The Head and the Heart

     A prominent "0" stands under the Win column of the Philippines' standings in the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball.  As the group stages come to a close, however, it's prominence is overshadowed by something else.  The Philippine Men's Basketball Team, Gilas Pilipinas, has captured the world's attention.

     Oftentimes, we are warned that letting our hearts decide over our heads is a prescription for disaster.  Being too emotional leads to poor decision-making; it clouds judgement.  The head is stable; it protects you from being hurt by telling you to avoid any possible pain.  To live with your heart on your sleeve is to open yourself to tremendous hurt.  Yes, following your heart to pursue your passions, your childhood dream, your one great love, is a recipe for incomparable heartache.  

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Perils of Being a Visionary

     Being a visionary is tough. By definition you alone (or at most, a couple of people) see the vision of greatness you have in mind and most of the time, you're labelled as insane, arrogant or foolish. (Props to you if you get all 3.)

     When Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) took over the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), he saw a grand vision. He then put us on the road to that vision by setting up the Gilas program. Gilas 1 was the 1st crack. Rajko Toroman, himself a trail blazer who led Iran to the Olympics, gathered a group of amateur stars to form a national team who would play only for the national team. It was ambitious. Gilas 1? A fourth place finish, courtesy of yet again a heartbreaking loss to Korea, was the Philippines' best FIBA Asia finish since 1985. No Olympic berth? No PBA stars? Internet 'experts' and 'pundits' had a field day.

     "Insane, arrogant and foolish," they said. They didn't get it.

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Judging the "Chotness" of It All

     When the PBA changed the All Star game format back to a "Veterans vs RSJ (Rookies, Sophomores, Juniors)" this season, many assumed it was to take advantage of the rich rookie class that came from Smart Gilas.  While this may turn out to be a shrewd move, business-wise, an interesting by-product has come about.  Chot Reyes as, "national coach 2.0" may get an early aptitude exam as well.

     The Veteran All Star line up have been finalized:

Starters: Mark Caguioa, JC Intal, Mark Pingris, James Yap and Arwind Santos
Bench: Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, L.A Tenorio, Sonny Thoss, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, and Alex Cabagnot

     The RSJ Team, meanwhile, will have:

Starters: JVee Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou and Josh Urbiztondo
Bench: Japeth Aguilar, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Rico Maierhoffer, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Ross

     Apart from the weird starting line ups which features no centers, no point guards on one side and two on the other, what is most interesting is that, it is like Smart Gilas 1 versus Smart Gilas 2.  The veterans features 10 of the 16 players Chot named to the new national team pool.  Only controversial choices Rico Villanueva, Jason Castro, Larry Fonacier (plus Ranidel de Ocampo) are missing.  Meanwhile, the RSJ team features seven (eight if Al-Hussaini is included) of the Rajko-trained Gilas ballers in their team.  Missing only are non pros Chris Tiu, Greg Slaughter and Aldrech Ramos.  Of course, since the line ups are not complete, it hardly gives us an accurate picture, but it does pose some interesting questions.

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My PBA All Star Ballot (Veterans)

     The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opened the All Star Game voting early and they have also brought back the Veterans versus Rookies, Sophomores and Juniors (RSJ) format.  While I disagree with both decisions, I have cast my ballot for the annual event.  Since the PBA has become a guards' league some two or three years ago, I'm not voting strictly by position.  The 14 slots i will divide by 2 big men, 4 forwards, 4 guards and 4 of any position


2 Bigs - Sonny Thoss and Kelly Williams

     While Alaska had their worst conferences in years (maybe a decade), the good thing that has emerged has been Thoss' game.  Thoss has established his post game and made himself a reliable scorer and his rebounding and defense has come around as well. New Aces coach Joel Banal has given Thoss more touches and he has responded with an All Star performance.  Williams, meanwhile, has been the Texters' pillar of strength.  As injuries beset Talk and Text, Williams has scored, rebounded, defended and even brought the ball down the floor for the defending champs.  As much as people talk about Jimmy Alapag being the leader, Williams has shown up to be the team's heart and soul.

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My PBA All Star Ballot (RSJ)

     The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opened the All Star Game voting early and they have also brought back the Veterans versus Rookies, Sophomores and Juniors (RSJ) format.  While I disagree with both decisions, I have cast my ballot for the annual event.  Since the PBA has become a guards' league some two or three years ago, I'm not voting strictly by position.  The 14 slots i will divide by 2 big men, 4 forwards, 4 guards and 4 of any position.


2 Bigs - Japeth Aguilar and Rabeh Al-Husaini

     The PBA is thin in the frontcourt, especially in the RSJ roster.  Aguilar, already the league leader in blocks, should be an automatic choice.  While inconsistent, he has played great, included a 7 block game and making the winning basket and steal in the recent game against Petron.  Plus, his freaky athleticism is showcased best in exhibitions like this one and it will ensure that the crowd will have a good time. Rabeh Al-Husaini is the other obvious choice. While he may be injured now, he should be available by the All Satr Game, and while I usually pick players who prove themselves during the season, the thin list predicates his inclusion. 

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Fantasy Hoops

     Talks are that the NBA owners and the players are making progress in their efforts to end the lockout.  While that is in the works, it's good fun to think about the possibilities of NBA players playing in the Philippines again. With the PBA Commissioner's Cup allowing unlimited height for imports, which NBA players would make great imports in the PBA?

Alaska Aces - The Aces are a mess right now but the good news is that they're very talented.  Obviously, they are struggling to find themselves after losing Coach Tim Cone and trying new sets different from his triangle offense, so what they need is someone to take over and score when the new plays go to hell.  They need a go to scorer who can create shots and someone who can shoot threes with accuracy.  Kevin Durant would be a tremendous help. 

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PBA 37th Season: First Ten

     Whether it's the rich draft class, player and coach movement, the NBA Lockout or the new TV partner, there seems to be more excitement around the PBA in this 37th season.  Here is From the Fifty Peso Seats' "First Ten" Roster.

1. In the battle of "Bringing Back an Old Trouble-making Big Man," the winner is definitely the Shopinas.com Clickers, who brought in Homer Se.  Unsurprisingly, Se was ejected two weeks into the new season. Way to go!


2.  Rain or Shine is off to a fast start and it could be good Feng Shui.  The Elasto Painters currently have the most Chinese-Filipino players in the PBA. They have Jeff Chan, Jonathan Uyloan, TY Tang and rookie Paul Lee.  Why not try to beat Shopinas at #1,  hire Wilmer Ong and have a starting five?

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Catch 22

     It finally happened. A week of speculation finally ended when the press conference confirmed that after 22 years, Tim Cone is stepping down as coach of the Alaska Aces of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).  Many have written a tribute to Coach Tim and while I may be tempted to write one, I feel like there is no topping the one written by Grantland's Rafe Bartholomew (which can be read here).  Instead, I have 22 sentences about Coach Cone.

1.  I have no official numbers to support this, Coach Tim's 22 years with Alaska is one of the top 5 longest in all of professional sports in all of the world. 


2.  Many credit Coach Tim as a pioneer, for bringing the triangle offense here, but he is also a visionary fashion-wise, as his long sleeve polo plus tie combo was later on copied by Chot Reyes, Perry Ronquillo, Joel Banal and Chito Narvasa.


3.  My first memory of Coach Cone is not a flattering one as I first saw his pic playing varsity basketball in short shorts in one of Romy Kintanar's half time shows.


4.  Coach Tim is only the 4th coach to achieve a grand slam in the PBA and he has the most titles with imports too.  


5.  Coach Cone may hold the PBA record for most assistant coaches since he had 6 in Joel Banal, Dicky Bachmann, Luigi Trillo, Bong Hawkins, Jojo Lastimosa and Topex Robinson.

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The Toroman Effect

      As Smart Gilas Pilipinas begins it's final push and with the 2012 Olympic berth at stake in less than three weeks, attention has unfortunately focused on Coach Rajko Toroman's expiring contract.  After October 15, Toroman's contract expires and the question is, will MVP renew his contract? 

     MVP is his own man and he makes his own decisions, but he has to fully understand the Toroman effect. As with great art, greatness is not in the flashy colors or the lovely shapes, but in the detail.

Skill Set

     If you watched the PBA draft last Sunday, you've seen the evidence first hand.  Seven of the first round's 10 draft picks were from Toroman's Smart Gilas, but that's not the evidence I was talking about.  Of course, since the Gilas players are composed of the country's best college players 3 years ago, they would naturally be picked early.  Here's the thing though.  Look at what the PBA is getting now.  JVee Casio has become a full time, clutch point guard, just three years after costing La Salle a UAAP championship when he couldn't buy a bucket to save his team in the 4th quarter.  Chris Lutz has developed a strong drive to the hoop two years after he was sought for just his three point shooting. Marcio Lassiter has evolved into a defensive hound.  Mac Baracael, who was known more for being shot at (with a gun) than anything else, has become a legitimate power forward who can shoot the three, box out 7 footers and drive to the basket.  Is anyone really questioning Marc Barroca's heart now?Jason Ballesteros's potential has gone from Samigue Eman to Erik Menk really fast and look ma, Dylan Ababou can play the small forward position and play D!  Yes, all 7 Gilas players would still have been picked, but without Toroman, the PBA teams wouldn't be this happy.  All 7 (instead of probably 3) have become legit PBA players with star potential. 

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Cherry Picking

     Sunday marks the PBA Rookie Draft for the 2011-12 season and with some calling this draft class one of the deepest in years, there is naturally some excitement building up.  From the Fifty Peso Seats presents its own mock draft for the first round.

Pick #1: Powerade Tigers
Greatest Need: All areas
Who They'll Probably Pick: JVee Casio
Who They Should Pick: JVee Casio


     Many believe, and I do too, that the best Gilas players (for the PBA game) are Marcio Lassiter and Mac Baracael, but the Tigers are on a crossroads now.  Their two high picks in this draft mean they can reshape the identity of the team.  With reshaping, you will need a character guy and without Chris Tiu, Casio is the best choice.  He has no ego, leads by example and is clutch.  He is the perfect choice for the Tigers.  Besides, anytime your point guard rotation includes Marvin Cruz and Jai Reyes, you need to pick a point guard. Stat.


Pick #2: Rain or Shine Elastopainters
Greatest Need: Scorers, Post Threat
Who They'll Probably Pick: Paul Lee
Who They Should Pick: Marcio Lassiter


     Rumors are abound that Lee is Coach Yeng Guiao's preferred choice.  I can't blame him, as Lee is definitely a scoring threat the Elastopainters desperately need.  I have my doubts about him though as he could wind up being more of a Bon Bon Custodio than Willie Miller.  Lassiter is a lot tougher and more talented which would give the Painters the backbone most of their players don't have.  Beau Belga can only hurt 1 player at a time.  


Pick #3: Barako Bull (formerly Air 21)
Greatest Need: Playmaker, Forward
Who They'll Probably Pick: Marcio Lassiter
Who They Should Pick: Marcio Lassiter (if taken, Mac Baracael)

     If Lee is taken as the 2nd pick as expected, the Bulls will be fine.  The entry of the 4 former Beermen gave the team a boost, albeit an old one.  They need an infusion of energy in the forward positions and Lassiter is just what the doctor ordered.


Pick #4: Powerade Tigers
Greatest Need: All Areas
Who They'll Probably Pick: Chris Lutz
Who they Should Pick: Mac Baracael (if taken, Jason Ballesteros)


     Rumors are Lutz is in the Tigers' sights.  I say, bad move.  Lutz is very talented, but the Tigers are very weak upfront.  Baracael will be an awesome "4" in the PBA since he had held his own against the bigs of Asia and he can shore up the Tigers' aging frontcourt.  Besides, they have Gary David and Mark Macapagal for the two and three position in the meantime.


Pick #5: B Meg Derby Ace Llamados
Greatest Need: Point Guard
Who They'll Probably Pick: Mark Barroca
Who They Should Pick: Mark Barroca


     B Meg is pretty loaded at most positions, but they could use a point guard to finally move Roger Yap to his natural shooting guard position.  Barroca is of course the most logical choice, but he will have to learn to pass more.  A grumpy James Yap would trouble for the Llamados.


Pick #6: Alaska Aces

Greatest Need: Power Forward, Point Guard
Who They'll Probably Pick: Mac Baracael
Who They Should Pick: Mac Baracael (if taken, Paul Lee or Jason Ballesteros)


     The Aces lost a lot when they traded away Joe de Vance as the triangle goes a lot better with big forwards that can shoot the ball.  Baracael fits the bill and Coach Tim Cone can discipline the seemingly distracted Baracael.  If the Tigers smarten up and pick Baracael, Lee may be a good choice for the Aces.  He can be an upgrade over Bon Bon Custodio or at least be somebody similar.


Pick #7: Talk and Text Tropang Texters
Greatest Need: Shooters
Who They'll Probably Pick: Dylan Ababou
Who They Should Pick: Chris Lutz (if taken Dylan Ababou)


     Rumors are the Texters will trade this pick, but if they keep it, they need to shore up on shooters.  Game 7 of the Governor's Cup Finals exposed the Texters as a team that shoots threes but at a poor rate. Ryan Reyes and Larry Fonacier can shoot but not consistently enough in pressure situations. Either Lutz or Ababou would be an upgrade, in the shooting department at least.  Man, this team will be loaded with Japeth Aguilar back.


Pick #8: Petron Blaze Boosters
Greatest Need: Big Man
Who They'll Probably Pick: Allein Maliksi or Dylan Ababou
Who They Should Pick: Jason Ballesteros (if taken Reil Cervantes)


     Talks are the Blaze Boosters are looking for scoring help but I can't see why.  They won without Jay Washington and Joseph Yeo so when those two guys come back, they don't really need more scorers.  A big would help as Mick Pennisi and Danny Ildefonso are getting on in years.  Ballesteros would be a perfect third center for them.


Pick #9: Baranggay Ginebra Kings
Greatest Need: Big Man
Who They'll Probably Pick: Reil Cervantes
Who They Should Pick: Jason Ballesteros (if taken Magi Sison)


     Obviously the Kings don't need guards yet and their big man rotation is aging and getting more injury prone by the minute.  Losing Rudy Hatfield meant a hole at the "4" so Cervantes' name has been floating around.  Ballesteros, though, would be a better fit as he can replace the Kings'  Billy Mamaril and Erik Menk, neither of whom has played an entire conference, let alone a season.  I like Cervantes but with Willy Wilson and JC Intal, they don't really need another small power forward.  


Pick #10: Barako Bull
Greatest Need: Center, Forward
Who They'll Probably Pick: Jason Ballesteros
Who They Should Pick: Jason Ballesteros (if taken Reil Cervantes or Allein Maliksi)


     Dorian Pena is getting old and after that, the center slot is pretty unimpressive.  Ballesteros would be great on this team as well and if he is taken, Cervantes can be brought in to bang bodies.  Maliksi might be good pick as well to bring in a little bit more scoring.

State of the Nation

     With President Aquino delivering his 2nd State of the Nation Address, the Filipino basketball world unexpectedly got one too, as the improbable Smart (NBA) All Stars vs Smart Gilas Pilipinas became a reality.  Here's my Basketball SONA, shortened, of course.

• Sunday's game was the first time the final pool of Smart Gilas players were suited up together.  Only Ranidel de Ocampo, who was injured, didn't play.  Question is, with 15 players in the pool, who is losing a roster spot?  Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros are probably resigned to their fate, but who will be the last cut? Is Marc Barroca in trouble with Jimmy Alapag there or are Japeth's defensive lapses costing him a spot?  Is it simply too late to add Ranidel de Ocampo?

• Coach Toroman's system is good, reason # 243:  Despite the presence of bonafide NBA superstars, the Gilas players showed nothing but determination throughout the game.  They ran the same plays crisply and none were tempted to break from the system to showboat.  In fact, the only players who seemed star struck were PBA vets Don Don Hontiveros and Jimmy Alapag.

• It's unfair to think that the game was "scripted" or the NBA Stars "took it easy (pinagbigyan)."  Their play was way different from Saturday's dunk-a-thon against the PBA selection.  Kobe played a ton of minutes and went after every ball.  Chris Paul seemed to be in pain yet played until the endgame.  Overall, the NBA stars attempted less dunks and lazy 24 footers, and scored on plenty of offensive putbacks and post ups.  Even Javale McGee couldn't find the time to plank.  By the 4th quarter, veterans Derek Fisher and Chris Paul were complaining to the refs and hitting guards Jvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter.  Gilas executed well and played with a lot of gumption and they earned every bit of that 9 point loss.

• It's also unfair to say the PBA has become a bunch of has beens or "puro papogi (showboats)."  The PBA selection never had time to play together so they had no plays.  Resorting to one on one plays played right into the NBA's hands, hence the 26 point shellacking.  It is fair, however, to point out that that game is the perfect example of why the Gilas program must continue.  PBA selections may be loaded with talent, but they will never have the time to prepare for years and no one can force them to since the PBA is a private enterprise.

• Gilas players and coaches have all said it, and it is worth repeating.  The best part about the game is not that they got to play NBA stars or that we got to see them.  For 3 basketball minutes, the entire Araneta Coliseum was united behind Smart Gilas Pilipinas, chanting "Defense!"  Compared to the last time they were playing in the same venue, where PBA die-hards were booing them, the 4th quarter of that game was a heartwarming moment.  Those 3 minutes mean more to the Gilas players than people can ever imagine.

• The best closing argument to defending the Gilas program ironically comes from the mouth of a foreigner.  "You just have to support this team," says 5-time NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Kobe Bryant.  He called the team "talented" and he marvelled at their execution.  Judging from the way Kobe scored and defended, it is easy to believe he meant every word.

     Everyone's thanking MVP for the "gift" of bringing the NBA players here, giving the country a rare chance to see NBA stars in their prime.  We are better served to thank him for another thing too.  The Ultimate All Star weekend also showed us a sight that has become all too rare.  The weekend showed us a tough, strong, talented, and united National Basketball Team that will make us proud by playing the same proud and disciplined way, regardless of who the opponents are.

many thanks to united philippine basketball and rodney torres for the pictures

Novel Ideas

     I don't claim to be the brightest bulb in any room, even in the kitchen, but if people who thought they weren't the smartest never threw their ideas out there, who knows what great inventions we would've missed?  So, here are two that would be great for Philippine basketball.


Survivor Series

     As early as now, doomsayers (or "true fans," as they fancy to call themselves), lick their chops in anticipation of Smart Gilas' failure to qualify to the 2012 London Olympics, they are predicting the disbandment of the current Gilas roster and maybe even the program itself.  Coach Rajko Toroman and Captain Chris Tiu have batted for Gilas' continued existence and I think it's not too impossible to keep it running.  

     Given that most of Gilas want to join the PBA and start earning pro money, several players will survive to stay in Gilas. Tiu has been candid about preferring to play for the country and Marcus Douthit would love to stay as well.  Add in the current amateurs Greg Slaughter and Aldrech Ramos and Gilas already has four relatively experienced players.  Now, say Manny Pangilinan opens his wallet and offers the PBA maximum salary to JVee Casio, he would stay as well.  Then, Gilas can complete its roster with players from the Sinag program, guys like R.R. Garcia, Terrence Romeo, Jeric Teng and even players like Bobby Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena and the mysteriously absent Art de la Cruz Jr.  If the team continues to need reinforcements, they can then ask for "PBA reinforcements," meaning the current Gilas players (that would already be in the PBA by then) who already know the system.  Even if they rejoin Gilas late in the game, they can immediately jump back in.  This way, the Smart Gilas program continues, the PBA gets the Gilas players they covet so much and we still have a continuing basketball program who lives and breathes amateur style ball.  


     It's not the best solution available, but it is the most possible isn't it?


Summer Slam


     Another idea that would be a boon to Philippine basketball would involve nothing but a calendar.  One of the problems Smart Gilas has been encountering lately is manpower problems.  PBA reinforcements have left the team in the cold to play pro ball while college standouts have been called back to play in the UAAP.  Am I daft or could this all be solved by checking the calendar?

     The UAAP runs from July to September or even October.  Everyone knows that that time is the perfect preparation time for all big FIBA tournaments as the big ones are usually set in August or September.  It then begs the question, "Why not schedule the UAAP/NCAA games in the summer?"  The summer, March to May, would be perfect for college ball.  With school out, players can concentrate on playing and their studies wouldn't suffer.  More students could come and watch too as they all have no homework or projects to worry about.  Meanwhile, players will be available for national team duty starting May and they would be ready by September.  

     Ditto for the PBA as well.  Since the league loves the NBA so much, why not copy it?  If the season starts October, it can end by June or July.  If any (and we're talking of only a few players) are called for national team duty, they would be available early, especially those whose teams are eliminated early.  They will also be available months before the big FIBA tournaments.  Besides, avoiding the July to September time would also be helpful to fill up arenas.  Avoiding games during this time can help the PBA avoid typhoon and flooding season and even the big Hollywood summer movie season, both of which are significant challengers to game attendance.


     Am I over-simplifying things or are our supposedly "eternal problems" in Philippine basketball entirely solvable?  All I know is, if we all want it so much, we can find a way to make Philippine basketball one big successful situation.     


photos courtesy of FIBA Asia and inboundspass

Bitter Pills

     Despite the gutsy effort from Smart Gilas Pilipinas in the recently-concluded 22nd FIBA Asia Champions' Cup resulting in a record 4th place finish, there continues to be brickbats thrown at the national team and its followers scrambling to defend them.  With Gilas' ultimate goal waiting in September in Wuhan, China, the country has barely three months to unite everyone to present a united front.  For both the haters and the fans, here are some bitter pills to swallow.


For the Smart Gilas Fans


Pill # 1 Smart Gilas players have yet to learn everything.

     As long as they have trained together, it's clear Gilas needs more time.  Too often the players try too hard to find the completely open shot, foregoing a relatively open shot and thereby stagnating the offense.  It's admirable that the players are very unselfish with the ball, but they should also be wary of passing up shots and later causing a forced one before the shot clock expires.  The next three months are crucial to these young men, as the multiple tune up games will give them opportunities to learn more discretion in shooting.


Pill # 2 Smart Gilas needs the PBA's help.

     Of course, its ideal to have players be with the program for the entire three years. PBA players joining the team after the Governors' Cup in August could disrupt chemistry but Gilas needs reinforcements. Each of Coach Rajko Toroman's choices for PBA help serve to plug the holes in the team.  If Gilas were a 6 to 8 year program then it would be fine to go all amateur, but since everyone wants Gilas to win this year or bust, then, PBA reinforcements are key.

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Open Letter to Commissioner Chito Salud

Mr. Chito Salud
Commissioner, Philippine Basketball Association
186 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Libis, Quezon City


Dear Sir:


First of all, allow me to tell you that I am an avid PBA fan for over 20 years now.  Ever since Great Taste traded away Manny Victorino, Jimmy Manansala and cash for a rookie named Allan Caidic, I was hooked.  By extension, I moved on to the Ginebra train when Caidic became Assistant Coach to Rino Salazar.  In fact, a big part of the reason my blog, From the Fifty Peso Seats, was put up is because of this love for Asia's first pro basketball league.  This is why recent developments have caused me great concern.  I see you every time I watch the PBA live (which is often) and I know you are a hands-on commissioner.

The current semi-final series between Smart Gilas and the Baranggay Ginebra Kings has not been the dream series I anticipated it to be.  I'm not even talking about the perceived partial officiating wherein Nate Brumfield gets 27 free throw attempts, equal to the entire Smart Gilas total for the game.  You see, it doesn't matter to me whichever team wins because I love them both.  What matters is the quality and the morality of the game.


Everyone talks of how Ginebra is proving too tough for Gilas,  but there is a difference between playing tough and physical and playing dirty and unfortunately, it seems Ginebra has lost track of the line. They are intentionally hurting Gilas in the guise of playing tough. In the video below, Mark Caguioa executes a pre-meditated elbow to the back of Lassiter's head (23 sec mark).  The sad part is, this was the second elbow to the back of the head on a Gilas player in Game 1 (1st one was Yancy de Ocampo's on Douthit, 3rd video 35 sec mark).  There are other incidents too. De Ocampo chops at Douthit's fractured hand (video below). Aside from Caguioa's intentional trip on JV Casio in game 1's 4th quarter (3rd video, 2:13 mark), what scared me the most was Billy Mamaril's intentional squeezing and wrenching of Marcus Douthit's fractured hand, also in the 2nd half.  Unfortunately, I can find no videos of this incident posted yet.  Hopefully you can take a look at them too.

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National Pastime

     Since I began taking note and covering Smart Gilas months after its inception, I've noticed one thing.  No matter what Gilas has or has not achieved, people always post line up suggestions on the comments section of any website or blog.  I've jokingly called it the, "national pastime," since everyone's been doing it.  As with all pastimes, though, it really isn't worth doing unless you do it right.

     Before engaging in my own version of this national pastime, we have to consider certain realities.  First, the only reason why Gilas is asking for PBA players is because of the tremendous pressure the nation is putting on them to produce immediately.  Given the chance, I'm sure Toroman would like this current Gilas team to train until 2016 so the players can mature and gel better, but impatient so-called experts and nationalists are forcing their hand to produce immediately.  Second, Coach Toroman never said he wanted 5 PBA players so he could end up picking just 3 or even 1.  Third, Toroman's picks for PBA players only serve to augment the team, not change it.  This means he needs players than can adapt to the system quickly, not just lights out shooters. 

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Breaking Blinders

     I'm an avowed fan of Gilas. I can't deny it and I won't, but I stopped defending them since this article last year because I figured people have realized how good they are already, especially since they've dominated the PBA teams they have faced.  Lately, though, the hatred for Gilas has been increasing and it's absolutely absurd. I list down the most common attacks on Gilas and let's see if they have merit.

"Marcus Douthit has no tall opposition so he's dominating."


     Pros losing to an amateur Gilas team need a convenient excuse.  They've been saying this even before the start of the conference, but PBA teams are better served practicing ball denial and boxing out rather than complaining.  Yes, Douthit has dominating numbers, but it's not all his height; it's the system. A lot of Douthit's points are close in shots, put backs off offensive rebounds and short stabs off cuts.  Neither kind is exclusive to overly huge players.  His rebounds are the same. It doesn't hurt to be huge with long arms, but it also helps that all your teammates, even guards, box out all of the opposition to help things along.  Blocks? It's the same story. Gilas plays a specific kind of defense. Guards lead all opponents to the baseline, where Douthit or any other center will be waiting for the block. At the baseline, offensive players are trapped because of the baseline and the backboard, making it easy to block shots or steal the ball.  


     Don't believe in the explanation? Find a way to get their stats from their last Middle East tournament and you'll see Douthit averaging close to the same numbers even ranged against NBA-sized imports of the Middle East.  Over here, in the B Meg game where Douthit got hurt, even substitute Greg Slaughter tallied 7 (!) blocks. 

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Shadow Caster (Part 2)

     This is part 2 of From the Fifty Peso Seats exclusive interview with Philippine high school phenom Jeron Teng of Xavier High School.  Read part 1 here.

From the Fifty Peso Seats: Your dad, Alvin, was a PBA All Star, a PBA champion and he has played in the Asian Games. Your brother Jeric is now in the University of Santo Tomas Varsity Basketball Team and he's a candidate for the SEA Games team, but you've scored 104 points and played in the YOG.  Who has the bragging rights at home?

Jeron Teng: (It's) still my dad. My dad tells us that we cannot brag with him because we haven't reached the PBA yet like him. (laughs)

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Shadow Caster (Part 1)

     Take a look at Xavier School's basketball star Jeron Teng and you understand he's a player.  WIth a chiseled physique and great atleticism, you just know the kid can play ball.  Have a conversation with him, though, you get to know a polite boy with great humility and humor.  You then have to wonder if the news were true.  Yes it is. The kid scored 104 points in a single game (on 37 for 70 shooting from the field and 29 for 34 from the free throw stripe), on top of 24 rebounds two steals and two blocks.  From the Fifty Peso Seats presents an exclusive one on one interview with the Philippines' high school phenom, Jeron Teng of Xavier High School.

From the 50 Peso Seats: So first things first. Congrats on winning your third straight championship. How does it feel to capture the title yet again?


Jeron Teng: I'm really happy that we were able to get the 4-peat this year. We just made history as the longest championship streak in the Tiong Lian (basketball league) prior to ours was 3. Moreover, that streak was also set by Xavier during the time of Joseph Yeo, TY Tang, and Chris Tiu (all professional players now), so we're all really proud of ourselves to make history this way.

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11 for '11 (Part 2)

    The start of the new year is always the best time to hope, since there is a ton of time to get things done.  The start of 2011, then, is where I will post the 11 things I hope will happen in the sports world in 2011.  Pleas enote that I used the word HOPE and not WISH, so I cannot put "Peping Cojuanco resigns from POC as one of the 11, since it's impossible"  I've also ranked the 11 based on my level of desire to see it happen and on each item's feasibility. Read part one here on this link.

5.  The NBA owners and players avoid lock out.

     The problem with the players' union and the team owners looms large as both sides expect a lock out.  In reality, both sides have to be honest and consider the other side's points.  As much as team owners keep harping on how much they lose, a lot can be done to tighten belts and cut costs without affecting player salaries.  Exercising caution in signing mid-tier players and some cuts in scouting and office costs will do wonders for a team.  I mean, owners may be losing money because of sky-rocketing salaries, but who's to blame for offering Joe Johnson USD 120 million and Amir Johnson over USD 50 million anyway? Meanwhile, players can also help owners out by playing more consistently, not just on contract years to help convince owners to shell out the cash.  Acting more responsibly helps too.  It's hard to convince owners to increase salaries on players who have fist fights on a plane over a card game, who come in late because their I-Phone 4 alarm didn't go off or who don't come into practice and then offer no explanation.  In the end, both sides will want to keep the audience happy so throw pride and the lock out out the window.

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Fifty Peso Shots: October 2010

First of all, I'd like to invite everyone to watch my cooking demos daily on the Lifestyle Network or online on this link and on this one as well. Help make me Lifestyle Network's 1st Star Chef by voting for me.  Send an email to lifestylenetwork@thelifeyoulive.tv and type VOTE SHARWIN on the subject box.  You can vote as many times as you want as voting is unlimited, even from one email account!


Now, some shots (good and bad) from the cheap seats:


The Good:

• Kudos to the new UFC Heavyweight Champ Cain Velasquez.  I was among millions who doubted him, but he sure proved us wrong.  He showed tremendous quickness and cardio which allowed him to move well and escape from his back.  I think that was his key to defeating Brock Lesnar.

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