PBA Surprise Packages

     Going into the second round of the elimination round of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, several players have performed way beyond expectations.  These are what I call the "surprise packages," and for their teams, Christmas came early.

Mac Mac Cardona (Talk and Text Tropang Texters) - Captain Hook was already playing well and working hard last season, but who could have predicted this blazing run he is on?  Apart from leading his team and the league in scoring, Cardona also posted 32 and 42 point games back to back.  Cardona is benefitting from a Talk and Text team that is all too willing to defer to him on offense and there seems to be no indication that the team wil look for anyone else to lead the offense in the future.  If he continues on this run, Coach Yeng Guiao may have to add him to the national team roster.

TY Tang (Rain or Shine Elastopainters) - Overshadowed by two higher-profile rookies, Tang has silently gained and then retained a spot in Coach Caloy Garcia's rotation.  Despite his recent two game slump where he has just averaged two points, Tang has become a pleasant surprise, even leading his team to a victory by scoring a career-high 24 points.  His reliable outside shooting and cat-quick drives ensure that ROS can keep their running game going.  The Elastopainters are certainly hoping he can snap out of his slump ASAP.

Bon Bon Custodio (San Miguel Beermen) - The Bonfire, as Quinito Henson calls him, was certainly not in everyone's radar when the conference started, but the spitfirish guard has everyone's attention now.  He has an uncanny ability to score on both drives to the hoop and mid -range floaters.  What is most impressive though is that he seems in control and doesn't force his shots.  Look for the Beermen to trust him even more as they go further into the conference.

Joe Devance  (Alaska Aces)  - I got on his case early in the conference because of his performance for Welcoat, but it seems all he needed was a team system to shine in (or me harsh words).  Alaska seems to have found a role that fits him well, and he has responded with great games after struggling in his first two games.  The Aces' recent drubbing of the Tropang Texters featured Devance's great year so far with him scattering 21 points to go with his 12 rebounds.  It seems Big Joe has found a home with the Aces.

Larry Rodriguez, Gabby Espinas (Red Bull Barako) - Coach Yeng has always been known to get the most of his players and every season, he seems to make a star out of some previous unknown.  This conference, his rookie Larry Rodriguez, and new pick up Gabby Espinas seem to fit the bill.  Seemingly undersized for PF/C, Rodriguez and Espinas battle against the giants in the paint daily and they have been winning their fair share of battles.  Bot have shown great offensive rebounding skills and reliable jumpers.  It's no surprise the Barakos are holding their own this conference. 

In Philippine Sports, Obama's Dream continues to be a Holy Grail

     The recent US elections had the Americans show the world that they are, indeed, ready for change.  They elected Barack Obama as their 44th President, making him the first African American president.  Being overshadowed by this historic election with worldwide implications is a smaller election that is no less important to us Filipinos.

     On November 28, 2008, the different heads of the National Sports Associations will elect a new Philippine Olympic Committee President, along with the other board members and officers.  Running the respective campaigns are incumbent POC President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco of Equestrian and Shooting top honcho Art Macapagal.

     Everyone, even the politicians themselves, says that politics has no place in sports, but as early as last year, it has become clear that politics has once again entrenched itself in this POC election.  Cojuangco, the POC President that was acclaimed into office, has finally encountered a serious threat from Macapagal, who seems to have garnered allies in his quest to change and improve Philippine sports. However, the former congressman has made several moves to ensure his stay as head of POC.  Now, some of his staunchest allies in the POC are entrenched in controversies, all related to keeping the balance of power in his favor.

     Mark Joseph, the swimming head, has been facing raps because apparently, he was only supposed to serve as a transition president until the elections, but he has continued to serve (is that even the right word?) as president for several years.  A group of concerned parents and swimmers have questioned his stay, and while months ago the POC promised to hear their case, the story and the complaint have now been effectively quashed.  Whatever happened to Joseph's promise to face the group and the facts that they have?

     The archery head, his name escapes my mind, is also embroiled in controversy.  According to Cojuanco's own nephew, the "incumbent" Archery prez has submitted an "irrevocable" resignation months ago, but now, this Archery head not only plans to vote in the POC elections, he will also be running for a board seat under Peping's ticket.  According to Peping, the resignation was never "accepted" so he is still the Archery head.  Why was the resignation not accepted?

     Steve Hontiveros, the bowling president and ultimate Peping supporter, will get to be president until December but apparently he will run for reelection in January.  Just recently, the Pasig Bowling Association (PBA), Hontiveros' association , has announced it now has 1000 members, thereby giving the PBA an unprecedented amount of votes for next year's Bowling elections.  An insider was made to finally admit that the membership fees of the 1000 "members" of the PBA (who are apparently PLDT employees), a number unheard of in the history of Philippine bowling, was  paid for by one Peping Conjuangco.  Wow. Will these 1000 members play in the PBA Open this week? 

     So what do the three controversial heads and issues have to do with the POC elections?  All three are penciled in as votes for Cojuangco on November 28.  I guess there's no better way to thank these three than helping them keep their positions in their respective NSAs and giving them prime positions in the POC.  Just recently, Peping Cojuangco assailed the Macapagal team, even saying, "Is winning that important to them?"  Well, Mr. (former) Congressman, right back at you.

     Macapagal is no angel either, but right now, he represents a change Philippine Sports so desperately needs.  Will he be great?  I don't know, but the incumbent will definitely be no better.  In his tenure, he has come up with the worst showing in the SEA Games in decades (2007 Thailand), the worst Olympics in 16 years (2008 Beijing).  His only success is the 2005 SEA Games, where he was fortunate enough that Mike Arroyo was able to cajole private corporations into a one -time effort to financially-support our teams, while our teams were adrenalin-powered by home court advantage.  In those years, he has also managed to bring infighting to basketball, equestrian, archery, swimming and bowling, which I personally witnessed.  

     At this most crucial time in Philippine sports, we stand at the proverbial crossroads.  During Obama's victory speech, I was moved to witness that his slogan, "Yes we can!" finally came to fruition and I constantly ask myself why we can't say the same with regard to our sports.

     The answer? A picture of Peping Cojuanco saying, "No you can't."   

A New Motown Hit?

     Hidden behind the brouhaha over the US elections, a big deal was completed in the NBA.  The Detroit Pistons shipped "Mr. Big Shot" Chauncey Billups and Antonio Mcdyess to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson.  Who benefits from this? Let's find out.

Winners

Detroit Pistons

     After crashing out of the Eastern Conference Finals yet again, General Manager Joe Dumars warned that sweeping changes could be made to the team, who seemed to have grown into contented cows.  Over the summer though no deal was made, so man thought he had given up on this plan.  With this deal, though, Dumars has again demonstrated his savvy as an executive.  First of all, AI brings excitement into a team desperately in need of a spark.  Secondly, this human scoring dynamo called Iverson will no doubt bring a "scorer" much needed in a Pistons offense that grows stagnant on a nightly basis.  With Detroit, AI gets another shot at reaching the NBA Finals, so he will be a good citizen and fit in nicely with the Pistons.  Thirdly, moving Billups and Mcdyess will give young guard Rodney Stuckey and young bigs Jason Maxielle and Amir Johnson more minutes to show their wares.  In this way, the transitional period of a supposedly aging team will go on while they are still playoff worthy.  Lastly, even if AI turns out to be a dud, his contract expires at the end of the year, along with Rasheed Wallace's.  That means of 40 million of free cap space.  (Just wait for the call from Joe D, Lebron)

Rodney Stuckey and Carmelo Anthony

     Both these young guns will benefit with this trade, even if they express any sadness about their former teamates' departure.  Stuckey will be the unchallenged starter so added minutes and confidence should help his game.  He can use this year to solidify his position on this team.  'Melo, even if he will den it, must be salivating over the prospect of more shots.  With Iverson around they had to share the scoring load, but Billups is more of a point guard than Iverson, meaning he will get 'Melo more touches.  

     I would include JR Smith in this list, but I would have to observe his mental state before declaring anything.  He is, after all, JR Smith.

Antonio Mcdyess

     Dyess will probably b waived and bought out by the Nuggets, and the Pistons have already signified their intentions to resign him.  So basically, he gets a little more money and a 30 day vacation as he waits to clear waivers.  30 days is a boon for those wear knees as he prepares for the playoffs.

Losers

Denver Nuggets

     For a team that supposedly wants to shed hefty and long contracts, they sure do a lousy job.  The Nuggets basically gave away Marcus Camby to lighten their contract payments, but then they also give away Iverson's large but expiring contract.  Furthermore, they take on Billups smaller but longer contract.  This means they're tied to another significant contract for three years, instead of getting rid of an enormous one by the end of the year, which could help them make a play for a younger free agent.  Billups will certainly help the Nuggets an probably push the Nuggets into the playoffs again, but they are a long way from the Championship.  My guess is they make the playoffs for another two years, while they pay around seven million dollars in luxury tax, three huge contracts for an aging point guard in Billups and two forwards with three gimpy knees in Kenyon Martin and Nene.   

     Will AI be another motown hit? I think he would be, but if he isn't, his expiring contract will surely be.