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.

Telenovela

     The amount of intrigue between the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) team and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) rivals that of our most watched telenovelas, but unlike them, this sporting controversy is not so clear-cut.

Who

Dragon Warriors: Victims?

     In most telenovelas, the audience knows who the protagonists and antagonists are, but in this case, it is muddled.  Are the PDBF rowers (Dragon Warriors) the victims and the POC, led by Chairman Peping Cojuangco the evil overlords?  Many are quick to point out yes, but the POC's recent media blitz is turning the tide.

     Here's the thing. First things first. What the POC did last year to the Dragon Boat Federation was pure crap.  If you need a blow by blow, I wrote about it here.  That clearly establishes the Dragon Warriors were victimized at least once and that also proves the POC has clearly been in the wrong.

     The more recent fight, though, is a lot less clear.  Dragon Warriors are certainly victims in the sense that they had no financial support from the POC and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), but the government, especially the PSC, is innocent here.  Under law, the PSC provides money only to the national teams, whose accreditation comes from the POC. (Why the spending of government money is dictated by a small private company is beyond me, but it's the law) This means that since the PBDF is not considered by the POC as a national team, they were not entitled to funding.  Now, PSC chairman Richie Garcia is as slimy as brown-nosers get, but this time he is not wrong.  The POC, meanwhile, is a different story.  The story gets sticky because of a memo from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

What

     According to the POC, the IOC required (synonyms include mandated, forced) all countries to place Dragon Boat Federations under the Canoe and Kayak Associations. POC claims they had no choice but to move the PDBF or the country might face sanction and suspension.  On the other hand, the PDBF claims the IOC memo actually stated that countries may choose (country's prerogative, not required) to place Dragon Boat under Canoe and Kayak.  PDBF refused to be moved to the Philippine Canoeing and Kayaking Federation (PCKF); hence they were not recognized by the POC.

Why

     It begs the question then why both sides are insisting on fighting over this memo when the simpler thing is to compromise? 

     For the PBDF, it boiled down to two things.  One, moving under the PCKF meant that the current PDBF coaches will be not retained, for whatever reasons not made public.  Second, all International Dragon Boat races require that the teams be recognized by an accredited Dragon Boat Federation.  In the Philippines, that would only be the PDBF and not the PCKF.  Now, my only question is, wouldn't moving the PDBF into the PCKF mean that the PCKF can also be accredited by the International Dragon Boat Federation?

     For the POC, the reasons are quite murky, until you add creative thinking and deductive reasoning.  I have not hidden my disdain for the POC led by Cojuangco so a grain of salt must be taken with this following explanation.  First, the PBDF moving to PCKF means one less National Sports Association and one less vote in the POC elections.  The PCKF has always voted for the side of Cojuangco while the PDBF has not.  Think what you will.  Second, in their darkest hour, the Dragon Warriors found their savior in Cobra and PAL and were welcomed home in the Century Park Sheraton, all companies owned by magnate Lucio Tan.  Word from the grapevine is that someone helped the Dragon Warriors out with some introductions.  That someone is former PSC Chairman Harry Angping, whose term in PSC was highlighted by his strong stands against what he believed were wrong POC moves.  Again, think what you will.  

How

Cojuangco: Holding Aces

     President Aquino has stated that he would look into the matter, but it might not be a good idea.  Cojuangco holds two aces.  One and he has done this before, Peping can claim that anything Aquino does is political, snitch to the IOC and the IOC will suspend us if governments intervene in IOC affairs.  Second, removing Peping from sports gives him more free time to meddle in political matters.  During last year's campaign, Cojuangco volunteered to campaign for Aquino, but Aquino cringed at the idea.  He knows his uncle and the trail of bad publicity that follows him so he asked Cojuangco to back off.  That didn't stop Cojuangco from campaigning, which resulted in the whole "Noy-Mar" "Noy-Binay" controversy in Peping's native Tarlac.  It's not beyond belief that the best move for the PNoy is to get Peping out of his thinning hair by keeping him occupied in sports.  It won't be too surprising if the POC continues to have its way.  As much as I love sports, the country is a lot less worse if Peping meddled in sports and not congress, housing, land reform, poverty, agriculture or energy.

When

     As much as they are different, though, this Dragon Boat controversy and good telenovelas have something in common.  Both will last for quite some time since a resolution is either nowhere to be found or the resolution itself could open an even bigger can of worms for our struggling country.  We need to find a way to protect our athletes' and nations' interests, grab a hold of the problem and punch it smack on the chin.

Dragon Heart

     Many scoff at the 1996 movie Dragonheart, as a kid's movie, filled with action/adventure fluff and an entirely predictable happy ending.  While I won't dispute the fluff part, the movie's ending, where the evil and oppressive King Einan, is finally killed and defeated, is a sad one.  The hero, Bowen had to kill his best friend, Draco, the last remaining dragon on Earth, so that Einan will lose invincibility and die. Everyone was happy with the new peaceful kingdom, and some even happy that Draco would now be in heaven, but I couldn't believe no one felt sad or even noticed that all dragons became extinct.

     Everyone interested has probably heard or read about the story by now.  In 2010, in the run up to the South East Asian (SEA) Games, the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) Team was vying for slots to the Philippine delegation.  Coming in as two-time world champions, the team expected to receive a free pass, but the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by Jose Peping Cojuangco, told them they had to earn them.  Asked to match the bronze medal times of the previous Asian Championships in order to qualify, the team performed in POC-arranged and sactioned time trials in La Mesa Dam (a POC-approved and utilized venue for Dragon Boat competitions).  In the time trials, the women's team performed times good enough for 2 gold medals and 1 silver, while the men's team performed times that could net a gold, silver and bronze.  In a completely head-scratching decision,  the POC representative, Col. Jeff Tamayo (ret.) claimed that the paddlers were, "super men and super women" or on "super steroids."  Not minding that the POC themselves arranged the time trials, Tamayo also  claimed that the PDBF  intentionally submitted slow reference times so they could overcome them. Of course, Tamayo could have just logged on to the internet to check the times himself, but that would make too much sense.  Tamayo recommended leaving the Dragon Boaters off the list of athletes for the SEA Games and the POC accepted it wholeheartedly.     

     After a media blitz (only in papers and blogs -- i posted one here and here), the POC was not through with the PDBF.  Pouncing on an International Olympic Committee (IOC) memo suggesting that Dragon Boat could be placed under Canoe and Kayak to keep things simple, claimed it was a directive from the IOC and it must be followed. Here's where it got real sticky.  The move to the Philippine Canoeing and Kayaking Federation (PCKF) would mean that the team will lose their existing coaches (who spoke against the POC - what a coincidence!!!) and they would lose their chance to compete in the World Championships since the PCKF is not recognized as a proper Dragon Boat Federation.  The team was stripped of its national team status as they refused to come under the PCKF; hence the loss of their athletes' salary and incentives.  


     As the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Team comes home this week, the public has been properly informed of their amazing 5 gold, 2 silver romp in the recently concluded 10th IDBF Dragon Boat World Championships in Florida.  If everything goes as planned, they will receive a heroes' welcome from a grateful nation, their victory despite lack of funding and support from the Philippine Olympic Committee, serves as the nation's version of killing Einan.  The thing is, as the people celebrated Einan's defeat (rightfully so), no one bothered to remember that they had lost all the dragons.  We cannot afford to be like that.  


     As our dragons come home, we must welcome them with the love, support and adulation that they deserve, but we must also take care to be vigilant, to make sure that this amazing 5 gold and 2 silver romp will not be the last. We need our dragons alive and paddling.  We need to fight to correct the system that relegated them to near extinction and topple the oppresive evil that created it.




photos courtesy of Den Victoria

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

Peeking at the UAAP 2

     I've been quite candid that I'm not as comfortable blogging about the UAAP since I don't watch a lot of its games, but if I am blessed with more freebies like the one I got last Sunday (ahem, attention Aly Yap and Harvey Keh), I could do more.  In any case, here are some observations From the 50 Peso Seats.

• With Glenn Capacio leaving as FEU coach (probably due to health reasons), FEU wasted no time in shoring up its staff.  They now have at least 5 (!) assistant coaches.  While that is too many for my taste, I'm glad to see former greats Johnny Abarrientos and Vic Pablo coaching on the bench.

• Like I mentioned on Twitter, Ateneo was very lucky to get past Adamson.  Yes, Blue Eagle defense was tight in the 4th quarter, leading to a scoreless Falcons team in the home stretch, but Falcons did have 3 consecutive "in and out" shots in that stretch and the final turnover that killed them was by a too strong pass from Lester Alvarez.  Offensively, there was too much dribbling, especially from Bacon Austria and to a lesser extent Kirk Long and Tonino Gonzaga, leading to too many broken plays.  They need players ready to shoot upon Slaughter's kick outs.  Perhaps they miss Ryan Buenafe, who Tibibord wrote an excellent post about here.  Blue Eagles and their fans need not thump their chests just yet. They need a lot more work.

• How good is Smart Gilas training? Observing Aldrech Ramos and Greg Slaughter at work, any basketball fan will know their dominance has as much to do with their height and talent as with their training and experience.  There was an aura of calmness in both players, in their scoring, defense and passing, as they led their respective teammates to victory.  They never took bad shots, found open teammates and most impressively, jumped straight up (with arms raised up) whenever trying to defend.  It seemed like they were playing at a different (aka superior) level and speed.

• R.R. Garcia and Terrence Romeo have continued to show why they are the valedictorians of the Allen Iverson School for Non-Passing Point Guards, which is sad considering they have arguably the best all-around big man in Aldrech Ramos.  Lester Alvarez, L.A. Revilla (DLSU) and Emman Monfort (ADMU) seem to be trying their best to catch up in the non-passing achievement.  I miss Jun Reyes, TY Tang and Olsen Racela.

• It was painful to watch DLSU play.  They were like an army equipped with cannons but then used pocket knives to fight.  They have tremendously talented big men yet they end up dribbling the shot clock away and shooting from the outside or worse, throwing the ball away.  They're young but they can do a lot better with someone better on the bench. They need better direction and better plays.  It's time the Archers let go of the Pumarens.

• UAAP fills me with hope.  Hope is brought by players like Norberto Torres, Arnold Van Opstal, Oping Sumalinog, Lester Alvarez, Alex Nuyles and R. R. Garcia, young ballers dripping with talent and a coach away from greatness.  It will be interesting to watch their development.

• UAAP also fills me with chagrin.  Chagrin is brought by players like Bacon Austria, Frank Golla and Joshua Webb.  I mean why do these guys have uniforms anyway?  These dudes need to do more positive things than dribble, use up the clock then cause a broken play on offense.  Love their intensity, but they need to rein it in and contribute more. 

many thanks to aly yap, bekshoot.wordpress.com and inboundspass for the photos.

Drawing Interest

     The groupings of the upcoming 26th FIBA-Asia Championships have been drawn and much has been said about how the Philippines got a favorable draw.  Here are other interesting tidbits about the draw.

• China, as the host (yet again), had their choice of groups and they picked Group D where the Philippines is.  Coach Rajko Toroman says it's because our group is the easiest and it's good for the Philippines, since we won't meet China in an elimination game until possibly the finals.  I say it works the other way around too.  Since 1990, China has never really blown away the Philippines in a knockout game, with leads averaging 9 or 10 points.  Now with Marcus Douthit and Toroman, they may want to avoid us in the knockout stages too.

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The Hardest Skill

     The great thing about athletes is how quickly they learn things.  Natural athletes pick up skills, not even necessarily in their chosen sport, a lot faster than normal people.  There is one, though, that some athletes, even some of the world's best cannot seem to pick up.  That skill is called losing gracefully.

Admission of Weakness = Revelation of Strength

    Rafael Nadal has emerged as one of history's greatest tennis players and reaching yet another Grand Slam final at Wimbeldon recently, he carried with him a winning streak of 20 matches at the All-England Club.  This year, though, he ran into a buzzsaw named Novak Djokovic, who has only lost once the entire year.  As Djokovic exercised his recent domination of Nadal to defeat him yet again, Nadal nevertheless showed his strength.

     "I had to play better to win, and I didn't today.  He (Djokovic) played better than me. For that reason he is the champion here," admitted Nadal.

     That statement alone credits Nadal's character, but put into consideration that he was injured and he didn't let it even come up in the discussion, makes him one of the most admirable athletes in the world.

Bringing Up Excuses = Bringing Down the Legacy

     In complete contrast, David "Hayemaker" Haye made a complete fool of himself last Saturday.  I'm not even talking about the fight itself.  After insulting the Klitschko brothers, calling Wladimir a fraud and a robot, and promising the world he would destroy them, Haye basically ran and flopped inside the ring.  Losing to Klitschko via unanimous decision (judges' scores were 117-109, 118-108 and 116-110), Haye then proceeded to bring up an excuse for his pathetic performance.

     "I broke my toe three weeks ago. As it turned out, I was unable to explode off that back foot and throw that right hand," babbled Haye.

     Rightfully so, former boxers and writers crucified him after that.  Boxing promoter Frank Warren said it best, "He shouldn't be in the fight if he broke his toe.  Why be a crybaby after the event? It’s ridiculous.”  The worst part of all that is, Haye himself claimed he hates, "when boxers make excuses after the fight."  After all that trash talk, all that preening and all that bravado, the final image Haye left for sports fans over the weekend was of an excuse-making coward who's only interested in the money.

     Sometimes, athletes and fans alike forget about what sports really mean.  Every sport may become a competition, but they all start out as games people play to bring fun and friendship in their lives.  Sports may have opponents to conquer but it always starts as a means of conquering and improving oneself.  Sometimes, the best way to show one's strength and win is to lose properly. 

photos courtesy of Getty Images and quotes courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

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

The World is Alright

     When you're a kid, one of the lessons ingrained in your head is one about hard work and perseverance.  "You have to work hard, keep trying and never give up!" so the lesson goes. It sounds simple enough and it's a noble one.  Yet, the world in its modern age, has become cutthroat; overcome with an obsession for results,records, and achievements, but never about the hard work.  It brought in desperation and greed morphing the lesson into a horrible mantra. "Be practical.  You have to find the easiest solution to get what you want."  That's why the world, as we know it, sucks most of the time. That's why we don't know what to tell children when we try to convince them that the world is alright.

     Dirk Nowitzki entered the NBA full of dreams and promise.  A talented, other-wordly shooter in a seven foot body, the German was a phenom in waiting.  He became a superstar, a franchise player and soon a city's dream of a first NBA title would fall on his shoulders.  He would fail.  Going up 2-0 in the 2006 NBA Finals against Miami, Nowitzki and his Mavericks stood on the cusp of fulfilling Dallas' dreams to NBA glory, but a monumental collapse led to a Miami title that year.  The loss was tough on the Mavs and Dirk, beginning a string of playoff failures in the years that followed.  Brickbats came hard and they came fast. Nowitzki, the phenom, was branded as a "soft player," "choker," and one who didn't possess the needed leadership skills needed to win a title.  He was used as the personification of the European stereo type, skilled players who couldn't take physicality.  

     This year was no different.  Former NBA pro Chris Webber called Nowitzki out for not being tough enough. Dwayne Wade and Lebron James questioned the factuality of Nowitzki's broken finger and scoffed at his 107 degree fever in game 5 of the NBA Finals.  

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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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Director's Cut

     It was an anti-climactic close out game for Gilas, as poor shooting, especially from outside the three point arc doomed them as they succumbed to Al Rayyan Qatar, 71 to 64 to settle for 4th place in the 22nd FIBA Asia Champion's Cup, the Philippine's highest placing in 15 years.  Nevertheless, there was no diminishing the sterling performance of this young team, evident in the way the crowd waited until after the game to give them an applause they truly deserved.  While my penchant for verbosity can talk about Gilas and their performance endlessly, I feel it's best to take others' words this time.


Audio Commentary

• "You guys (Gilas) almost had it. Just a few more shots and you could've won," proclaimed ASU Jordan star Osama Dahgles after the Iran vs Gilas game when I ran into him at the Podium.  He was shaking his head in disbelief.

• "Like has been their wont in the competition – some might even say for the last three years – Smart Gilas displayed tremendous character and characteristic effervescence in the display of their sublime skills," according to S. Mageshwaran of FIBA-Asia.

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Lighthouse

     They did not disappoint.  What was billed as an epic battle was indeed just that.  The capacity crowd, filled with Filipinos and a small, dedicated group of Persians, were left cheering, shouting and shaking their heads in disbelief.  After all, the finish typified the struggle both teams faced the entire game.    Even clutch free throws from Nikkhah Bahrami could not close out the feisty Pinoys, as Mahram watched with clenched teeth as Gilas attempted two open threes that would've tied the game.  Smart Gilas Pilipinas and Mahram Iran battled, scraped and fought for 40 hard minutes and in the end, the result, an 80-77 win by Mahram was only as important as the war that preceded it.  


High Lights


1.  What was most gratifying to see in the game was the effort from both teams.  Many detractors have pointed out that this wasn't the Olympic qualifier; a victory here would not add to the Olympic chances of either team.  Yet, on the court, both teams gave literally everything they've got and in that way, gave honor to the game of basketball that often times has been tarnished by betting and cash.  

2.  Iran, as expected, was very disciplined, very athletic and very big, but apparently, no one told Smart Gilas that.  Gilas today showed a swagger, a confidence and a certain defiance and it showed on the court.  Gone are the blank looks of confusion and shock from the other Philippine teams of the past.  Today there were only intense, passionate looks and it translated into the superb play the crowd witnessed.

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Spot the Difference

     Not since 2007 has a non-Middle East team made it to the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, and it figures that Smart Gilas, the team that could, is the one who made it.  Trailing by as many as 15, Gilas summoned the courage and resiliency I've been saying (for the past 2 years) they have to rattle off a searing run, capped by a Chris Tiu 3 pointer and a Japeth Aguilar 3-point play to seize the lead from Al-Jalaa Syria.  Then, they never looked back and held on to make history, beating Syria, 85-80.


     Finally getting into the Phil Sports Arena early, I got to talking to some of the spectators and it was truly a rewarding experience.

     Getting into the Iran-Saudi Arabia game at the 3rd quarter, I notice rabid cheering for the defending champs and I'm startled to see the score show a 25 point lead.  Judging by the noise, I would've thought the score was a lot closer.  I then fix my eyes on the source of all the excitement.  I meet Amin, a college student,  just one of the close to 50 "Proud Persians" in the lower box stands, cheering lustily for their dominant team.  During a timeout, we get to talking and Amin was a blast to talk with.  "It doesn't matter if they win or not; if they're champion or not," explains Amin when I ask him about Iran's chances in the tournament.  "They are heroes and we support them with our last breath."  

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The Sweet Escape

     It was a nail-biting finish, a crowd-pleaser I might add, as Smart Gilas Pilipinas defeated ASU Jordan, 76-74.  In a very physical game punctuated by great defense on both sides, Gilas grew up before the eyes of the almost capacity crowd as it used even-keeled play to steel themselves through questionable calls (lots of them) to victory.  With a significant win like this, there are signs to take note of on both sides of the spectrum.


The "Heart" in Sweetheart

1.  You have to give it to the old guy.  Senior statesman Asi Taulava once again provided plenty of energy for the Gilas squad, constantly banging with ASU import Jameel Watkins, inhaling rebounds and defending the paint.  It's almost as if being with the young kids of Gilas has revitalized Asi and it's serving the country well. If anyone doubts his FIlipino side, then you're not watching the game and how Asi plays.  He is as Pinoy as isaw.


2.  Give the newest 34 year old the Medal of "Valorie." Don Don Hontiveros waited until his birthday to unleash his breakout game, knocking in 6 triples and 23 points overall.  More impressive though was the fact that he came back to finish the game after his calf cramped up.  Asking to be subbed after his 5th triple, Hontiveros got his calf massaged, then came back and finished ASU off. I've always known Hontiveros was the best choice for a PBA guard reinforcement and I'm glad Coach Toroman and I were on the same wavelength.

3.  Someone get JV some "JW" Johnny Walker (Blue).  Receiving a tremendous tongue lashing from Coach Toroman for iffy decisions and botched plays, JVee Casio was a picture of a completely downtrodden man, or so I thought.  Casio did what real men do and that is step up to the challenge.  Shrugging off early game blues, Casio had a big second half, including 2 crucial short stabs and two big free throws to keep Jordan at bay.  That's our point guard right there and aren't we glad he's a toughie?

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Rumors, Facts and Humor

     In what was clearly their ugliest game of the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, Smart Gilas Pilipinas managed a 74-64 victory over upstart Duhok Iraq.  Former Gilas naturalization candidate C.J. Giles saved his best game for his former mates, producing a 20 point, 23 rebound performance. Gilas, as usual, spread the wealth with Marcus Douthit (14 points, 15 rebounds), Marc Barroca (12 points, 8 rebounds) and Chris Tiu (11 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists).  Meanwhile, let's go showbiz with some "rumors, facts and humor."


Rumors

1.  Forget the salary cap conspiracies.  Joe de Vance has become a regular fixture at the Gilas games, and he tweeted some kind words about the team.  Since he's now Air 21 (or could he be headed to an MVP-owned team?), isn't it a possibility that he be released in time to practice with Gilas if Kelly Williams is unavailable?


2.  Coach Rajko Toroman was as animated as ever, especially with tons of questionable calls throughout the game.  He got into animated conversations with Duhok players Chudnay Gray and Qutaiba Al-Doori as well.  What were they talking about? 

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7 Pieces (of trivia)

     In Day 2 of the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions' Cup, Smart Gilas Pilipinas destroyed the KL Westport Dragons of Malaysia, 95-64.  While Gilas played listlessly in the first half (and let the Dragons end the 1st half with the lead), they came roaring back with tremendous defense in the 2nd, allowing the Dragons only 24 points.  To amuse myself in the listless first half, I began asking myself questions and I've come up with these 7 entertaining pieces of trivia.

1.  Dylan Ababou scored 6 points in 5 minutes 4 seconds in Gilas' first game.  In tonight's game, Ababou scored 5 in 3 minutes 43 seconds.  That means Ababou has more points than minutes played, with a ratio of 1.25 points per 1 minute. Talk about a scoring machine!


2.  Gilas now holds the distinction of not only being the 1st team to use all 12 players but also having all 12 score at least 2 points, as Asi Taulava and Jason Ballesteros scored today.


3.  Marcus Douthit played only 19 minutes and 20 seconds today, making this his shortest stint in a sanctioned game, since being ejected for an altercation in the finals of the Dubai International.

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Five Things

     The big news of the night would be Smart GIlas Pilipinas drubbed Saudi Arabia, 101-69, to auspiciously open their bid in the FIBA Asia Champions' Cup.  I think it's the least exciting of the encouraging news of the night.  Everyone expects Gilas to beat Saudi, but here are the five things I deem more exciting from tonight's game.

5. The Excellence of Execution - It was truly a refreshing sight to see PBA All Stars Don Don Hontiveros and Jimmy Alapag on the Gilas bench.  More exciting to see, though,  is how hard Hontiveros was playing to acclimate himself into the rotations.  GIlas was able to run a couple of sets with Hontiveros in, so it seems he's picking things up well.  Alapag may not have played but it was great seeing him consult with JV Casio about where point guards would go during a particular play.

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My Favorite Mistake

     In today's society, it seems more premium is placed on noting people's mistakes.  In today's NBA, everyone is waiting constantly for the next team with the next failed experiment.  The problem with this, though, is some mistakes turn out to be delayed strokes of genius.  Just take a look at the final four teams in this year's NBA playoffs.


Senior Moment

     It's amazing how quiet the Dallas Mavericks have been this year.  Even outspoken owner Mark Cuban has been a good little boy.  Perhaps, they long knew what others are only discovering now.  After yet another playoff flameout last year, everyone wanted the Mavs to blow up the veteran line up and rebuild.  They didn't heed the calls and kept the team intact, hoping another year together would see the development of the team.  Many were quick to call that a mistake, yet here they are, in the Western Conference finals after demolishing the defending champions the Los Angeles Lakers.  The extra year together has seen the development of JJ Barea, the resurgence of Shawn Marion and the full maturation of Dirk Nowitzki as a franchise player. With home court advantage against the Thunder, keeping the team intact may make GM Donnie Nelson a legendary executive.


Trade OK'd

      The Oklahoma City Thunder were the envy of the league with it's financial flexibility and very young roster of great players with great attitudes.  Everyone kept talking of the future and how the Thunder would be kings then.  The future couldn't come soon enough, though as GM Sam Presti pulled the trigger on a deal sending Jeff Green and Nenad Krystic to the Boston Celtics for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson.  He then proceeded to sign Perkins to a long term deal.  Both actions drew wagging fingers from doubters, but they were silenced soon enough.  Perkins, while not putting up great numbers, has been a great locker room presence for the young Thunder, especially during their losses.  Meanwhile, Green's departure opened the door for James Harden and Serge Ibaka to shine, with both players piling up career numbers almost immediately after the trade.  If that big mid season trade was a mistake, more team should make mistakes as the Thunder are a series away from the NBA finals.


Heat Check

      Of course, the biggest mistake this season was Lebron James publicly spurning his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat on national TV.  The Heat haters, though, pointed to a different one in castigating the Heat.  The acquisition of the "Big Three" of James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh may have been a coup, but others pointed out that that left the Heat thin in the support department, especially up front.  People said it was a mistake to load up on superstars and that the lack of help will tell on the Heat in the playoffs.  Now, though, critics are slowly biting their tongue.  The Heat have flourished in the playoffs, not just because Wade and James have learned to play off one another, but also Coach Erik Spoelstra has finally gotten though on his team and have them playing choking defense.  While Lebron's PR choices continue to be errors, forming the superstar trio with Bosh and Wade seems to be a good "decision."


Bullish Run

     In the off season, the Bulls were in great shape.  A promising young team, a new defensive-minded head coach and lots of money to get Dwayne Wade, Lebron James or Chris Bosh (or two of three).  Then, amid the pandering and ego stroking of the superstars, the Bulls' stars Derrick Rose and Joachim Noah, made it clear that they could care less if any of the three stars joined them.  People were horrified as their statements meant none of the three would join them.  It was a mistake, they said, as the Bulls were at least two years away from being great.  Fast forward to the playoffs and the Bulls have home court advantage, the league Most Valuable Player in Rose and a vaunted, unforgiving defense.  Rose has become the superstar people thought the Bulls needed to get in the off season, and the supposed weak line up has become one of the NBA's deepest teams.  Now, the people are talking about how the Heat can compete with the Bulls, and not the other way around. 


     
     With my meager 50% success rate in playoff series predictions this year, I won't be blogging any previews.  What I will be doing is checking out which "mistake" turns out to be the most genius of strokes.

photos courtesy of Getty Images