stacked from higher management, to the active lineup, even in the coaching staff. There is no other way to describe a super team when you get to buyout superstars of other teams to become mere cogs in a great machine, hire two champion coaches and turn one into a consultant, re-christen your mega squad as the de facto National Team, and return home virtually like gods with the gold medal hanging around their necks. You can feel the swagger of confidence, the aura of invincibility emanating from them. Enough of the poetry. All I am saying is that it would be short of ridiculous if you do not go for a roster this loaded.
2. Hapee Toothpaste Complete Protectors – they are no Sparklers or Teethmasters anymore for they are already complete. Making them whole is total package Gabe Norwood. Barring major injuries down the line, he could eventually surpass Danny Seigle and go toe-to-toe with Kelly Williams in the excitement meter, the George Mason alum’s elevation to the pro ranks is eagerly awaited. And before I run out of space mentioning just one guy, it would be hard to imagine a PBL tournament without a Cecilio Pedro-backed franchise, but correct me if I’m wrong, it is just that the governors in the PBA need little more cajoling in considering accommodating two more teams in the immediate future, let us say next season.
3. Toyota Otis Sparks – With former Green Archer Cholo Villanueva in the roster, it is by default that Toyota Otis would be one of the favored teams in my personal list. Still, the rest of the names in the roll call are nothing to sneeze at. Chito Jaime has some recall, playing then for Colegio de San Lorenzo in NCRAA, where he and his teammates humiliated my DLSU-D Patriots time and time again, before transferring to St. Clare to run up his eligibility in NAASCU, and Patrick Cabahug is a close acquaintance. Having fiery Aric del Rosario side-by-side with equally expressive Ariel Vanguardia gives the bench much needed cred. With a team record of 0-5, it is easy to spot problem areas and the most noticeable is the point guard position. Having not much options between one-dimensional court generals in “I only shoot from 20 feet” Ronald Bucao, and ahem, defensive ace Eugene Tan, Villanueva is forced to play point, one of the few things he could not do back in high school nor in college. Picking up Aps Cuan from the abundant Harbour Centre reserve list is just an additional warm body at the most. And what is the deal with the three Letran players getting more court time that the triumvate of Vanguardia’s own JRU Bombers? Then again, if the tables were turned, I might have screamed favoritism instead.
4. Noosa Shoes Stars – the opening day surprise package left a good first impression on me. This is apart from the fact that Noosa head coach Leo Isaac overachieved of sorts for Mapua in the last NCAA basketball season and stole the NCRAA cage trophy for AU out of St. Francis’ grasp. And here is an example of out of a few where your enemies yesterday are your allies the next day. Tasked to build a team nearly from scratch at a moment’s notice, Isaac took whatever scraps are left on the table, and in the process ended up with the core of JRU’s miracle squad. Add to that mix Bomber one time in his life Veejay Serios. If not Arellano Chiefs Gio Ciriacruz and Adrian Celada and last minute acquisition Kelvin dela Peña, the former Ginebra player might have felt lonely out there.
5. San Mig Coffee Kings – this has trademark Koy Banal-type of players from top to bottom. Not because they played for him during their college heydays, but because they are most unheralded, if not unheard of. This reminded me one of the times when Banal employed the recesses of his bench to pull off a rabbit of a surprise. In local parlance, that is called “hugot”. He has this propensity of turning role players and scrubs into one-day superstars. At least, if their playing careers did not flourish due to circumstance, they could look back and recall that one time they had a career game. I also owe former Patriot Joel Solis copies of archived photos taken for our school paper.
6. Pharex Medics – everybody loves a winner and Pharex has elevated itself from “who is that?” to “yeah, I heard good things about that team” status. Emer Oreta and Donn Villamin used to be eyesores back in UST, but now, they are playing good music along with new generation Growling Tiger Francis Allera. Who would have thought? By the way, nice to see Jean Alabanza back in basketball although in a different role. The first and last time I saw him prior to this was in a heated UAAP game I was watching on tv. This was back in 1999.
7. Bacchus Energy Drink Raiders – think about this. You have at your disposal three point guards, but the best player in that position is not even in the depth chart. I am referring to eternally playing out of position Christian Luanzon. During the latter part of Aric del Rosario’s tenure in UST, the lineup was so short he was forced to play number four. Sure, he has shown flashes of being a poor man’s Gabe Norwood that has better freethrow shooting, but would it not be more effective if he plays as a tall point guard? Coupled with that uncanny high offensive awareness, maybe things could get brighter for the Raiders. One thing good going for Bacchus though is that it has one of the most imaginative and humorous tv ads in recent history.
8. Burger King Whoppers – finally, I present team UP. Maroons scatter the roster from tactician Allan Gregorio to alumni Mike Bravo, Nestor David, and Abby Santos, to current UP student Woody Co. Add in Khiel Misa from UP… HDS. Santos, Francis Barcellano, and Chris Baluyot should be thankful they are no mere PBA practice players, or worse, languishing in the waivers waiting to be called for duty. What takes the cake though is that Bravo’s game has not matured a single bit ever since I saw him compete with Paolo Mendoza in a shooting contest. Mind you, they were playing for the same team. To make up for it, BK’s chicken sandwich is the best out there.
3/19/2008
Burger King halts Pharex
Burger King took control of Pharex, 82-78, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, making the two teams tied at second place before the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup takes its Holy Week break.
Read full article.
Read full article.
Labels: PBL
3/12/2008
Pharex continues surprising run
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:05:00 AM
Things just became more interesting as Pharex stunned Hapee in a scoring spree of a game, 100-96, for its fourth win in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on March 11.
Read full article
Things just became more interesting as Pharex stunned Hapee in a scoring spree of a game, 100-96, for its fourth win in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on March 11.
Read full article
Labels: PBL
3/06/2008
Javier puts noose on Hapee
Written by jpabcede Thursday, March 06, 2008 7:10:00 PM
Noy Javier threw up a desperation three-pointer from way outside to beat the buzzer and surprise Hapee Toothpaste, 77-76, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on March 6 for Noosa Shoes’ second win in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup.
Read article.
Noy Javier threw up a desperation three-pointer from way outside to beat the buzzer and surprise Hapee Toothpaste, 77-76, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on March 6 for Noosa Shoes’ second win in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup.
Read article.
Labels: PBL
