PBA Trades, Releases, Sign-ups, Rumours (vol. II)

[luzvimindo]

I hope that I am wrong with my speculation, japeth fulfilling his hype would be good for Filipino basketball.....But i have a strange feeling that he already peaked...

for the benefit of philippine basketball i hope you are wrong with your feeling..im sure you'll agree to me with that:D

[KevinDurant]

It'll be a tug of war between the SMC teams and TNT as we all know BK will eventually trade him within or after the All Filipino Conference.

MVP, show us some moves for your team to get Japeth so we can also see him play for the NT..

[luzvimindo]

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports3_july27_2009

Aces waiting for best offer

By Rey Joble

ALASKA Milk is waiting for the best offer available for its most marketable player—Willie Miller.

But that doesn’t mean the Aces have no intentions of keeping the services of the two-time Most Valuable Player, who led the team to its 12th championship two years ago.

Philippine Basketball Association chairman and Alaska Milk board representative Joaqui Trillo told Standard Today that every player in the league can be put on the trading block, thus Miller won’t be an exemption once better opportunities come in.

“It’s something you don’t have control of,” said Trillo, referring to the possible trade on Miller. “Any player can be put on the trading block, especially when better offers come in. But I’m not saying we have no intentions of keeping him. He is an asset to any team and he has led all the teams he played for in the PBA to championships.”

Trillo’s statements were based on facts. The former Letran star has led all three PBA teams he played for—Red Bull, Talk N Text and Alaska—to championships. This certainly makes Miller one of the most sought-after players in the PBA today.

Miller, a member of the Powerade-Team Pilipinas, which will see action in the World Basketball qualifying event—the Fiba Asia Men’s Basketball Championship in Tianjin next month—expressed his interest of being traded to another team. He still has one-year left on his contract with the Aces.

[elyctricfan]

according to some insiders, there is a blockbuster trade that will happen tomorrow or this week. this is a three way trade. we will just have to wait for tomorrow.

[w0otz]

SMB - Burger King - Purefoods.

Book it. :cool:

[elyctricfan]

BK’s Santos traded to San Miguel

The suspense over the future of Arwind Santos is over after Burger King finally dealt its prolific forward to San Miguel Beer in exchange for three players.

The 6-foot-4 Santos has been the subject of trade the past two weeks but Lito Alvarez, the Whopper’s team governor and the incoming PBA chairman, only confirmed it on Tuesday after both parties sealed the negotiation Monday night.

In return, Burger King, according to Alvarez, got power forward Marc Pingris and sophomore Ken Bono, a 6-foot-6 center.

BK also got San Miguel’s first round pick in the 2010 PBA Rookie Draft.

“The reason lang na-tagalan itong negotiation is we want a draft pick, not a player sa package because we already have 17 players including the three picks we’ll have in this Sunday’s Draft,” Alvarez told the Bulletin. Santos was the first round pick of the Bert Lina-owned franchise (second overall) in the 2006 Draft.

Pingris was also an original member of the team being the third overall pick in the Draft four seasons back. He played for one season for the team before being shipped to Purefoods. He was then traded to San Miguel last year.

Bono, a one-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP), first played for Alaska before he was traded to SMB.

Meantime, as far as Burger King coach Yeng Guiao is concerned, choosing Japeth Aguilar as the top overall selection in the PBA Rookie Draft is a no-brainer.

“As a coach, that’s a no-brainer. Japeth is the No. 1 pick and he’s going to dominate the league in one or two years as soon as he gains his basketball instincts and improve his judgement,” Guiao said on Tuesday.

“In terms of athletic ability, I think wala ma-match sa kanya, either now or before. Wala pang malaking bigman na may ganung klaseng athleticism,” he added.

http://mb.com.ph/articles/213222/bk-s-santos-traded-san-miguel

[durden_tyler]

BK’s Santos traded to San Miguel

The suspense over the future of Arwind Santos is over after Burger King finally dealt its prolific forward to San Miguel Beer in exchange for three players.

The 6-foot-4 Santos has been the subject of trade the past two weeks but Lito Alvarez, the Whopper’s team governor and the incoming PBA chairman, only confirmed it on Tuesday after both parties sealed the negotiation Monday night.

In return, Burger King, according to Alvarez, got power forward Marc Pingris and sophomore Ken Bono, a 6-foot-6 center.

BK also got San Miguel’s first round pick in the 2010 PBA Rookie Draft.

“The reason lang na-tagalan itong negotiation is we want a draft pick, not a player sa package because we already have 17 players including the three picks we’ll have in this Sunday’s Draft,” Alvarez told the Bulletin. Santos was the first round pick of the Bert Lina-owned franchise (second overall) in the 2006 Draft.

Pingris was also an original member of the team being the third overall pick in the Draft four seasons back. He played for one season for the team before being shipped to Purefoods. He was then traded to San Miguel last year.

Bono, a one-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP), first played for Alaska before he was traded to SMB.

Meantime, as far as Burger King coach Yeng Guiao is concerned, choosing Japeth Aguilar as the top overall selection in the PBA Rookie Draft is a no-brainer.

“As a coach, that’s a no-brainer. Japeth is the No. 1 pick and he’s going to dominate the league in one or two years as soon as he gains his basketball instincts and improve his judgement,” Guiao said on Tuesday.

“In terms of athletic ability, I think wala ma-match sa kanya, either now or before. Wala pang malaking bigman na may ganung klaseng athleticism,” he added.

http://mb.com.ph/articles/213222/bk-s-santos-traded-san-miguel

After what's all said in done it looks like BK actually got value for Arwind Santos. Pingris is a Guiao type of player, Bono can be developed and now handled by Guiao who is a master motivator. The 10th pick is not too shabby either.

Good trade for BK. As for my San Miguel... i am not too excited with this because i hate low basketball IQ players and Arwind is as stupid on the court as it gets. Oh well. (Curiously, we just won the championship so i am not sure how this messes up the chemistry and all.)

And finally, to elyctricfan, do everyone a favor and crop that over-sized banner of yours. It's really too big, a little consideration could be in place... i wanted to click it or be interested in it but it's a bother that i though, efff it, maybe if he adjusts it i will visit his advertised site.)

[Un_Named]

BK’s Santos traded to San Miguel

The suspense over the future of Arwind Santos is over after Burger King finally dealt its prolific forward to San Miguel Beer in exchange for three players.

The 6-foot-4 Santos has been the subject of trade the past two weeks but Lito Alvarez, the Whopper’s team governor and the incoming PBA chairman, only confirmed it on Tuesday after both parties sealed the negotiation Monday night.

In return, Burger King, according to Alvarez, got power forward Marc Pingris and sophomore Ken Bono, a 6-foot-6 center.

BK also got San Miguel’s first round pick in the 2010 PBA Rookie Draft.

“The reason lang na-tagalan itong negotiation is we want a draft pick, not a player sa package because we already have 17 players including the three picks we’ll have in this Sunday’s Draft,” Alvarez told the Bulletin. Santos was the first round pick of the Bert Lina-owned franchise (second overall) in the 2006 Draft.

Pingris was also an original member of the team being the third overall pick in the Draft four seasons back. He played for one season for the team before being shipped to Purefoods. He was then traded to San Miguel last year.

Bono, a one-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP), first played for Alaska before he was traded to SMB.

Meantime, as far as Burger King coach Yeng Guiao is concerned, choosing Japeth Aguilar as the top overall selection in the PBA Rookie Draft is a no-brainer.

“As a coach, that’s a no-brainer. Japeth is the No. 1 pick and he’s going to dominate the league in one or two years as soon as he gains his basketball instincts and improve his judgement,” Guiao said on Tuesday.

“In terms of athletic ability, I think wala ma-match sa kanya, either now or before. Wala pang malaking bigman na may ganung klaseng athleticism,” he added.

[icebreaker]

I'm rooting for Brgy. Ginebra to get Japeth Aguilar. By doing that, they will become a complete team and more exciting to watch. This can also lead to gaining more PBA game attendance.

[ankle breaker]

guiao had repeatedly said that BK will get Japeth as the #1 pick in this year's draft. so it's unlikely for him to be drafted by BGK not unless a major trade will happen between the 2 teams. japeth in exchange for jayjay, mark, eric menk and ronal tubid. but as what they said that's unlikely since BK had already 17 players on it's rooster including the possible 3 picks in this coming draft.

[jesronne]

santos for pingris and bono?? what kind of trade is that?? BK will be another redbull...

[ankle breaker]

santos for pingris and bono?? what kind of trade is that?? BK will be another redbull...

i guess it is now that Mikee Romero withdrew his share with BK and most likely will form his own team that might debut in 2010 in the PBA alongside Hapee.

[Un_Named]

damn what the hell is danding doing? :mad: SMB don't need Arwind anymore...... Another superstar is added to SMB and a role player left.... tsk tsk...... :mad:

[saints13]

the Arwind Santos to Marc Pingris and Ken Bono trade is a win-win solution...
Santos will add athletecism and youth to the SMB team, while Pingris is a sparkplug for BRK...and most of all, to Ken Bono..nakakaawa sya, tumataba na sya lalo sa bench ng SMB, para syang wala kagana gana, I saw the end game nun Game 2 ng Finals wherein Ildefonso and Pingris attacked an audience.. funny thing is, the camera has glimpse of Bono walking to the dugout and unmindful na wala na taong sumusunod sa kanya, lahat nagkakagulo dun sa pag-awat kay Ildefonso sa court.hehehe.

ESK9oZW7G6Y

[durden_tyler]

damn what the hell is danding doing? :mad: SMB don't need Arwind anymore...... Another superstar is added to SMB and a role player left.... tsk tsk...... :mad:

i'd like to give Arwind a chance, but yeah if Santos is our hindrance to a dynasty we can always go back to this trade.

[jesronne]

i guess it is now that Mikee Romero withdrew his share with BK and most likely will form his own team that might debut in 2010 in the PBA alongside Hapee.

i dont think hapee can survive in the pba...

[ankle breaker]

let's just wait and see about hapee's chance in the PBA. mr. bernard yang, hapee's spokesperson and team manager is very optimistic about the idea. in fact, that could be the reason that jvanlan and lance convento pulled out from the draft citing reason for incomplete requirements. but who knows that's the real reason for their withdrawal.

[Un_Named]

i'd like to give Arwind a chance, but yeah if Santos is our hindrance to a dynasty we can always go back to this trade.

ohhhh i will... i will go back to this trade if thats happened. :mad:
grrrrr I'm just so frustrated right now bud...... :mad:

[Un_Named]

Pingris going back to Purefoods?

Pingris is one among the few players who played with different champion teams – Purefoods and San Miguel Beer. He started his PBA career with Air21, but flourished as a member of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants.

In fact, his transfer to Purefoods brought an immediate impact to the team, which made it to the finals twice in the 2005-06 season winning the All-Filipino championship the same year.

The 6-foot-4 Pingris was also voted as the Finals MVP in the Giants’ 4-2 victory over the Red Bull Barakos in their best-of-seven finals series.

Forced to unload players, Alvarez said he might offer Pingris to Purefoods again in exchange for a future first round pick.

“I understand that Purefoods wants Pingris back in its fold. I might offer him to them for a future first round pick," said Alvarez.

GMANews.TV

[krave182]

Danny Seigle going to Coca-Cola????

[Un_Named]

Danny Seigle going to Coca-Cola????

LINK sir??????????? :confused:

[elyctricfan]

And finally, to elyctricfan, do everyone a favor and crop that over-sized banner of yours. It's really too big, a little consideration could be in place... i wanted to click it or be interested in it but it's a bother that i though, efff it, maybe if he adjusts it i will visit his advertised site.)

good morning durden, thanks for the info. i already change my siggy to a more appropriate one.

i hope i will see you in my website one of these days and be a reuglar poster there.

ON TOPIC:

Marc Pingris might return to PF.

Rebull is sending their players to other team:

Gabby Espinas (SLR)
Jeff Chan (ROS)
Larry Rodriguez (BK)

[elyctricfan]

http://totalpinoy.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&Itemid=67&func=view&catid=5&id=64#1375


According to sir Than.........

Sorry hindi ako nakapag on-line kagabi. I was in the Entrepreneur Magazine Awards Night.

Sa mga forumers na ka PM ko, thank you for giving in to my requests not to post it ahead of Newspaper Columns. I was in the event & naka WAP lang ako to answer your questions via PM.

Regarding the Trade, though coach Siot & Pingris doesnt want it, they cant do anything because it was Mr. Robert Non's decision. With the entry of Arwind Santos(prior agreement), they know either 2 from DS, Arwind, Pingris, Jwash, DI will not get enough playing time. Meaning, those players are top caliber players & their capabilities & talents will only be wasted if they cannot get enough playing time.
No coaches can maximize their talents if the rotation on SF/PF is that deep.

So, trading Pingris(that will eventually send him to PF), though not a good move from SMB fans, is good for Ping's career. I know he doesnt want to be moved again but thats Top Management decision. As i have said before, only the Higher Management can decide about trading Pingris back to PF & not their coaches.

He will be a vital cog on coach RG's rotation.

Anyway, deals wont stop here. PF, if re-acquiring Ping from BK will cost them a future pick(w/c the BK team is asking), will be 2-3 players over the 14 man lineup plus the 2009 pick. So, expect some more trades. Likewise i expect them to draft Chris Ross with their own pick.

Barako Bulls will parade an almost entirely new team next season.

Next move...Look at Ginebra to shore their front court!

[CoJ]

hi, i hope someone could explain how the PBA salary cap works and what are the key rules in trading players...................

so ill Red Bull disband or not? (i hope no)

[saints13]

Rebull is sending their players to other team:

Gabby Espinas (SLR)
Jeff Chan (ROS)
Larry Rodriguez (BK)

OMG, what's left for Red Bull?
is this a done deal already?

[PUGOtipm]

good morning durden, thanks for the info. i already change my siggy to a more appropriate one.

i hope i will see you in my website one of these days and be a reuglar poster there.

ON TOPIC:

Marc Pingris might return to PF.

Rebull is sending their players to other team:

Gabby Espinas (SLR)
Jeff Chan (ROS)
Larry Rodriguez (BK)

Burger King gets Pingris, Bono for Santos
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:03:00 AM
Burger King's revamp for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 2009-2010 season has just started.

The Whopper have retaken the services of Marc Pingris, former UAAP most valuable player (MVP) Ken Bono and another future first round pick from San Miguel in exchange of do-it-all forward Arwind Santos, completing one of the many expected blockbuster trades to happen in the PBA off season.

The transaction was completed late Monday night, according to Burger King board representative and incoming PBA chairman Lito Alvarez.

But the acquisition of Pingris and Bono gave the Whopper a dilemma of unloading some of their players. Their roster is expected to bloat to as high as 17 and they need to let go five players.

The Whopper also has three first-round picks in the coming PBA Rookie Draft on August 2.

"That's the problem we're encountering right now," said Alvarez. "We want to maintain 12 players and I expect our roster to bloat with 17 players. We certainly need to unload players."

Pingris going back to Purefoods?

Pingris is one among the few players who played with different champion teams -- Purefoods and San Miguel Beer. He started his PBA career with Air21, but flourished as a member of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants.

In fact, his transfer to Purefoods brought an immediate impact to the team, which made it to the finals twice in the 2005-06 season winning the All-Filipino championship the same year.

The 6-foot-4 Pingris was also voted as the Finals MVP in the Giants' 4-2 victory over the Red Bull Barakos in their best-of-seven finals series.

Forced to unload players, Alvarez said he might offer Pingris to Purefoods again in exchange for a future first round pick.

"I understand that Purefoods wants Pingris back in its fold. I might offer him to them for a future first round pick," said Alvarez.

Whopper want to infuse new blood

Owning three first-round draft picks gives every team brighter hopes but aside from this, the Whopper are also setting their sights on Barako Bull's Larry Rodriguez.

Rodriguez played for Yeng Guiao's final season with the Barakos and the fiery mentor reportedly wants to acquire the services of the bruising sophomore forward to add toughness in the Whopper's frontline.

"Gustung-gusto siya ni coach Yeng eh, so we might negotiate with Barako Bull in order to get his services," said Alvarez, referring to the former Philippine Maritime Institute standout, who caught the fancy of the multi-titled mentor.

The Whopper have the Nos.1, 3 and 8 picks in the first round. They might tab Japeth Aguilar, who also drew the interest of several teams, as their top overall rookie pick.

[CoJ]

good morning durden, thanks for the info. i already change my siggy to a more appropriate one.

i hope i will see you in my website one of these days and be a reuglar poster there.

ON TOPIC:

Marc Pingris might return to PF.

Rebull is sending their players to other team:

Gabby Espinas (SLR)
Jeff Chan (ROS)
Larry Rodriguez (BK)

is redbull trading them for cash considerations or for players? ROS should have acquired Espinas to beef up their 4 spot, they're already loaded at the 2-3

[PUGOtipm]

Arwind to SMB!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:01:00 AM | 23 Comments

Arwind Santos is now with San Miguel Beer, and Marc Pingris may soon find himself playing for Purefoods again.

Santos, a versatile player who made a run at winning the MVP for the 2008-09 season, was formally released Monday night by Burger King to San Miguel Beer in exchange for Pingris, one-time UAAP MVP Ken Bono and a first-round pick in 2010.

No less than Burger King team manager and incoming board chairman Lito Alvarez confirmed the off-season trade yesterday barely 24 hours after he and officials from the San Miguel Beer camp led by board governor Robert Non met.

Pingris, though, may not hang around with Burger King that long.

The one-time Finals MVP and master intimidator is expected to be shipped to Purefoods, which has already openly expressed its desire to re-acquire him and bring back the core of the unit that won the 2006-06 Philippine Cup.

Alvarez himself said that he has no other choice but to unload players. Currently, Burger King has 15 after coach Yeng Guiao requested Larry Rodriguez from Red Bull. The Whoppers also have three first-round picks on Aug. 2, including the No. 1 pick which they are expected to capitalize by acquiring Japeth Aguilar.

"Ang dami na naming mga players" said Alvarez. "And then we have three picks pa sa Draft. So we have no other choice but to unload players."

Although admitting that the Giants are keen on getting back Pingris, Alvarez said that nothing yet is final.

"They (Purefoods) really want Pingris," said Alvarez. "But I don't want players anymore in exchange, ang dami na namin. Maybe future picks na lang. But as of now, wala pang final decision. Maraming teams ang interested."

The move by the Beermen to let go one of the finest defensive players in the league is seen as decision for the upcoming return of Danny Seigle and Lordy Tugade to the ball club.

San Miguel won the recent Fiesta Conference over sister-team Ginebra, its depth and talent very much superior in the deciding Game 7. It was the Beermen's 18th title and the third for coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Although the Beermen may have lost a demon on defense, they have in return acquired a player who is perhaps one of the most well rounded in the game. Santos finished runner-up to Jay-Jay Helterbrand in the MVP race last season, and likewise ended second to Kelly Williams the season before that.

Bono, on the other hand, gives Burger King added perimeter options. If he stays with the Whoppers and get the playing minutes from Guiao, he could inject a defensive problem with other teams and play an important role coming off the bench for Gary David.

Previously, Samigue Eman, the former No. 2 pick behind Joe DeVance, Chris Calaguio and Bono were the ones rumored to be traded for Santos. At the last minute, though, the Beermen decided to give away Eman, who still a work in progress, and Calaguio, a superb player off the bench. Zean Macamay & Gerry Ramos - Journal Online

[KevinDurant]

SMC must give Ping to BGK

[elyctricfan]

i think, BGK wanted Jwash in their team

[elyctricfan]

Other trade happenings:

Espinas to SLR for Draft Pick(pending)

Duncil to Coke(pending)

Larry Rodriguez to BK(pending)

Jeff Chan & Hrabak to RoS for Wainwright & Andaya(pending league approval)

[jesronne]

Other trade happenings:

Espinas to SLR for Draft Pick(pending)

Duncil to Coke(pending)

Larry Rodriguez to BK(pending)

Jeff Chan & Hrabak to RoS for Wainwright & Andaya(pending league approval)

when will barako bull disband?

[w0otz]

Other trade happenings:

Espinas to SLR for Draft Pick(pending)

Duncil to Coke(pending)

Larry Rodriguez to BK(pending)

Jeff Chan & Hrabak to RoS for Wainwright & Andaya(pending league approval)

Now, this is a clear indication that they will disband sooner or later.

[RayV]

Geez! This is getting quite complicated! Could somebody soon put up a projected full roster of teams involved with the changes done(prior to draft)? I'm not getting a full picture! :D

For now what I'm seeing with BK:

Egay Billones
JR Quiñahan
Marvin Cruz
Cholo Villanueva
Erick Rodriguez
Aaron Aban
Wynne Arboleda
Gary David
Mark Yee
Beau Belga
Carlo Sharma
Ken Bono
Marc Pingris (to be traded to PF?)
Larry Rodriguez (?)

and SMB:

Mike Cortez
Jonas Villanueva
Dorian Peña
Bonbon Custodio
Dondon Hontiveros
Danny Ildefonso
Wesley Gonzales
Olsen Racela
Lordy Tugade
Samigue Eman
Jay Washington
Mick Pennisi
Danny Seigle (to be traded?)
Chris Calaguio
Arwind Santos

can't say yet with other teams especially RBB since they've yet to be finalized.

all I know is that Samigue Eman will continue to rot in SMB's bench and Arwind's playing minutes will be down significantly...

[nardy]

http://images.gmanews.tv/gmanewstvlogo_without_beta.jpg

Pingris back to Giants as PBA teams continue off-season buildup
07/29/2009 | 09:00 PM

Barely 24 hours after being shipped to his first professional team, Marc Pingris found himself back wearing a Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants uniform.

Pingris was released to the Giants after the Burger King Whopper agreed in principle to get Purefoods’ first and second round picks for 2010.

Pingris’ return to the Giants fold was confirmed by Rene Pardo in an interview with GMANews.TV. “We have agreed to trade our first and second round picks next year to Burger King for Pingris."

Pingris is the first player to be unloaded since the Arwind Santos trade. The Whopper are expected to unload four more players, including two to the Barako Bull Energy Boosters.

The Whopper acquired the services of Larry Rodriguez via a trade although the Energy Boosters have yet to determine the players they will get in return.

Burger King board representative and incoming PBA chairman Lito Alvarez said he feels Purefoods needs Pingris more as the Whopper would most likely maximize its new recruits.

Purefoods and Burger King are not the only team busy transacting one deal after another as Rain or Shine and Barako Bull also went into the trading table.

After achieving a milestone last season, Rain or Shine tabbed young and promising shooter Jeff Chan from the Barako Bull in exchange for veteran Rob Wainwright and center Mark Andaya.

The Elasto Painters will also secure the services of journeyman forward Mike Hrabak.

“We have agreed on the trade. Nag-submit na kami ng papel sa PBA office," said rain or Shine co-owner Terry Que. “Kailangan namin si Chan because he is a young shooter na puwede pang ma-develop. Hrabak would also be a big help since kailangan namin ng malaki."

Barako Bull, a team which has been struggling to maintain its team because of its current financial status, is on a rebuilding stage. The Energy Boosters have reportedly traded their remaining solid players like Gabby Espinas, Jojo Duncil and Rodriguez.

Espinas is reportedly headed to Sta. Lucia for the Realtors’ sixth overall pick in the coming PBA Rookie Draft. Rodriguez was being wooed by Burger King while Duncil is expected to wind up as the Coca-Cola Tigers’ new member.

[jahrakal]

http://images.gmanews.tv/gmanewstvlogo_without_beta.jpg

Pingris back to Giants as PBA teams continue off-season buildup
07/29/2009 | 09:00 PM

Barely 24 hours after being shipped to his first professional team, Marc Pingris found himself back wearing a Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants uniform.

Pingris was released to the Giants after the Burger King Whopper agreed in principle to get Purefoods’ first and second round picks for 2010.

Pingris’ return to the Giants fold was confirmed by Rene Pardo in an interview with GMANews.TV. “We have agreed to trade our first and second round picks next year to Burger King for Pingris."

Pingris is the first player to be unloaded since the Arwind Santos trade. The Whopper are expected to unload four more players, including two to the Barako Bull Energy Boosters.

The Whopper acquired the services of Larry Rodriguez via a trade although the Energy Boosters have yet to determine the players they will get in return.

Burger King board representative and incoming PBA chairman Lito Alvarez said he feels Purefoods needs Pingris more as the Whopper would most likely maximize its new recruits.

Purefoods and Burger King are not the only team busy transacting one deal after another as Rain or Shine and Barako Bull also went into the trading table.

After achieving a milestone last season, Rain or Shine tabbed young and promising shooter Jeff Chan from the Barako Bull in exchange for veteran Rob Wainwright and center Mark Andaya.

The Elasto Painters will also secure the services of journeyman forward Mike Hrabak.

“We have agreed on the trade. Nag-submit na kami ng papel sa PBA office," said rain or Shine co-owner Terry Que. “Kailangan namin si Chan because he is a young shooter na puwede pang ma-develop. Hrabak would also be a big help since kailangan namin ng malaki."

Barako Bull, a team which has been struggling to maintain its team because of its current financial status, is on a rebuilding stage. The Energy Boosters have reportedly traded their remaining solid players like Gabby Espinas, Jojo Duncil and Rodriguez.

Espinas is reportedly headed to Sta. Lucia for the Realtors’ sixth overall pick in the coming PBA Rookie Draft. Rodriguez was being wooed by Burger King while Duncil is expected to wind up as the Coca-Cola Tigers’ new member.

alright cool, makes the purefoods more exciting

[tiffac]

Danny Seigle (to be traded?)

Can Danny S still even play? I thought he had a career ending injury. :confused:

[saints13]

any link to the Danny Seigle to Coke news???

[nardy]

http://www.malaya.com.ph/imges/sports.jpg
WEDNESDAY |JULY 29, 2009

Realtors keep Williams

STA. Lucia Realty is not about to leave an ailing man behind, especially if that man is as valuable as Kelly Williams.

Realtors team manager Buddy Encarnado yesterday said the 2008 PBA Most Valuable Player is still far from the road to recovery from his blood disorder. But–more than a sign of good faith–a new contract will be ready for Williams even before his old one expires.

"We at Sta. Lucia treat our players as family members. We will stick with him. We’ll sign him to another contract with the maximum pay allowed in the league," stated Encarnado.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer beefed up an already well-stocked roster by acquiring Arwind Santos from Burger King in a deal completed last Monday night. The Beermen, newly-crowned PBA Fiesta Cup champs, gave up center Kenneth Bono and the team’s first round pick next year for Santos.

For good measure, the Realtors had the 6-foot-5 Williams undergo a recent four-day treatment at the Makati Medical Center that cost almost P1 million.

"His sickness is not work-related but we foot the bill, para mai-reiterate lang naming kung gano naming siya kamahal," said Encarnado.

"We have exerted extra effort to look for the best possible treatment to hasten his recovery. Hopefully, he gets well soon," Encarnado added.

In his four-day treatment, Williams was given steroid (prednisone) and antibodies (intravenous immune globulin) that can help him recover quickly.

Williams has been down with immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP, causing him to miss the crucial stage of the 2008-09 Fiesta Conference and a sure slot in the Powerade Team Pilipinas for the recent Jones Cup. Because of his illness, Williams was not included in the RP roster that will play in the FIBA-Asia championship in Tianjin, China, next month.

Before his illness was fully diagnosed, Williams was the leading contender in the MVP race eventually won by Ginebra’s Jayjay Helterbrand.

The prolific Fil-Am averaged 14.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.5 blocks an outing in his third season. He emerged as the Rookie of the Year in 2007.

Another SLR player with a bad break is Ryan Reyes.

The 6-foot-1 guard was also a shoo-in for a slot in RP-Powerade Team but a hamstring injury got in the way, causing him to miss the Jones Cup. He has been relegated to the role of alternate for the Tianjin tourney.

National coach Yeng Guiao is still hoping Reyes gets well and can play with the Nationals in the Tianjin meet.

[nardy]

http://insidesports.ph/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/insidesports.gif

http://insidesports.ph/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/red_bull_barako_logo.gif

CHUA COMMITS, BARAKO BULL HERE TO STAY
Posted on 29 July 2009

Former PBA chairman and Barako Bull board representative Tony Chua yesterday committed the Barako Bull team “is here to stay” in the pro league despite reports of financial problems and the trading of several players including the latest, Gabby Espinas who has been sent to Sta Lucia Realty following Larry Rodriguez who was released to Burger King and Jeff Chan who was picked up by

Incoming PBA chairman Lito Alvarez who presided over the board meeting in the absence of current chairman Joaqui Trillo said the PBA teams agreed to help the Photokina franchise and the Barako Bull team for the 2009-2010 season which opens in September.

When asked how they will stay in view of the reported financial difficulties facing the franchise, Chua said “that’s our problem and when we say we are here to stay we have to comply with everything.”

Earlier, team owner George Chua officially wrote the PBA Commissioner’s Office and the board signifying their intention to remain in the league and fulfill their obligations. To this end the players who had complained to Commissioner Barrios regarding the arrears in salaries have already received checks coursed through the Commissioner’s Office.

Discussing the composition of the team after so many players were discarded, Chua said “I think we will surprise everybody. We will come out with a different kind of team” even as he declined to provide any hint of what the surprise could be.

www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports learned that Talk n” Text board representative and former PBA chairman Ricky Vargas who is also vice chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas had “off the cuff” suggested that the Smart Gilas team be used by the Barako Bulls and that they could place their logo on the back of the jerseys of the national pool players.

Chua said that the PBA board had already approved the participation of the Smart G ilas team under coach Rajko Toroman who steered Iran to the 2008 Asian C hampionships, as a guest team in the PBA All Filipino Conference and that they would play the ten pro league teams once.

Chua commended Alvarez for “the very good point that he raised” during the board meeting which was “if there is a problem within the family we have to help one another. It’s as simple as that.”

Since Burger King now has an overloaded roster with the trade that sent Arwind Santos to last conference champions San Miguel Beer, Alvarez indicated they may release one or two players to Barako Bulls.

[nardy]

http://insidesports.ph/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/insidesports.gif

ALVAREZ SAYS JAPETH WILL BE A “WHOPPER”
Posted on 29 July 2009

http://insidesports.ph/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/aguilar-jam2.jpg

Burger King team manager and incoming PBA Chairman Lito Alvarez says high-flying 6’10” center Japeth Aguilar will be a “Whopper” indicating Burger King has made up its mind not to entertain offers to trade their No.1 pick in the PBA Annual Draft this Sunday.

Alvarez said “Japeth is the guy” and they will pick him at the Annual Draft to be held at Market, Market in Taguig City .

Alvarez admitted that he was being tempted by one good offer after another with the latest being the league’s most popular team which, he claimed, was offering MVP JayJay Helterbrand, Billy Mamaril and Intal for Aguilar while Talk N’ Text was also pursuing a trade offering to swap Yancy De Ocampo and Ren Ren Ritualo and possibly Ali Peek in exchange for the hottest prospect in the draft.

Alvarez earlier told us “the one good offer we really considered” was that of Purefoods which would have provided depth to the Burger King squad based on reports that Purefoods was willing to give up Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez and sweet-shooting Jun Simon for Aguilar, the son of former PBA and Northern Consolidated team member Peter Aguilar.

Alvarez revealed that coach Yeng Guiao had told him and the team that “with Japeth he had the best chance to win the All Filipino Conference” which is one conference he hasn’t won so far.

The Burger King team manager said Guiao’s “confidence is so high that I have to give it to him.”

Guiao himself said he has high hopes that Aguilar will be the best big man in the history of the PBA but admitted the Western Kentucky University graduate needs to toughen up and learn how to improve on his judgment.

[ankle breaker]

Japeth is showing a lot of potential to become a dominant big man in the PBA. however with his history of easily getting injuries will always be the drawback. if he's not going to change the way he plays like he wanted to be always above the rim, there is a tendency he will get injured season after season.

[saints13]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/ironicbrew/1.jpg

[bolabasket]

Red Bull gets Rob Wainright and Mark Andaya
Rain or Shine gets Jeff Chan

[reamily]

Red Bull gets Rob Wainright and Mark Andaya
Rain or Shine gets Jeff Chan

and Mike Hrabak making them for me a contender /potent team they got their fullcards:D:D:D

[CoJ]

wait...whose left in Red Bull? Jojo Duncil?

[gergerbinx]

nothing basically........ espinas was dealt to sta. lucia... while duncil to coke...

red bull's DEAD!

[Big Ticket]

red bull's last conference roster:

ESPINAS Gabriel - traded to SLR
ARIGO John Hartley - possibly gone as he is not paid
RODRIGUEZ Larry - traded to BK
HUBALDE Dean Paolo
NAJORDA Leomar
CHAN Jeffrei Allan - traded to ROS
HRBAK Michael - traded to ROS
JUNTILLA Reed Friar
DUNCIL Joselito - traded to coke
YBAÑEZ Warren
CRISANO Alex
HOLPER Michael
MEMBRERE Benedict Magnum

new players as of now:

WAINWRIGHT Rob
ANDAYA Marc

from the draft:

SLR 6th pick
own 2nd round pick
PF 2nd round pick

[manu_bol]

^^^

and the most important person in basketball for red bull is no longer with them - andy jao!

[mr. clutch]

Rumors

Alaska Camp

Sonny Thoss + Willie Miller = Japeth Aguilar
Hugnatan + Borboran = E. Villanueva & Rich Alvarez

[rhk111]

Poor Red Bull ..... I think they should just disband, than continue looking like a pauper in an exclusive men's golf club.

They are trading away their stars, because they intend to go after the rookies. The rookies are simply cheaper, with a fixed salary rate over the next three years, unlike the veterans with expiring contracts, who can command higher salaries.

On the other hand, Red Bull would be an ideal place for the rookies to go to, since it will be their chance at stardom.

[gergerbinx]

:eek: miller+thoss for japeth?!!!

its gotta be a joke. tim cone's not that dumb to trade away his two best players for a project.

as for the purefoods proposal...... gregorio may be dumb but i think the purefoods organization is not that stupid to accept such deal.:D

[icebreaker]

I wish Helterbrand and Aguilar become team mates. For sure, they will be very exciting to watch especially when they make fast break and pick-and-roll plays. :)

[mr. clutch]

:eek: miller+thoss for japeth?!!!

its gotta be a joke. tim cone's not that dumb to trade away his two best players for a project.

as for the purefoods proposal...... gregorio may be dumb but i think the purefoods organization is not that stupid to accept such deal.:D

Its only a rumors but it makes sense coz their first five will be

Aguilar at center
Villanueva @ PF
Alvarez @ SF
Fonacier @ SG
Tenorio @ PG

Maybe they want to change the name aces to ALASKA EAGLES, lol!

[bognut]

Its only a rumors but it makes sense coz their first five will be

Aguilar at center
Villanueva @ PF
Alvarez @ SF
Fonacier @ SG
Tenorio @ PG

Maybe they want to change the name aces to ALASKA EAGLES, lol!

and Joaqui Trillo as team manager yhuh! :D yeah

[bolabasket]

Its only a rumors but it makes sense coz their first five will be

Aguilar at center
Villanueva @ PF
Alvarez @ SF
Fonacier @ SG
Tenorio @ PG

Maybe they want to change the name aces to ALASKA EAGLES, lol!

how about firing Tim Cone and get Chot Reyes from TNT...

[PUGOtipm]

Poor Red Bull ..... I think they should just disband, than continue looking like a pauper in an exclusive men's golf club.

They are trading away their stars, because they intend to go after the rookies. The rookies are simply cheaper, with a fixed salary rate over the next three years, unlike the veterans with expiring contracts, who can command higher salaries.

On the other hand, Red Bull would be an ideal place for the rookies to go to, since it will be their chance at stardom.
some of its players still have market values, maybe there are making more money trading players than consumers buying redbull.

[d_viper]

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d42/ironicbrew/1.jpg


nice mascot though :D:D:D ......

[rhk111]

Burger King has always been looking for a basketball star to endorse their products. Remember when they tried to get Jervy Cruz, to endorse their Whopper Burger, or something? Well, they failed to get Jervy due to one reason or another. Now they are thinking of doing the same thing to Japeth.

But Japeth will surely ask for a big endorsement contract, aside from his playing contract.

[cod3breaker]

Burger King has always been looking for a basketball star to endorse their products. Remember when they tried to get Jervy Cruz, to endorse their Whopper Burger, or something? Well, they failed to get Jervy due to one reason or another. Now they are thinking of doing the same thing to Japeth.

But Japeth will surely ask for a big endorsement contract, aside from his playing contract.

They should get Jai Lewis and Shawn Daniels for the Whopper endorsement. LOL

[Silent Killer]

he'll be better under TNT. he can play for smart gilas as well.

[cod3breaker]

he'll be better under TNT. he can play for smart gilas as well.

I have a very strong hunch that Japeth "The Whopper" Aguilar will end up in Talk n' Text. Long way to go before the next season starts, heck the Rookie Draft hasn't even started yet. :D

[bolabasket]

Villanueva, Alvarez in the market?

BY NOLI CORTEZ

TWO former Ateneo teammates may soon find themselves with another team even before the coming PBA season unfolds in October.

That is, if there will be any taker for Rico Villanueva and Rich Alvarez who are reportedly being traded by Purefoods and are the latest among players being put up on the market.

Purefoods officials denied this yesterday, but team insiders insist the two are part of coach Ryan Gregorio’s plans to put order on his team, which is too crowded at the frontline while lacking in the off-guard and small forward slots.

Talks are rife Villanueva has been offered to Alaska for two-time MVP Willie Miller, but the Aces allegedly wanted prolific scorer Peter June Simon thrown in, leaving negotiations stalled at the moment.

Alvarez and Villanueva, were members of Ateneo’s UAAP champion team of 2002, were also supposedly being dangled to Talk N Text, owned by Blue Eagles benefactor Manny V. Pangilinan.

Officials of the other teams involved refused to comment.

But one team representative to the PBA Board, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted the possibility of a trade involving Alvarez and Villanueva were unofficially broached during light moments among the governors.

"Parang thinking aloud lang," related the source.

Alvarez and Villanueva have had their fair share of the PBA rounds.

Alvarez was made the top pick overall by Shell in the 2004 Rookie draft before going to Alaska when the Turbo Chargers disbanded the year after.

He has since then played for Red Bull before landing at Purefoods last year.

Villanueva’s pro route was almost similar as he was drafted by Red Bull in 2003 and went to San Miguel Beer in 2007 before being traded to Purefoods last year.

Purefoods’ frontline, which also boasts the likes of Kerby Raymundo, Don Carlos Allado, Romel Adducul, Jondan Salvador, Nino Canaleta, Richard Yee and Paolo Bugia, was further beefed up by the return of Marc Pingris, who was acquired from Burger King earlier in the week for two future draft picks.

[tiffac]

Is it true that Danny S is with Coke?

And why in hell is Ginebra not doing anything in the off season, when they have no draft picks?

[saints13]

Is it true that Danny S is with Coke?

And why in hell is Ginebra not doing anything in the off season, when they have no draft picks?

what happened to Rudy "the wrestler" Hatfield? is he going back to Ginebra? did he went AWOL?

[PUGOtipm]

Is it true that Danny S is with Coke?

And why in hell is Ginebra not doing anything in the off season, when they have no draft picks?
Most of its players are on the trading block. jong believes that there is no way BGK can compete next season with its current line-up. only 4 players are untouchables in BGK (jj,mc,cyrus and tubid) but they will only trade players after the draft.

[cod3breaker]

Most of its players are on the trading block. jong believes that there is no way BGK can compete next season with its current line-up. only 4 players are untouchables in BGK (jj,mc,cyrus and tubid) but they will only trade players after the draft.

Maari kayang mangamoy Gin si Japeth?

:D

Trans: With a lot of players moving around and teams getting in trade talks I won't be surprised if Japeth ends up on the other teams hands. :D

[Silent Killer]

Mark Caguioa will makes its PBA return next season. wonder who among the SG/PG of BGK will go?

Better for MVP to get Villanueva and alvarez and trade them to bK for the 1st pick. that will make BK think about trading japeth to TNT for villanueva and alvarez. or a 3 team trade amongst this teams. PF, BK and TNT.

[luzvimindo]

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports5_july31_2009

Smart Gilas wants to help Barako Bull

FORMER Philippine Basketball Association chairman Ricky Vargas said his “off the cuff” offer to the PBA board of governors to help tide over the problems faced by Red Bull Barako due to the financial difficulties of the Photokina franchise was made in good faith and in response to an appeal by Buddy Encarnado of Sta. Lucia Realty that the league should help teams in trouble.

The creative solution broached by Vargas was for the Smart Gilas national team, coached by Rakjo Toroman, to take the place of Red Bull for the forthcoming season. And since co-branding has been approved, he suggested that the league allow the Barako Bull logo to be placed on the back of the Smart Gilas team jerseys.

In this way, Photokina would not have to spend on maintaining a team until it hopefully recovers from its present predicament where the salaries of players and the coaching staff have been in arrears. “This will not merely help Red Bull, more importantly it will help the PBA,” said Vargas. “This is because Smart Gilas will be a competitive team out to win and since it will represent the Philippines in next year’s London Olympic qualifier will be an attraction.”

Vargas said that if this is not feasible. at least he tried to find a solution to a situation that is bound to hurt the league which often prides itself on the competitive balance of its teams.

Under the proposal, all Smart Gilas games will be counted just as they were when the Northern Consolidated team played as a guest team in the PBA and ended its stint by winning the import reinforced conference, sweeping Manila Beer, anchored by Michael Young and Harold Keeling in 1985. Ronnie Nathanielsz

[c_d]

Racela gets contract extension (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports4_july31_2009)

IN the history of the Philippine Basketball Association, only six other cagers played more games than Olsen Racela, now the oldest player in the league today.

The durable point guard of San Miguel Beer has surpassed four-time Most Valuable Player Alvin Patrimonio and bullstrong forward Nelson Asaytono in seventh and eighth spots in the all-time list of most games played.

After playing 56 of the 57 games of San Miguel Beer the previous season, the 5’10” guard from Ateneo has garnered 862 total games in 16 seasons in the PBA, surpassing the man called as The Captain. He needs only 10 games to get past Defense Minister Jerry Codiñera and Bicolano Superman Yoyoy Villamin in the 2009-2010 season, who are tied at fifth to sixth places

Racela helped the Beermen in winning their 18th league title over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the recent Fiesta Conference, but it seems there’s no signs of slowing down for the two-time member of the all-pro national team in the Asian Games.

In fact, he signed a one-year contract extension for the Beermen, the winningest ball club in the league.

“I was truly blessed I have accomplished so many things,” said Racela, who will turn 39 this November. “Imagine, at my age, I was delegated to guard the PBA Most Valuable Player [JayJay Helterbrand]. That’s not an easy thing to do.”

“But more than that, I’m thankful that I’m almost free of injury in my entire career. It’s a tribute to the discipline I’m giving myself. Hindi ako nagiging overweight because you’ll be prone to injury once you become overweight,” he added.

All players who have played more games than Racela have played within the average of 20 playing seasons. The legendary Robert Jaworski saw action in 23 seasons and played a total of 958 games to wind up in the no. 3 all-time list. Abet Guidaben, who played for 21 seasons, led the list with 1,081 games played followed by Ramon Fernandez, who had 1,074 games.

Racela has won nine PBA championships on top of individual accolades.

But has retirement ever crossed Racela’s mind? Rey Joble

[nardy]

what happened to Rudy "the wrestler" Hatfield? is he going back to Ginebra? did he went AWOL?

Hatfield is now earning hard earned US Dollars as a Fireman.

[Alex07]

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports5_july31_2009

Smart Gilas wants to help Barako Bull

FORMER Philippine Basketball Association chairman Ricky Vargas said his “off the cuff” offer to the PBA board of governors to help tide over the problems faced by Red Bull Barako due to the financial difficulties of the Photokina franchise was made in good faith and in response to an appeal by Buddy Encarnado of Sta. Lucia Realty that the league should help teams in trouble.

The creative solution broached by Vargas was for the Smart Gilas national team, coached by Rakjo Toroman, to take the place of Red Bull for the forthcoming season. And since co-branding has been approved, he suggested that the league allow the Barako Bull logo to be placed on the back of the Smart Gilas team jerseys.

In this way, Photokina would not have to spend on maintaining a team until it hopefully recovers from its present predicament where the salaries of players and the coaching staff have been in arrears. “This will not merely help Red Bull, more importantly it will help the PBA,” said Vargas. “This is because Smart Gilas will be a competitive team out to win and since it will represent the Philippines in next year’s London Olympic qualifier will be an attraction.”

Vargas said that if this is not feasible. at least he tried to find a solution to a situation that is bound to hurt the league which often prides itself on the competitive balance of its teams.

Under the proposal, all Smart Gilas games will be counted just as they were when the Northern Consolidated team played as a guest team in the PBA and ended its stint by winning the import reinforced conference, sweeping Manila Beer, anchored by Michael Young and Harold Keeling in 1985. Ronnie Nathanielsz

will they allow Toroman to coach the team? what will happen to the players of Barako Bull?

[PUGOtipm]

Does the PBA have a power to disfranchise a team? Redbull is going nowhere and the games that they will play next season will look like just a practice games for their opponents. I don't know what are they want to prove, that they are still a strong company? come-on no PBA fans would watch a team that does not have enough players or any reasons to compete at all.

[cod3breaker]

will they allow Toroman to coach the team? what will happen to the players of Barako Bull?

I think the Smart Gilas Team full roster will replace Red Bull for 1 conference.

Then the Red Bull Barako players would have to watch the games on the sidelines but still get their monthly salaries. :D

If Smart Gilas plays with CJ Giles I'm sure mangangamoy championship yan lolz.

[saints13]

Racela gets contract extension (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports4_july31_2009)

IN the history of the Philippine Basketball Association, only six other cagers played more games than Olsen Racela, now the oldest player in the league today.

The durable point guard of San Miguel Beer has surpassed four-time Most Valuable Player Alvin Patrimonio and bullstrong forward Nelson Asaytono in seventh and eighth spots in the all-time list of most games played.

After playing 56 of the 57 games of San Miguel Beer the previous season, the 5’10” guard from Ateneo has garnered 862 total games in 16 seasons in the PBA, surpassing the man called as The Captain. He needs only 10 games to get past Defense Minister Jerry Codiñera and Bicolano Superman Yoyoy Villamin in the 2009-2010 season, who are tied at fifth to sixth places

Racela helped the Beermen in winning their 18th league title over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the recent Fiesta Conference, but it seems there’s no signs of slowing down for the two-time member of the all-pro national team in the Asian Games.

In fact, he signed a one-year contract extension for the Beermen, the winningest ball club in the league.

“I was truly blessed I have accomplished so many things,” said Racela, who will turn 39 this November. “Imagine, at my age, I was delegated to guard the PBA Most Valuable Player [JayJay Helterbrand]. That’s not an easy thing to do.”

“But more than that, I’m thankful that I’m almost free of injury in my entire career. It’s a tribute to the discipline I’m giving myself. Hindi ako nagiging overweight because you’ll be prone to injury once you become overweight,” he added.

All players who have played more games than Racela have played within the average of 20 playing seasons. The legendary Robert Jaworski saw action in 23 seasons and played a total of 958 games to wind up in the no. 3 all-time list. Abet Guidaben, who played for 21 seasons, led the list with 1,081 games played followed by Ramon Fernandez, who had 1,074 games.

Racela has won nine PBA championships on top of individual accolades.

But has retirement ever crossed Racela’s mind? Rey Joble

am I naive? it's the first time I heard it from a pro player. good thing for Olsen, he kept his weight, didn't have much SMB..hehehe

[saints13]

Hatfield is now earning hard earned US Dollars as a Fireman.

tnx for the info.

[CoJ]

I think the Smart Gilas Team full roster will replace Red Bull for 1 conference.

Then the Red Bull Barako players would have to watch the games on the sidelines but still get their monthly salaries. :D

If Smart Gilas plays with CJ Giles I'm sure mangangamoy championship yan lolz.


i don't think the league will allow Giles to suit u for Smart Gilas for the All Filiino Tourney.............

for the barako bull players, perhas the league will pay their salaries, not the photokina franchise (i believe the league has a fund for this),

the bigger question is: Would Redbull be back next conference?

atleast they traded some of their bright spots (Espinas, Chan, only Duncil Left)

hate to see this happen...

[cod3breaker]

i don't think the league will allow Giles to suit u for Smart Gilas for the All Filiino Tourney.............

for the barako bull players, perhas the league will pay their salaries, not the photokina franchise (i believe the league has a fund for this),

the bigger question is: Would Redbull be back next conference?

atleast they traded some of their bright spots (Espinas, Chan, only Duncil Left)

hate to see this happen...

During the NCC days our NT also played with Naturalized players? If so then why not allow it this time? I wanna see Japeth-CJ matchup.

[CoJ]

I have a strange feeling that the Ultra nationalist members of the board of governors would not allow Giles to play at the All Filipino....just a feeling,,,

[The_Big_Cat]

During the NCC days our NT also played with Naturalized players? If so then why not allow it this time? I wanna see Japeth-CJ matchup.


When the PBA allowed Northern Consolidated as a guest team, they also allowed naturalized players Dennis Still, Chip Engelland and Jeff Moore to play as well. The 6'3" Jeff Moore was even recruited by Tanduay as an import in the following conferences. However, Jeff Moore was just a few hairlines above the height limit.

[neo]

I have a strange feeling that the Ultra nationalist members of the board of governors would not allow Giles to play at the All Filipino....just a feeling,,,

it's fine if giles won't.if he get an nba contract then he'll probably be in the u.s. anyway.but if not, then he should be allowed. however, gilas in the pba will be more on developing the individual skills of the players and forming their identity as a team, developing their bonding,cohesion, more than anything.

[KevinDurant]

Thats what you call backward mentality.

[tiffac]

Giles should be allowed to play even in the AFC bec Smart Gilas ranking does not matter, so why impede the playing time of the NT team while they are fielding in the PBA. Baka-fans (the ultra-idiot nationalist) should use their brains for once.

PBA better do this freaking right and stop being m@r@ns themselves.

[saints13]

can't wait to see Gilas on the next PBA conference...at least there is a reason for me to watch PBA games religiously again :)

[nardy]

for me if ever CJ does get Naturalized, I still prefer him playing at the NBA since he would improve more there due to the tougher competition that he would be playing against. I do not want him to just dominate the PBA but stagnate in development. But for legal purposes, if CJ Giles has become a Naturalized Filipino then he should be allowed to play in the PBA since he now a Filipino Citizen and should be accorded all the rights given to All Filipino Citizens. b So if the PBA does not allow a Naturalized Citizen to play in the PBA means they are the honoring the Government acknowledgement that said person is a Filipino Citizen.

[saints13]

is the PBA Rookie Draft today? I hope somebody posts a summary of the draft, labo channel 5 namin e. hehehe. tnx if ever.

[saints13]

<iframe src="http://www.inquirer.net/view/2631" frameborder="0" style="width:370px; height:298px; display:block; " scrolling="no">This page requires a higher version browser</iframe>

[nardy]

is the PBA Rookie Draft today? I hope somebody posts a summary of the draft, labo channel 5 namin e. hehehe. tnx if ever.

huh why Channel 5?

[LCM]

Burger King, Coca-Cola work out last-minute trade deal
08/01/2009 | 09:42 PM

| | More
A day before the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Annual Rookie Draft, Burger King and Coca-Cola was busy hammering out a last-minute trade deal.

The Tigers worked their way to snare the No.3 pick, beating the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants to the draw, in a deal with the Whopper.

Coca-Cola is expected to use that third pick to draft Fil-Am guard Chris Ross, who caught the Tigers’ coaching staff.

Burger King board representative and incoming board chairman Lito Alvarez confirmed to GMANews.TV that the possible trade involving his team and Coca-Cola depends on Purefoods’ move during Sunday’s draft.

Burger King picks first and is expected to tab Japeth Aguilar as the No.1 overall rookie choice.

Purefoods board governor Rene Pardo said, in a telephone interview, that the Giants’ management and coaching staff’s consensus is to select 6-foot-7 forward Rico Maierhofer, who was a key figure in the championship drives of La Salle and Harbour Centre in the UAAP and PBL, respectively.

This means that it is already a done deal with Ross going to Coca-Cola in exchange for the Tigers’ first round pick next year.

“It still depends on what Purefoods will pick. If they go for Maierhofer, then Ross will go to Coca-Cola," said Alvarez. “But if Purefoods selects Ross, then Maierhofer stays with us and the deal with Coke is off."

Coca-Cola assistant coach Bo Perasol believes chances of getting Ross remains 50-50.

“Anything can still happen in the draft, but we are really serious in getting Ross, who showed his versatility playing both guard positions during the Rookie Camp," said Perasol. “We need somebody of Ross’ caliber."

With early negotiations with Burger King for the rights on the No.3 pick falling apart, Purefoods shifted back its attention on Alaska in hope of wooing two-time most valuable player Willie Miller on its fold.

Purefoods board governor said that the deal with Alaska remains hanging. The Giants are offering Enrico Villanueva and a future pick for Miller.

“The deal is still on the table," said Pardo. “We’re just waiting for Alaska’s response."

Alaska board governor and current PBA chairman Joaqui Trillo and multi-titled coach Tim Cone had earlier expressed their intentions to keep the services of the national team standout.

But Purefoods remains persistent. – GMANews.TV

[saints13]

huh why Channel 5?

hahaha..my error. tagal ko na rin kase ndi nanonood PBA, ch. 5 pa yun naaalala ko hehehe. channel 9 pala.

translation:
I almost forgot PBA is already aired on ch. 9

[geohunk]

San miguel lets go of Pingris...gets Arwind...

[PUGOtipm]

expect some trade as early as tomorrow. The draft was at most 5 man deep(impact players) and most teams except maybe for BKW and CCT got players that they need.

[w0otz]

Chris Ross to Coke for Ronjay Buenafe. According to Patricia's Twitter.

[neo]

for me if ever CJ does get Naturalized, I still prefer him playing at the NBA since he would improve more there due to the tougher competition that he would be playing against. I do not want him to just dominate the PBA but stagnate in development. But for legal purposes, if CJ Giles has become a Naturalized Filipino then he should be allowed to play in the PBA since he now a Filipino Citizen and should be accorded all the rights given to All Filipino Citizens. b So if the PBA does not allow a Naturalized Citizen to play in the PBA means they are the honoring the Government acknowledgement that said person is a Filipino Citizen.

i am not fully certain but i think the pba book says only "natural born filipinos" are allowed in the pba to play as locals. he can still make it, a Board decision would suffice.

[saints13]

CJ Giles would create big mismatches if (theoretically) he'll be playing out of Gilas for a PBA team. hmm. then everybody will start naturalizing. hehehe.
btw, is Bobby Parks Sr. a categorically naturalized Filipino?

[rensquared]

can't wait to see Gilas on the next PBA conference...at least there is a reason for me to watch PBA games religiously again :)

Count me in! What if they became the champs in that conference?

[reamily]

CJ Giles would create big mismatches if (theoretically) he'll be playing out of Gilas for a PBA team. hmm. then everybody will start naturalizing. hehehe.
btw, is Bobby Parks Sr. a categorically naturalized Filipino?

yes with Norman black I think:D because he represented phils as a local in some intl competitions:D living in country for a 10 plus yrs would help his naturalization if I am not mistaken:D

[jesronne]

burger king now have a lot of bigmen... bono and quinahan had been reunited plus erick and larry rodriguez... they also have sharma and belga...

while ginebra is now loaded with guards...

[ramzaruglia]

Now, what is the news about the Miller trade? I've been waiting for PF to make their bets.

[leonidas]

Here are the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft Results:

First Round
1. Burger King - Japeth Aguilar (6'9")
2. None
3. Purefoods - Rico Maierhofer ('6'7")
4. Burger King - Chris Ross
5. Rain or Shine - Jervy Cruz (6'4")
6. Alaska - Mike Burtscher
7. Barako Bull - Rogemar Menor (6'2")
8. Brgy. Ginebra - Chris Timberlake
9. Burger King - Ronnie Matias (6'3")
10. San Miguel - James Sena (6'4")

Second Round
11. Sta. Lucia - Mark Lester Benitez (6'4")
12. Barako Bull - Benedict Fernandez (5'11")
13. Barako Bull - Edwin Asoro (6'2")
14. Burger King (traded to Coca- Cola) - Francis Allera (6'4")
15. Rain or Shine - Marcelino Arellano (5'9")
16. Alaska - Sean Christopher Co (6'0")
17. Sta. Lucia - Lamont Waters (6'5")
18. Brgy. Ginebra - Orlando Daroya (6'3")
19. Talk 'N Text - Kevin White (6'0")
20. San Miguel (traded to Coca-Cola) - PJ Walsham (6'5")

Draft Day trades:

- Unconfirmed trade #1 - Coca-Cola traded Alex Cabagnot for Enrico Villanueva of Purefoods

- Unconfirmed trade #2 - Coca-Cola traded Nic Belasco to Talk 'N Text for Renren Ritualo.

- Burger King shipped their 3rd pick Chris Ross, guard Marvin Cruz and the 13th pick to Coca-Cola for Ronjay Buenafe and Coca-Cola's 2010 1st Round Draft pick.

- Burger King released Larry Rodriguez, who was earlier acquired from Barako Bull, to Coca-Cola

Offseason

- Barako Bull's Jeff Chan traded to Rain or Shine for Rob Wainwright and Mark Andaya

- Gabby Espinas traded to Sta. Lucia for Sta. Lucia's 2009 1st Round pick.

- Brgy. Ginebra released Junjun Cabatu, Macky Escalona and JR Aquino to free agency.

-Burger King's Marc Pingris traded to Purefoods for Purefoods' 2010 1st and 2nd Round Draft picks.

- Burger King's Arwind Santos traded to San Miguel for Marc Pingris, Ken Bono and San Miguel's 2010 1st Round draft pick

[jepoy]

Hey guys! I think this guys are smaller than their said height. If you coul remeber in the primer before the draft started. while a player was being measured, i think its marcy. He was wearing shoes. marcy was measure 5'9 but that is with shoes. More or less he is between 5'7-5-8. Yikes!!!!!!!!!!! Sena maybe smaller than 6'3 1/4, maybe at 6'2. OMG

[bolabasket]

Hey guys! I think this guys are smaller than their said height. If you coul remeber in the primer before the draft started. while a player was being measured, i think its marcy. He was wearing shoes. marcy was measure 5'9 but that is with shoes. More or less he is between 5'7-5-8. Yikes!!!!!!!!!!! Sena maybe smaller than 6'3 1/4, maybe at 6'2. OMG

5'9 is his official eight without shoes.....sometimes the way a player plays would exaggerate his height...if he's a high-flyer, expect his height to increase say 2 inches...look ar Arwind Santos, listed at 6'4 but he's just actually 6'2...same with Mark Yee, 6'4 listed but just 6'1 1/2...:cool:

[CoJ]

wow Jervy Cruz is only 6'3........

[icebreaker]

Will Ginebra keep their two draft picks or are they going for a trade? Any updates here please? Thanks!

[ricodgame]

I hope Barako Bull will get Orlando Daroya

[Silent Killer]

BGK draft a PG?

they already have loads of guards on their team

Valenzuela
Baguio
Caguioa
Helterbrand
Intal
Timberlake
Artadi
Lanete

well, their might a trade here. one of this players will go.

[donspark47]

BGK draft a PG?

they already have loads of guards on their team

Valenzuela
Baguio
Caguioa
Helterbrand
Intal
Timberlake
Artadi
Lanete

well, their might a trade here. one of this players will go.

Salvacion and Orlando Daroya?

[Silent Killer]

what is BGK thinking. loads of guard but lacks big man

[Big Ticket]

NBN Sports earlier reported that cholo villanueva (not enrico yet) was traded to BGK for orlando daroya...

[jesronne]

NBN Sports earlier reported that cholo villanueva (not enrico yet) was traded to BGK for orlando daroya...

more guard?????

[jesronne]

hardball said that japeth maybe going to SMB for eman and calaguio!! GO SMB!!

is this still PBA?? or SMC league?

[mateosingko]

according to patricia hizon's tweet:

done deal:
pf's e-vil, alvarez, cruz, bugia for bgk's reavis, artadi, timberlake. But they are still finding for a middle man(team).

[jesronne]

according to patricia hizon's tweet:

done deal:
pf's e-vil, alvarez, cruz, bugia for bgk's reavis, artadi, timberlake. But they are still finding for a middle man(team).

yap and artadi will be reunited...

time for roger yap to step down...

[tiffac]

according to patricia hizon's tweet:

done deal:
pf's e-vil, alvarez, cruz, bugia for bgk's reavis, artadi, timberlake. But they are still finding for a middle man(team).

That would actually be a good trade for the Gins getting 2 forwards and a reliable back up guard as well and losing a munchkin guard (I'll miss you though Kid-Lightning) and a injured prone forward (Your prime has pass you Reaves, sadly).

[mateosingko]

That would actually be a good trade for the Gins getting 2 forwards and a reliable back up guard as well and losing a munchkin guard (I'll miss you though Kid-Lightning) and a injured prone forward (Your prime has pass you Reaves, sadly).

its already on gmanews.tv's sport section, BK is the conduit team, releasing Villanueva (cholo) to Bgk and getting Daroya.

[jericho D. Niera]

Did anyone saw the brother of RICO M.? At least 6'3 right? How old kaya? thus he play Ball? para silang twins ni Rico. hopefully may makapansin at kuhanin sya s mga college teams kung bata pa sya. ......:

he's younger than rico.. two years ago rico's younger brother was listed in adamson's team B. i dont know if he's still with adamson.. i heard that guy is not as skillful as rico.. they also have a younger sister, i think she's a model, because she's so tall. maybe about 5'10..

[nardy]

http://tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:7-bZugkeVVtrGM:http://firequinito.com/templates/firequinito/img/banner.jpg

2009 PBA Draft Results

As expected, Burger King made Japeth Aguilar the first overall pick in the 2009 PBA Draft. While the top picks went as planned, there were a handful of surprises, with a huge WTF moment with Alaska’s pick of Michael Burtscher. I’m guessing Rafe Bartholomew will now light himself on fire. Dude, how’s that tan coming along? My suggestion for your new Pinoy name: Rafael Baldemor. Parang bold star, diba?

The biggest trade, broken by Patricia Hizon on Twitter, is Coke’s acquisition of Chris Ross along with other draft picks from Burger King, in exchange for Ronjay Buenafe and free upsize drinks at all BK outlets. GMA News added that Marvin Cruz and Larry Rodriguez will also be going to Coke as part of the deal, while giving up Nic Belasco to Talk N Text. Coke assistant Bo Perasol also hinted at another big trade. My guess? Alex Cabagnot for one of Purefoods’ big men, possibly Enrico Villanueva.

I got 16 out of 19 draftees right, including eight out of nine in the first round. But the Burtscher pick threw my board out of whack. I'm still expecting the three guys I missed, Bryan Faundo, Ian Saladaga, and Josh Urbiztondo, to crack a roster this season. I missed Benedict Fernandez, Sean Co, and Charles Waters.

Anyway, the draft results:

First round

1. Burger King (acquired from Barako Bull): Japeth Aguilar - I love the fact that BK management is even denying that they'll sell Aguilar down the line. Puh-lease. He'll be in a Talk N Text jersey at the start of the 2010 season.

The second overall pick, originally belonging to Coca-Cola, is forfeited after it was traded to the now-disbanded Shell franchise.

2. Purefoods: Rico Maierhofer - I know they're working on a trade to get help in the backcourt, but wouldn't it be funny if Ryan "The Genius" Gregorio went into the season with 15 guys at power forward? That way he'll have a built-in excuse when they inevitably fail to make it out of the wildcard again. Btw, I saw some fans in the various message boards call him Ryan "Wildcard" Gregorio. I'd get on board, but Binky Favis might sue me for royalties over the nickname.

3. Coca-Cola (acquired from Burger King): Chris Ross - Love the pick. Too bad they don't have a Kelly Williams-type athlete, because Ross might have Ryan Reyes-like impact on the team.

4. Rain or Shine: Jervy Cruz - I'm disappointed that they didn't mention that he'll be reunited with former Hapee Toothpaste teammate Gabe Norwood on RoS.

5. Alaska: Michael Burtscher - There's no truth to the rumors that they drafted Burtscher so that Sonny Thoss would have someone to go clubbing with at Embassy, or that Joaqui Trillo and Tim Cone had a couple of rounds of scotch at Trelli's before the draft, or that Burtscher reminded the Alaska coaching staff of a young, strapping Dickie Bachmann.

6. Barako Bull (acquired from Sta. Lucia): Ogie Menor - Would this Barako Bull team even win against Menor's teams at San Beda?

7. Ginebra: Chris Timberlake - Again, there's no truth to the rumor that Jong Uichico has been collecting guards because he's putting up a security agency.

8. Burger King (acquired from Talk N Text): Ronnie Matias - This was the biggest mortal lock in the draft. Matias was born to play for Yeng Guiao.

9. San Miguel: James Sena - It's good that Sena will be playing a lot over the next couple of months for JRU, because he won't be seeing much action with SMB.


Second round


10. Sta. Lucia (acquired from Coca-Cola): Mark Benitez - Boyet Fernandez was apparently smitten over Benitez in the days leading up to the draft. Benitez didn't even have to fake his records to get drafted.

11. Barako Bull: Benedict Fernandez - Why the hell would they draft another midget shooting guard who can't create his own shot? They already have Magnum Membrere, who by the way towered over Fernandez during the photo-op.

12. Barako Bull (acquired from Purefoods): Edwin Asoro - Looks like the Energy Boosters are making serious strides in their build-up to win a championship. In the PBL.

13. Coca-Cola (acquired from Burger King): Francis Allera - I'm surprised that he measured out to be about 6' 4". This is a good pick. He could be this year's Jeff Chan.

14. Rain or Shine: Marcy Arellano - This is a great pick, giving them another guard who can get to the basket apart from Sol Mercado.

15. Alaska: Sean Co - I would write a joke here, but he's probably not even gonna make the lineup, so I won't bother.

16. Sta. Lucia: Charles Waters - See, I would have gotten this pick right if any of the papers reported that he was Kelly Williams' brother-in-law.

17. Ginebra: Orlando Daroya - Now JC Intal would have someone to tell his problems about his lovelife at the end of the Ginebra bench.

18. Talk N Text: Kevin White - Well, he is Jimmy Alapag's nephew.

19. Coca-Cola (acquired from Burger King): PJ Walsham - It's just apt that he ends up with the same franchise where Manny Ramos and Mike Gavino played. The Coca-Cola Tigers: Where second-rate La Salle big men come to roost.

Posted by jaemark on August 2, 2009 at 22:21

[tiffac]

its already on gmanews.tv's sport section, BK is the conduit team, releasing Villanueva (cholo) to Bgk and getting Daroya.

Yeah I just read it, BGK got Alvarez, E-Vill and Cruz as keepers. That's not bad at all. I'm hoping Alvarez can elevate his game with BGK it seems his been coming up short for some time now since his hopeful days with now defunk Shell.

[nardy]

Yeah I just read it, BGK got Alvarez, E-Vill and Cruz as keepers. That's not bad at all. I'm hoping Alvarez can elevate his game with BGK it seems his been coming up short for some time now since his hopeful days with now defunk Shell.

Intal, Kramer, Escalona, Alvarez, Villanueva ......

hmmm it seems the Ateneans are re-grouping at Ginebra under LaSallite Coach Jong Uichico. Would Tenorio, Membrere, Bugia, Chia, Wesley and Japeth soon follow. ..... how about Olsen ;)

[saints13]

Intal, Kramer, Escalona, Alvarez, Villanueva ......

hmmm it seems the Ateneans are re-grouping at Ginebra under LaSallite Coach Jong Uichico. Would Tenorio, Membrere, Bugia, Chia, Wesley and Japeth soon follow. ..... how about Olsen ;)

Ginebra? Atenistas? :) hehehe... ironic. :)

[nardy]

http://www.philstar.com/images/logo_PStar.gif

Rico goes to Kings in multi-player deal
Updated August 04, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Sister teams Purefoods and Barangay Ginebra, with Burger King as intermediary, struck a major multi-player trade deal a day after the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft.

The Giants reacquired the services of point guard Paul Artadi and also got frontliner Rafi Reavis, off-guard Cholo Villanueva and rookie draftee Chris Timberlake while the Kings gained in return the services of Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, Paolo Bugia and Celino Cruz.

In acting as the third party in the Purefoods-Ginebra transaction, Burger King acquired the rookie draftee Orlando Daroya plus two future picks by the Giants.

PBA operations chief Rickie Santos told The STAR this multi-player transaction has been approved by the league commissioner.

The Giants and the Kings entered into the deal with both hoping to strike a balance in their respective lineups for the coming 35th PBA season.

In getting Rico Maierhofer as the No. 2 pick in the draft, the Giants found themselves with players at the power forward-center spots with the former La Salle standout in the same role as Villanueva, Bugia, Marc Pingris, Kerby Raymundo, Don Allado and Romel Adducul.

They hoped they solved their problem at guard spots on their acquisitions of Artadi and Timberlake. – Nelson Beltran

[mateosingko]

Ginebra? Atenistas? :) hehehe... ironic. :)

GSM Blue Eagles :)

[ankle breaker]

what will happen to roger yap now that artadi and timberlake are with the team?

[durden_tyler]

what will happen to roger yap now that artadi and timberlake are with the team?

Uhmmm. Who cares? :D

[ankle breaker]

isn't he one of coach gregorio's boy toys in PF?:D:D

[durden_tyler]

isn't he one of coach gregorio's boy toys in PF?:D:D

Ok let me rephrase that: Except for Ryan Gregorio, who cares? :D

[jesronne]

Ok let me rephrase that: Except for Ryan Gregorio, who cares? :D

you forgot rene pardo bro... :)

[bolabasket]

3-TEAM PBA TRADE

Former college buddies reunite

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:10:00 08/04/2009

Filed Under: Basketball



IN A MOVE MEANT TO BALANCE ITS ROSter, Purefoods yesterday tabbed two point guards and a veteran center, but gave away three big men to sister team Ginebra in a three-team trade that also involved Burger King.

The TJ Giants snapped up point guards Paul Artadi and Chris Timberlake and center Rafi Reavis and a draft pick for 2010 from Barangay Ginebra in exchange for Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, Paulo Bugia and veteran playmaker Celino Cruz.

“We’re very happy with the trade,” said Rene Pardo, Purefoods’ representative to the PBA Board of Governors. “Now we have a more balanced lineup. These trades make us more competitive.”

Pardo said the trade was set to be finalized late yesterday.

Burger King, a team rebuilding following the departure of franchise player Arwind Santos, was also involved in the switch since league rules state that a third team is needed for trades between sister teams to materialize.

The Whoppers, who made Japeth Aguilar the No. 1 pick in the draft Sunday, dealt seldom-used guard Cholo Villanueva to Ginebra and received rookie Orlando Daroya as well as Purefoods’ two draft picks next year.

“We got what we wanted in Daroya,” said Burger King team manager Lito Alvarez, whose team also traded third pick Chris Ross to Coke for ace gunner Ronjay Buenafe last Sunday.

The 5-foot-9 Artadi returns to the team that drafted him in 2004. He will reunite with University of the East teammates James Yap and KG Canaleta. Purefoods recently acquired Marc Pingris from Burger King as part of the deal that sent Santos to San Miguel.

In Ginebra, Enrico Villanueva, Alvarez and Bugia will also reunite with JC Intal, their teammate at Ateneo.

[CoJ]

good trade for BGK, they've unloaded a chunk of their unused point guards for quality bigmen, wow BGK Eagles ( Villanueva, Alvarez, Intal)

[gergerbinx]

Ito na naman ang lang hiyang sabwatan nila!!!:mad:

Translation: I LOVE THE PBA!!! "kwame brown-pau gasol" trades rarely happen in the league. ;)

BTW... rumor has it that the coca-cola tigers is trading nic belasco to tnt for renren......... :rolleyes: not a bad move.

[nardy]

It seems I was mistaken that Jimmy Alapag had his first brush with rough defense of Coach Yeng Guiao against in 2003 when Jimwell Torion followed Guiao's instruction to stop then PBA Rookie Jimmy at any cost, in which made him do a clothesline foul that landed Jimmy in the Hospital to have a critical plastic surgery in his face and nose.

I found this article in an archive of old news articles. The rough plays against him goes back up to 2002 when he was still an amateur Fil-Am recruit for the National Pool for the 2002 Busan Asian Games, he got injured in a practice game versus Red Bull.

This makes me think again that there might be really truth which people in the know told me that after Coach Yeng was announced as National Team Head Coach, Jimmy was not really keen on playing under Guiao. I know aside from the Torion incident, Alapag was involved in several more incidents against teams of Coach Yeng. He was always at the receiving end physically of a lot of rough fouls. So even though a lot of people were batting for Alapag's inclusion at POWERADE, Jimmy just kept silent and avoided being interviewed about him being left out of the team.

On another note .... does anyone here know what happened to the Fil-Ams mentioned in this article. Do you have any idea if the said Fil-Ams have youngers siblings or cousins that's also good in basketball.


***Alapag’s back in town SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

Spitfirish Fil-Am guard Jimmy Alapag will finally be eligible for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) draft on Jan. 12.

After two years of waiting, the 5-10 Alapag said he can’t wait to play in the pros. His citizenship has been confirmed by the Department of Justice and the only thing left for Alapag to do is to pay P900 for his Filipino ID.

Alapag was named to the national pool by coach Joseph Uichico early this year but played only a game for guest team Hapee Toothpaste in the PBA First Conference.

"It was an out-of-town game in Bataan," recalled Alapag’s agent Chique de la Rosa. "Jimmy dove for a loose ball and (DaVonn) Harp hit his right hand. We didn’t realize how bad it was until Jimmy drove to the basket, got fouled, and shot an airball free throw. Coach Jong took him out of the game and Jimmy never went back in. That was it for the conference. Doctors later diagnosed he fractured his hand."

Alapag went back to the US to nurse his injury. He lived on what he saved from his brief Manila visit and stayed in his brother’s home. When his injury healed, Alapag joined a pick-up team that played a seven-game series against the Mexican national squad, featuring Dallas Mavericks forward Ed Najera and former Phoenix Suns center Horacio Llamas, in a three-week tour. Then, he saw action in the Los Angeles Pro Summer League to sharpen his competitive edge.

"My whole focus has been to get ready for the PBA," said Alapag who flew in a few days ago. "I’m really excited. I’m not thinking which team I’ll play for because that’s not under my control. I’ll just do the best I can for whatever team takes me. I learned a lot from my experience in the national pool and I’ll take that with me to my new team."

Alapag said he expects the draft to be deep in talent. Alaska has the top pick which it gained from a previous trade with FedEx and the word is the Aces are leaning on choosing La Salle guard Mike Cortez. Aside from Cortez, other possible top picks are Romel Adducul and Alapag himself.

The other day, Alapag showed up at a San Miguel Beer practice. He was invited by Uichico to scrimmage. "It was great to see the guys from the national pool again," said Alapag. "Guys like Dondon (Hontiveros), Danny (Ildefonso), and Olsen (Racela). And of course, coach Jong."

Yesterday, Alapag and another Fil-Am prospect Sanley de Castro joined a Purefoods practice.

De Castro–that’s Sanley, not Stanley–was one of five players who signed up for the pre-draft camp conducted by American coach John Moran last week. The others were Fil-Australian Richard Michael, Ken Gumpenberger, Mike Tablan, and Mark Caguco.

De la Rosa, who organized the camp, had expected at least 30 ballers to attend. "Bad timing," he said. "I knew that Ginebra and Talk ‘n’ Text were supposed to send their coaches. But in the end, I think only someone from National University came. The PBL (Philippine Basketball League) players couldn’t join because their conference is still going on. I’m rescheduling the camp a week or two before the draft so the PBL players can join. And I’m hoping the camp will be endorsed by the PBA."

What was initially penciled in as a three-camp lasted only a few hours at the Moro Lorenzo gym. De la Rosa couldn’t even attend because he was hospitalized at the Makati Medical Center for a few days.

Another camper, Caguco, left for Los Angeles yesterday but will be back early next year. Caguco was born in Naga City and brought to the US when he was three. He travels with a Philippine passport and visits here almost every summer. His good buddy is La Salle center Carlo Sharma.

Shell’s Tony de la Cruz said for a change, a lot of Fil-Ams from Southern California are entering the draft. "We’ve got several Fil-Ams from Northern California, like Rob Wainwright, Nic Belasco, and Rob Duat," noted de la Cruz who teamed with De Castro at Harbor junior college. "Now, we’re getting Jimmy, Sanley, and Mark–guys whom I’ve played with in LA. I think we’ll see a rivalry starting–North versus South."

De la Cruz, incidentally, is staying here for the holidays with his wife Julie who’s expecting their first child, a boy, in February. His Shell contract expires this year so he’s hoping to negotiate a renewal. De la Cruz’ parents–his father is Filipino and his mother is an American of German descent–live in Carson City and will visit here to see their grandchild in March.

"My dad’s never seen me play in an actual PBA game although he’s been here lots of times," said de la Cruz. "Hopefully, he’ll get to see me play in March."

De la Cruz played his first full season in the PBA this year and delivered impressive stats. But more than his numbers, de la Cruz earned his minutes by doing the intangibles–things that don’t come out in the stats sheets like screening off, setting picks, diving for loose balls, and playing hard-nosed defense. He found a niche as a big two-guard although in the All-Filipino, played behind Chris Calaguio.

De la Cruz is 20 units short of earning his business degree at the University of California-Irvine. He said school officials assured him he could finish his studies after his playing career because of his solid academic performance.

"Scott Brooks played in the pros for several years and when he retired, went back to school at Irvine and got his degree," said de la Cruz. "I’ve just got a few units left and I’ll definitely earn my degree, perhaps when I retire from basketball."

De la Rosa said there are two outstanding Fil-Am players in Southern California. One is guard Denver Lopez who’s playing for California State at Fullerton, a Division I school, and the other is Alex Cabagnot who’s fresh out of Glendale high school and being recruited to play for the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

"Lopez is a shoo-in for the PBA–after all, he’s a Division I player," said de la Rosa. "And everyone’s raving about Cabagnot who’s broken all of Mark Caguioa’s scoring records in high school. There are other Fil-Ams excelling in sports, like the Sta. Ana brothers who are on the track team at Sacramento State."

De la Rosa said he’d like his athletes to earn their degrees before playing full-time. "That’s why I’m not rushing Joe Edwards," said de la Rosa, referring to the 6-7 Fil-Am now playing for Letran. "I know his parents from California and I told them I’d take care of Joe. He’s got two more years at Letran then he’ll join the draft."

[gergerbinx]

cabagnot and lopez didnt live up to their hypes....:(

where's joe edwards now? still with letran?

Richard Michael, Ken Gumpenberger, Mike Tablan, and Mark Caguco were never-heard-ofs...:confused:

[logre23]

cabagnot and lopez didnt live up to their hypes....:(

where's joe edwards now? still with letran?

Richard Michael, Ken Gumpenberger, Mike Tablan, and Mark Caguco were never-heard-ofs...:confused:


I remembered him when that 2002 draft host said he became hungry when red bull called his name. :D...round 5 na kase:D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_PBA_Draft

[rhk111]

What I can't understand, is why Purefoods is getting back Paul Artadi. There was a lot of bad blood between Paul and Ryan when he was traded to BGK a couple of conferences ago, and now he's back. Unless they're planning to ship him out somewhere again.

[neo]

finally, enrico to ginebra...ive been waiting for that for so long. i haver always thought that he has yet to fully maximize his potential. with reavis out and menk past his prime, he can really be the power player of the kings.

[Big Ticket]

cabagnot and lopez didnt live up to their hypes....:(

where's joe edwards now? still with letran?

Richard Michael, Ken Gumpenberger, Mike Tablan, and Mark Caguco were never-heard-ofs...:confused:

is the same guy marc cagoco playing for JRU?

[bolabasket]

cabagnot and lopez didnt live up to their hypes....:(

where's joe edwards now? still with letran?

Richard Michael, Ken Gumpenberger, Mike Tablan, and Mark Caguco were never-heard-ofs...:confused:

is Joe Edwards the same as Vladimir Joe? :rolleyes:

[Big Ticket]

is Joe Edwards the same as Vladimir Joe? :rolleyes:

nope...

[its_eman8211]

Enrico's addition to BGK will strengthen their 4-5 position which BGK lack. Reavis is old already, he is not an offensive type of player, he is good in rebounding and shoot blocking but he lack upper body strength... With rico playing 4 or 5, he can provide strength, block some shoot, he can score and he is also a very physical player. MAANGAS ba... Good trade!

the only thing i didn't like about the trade is Celino Cruz...

[shootingbwakaw]

finally, enrico to ginebra...ive been waiting for that for so long. i haver always thought that he has yet to fully maximize his potential. with reavis out and menk past his prime, he can really be the power player of the kings.

blue collar bruiser with smarts. nice fit for GSM. perfect during Jaworski days

O Daroya = cheaper A. Santos for budget-conscious Whoppers

[KevinDurant]

I have a feeling that Gary David will be traded by BK since they recently acquired Buenafe and Daroya.

Bidding starts now..:D

[neo]

I have a feeling that Gary David will be traded by BK since they recently acquired Buenafe and Daroya.

Bidding starts now..:D

that has been an issue since the fiesta cup. its fine. i think David is no longer happy with his playing time in BK. he started so well last conference but his time diminished when Yee and Aban came.

[PUGOtipm]

I have a feeling that Gary David will be traded by BK since they recently acquired Buenafe and Daroya.

Bidding starts now..:D
But if you look at the line-up of PBA teams right now the shooting guard spot of most of the teams are already loaded with the exception of Redbull or perhaps Sta. will be a good team for Gary D.

[Silent Killer]

Rather play with a weak team. he'll probably the go to guy. Red Bull?

or play with Coke.

[RP Team_87]

Intal, Kramer, Escalona, Alvarez, Villanueva ......

hmmm it seems the Ateneans are re-grouping at Ginebra under LaSallite Coach Jong Uichico. Would Tenorio, Membrere, Bugia, Chia, Wesley and Japeth soon follow. ..... how about Olsen ;)

Ateneans with BGK:

Villanueva
Alvarez
Kramer
Intal
Escalona (is he still with BGK?)

[RP Team_87]

hardball said that japeth maybe going to SMB for eman and calaguio!! GO SMB!!

is this still PBA?? or SMC league?

PBA will soon be renamed SMIBA- San Miguel Invitational Basketball Association

[elyctricfan]

After the Draft/Trades up to press time, here are some observation per team if the PBA will start right now

Alaska Aces - drafting a 6'4" Filam MIKE BURCHSCHER is a shocking draft, a virtuAlly unknown player and Tim Cone loves Fil-am in his team, with the problem regarding Willie Miller, and there are no serious takers on him, Alaska won't make it to the quarterfinals.

Barako Bulls - Drafting Menor, Fernandez and Asoro wont make them A title contender. They are the one who will be eliminated first

Barangay Ginebra - with Evill, Alvarez, Bugia and Celino Cruz, they are considered Title Contenders

Burger King - a semi final appearance will do with Japeth, Ronjay and Gary David will complete the Big three

Coca- Cola tigers - new blood just infuse their lineup, with the rumor of getting Ren2 with the acquisition of Chris Ross and other role players and having Asi as their main man, a quarterfinal appearance will be granted to this team

Rain or Shine - another top quarterfinal qualifier team which improved a lot last conference, with Jervy Cruz teaming with Gabe and Sol, they still be a contender team

Purefoods - with the acquisition of Rafi and Rico, and re acquisition of Pingris and Artadi, a semifinal appearance is at stake, as long as Ryan will coach the team, they will be stucked in the semifinal scene

Sta. Lucia - with the return of Kelly Williams in the line-up and with Gabby Espinas, the stakes become higher to this team, a tough to beat team if they will qualify to the semi final round.

Talk and Text - until now, only Nic Belasco added in their lineup, the defending champs will rely with Mac2, Ranidel and Harvey Carey to defend their title

San Miguel Beermen - with the acquisition of Arwind Santos, the best player in the PBA up to this moment, a championship appearance is very high to this team, with the additional man power from James Sena and the returning Danny Seigle and Lordy Tugade, Coach Siot must find plays and install role players in this loaded lineup.

Forecast: SMB vs BGK in the finals once again

[CoJ]

After the Draft/Trades up to press time, here are some observation per team if the PBA will start right now

Alaska Aces - drafting a 6'4" Filam MIKE BURCHSCHER is a shocking draft, a virtuAlly unknown player and Tim Cone loves Fil-am in his team, with the problem regarding Willie Miller, and there are no serious takers on him, Alaska won't make it to the quarterfinals.

Barako Bulls - Drafting Menor, Fernandez and Asoro wont make them A title contender. They are the one who will be eliminated first

Barangay Ginebra - with Evill, Alvarez, Bugia and Celino Cruz, they are considered Title Contenders

Burger King - a semi final appearance will do with Japeth, Ronjay and Gary David will complete the Big three

Coca- Cola tigers - new blood just infuse their lineup, with the rumor of getting Ren2 with the acquisition of Chris Ross and other role players and having Asi as their main man, a quarterfinal appearance will be granted to this team

Rain or Shine - another top quarterfinal qualifier team which improved a lot last conference, with Jervy Cruz teaming with Gabe and Sol, they still be a contender team

Purefoods - with the acquisition of Rafi and Rico, and re acquisition of Pingris and Artadi, a semifinal appearance is at stake, as long as Ryan will coach the team, they will be stucked in the semifinal scene

Sta. Lucia - with the return of Kelly Williams in the line-up and with Gabby Espinas, the stakes become higher to this team, a tough to beat team if they will qualify to the semi final round.

Talk and Text - until now, only Nic Belasco added in their lineup, the defending champs will rely with Mac2, Ranidel and Harvey Carey to defend their title

San Miguel Beermen - with the acquisition of Arwind Santos, the best player in the PBA up to this moment, a championship appearance is very high to this team, with the additional man power from James Sena and the returning Danny Seigle and Lordy Tugade, Coach Siot must find plays and install role players in this loaded lineup.

Forecast: SMB vs BGK in the finals once again

good analogy btw......Conjuanco Finals again? hmmm Lucio Tan must be rolling on his grave, but he aint dead yet....Sayang, Lucio Tan was fed up with the Conjuanco franchises that he puuled out Tanduay from the league and sold it to....RedBull

[Tiggerman]

No wonder BK and Red Bull don't have any loyal followers unlike Ginebra, San Mig and Purefoods, they treat their players as inventories to be sold off to the highest bidder. They can be likened to farm teams of the SMC Group and TnT. They even have the gal to trade away their franchise players for 2 lousy 1st round picks! What they are doing is tantamount to destroying the integrity and credibility of the league itself. They will acquire marquee players from the draft, then after they finished grooming them to be stars, they will ship them to a SMC owned team or TnT in exchange of cash and draft picks to start the same cycle again.

[nardy]

No wonder BK and Red Bull don't have any loyal followers unlike Ginebra, San Mig and Purefoods, they treat their players as inventories to be sold off to the highest bidder. They can be likened to farm teams of the SMC Group and TnT. They even have the gal to trade away their franchise players for 2 lousy 1st round picks! What they are doing is tantamount to destroying the integrity and credibility of the league itself. They will acquire marquee players from the draft, then after they finished grooming them to be stars, they will ship them to a SMC owned team or TnT in exchange of cash and draft picks to start the same cycle again.

the problem is that it is now too expensive to maintain a professional basketball team with the outrageous high salaries demanded by our players which most of them does not even deserve to get. Then there's also the problem of the league requirement a very excessive franchise fee in order for new teams to become a member of the PBA.

Since the PBA Team are only cost/expense centers whose main purpose is to give promotional mileage for a company's product lines, the high costs are becoming unbearable and thus make it very difficult to have a positive return-of-investment which is required by the company's owners or stockholders.

It is just bad that the people who really loves basketball and wants to join the PBA does not have the money to maintain a basketball team for a long-term period. Then the PBA is no longer that viable a promotional vehicle for products due to the dwindling TV ratings.

[reamily]

the problem is that it is now too expensive to maintain a professional basketball team with the outrageous high salaries demanded by our players which most of them does not even deserve to get. Then there's also the problem of the league requirement a very excessive franchise fee in order for new teams to become a member of the PBA.

Since the PBA Team are only cost/expense centers whose main purpose is to give promotional mileage for a company's product lines, the high costs are becoming unbearable and thus make it very difficult to have a positive return-of-investment which is required by the company's owners or stockholders.

It is just bad that the people who really loves basketball and wants to join the PBA does not have the money to maintain a basketball team for a long-term period. Then the PBA is no longer that viable a promotional vehicle for products due to the dwindling TV ratings.

right :D:D if your the tv coveror of the pba you will be always a hostage
you can't maximizer your sponsors thats why you are lucky if do not have debt in the pba:D:D

[reamily]

No wonder BK and Red Bull don't have any loyal followers unlike Ginebra, San Mig and Purefoods, they treat their players as inventories to be sold off to the highest bidder. They can be likened to farm teams of the SMC Group and TnT. They even have the gal to trade away their franchise players for 2 lousy 1st round picks! What they are doing is tantamount to destroying the integrity and credibility of the league itself. They will acquire marquee players from the draft, then after they finished grooming them to be stars, they will ship them to a SMC owned team or TnT in exchange of cash and draft picks to start the same cycle again.

they do not have the money those three teams you said have:D:D:D

[nardy]

In the business news:


http://www.bworldonline.com/images/BusinessWorldOnline.gif
Thursday, August 6, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Corporate News
San Miguel to sell stake in Ginebra first
Sale to happen ahead of divestment in Pure Foods

FOOD-TO-POWER Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corp. is holding talks with foreign groups to sell a substantial stake in its liquor arm in the coming months, the company’s president said.

Ramon S. Ang told reporters the sale of a stake in Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI), the country’s largest liquor firm, would likely be concluded before a planned divestment of up to 49% of the group’s food arm San Miguel Pure Foods Co., Inc.

"The ones we’re talking to for an investment in GSMI are bolder. For food, we’ve been doing it for a long time but it’s slower," Mr. Ang said. He declined to say how much stake the group was selling in Ginebra.

San Miguel currently holds at least 79.5% of Ginebra, which has a market value of $121.3 million, based on the liquor company’s latest disclosure on its top shareholders as of end-June.

This development could affect the PBA, if the prospective buyers are also basketball lovers and see the league as an effective product promotional vehicle then it would just be fine. But if it is the other way around then this could mean the demise of the 2 popular teams from the professional league.

Would change of owners change the basketball landscape is something we would see in the next few months. Does this mean the end of the PBA being called a Danding Cojuangco Basketball League. Let's hope this does not result in the death of the PBA after 34 years.

[PUGOtipm]

Cruz, Arellano to sign PBA contracts
Friday, August 07, 2009 3:23:00 AM
Rain or Shine rookies Jervy Cruz and Marcy Arellano are expected to sign separate deals on Friday that will finalize the team's roster for the next PBA season.

Cruz, the one-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) from University of Santo Tomas, was selected by the Elasto Painters as the fifth overall pick while Arellano, who played for University of the East in the UAAP, was 15th overall in the PBA Rookie Draft held last Sunday.

"We are very excited with the two players. I personally saw them do some drills during practice," said Raymund Yu, who co-owns the team with Terry Que. "I think Jervy can help us in the rebounding department, while Marcy adds depth to our backcourt as an off the bench player."

The team is also considering tapping the services of former Ateneo star Macky Escalona as back-up to former La Salle ace TY Tang.

The 6-foot-4 Cruz, according to Que, will be offered a three-year contract.

"If he plays good in the first two years with the team, we will give him a raise on his third year in the team," said Que.

Rain or Shine mentor Caloy Garcia said Cruz will provide them versatility at the frontline with his athleticism and quickness.

"Jervy is a quick guy and he's very aggressive on the boards," Garcia said.

Cruz will share minutes at the forward positions with last season's Rookie of the Year, Fil-Am Gabe Norwood, Mark Isip, Allan Salansang, and Eddie Laure.

Cruz will reunite with former PBL teammate (Hapee Toothpaste) Norwood.

"We need his athleticism. He can actually play the three spot because of his quickness. Despite his lack of for his size, he can compensate it with his quickness," Garcia added.

"As for Marcy, he can easily adjust to our system because he played with me when I coached Sista. Both players will also adjust well with the other players dahil mga bata pa naman halos lahat." Waylon Galvez - Manila Bulletin

[CoJ]

Cruz, Arellano to sign PBA contracts
Friday, August 07, 2009 3:23:00 AM
Rain or Shine rookies Jervy Cruz and Marcy Arellano are expected to sign separate deals on Friday that will finalize the team's roster for the next PBA season.

Cruz, the one-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) from University of Santo Tomas, was selected by the Elasto Painters as the fifth overall pick while Arellano, who played for University of the East in the UAAP, was 15th overall in the PBA Rookie Draft held last Sunday.

"We are very excited with the two players. I personally saw them do some drills during practice," said Raymund Yu, who co-owns the team with Terry Que. "I think Jervy can help us in the rebounding department, while Marcy adds depth to our backcourt as an off the bench player."

The team is also considering tapping the services of former Ateneo star Macky Escalona as back-up to former La Salle ace TY Tang.

The 6-foot-4 Cruz, according to Que, will be offered a three-year contract.

"If he plays good in the first two years with the team, we will give him a raise on his third year in the team," said Que.

Rain or Shine mentor Caloy Garcia said Cruz will provide them versatility at the frontline with his athleticism and quickness.

"Jervy is a quick guy and he's very aggressive on the boards," Garcia said.

Cruz will share minutes at the forward positions with last season's Rookie of the Year, Fil-Am Gabe Norwood, Mark Isip, Allan Salansang, and Eddie Laure.

Cruz will reunite with former PBL teammate (Hapee Toothpaste) Norwood.

"We need his athleticism. He can actually play the three spot because of his quickness. Despite his lack of for his size, he can compensate it with his quickness," Garcia added.

"As for Marcy, he can easily adjust to our system because he played with me when I coached Sista. Both players will also adjust well with the other players dahil mga bata pa naman halos lahat." Waylon Galvez - Manila Bulletin

hmmm, When Shell disbabned I lost my interest in the PBA, but the ROS franchise had kept me interested again in the PBA,,, this team reminds me of the 1999 All Filipino Champions Shell Velocity, though i believe Shell has an upper hand (lets see Paras as Reyes, Cruz as Jackson, Norwpod as Pablo, Castillo as Mercado, Tang as Esplana, both teams having a good bench such as Marzan, Dualan, Mendoza and Santos for Shell, while Chan, Ibanes, Isip, Salangsang and Dulay for ROS)

I hope they sigh Jun Jun Cabatu to replace Wainright's contribution to the team...Wainright was servicable but lacks the defensive awareness that could have salvage ROS in the semis last conference. Hope Jervy Cruz would be that glue

[its_eman8211]

ROS is a very young team that bring a lot of athleticism, power and energy. Aside from being a BGK fan, my second choice is ROS. There is no legit superstar in this team but all of them are contributing in their own way.

With the addition of Jeff Chan, Mike Hrabak, Jervy Cruz and Marcy Arellano, this team can be considered as a team to look out. Last season they caught us by surprise by entering the Semis. I hope they do it again.

I hope also that they also sign Junjun Cabatu and Macky Escalona, they both played well whenever given a chance.

[CoJ]

ROS is a very young team that bring a lot of athleticism, power and energy. Aside from being a BGK fan, my second choice is ROS. There is no legit superstar in this team but all of them are contributing in their own way.

With the addition of Jeff Chan, Mike Hrabak, Jervy Cruz and Marcy Arellano, this team can be considered as a team to look out. Last season they caught us by surprise by entering the Semis. I hope they do it again.

I hope also that they also sign Junjun Cabatu and Macky Escalona, they both played well whenever given a chance.

Nice another ROS fan on board.....................

i was a big Paras fan back in the day,,,just hope this franchise could win a championship this coming season (I love the versatility of their starting five in Reyes, Cruz, Norwood, Mercado and Tang) this team has so much upside and has yet to peak

[its_eman8211]

Kumpadre... i hope your a BGK fan too...
Kudos to BGK and ROS

[saints13]

Nic Belasco to Talk N Text
Larry Rodriguez to Coca Cola
Rob Reyes to Barako Bull

[mr_reteche]

In the business news:



This development could affect the PBA, if the prospective buyers are also basketball lovers and see the league as an effective product promotional vehicle then it would just be fine. But if it is the other way around then this could mean the demise of the 2 popular teams from the professional league.

Would change of owners change the basketball landscape is something we would see in the next few months. Does this mean the end of the PBA being called a Danding Cojuangco Basketball League. Let's hope this does not result in the death of the PBA after 34 years.

viewing the smc strategy ginebra san miguel would still be a san miguel corp controlled company due to its superior ownership shares, which will remain at 50 to 51 percent. this gives smc control of the company and knowing mr ang he will likely find a "strategic investors" which will be a suck up to him and mr cojuangco i.e. kirin, nihon yamamura and others. in lieu with the PBA fanchises ginerbra and pure foods wil still remain under the smc wing because there is no drastic change in the ownership structure it is nly altered to suit the cash needed by smc to fund its other projects that is outside the company's traditional business lines.

[PUGOtipm]

Nic Belasco to Talk N Text
Larry Rodriguez to Coca Cola
Rob Reyes to Barako Bull
Rob Reyes signed a 3 years max salary for a rookie with TnT last year right? and Barako Bulls get him?

[saints13]

Rob Reyes signed a 3 years max salary for a rookie with TnT last year right? and Barako Bulls get him?

Rob Reyes went to Barako Bull after TNT acquired Nic Belasco, I don't know if they bought out his (Reyes) contract.He ended up in Red Bull (is he happy about it?) and not on Coke since Coke got Rodriguez from Burger King.

[bolabasket]

Coca-Cola ships Telan to Rain or Shine for future draft picks
08/09/2009 | 08:11 PM


Mark Clemence Telan will add size and experience for Rain or Shine after the Elasto Painters acquired the veteran journeyman in a trade deal formalized late Friday.

The two teams set their new directions towards rebuilding for the 35th season of the Philippine Basketball Association with the trade. Coca-Cola got future picks with the trade as the Tigers are hoping to infuse new blood in order to strengthen its campaign.

Coca-Cola board representative JB Baylon, who is also the Powerade-Team Pilipinas manager, confirmed the deal to GMANews.TV Sunday.

“We have agreed to trade Mark (Telan). It was part of the direction we want to undergo this season," said Baylon, who is currently in Tianjin, China for the FIBA Asia Championship. “We want a faster and younger team."

A 10-year veteran, who was a direct-hire by Tanduay back in 1999, the 33-year-old Telan averaged 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game in last season’s Philippine Cup.

The Tigers also traded another veteran frontliner – Nic Belasco – last week for promising sophomore Larry Rodriguez as the team is trying to invest more on young turks who will be the core of their up tempo style of play.

The Elasto Painters achieved yet their best place finish in the PBA last season. They made it all the way to the Final Four, the first time in six conferences, and they want to make it to the championship round when the league’s 35th season opens on October 11.

The inclusion of Telan to the Elasto Painters’ fold will give the squad an additional post presence.

The former La Salle stalwart, who won seven championships while playing for the Tanduay Rhum Masters in the Philippine Basketball League, will join forces with Jay-R Reyes and Mark Isip.

Recently, the Elasto Painters also secured veteran frontliner Mike Hrabak from the Barako Bull. He was part of the four-player trade that also included Jeff Chan, Rob Wainwright and Mark Andaya.

Chan will provide the outside scoring threat the Elasto Painters would certainly need in the absence of a legitimate center while Hrabak brings toughness and veteran smarts. – GMANews.TV

[flipballa7]

ROS will be tough in the coming season. I wouldn't want to be traded to Barako Bull right now. Just ask John Arigo. Hehehe


http://theprodigy7.wordpress.com

[tiffac]

viewing the smc strategy ginebra san miguel would still be a san miguel corp controlled company due to its superior ownership shares, which will remain at 50 to 51 percent. this gives smc control of the company and knowing mr ang he will likely find a "strategic investors" which will be a suck up to him and mr cojuangco i.e. kirin, nihon yamamura and others. in lieu with the PBA fanchises ginerbra and pure foods wil still remain under the smc wing because there is no drastic change in the ownership structure it is nly altered to suit the cash needed by smc to fund its other projects that is outside the company's traditional business lines.

Exactly and no other company or investor can buy up all 49% that SMC will divest in Ginebra stake, so SMC will still hold majority rule and surely enough most investors that are coming in to buy the stake won't have it any other way.

[CoJ]

ROS will be tough in the coming season. I wouldn't want to be traded to Barako Bull right now. Just ask John Arigo. Hehehe


http://theprodigy7.wordpress.com

Being traded to Barako Bull is like going to purgatory....you can pad all the stats you want, but your gonnna lose a lot.............and no one will watch you.


wow, ROS is looking competitive for the next season.......I like the Telan addition, gives them additional height and athleticism at the 4 and 5 (projected lineup, starters Reyes, Telan, Norwood (wow 6'5 plus guys at the frontline), Mercado and Tang, with Cruz,Arana, Chan, Hrabak, Ibanez, Isip and Laure contributing off the bench....)


San Miguel is still the clear favorite to win the AFC,

Finally Coca Cola is getting rid of all those old players...........Only Taulava left

[jericho D. Niera]

Being traded to Barako Bull is like going to purgatory....you can pad all the stats you want, but your gonnna lose a lot.............and no one will watch you...



so Ogie MENOR is in purgatory now? hahaha... maybe he is now telling his self, "sayang yung smart gilas" (i should have joined smart gilas..) hahaha.. :p

[CoJ]

so Ogie MENOR is in purgatory now? hahaha... maybe he is now telling his self, "sayang yung smart gilas" (i should have joined smart gilas..) hahaha.. :p

atleast i did not mentioned hellhahaha...both blessing and misery on Menor's case, he will get paid, but he will play for a losing team, thus his chances for improvement will be low, but atleast, he can pad his stats

[jericho D. Niera]

he can pad his stats for a year, after a year, we'll see... :D:D:D

[tiffac]

Being traded to Barako Bull is like going to purgatory....you can pad all the stats you want, but your gonnna lose a lot.............and no one will watch you.

Not to mention you won't be able to play in the first conference since Smart Gilas will replace Red Bull for a short stint while Red Bull fix their finances. Purgatory indeed.

[neo]

Not to mention you won't be able to play in the first conference since Smart Gilas will replace Red Bull for a short stint while Red Bull fix their finances. Purgatory indeed.

that is no final agreement on that yet.or should i say there is no agreement yet whatsoever.

[ankle breaker]

i would rather see red bull play as a team and allow smart gilas play as a different team probably a guest team whatsoever. this for the PBA to gauge their capacity in how they are going to manage more teams if they have plans to expand the league to 12 or 14 teams in the future.

[flipballa7]

i would rather see red bull play as a team and allow smart gilas play as a different team probably a guest team whatsoever. this for the PBA to gauge their capacity in how they are going to manage more teams if they have plans to expand the league to 12 or 14 teams in the future.

I agree, it's like saying you guys can't afford to be here anymore so as a sign of goodwill we will save you all the worry and field in a team in your behalf. I know TNT meant well when they offered as they are great human beings. It's just that it how it's going to look like. and i don't think Red Bull management will let this happen.

http://theprodigy7.wordpress.com

[tiffac]

that is no final agreement on that yet.or should i say there is no agreement yet whatsoever.

Oh so the ink has not hit the paper yet, I thought they already made a final agreement on that. Thanks for the heads up.~

[CoJ]

sucks to be a player for redbull, atleast they have guaranteed contracts...........I wonder, what are they thinking right now with red Bull's future still uncertain......(sucks to be a veteran like arigo, wainright and andaya, enjoying good roles on winning teams then traded to this mess of a franchise)

[durden_tyler]

sucks to be a player for redbull, atleast they have guaranteed contracts...........I wonder, what are they thinking right now with red Bull's future still uncertain......(sucks to be a veteran like arigo, wainright and andaya, enjoying good roles on winning teams then traded to this mess of a franchise)

It's both good and bad. The veterans are indeed at the short end of the stick but the young guys can get bloated stats and earn that contract. How many supposedly mediocre/role players have become millionaires from Red Bull so far?

[PUGOtipm]

Menk to reunite with Telan at Rain or Shine?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 3:28:00 AM

A possible reunion looms for former Tanduay Rhum stalwarts Mark Telan and Eric Menk.

This as Rain or Shine, Telan's new team, expressed its intention to tab the former Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player, who's one of the free agents left unsigned by the Ginebra Kings.

Team co-owner Raymond Yu told GMANews.TV that the team is considering Menk in their bid to shore up Rain or Shine's small frontline.

"We are always open to opportunities," said Yu, referring to Menk as one of the players in their short list of big men.

Aside from Menk, the Elasto Painters are also looking at center Carlo Sharma and forward Ken Bono of Burger King to join Telan, whom Rain or Shine recently signed to a one-year deal, at the fort.

Telan and Menk had previously teamed up for the Rhum Masters during the franchise's dominance in the Philippine Basketball League. They were two of the players elevated by coach Alfrancis Chua to the PBA when the franchise rejoined the PBA in 1999.

Menk could provide experience and toughness to a young Elasto Painters squad built around promising forward Jay-R Reyes, sophomores Gabe Norwood, Sol Mercado, TY Tang, new recruit Jeff Chan, third-year pro Ryan Arana and rookies Jervy Cruz and Marcy Arellano, who were both signed up by the squad last week.

"We're excited with our team right now. We tried to strengthen our weakening positions and we have added a veteran in Telan," said Yu.

[CoJ]

It's both good and bad. The veterans are indeed at the short end of the stick but the young guys can get bloated stats and earn that contract. How many supposedly mediocre/role players have become millionaires from Red Bull so far?

let's see, tugade, valenzuela, Se, Baguio, Villanueva, Pennisi, Robinson, Fonacier, celino cruz, Duncil, Sharma, Raymundo

wow the list of the players they released through the years could form a championship team

[tiffac]

I think Raymundo was not released by the Barakos from what I know Kerby gave nod to Yeng that he will be their draft but the opted out to be part of Purefoods in the end.

[ankle breaker]

well kerby got suspended for a year for falsifying his age. that's the reason he went to purefoods because he was released by red bull.

[don juan]

puro kayo pba. wala namang kwenta. bakit, magagaling ba players dyan?
mag nba na lang kayo kung gusto nyo highlight plays.

hahaha! jowk onli :D

[ricodgame]

well kerby got suspended for a year for falsifying his age. that's the reason he went to purefoods because he was released by red bull.

Kerby was traded to purefoods for i think two 2nd round draft picks

[ras627]

puro kayo pba. wala namang kwenta. bakit, magagaling ba players dyan?
mag nba na lang kayo kung gusto nyo highlight plays.

hahaha! jowk onli :D


spammers get a job dont spam here

[Big Ticket]

well kerby got suspended for a year for falsifying his age. that's the reason he went to purefoods because he was released by red bull.

he was traded to PF for a 1st round pick which PF got back in exchange for mike hrabak...so basically, kerby was traded for hrabak...

btw, guess what team protested kerby's falsification of documents???? it was purefoods ironically...

[ankle breaker]

it was reported that it was his aunt nena pizarro a former head of DepEd that falsified his records for him to be able to play in the PBA when red bull decided to join the PBA and elevated some of their stalwarths in the PBL team. that include raymundo who was just 19 at that time, jimwel toreon, junthy valenzuela, mic pennisi and davon harp in 2000. he was able to play 6 games before he was banned for the rest of the year due to eligibility issues. he returned to redbull the following year when they won the commissioners cup but then was traded to PF the following year.

[elyctricfan]

According to Than:

SLR is negotiating for BB's Leo Najorda.

While Norman Gonzales & Christian Coronel were both trying out with the Coca Cola Team.

Pacana & Urbiztondo might make the SLR roster.

[saints13]

any news about the Coke line-up? I'm curious who were left together with Ross and Asi? Telan and Belasco out, who are the new big men?

[gaLj]

any news about the Coke line-up? I'm curious who were left together with Ross and Asi? Telan and Belasco out, who are the new big men?

Larry Rodriguez and PJ Walsham :cool:

[Skizziks43]

any new trade update

[gergerbinx]

Larry Rodriguez and PJ Walsham :cool:


PJ walsham!!! the next gavino....:D why in the world was he drafted....

[jesronne]

any new trade update

sta lucia is trying to get leo najorda from barako bull... they are also trying to sign josh urbiztondo...

SLR releases some of its players....

[raja]

let's see, tugade, valenzuela, Se, Baguio, Villanueva, Pennisi, Robinson, Fonacier, celino cruz, Duncil, Sharma, Raymundo

wow the list of the players they released through the years could form a championship team


i think you forgot willie miller.. he was with the bull before he was transferred to TNT

[el scorcho]

i think you forgot willie miller.. he was with the bull before he was transferred to TNT

BB is like a farm team...right in the same league. lol

[donspark47]

Being traded to Barako Bull is like going to purgatory....you can pad all the stats you want, but your gonnna lose a lot.............and no one will watch you.


wow, ROS is looking competitive for the next season.......I like the Telan addition, gives them additional height and athleticism at the 4 and 5 (projected lineup, starters Reyes, Telan, Norwood (wow 6'5 plus guys at the frontline), Mercado and Tang, with Cruz,Arana, Chan, Hrabak, Ibanez, Isip and Laure contributing off the bench....)


San Miguel is still the clear favorite to win the AFC,

Finally Coca Cola is getting rid of all those old players...........Only Taulava left

GINEBRA - J. Helterbrand, M. Caguioa, R. Tubid, E. Villanueva, B. Mamaril in starting five - power bench likes of Salvacion, Baguio, Cruz, Alvarez, Kramer, Se, Intal? any updates of Menk?

[Skizziks43]

BB is just like a training pool for future superstars before, but this time, i dont think so, unless they prove something to their critics this coming season....
its up to the players and coaching staff to prove they worth to be a pba team.;)

[gaLj]

GINEBRA - J. Helterbrand, M. Caguioa, R. Tubid, E. Villanueva, B. Mamaril in starting five - power bench likes of Salvacion, Baguio, Cruz, Kramer, Se, Intal? any updates of Menk?
He recently signed another contract with BGK :)

Anyway for SMC fans, visit us at ngetstudio.com :D

[CoJ]

is barako bull the PBA's equivalent of LA Clippers? BK is apparently in the same direction (maybe the effect of Yeng's Midas touch?)

finally coke is acquiring young players but TNT seems to get older after the acquisition of Belasco.......

[durden_tyler]

Very interesting season coming up indeed with all these wholesale changes!

[durden_tyler]

He recently signed another contract with BGK :)

Anyway for SMC fans, visit us at ngetstudio.com :D

Whatever happened to the ngetstudio forums? It was down months ago and still down recently (or can't get into it because my log in name wasn't recognized. Do i still have to register a new name?)

[brit888]

This message in not related to this post at all. I am not familiar how to use this site. I am new to this site. I am wondering if anyone has news about NCAA Bedan player Julius Binuya. I used to watch him play when I used to go to Philippines on my holidays. Just wondering if anyone can help me of where I can find some video clips of any of his games when he was in PBL or in MBA.

thanks in advance to whoever can help. :)

[Skizziks43]

wala p rin bang movement sa TNT.?? defending sila this coming conference ah. sa bagay maganda naman ng makina , bakit papalitan..

[b3lowzro]

wala p rin bang movement sa TNT.?? defending sila this coming conference ah. sa bagay maganda naman ng makina , bakit papalitan..

english please:)

[neo]

Whatever happened to the ngetstudio forums? It was down months ago and still down recently (or can't get into it because my log in name wasn't recognized. Do i still have to register a new name?)

i think its new and you need to create a new account...that forum is for the pba teams fanatics.

[DaveMap2007]

With the Ateneo Movements in Ginebra.....is the management thinking of changing the Name say.........GSM Blue

[Cryotek]

With the Ateneo Movements in Ginebra.....is the management thinking of changing the Name say.........GSM Blue

GSM blue will be a nice name of a team...kaso pangmasa ang ginebra, with the emergence of the Ateneans, magiging elitista na ba sila!!!

[tiffac]

GSM blue will be a nice name of a team...kaso pangmasa ang ginebra, with the emergence of the Ateneans, magiging elitista na ba sila!!!

No! BGK should stay as Barangay not an Elitist team! :eek:

[c_d]

Aguilar to seal P8.5 million three-year contract (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=497564&publicationSubCategoryId=69)

By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated August 20, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Japeth Aguilar, the top draft pick who was a member of Powerade Team Pilipinas in the Tianjin FIBA Asia Championship, meets with Burger King officials today to formalize a three-year deal worth P8.55 million.

Aguilar is looking to complete the deal with BK then take a short rest before starting training with the Whoppers under coach Yeng Guiao.

“Hopefully, I’ll be allowed to take a rest before joining my PBA team. I’m planning to visit my girlfriend in the US,” Aguilar told The STAR.

“I don’t anticipate any problem because everything is in accordance with the PBA rules,” said BK top official Lito Alvarez.

Aguilar is to be given the maximum pay for a PBA newcomer — a monthly take of P150,000 in his rookie year, P225,000 in the second year and P337,500 in the third year.

Meanwhile, Gary David also of Burger King and Joseph Yeo of Sta. Lucia, both received P12.6 million in recent contract-extension deals with their respective ball clubs.

These recently closed transactions involved the maximum pay of P350,000 a month allowed by the league.

Alvarez said they earlier signed three-year pacts with David, Coca-Cola recruit Ronjay Buenafe and two other rookie acquisitions in Ronnie Matias and Orlando Daroya.

With Guiao in Tianjin, BK assistant coaches Junel Baculi and :eek: Johnny Tam :eek: ran the training of the Whoppers.

The team’s regular practice under Guiao starts Monday.

Alvarez hopes the team can contend for the championship after a new buildup centered on Aguilar.

Guiao, however, is saying they still have to polish Aguilar’s game.

There’s also some optimism in Coca-Cola camp with its acquisition of Chris Ross.

With head coach Kenneth Duremdes returning, the team will make a final assessment on aspirants Norman Gonzales and Mike Holper.

Other veteran players in search of a new team are Homer Se, Topex Robinson and Richard Yee. They were waived by their mother ball clubs.

[saints13]

funny combination..Guiao and Baculi..entertainment-wise, their P.I. words really entertains me especially during live games.. e.g. when Japeth misses a dunk.. Guiao: P.I. mo! Baculi: P.I. ka! %^%$^@ 32#@%$#@..lolz. I hope BK will be as entertaining as when YG coached Red Bull as well as when Baculi was a hardcore-toung-lashing PBL coach.

[c_d]

Tigers eye 2 big men to back Taulava (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=/2009/august/20/sports2.isx&d=2009/august/20)

by Rey Joble

AFTER losing two of its best frontliners, Coca-Cola has suddenly found itself desperately needing a backup for the best slotman in the land—Asi Taulava.

Taulava, known as The Rock, is the one and only remaining threat at the post for the Tigers and assistant coach Bo Perasol said the coaching staff is looking to add two more big men to shore up their depleted frontline.

The Tigers lost veteran big men Nic Belasco and Mark Telan the past month.

Belasco went to Talk N Text in a three-team trade involving the Texters and Burger King. Telan was plucked by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in exchange for future picks.

“We certainly need to add a few big men to our team, big men who can run and live up to our new team philosophy,” Perasol told Standard Today.

He mentioned the names of Ken Bono of Burger King and free agent Mike Holper in their short list.

Taulava skippered the Powerade-Team Pilipinas men’s basketball team to eighth place in the recent Fiba Asia Championships in Tianjin, China.

JB Baylon, Coca-Cola’s board representative in the Philippine Basketball Association and also the team manager of the RP squad, saw some upside to Taulava’s game while representing the country in the World Basketball qualifying event. He hopes to see that same intensity he showed against bigger guys from the Asian region.

“I told Asi that he has a twin brother. The one who played in China was his faster version,” said Baylon. “Kidding aside, I expect our team to have a better chance once Asi plays at the same intense level in the coming PBA season.”

[silent mugger 08]

Sad to say Yeng would keep Japeth for a while, develop him, surround him with role players, then try to win a championship.. after that trade him or his role players and move on. That was the Yeng Guiao of old. As was his teams in the past.. Hope he just gave Japeth to a very good mentor to develop him into a very good 6-10 player :)

[silent mugger 08]

oo nga dude.. english daw..:p

[KevinDurant]

Aguilar to seal P8.5 million three-year contract (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=497564&publicationSubCategoryId=69)

By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated August 20, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Japeth Aguilar, the top draft pick who was a member of Powerade Team Pilipinas in the Tianjin FIBA Asia Championship, meets with Burger King officials today to formalize a three-year deal worth P8.55 million.

Aguilar is looking to complete the deal with BK then take a short rest before starting training with the Whoppers under coach Yeng Guiao.

“Hopefully, I’ll be allowed to take a rest before joining my PBA team. I’m planning to visit my girlfriend in the US,” Aguilar told The STAR.

“I don’t anticipate any problem because everything is in accordance with the PBA rules,” said BK top official Lito Alvarez.

Aguilar is to be given the maximum pay for a PBA newcomer — a monthly take of P150,000 in his rookie year, P225,000 in the second year and P337,500 in the third year.

Meanwhile, Gary David also of Burger King and Joseph Yeo of Sta. Lucia, both received P12.6 million in recent contract-extension deals with their respective ball clubs.

These recently closed transactions involved the maximum pay of P350,000 a month allowed by the league.

Alvarez said they earlier signed three-year pacts with David, Coca-Cola recruit Ronjay Buenafe and two other rookie acquisitions in Ronnie Matias and Orlando Daroya.

With Guiao in Tianjin, BK assistant coaches Junel Baculi and :eek: Johnny Tam :eek: ran the training of the Whoppers.

The team’s regular practice under Guiao starts Monday.

Alvarez hopes the team can contend for the championship after a new buildup centered on Aguilar.

Guiao, however, is saying they still have to polish Aguilar’s game.

There’s also some optimism in Coca-Cola camp with its acquisition of Chris Ross.

With head coach Kenneth Duremdes returning, the team will make a final assessment on aspirants Norman Gonzales and Mike Holper.

Other veteran players in search of a new team are Homer Se, Topex Robinson and Richard Yee. They were waived by their mother ball clubs.

You think BK will actually pay him these figures??

I expect (and I also hope) him to be traded to TNT. MVP can definitely pay!!:)

[c_d]

MENK TO END HIS CAREER PLAYING FOR GINEBRA (http://insidesports.ph/basketball/menk-to-end-his-career-playing-for-ginebra/)

Erik “Major Pain” Menk who has been a stalwart of the Barangay Ginebra frontline plans to end his playing career with the Gin Kings, dousing coldwater on reports that he was likely to move to another team for the forthcoming 2009-2010 PBA season.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico confirmed that they had discussed the terms of Menk’s new contract and come to an agreement before Menk who played well in the last Reinforced Conference championship series against San Miguel Beer after returning from a calf injury, left for the US to visit his parents.

Uichico told us Menk had assured him that he would end his c areer in the PBA playing for Ginebra and there was no doubt he would keep his word.

www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports learned that Menk had agreed to a one-year contract after which, depending on his physical condition and performance they would talk about the years ahead.

Menk who formed an awesome twosome with Sonny Alvardo who suited up for Tanduay Rhum but was later ruled to be ineligible to play as a Filipino signed up with Ginebra shortly before Tanduay sold its franchise to FedEx, now flying the colors of Air 21.

Menk who turns 35 on August 24 was a direct hire by Tanduay in 1999 and played college basketball in the US f or Lake Superior State University.

However, Menk was loaned to the Philippine Team that was preparing to compete in the Asian Games under a team coached by Uichico and Ginebra struggled in both the Governors’ Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup.

[c_d]

Giants finalize roster, ready to contend anew (http://www.malaya.com.ph/aug21/spor2.htm)

BY NOLI CORTEZ

PUREFOODS has sealed deals with six key players, leaving the team with some minor tinkering to complete its upgrade.

Thus said Giants coach Ryan Gregorio, who said yesterday his team’s youth-laden lineup has what it takes to duplicate, if not surpass, its previous best results in the pro league.

"We have become taller, more aggressive and quicker," Gregorio told Malaya. "Hopefully, we can now better compete with the league’s younger teams since our average age has gone down."

"With the proper chemistry and gelling, we can have a better campaign this season," said Purefoods’ representative to the PBA Board, Rene Pardo.

James Yap and Kerby Raymundo still banner the 14-man team and team manager Alvin Patrimonio helped put the pieces into place by re-signing ace reliever Peter June Simon to a two-year contract worth P350,000 a month.

Also signed to three-year contracts were draft picks Rico Maierhofer and Chris Timberlake to three-year pacts and Paul Artadi, Romel Adducul and Roger Yap to one-year deals. No further details of the deals were provided by Pardo.

Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis, Don Carlos Allado, Jondan Salvador, Nino Canaleta and the newly-reinstated Jonathan Fernandez complete the roster.

Artadi and Marc Pingris, who helped the Giants cop the Philippine Cup title and land second in the Fiesta Conference in the 2005-06 season, are being expected by Gregorio and Pardo to give the team a positive attitude.

"What we’re working on right now is to make sure of a locker room presence," explained Gregorio. "With so many changes in our lineup and them being there before, we’re looking at Paul and Marc to help our team get that positive attitude."

Up next for the team before the season starts on Oct. 11 is a series of tune-up games, starting with a friendly with Sta. Lucia Realty tomorrow in Roxas City.

"Nothing more is on the table right now, but we hope to squeeze in a few more games before the season unfolds," said Gregorio. "We need to if we want to further develop the chemistry."

[badonskibidi]

i may be on the wrong thread to ask this but i am going to ask it anyway... for example a marquee PBA player becomes a free agent and instead of signing a new contract with a PBA team he offers his services to SMART GILAS... or SMART GILAS offers a free agent to play for them instead of signing a new contract... and of course if (A VERY BIG IF) $$$ is not so much of an issue to the player... would this be possible?

[PUGOtipm]

Menk stays with Kings
Friday, August 21, 2009 10:39:00 AM

Eric Menk, who has been a stalwart of the Barangay Ginebra frontline, plans to end his playing career with the Gin Kings, dousing cold water to reports that he was likely to move to another team for the forthcoming 2009 to 2010 Philippine Basketball Association season.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico confirmed that they discussed the terms of Menk's new contract.

Menk, who played well in the last Reinforced Conference championship series against San Miguel Beer after returning from a calf injury, left for the US to visit his parents.

Uichico told Standard Today that Menk assured him that he would end his career in the PBA playing for Ginebra and there was no doubt he would keep his word.

Standard Today, Viva Sports and www.insidesports.ph learned that Menk agreed to a one-year contract after which, depending on his physical condition and performance, they would talk about the years ahead.

Menk, who formed an awesome twosome with Sonny Alvardo, who suited up for Tanduay Rhum, but was later ruled to be ineligible to play as a Filipino, signed up with Ginebra shortly before Tanduay sold its franchise to FedEx, which is now Burger King. Menk, who turns 35 on Aug. 24, was a direct hire by Tanduay in 1999 and played college basketball in the US for Lake Superior State University. Ronnie Nathanielsz - Manila Standard Today

[nardy]

i may be on the wrong thread to ask this but i am going to ask it anyway... for example a marquee PBA player becomes a free agent and instead of signing a new contract with a PBA team he offers his services to SMART GILAS... or SMART GILAS offers a free agent to play for them instead of signing a new contract... and of course if (A VERY BIG IF) $$$ is not so much of an issue to the player... would this be possible?

it is only possible if the said player agrees on a very big pay cut, current marquee players earn in the range of 300-350 thousand a month while GILAS is only willing to give 175 thousand a month which is a little bigger than what Top Rookie Draft picks earn.

With a player like Peter June Simon now earning 350 thousand a month would you think players like James Yap now earning the max salary agree to a pay cut. I do not think so, with the present life style this players now have such a pay cut would greatly affect the leisures that they are now enjoying.

[lovejones]

Giants finalize roster, ready to contend anew (http://www.malaya.com.ph/aug21/spor2.htm)

BY NOLI CORTEZ

PUREFOODS has sealed deals with six key players, leaving the team with some minor tinkering to complete its upgrade.

Thus said Giants coach Ryan Gregorio, who said yesterday his team’s youth-laden lineup has what it takes to duplicate, if not surpass, its previous best results in the pro league.

"We have become taller, more aggressive and quicker," Gregorio told Malaya. "Hopefully, we can now better compete with the league’s younger teams since our average age has gone down."...


Even if the team becomes taller, more aggresive, quicker, and younger, nothing would still happen since the head coach is strill ryan.

[badonskibidi]

it is only possible if the said player agrees on a very big pay cut, current marquee players earn in the range of 300-350 thousand a month while GILAS is only willing to give 175 thousand a month which is a little bigger than what Top Rookie Draft picks earn.

With a player like Peter June Simon now earning 350 thousand a month would you think players like James Yap now earning the max salary agree to a pay cut. I do not think so, with the present life style this players now have such a pay cut would greatly affect the leisures that they are now enjoying.

i see your point sir... money is the issue definitely... i guess its an easy choice for the player... although if the player agrees to a paycut its just going to be a limited run for him... say 2-3 years under GILAS and we could also put clauses on the contract just in case the team does not qualify for the Olympics or WBC(knock on wood:D)that he could opt out... then when he gets back to the PBA he would be earning the same amount again... he would still be in good condition anyways since he would still be training under GILAS and would be playing against tougher competition... and also granting no major injuries along the way... or am i just all talk and there is more complications to it than meets the eye...:p

your thoughts sir....:)

[jericho D. Niera]

The SBP should ask PBA that NT members must be allowed to receive maximum salary for a player if they will enter the PBA.. Because lots of players might be discouraged to join gilas if members of NT will received 175K per month and then if they will enter the PBA, they will be back to 150K again. :(

[marjan]

The SBP should ask PBA that NT members must be allowed to receive maximum salary for a player if they will enter the PBA.. Because lots of players might be discouraged to join gilas if members of NT will received 175K per month and then if they will enter the PBA, they will be back to 150K again. :(

[/I]

I think the biggest contract offered to a NT player is 6 million for 3 years. So divide this amount by 36 (months) and you get the maximum monthly salary of those players offered this contract.

[reamily]

funny combination..Guiao and Baculi..entertainment-wise, their P.I. words really entertains me especially during live games.. e.g. when Japeth misses a dunk.. Guiao: P.I. mo! Baculi: P.I. ka! %^%$^@ 32#@%$#@..lolz. I hope BK will be as entertaining as when YG coached Red Bull as well as when Baculi was a hardcore-toung-lashing PBL coach.

And they also have the future basketball mind boss in the person of Johnny Tam who has been a subject of some tongue lashes by Filipino basketball fans:D:D:D:D

[c_d]

Gin Kings want a big, shooting guy (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=/2009/august/26/sports4.isx&d=2009/august/26)

by Rey Joble

BARANGAY Ginebra is not yet through with its rebuilding process.

A month after being involved in a multi-player trade, the Gin Kings are reportedly working on another series of trades that could work positively for their campaign.

Coach Jong Uichico, who arrived from a vacation in the United States, did not divulge the players involved in the trades, but he stressed the importance of getting a versatile big man and an additional solid presence inside.

“We are a balanced team, but we want to make it more balanced to boost our chances,” said Uichico, the second winningest coach among active mentors with eight championships.

“We want to get a big man, who can not only post up, but who can shoot the ball and spread the floor for us. Of course, since Eric [Menk] is not getting any younger, we want to get an additional solid presence inside,” added Uichico.

Ginebra’s frontline got a big boost with the acquisition of Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez and Paolo Bugia. The team also added stability to the point guard spot with the arrival of Celino Cruz, who was a part of the multi-player trade involving Purefoods and Burger King.

The soft-spoken mentor is also excited for the return of Mark Caguioa, who already practiced with the squad.

[tiffac]

The rumors I've read say that BGK will trade for Joe DeVance of Alaska and give up Salvacion, Kramer and Wilson and SMB will be the 3rd team in the trade (I do not know who they will give up though).

Meh I'd rather have Sharma than DeVance and throwing Wilson away who has now become a defensive stopper... bah its a rumor I guess we'll see.

[el scorcho]

The PBA should revise their salary cap. Some teams have 5-6 players earning the maximum. Why would you strive to be excellent then? You just have to be the third or fourth option to earn the same as what the marquee player is earning. So that's why players hit a plateau. When they get to the point when the team will pay the maximum, they stop improving, since there's nothing more to shoot for.

[c_d]

Tigers eye Bono or Holper to seal roster (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=499703&publicationSubCategoryId=69)

By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated August 27, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Ken Bono, the burly former Adamson center-forward acquired by Burger King from San Miguel Beer in exchange for Arwind Santos, may end up with Coca-Cola.

The Tigers expressed interest on Bono even as they have recently signed up rookie draftee Francis Allera and veteran free agent Norman Gonzales.

The Whoppers, meanwhile, appear ready to part ways with the former UAAP MVP awardee since they have completed their 12-man lineup.

Meanwhile, the PBA Commissioner’s Office is now requiring player agents to accredit with the league.

PBA operations chief Rickie Santos said they’re to issue communications to the 10 ballclubs asking them not to entertain player agents without league accreditation.

Coca-Cola is in the finishing stage of its buildup, looking either at Bono and free agent Mike Holper to complete the team’s frontline cast.

The team has earlier beefed up its frontcourt by signing Allera to a two-year deal and Gonzales to a one-year pact.

Allera and Gonzales are teaming up with Asi Taulava, Larry Rodriguez and Ricky Calimag at the frontline with Nic Belasco and Mark Telan gone.

Belasco has been released to Talk and Text while Telan has been dealt to Rain or Shine.

Assistant team manager Gerard Francisco said they’re overloaded at the backcourt, thus, Ronjay Enrile, Cesar Catli, Aris Dimaunahan and Leo Avenido are likely to be relegated to the reserve list.

Francisco said they’re happy with their acquisition of rookie Chris Ross, a key addition in the backcourt that also features Alex Cabagnot, Marvin Cruz, Mark Macapagal, Rodney Santos, Dale Singson and RJ Rizada.

Cabagnot emerged last season as among the league’s finest point guards by leading in assists (5.3 a game) and steals (1.4), ranking No. 2 behind Kelly Williams in minutes (37.00) played and placing No. 3 behind Olsen Racela and Jimmy Alapag in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.6). The Fil-Am guard also averaged 10.8 points an outing.

Ross, the No. 3 pick in the recent Rookie Draft, and Cabagnot are likely to form a deadly backcourt combination for the Tigers in the coming PBA wars.

Francisco, however, said they’re still filling spots at their frontline.

Taulava led in rebounds last season and the Tigers placed fourth in team rankings with 51.0 an outing. No. 1 was Burger King (52.18), followed by San Miguel (52.11) and Rain or Shine (51.67).

[Big Ticket]

uichico is always looking for a big man no matter how many big men his team has.....even during his SMB days...

[iandi_dunka]

No. 1 pick Japeth to Burger King off?
8/27/2009 | National Team Program, PBA, Smart Gilas | 8 comments »

source: Rick Olivares | bleachersbrew & Business Mirror

Japeth Aguilar, the No. 1 draft pick, reportedly would not be donning a Burger King (BK) jersey after all in the coming 35th season of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Business Mirror learned that Aguilar’s negotiations with BK management on Wednesday bogged down. Aguilar reportedly does not chart his basketball career. Ex-pro Peter, his father, and Ronnie Nathanielsz, a newspaper columnist and sports broadcaster who is said to be his manager, do the negotiating.

The six-foot-10, 22-year-old Aguilar, the Business Mirror learned further, would instead play for Smart Gilas, a developmental team being honed for the 2011 continental championship that would determine Asia’s representative to the 2012 London Olympics.

Interestingly, telecommunications tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, who funds the Smart Gilas team, is a part-owner of Burger King. He is also president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which has the Smart Gilas in its long-term programs.

Note: Japeth has not committed to any team. There are other issues here. And no, Gilas did not meddle here. Hintayin natin bago mag-comment. Comments like "benta" are irresponsible. A player has just as much right not to sign. Corporations have dumped players mercilessly too.

[logre23]

No. 1 pick Japeth to Burger King off?
8/27/2009 | National Team Program, PBA, Smart Gilas | 8 comments »

source: Rick Olivares | bleachersbrew & Business Mirror

Japeth Aguilar, the No. 1 draft pick, reportedly would not be donning a Burger King (BK) jersey after all in the coming 35th season of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Business Mirror learned that Aguilar’s negotiations with BK management on Wednesday bogged down. Aguilar reportedly does not chart his basketball career. Ex-pro Peter, his father, and Ronnie Nathanielsz, a newspaper columnist and sports broadcaster who is said to be his manager, do the negotiating.

The six-foot-10, 22-year-old Aguilar, the Business Mirror learned further, would instead play for Smart Gilas, a developmental team being honed for the 2011 continental championship that would determine Asia’s representative to the 2012 London Olympics.

Interestingly, telecommunications tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, who funds the Smart Gilas team, is a part-owner of Burger King. He is also president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which has the Smart Gilas in its long-term programs.

Note: Japeth has not committed to any team. There are other issues here. And no, Gilas did not meddle here. Hintayin natin bago mag-comment. Comments like "benta" are irresponsible. A player has just as much right not to sign. Corporations have dumped players mercilessly too.


nice news...good for gilas

[DaveMap2007]

No. 1 pick Japeth to Burger King off?
8/27/2009 | National Team Program, PBA, Smart Gilas | 8 comments »

source: Rick Olivares | bleachersbrew & Business Mirror

Japeth Aguilar, the No. 1 draft pick, reportedly would not be donning a Burger King (BK) jersey after all in the coming 35th season of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The Business Mirror learned that Aguilar’s negotiations with BK management on Wednesday bogged down. Aguilar reportedly does not chart his basketball career. Ex-pro Peter, his father, and Ronnie Nathanielsz, a newspaper columnist and sports broadcaster who is said to be his manager, do the negotiating.

The six-foot-10, 22-year-old Aguilar, the Business Mirror learned further, would instead play for Smart Gilas, a developmental team being honed for the 2011 continental championship that would determine Asia’s representative to the 2012 London Olympics.

Interestingly, telecommunications tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, who funds the Smart Gilas team, is a part-owner of Burger King. He is also president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which has the Smart Gilas in its long-term programs.

Note: Japeth has not committed to any team. There are other issues here. And no, Gilas did not meddle here. Hintayin natin bago mag-comment. Comments like "benta" are irresponsible. A player has just as much right not to sign. Corporations have dumped players mercilessly too.

I hope its true..lets cross our finger...heaven scent

[c_d]

SLR upbeat on Williams comeback (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=500104&publicationSubCategoryId=69)

By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated August 28, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia Realty has high hopes for the coming PBA season with the return of main man Kelly Williams and the addition of new faces in the team led by Gabby Espinas.

Coach Boyet Fernandez expects Williams to be back in his old deadly form even before the opening of the new season in October.

“He’s a joy to watch him back on the playing court. He’s not yet 100 percent but he’s working double time to get there. I’m sure he’ll be ready come the season opening,” said Fernandez of Williams, who has recovered from a blood disorder problem.

According to the Sta. Lucia coach, another source of moroale-boost for the team is the minor rebuilding it has undertaken.

Espinas, a former NCAA MVP awardee acquired from Barako Bull, has boosted the team’s wing rotation while free agents Chris Pacana and Josh Urbiztondo have beefed up the backcourt.

“Actually, we’ve kept the core of our old lineup but we still lack the players to rotate in the middle,” said Fernandez.

Among the players being considered to fill up the posts are rookie free agents Francis Barcellano, Jervy del Rosario, Mark Benitez and Charles Waters.

“I’m interested in all of them. All four are workhorses. But the team has to consider the salary cap,” said Fernandez.

Barcellano, Del Rosario, Benitez and Waters have been attending the team practice, joining Williams, Espinas, Pacana, Urbiztondo, Paolo Mendoza, Marlou Aquino, Joseph Yeo, Bitoy Omolon and Denok Miranda.

Team captain Dennis Espino is nursing a knee injury while Ryan Reyes is in the United States, set to get married tomorrow.

Gone in the team are Christian Coronel, Norman Gonzales, Melvin Mamaclay and Philip Buttel.

Though losing Williams and Reyes in the closing phase of the Fiesta Conference, the Realtors finished with the fourth best cumulative win-loss record of 24-21 last season.

The Realtors bagged the Philippine Cup second runner-up trophy and placed fifth in the reinforced tourney.

[c_d]

Cone quells disturbing trade talks (http://www.malaya.com.ph/aug28/spor3.htm)

BY NOLI CORTEZ

SOMEBODY has to come up with an offer Alaska cannot refuse before it parts ways with some of its prized players.

Alaska coach Tim Cone stressed this yesterday in response to persistent reports other teams are wooing such Aces as two-time MVP Willie Miller, Sonny Thoss, Tony dela Cruz and, lately, Joe Devance.

"Unless there’s a player there whom we could add and create an immediate impact, just like what Joe Devance did last season, that’s the only time we will make a change," Cone said.

"But definitely, we want to learn the scheme of things among ourselves and we want to build our chemistry more with people who have been around and are familiar with what we’re doing," he added.

The Aces have already begun their preparations for the PBA Philippine Cup that kicks off the new season on Oct. 11 without Miller and Thoss.

Miller is resting a groin muscle he strained during the FIBA-Asia Men’s Championship in China, while Thoss has taken a well-deserved rest after emerging as one of the consistent Powerade Team Pilipinas players.

"They’re worn out, and that’s my biggest worry," said Cone. "It happened to us last season, when fatigue also caught up on some of the key players, as well as our import, Rosell Ellis, who was coming from a long stint in Australia."

Talks about Miller being on the trading block are the most unrelenting and surfaced after he botched two free throws in the waning seconds of Game 7 of last year’s Philippine Cup finals, enabling Talk N Text to escape with the title-clinching victory.

"It happens even to the best of them," Cone said in defending Miller, adding the latter could use that as additional motivation for the coming tournament.

"I expect him to bounce back strong and I believe he and Sonny have become better players as well following their stint with the Powerade-Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Championship."

[ayoboi]

please confirm if davonn harp is already with BK, I've read it somewhere

[ankle breaker]

please confirm if davonn harp is already with BK, I've read it somewhere

im sorry but i don't the answer but it's really possible. now that japeth will likely not playing for them and davon has been cleared by the court then we can expect him to resurface in the PBA.

[w0otz]

According to a reliable PBA insider(Than).. SMB traded their 2012 1st round pick to Sta Lucia for Denok Miranda.

:cool:

[durden_tyler]

According to a reliable PBA insider(Than).. SMB traded their 2012 1st round pick to Sta Lucia for Denok Miranda.

:cool:

Now Olsen must retire. i like Miranda's head, he is a nice pass-first point guard. i trust Than as i believe he is a PBA insider if it's really him.

(Something to be excited about 'cause i am an SMB fan but Santos still remains the primary target for me if we fail this conference :D)

[w0otz]

^I'm an SMB fan too, yes. We all know than as a reliable insider.

Denok will surely help, he is a starter material. But it will create a log jam at the #1 spot.

I guess the Beermen will make another trade. :rolleyes:

[logre23]

According to a reliable PBA insider(Than).. SMB traded their 2012 1st round pick to Sta Lucia for Denok Miranda.

:cool:


hey 2012!Smart gilas batch?...very deep line-up even in second round.
i think a lot of teams will follow,it's very tempting deal.

[coolcat]

hey 2012!Smart gilas batch?...very deep line-up even in second round.
i think a lot of teams will follow,it's very tempting deal.smb doesn't need a draft pick in 2012. they will always have the best player who they want to have. even japeth aguilar would wear an smb jersey in the future.. :D:D:D

[Cammomile]

smb doesn't need a draft pick in 2012. they will always have the best player who they want to have. even japeth aguilar would wear an smb jersey in the future.. :D:D:D

according to kelly williams (twitter) 2 of his teammates will be traded to SMB..damn SMB gettin all the players..and this info is legit..One of them is Denok

[PUGOtipm]

the reason why SLR traded denok to SMB is to clear-up some space on their salary cap, I'm an SMB fan but I dont believe that SMB has the room to accommodate someone who is about to get 300k a month salary with their current line-up... correct me if I'm wrong but I think the maximum per month is around 30-32M.

[el scorcho]

the reason why SLR traded denok to SMB is to clear-up some space on their salary cap, I'm an SMB fan but I dont believe that SMB has the room to accommodate someone who is about to get 300k a month salary with their current line-up... correct me if I'm wrong but I think the maximum per month is around 30-32M.

makes sense...trade him to a team with an even more congested cap

[thugpinoy]

:d its been a while since i last posted here... Roughly 2 years and its nice to see that this thread i've started 2 years back is still up..
Hehehe im the ts of the volume 1...

Back to the topic..

My friend from psa told me that devonn harp ( got a court clearance ek ek ) is back in town and praticing for yeng's burger king..
Anybody heard of this rumor if its true or not??

[PUGOtipm]

Thursday, September 03, 2009 3:18:00 AM

With veteran guard Olsen Racela already in the twilight of his career, San Miguel Beer has decided to prepare for its future.

The Beermen, champions of the season-ending Fiesta Conference two months ago, have added another key player to their already star-studded cast, acquiring cerebral guard Denok Miranda from the Sta. Lucia Realtors in exchange for a first-round draft pick in 2012.

This means that the inclusion of Miranda on the Beermen lineup will hike their total number of point guards to four -- Racela, Mike Cortez and last season's Most improved Player Jonas Villanueva.

But Villanueva is a player capable of playing both guard spots.

Another key player is expected to be unloaded by the Realtors -- veteran slotman Dennis Espino, who led the Realtors to two championships and was a former member of the RP Centennial team. He is now being offered to the Coca-Cola Tigers for forward Jason Misolas.

Coca-Cola assistant coach Bo Perasol told Standard Today that the team is now planning for the possible entry of the 6'5" former University of Santo Tomas stalwart, who may join forces with Asi Taulava and newly-recruited forward Ken Bono in forming up a massive frontline for the Tigers. Rey Joble - Manila Standard Today

[saints13]

Thursday, September 03, 2009 3:18:00 AM

With veteran guard Olsen Racela already in the twilight of his career, San Miguel Beer has decided to prepare for its future.

The Beermen, champions of the season-ending Fiesta Conference two months ago, have added another key player to their already star-studded cast, acquiring cerebral guard Denok Miranda from the Sta. Lucia Realtors in exchange for a first-round draft pick in 2012.

This means that the inclusion of Miranda on the Beermen lineup will hike their total number of point guards to four -- Racela, Mike Cortez and last season's Most improved Player Jonas Villanueva.

But Villanueva is a player capable of playing both guard spots.

Another key player is expected to be unloaded by the Realtors -- veteran slotman Dennis Espino, who led the Realtors to two championships and was a former member of the RP Centennial team. He is now being offered to the Coca-Cola Tigers for forward Jason Misolas.

Coca-Cola assistant coach Bo Perasol told Standard Today that the team is now planning for the possible entry of the 6'5" former University of Santo Tomas stalwart, who may join forces with Asi Taulava and newly-recruited forward Ken Bono in forming up a massive frontline for the Tigers. Rey Joble - Manila Standard Today

They acquired Denok in preparation for Olsen's exit? hehehe. this team is mad, they have a lot of high quality PG and yet they still get some. lolz

And letting go of Dennis Espino won't hurt, go SLR, let him go, I beg you. lolz.
The Rock and The Menace tandem is like a slow-wrecking-train strategy. :D

[c_d]

Realtors to ship out ‘older’ Dennis? (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/15535-realtors-to-ship-out-older-dennis.html)

Sports
Written by Joel Orellana / Reporter
Thursday, 03 September 2009 20:35

DENNIS is young and earning quite a bit. He’s shipped out.

This other Dennis is aging and earning quite a lot. No surprise he could also be on his way out.

The BusinessMirror learned that Coca-Cola is finalizing a deal that will land them 14-year veteran Dennis Espino from the Realtors.

But Tigers team manager JB Baylon won’t confirm nor deny it.

“We’re still talking but we will finalize it maybe tonight or tomorrow. We don’t want to announce it yet because kawawa naman ’yung player na mai-involve,” Baylon told the BusinessMirror on Thursday.

The Coke executive won’t confirm that the 35-year-old Espino is the subject of the negotiation but said the deal will include a Tiger and their future draft pick for the player they are eyeing.

Seldom-used Coke forward Jason Misolas is reportedly included in the deal.

The BusinessMirror reported on Wednesday that the six-foot-six Espino could also be on his way out of Sta. Lucia as the Realtors are having difficulty managing their salary cap. On Tuesday Sta. Lucia traded Dennis “Denok” Miranda to San Miguel Beer in exchange for its first-round pick in 2012.

Espino, who started his career with the Realtors in 1995, is receiving a maximum salary of P350,000 month and his contract will expire in 2011, while Miranda is about to earn P220,000 a month this coming season and a 50-percent increase in the final year of his contract.

Sta. Lucia center Marlou Aquino was given a three-year extension by management last season, also in maximum scale, while Kelly Williams was also given the same contract, pushing the team on the brink of surpassing the P32-million salary cap.

Other players who are just below the maximum-pay scale are Ryan Reyes, Joseph Yeo, Nelbert Omolon and Paolo Mendoza.

Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez said to his knowledge, Espino remains a Realtor.

“As of now, there is no truth about it,” Fernandez said. “Medyo marami na nga nag-speculate ng iba’t ibang trade scenario. So far, wala akong alam na may ganyang negotiation and all the trades are being decided at the management level.”

If the Espino trade materializes, Coke could be a potent team in the coming Philippine Cup as the former University of Santo Tomas standout will form a formidable frontline tandem with Asi Taulava, his teammate in the 1998 Philippine Centennial Team.

Espino averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in 14 seasons with Sta. Lucia Realty. He has played 600 games with the Realtors, the most among active players seeing action for just one team.

The Tigers are hoping to end a six-year title drought as they last tasted a crown in the 2003 Reinforced Conference under then-head coach Chot Reyes.

Coke head coach Kenneth Duremdes said the new additions to the team are rookies Chris Ross and Francis Allera, Ken Bono (via trade with Burger King) and veteran free-agent forwards Norman Gonzales and Larry Rodriguez. The Tigers released Aries Dimaunahan and MC Caceres to Barako Bull.

[its_eman8211]

if that happens coke's line-up will compose of the ff:

Ronjay Enrile-5'11"
Alex Cabagnot-6'0"
Chris Ross-6'1"
RJ Rizada-6'2"
Mark Macapagal-6'2"
Cesar Catli-6'3"
Francis Allera-6'4"
Norman Gonzales-6'4"
Larry Rodriguez-6'5"
Ken Bono-6'5"
Dennis Espino-6'6"
Asi Taulava-6'9"

who else?

[elyctricfan]

Tiger again: Sta. Lucia’s Espino goes to Coca-Cola
09/03/2009 | 10:43 PM

Dennis Espino, a Sta. Lucia Realtor throughout his Philippine Basketball Association career, is now headed to his second team in 14 seasons of playing in the pro league.

The former University of Santo Tomas stalwart would become a “Tiger" again after the Realtors agreed to ship the veteran to the Coca-Cola Tigers in exchange for Jason Misolas and a future first-round pick.

“Konting ayos na lang…but we have already agreed in principle with Sta. Lucia," Coca-Cola assistant coach Bo Perasol told GMANews.TV.

At Coca-Cola, the 35-year-old Espino would find himself manning the fort with another veteran big man, Asi Taulava. Supporting them would be promising third-year pro Ken Bono and hardworking Larry Rodriguez.

By adding another experienced player, Perasol knows they have to work double time to making sure their frontliners are in tip-top condition for the Tigers’ running game.

“Nasa sa kanila naman yan on how they can live up to our team’s new philosophy, which is to run more," said Perasol. “Kailangan talagang magpa-kundisyon sila. Our idea is to have both Asi and Dennis together at the same time dahil sayang naman yung talent nila kung magpapalitan lang sila," said Perasol.

Sta. Lucia has surprisingly unloaded one key player after another the past few days. The Realtors have earlier traded guard Dennis Miranda to San Miguel Beer where he was reunited with former Far Eastern University teammate Arwind Santos.

The Realtors are reportedly set to unload another key player in the coming days. - GMANews.TV

[CoJ]

i thought Coke was rebuilding..they've already unloaded 2 ancient players in Telan and Belasco, and now they acquire another one? which is a lot slower than the two they traded ayaw...this is confusing

[donspark47]

if that happens coke's line-up will compose of the ff:

Ronjay Enrile-5'11"
Alex Cabagnot-6'0"
Chris Ross-6'1"
RJ Rizada-6'2"
Mark Macapagal-6'2"
Cesar Catli-6'3"
Francis Allera-6'4"
Norman Gonzales-6'4"
Larry Rodriguez-6'5"
Ken Bono-6'5"
Dennis Espino-6'6"
Asi Taulava-6'9"

who else?

wild card..:D