Cortez joins star-studded Kings; Mamaril bolsters Express' frontline

Cerebral point guard Mike Cortez is going to join a Barangay Ginebra squad, which has a star-studded guard unit composed of a two-time Most Valuable Player, a reigning MVP, a former Rookie of the Year and a member of the PBA’s All-Defensive team.

Air21 team manager and Philippine Basketball Association chairman Lito Alvarez told GMANews.TV that the one-on-one trade between Cortez and slotman Billy Bamaril that was on table for the past few days, is finally pushing through.

Alvarez admitted that he’s pursuing the services of Mamaril to address the team’s need of a solid frontliner.

Air21 coach Yeng Guiao said that the one-on-one trade is fair enough and indeed beneficial for his team.

“We really need an additional frontliner. We have a shallow frontline. We have big guys on our lineup, but there’s no one capable of carrying us in the long stretches. Mamaril’s inclusion will certainly boost our frontline," said Guiao.

Prior to the trade, second year forward Beau Belga is the main frontliner of the Express along with Carlo Sharma, veteran Rich Alvarez, rookie Ronnie Matias, Doug Kramer and import LeRoy Hickerson.

The Express can now afford to unload the 5-foot-10 guard from La Salle with the return of Wynne Arboleda, who was suspended for the rest of the season, but was reinstated by PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios after the national elections.

Aside from Arboleda, the Express also have Ronjay Buenafe, Ren-Ren Ritualo and veteran spitfire Egay Billones.

The Gin Kings, who have a star-studded guard rotation composed of two-time MVP Willie Miller, reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand, former Rookie of the Year Mark Caguioa, energetic Ronald Tubid and veteran Celino Cruz, need to make room for the player known as The Cool Cat.

“Our team is not getting any younger, we’re like the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico in the previous interview. “We want somebody who can come in and get his share of minutes from Jayjay and Mark. We want somebody who can come in, but will not affect the team’s quality of play."

"Mike is definitely a welcome addition," he added.

The Gin Kings can let go of Mamaril as they have an import, Denham Brown, capable of playing both forward spots and big men like Enrico Villanueva, Yancy de Ocampo and veteran Eric Menk, who can alternately play the center spot. The team also welcomed the return of do-it-all forward Rudy Hatfield just recently. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

Big Game James delivers as Llamados nip Beermen

James Yap saved the day for a Derby Ace team that played without an import in the final six minutes, sinking the game-winning basket as the Llamados edged defending champion San Miguel, 83-82, in a thrilling PBA Fiesta Cup match up Sunday night.

The hotshot guard out of University of the East scored the final five points of the Llamados, none more important than the 20-foot jumper he nailed against the outstretched arm of Jay Washington to put his team on top of a game played out with a playoff atmosphere at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen had 6.7 seconds to go for a game-turning shot, but Derby Ace’s defense clamped down on Alex Cabagnot, forcing the San Miguel pointguard to give up the ball to Dondon Hontiveros, whose off-balance shot at the right corner came short at the final buzzer.

“Big Game James hit the big shot," hollered an ecstatic Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio in the post-game interview.

“It’s always nice to win against a very, very strong team like San Miguel. And we did it without our import with still a lot of time left."

Yap finished with 23 points for the Llamados, who played all-Filipino with 5:34 left after import Cliff Brown fouled out.

Brown had 11 points and 13 rebounds by the time he left the game and the Llamados trailing, 71-74.

Despite playing with a handicap, the Llamados fought their way back and briefly held the lead, 78-76, on two free throws by Rico Maierhofer.

The score was tied at 78 entering the final two minutes.

Four lead changes took place after that, with the Beermen taking the upperhand for the last time, 82-81, on a drive to the basket by Gabe Freeman with 21 seconds remaining.

San Miguel now yielded the top spot to Talk `N Text (11-2) with its 11-3 record, as it now lost two of its last three matches after a nine-game winning run earlier.

KG Canaleta added 14 points and three others also finished in double figures for the Llamados, who grabbed solo third place with 9-5 card.

Derby Ace also avenged its 80-72 loss to the Beermen in the first round of the eliminations, a game where it led by as many as 18 points only to lose steam in the end.

Freeman showed the way for San Miguel with 27 points, but had to be fielded in back and forth inside the final two minutes after hurting his right thumb. - RCJ, GMANews.TV

Kings hope Brown can help team in semis bid

Jong Uichico has long been searching for an energetic player, somebody who can match up with Gabe Freeman of the defending champion San Miguel Beermen.

Barangay Ginebra's mild-mannered coach is hoping Denham Brown, a National Basketball Developmental League (NBDL) standout from the Iowa Energy, could provide it for the inconsistent Kings.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound, all-around forward arrives Friday in time for Ginebra's PBA road game against the streaking Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters on Saturday in Batangas City.

"More than his energy, I think he's an all-around import capable of playing different positions in our team," Uichico told GMANews.TV in a text message.

Brown will be the Gin Kings' third import this conference after NBA veteran Awvee Storey and Mildon Ambres.

Brown presents impressive credentials.

He was a member of the 2004 US NCAA champion University of Connecticut and was a key figure, especially during his senior year, where he made a reputation as a clutch performer for the Huskies.

The former Canadian national team member in the FIBA Americas League averaged 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in his senior year with UConn.

In 2006, he was selected 40th overall in the second round by Seattle in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and played for the Supersonics in the Summer League. After playing there for a few more games, he was waived but earned a spot for the Tulsa 66ers in the NBDL where he became a resident star.

He also saw action for the Dakota Wizards and played overseas in the Turkish League and the tough Venezuelan League.

Last April, Brown got a call from the Iowa Energy camp and made a good account of himself.

But while Barangay Ginebra is excited to have a new import, the team will certainly miss a spark plug from its wingmen with the suspension of the energetic Ronald Tubid.

Tubid was suspended after being called for a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 for elbowing Jireh Ibañes in Ginebra's game against Rain or Shine last Sunday. – JVP/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

Fully-loaded Texters trash Elasto Painters

Not even Wednesday's monsoon rain could cool off the sizzling Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters with the telecommunication franchise cruising to a 104-85 blasting of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

The victory extended the Texters' winning run to a team-best 10 games to again tie defending champion San Miguel Beermen on top of the standings with identical 11-2 win-loss slates.

Talk 'N Text jumped the gun on Rain or Shine and had the game all wrapped up even before the first half ended when it led by as many as 52-31 a minute remaining in the second quarter.

The Texters even stretched that lead to a huge 35-point margin (71-36) early in the third as the team that made the biggest trade in the season, following the acquisition of Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes, was red-hot shooting 69.2 percent (9-of-13) from the field.

By the time the Tropang Texters were through with their demolition job, the hottest team in the league shot 40-of-74 overall from the field for a 54 percent clip.

"We just made sure that we defend not only their top players, but to make sure we do our job on the other guys as well," said coach Chot Reyes. "That was critical tonight."

Three Talk 'N Text players – Jason Castro, Mac Cardona and Ranidel de Ocampo – each contributed 14 points, while Williams had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Defensively, the Tropang Texters also did a great job, holding Rain or Shine's top scorer Sol Mercado to just five points on 1-of-8 shooting while Gabe Norwood was limited to six markers.

But Reyes said TNT's easy win over the Rain or Shine is just the start of a five-game stretch where the Tropang Texters face some of the league’s heavyweights.

"After tonight, there’s going to be four tough teams in the horizon starting on Saturday," he said.

Reyes of course, is referring to his team’s weekend showdown with Barangay Ginebra Kings in Batangas City, followed by Alaska, San Miguel and Derby Ace.

The Tropang Texters will end the elimination round against Barako Energy Coffee.

The Elasto Painters fell to 6-6, their cause made worst after shooting 35.2 percent from the floor (31-of-88).

They were likewise outrebounded, 30-24, and outscored in transition, 28-10.

Leading by 21 starting the second half, the Tropang Texters kept on pouring the points as they outscored the Elasto Painters, 18-4, to register that 35-point lead on Cardona’s two free throws. – JVP, GMANews.TV

Scores:
Talk 'N Text 104 – Castro 14, Cardona 14, De Ocampo 14, Williams 12, Carey 11, Reyes 9, Quinahan 8, Yee 6, Dillinger 5, Alapag 5, Daniels 4, Waters 2, Aban 0.

Rain or Shine 85 – Lewis 21, Cruz 14, Arana 14, Arellano 9, Chan 7, Dulay 7, Norwood 6, Mercado 5, Reyes 2, Tang 0, Ibanes 0, Laure 0, Hrabak 0.

Quarter scores: 24-17, 53-32, 82-54, 104-85.

Barrios stepped on too many toes?

Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios have reportedly stepped on too many toes during his three-year stint as head of the country’s richest and biggest sports league prompting the powerful board of directors to finally replace him.

Although no official announcement has been made, Barrios is expected to be given the door at the end of the current PBA Fiesta Cup and will be replaced by lawyer Chito Salud, son of former commissioner Rudy Salud who presided over the PBA during some of its peak years from 1988-1992.

During interviews with top PBA officials on Wednesday, all of whom requested not to be identified because no official decision has been made, Barrios was described as having made decisions that appeared to favor one team to the detriment of another.

“A lot of team owners and governors are clamoring for change,” said one source privy to PBA discussions. “The board could have done it last year, but decided to give the commissioner an extension.”

Barrios was initially made officer-in-charge following the resignation of Noli Eala and after a stalemate occurred in the heated debate over who would succeed Eala.

Barrios earned the board’s trust and subsequently was officially named the league’s seventh commissioner.

But his stint was riddled with controversies.

One of which was his reported meeting with Sta. Lucia team owner Exequiel Robles while the PBA Philippine Cup finals was going on between Sta. Lucia and Purefoods.

It was reportedly after this meeting that a Flagrant Foul 1 on James Yap was upgraded to FF 2 causing Yap’s suspension for one game.

He also had some basketball decisions that irritated several team officials, including the one when he allowed Talk ’N Text to play against San Miguel Beer in the previous Philippine Cup despite bringing the wrong set of uniform that delayed the game for two hours.

Likewise, some officials were displeased with the way he handled the controversial Talk ’N Text walkout against Barangay Ginebra during the Philippine Cup.

“The PBA has to move forward further, right now we are down. The officiating is down, and even the gate attendance is down. So these are crucial things that the board needs to consider,” the source said.

Another source who is privy to the situation said that Barrios will be evaluated after the season. However, the source said he doubts if the board will give Barrios one more year, saying: “I don’t think he’ll be extended.”

Former Deputy PBA commissioner Tommy Manotoc, however, defended Barrios.

He said that since the departure of Leo Prieto, the PBA”s first commissioner, the office has lost its independence.

He said the commissioner has fallen victim to the whims and fancies of the board members.

“What they should do is give the commissioner a free hand on everything related to running the league,” said Manotoc who claimed that when he was deputy head of the league, he was given a free hand although he said that was because he was perceived to be powerful.

Source: WAYLON GALVEZ | mb.com.ph

PBA taps Salud as deputy chief

Lawyer Chito Salud has been named deputy commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), a move seen preparatory to his assumption of the post to be vacated by Commissioner Sonny Barrios.

PBA board chairman Lito Alvarez of Air21 Express said the decision to tap Salud, son of former Commissioner Rudy Salud, was unanimous.

Alvarez clarified, however, that Barrios will continue to function as league chief while the board decides Salud’s duties and responsibilities.

As deputy, Salud will be given three months to work with Barrios, after which the board will evaluate his performance.

The hiring of a deputy commissioner was agreed upon last year by Barrios and the board to give the governors ample time to select a new commissioner.

Barrios’ three-year tenure ends next season.

Alvarez evaded questions on Barrios’ fate.

“It’s too early to tell (if Salud will replace Barrios). But just like in any business, there’s always a succession planning. It’s like electing a president and a vice president. Of course, you’re not wishing that the president will step down.”

Barrios became the league’s seventh commissioner in January, 2008 after acting as officer-in-charge for five months.

Barrios’ appointment came after the board failed to break the stalemate between then candidates Salud and Lambert Ramos.

Barrios and Salud could not be reached for comment.

A source close to Salud, however, said the new deputy commissioner will make a statement after the board make the official announcement.

It marks the second time the league has appointed a deputy commissioner.

In the early ’80s, Tommy Manotoc was named deputy and ran day-to-day operations of the league with Commissioner Mariano Yengko relegated to being a figure head.

Meantime, Purefoods Hormel franchise or the B-Meg Derby Ace team was given the right to vote on non-basketball-related matters during the same PBA board meeting.

Purefoods is the third PBA franchise of San Miguel Corporation, and under the rules on commonly owned teams, only two commonly-owned teams can cast their votes on all PBA matters that need to be voted on. Voting for SMC in the past were representatives of the San Miguel and Ginebra.

TNT seeks 10th straight win, tie for first

Games Wednesday (Cuneta Astrodome)
5 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Talk ‘N Text
7:30 p.m. — Sta. Lucia vs B-Meg Derby Ace

San Miguel Beer has lifted the burden of a winning streak off its shoulder. Talk ‘N Text will have to carry it a little while longer.

The Tropang Texters (10-2) have no choice but to protect their victory ride – now at nine straight – in order to keep pace with the 11-2 Beermen, who saw their own nine-game streak snapped by Barangay Ginebra, as the pace-setters tow each other neck and neck toward outright Final Four berths in the PBA Fiesta Cup.

They face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome, hoping to brush aside the challenge of a formidable opponent and draw up once more with San Miguel atop the standings.

Chot Reyes, the TNT coach, knows Rain or Shine is capable of blowing dark clouds and gusty winds down their way.

“Ever since they entered the PBA, Rain or Shine has always given this franchise problems,” said Reyes, such as a hard-fought 99-96 win the first time they met.

“They have a solid local lineup with a dominant import (Jai Lewis) providing huge inside presence. We will have to play at a very high level in order to beat them.”

The TNT coach is at his best in putting his counterpart at ease.

Imagine now what Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia has to conjure in order to get a decent shot at beating a dream team like Talk ‘N Text, made infinitely stronger by the addition of Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes.

“They have the talent, strength, everything,” said Garcia, who sprinkled a dash of braggadocio to spice up the encounter.

“I also believe that in every basketball game you always play 5-on-5, and we have players capable of hanging tough with Talk N Text,” he said. “It will be an interesting match and whoever controls the board, execute and communicate on defense has the definite advantage.”

Source: mb.com.ph

Meralco joins PBA next year?

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is set on joining the Philippine Basketball Association next year.

Smart-PLDT top official Ricky Vargas said Meralco senior shareholders are seriously considering the idea of being part of the pro league. Smart-PLDT is a major Meralco stockholder.

A reliable source said major Meralco shareholders would shoulder the expenses of the company’s PBA participation, thus, power consumers have no reason to disapprove the plan.

“The public will be spared of any expenses. It will be borne by the senior shareholders,” said The STAR source.

Like the Barcelona FC carrying the banner of Unicef, the Meralco team will help promote an advocacy while competing in the PBA. Most likely, Meralco will carry the banner of Gawad Kalinga.

Vargas said Meralco is looking at either buying an existing franchise or becoming an expansion team.

Barring any hitches, Smart-PLDT – owner of the Talk n Text Tropang Texters – would have two PBA teams by next season.

Meralco used to run a team in the old MICAA days with Robert Jaworski and Big Boy Reynoso among the star players.

Source: Nelson Beltran, The Philippine Star

Arboleda finally gains reprieve

SEVEN months after he was suspended without pay for the rest of the season after going after a fan taunting him, guard Wynne Arboleda finally got a reprieve yesterday.

Commissioner Sonny Barrios, saying Arboleda, a member of the 2006-07 Second Mythical selection, had shown "sincere efforts and genuine desire to project a positive and wholesome image to the public, particularly the youth," cut short the veteran playmaker’s suspension, enabling him to rejoin Air21 when the slumping Express clash with the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, this Saturday.

It will be the first official game for Arboleda since the boom was lowered on him by Barrios after he went after a fan during the Air21-Smart Gilas match on Oct. 16, 2009.

Although his suspension had been lifted, however, Barrios fined Arboleda 10 percent of the gross of his monthly salary from May 15 to August 15, 2010, the period remaining in his suspension had it been served in full.

In lifting the suspension, Barrios told Arboleda: "We also take note of your repeated expression of contriteness over the incident and the use of time under suspension in a positive and proactive manner instead of simply being ‘unproductive’ during your suspension."

Arboleda appealed his case to Barrios last March. Included in his appeal letter was an endorsement signed by the team captains of the league’s 10 ball clubs. He was then given a month to submit documentation of his involvement in a number of community activities. The wily Air21 sentinel complied and his appeal was granted.

Arboleda’s return is a welcome development for coach Yeng Guiao and the Express, who are on a seven-game losing streak and languishing in the cellar of the PBA Fiesta Conference with a 1-8 record.

Source: Business Insight Malaya

SLR's exit plan? Kelly, Ryan traded to TNT

Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez entered the press room as a protocol for winning coaches facing sports writers after the game.

He has won the match, his team’s third in its last four games, but came up with an opening statement as if he has lost a big one.

"I can’t imagine my team without my (most valuable player)," said Fernandez.

Yes, indeed, Fernandez lost his prized-player, 2007-2008 MVP Kelly Williams, after the Realtors shipped the versatile forward to Talk 'N Text, ending weeks of trade rumors.

As if that was not enough, the Realtors also lost their former rookie of the year, Ryan Reyes also to the Tropang Texters, completing a nine-player, three-team trade deal considered as the biggest this season.

But Williams and Reyes were two of the only players with greater value, so to speak in a trade that also involved Barako Coffee. The two cagers who played for the PBA-backed national team to the FIBA Asia Championship in separate occasions, will go to the Tropang Texters as a diverting route to the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas developmental squad.

The two players are reportedly set to be loaned to Smart-Gilas, which is also being supported by Manny V. Pangilinan, who also owns the Texters' ballclub in the PBA.

Also involved in the multi-player trade were Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, Pong Escobal, Ogie Menor, Yousif Aljamal, Mark Isip and a future rookie draft pick.

The Realtors were able to secure the rights on Peek, Belasco, Escobal, Menor and Aljamal.

The Energy Coffee Masters tabbed Isip and a future pick.

Sta. Lucia team manager and former PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado told GMANews.TV that it's really hard to let go of two of the Realtors' best players.

"Things are really done for a reason and one of them is because of a higher calling and that is to represent the national team," said Encarnado.

Sta. Lucia’s last hurrah?

But is this the sign that we have seen the last of Sta. Lucia in the PBA?

Encarnado neither confirmed nor deny that the Fiesta Cup would be the last conference in the PBA for the Realtors, who won two titles in nearly two decades of participation in the country’s premier cage league.

"We can't really tell it," said Encarnado when asked if this will be the final conference of the Realtors. "It’s like asking somebody if he still wants to stay alive or wants to die."

"But you cannot question anymore Sta. Lucia's tenure in the PBA. We have stayed longer than some of the teams that participated here. Right now, we'll still continue to show the same passion and willingness to compete," added Encarnado.

Source: JVP/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

Loaning of PBA player to Gilas needs Barrios’ approval

Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Sonny Barrios has read reports regarding Sta. Lucia forward Kelly Williams being offered as part of a trade package to the Talk N Text Tropang Texters.

Barrios sees no problem with that.

“Trading a player from one team to another is nothing but ordinary in the league," Barrios told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. “The only problem I see here is once Talk N Text decides to loan a player or players to a national team not sanctioned by the PBA."

“But we’re just trying to get ready with what’s going to happen. The trade and loaning of player have yet to happen. We still don’t know yet if ever it will push through," he added.

Barrios explained that a player is bound to follow the uniform players’ contract (UPC), which is an agreement among the player, his mother team and the league under the Office of the Commissioner.

Playing outside of his mother team is not included in the UPC, according to Barrios, which is why Talk N Text will definitely need to get his approval before loaning its player/s to Smart-Gilas national developmental team that will compete in major international basketball events such as the Asian Games this year, the Olympic-qualifying FIBA Asia Championship next year and other invitational tournaments.

“Have you seen a PBA player loaned to the national team except a PBA-sanctioned RP team? That’s the only time you see players in the PBA being loaned by their respective mother teams to play for just one team, which is the all-pro national team. Even the RP team coach is selected by the commissioner," said Barrios.

“But we will also study if ever the loaning of a PBA player can be appealed to the board. But as far as I know, this case is a commissioner matter since I am also the one approving the trading of players. So far, that is our existing template, so that’s the one we should follow," he added.

PBA board chairman Lito Alvarez of Air21 believes that trading Williams to Talk N Text is the right thing to do so as to compensate for Sta. Lucia’s major loss - if ever it pushes through.

“Buddy Encarnado was right when he asked what they do get in return in unloading Williams? He is a marquee player so his team should be compensated for that," said Alvarez, who also experienced a similar case when he agreed to trade this season’s top overall rookie pick Japeth Aguilar to Talk N Text in exchange for four marquee players.

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar was loaned to the Smart-Gilas team and will finish his commitment there before he will see action in the PBA for the Tropang Texters. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

SLR to lend Williams to Gilas

MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia top official Buddy Encarnado said they would be willing to let Kelly Williams join the Smart Gilas team provided the team would be properly remunerated.

“Kelly Williams is our main man. They have to understand that our team would be jeopardized if we give him up without getting anything in return,” said Encarnado.

“We’re amenable if we’re compensated. How? I don’t know,” Encarnado added. “They have to think of ways dahil nananahimik kami.”

Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman is keen on having Williams in his roster especially with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas having a hard time looking for a naturalized player.

Toroman and his chargers are now in the thick of preparation for the coming Fiba Asia Champions Cup and the Asian Games. The same team would vie in the Asian Olympic qualifier next year.

“Kelly being sent to Smart Gilas is not easy because Smart Gilas is not a PBA team. If ever it would go through Talk n Text,” said Encarnado, hinting he’s open to trade talks with Talk n Text.

Encarnado, however, stressed TnT must initiate the deal.

“While we’re willing to help the national cause, hindi naman pwedeng puro flag and country lang. Our interest must also be protected,” said Encarnado.

Llamados, 2 others to bring in new Fiesta Cup imports

Puerto Princesa City – B-Meg Derby Ace, Barangay Ginebra and Barako Coffee will be parading new imports when action in the PBA Fiesta Cup season resumes after the All-Star weekend.

The Llamados, Gin Kings and Energy Coffee Makers are hoping their new imports could revive their respective bids of advancing to the next round.

Derby Ace put Lorenzo Wade on the injured list and will be bringing in European League veteran Clif Brown, who last played for Toyota Alvark in the Japanese Basketball League (JBL).

Wade complained of pain on his right knee and his spot will be taken temporarily by Brown, who played for BG 47 Göttingen in the Bundesliga Basketball League in Germany and against Jai Lewis in the JBL.

The 6-foot-5 Wade averaged 25.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks but could only lead the Llamados to a 3-2 record.

Derby Ace team manager Alvin Patrimonio confirmed the news to GMANews.TV Sunday. “(Brown) arrived 5:55 a.m. Sunday via Philippine Airlines."

“He joined the team’s scrimmage and we ran him into a series of drills by assistant coaches Ronnie Magsanoc, Koy Banal and Rey Evangelista," Patrimonio added. “Based on their (coaching staff) reports, Brown has a decent touch form the perimeter and can play the post."

Llamados coach Ryan Gregorio said that Brown is what Derby Ace needed especially since team captain Kerby Raymundo is out indefinitely. “I have to clarify that Lorenzo Wade is not a bad import, but he is not the right fit for the team at the moment."

“Our team is already thinking that Kerby will not be back anymore this conference and should play with a sense of urgency. With our best post player out, I think it’s logical that we get somebody who can play the post to give us an inside and outside threat," said Gregorio.

“Brown is an undersized power forward, but he led his team in scoring in the JBL aside from the fact that he is a good post defender and plays with a lot of energy," he added.

Listed as a 6-foot-7 power forward, Brown might be the import the Llamados need at this stage. He averaged 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds while leading Göttingen to a runner-up finish in the Bundesliga.

Brown, in the JBL, averaged 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds.

No happy ending for Storey
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said NBA veteran Awvee Storey, a former teammate of Gilbert Arenas with the Washington Wizards, will most likely be replaced by Milton Ambres.

Ambres is a former standout of the Idaho Stampede in the National Basketball Development League (NBDL), is set to take his place.

"We're having a difficult time finding an import who plays all-around. We still have to know if our new import will be ready to play on Friday," said Uichico.

Ambres, a 6-foot-5 forward, is set to board a plane on Monday and is expected to suit up when the Gin Kings battle the Alaska Aces on Friday, April 30.

Ambres averaged 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds for the Stampede in the 2009-2010 NBDL season.

The Energy Coffee Masters is another team reportedly searching for an import to replace current reinforcement Sam Monroe.

Monroe, after leading Barako to a rousing debut win against Sta. Lucia, became less efficient in the Energy Coffee Masters’ succeeding games.

During Barako’s game against Talk ‘N Text, Monroe was even ejected after committing a flagrant foul penalty 2 that also earned him a one-game suspension from the league.

The Energy Coffee Masters are the worst team in the Fiesta Cup conference with only one win to show after seven matches. – Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

Ric-Ric Marata Passes Away

Ric-Ric Marata who was picked by Alaska along with Bong Alvarez and Elmer “Boy” Cabahug in what was considered the richest Annual Draft in PBA history in 1989 and was always an attraction on the court has passed away in New York. He was 56.

Aside from Alaska Milk, Marata also saw action for Sta Lucia Realty, Shell, Sunkist and Pop Cola and was one of the quickest guards in the pro league.

Marata played for none seasons in the PBA from 1989 to 1997 and averaged 6.8 points a game in a total of 397 games.

Former PBA superstar Abe King who is chairman of the PBA Legends USA Foundation informed us Saturday that Marata played the last two games of his life in Novemner 2009 wuth the PBA Legends in New Jersey and Maryland in a project to help raise funds for the victims of typhoon Ondoy and to provide education grants to deserving poor students in the Philippines.

Marata is survived by his wife Chato and his children Jr, Danica and Nico.

Arboleda starts signature drive in PBA return bid

Banned Air21 guard Wynne Arboleda is hoping the captains of the 10 participating teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) would support his signature drive so he could play in the coming Fiesta Cup.

Arboleda, the Air21 team captain who is seeking to get a second chance in his basketball career, was suspended for the rest of the season after attacking a heckling fan last year.

The Express’ stocky 5-foot-9 playmaker already collected four signatures as of press time with Alaska’s Jeffrey Cariaso, Jimmy Alapag of Talk ‘N Text, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola and Air21 assistant captain Carlo Sharma threw in their support.

Arbolda expects other team captains to support his bid of asking the PBA board to lift his season-long ban and allow him to play in the import-laced Fiesta Conference.

“Medyo kumikilos tayo ng kaunti at humihingi ng tulong sa kapwa natin team captains na payagan na tayong lumaro," Arboleda told GMANews.TV. “Sa palagay ko, sapat na yung naranasan ko na penalty."

“So far, nakaka-tatlo pa lang kami. But I’m confident na makakakuha pa kami ng pirma from other team captains."

Arboleda’s name was included in the Air21 line-up that was submitted to the PBA office. His inclusion fueled speculations that he might be reinstated anytime and could suit up for the Express in the Fiesta Cup.

PBA chairman and Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez said the reason for Arboleda’s inclusion doesn’t mean the four-time All-Defensive Team member is now allowed to play.

Alvarez added they cannot replace Arboleda’s spot as teams are prohibited to replace a suspended player.

“And even if nilagay namin siya sa lineup, may open and close parenthesis doon which states suspended. It is also one way of thinking positive na baka we can persuade commissioner Sonny Barrios to reinstate him. We feel enough na rin yung penalty na naibigay sa kanya."

Barrios wasn’t surprised to see Arboleda’s name in the lineup.

“It’s short of saying Air21 wants to have a positive outlook," said Barrios. “There’s nothing wrong with that."

But Barrios clarified he hasn’t received any formal letter from Arboleda’s camp seeking for the lifting of his suspension.

“The truth is, I have yet to receive any letter from them," said Barrios. “But if they’re gathering signatures from the team captains, I assume na isasabay na nila dyan yung letter or wait and see if they can get more signatures."

“Parang gaya ng sa mga tatakbo na gumawa ng signature campaign. They want to know first if they can get more signatures before they run." – GMANews.TV

Import returnees spice up 'Fiesta'

MANILA, Philippines - Four returnees, headed by last year’s Best Import Gabe Freeman of San Miguel Beer, and six newcomers, including NBA veteran Awvee Storey of Barangay Ginebra, will be featured in the PBA Fiesta Conference which fires off Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

While Freeman is expected to dish out another solid performance for the Beermen, focus will be on Storey, the best-credentialed among the current batch of reinforcements, having played in three NBA teams – Washington, New Jersey and Milwaukee – for four seasons.

Storey was scheduled to be measured late yesterday along with Diamon Simpson of Alaska, Sammy Monroe of Barako Bull, Eric Cory Hicks of Talk n Text, according to PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios, who appeared at yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave. The height limit for imports is 6-6.

Simpson had a brief stint with Los Angeles D-Fenders in the NBA Developmental League while Monroe saw action with the Rochester Razorsharks in the little-known Premier Basketball League.

Hicks played college ball at the University of Cincinnati, before seeing action in the Belgian, Polish and Russian leagues.

Another newcomer is Greek League veteran Lorenzo Wade, who will backstop the All-Filipino champion Derby Ace Llamados (formerly Purefoods TJ Giants).

Air21, meanwhile, will parade Keena Young, who made good impression during the Express practice upon his arrival in the country Monday, according to team manager Lito Alvarez.

However, Alvarez rued their failure to enlist original choice Leroy Hickerson, who suffered injury after figuring in a car accident in Kentucky, a few days before his departure for Manila.

“It’s very unfortunate. Hickerson could’ve been the second coming of Billy Ray Bates,” said Alvarez.

“Hickerson is an exciting player with a good inside and outside game. You can’t give him a breathing space as he can shoot three-pointers. You can’t also give him an open lane as he has an explosive drive. He’s a good outside shooter and dunker, just like Billy Ray Bates,” Alvarez said.

Hickerson had just finished a stint in the Mexican league and already preparing for his trip to the Philippines when he met the accident and sustained an elbow injury.

“He underwent surgery, so it’s very unlikely he can still play for us in this tournament. What’s sure is that he’s a top option for us in the next import-reinforced tourney,” said Alvarez.

The Air21 top official said Hickerson is only 26, a flamboyant player who took the Mexican league by storm.

“I was told he has big billboards in Mexico. After the season, he was even given a testimonial dinner by his team,” said Alvarez.

“It’s really sad we lost him. He’s a big loss to the team and to the league,” Alvarez added.

Alvarez, however, stressed the Express are still upbeat as they got a good import replacement in Young.

“Young may not be as exciting as Hickerson, but he could be as effective and that’s important,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao.

“Like Hickerson, Young can also play an inside and outside game,” Guiao added.

Guiao said the team is raring to come out and compete in the coming tourney following the buildup they have undertaken.

“If our import blends well with the locals, then we can have a good run in the coming tourney,” added Guiao, who has new players in Mike Cortez, Renren Ritualo and Doug Kramer.

Aside from Freeman, other returning imports are Jai Lewis of Rain or Shine, James Penny of Coca-Cola and Anthony Johnson of Sta. Lucia.

Barako Bull clashes with Sta. Lucia while Talk n Text collides with Barangay Ginebra in Sunday’s opener.

Barrios also announced that the league has scheduled several road games for the upcoming conference, including a Coca- Cola-San Miguel showdown in Gingoog City on March 27 and the Ginebra-Rain or Shine tussle in Bacolod on April 10.

Barrios said the league is also staging road games in Cagayan de Oro, Batangas, Davao, Cebu, Ormoc, Tacloban and Dumaguete. – Nelson Beltran

SMB sends Custodio to SLR for Yeo

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer continued to rebuild its aging lineup, acquiring Joseph Yeo from Sta. Lucia in exchange for Bonbon Custodio five days before the opening of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen, who settled for third place after losing to the eventual champions Purefoods Giants in the recent Philippine Cup, have bolstered their backcourt rotation with Yeo’s acquisition, which came on the heels of an earlier trade deal involving Alex Cabagnot and Mike Cortez.

Yeo, a former La Salle standout, blossomed into a fine playmaker with Sta. Lucia after a forgettable stint with Coca-Cola in the 2006-07 campaign.

In his second season with Sta. Lucia last year, Yeo effectively played his off-the-bench role, winding up as the team’s second-best scorer behind Kelly Williams with a 13.5-point average.

He also normed 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in a remarkable season, prompting the team management to give him a three-year contract-extension worth the maximum pay allowed in the league.

Meanwhile, Custodio, a product of University of the East, is in his second year in the pro league, also playing the off-the-bench role creditably.

The only rookie in the star-studded, talent-laden Beermen squad last year, Custodio performed well to earn a spot on the All-Rookie selection by the PBA Press Corps. He played for San Miguel’s farm team in the PBL before being elevated to the pro ranks. He was the eighth pick in the 2008 annual draft.

Barako’s PBA franchise to go on sale, says team exec

Barako Coffee, Photokina Marketing’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) franchise, is willing to sell its spot in Asia’s first play-for-pay league according to board representative Raffy Casiao.

"Is our franchise for sale, well, if one company would avail it for a reasonable price, why not," Casiao told GMANews.TV.

It’s been no secret in the league that Barako Coffee is financially challenged for several years now. And talks about its franchise sale have been swirling around even when the team keeps on winning championships.

The Masters has been feeling the economic pinch for quite some time now and has traded away marquee players one after another through the years. Among them include Kerby Raymundo, Willie Miller, Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Enrico Villanueva, Mick Pennisi, Cyrus Baguio, Larry Fonacier and Celino Cruz, all members of their champion squads from 2001 until 2006.

But Harbour Centre’s entry could turn things around for Barako in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference.

Barako Coffee made a request to the PBA board to allow Harbour Centre to be its partner. The request needs the PBA board’s approval as co-branding is only allowed for regular member teams to maximize marketing exposure of its other existing brands.

Although Barako and Harbour are different entities, they were allowed by the PBA board to become co-brands for the Fiesta Conference provided that Photokina Marketing would still call the shots for the team.

"It was Boss George Chua who approached Mikee Romero and asked him to become the team’s sponsor for the Fiesta Conference. We proposed it to the board and we got their approval provided that we comply with certain requirements," said Casiao.

But is Barako’s new partnership with Harbour a sign that the Masters are about to sell its franchise? Is Barako really for sale?

"Harbour Centre is just a sponsor for our team for the coming Fiesta Conference and I would like to clarify that we are still running the affairs of the basketball team and not the group of Mikee Romero," said Casiao.

Photokina company came as an expansion squad in 2000. The price of joining the PBA at that time was worth P63-million. Aside from this, the team was allowed to elevate members of their champion squad in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

Lordy Tugade, Davonn Harp, Jimwell Torion and Junthy Valenzuela were among the players elevated by the Photokina franchise when they entered the PBA. The squad also secured the rights on Allan Caidic, who opted to retire and accepted Barangay Ginebra’s coaching job.

Not one, but two teams for sale
Whether Barako Coffee will stay in the league at the end of the Fiesta Conference or find another company taking over its franchise remains to be seen. The PBA has signified intentions of expanding participating squads from 10 to 12 teams.

"Whether the timing is good or not remains to be seen," added Casiao on the league’s expansion plan.

While Barako Coffee has at least made it open to the public about its present situation, another squad has contemplated on putting its franchise on sale.

A top executive of the league, who requested anonymity, told GMANews.TV that another PBA team is now mulling the possibility of selling its franchise and one of the top companies in the land has expressed interest on acquiring it.

"That’s why this team wants to remain competitive because they want to keep the high value once it will be sold," said the source.. “This will give them a good reason to sell its franchise at a competitive price because they still have good materials on their squad." – Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

YANCY TO GINEBRA, CABAGNOT TO SMB, AIR21 NETS CORTEZ, ALVAREZ & KRAMER

Barangay Ginebra beefed up its frontline while San Miguel Beer retooled its backcourt in separate trade deals with Air21.

The Kings acquired Yancy de Ocampo for Doug Kramer and Rich Alvarez while the Beermen got Alex Cabagnot for Mike Cortez.

The Express struck these deals with the SMC ballclubs coming on the heels of an earlier trade transaction with the Talk n Text Tropang Texters where they got de Ocampo and Renren Ritualo for JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.

All these teams are out to get a better mix and hoping to improve their showing in the PBA Fiesta Conference which opens on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Express have been the most aggressive in their buildup with their latest deals making their core lineup a mix of Ateneans and La Sallites.

Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez closed his deals with the SMC teams upon their return from Dubai where the Express finished second in a four-team invitational tourney also featuring the Coca-Cola Tigers.

Alvarez said import Leroy Hickerson made a good impression in the tourney where they placed second behind the UAE national team.

“The import we’ve got and the new players we enlisted make me really excited about the coming tourney,” said Alvarez.

“Doug (Kramer) has played for us and I like his work ethic. I also like Rich Alvarez. The two are college teammates,” Alvarez added.

Kramer and Alvarez, former Ateneo teammates, are reunited at Air21 where they have found themselves with former La Salle Archers Cortez and Ritualo.

Air21 gave up De Ocampo without a single official single game since his recent transfer from Talk n Text.

“Definitely, Renren Ritualo will stay with us. Renren and Ronjay Buenfe will be our main men at off-guard spot,” said Alvarez.

Cabagnot, meanwhile, was able to play a few games with Burger King (now Air21) before finding himself being traded once again.

San Miguel will be Cabagnot's fourth team after Sta. Lucia, Coca-Cola and Burger King. (NC)

James Yap cops Best Player of the Conference plum

“Miller Time" has been a familiar refrain for Alaska ace Willie Miller during the first half of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. But it was Purefoods star James Yap who stepped up big time during the more important playoffs.

For this, Yap secured his first Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award, becoming the first Purefoods player to win the award since Rey Evangelista in the 2002 Governors Cup.

The 6’3 forward from Escalante, Negros Occidental, won convincingly over Willie Miller and Sta. Lucia’s do-it-all forward Kelly Williams.

Yap, the only player in Purefoods’ current roster who won a Most Valuable Player award aside from four-time MVP and current team manager Alvin Patrimonio, garnered 221 statistical points, 591 media votes, 128 players’ votes and 150 votes from television coveror for a total of 1,380 points.

“Masaya ako sa award and I would like to thank my teammates, coaching staff and management," said Yap. “Pero siyempre, mas masaya kung mag-champion kami."

Miller, a two-time MVP and a two-time winner of the BPC, came in second after accumulating 925 total points while Williams, who also won both an MVP and BPC award, placed third with 476.

Williams was No. 1 in the statistical points (SPs) average with 40.6 despite his team missing the playoffs.

Yap dedicated the honor to his late mother-in-law, former President Cory Aquino. - GMANews.TV