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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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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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.