Letter to Manny Pangilinan

Mr. Manuel V Pangilinan
Chairman 
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas
c/o SMart Gilas Manager Frankie Lim


Dear Sir:


     First of all, let me just say that I am a fan of your moves since you have taken over the SBP.  From the developmental league to the multiple year plan with Smart Gilas, I believe Philippine basketball is in your capable hands.  


     Speaking of GIlas, I recognize the advantages of hiring a naturalized foreigner to play as our center.  As well as GIlas is playing, it is easy to see we need a big man to provide us inside stability, rebounding and shot blocking.  That's why I am just as perturbed as you that our first two naturalization candidates have not worked out for us.  That's why I did my own scouting reports and I have three candidates for you.

     I was hoping the SBP, through scout Jim Kelly and coach Rajko Toroman, would take a look at asking Greg Stiemsma to join us.  This former Wisconsin player plays center for the Sioux Falls Sky Force and he could be the defensive center we desperately need.  The 6'11", 260 pound Stiemsma currently averages 7.7 points (on .492 shooting), 6.8 rebounds, and more importantly, shoots a commendable .886 percentage from the free throw line and a whopping 3.5 blocks (NBDL league leader) in just 26 minutes of action.  I've seen Stiemsma play and he really does have center instincts, always around the basket to protect it and he is athletic enough to rotate quickly.  His free throw percentage also suggests an ability to hit mid range shots, which neither of our earlier candidates could do.  Gilas would need a classic center, and Stiemsma could be the answer.

       Another option would be to ask Rod Benson to join us.  If you are not familiar with this 6'10", 225 pound Cal grad, allow me to fill you in.  Benson is currently playing for the Reno Big Horns of the NBA's Development League (NBDL), after almost making it to the Indiana Pacers line up.  As a Bighorn this year, Benson is carting averages of 13.5 points (on .507 shooting percentage), 8.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and more importantly, 1.7 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.  These numbers suggest that he may be what we need... a defensive big man who can rebound, steal and block shots. Another plus for would be intelligence, as evidenced by his quirky and entertaining writing which is featured in his blog, www.toomuchrodbenson.com  This plus the fact that he has played professionally abroad, will no doubt help him acclimate to our culture and Gilas' offensive and defensive patterns.

     The last candidate would be Dwayne Jones of the Austin Toros.  If the team feels a greater need for rebounding and scoring, Jones is the man.  He is a monster of the boards, leading the NBDL by averaging over 15 a game (including 6 offensive).  He is not bad on the offensive end either with averages of 16.8 points (on .611 shooting) and a respectable .704 free throw percentage.  He blocks well too at 1.9 blocks a game.  Certainly, if this 6'11", 251 pound forward-center can dominate the inside against future NBA stars, he would do well with the Smart Gilas team.  


     There you have it, three candidates I am almost certain will be the answer for the gaping hole our national team has in the middle.  I hope you get the chance to contact them.  Who knows, maybe they would find the prospect of joining our national team an enriching and fun experience.




Sincerely,
From The Fifty Peso Seats

Shorts: WTF Moments

Wow Pare, Heavy

     Recently, Patrick "Pato" Gregorio, Smart Sports' top honcho, announced their intention of looking for more boxing prospects for the Amatuer Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP), even as far as the heavyweight division, since there are indeed fewer rivals in Asia in this weighty division.  Then, it all just became surreal.  Continuing his thoughts, Gregorio then revealed his intentions of talking to former Barako Bull Center Alex Crisano, in the hopes of convincing him to train and later compete... in the heavyweight division of boxing!!! WTF?!?!?!  Okay, Crisano may be big and at 6 ft 7 inches, he would have a reach advantage, but he is old, can barely get by without alcohol and has not trained in boxing for three decades. Wow.  Someone must have hit Gregorio on the head, hard... REALLY HARD.  Maybe it was Ethel Booba.








Darko Freed!!??!!

     Former 2nd overall pick Darko Milicic was so traumatized with his constant benching in his four stops (Detroit, Orlando, Memphis and New York) in the NBA that he announced his desire to leave the NBA for Europe next year.  Suddenly though, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for him in exchange for Brian Cardinal.  The T-Wolves GM David Kahn then had a heart to heart with Darko, convincing him that he would get playing time if he wanted.  Thus, in the T-Wolves outing versus the surging Oklahoma City Thunder, Milicic played 19 (!) productive minutes, scoring 8 points, grabbing 8 rebounds to go along with 2 assists and a block.  Best of all, stats wise, the T-Wolves outscored the Thunder by 35 points during the time Milicic was on the court. WTF!!!???!!!  Interviewed about his play, Milicic gave what will go down as one of the best sound bites in history, saying, "I was trying to focus on breathing.  I was just focusing on breathing so I didn’t die."


Ripped Curl

     In the ongoing 2010 Winter Olympics, Danish Curling Captain Madeleine Dupont cost her team the victory against home team Canada with two errant shots.  Then, she cried (!) and blamed the Canadian fans, who were so raucous in distracting her.  Apparently, such noisy cheering is only socially acceptable before and after shots, like in billiards, tennis or bowling.  That, however, is not the WTF moment. What really got me was this thought.  There are actually enough fans of curling to have caused such a ruckus to cause a distraction and missed shot?  WTF!!??!!  Think about that for while. 

NBA Trades: Champs and Chumps Part 2

     This season’s trade deadline was a real doozy.  All stars and superstars, draft picks and cash were all major pieces moved around, changing the whole outlook  of the NBA landscape, especially the playoffs.  With these major trades, some end up as champs, while others end up as chumps.


Popping a Pill

Chicago Bulls receive Flip Murray, Acie Law IV and future draft pick (possibly 2012), Charlotte Bobcats receive Tyrus Thomas


Champs: Charlotte got an athletic albeit mistake-prone shot blocker and post presence, but the success will be measured by how patient Coach Larry Brown will be with him.  If Brown can be patient and teach him, he could be the final piece the Bobcats need to finally make the playoffs.  The best part is, Thomas will be an unrestricted free agent by the end of the year, so if the experiment this year doesn't work, they can always throw him out.


Chumps: The Bull's encountered internal strife with Thomas butting heads with Coach Vinny del Negro, and the bad part is, they made it public.  With everyone knowing Thomas was a headache, the Bulls couldn't get much more than they got.


Catching Salmon

Chicago Bulls receive Joe Alexander and Hakim Warrick, Milwaukee Bucks receive John Salmons, two second round picks and a swap of 2010 1st round picks


Champs: The Bull's redeemed themselves with this one.  Wanting to be a player in next year's free agent bidding war, they were able to dump Salmons's big contract in exchange for expiring contracts, one of which (Warrick) is actually becoming a useful player in his first two games.  All they lost was Salmons, whose play was sub standard for them.


Chumps: The Buck's obviously are targetting a run at this year's playoffs, but dumping two expiring contracts would hamper them in getting a free agent next year.  This year's run to the playoffs had better be worth it.


Three's Company

Houston Rockets receive Kevin Martin, Hilton Armstrong, Jared Jeffries, swap of 2011 draft picks with New York and New York's 2012 draft pick, Sacramento Kings receive Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey, Larry Hughes, New York Knicks receive Sergio Rodriguez, Tracy McGrady.


Champs: Rarely does a trade have three happy parties, but this trade seems to do the trick.  The Rockets get their big time scorer in Martin, secured their future with picks and get this... they got below the luxury tax line too. GM Daryl Morey is a freakin' genius.  The Knicks got rid of more contracts (Jeffries) and headache (Hughes) and they brought a buzz to interest fans in McGrady.  Since McGrady's contract is expiring, they will still be in the running to grab to marquee free agents if they are lucky.  The Kings got a lot of financial relief by removing Martin, and they figure to get more by buying out Hughes.  While they lost a scorer in Martin, they got a solid Landry in exchange and they also cleared the way for Tyreke Evans to emerge as the star he seems destined to become.


Going Green

Boston Celtics receive Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry, New York Knicks receive Eddie House, Bill Walker, J.R. Giddens and conditional 2nd round draft pick


Champs:  The Celtics are hurt and aging and they needed a shot in the arm.  Robinson, while seemingly mentally unstable or immature at times, can provide the Celtics a secondary ball handler and an athletic presence who can drive to hoop and create his own shot.  If there are concerns about his maturity, the grizzled Big Three will keep him in check and besides all Boston gave up were Eddie House (who seems to have lost a step) and players they never even used.  The Knicks are pretty okay with themselves too, reuniting Eddie House with Coach Mike D'Antoni and getting rid of Nate the headache.  The three players they receive have pretty small contracts, so they won't impede their chances of signing big next offseason.

NBA Trades: Champs and Chumps Part 1

     This season’s trade deadline was a real doozy.  All stars and superstars, draft picks and cash were all major pieces moved around, changing the whole outlook  of the NBA landscape, especially the playoffs.  With these major trades, some end up as champs, while others end up as chumps.


The Butler Did It

Dallas Mavericks receive Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson, and Brendan Haywood, Washington Wizards receive Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, Quinton Ross, James Singleton


Champs: Mark Cuban has always said money would be no object if a trade made sense.  Caron Butler makes sense for the Mavericks, giving them an all around player they thought they had in Shawn Marion.  Butler can and probably will be a greta complement to Dirk Nowitzki on offense, giving old hands Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion a chance to concentrate on distributing the ball and playing defense, respectively.  As for Haywood, well, any seven footer with any smidge of desire to play defense would probably be better than Erick Dampier.


Chumps: The Wizards were looking to dump Butler’s salary and dump is the best word for it.  Apparently not having enough hijinks from Agent Zero, they pick up malcontent Josh Howard, Mr. “I won’t stand up for the national anthem because it’s oppressive to black people.”  The bad part is, Howard’s energetic and all around play, which was his redeeming factor once, has not been seen in months.  The others?  Singleton and Ross are great defensive, hardworking players, but they won't be world beaters anytime soon.


Et tu Marcus?

Portland Trail Blazers receive Marcus Camby,   L.A. Clippers receive Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw


Champs: Portland GM Kevn Pritchard continues to weave boardroom magic.  Basically, in the words of an unidentified Clipper, “getting our best defensive player for a back up guard.”  With Outlaw injured anyway, the Blazers lose almost nothing, but gain a defensive presence to finally alleviate their center woes caused by the losses of Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla to injuries.  The trade also might help make Andre Miller more at home, now not having to worry about Blake starting over him.


Chumps: Wow. Man, I love Steve Blake and his multiple assists per game, but wow.  Clippers are just well, being the Clippers.

‘Tawn Trade


Washington Wizards receive Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Al Thornton, Cavs' 2010 draft pick, rights to Emir Preldzic, Cleveland Cavaliers receive Antawn Jamison, Sebastian Telfair,  L.A. Clippers receive Drew Gooden


Champs:  Obviously sensing that adding Shaq may not be enough against an apparently gelling Orlando Magic and a recovering Boston Celtics, the Cavs opened their wallets yet again to snag Antawn Jamison.  The former All Star provides the Cavs outside firepower, and an ability to create his own shots and get to the line.  The best thing about Jamison is not his scoring but his locker room presence.  He will be, as with his stints in Golden State and Washington, the ultimate professional and a calming presence on a team where even the two superstar “leaders” are big crybabies.


Chumps:  Washington is officially beginning its rebuilding phase…. with a mid-level talent and an old center with enough screws in his feet that he once set off a metal detector?  It’s one thing to shed salaries, it’s another to just dump players.  I mean, Al Thornton will bring some positive things, but they could have gotten more.  The Cavs were desperate to get Jamison, so the Wizards probably could have gotten a better deal if they played hardball a little longer.


(to be continued)

Shorts: Big and Small (Deal)

     The 2010 NBA All Star Weekend is over and a part of history, but not all of its activities were big deals.

BIG Deals


Venue - The main attraction for this year's festivities was the Dallas Cowboys' Stadium.  Expecting a mammoth crowd of over 90,000 people, everyone was awed as over 108,000 people packed the venue to watch the All Star Game.  The 2010 All Star Game now has the world record for the largest crowd to ever watch a basketball game and this bodes well for the ticket sales for Manny Pacquiao's fight against challenger Joshua Clottey, which will be in this same venue.

Steve Nash - My main man had a dream weekend for himself, starting with lighting the Olympic torch in his hometown Vancouver, Canada, then beating much younger players over a decade younger in the NBA Skills Challenge and then dishing out an impressive 14 assists in the NBA All Star Games.  Not bad for a 36 year old people said Phoenix should abandon.


Paul Pierce - The Celtic franchise player had a dismal first foray into the Long Distance Shoot Out, so he really looked forward to redeeming himself this year.  Redeem himself he did, as he scored 20 points in the finals to beat rookie Stephen Curry and "Mr. Big Shot" Chauncey Billups.

Dwayne Wade - With all the talk of the West's plans to feed hometown hero Dirk Nowitzki passes to make him MVP, Wade went about his business and got the MVP award for himself, while having fun doing it.  The Miami Heat star collected 28 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 5 steals, proving he can be the biggest deal in a team full of big deals.






small Deals

All participants of the Slam Dunk Contest - This year's crop of contestants, DeMar De Rozan, Gerald Wallace, Shannon Brown and eventual champ Nate Robinson, produced one of the most boring Slam Dunk Contests ever, barely getting the crowd on its feet, save for 1 or 2 dunks.  While I think it's stupid that people keep calling for the abolition of the Slam Dunk Contest (since all dunks have supposed to have been seen already), these guys didn't help the popularity of the contest at all.

George Karl - The coach of the Denver Nuggets had his third try at coaching an All Star Game but third time was not the charm for Karl, as his West team lost to the East by two, 141 to 139.  His coaching stint included what seemed to be a final play where all players were confused at what to do, leaving Carmelo Anthony to throw up a hurried three pointer in an effort to win the game.  While the All Star Game is a no bearing exhibition match, wouldn't it be nice to win one, George?


Sophomores Team - While they have an excuse (Derrick Rose did not play), the Sophomores Team undoubtedly are disappointed in themselves, losing to the Rookies Team, 128-140.  The loss snapped the Sophomores' 7 year win streak and gave the rookies only their second win in 10 years.  The rookies were led by game MVP Tyreke Evans who scored 26 points and Da Juan Blair, who scored 22 points and grabbed 23 rebounds (the game's first 20-20 game).  I wonder if this crop of Sophomores will ever live it down.


photos courtesy of Getty Images and Ball Don't Lie

Fifty Peso Previews: Half Season Check Up

     Back in October, before the NBA season started, I made my fifty peso previews, making fearless forecasts for the each team's season would go.  As with predictions go, I had my fair share of right and wrongs, so I did a check up.


So Wrong, Shaking the Head is Not Enough


     Some predictions of mine were just so wrong that I winced when I reread them for this article.  Goodness.


New Jersey Nets

     Seeing the talent of this team, I predicted a good season for the Nets despite their rebuilding plans and ownership change.  Instead, the Nets, with an absolutely horrendous 4 win 48 record, is on pace to become history's worst NBA team.  The Nets seem to have a young core of competent talent in Brook Lopez, Devin Harris and Chris Douglas-Roberts, but this season, the Nets have lost several close games, been victims of R-rated blow outs and been a venue for some internal strife as well.  Yikes.




















Washington Wizards

     With their version of the Big Three returning healthy and trading for scorers Randy Foye and Mike Miller, it was but natural to predict the Wizards to return to former playoff glory.  Now with their head-scratching play and gun suspensions, the Wizards have amassed a horrible 17 win and 44 loss record, second worst in the NBA.  The inhabitants of U.S.A.'s capital have once again disappointed and trade talks concerning Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison are swirling around.


See?  Crazy Does Not Reside Here


     Some of my predictions were in line with popular opinion, but some were met with skepticism.  Well, I'm not the "boy who cried wolf," as you can see.


Oklahoma City Thunder

     I foresaw for the Thunder a season of playoff spot hunting where not too many people did.  Many claim the Thunder are too young, too inexperienced to stake a claim for a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference. The young guns of OKC have rewarded my faith in them, carting a 30 win, 21 loss record, good enough for 6th in the playoff seeding chart.  Kevin Durant has become every inch of a franchise player, running a close second to Carmelo Anthony in the NBA scoring race, and Russell Westbrook is fast becoming an elite playmaker, constantly flirting with triple doubles.  Look for the Thunder to keep that spot and make me look good.


Houston Rockets

     Many wrote off the Rockets as Yao Ming went down with injury and Ron Artest left for the Lakers.  I didn't, because I have faith in Daryl Morey and his scientific, by-the-numbers way of picking players.  I predicted the Rockets to fight for a playoff spot , and right now, the Rockets, on cue, are sporting a 27 win, 29 loss record and fighting for a playoff spot.  It's really a joy to watch the Rockets and their brand of smart, scrappy basketball and this season has been quite magical for a team with only one lottery pick (Shane Battier) and 4 late 1st round to second round starters.

Alternatives

     The times are tough.  Economic downturn, foreclosures and whatnot are making things difficult for everyone.  Now, people have been forcd to tale on second jobs just to make ends meet.  This got me thinking about star athletes and if they had to take on second jobs, which ones would they be good at?

Steve Nash (NBA/Phoenix Suns)


     Nash is a certified wizard on the basketball court and even at 36, he is still making great plays in the NBA.  It cannot be argued that the Canadian is one of history's most creative guards and this creativity is not confined to the basketball court only.  If he were forced to take on another job, independent filmmaking might be a good choice for him.  Ever the internet buff, Nash has been making fun short videos and vitamin water commercials and they are appearing everywhere from facebook to youtube.  As evidenced by the video above, he would have a shot as a filmmaker.  Of course, Martin Scorsese need not be worried.  James Cameron might though.


Roger Federer (Tennis/ATP)

     More than his historic runs in tennis (16 Grand Slam titles, over 20 straight finals and semi finals appearances), Federer's "Killer Instinct," is what astounds people.  Obviously, he possesses a tremendous mental game to allow him to be both consistent and transcendent against his opponents, despite the mounting pressure of all these younger players constantly challenging him.  This mental game, coupled with the cold, machine-like efficiency he wins with would make him a great HR Director.  With the companies downsizing, they need someone tough and efficient enough to not only decide who to let go, but also inform them of the bad news.  If there are any doubts as to the ability of the world's number 1 tennis player to break people's hearts, hopes and dreams efficiently and coldly, just ask Andy Roddick and Andy Murray... after they stop sobbing.


Tiger Woods (Golf/PGA)

     His endorsements have dwindled and he hasn't played in a while, so Tiger might have to start looking for a second job.  Well, his life has already been turned into a circus, so why not join one?  The circus could always use a juggler and Woods has clearly demonstrated he can handle that job.  If there are any doubts, just check out what he has done so far.  Since turning pro, he has handled endorsements, marriage, kids, (allegedly) affairs with 14(!) different women, all the while winning a tremendous amount of titles and being golf history's most dominant player.  That man can juggle people.  He may want to start with golf balls first before chainsaws though.


Lebron James (NBA/Cleveland Cavaliers)

     The King has repeatedly asked us to be witnesses, and all we have witnessed from him is great play, no championships and pretty bratty behavior.  So far, he has refused to shake hands, flicked a tray of gatorade into the crowd and danced goofily with teammates when blowing out opponents.  If he did need a second job, he would be perfect as a product tester of Evenflo Baby Products.  If the products work well enough that the prissy Cavalier doesn't complain or moan about it, it will be good enough for our children.  With that, Lebron would no doubt not shake my hand...


Paeng Nepomuceno (Bowling)


     The greatest amateur bowler in the history of the world continues to play (and win!) in the bowling circuit, but if he did need to look for a second job, he has shown he is ready.  The 4-time World Cup Champion showed up on ABC TV5's dancing show and not only put up a great showing, he ended up winning the contest!  Combine the win with his in-shape physique and movie star looks, he would be a great D.I. (dance instructor).  Ladies would line up to dance with him, although he should prepare himself for a visit from Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao first.