source: Francis T.J. Ochoa | inquirer.net
WITH STILL ABOUT FOUR MINUTES left in Friday night’s second game, fans started to file out of the Cuneta Astrodome, certain that Barangay Ginebra, trailing Sta. Lucia, 61-77, was doomed.
“It was a bad game to watch,” said coach jong Uichico of the Kings’s 72-86 loss to the Realtors in the PBA Fiesta Conference.
A little later, he made a slight correction.
“It was a bad game to watch, it was a bad game to play in and it was a bad game to coach,” he said.
For the fans that went home early, disappointed that the crowd darlings failed to match their opening day victory against a powerhouse Talk ‘N Text squad, the question that lingered was: Was it the end of the story for the Kings’ import.
Not yet. As far as the soft-spoken, celebrated champion coach is concerned, Awvee Storey is staying, despite a poor 13-point effort against the Realtors that exposed some of his weaknesses.
“Everybody has his bad game,” Uichico told the Inquirer. “He deserves a chance to prove himself. It’s just been a couple of games.”
Against Sta. Lucia, the Ginebra mentor admitted that the Kings were “out-defended. Take away a couple of three-pointers in the endgame and you would see that we played a good defensive game. But they out-defended us.”
“We’ve been struggling against Sta. Lucia this season,” Uichico noted, after losing to the Realtors also twice in the previous tournament.
So now, he is willing to wait.
He’ll wait for Storey to find the form that made his debut an impressive one and wait also for the arrival of one of the toughest forwards ever to don a Ginebra uniform: Rudy Hatfield.
“He’s due in about two weeks or so,” said the Kings coach.
Hatfield has already agreed in principle to play for a year for the Kings, meaning the rebounding and defensive whiz will also suit up for next year’s Philippine Cup and shore up a Ginebra frontline that was picked apart by Alaska in the semifinals of the previous conference.
And in the meantime, Storey’s tale continues. And Uichico hopes that Friday night would be the last time fans head for the exits before the final buzzer sounds.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sta.Lucia rebounds with big over Ginebra
source: PBA.ph
Getting an elbow from Ronald Tubid, Anthony Johnson retaliated at the whole Barangay Ginebra team, sparking a key run that carried Sta. Lucia Realty to an emphatic win.
Johnson pumped in back-to-back three-pointers right after being felled by Tubid and the Realtors broke away en route to an 86-72 victory over the Kings Friday in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Realtors nailed their first win after being beaten by the Barako Energy Coffee Masters in the tournament opener Sunday.
“We came out with great energy tonight, determined to make up for our bad showing in our first game,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.
“I’m happy the boys started strong and finished even stronger. Magandang character ang ipinakita nila,” Fernandez added.
Johnson logged 22 points and 13 rebounds while Kelly Williams added 13 points, six rebounds and four assists as they led the SLR charge in foiling Ginebra’s bid for early leadership in the reinforced tourney.
For Ginebra, it didn’t help that import Awvee Storey was far less productive than his debut game.
Storey was able to finish in double figures only after making six points in the last two minutes of play. He made only 13 points but grabbed 22 rebounds.
Williams did a good job defending the Ginebra import.
“He’s strong. I just kept a body on him and did my best to keep him off the glass,” said Williams.
The 2008 MVP winner also had sterling efforts offensively, putting in his share in a 19-7 run SLR unleashed to get an 80-61 spread entering the last three minutes of play.
The Realtors actually seized the early initiatives, taking the half at 44-39 and sitting on a 61-54 cushion after the first three quarters of play.
Ryan Reyes and Nelbert Omolon were two other Realtors who finished in double figures with 14 and 12, respectively.
With the Realtors putting the game beyond reach early, Ginebra coach Jong Uichico used the opportunity to break in new recruit John Ferriols and newly reactivated Junthy Valenzuela. (SB)
The scores:
Sta. Lucia 86 - Johnson 22, Reyes 14, Williams 13, Omolon 12, Urbiztondo 9, Mendoza 8,Custodio 4, Espinas 2, Aquino 2, Daa 0, Misolas 0.
Ginebra 72 - Storey 13, Helterbrand 12, Baguio 9, Caguioa 8, Intal 7, Tubid 6, Menk 6, De Ocampo 4, Cruz 3, Wilson 2, Villanueva 2, Ferriols 0, Valenzuela 0.
Quarterscores: 25-20, 44-39, 61-54, 86-72
Getting an elbow from Ronald Tubid, Anthony Johnson retaliated at the whole Barangay Ginebra team, sparking a key run that carried Sta. Lucia Realty to an emphatic win.
Johnson pumped in back-to-back three-pointers right after being felled by Tubid and the Realtors broke away en route to an 86-72 victory over the Kings Friday in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Realtors nailed their first win after being beaten by the Barako Energy Coffee Masters in the tournament opener Sunday.
“We came out with great energy tonight, determined to make up for our bad showing in our first game,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.
“I’m happy the boys started strong and finished even stronger. Magandang character ang ipinakita nila,” Fernandez added.
Johnson logged 22 points and 13 rebounds while Kelly Williams added 13 points, six rebounds and four assists as they led the SLR charge in foiling Ginebra’s bid for early leadership in the reinforced tourney.
For Ginebra, it didn’t help that import Awvee Storey was far less productive than his debut game.
Storey was able to finish in double figures only after making six points in the last two minutes of play. He made only 13 points but grabbed 22 rebounds.
Williams did a good job defending the Ginebra import.
“He’s strong. I just kept a body on him and did my best to keep him off the glass,” said Williams.
The 2008 MVP winner also had sterling efforts offensively, putting in his share in a 19-7 run SLR unleashed to get an 80-61 spread entering the last three minutes of play.
The Realtors actually seized the early initiatives, taking the half at 44-39 and sitting on a 61-54 cushion after the first three quarters of play.
Ryan Reyes and Nelbert Omolon were two other Realtors who finished in double figures with 14 and 12, respectively.
With the Realtors putting the game beyond reach early, Ginebra coach Jong Uichico used the opportunity to break in new recruit John Ferriols and newly reactivated Junthy Valenzuela. (SB)
The scores:
Sta. Lucia 86 - Johnson 22, Reyes 14, Williams 13, Omolon 12, Urbiztondo 9, Mendoza 8,Custodio 4, Espinas 2, Aquino 2, Daa 0, Misolas 0.
Ginebra 72 - Storey 13, Helterbrand 12, Baguio 9, Caguioa 8, Intal 7, Tubid 6, Menk 6, De Ocampo 4, Cruz 3, Wilson 2, Villanueva 2, Ferriols 0, Valenzuela 0.
Quarterscores: 25-20, 44-39, 61-54, 86-72
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
James Yap, Pingris lead All-Star balloting
source: pba.ph
If the ongoing poll to determine the starters for the North and South teams for the 2010 PBA All-Star Weekend may be used as a gauge, then it may be safe to say that James Yap is currently the league’s biggest draw.
Named Best Player of Conference and Finals MVP of the recent Philippine Cup, Yap garnered 28,844 votes to lead all vote getters and appeared o n the way to securing his fifth straight start for the South dating back to his rookie year in 2004.
Interestingly, players of Barangay Ginebra and Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods) garnered the most number of votes after the early tally. The two teams have four players each as provisional starters.
Next to Yap, teammate Mark Pingris received the second highest votes with 20,540, making him the top candidate among the big men for the North.
Also taking the provisional starting spots for the North are reigning league MVP Jayjay Helterbrand (15,916), Paul Artadi (13,664), Kerby Raymundo (19,558) and JC Intal (15,792).
Fans still have a chance to cast their votes until April 4. Polling booths can be found at game venues either at the Araneta Coliseum or Cuneta Astrodome. Online voting is also available at main.pba.ph/votes.asp.
The rest of the players who will comprise the North and South teams will be chosen by the league’s 10 head coaches. A coach however, cannot cast his vote his own player.
Behind MVP Peter June Simon, the South edged out the North in overtime, 163-158, the last time the two teams met in the 2008 All-Star Game in Bacolod City. (DBC)
If the ongoing poll to determine the starters for the North and South teams for the 2010 PBA All-Star Weekend may be used as a gauge, then it may be safe to say that James Yap is currently the league’s biggest draw.
Named Best Player of Conference and Finals MVP of the recent Philippine Cup, Yap garnered 28,844 votes to lead all vote getters and appeared o n the way to securing his fifth straight start for the South dating back to his rookie year in 2004.
Interestingly, players of Barangay Ginebra and Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods) garnered the most number of votes after the early tally. The two teams have four players each as provisional starters.
Next to Yap, teammate Mark Pingris received the second highest votes with 20,540, making him the top candidate among the big men for the North.
Also taking the provisional starting spots for the North are reigning league MVP Jayjay Helterbrand (15,916), Paul Artadi (13,664), Kerby Raymundo (19,558) and JC Intal (15,792).
Fans still have a chance to cast their votes until April 4. Polling booths can be found at game venues either at the Araneta Coliseum or Cuneta Astrodome. Online voting is also available at main.pba.ph/votes.asp.
The rest of the players who will comprise the North and South teams will be chosen by the league’s 10 head coaches. A coach however, cannot cast his vote his own player.
Behind MVP Peter June Simon, the South edged out the North in overtime, 163-158, the last time the two teams met in the 2008 All-Star Game in Bacolod City. (DBC)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Storey with happy ending?
source: Joaquin Henson | philstar.com
For Barangay Ginebra import Awvee Storey, life on the basketball court is like an unfolding tale that he hopes will have a happy ending.
In the PBA Fiesta Conference, Ginebra coach Joseph Uichico would like nothing more than a Storey-book championship finish.
“Awvee’s asset is his work ethic,” said Uichico. “He rebounds and defends. As for our team, we are all healthy at last, hoping to remain healthy. I’m not used to having these many bodies for quite a long time and am adjusting myself.”
Uichico referred to Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Junthy Valenzuela and Eric Menk who’ve been in and out of the lineup because of injuries the last several conferences.
Aside from reactivating the often-injured stars, Uichico recently picked up Yancy de Ocampo and John Ferriols to bolster the Kings’ roster. Rudy Hatfield’s return next month will be another boost. However, working De Ocampo and Ferriols into Ginebra’s system may take some time, admitted Uichico, as “both of them just came in.”
But in a conference where imports take center stage, the focus of Uichico’s attention is Storey – just like it was Chris Alexander when Ginebra bagged the 2008 title and David Noel when the Kings took runner-up honors last season.
Storey, who turns 33 on April 18, played three years for Arizona State, the school that produced the likes of San Miguel team consultant Alton Lister, former PBA import Mario Bennett, Byron Scott, Lionel Hollins, Fat Lever and “Jumpin’” Joe Caldwell. A varsity teammate was Eddie House, newly acquitted by the New York Knicks.
Storey is the only import in town with NBA credentials. He has suited up for the New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks in three seasons, averaging 2.4 points in 60 total games. The 6-5 3/16 guard-forward from Chicago has played in leagues all over the world – in Germany, Korea, Venezuela, Australia, NBDL, CBA and USBL. What sets him apart from most globetrotting cagers is his college diploma – Storey earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies, majoring in communications and sociology, at Arizona State. In 2001, he worked for the Fox Sports network as a production department intern, preparing for a life after hoops.
At the moment, Storey is still doing what he does best – play the game that he loves with a passion.
At Arizona State, Storey gained a reputation as a bruising defender and a versatile scorer. “He’s a difficult cover for guys who are big because of his quickness and for guys who are smaller because he can take them inside and overpower them,” said his varsity coach Rob Evans. “He’s going to give you 15 to 18-foot range and he takes advantage of his abilities which are attacking the basket, rebounding and defending. He’s a tremendous talent. He’s strong, tough physically and mentally. He can get to the basket and create his own shot.”
When the Bucks signed up Storey, then-general manager Larry Harris described him as “a hard-nosed, aggressive player who brings depth to our roster at the guard and small forward positions – he’s an excellent athlete and a solid defender.”
As an Arizona State senior in 2001-02, Storey sat out three games because of bleeding behind a swollen retina but came back to score 29 points against University of Nevada at Las Vegas in his final collegiate game. In 85 career games at Arizona State, Storey posted 16 double-doubles.
Two tainted chapters in Storey’s basketball life involved a misdemeanor arrest and a punching incident at practice. In 2006, Storey and Washington teammate Gilbert Arenas were arrested for disobeying police orders at a riotous Memorial Day celebration of hip-hop music and urban beach culture in Miami Beach. Storey was arrested for blocking traffic in the middle of a street and got off the hook with a $250 donation to the local police assistance trust fund. He was one of 557 arrested during the festivities. That same year, Storey was suspended and eventually cut by Dakota in the NBDL for punching Lithuanian 7-2 teammate Martynas Andriuskevicius at practice. Andriuskevicius was hospitalized with a severe concussion, a minor fracture of the skull and a bruise on the left side of the brain.
A Storey facet is his never-say-die attitude, which fits right in with Ginebra’s philosophy.
When Storey red-shirted for Arizona State in 1998-99 after transferring from Illinois, he was extremely vocal about how the varsity team played in losing to New Orleans in the dugout. “He’s a potential leader, having directed a fierce dressing room tirade at his teammates after a loss to New Orleans – as a redshirt, no less,” reported Jeff Faraudo in the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. “No one challenged his right to do so.”
Before moving to the PBA, Storey played for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian league. He played only nine games for the Breakers. Coach Andrej Lemanis said Storey “acted like a true professional” but was released because “things weren’t working out and we needed to make a change.”
In 2005, Storey led the Wonjun TG Sambo Xers to the Korean league championship. That’s the kind of finish Uichico is expecting from Storey in the PBA and if that happens, it’ll be the “Greatest Storey Ever Told.”
For Barangay Ginebra import Awvee Storey, life on the basketball court is like an unfolding tale that he hopes will have a happy ending.
In the PBA Fiesta Conference, Ginebra coach Joseph Uichico would like nothing more than a Storey-book championship finish.
“Awvee’s asset is his work ethic,” said Uichico. “He rebounds and defends. As for our team, we are all healthy at last, hoping to remain healthy. I’m not used to having these many bodies for quite a long time and am adjusting myself.”
Uichico referred to Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Junthy Valenzuela and Eric Menk who’ve been in and out of the lineup because of injuries the last several conferences.
Aside from reactivating the often-injured stars, Uichico recently picked up Yancy de Ocampo and John Ferriols to bolster the Kings’ roster. Rudy Hatfield’s return next month will be another boost. However, working De Ocampo and Ferriols into Ginebra’s system may take some time, admitted Uichico, as “both of them just came in.”
But in a conference where imports take center stage, the focus of Uichico’s attention is Storey – just like it was Chris Alexander when Ginebra bagged the 2008 title and David Noel when the Kings took runner-up honors last season.
Storey, who turns 33 on April 18, played three years for Arizona State, the school that produced the likes of San Miguel team consultant Alton Lister, former PBA import Mario Bennett, Byron Scott, Lionel Hollins, Fat Lever and “Jumpin’” Joe Caldwell. A varsity teammate was Eddie House, newly acquitted by the New York Knicks.
Storey is the only import in town with NBA credentials. He has suited up for the New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks in three seasons, averaging 2.4 points in 60 total games. The 6-5 3/16 guard-forward from Chicago has played in leagues all over the world – in Germany, Korea, Venezuela, Australia, NBDL, CBA and USBL. What sets him apart from most globetrotting cagers is his college diploma – Storey earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies, majoring in communications and sociology, at Arizona State. In 2001, he worked for the Fox Sports network as a production department intern, preparing for a life after hoops.
At the moment, Storey is still doing what he does best – play the game that he loves with a passion.
At Arizona State, Storey gained a reputation as a bruising defender and a versatile scorer. “He’s a difficult cover for guys who are big because of his quickness and for guys who are smaller because he can take them inside and overpower them,” said his varsity coach Rob Evans. “He’s going to give you 15 to 18-foot range and he takes advantage of his abilities which are attacking the basket, rebounding and defending. He’s a tremendous talent. He’s strong, tough physically and mentally. He can get to the basket and create his own shot.”
When the Bucks signed up Storey, then-general manager Larry Harris described him as “a hard-nosed, aggressive player who brings depth to our roster at the guard and small forward positions – he’s an excellent athlete and a solid defender.”
As an Arizona State senior in 2001-02, Storey sat out three games because of bleeding behind a swollen retina but came back to score 29 points against University of Nevada at Las Vegas in his final collegiate game. In 85 career games at Arizona State, Storey posted 16 double-doubles.
Two tainted chapters in Storey’s basketball life involved a misdemeanor arrest and a punching incident at practice. In 2006, Storey and Washington teammate Gilbert Arenas were arrested for disobeying police orders at a riotous Memorial Day celebration of hip-hop music and urban beach culture in Miami Beach. Storey was arrested for blocking traffic in the middle of a street and got off the hook with a $250 donation to the local police assistance trust fund. He was one of 557 arrested during the festivities. That same year, Storey was suspended and eventually cut by Dakota in the NBDL for punching Lithuanian 7-2 teammate Martynas Andriuskevicius at practice. Andriuskevicius was hospitalized with a severe concussion, a minor fracture of the skull and a bruise on the left side of the brain.
A Storey facet is his never-say-die attitude, which fits right in with Ginebra’s philosophy.
When Storey red-shirted for Arizona State in 1998-99 after transferring from Illinois, he was extremely vocal about how the varsity team played in losing to New Orleans in the dugout. “He’s a potential leader, having directed a fierce dressing room tirade at his teammates after a loss to New Orleans – as a redshirt, no less,” reported Jeff Faraudo in the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. “No one challenged his right to do so.”
Before moving to the PBA, Storey played for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian league. He played only nine games for the Breakers. Coach Andrej Lemanis said Storey “acted like a true professional” but was released because “things weren’t working out and we needed to make a change.”
In 2005, Storey led the Wonjun TG Sambo Xers to the Korean league championship. That’s the kind of finish Uichico is expecting from Storey in the PBA and if that happens, it’ll be the “Greatest Storey Ever Told.”
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Storey, Caguioa lead Ginebra past Talk 'N Text
source: PBA.ph
The Barangay Ginebra Kings and import Awvee Storey ended their first game together with a good story to tell. Storey had a decent debut in the local pro league, coming through with 33 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Kings to a 97-90 win over the Talk n Text Tropang Texters in the opening day of the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid and Jayjay Helterbrand contributed at least 11 points each as the Kings kept their streak over Texters in their head-on duels dating back to the recent Philippine Cup.
The two teams figured in a best-of-five quarters duel in the last conference with Ginebra emerging the winner, completing a comeback from a 0-2 deficit. Storey definitely had a big hand as the Kings made a triumphant Fiesta Cup start after finishing fourth in the all-Filipino tourney.
A product of Arizona State with a three-year stint in the NBA, Storey went 13-of-25 from the field and 6-of-6 from the stripe, and also got two assists, one steal and one block in 38 minutes of play. He more than held his own against Shawn Daniels, a veteran PBA import with three conferences played with Air21. “Storey is not that spectacular but he’s an all-around player.He’s got little of everything and we’re hoping he can compliment the team,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. “He’s a hard worker as he’s been showing in practice. Hopefully, he continues to be that way and really compliment the team,” Uichico added.
“Maganda result ng first game. But he’s now scouted so things would be different in the next games.” Storey got off to a good start and showed staying power, helping the Kings to a finish steadier than that of the Texters. Emotions appeared to be still high in the early rematch of the two teams that engaged in a passionate playoff series in the last conference.
At one point in the second half, Ranidel de Ocampo sent Storey to the floor on a hard tackle meriting a flagrant foul call from the referees. It would be remembered that De Ocampo himself committed an infraction that triggered a controversy in Game Four of the Ginebra-Talk n Text quarters duel in the Philippine Cup. Daniels, De Ocampo and Mark Cardona led the Talk n Text challenge as they fought the Kings through 14 deadlocks and 22 lead changes.
Daniels churned out 19 points and 16 rebounds, Cardona tallied 19 points, three steals and two rebounds while De Ocampo chipped in 14 points and three rebounds. Storey and Caguioa, however, outplayed and outscored Daniels and Cardona in the payoff period, fueling a hot charge with their combined output of 23 points. (SB)
The scores:
Ginebra 97 - Storey 33, Caguioa 19, Tubid 16, Helterbrand 11, Baguio 8, Menk 4, Intal 2, Cruz 2, Villanueva 2, De Ocampo 0.
Talk N' Text 90 - Daniels 19, Cardona 19, De Ocampo 14, Carey 8, Alapag 8, Yee 7, Castro 7, Dillinger 6, Aban 2, Peek 0, Belasco 0.
Quarterscores: 15-21, 38-39, 64-63, 97-90
The Barangay Ginebra Kings and import Awvee Storey ended their first game together with a good story to tell. Storey had a decent debut in the local pro league, coming through with 33 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Kings to a 97-90 win over the Talk n Text Tropang Texters in the opening day of the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid and Jayjay Helterbrand contributed at least 11 points each as the Kings kept their streak over Texters in their head-on duels dating back to the recent Philippine Cup.
The two teams figured in a best-of-five quarters duel in the last conference with Ginebra emerging the winner, completing a comeback from a 0-2 deficit. Storey definitely had a big hand as the Kings made a triumphant Fiesta Cup start after finishing fourth in the all-Filipino tourney.
A product of Arizona State with a three-year stint in the NBA, Storey went 13-of-25 from the field and 6-of-6 from the stripe, and also got two assists, one steal and one block in 38 minutes of play. He more than held his own against Shawn Daniels, a veteran PBA import with three conferences played with Air21. “Storey is not that spectacular but he’s an all-around player.He’s got little of everything and we’re hoping he can compliment the team,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. “He’s a hard worker as he’s been showing in practice. Hopefully, he continues to be that way and really compliment the team,” Uichico added.
“Maganda result ng first game. But he’s now scouted so things would be different in the next games.” Storey got off to a good start and showed staying power, helping the Kings to a finish steadier than that of the Texters. Emotions appeared to be still high in the early rematch of the two teams that engaged in a passionate playoff series in the last conference.
At one point in the second half, Ranidel de Ocampo sent Storey to the floor on a hard tackle meriting a flagrant foul call from the referees. It would be remembered that De Ocampo himself committed an infraction that triggered a controversy in Game Four of the Ginebra-Talk n Text quarters duel in the Philippine Cup. Daniels, De Ocampo and Mark Cardona led the Talk n Text challenge as they fought the Kings through 14 deadlocks and 22 lead changes.
Daniels churned out 19 points and 16 rebounds, Cardona tallied 19 points, three steals and two rebounds while De Ocampo chipped in 14 points and three rebounds. Storey and Caguioa, however, outplayed and outscored Daniels and Cardona in the payoff period, fueling a hot charge with their combined output of 23 points. (SB)
The scores:
Ginebra 97 - Storey 33, Caguioa 19, Tubid 16, Helterbrand 11, Baguio 8, Menk 4, Intal 2, Cruz 2, Villanueva 2, De Ocampo 0.
Talk N' Text 90 - Daniels 19, Cardona 19, De Ocampo 14, Carey 8, Alapag 8, Yee 7, Castro 7, Dillinger 6, Aban 2, Peek 0, Belasco 0.
Quarterscores: 15-21, 38-39, 64-63, 97-90
New-look Barako Coffee stuns Sta. Lucia
gmanews.tv
Barako Coffee made sure everybody took notice right on opening day of the KFC-PBA Fiesta Cup.
Sammy Monroe showed how prolific a scorer he is by exploding for 39 points and powering the Coffee Masters to a 97-93 upset of the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the curtain-raiser ushering the import-laden conference at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Monroe, who had stint in Mexico prior to signing up with Barako Coffee, was 13-of-24 from the field and also had 12 rebounds, while making two big free throws that shattered the game’s final deadlock and put the Coffee Makers on top for good, 90-88.
New recruit Al Vergara then preserved the stunning win by nailing back-to-back crucial jumpers in the final 85 seconds that put the fight out of the rallying Realtors.
“We just won the first game. There are 17 games more and it’s still a long way to go," said Junel Baculi of his debut win as PBA coach.
“We have to work our way up because we wanted to get out of the rut," added the new mentor of Barako Coffee, which finished at the bottom of the standings in the last three conferences.
Leo Najorda, one of the few remnants of Barako Coffee’s predecessor – Red Bull – added 12 markers while Vergara, who previously suited up for Purefoods and later, with the Singapore Slingers in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), had eight along with Rob Wainwright and Rob Reyes.
Veteran import Anthony Johnson exploded for 41 points and collected 13 rebounds for the Realtors, who fought back from an 11-point deficit in the final 5:20 to tie the game at 88 with 2:32 left.
Gabby Espinas added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Ryan Reyes contributed 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Sta. Lucia, which had new faces in Bonbon Custodio, the player the ball club got for trading Joseph Yeo to San Miguel, and Don Belano.
Kelly Williams was limited to just six points on 3-of-8 shooting, but came through with the game’s highlight reel play with a left-handed, follow-up dunk off a missed shot in the waning seconds of the third period for a 76-68 count. - GMANews.TV
The scores:
Barako Coffee 97 - Monroe 39, Najorda 12, Vergara 8, Reyes 8, Wainwright 8, Menor 5, Dimaunahan 5, Duncil4, Aljamal 4, Gaco 2, Faundo 2, Alonzo 0.
Sta. Lucia 93 - Johnson 41, Espinas 14, Reyes 13, Custodio 8, Williams 6, Mendoza 4, Misolas 3, Omolon 2, Aquino 2, Waters 0, Urbiztondo 0, Belano 0.
Quarterscores: 25-23; 44-46; 78-68; 97-93.
Barako Coffee made sure everybody took notice right on opening day of the KFC-PBA Fiesta Cup.
Sammy Monroe showed how prolific a scorer he is by exploding for 39 points and powering the Coffee Masters to a 97-93 upset of the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the curtain-raiser ushering the import-laden conference at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Monroe, who had stint in Mexico prior to signing up with Barako Coffee, was 13-of-24 from the field and also had 12 rebounds, while making two big free throws that shattered the game’s final deadlock and put the Coffee Makers on top for good, 90-88.
New recruit Al Vergara then preserved the stunning win by nailing back-to-back crucial jumpers in the final 85 seconds that put the fight out of the rallying Realtors.
“We just won the first game. There are 17 games more and it’s still a long way to go," said Junel Baculi of his debut win as PBA coach.
“We have to work our way up because we wanted to get out of the rut," added the new mentor of Barako Coffee, which finished at the bottom of the standings in the last three conferences.
Leo Najorda, one of the few remnants of Barako Coffee’s predecessor – Red Bull – added 12 markers while Vergara, who previously suited up for Purefoods and later, with the Singapore Slingers in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), had eight along with Rob Wainwright and Rob Reyes.
Veteran import Anthony Johnson exploded for 41 points and collected 13 rebounds for the Realtors, who fought back from an 11-point deficit in the final 5:20 to tie the game at 88 with 2:32 left.
Gabby Espinas added 14 points and nine rebounds, while Ryan Reyes contributed 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Sta. Lucia, which had new faces in Bonbon Custodio, the player the ball club got for trading Joseph Yeo to San Miguel, and Don Belano.
Kelly Williams was limited to just six points on 3-of-8 shooting, but came through with the game’s highlight reel play with a left-handed, follow-up dunk off a missed shot in the waning seconds of the third period for a 76-68 count. - GMANews.TV
The scores:
Barako Coffee 97 - Monroe 39, Najorda 12, Vergara 8, Reyes 8, Wainwright 8, Menor 5, Dimaunahan 5, Duncil4, Aljamal 4, Gaco 2, Faundo 2, Alonzo 0.
Sta. Lucia 93 - Johnson 41, Espinas 14, Reyes 13, Custodio 8, Williams 6, Mendoza 4, Misolas 3, Omolon 2, Aquino 2, Waters 0, Urbiztondo 0, Belano 0.
Quarterscores: 25-23; 44-46; 78-68; 97-93.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Uichico dropping player for Rudy Hatfield
source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph
Rudy Hatfield is making a comeback after an absence of three years, raising concerns about his fitness and readiness to compete against young players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Still, Barangay Ginebra won’t pass up the opportunity of having the six-foot-three veteran on the team out to regain the PBA Fiesta Cup it won two years ago.
“He’s (Hatfield) always a positive addition and I’m sure he still has the same heart and intensity. Also, he’s a stabilizing presence, not only in the locker room and on the court but also even in practice,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said. “He also last played here three years ago. I really want to see him play, not only in practice but in an actual game,” he added.
Hatfield is set to arrive April 6.
Uichico, however, concedes that Hatfield needs time to work himself back to shape.
“He’s 32... and at that age you may have lost a step or two, a hustle here or there,” said Uichico who now has to drop one player from his current roster to accommodate the do-it-all forward.
He will choose from among 6-6 Eric Menk, 6-3 JC Intal, 6-5 Billy Mamaril, 6-3 Willie Wilson, 6-2 Sunday Salvacion, as well as newly acquired 6-4 John Ferriols and 6-8 Yancy de Ocampo.
One of these players would be placed on the reserve list, providing the opportunity for other teams to grab him as Unrestricted Free Agent with Rights to Salary.
Ferriols had been taken from Alaska as an unrestricted free agent. Previously, 6-8 Sam Eman was taken by the Aces from San Miguel Beer.
The Kings lost to San Miguel Beer in a classic seven-game title showdown in the same conference last year.
In the previous all-Filipino Philippine Cup, Ginebra was swept by the Aces, 4-0, in the semifinals.
In the Fiesta Cup opener on Sunday, the Kings will parade ex-NBA player Awvee Storey against Talk ‘N Text in the main game of a twin-bill at the Araneta Coliseum.
In six seasons that began in 2000, Hatfield averaged double-double 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds, with 3.1 assists in 227 games. He left for the United States following the Kings’ title triumph in the 2006-2007 Philippine Cup to be with bride-to-be Bethany.
Games Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Barako Coffee vs Sta. Lucia
6:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs Talk ‘N Text
Rudy Hatfield is making a comeback after an absence of three years, raising concerns about his fitness and readiness to compete against young players in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Still, Barangay Ginebra won’t pass up the opportunity of having the six-foot-three veteran on the team out to regain the PBA Fiesta Cup it won two years ago.
“He’s (Hatfield) always a positive addition and I’m sure he still has the same heart and intensity. Also, he’s a stabilizing presence, not only in the locker room and on the court but also even in practice,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said. “He also last played here three years ago. I really want to see him play, not only in practice but in an actual game,” he added.
Hatfield is set to arrive April 6.
Uichico, however, concedes that Hatfield needs time to work himself back to shape.
“He’s 32... and at that age you may have lost a step or two, a hustle here or there,” said Uichico who now has to drop one player from his current roster to accommodate the do-it-all forward.
He will choose from among 6-6 Eric Menk, 6-3 JC Intal, 6-5 Billy Mamaril, 6-3 Willie Wilson, 6-2 Sunday Salvacion, as well as newly acquired 6-4 John Ferriols and 6-8 Yancy de Ocampo.
One of these players would be placed on the reserve list, providing the opportunity for other teams to grab him as Unrestricted Free Agent with Rights to Salary.
Ferriols had been taken from Alaska as an unrestricted free agent. Previously, 6-8 Sam Eman was taken by the Aces from San Miguel Beer.
The Kings lost to San Miguel Beer in a classic seven-game title showdown in the same conference last year.
In the previous all-Filipino Philippine Cup, Ginebra was swept by the Aces, 4-0, in the semifinals.
In the Fiesta Cup opener on Sunday, the Kings will parade ex-NBA player Awvee Storey against Talk ‘N Text in the main game of a twin-bill at the Araneta Coliseum.
In six seasons that began in 2000, Hatfield averaged double-double 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds, with 3.1 assists in 227 games. He left for the United States following the Kings’ title triumph in the 2006-2007 Philippine Cup to be with bride-to-be Bethany.
Games Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Barako Coffee vs Sta. Lucia
6:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs Talk ‘N Text
PBA: Early grudge showdown
source: Joel Orellana | businessmirror.com.ph
Two teams that figured in a controversial quarterfinal series in the previous conference face off right on opening day of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Barangay Ginebra and Talk ’N Text, which battled in a Philippine Cup quarterfinal series marred by a walkout that cost the Texters more than P1 million in fines, square off at 6:30 p.m. right after the opening game tussle between the “new look” Barako Coffee Masters and Sta. Lucia Realty at 4 p.m.
Ginebra, which lost to sister team San Miguel Beer in the semifinals of the All-Filipino tournament, strengthened its frontline by acquiring Yancy de Ocampo in a trade with Air21 and signing free agent John Ferriols.
Plus, the Kings are expecting 32-year-old rebound demon Rudy Hatfield to rejoin the team next month.
“He’s [Hatfield] always a positive addition and I’m sure he still has the same heart and intensity,” said Uichico, who now faces a dilemma on who to relegate in the reserve list once Hatfield joins the team.
“Also, he is a stabilizing presence, not only in the locker room and on the court but also even in practice. Kaya siguradong makakatulong siya, not only with my team pero kahit na saang team,” he added.
Hatfield played six seasons in the PBA and was part of the Ginebra team that ruled the 2006-07 Philippine Cup before returning to the US to help his bride-to-be Bethany sort out some problems from her previous marriage.
Uichico said that aside from resuming his basketball career in the country, Hatfield will also be involved in missionary work.
The Kings are parading former National Basketball Association campaigner Awvee Storey, whom Uichico described as an all-around player
“He’s a hard worker, nothing flashy. A defender, rebounder and a team player,” he said.
Talk ’N Text, also added three role players in a trade with the Express, giving up de Ocampo and Renren Ritualo.
Debuting for the Tropang Texters are Mark Yee, JR Quinahan and Aaron Aban, while coach Chot Reyes decided to get back import Shawn Daniels after their original choice, Erick Hicks, fell short of expectations.
“I’m very pleased with our practice the past week and I’m looking forward to a great conference for us,” said Reyes, who failed to defend their Philippine Cup title after losing to the Kings in a quarterfinals marred by a walkout.
Reyes added that the new additions, including the burly Daniels, will provide new dimensions to the team known for its scoring prowess.
“Iyung mga basurero, mga pulot-pulot, depensa, hustle,” he said. “Sila ’yung magbibigay ng ibang dimensions sa team namin and I’m very happy with them.”
Daniels, who is fresh from a stint in Puerto Rico, arrived on Thursday morning.
“He’s exactly the kind of import we need, a team player who can complement the locals and has the defensive attitude,” said Reyes.
Two teams that figured in a controversial quarterfinal series in the previous conference face off right on opening day of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Barangay Ginebra and Talk ’N Text, which battled in a Philippine Cup quarterfinal series marred by a walkout that cost the Texters more than P1 million in fines, square off at 6:30 p.m. right after the opening game tussle between the “new look” Barako Coffee Masters and Sta. Lucia Realty at 4 p.m.
Ginebra, which lost to sister team San Miguel Beer in the semifinals of the All-Filipino tournament, strengthened its frontline by acquiring Yancy de Ocampo in a trade with Air21 and signing free agent John Ferriols.
Plus, the Kings are expecting 32-year-old rebound demon Rudy Hatfield to rejoin the team next month.
“He’s [Hatfield] always a positive addition and I’m sure he still has the same heart and intensity,” said Uichico, who now faces a dilemma on who to relegate in the reserve list once Hatfield joins the team.
“Also, he is a stabilizing presence, not only in the locker room and on the court but also even in practice. Kaya siguradong makakatulong siya, not only with my team pero kahit na saang team,” he added.
Hatfield played six seasons in the PBA and was part of the Ginebra team that ruled the 2006-07 Philippine Cup before returning to the US to help his bride-to-be Bethany sort out some problems from her previous marriage.
Uichico said that aside from resuming his basketball career in the country, Hatfield will also be involved in missionary work.
The Kings are parading former National Basketball Association campaigner Awvee Storey, whom Uichico described as an all-around player
“He’s a hard worker, nothing flashy. A defender, rebounder and a team player,” he said.
Talk ’N Text, also added three role players in a trade with the Express, giving up de Ocampo and Renren Ritualo.
Debuting for the Tropang Texters are Mark Yee, JR Quinahan and Aaron Aban, while coach Chot Reyes decided to get back import Shawn Daniels after their original choice, Erick Hicks, fell short of expectations.
“I’m very pleased with our practice the past week and I’m looking forward to a great conference for us,” said Reyes, who failed to defend their Philippine Cup title after losing to the Kings in a quarterfinals marred by a walkout.
Reyes added that the new additions, including the burly Daniels, will provide new dimensions to the team known for its scoring prowess.
“Iyung mga basurero, mga pulot-pulot, depensa, hustle,” he said. “Sila ’yung magbibigay ng ibang dimensions sa team namin and I’m very happy with them.”
Daniels, who is fresh from a stint in Puerto Rico, arrived on Thursday morning.
“He’s exactly the kind of import we need, a team player who can complement the locals and has the defensive attitude,” said Reyes.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Ferriols to boost Ginebra line-up for coming Fiesta Cup
source: gmanews.tv
Barangay Ginebra, a talented but aging team like the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, has bolstered its frontline – by securing veteran John Ferriols.
Ferriols’ acquisition by Ginebra became official on Wednesday night when the 35-year-old former Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) most valuable player (MVP) became an unrestricted free agent.
Alaska Milk put the 6-foot-5 lefty center/forward on the reserved list to make room for new recruit big man – 6-foot-9 Samigue Eman.
Ginebra took advantage as Ferriols officially became an unrestricted free agent being put on the reserved list.
Alaska team manager and board representative Joaqui Trillo said, in a telephone interview, that they’re putting Ferriols on the reserved list. Eman, who was picked up by the Aces during the latter stretch of the Philippine Cup, moved up to join the Aces’ regular roster.
“He’s still with us, but he can be picked up by any team as long as he agrees to play with them," added Trillo.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, whose team just picked up 6-foot-9 Yancy de Ocampo from Air21 a few days ago, was happy to have an additional frontliner in Ferriols.
The multi-titled mentor, however, said he wants young players who can provide support to his aging veterans, who may have to play reduced minutes to be preserved in the long stretch.
“Let’s face it. Our team is not getting any younger. We have a 35-year-old Ferriols coming over and we have a 33-year-old Rudy Hatfield returning. So as veterans Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand who are not getting any younger either and if maglalaro pa si Johnny Abarrientos, we will have the oldest player on the squad," said Uichico.
“We need young players that could somehow eat up 10 to 12 minutes from our veterans and hopefully preserved our older guys for the long stretch," he added.
Ginebra’s sister team, San Miguel Beer, a squad loaded in offensive firepower, had added another marquee player in Joseph Yeo, who was plucked form Sta. Lucia in exchange for Bonbon Custodio.
Yeo will be included on a rotation that has Dondon Hontiveros, Lordy Tugade and Jonas Villanueva. The team recently added Alex Cabagnot, who will also share minutes with Denok Miranda and Olsen Racela.
Trading not yet over
More trade are expected to take place as teams get busy retooling their respective lineups before the opening of the Fiesta Conference.
A source, who requested anonymity, said that the Beermen and the Gin Kings are not done yet with their wheeling and dealing.
“San Miguel are loaded with guards while Ginebra still needs to bolster some positions," said the source. “I believe there will be more movements in the next few days," said the source.
Speaking for Ginebra, Uichico admitted there are still offers left on the table.
“There were offers on the table, but I don’t see it happening before Sunday or the next few days or weeks," said Uichico. “Bottom line, our team is not getting any younger and we want young, quality players who will play as backup for either JayJay Helterbrand or some of our veteran frontliners." – GMANews.TV
Barangay Ginebra, a talented but aging team like the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, has bolstered its frontline – by securing veteran John Ferriols.
Ferriols’ acquisition by Ginebra became official on Wednesday night when the 35-year-old former Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) most valuable player (MVP) became an unrestricted free agent.
Alaska Milk put the 6-foot-5 lefty center/forward on the reserved list to make room for new recruit big man – 6-foot-9 Samigue Eman.
Ginebra took advantage as Ferriols officially became an unrestricted free agent being put on the reserved list.
Alaska team manager and board representative Joaqui Trillo said, in a telephone interview, that they’re putting Ferriols on the reserved list. Eman, who was picked up by the Aces during the latter stretch of the Philippine Cup, moved up to join the Aces’ regular roster.
“He’s still with us, but he can be picked up by any team as long as he agrees to play with them," added Trillo.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, whose team just picked up 6-foot-9 Yancy de Ocampo from Air21 a few days ago, was happy to have an additional frontliner in Ferriols.
The multi-titled mentor, however, said he wants young players who can provide support to his aging veterans, who may have to play reduced minutes to be preserved in the long stretch.
“Let’s face it. Our team is not getting any younger. We have a 35-year-old Ferriols coming over and we have a 33-year-old Rudy Hatfield returning. So as veterans Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand who are not getting any younger either and if maglalaro pa si Johnny Abarrientos, we will have the oldest player on the squad," said Uichico.
“We need young players that could somehow eat up 10 to 12 minutes from our veterans and hopefully preserved our older guys for the long stretch," he added.
Ginebra’s sister team, San Miguel Beer, a squad loaded in offensive firepower, had added another marquee player in Joseph Yeo, who was plucked form Sta. Lucia in exchange for Bonbon Custodio.
Yeo will be included on a rotation that has Dondon Hontiveros, Lordy Tugade and Jonas Villanueva. The team recently added Alex Cabagnot, who will also share minutes with Denok Miranda and Olsen Racela.
Trading not yet over
More trade are expected to take place as teams get busy retooling their respective lineups before the opening of the Fiesta Conference.
A source, who requested anonymity, said that the Beermen and the Gin Kings are not done yet with their wheeling and dealing.
“San Miguel are loaded with guards while Ginebra still needs to bolster some positions," said the source. “I believe there will be more movements in the next few days," said the source.
Speaking for Ginebra, Uichico admitted there are still offers left on the table.
“There were offers on the table, but I don’t see it happening before Sunday or the next few days or weeks," said Uichico. “Bottom line, our team is not getting any younger and we want young, quality players who will play as backup for either JayJay Helterbrand or some of our veteran frontliners." – GMANews.TV
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
SMB sends Custodio to SLR for Yeo
source: Nelson Beltran | philstar.com
San Miguel Beer continued to rebuild its aging lineup, acquiring Joseph Yeo from Sta. Lucia in exchange for Bonbon Custodio five days before the opening of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen, who settled for third place after losing to the eventual champions Purefoods Giants in the recent Philippine Cup, have bolstered their backcourt rotation with Yeo’s acquisition, which came on the heels of an earlier trade deal involving Alex Cabagnot and Mike Cortez.
Yeo, a former La Salle standout, blossomed into a fine playmaker with Sta. Lucia after a forgettable stint with Coca-Cola in the 2006-07 campaign.
In his second season with Sta. Lucia last year, Yeo effectively played his off-the-bench role, winding up as the team’s second-best scorer behind Kelly Williams with a 13.5-point average.
He also normed 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in a remarkable season, prompting the team management to give him a three-year contract-extension worth the maximum pay allowed in the league.
Meanwhile, Custodio, a product of University of the East, is in his second year in the pro league, also playing the off-the-bench role creditably.
The only rookie in the star-studded, talent-laden Beermen squad last year, Custodio performed well to earn a spot on the All-Rookie selection by the PBA Press Corps. He played for San Miguel’s farm team in the PBL before being elevated to the pro ranks. He was the eighth pick in the 2008 annual draft.
San Miguel Beer continued to rebuild its aging lineup, acquiring Joseph Yeo from Sta. Lucia in exchange for Bonbon Custodio five days before the opening of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen, who settled for third place after losing to the eventual champions Purefoods Giants in the recent Philippine Cup, have bolstered their backcourt rotation with Yeo’s acquisition, which came on the heels of an earlier trade deal involving Alex Cabagnot and Mike Cortez.
Yeo, a former La Salle standout, blossomed into a fine playmaker with Sta. Lucia after a forgettable stint with Coca-Cola in the 2006-07 campaign.
In his second season with Sta. Lucia last year, Yeo effectively played his off-the-bench role, winding up as the team’s second-best scorer behind Kelly Williams with a 13.5-point average.
He also normed 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists in a remarkable season, prompting the team management to give him a three-year contract-extension worth the maximum pay allowed in the league.
Meanwhile, Custodio, a product of University of the East, is in his second year in the pro league, also playing the off-the-bench role creditably.
The only rookie in the star-studded, talent-laden Beermen squad last year, Custodio performed well to earn a spot on the All-Rookie selection by the PBA Press Corps. He played for San Miguel’s farm team in the PBL before being elevated to the pro ranks. He was the eighth pick in the 2008 annual draft.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Ginebra mas palaban sa pagputok ng PBA Fiesta Conference!
source: Russell Cadayona (Pilipino Star Ngayon)
MANILA, Philippines - Kumpiyansa si coach Jong Uichico na malaki ang magiging pagbabago sa Barangay Ginebra sa nalalapit na 2009-2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.
Ito, ayon kay Uichico, ay dahil na rin sa pagkakahugot nila kay 6-foot-9 Yancy De Ocampo mula sa Air21 para kina Rich Alvarez at Doug Kramer at ang pagkuha kay 6’6 import Awvee Storey.
“I just think that the other teams are getting stronger than us in terms of manpower,” ani Uichico. “We are injecting new blood, new players in the team.”
Si De Ocampo, dinala ng Talk ‘N Text sa Air21 kasama si Ren-Ren Ritualo, Jr. kapalit nina 6’6 JR Quiñahan, Mark Yee at Aaron Aban, ang magiging lehitimong sentro ng Gin Kings.
Makakatuwang ni De Ocampo sa shaded lane sina 6’5 Eric Menk, 6’5 Rico Villanueva at 6’5 Billy Mamaril
Kung may kailangan pa si Uichico, ito ay isang pointguard na makakatulong nina 2009 PBA Most Valuable Player Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid at Cyrus Baguio.
Lumutang ang balitang gustong hugutin ng Ginebra si Fil-Am Alex Cabagnot mula sa Air21 para kay Baguio.
Inaasahan naman ni Uichico na makakasabay sa kanilang sistema ang 32-anyos namang si Storey, isang NBA veteran at minsan nang naging kakampi ni NBA superstar Gilbert Arenas sa Washington Wizards.
“He’s an all-around player. Hopefully, kapag nadagdagan na ‘yung team ng mga kulang na players he will fit into the system of the team,” wika ni Uichico kay Storey.
Ang 6’6 na si Storey ay produkto ng Arizona State at 16 beses na nagtala ng double-double performance sa kanyang 85-game career.
Noong 2000-01, nakatanggap siya ng Pac-10 Honorable Mention honours matapos maglista ng mga career-high sa puntos (13.1) at rebounds (9.1).
MANILA, Philippines - Kumpiyansa si coach Jong Uichico na malaki ang magiging pagbabago sa Barangay Ginebra sa nalalapit na 2009-2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.
Ito, ayon kay Uichico, ay dahil na rin sa pagkakahugot nila kay 6-foot-9 Yancy De Ocampo mula sa Air21 para kina Rich Alvarez at Doug Kramer at ang pagkuha kay 6’6 import Awvee Storey.
“I just think that the other teams are getting stronger than us in terms of manpower,” ani Uichico. “We are injecting new blood, new players in the team.”
Si De Ocampo, dinala ng Talk ‘N Text sa Air21 kasama si Ren-Ren Ritualo, Jr. kapalit nina 6’6 JR Quiñahan, Mark Yee at Aaron Aban, ang magiging lehitimong sentro ng Gin Kings.
Makakatuwang ni De Ocampo sa shaded lane sina 6’5 Eric Menk, 6’5 Rico Villanueva at 6’5 Billy Mamaril
Kung may kailangan pa si Uichico, ito ay isang pointguard na makakatulong nina 2009 PBA Most Valuable Player Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid at Cyrus Baguio.
Lumutang ang balitang gustong hugutin ng Ginebra si Fil-Am Alex Cabagnot mula sa Air21 para kay Baguio.
Inaasahan naman ni Uichico na makakasabay sa kanilang sistema ang 32-anyos namang si Storey, isang NBA veteran at minsan nang naging kakampi ni NBA superstar Gilbert Arenas sa Washington Wizards.
“He’s an all-around player. Hopefully, kapag nadagdagan na ‘yung team ng mga kulang na players he will fit into the system of the team,” wika ni Uichico kay Storey.
Ang 6’6 na si Storey ay produkto ng Arizona State at 16 beses na nagtala ng double-double performance sa kanyang 85-game career.
Noong 2000-01, nakatanggap siya ng Pac-10 Honorable Mention honours matapos maglista ng mga career-high sa puntos (13.1) at rebounds (9.1).
Sunday, March 14, 2010
PBA celebs play ‘Pacfans’ and boxing buffs in Pacquiao-Clottey
source: Rey Joble | gmanews.tv
It’s been a normal practice. The entire nation always stands still every time pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao climbs the ring.
On Sunday, officials and coaches from the Philippine Basketball Association took time off their regular routines to watch Pacquiao defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against Joshua Clottey of Ghana.
True-blue "Pacfans," they watched the fight with great anticipation and many of them ended up quite disappointed with the way the Ghanaian challenger fought the best boxer in the world today.
“Sanay na kasi tayo sa mga knockouts ni Pacquiao eh," PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios told GMANews.TV. “Even ako nag-aantay na pabagsakin ni Pacquiao si Clottey, who suddenly became content surviving the fight than try winning it."
Coaches Chot Reyes of Talk ‘N Text, Tim Cone of Alaska, Bo Perasol of Coca-Cola, Siot Tanquingcen of San Miguel Beer, Asean Basketball League mentor Louie Alas of the Philippine Patriots and former Sta. Lucia bench tactician Alfrancis Chua also had things to say about the bout.
“I watched through my CIGNAL TV. All I can say is, itong taga-Ghana, nakakawalang gana," Reyes wrote on his Twitter account.
Reyes also urged former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. to go and face Pacquiao in what could be the biggest bout ever. The two boxers were the ones supposed to battle Sunday, but the negotiations bogged down due to disagreement over dope-testing procedures.
“Come on, Mayweather. Stop running away from the only fight left this century," said Reyes, the only coach to win the PBA All-Filipino championship for three different teams.
Cone, whose team is currently in Cebu to play the Niños and have their team-building sessions, tuned in to the radio to get updates on Pacquiao’s fight. The multi-titled mentor said his import, Diamon Simpson, is a huge Pacquiao fan and was one of those very excited to follow the fight.
“The whole Alaska team is here at the beach waiting for the Pacman show. But who cares for Alaska, this is Pacquiao’s Day," said Cone on his Twitter account.
For Perasol, they got themselves a pay-per-view telecast and even invited their neighbors to watch with them. Like many, the coach and his gang ended up frustrated.
“It’s very frustrating in a way. Boxing is supposed to be offense and defense. Naging offense si Pacman and defense naman si Clottey," said Perasol in a text message.
Tanquingcen anticipated the bout won’t be as exciting given the fighting style of Clottey and so he didn’t avail of a PPV telecast and opted to watch the bout on a delayed basis.
Alas and Chua shared different views.
“In a way, happy na rin ako dahil nanalo pa rin si Pacquiao," said Alas, who watched a PPV screening at the Alabang Town Center.
Chua had mixed emotions.
“Pangit ng laban. Ayaw lumaban nung kalaban," said Chua, who watched through his friend’s Playdium. “The good thing is, Pacquiao won." - GMANews.TV
It’s been a normal practice. The entire nation always stands still every time pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao climbs the ring.
On Sunday, officials and coaches from the Philippine Basketball Association took time off their regular routines to watch Pacquiao defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight title against Joshua Clottey of Ghana.
True-blue "Pacfans," they watched the fight with great anticipation and many of them ended up quite disappointed with the way the Ghanaian challenger fought the best boxer in the world today.
“Sanay na kasi tayo sa mga knockouts ni Pacquiao eh," PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios told GMANews.TV. “Even ako nag-aantay na pabagsakin ni Pacquiao si Clottey, who suddenly became content surviving the fight than try winning it."
Coaches Chot Reyes of Talk ‘N Text, Tim Cone of Alaska, Bo Perasol of Coca-Cola, Siot Tanquingcen of San Miguel Beer, Asean Basketball League mentor Louie Alas of the Philippine Patriots and former Sta. Lucia bench tactician Alfrancis Chua also had things to say about the bout.
“I watched through my CIGNAL TV. All I can say is, itong taga-Ghana, nakakawalang gana," Reyes wrote on his Twitter account.
Reyes also urged former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. to go and face Pacquiao in what could be the biggest bout ever. The two boxers were the ones supposed to battle Sunday, but the negotiations bogged down due to disagreement over dope-testing procedures.
“Come on, Mayweather. Stop running away from the only fight left this century," said Reyes, the only coach to win the PBA All-Filipino championship for three different teams.
Cone, whose team is currently in Cebu to play the Niños and have their team-building sessions, tuned in to the radio to get updates on Pacquiao’s fight. The multi-titled mentor said his import, Diamon Simpson, is a huge Pacquiao fan and was one of those very excited to follow the fight.
“The whole Alaska team is here at the beach waiting for the Pacman show. But who cares for Alaska, this is Pacquiao’s Day," said Cone on his Twitter account.
For Perasol, they got themselves a pay-per-view telecast and even invited their neighbors to watch with them. Like many, the coach and his gang ended up frustrated.
“It’s very frustrating in a way. Boxing is supposed to be offense and defense. Naging offense si Pacman and defense naman si Clottey," said Perasol in a text message.
Tanquingcen anticipated the bout won’t be as exciting given the fighting style of Clottey and so he didn’t avail of a PPV telecast and opted to watch the bout on a delayed basis.
Alas and Chua shared different views.
“In a way, happy na rin ako dahil nanalo pa rin si Pacquiao," said Alas, who watched a PPV screening at the Alabang Town Center.
Chua had mixed emotions.
“Pangit ng laban. Ayaw lumaban nung kalaban," said Chua, who watched through his friend’s Playdium. “The good thing is, Pacquiao won." - GMANews.TV
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Beermen keep Cabagnot as trade stalls sans conduit
By Arman Carandang
03/12/2010
San Miguel Beer has decided to keep Alex Cabagnot for the meantime, giving the small ball handler an opportunity to fit into coach Siot Tanquincen’s system in preparation for the PBA Fiesta Conference, set to unfold in the next few days.
Reports had it that the 27-year-old southpaw guard would be going to Barangay Ginebra which is in need of a healthy sentinel owing to health problems of the Kings’ three top guards — Jayjay Helterbrand, Celino Cruz and Johnny Abarrientos.
That was the original plan, but in a sudden change of heart, SMB opted to give Cabagnot a chance to prove his worth for the star-studded SMB team, the defending champion in the season-ending tournament.
It was gathered that Cabagnot was indeed to be shifted to the Kings but there was no conduit to effect the trade between the sister teams. Direct trade between sister teams are not allowed in the league.
Cabagnot was traded to the Beermen for Mike Cortez in a one-on-one deal with Air21. San Miguel is his fourth team in five seasons in the league.
“For the meantime, focus muna siya sa San Miguel and coach Siot told him na titingnan pa niya kung magiging effective ba siya sa team together with Jonas (Villanueva) and Denok (Miranda),” said Espiritu.
According to Espiritu, Tanquincen wanted to maximize the talents of his three point guards, but if it is not possible, the trade would still push through.
Cabagnot was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 rookie draft but after playing two seasons, Cabagnot was dealt to Coca-Cola where he played for two seasons before he was traded to Air21 (formerly Burger King) in the latter part of the current season.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/sports/20100312spo5.html
03/12/2010
San Miguel Beer has decided to keep Alex Cabagnot for the meantime, giving the small ball handler an opportunity to fit into coach Siot Tanquincen’s system in preparation for the PBA Fiesta Conference, set to unfold in the next few days.
Reports had it that the 27-year-old southpaw guard would be going to Barangay Ginebra which is in need of a healthy sentinel owing to health problems of the Kings’ three top guards — Jayjay Helterbrand, Celino Cruz and Johnny Abarrientos.
That was the original plan, but in a sudden change of heart, SMB opted to give Cabagnot a chance to prove his worth for the star-studded SMB team, the defending champion in the season-ending tournament.
It was gathered that Cabagnot was indeed to be shifted to the Kings but there was no conduit to effect the trade between the sister teams. Direct trade between sister teams are not allowed in the league.
Cabagnot was traded to the Beermen for Mike Cortez in a one-on-one deal with Air21. San Miguel is his fourth team in five seasons in the league.
“For the meantime, focus muna siya sa San Miguel and coach Siot told him na titingnan pa niya kung magiging effective ba siya sa team together with Jonas (Villanueva) and Denok (Miranda),” said Espiritu.
According to Espiritu, Tanquincen wanted to maximize the talents of his three point guards, but if it is not possible, the trade would still push through.
Cabagnot was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 rookie draft but after playing two seasons, Cabagnot was dealt to Coca-Cola where he played for two seasons before he was traded to Air21 (formerly Burger King) in the latter part of the current season.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/sports/20100312spo5.html
Healthy Gin Kings source of joy for Jong
MANILA, Philippines—So far, Jong Uichico is having none of the problems that besieged his Barangay Ginebra crew in the last PBA tournament.
“So far, so good,” Uichico told the Inquirer Wednesday, shortly after a practice game against Rain or Shine.
Although his boys lost by four points, Uichico was upbeat of his Gin Kings’ chances in the coming Fiesta Conference because all his stars are healthy so far.
“I just hope it stays that way,” added the multi-titled mentor, who is gunning for a second win in three years in the import-flavored, season-ending event with reinforcement Awvee Storey.
Reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, Ginebra’s heart and soul who sat out majority of the Philippine Cup because of varying leg injuries, are now 100-percent fit and Uichico made it no secret that the duo will again play a great role in the Kings’ coming stint.
Ginebra won this tournament two years ago with a 7-foot reinforcement in Chris Alexander, a gem of an import unveiled by the Kings who are hoping that they have found another diamond in the rough in Storey.
“He’s not flashy, but he is very hardworking and he is very effective,” Uichico said, even as he expressed some sort of disappointment that he wasn’t able to land Alex Cabagnot from Air21 to address his backcourt need.
The soft-spoken coach is also confident that he can give Yancy De Ocampo a second wind in his career.
“I know what they (experts) have been saying, that Yancy is slow and that Yancy is lazy and all of those things,” Uichico said. “But to me, he is a player that complements what the team already has.”
Meanwhile, only three returning imports are in the official list—Gabriel Freeman of the defending champion San Miguel Beermen, burly Jai Lewis of Rain or Shine and Coca-Cola’s James Penny.
Alaska will parade wiry NBA D-League standout Diamon Simpson, Talk ‘N Text will have Eric Hicks and Air21 will be bannered by Larry Hickerson.
Source: Musong R. Castillo, Philippine Daily Inquirer
“So far, so good,” Uichico told the Inquirer Wednesday, shortly after a practice game against Rain or Shine.
Although his boys lost by four points, Uichico was upbeat of his Gin Kings’ chances in the coming Fiesta Conference because all his stars are healthy so far.
“I just hope it stays that way,” added the multi-titled mentor, who is gunning for a second win in three years in the import-flavored, season-ending event with reinforcement Awvee Storey.
Reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, Ginebra’s heart and soul who sat out majority of the Philippine Cup because of varying leg injuries, are now 100-percent fit and Uichico made it no secret that the duo will again play a great role in the Kings’ coming stint.
Ginebra won this tournament two years ago with a 7-foot reinforcement in Chris Alexander, a gem of an import unveiled by the Kings who are hoping that they have found another diamond in the rough in Storey.
“He’s not flashy, but he is very hardworking and he is very effective,” Uichico said, even as he expressed some sort of disappointment that he wasn’t able to land Alex Cabagnot from Air21 to address his backcourt need.
The soft-spoken coach is also confident that he can give Yancy De Ocampo a second wind in his career.
“I know what they (experts) have been saying, that Yancy is slow and that Yancy is lazy and all of those things,” Uichico said. “But to me, he is a player that complements what the team already has.”
Meanwhile, only three returning imports are in the official list—Gabriel Freeman of the defending champion San Miguel Beermen, burly Jai Lewis of Rain or Shine and Coca-Cola’s James Penny.
Alaska will parade wiry NBA D-League standout Diamon Simpson, Talk ‘N Text will have Eric Hicks and Air21 will be bannered by Larry Hickerson.
Source: Musong R. Castillo, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Simpson hopes to carry Aces all the way in Fiesta Conf., Freeman, Lewis, AJ back
source: PBA.ph
Their pride in tatters after another title bust in the recent Philippine Cup, the Alaska Aces hope to turn their fortunes around in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference with the help of a 22-year-old recognized for his defense.
Diamon Simpson, named to the All-America Defensive Team while playing for the St. Mary’s Gaels, has been signed up by Aces to beef up the team in the season-ending conference that starts on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.
The presence of Simpson along with new recruit Sam Eman and Sonny Thoss shores up Alaska’s frontline, no wonder Alaska coach Tim Cone is excited about his new starting lineup.
Simpson averaged 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds while playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the National Basketball Association Developmental League.
But his strongest suit is his defensive acumen. He averaged 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while playing the power forward spot for his collegiate squad. In 2008, he was cited as Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com.
Leroy Hickerson, a two-time slam dunk champion in the Mexican League, was scheduled to arrive last night to carry the colors of Air21.
Hickerson is listed as 6-foot-5. He ruled the slam dunk competition in the Mexican LNBP All-Star Game in 2008 and 2009. He worked out with the Memphis Grizzlies last summer and was named Player of the Year, Guard of the Year and Import Player of the Year by Latinbasket.com.
In 41 games last year, Hickerson averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game while playing for the Halcones UV Xalapa.
Sta. Lucia, Rain or Shine and defending champion San Miguel Beer are bringing in old faces.
The Realtors are launching their campaign in the Fiesta Conference with Anthony Johnson while burly import Jai Lewis will beef up the Elasto Painters. The Beermen are once again counting on Gabe Freeman to lead their title retention drive.
--------
UPDATE: Air 21's import Leroy Hickerson (sigh, he is full of potential and a real exciting cager) won't make it... he broke an elbow in a car accident in Mexico hours before boarding a plane for RP. His replacement, Keena Young! (via Snow Badua)
Their pride in tatters after another title bust in the recent Philippine Cup, the Alaska Aces hope to turn their fortunes around in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference with the help of a 22-year-old recognized for his defense.
Diamon Simpson, named to the All-America Defensive Team while playing for the St. Mary’s Gaels, has been signed up by Aces to beef up the team in the season-ending conference that starts on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.
The presence of Simpson along with new recruit Sam Eman and Sonny Thoss shores up Alaska’s frontline, no wonder Alaska coach Tim Cone is excited about his new starting lineup.
Simpson averaged 15.5 points and 9.6 rebounds while playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the National Basketball Association Developmental League.
But his strongest suit is his defensive acumen. He averaged 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while playing the power forward spot for his collegiate squad. In 2008, he was cited as Defensive Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com.
Leroy Hickerson, a two-time slam dunk champion in the Mexican League, was scheduled to arrive last night to carry the colors of Air21.
Hickerson is listed as 6-foot-5. He ruled the slam dunk competition in the Mexican LNBP All-Star Game in 2008 and 2009. He worked out with the Memphis Grizzlies last summer and was named Player of the Year, Guard of the Year and Import Player of the Year by Latinbasket.com.
In 41 games last year, Hickerson averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game while playing for the Halcones UV Xalapa.
Sta. Lucia, Rain or Shine and defending champion San Miguel Beer are bringing in old faces.
The Realtors are launching their campaign in the Fiesta Conference with Anthony Johnson while burly import Jai Lewis will beef up the Elasto Painters. The Beermen are once again counting on Gabe Freeman to lead their title retention drive.
--------
UPDATE: Air 21's import Leroy Hickerson (sigh, he is full of potential and a real exciting cager) won't make it... he broke an elbow in a car accident in Mexico hours before boarding a plane for RP. His replacement, Keena Young! (via Snow Badua)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Rudy Hatfield's transformation
source: Joaquin Henson | philstar.com
When Rudy Hatfield returns to action with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Fiesta Conference, fans will see a changed man.
The word is he won’t be around when the conference opens March 21 and will check in sometime in April. He reportedly signed a one-year contract to resume his career with the Kings.
“After about a year of researching, speaking with God, receiving so many signs and just putting myself out there to believe, I was finally saved,” said Hatfield. “My old life was put to death and I was reborn. I now truly believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior.”
Hatfield, 32, took a leave of absence from Ginebra in 2007 to attend to family matters. Now that he’s put his life in order, Hatfield said basketball is back as his priority.
But Hatfield said spreading the Good News of salvation will be a continuing commitment.
“Currently, I attend Northridge Church in Plymouth, Michigan,” he said. “Together with Mega City Ministries in Metro Manila, we were able to reach out to thousands of people, spreading the love of Jesus to each of them during a brief visit to Manila last November. I intend to continue working with Mega City Ministries and senior pastor Greg Lyons. They have a wonderful ministry that opens doors to any and every person. Understandably, basketball is my job and ‘if a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ That’s from 2 Thessalonians 3:10. However, the decision to return is truthfully God-led and ministry work will be just as important, if not more, than basketball.”
Hatfield said his eyes were opened to God during his leave of absence.
“I’ve always been interested to find out what the purpose of life is,” he opened up. “I was, and sometimes still am, a skeptic. I loved to argue with Christ followers about their faith in Jesus. Eventually, I got to the point where I realized I wasn’t a very good person, yet I received so many great things. I realized I didn’t deserve anything and wondered why I was given certain things that so many others deserved.”
Hatfield said he never strayed from the path of discovering the truth.
“I stayed on the path of many questions, many arguments with people but rather than doing it just for pleasure, I was looking for the truth,” he went on. “With the help of my amazing wife, who went to a Christian school her whole life, and many others I eventually got to the point where I started believing that the Bible may be true. I now truly believe that if we believe in Christ’s death in our sins, His resurrection as ourselves being resurrected into a new life and that He is the way, truth and the life.”
* * *
Hatfield said he’s not proclaiming himself to be saintly.
“By all means, I still sin, I still make mistakes and I have a long, painful journey to go before I’m made into the perfect image of Jesus,” he said. “But at least, I know I can repent and be forgiven and I focus everyday on getting closer to God.”
Hatfield said his wife Bethany and daughters Bella, 5, and Lylah, 1, are his backbone.
“My wife is truly an angel sent from God,” he said. “My baby girl is a gift from God and Bella is an amazing little girl. I met my wife while she was dating a good friend of mine. When I saw her, I really knew she was something special. I met her on New Year’s Day of 2006 when I initially went home after my contract ended with Coca-Cola. This was just before I entered the fire academy. I never asked her out because she was dating my good friend. I remember one day, talking to him and asking him, ‘How’s Bethany?’ and he told me they were no longer together.
“About a month later, I went up to the bar where she worked at the time, sat down and had a few drinks and spent the night chatting with her. We ended up going on a date and that’s when I really fell for her. I ended up calling my friend whom she was dating before and asking him if he minded if I dated her. I was trying to be a good man by asking but honestly, if he had said no, I still would’ve gone out with her. Once my mind is set on something, it’s very rare that I’m going to be stopped. We were married on Aug. 8, 2007, in Turks and Caicos island off the coast of Jamaica. That’s the reason I couldn’t play for the national team at that time. We had scheduled that wedding a year in advance before I even came back to play for Ginebra.”
Hatfield said he had dreams of becoming a fireman and even a professional wrestler but in the end, he realized he was cut out for basketball and that was his love.
“I was never able to get a job as a fireman although it may be the fact that I never applied,” he said. “In Michigan, 90 percent of firemen also need to have their paramedic license which entails about another year or so of school plus doing emergency ride-alongs and a crazy amount of hours doing hospital internships, unpaid internships I might add. I really just wanted to put out fires and not deal with medical stuff. I don’t think I will go back into doing that once I’m finished with basketball. Maybe, I’ll continue doing ministry work both in the US and the Philippines for the rest of my life. I’m sure. I’ll just leave that up to God.”
When Rudy Hatfield returns to action with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Fiesta Conference, fans will see a changed man.
The word is he won’t be around when the conference opens March 21 and will check in sometime in April. He reportedly signed a one-year contract to resume his career with the Kings.
“After about a year of researching, speaking with God, receiving so many signs and just putting myself out there to believe, I was finally saved,” said Hatfield. “My old life was put to death and I was reborn. I now truly believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior.”
Hatfield, 32, took a leave of absence from Ginebra in 2007 to attend to family matters. Now that he’s put his life in order, Hatfield said basketball is back as his priority.
But Hatfield said spreading the Good News of salvation will be a continuing commitment.
“Currently, I attend Northridge Church in Plymouth, Michigan,” he said. “Together with Mega City Ministries in Metro Manila, we were able to reach out to thousands of people, spreading the love of Jesus to each of them during a brief visit to Manila last November. I intend to continue working with Mega City Ministries and senior pastor Greg Lyons. They have a wonderful ministry that opens doors to any and every person. Understandably, basketball is my job and ‘if a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ That’s from 2 Thessalonians 3:10. However, the decision to return is truthfully God-led and ministry work will be just as important, if not more, than basketball.”
Hatfield said his eyes were opened to God during his leave of absence.
“I’ve always been interested to find out what the purpose of life is,” he opened up. “I was, and sometimes still am, a skeptic. I loved to argue with Christ followers about their faith in Jesus. Eventually, I got to the point where I realized I wasn’t a very good person, yet I received so many great things. I realized I didn’t deserve anything and wondered why I was given certain things that so many others deserved.”
Hatfield said he never strayed from the path of discovering the truth.
“I stayed on the path of many questions, many arguments with people but rather than doing it just for pleasure, I was looking for the truth,” he went on. “With the help of my amazing wife, who went to a Christian school her whole life, and many others I eventually got to the point where I started believing that the Bible may be true. I now truly believe that if we believe in Christ’s death in our sins, His resurrection as ourselves being resurrected into a new life and that He is the way, truth and the life.”
* * *
Hatfield said he’s not proclaiming himself to be saintly.
“By all means, I still sin, I still make mistakes and I have a long, painful journey to go before I’m made into the perfect image of Jesus,” he said. “But at least, I know I can repent and be forgiven and I focus everyday on getting closer to God.”
Hatfield said his wife Bethany and daughters Bella, 5, and Lylah, 1, are his backbone.
“My wife is truly an angel sent from God,” he said. “My baby girl is a gift from God and Bella is an amazing little girl. I met my wife while she was dating a good friend of mine. When I saw her, I really knew she was something special. I met her on New Year’s Day of 2006 when I initially went home after my contract ended with Coca-Cola. This was just before I entered the fire academy. I never asked her out because she was dating my good friend. I remember one day, talking to him and asking him, ‘How’s Bethany?’ and he told me they were no longer together.
“About a month later, I went up to the bar where she worked at the time, sat down and had a few drinks and spent the night chatting with her. We ended up going on a date and that’s when I really fell for her. I ended up calling my friend whom she was dating before and asking him if he minded if I dated her. I was trying to be a good man by asking but honestly, if he had said no, I still would’ve gone out with her. Once my mind is set on something, it’s very rare that I’m going to be stopped. We were married on Aug. 8, 2007, in Turks and Caicos island off the coast of Jamaica. That’s the reason I couldn’t play for the national team at that time. We had scheduled that wedding a year in advance before I even came back to play for Ginebra.”
Hatfield said he had dreams of becoming a fireman and even a professional wrestler but in the end, he realized he was cut out for basketball and that was his love.
“I was never able to get a job as a fireman although it may be the fact that I never applied,” he said. “In Michigan, 90 percent of firemen also need to have their paramedic license which entails about another year or so of school plus doing emergency ride-alongs and a crazy amount of hours doing hospital internships, unpaid internships I might add. I really just wanted to put out fires and not deal with medical stuff. I don’t think I will go back into doing that once I’m finished with basketball. Maybe, I’ll continue doing ministry work both in the US and the Philippines for the rest of my life. I’m sure. I’ll just leave that up to God.”
Monday, March 8, 2010
Air21 ships Yancy to Ginebra for Alvarez, Kramer
source: gmanews.tv
Air21, a team always busy on shipping one player to another, will have a reunion of Ateneo and La Salle players on its team for the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference.
The Express got half of the job done when they dealt recently-acquired 6’9 center Yancy de Ocampo and their second-round draft pick in next season’s Rookie Draftto the Ginebra Gin Kings in exchange for 2004-05 Rookie of the Year Rich Alvarez and bruising forward Doug Kramer.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, in a text message to GMANews.TV, confirmed the news.
“It’s for finalization, but I don’t know if it’s already been approved," said Uichico.
Air21 team manager and PBA chairman Lito Alvarez said it’s already agreed in principle and welcomed this new development for his team.
Alvarez said it was coach Yeng Guiao who convinced him to get Alvarez as he is more “familiar in utilizing the player’s potential."
“Coach Yeng said he wants Rich’s work ethic," said the Air21PBA board representative in a telephone interview. “Coach Yeng thinks Rich wasn’t given enough playing time with his former teams."
Alvarez played for Guiao when the fiery mentor was still coaching Barako Bull (formerly Red Bull Barakos).
Trades between the 10 participating teams are expected to intensify before the start of the import-laced Fiesta Conference on March 21.
Cabagnot-Cortez trade in the works
While Ateneans Alvarez, Gonzales and Kramer had found themselves altogether again, two former members of the La Salle Green Archers’ champion squad are anticipating the possible acquisition of their ex-teammate – Mike Cortez.
Cortez, who won championships with La Salle, will most likely join Ren-Ren Ritualo and Carlo Sharma with the Express.
A trade between Cortez and talented lefty point guard Alex Cabagnot is being worked out now by Air21 and San Miguel.
Cabagnot was traded by Coca-Cola to the Express along with Gonzales for Gary David and Chico Lanete. If plans push through, Cabagnot will be dealt to his fourth team in the last five years and might join a Beermen squad loaded with guards. – GMANews.TV
Air21, a team always busy on shipping one player to another, will have a reunion of Ateneo and La Salle players on its team for the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference.
The Express got half of the job done when they dealt recently-acquired 6’9 center Yancy de Ocampo and their second-round draft pick in next season’s Rookie Draftto the Ginebra Gin Kings in exchange for 2004-05 Rookie of the Year Rich Alvarez and bruising forward Doug Kramer.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, in a text message to GMANews.TV, confirmed the news.
“It’s for finalization, but I don’t know if it’s already been approved," said Uichico.
Air21 team manager and PBA chairman Lito Alvarez said it’s already agreed in principle and welcomed this new development for his team.
Alvarez said it was coach Yeng Guiao who convinced him to get Alvarez as he is more “familiar in utilizing the player’s potential."
“Coach Yeng said he wants Rich’s work ethic," said the Air21PBA board representative in a telephone interview. “Coach Yeng thinks Rich wasn’t given enough playing time with his former teams."
Alvarez played for Guiao when the fiery mentor was still coaching Barako Bull (formerly Red Bull Barakos).
Trades between the 10 participating teams are expected to intensify before the start of the import-laced Fiesta Conference on March 21.
Cabagnot-Cortez trade in the works
While Ateneans Alvarez, Gonzales and Kramer had found themselves altogether again, two former members of the La Salle Green Archers’ champion squad are anticipating the possible acquisition of their ex-teammate – Mike Cortez.
Cortez, who won championships with La Salle, will most likely join Ren-Ren Ritualo and Carlo Sharma with the Express.
A trade between Cortez and talented lefty point guard Alex Cabagnot is being worked out now by Air21 and San Miguel.
Cabagnot was traded by Coca-Cola to the Express along with Gonzales for Gary David and Chico Lanete. If plans push through, Cabagnot will be dealt to his fourth team in the last five years and might join a Beermen squad loaded with guards. – GMANews.TV
Sunday, March 7, 2010
SMB, Ginebra mull trades
source: Nelson Beltran | philstar.com
San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra are working out possible trade deals with other ball clubs in search of a solution to problems stemming from injuries.
The Beermen hope to plug holes in their wing spots while the Kings are after players who could fill the void in their center and guard positions.
Both teams fell short in their bids to make the all-Filipino finals. Lordy Tugade and Danny Seigle are two key San Miguel players downed by injuries, while Eric Menk, Celino Cruz and Jayjay Helterbrand are among Ginebra mainstays with recurring injuries during the tourney.
A reliable source said San Miguel and Ginebra are likely to close their separate trade deals before the start of the import-laden Fiesta Conference on March 21.
SMC officials are keen on beefing up the San Miguel and Ginebra rosters, hoping for a follow-up to the strong showing of all their three ball clubs in the recent Philippine Cup.
The sister teams all made the semifinals, with the Purefoods Giants sweeping the Alaska Milk Aces in four games in the finale and the Beermen topping the Kings in their one-game playoff for third place.
All three teams have no intention of slowing it down in the second conference.
The Beermen seek back-to-back all-Filipino championships with import Gabe Freeman back in tow while the Giants go for a season sweep with Reggie Larry as reinforcement.
The Kings, runners-up behind the Beermen in the 2009 Fiesta Conference, field in Awvee Storey as their import.
Air21 is another team reportedly working out a trade.
The Express have earlier consummated a deal with the Talk n Text Tropang Texters, getting Renren Ritualo and Yancy de Ocampo for JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.
At Barako Bull, a tryout is ongoing with a number of Philippine Patriots joining the Energy Boosters in the camp.
The Fiesta Conference fires off March 21 with Barako Bull tangling with Sta. Lucia Realty and Barangay Ginebra going up against Talk n Text.
The second play date on March 24 pits Barako Bull versus Coca-Cola then San Miguel against Air21.
The start of the Fiesta Conference also marks the resumption of fan balloting for the 2010 All-Star Game set April 25 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The PBA and the Puerto Princesa city government closed their agreement after PBA officials Rickie Santos and Willy Marcial visited the host city Thursday.
It will be a five-day extravaganza with the PBA stars holding several outreach programs, including beach-cleaning, road-painting and basketball clinic, leading to the All-Star Sunday.
uploaded by snowbadua
uploaded by snowbadua
San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra are working out possible trade deals with other ball clubs in search of a solution to problems stemming from injuries.
The Beermen hope to plug holes in their wing spots while the Kings are after players who could fill the void in their center and guard positions.
Both teams fell short in their bids to make the all-Filipino finals. Lordy Tugade and Danny Seigle are two key San Miguel players downed by injuries, while Eric Menk, Celino Cruz and Jayjay Helterbrand are among Ginebra mainstays with recurring injuries during the tourney.
A reliable source said San Miguel and Ginebra are likely to close their separate trade deals before the start of the import-laden Fiesta Conference on March 21.
SMC officials are keen on beefing up the San Miguel and Ginebra rosters, hoping for a follow-up to the strong showing of all their three ball clubs in the recent Philippine Cup.
The sister teams all made the semifinals, with the Purefoods Giants sweeping the Alaska Milk Aces in four games in the finale and the Beermen topping the Kings in their one-game playoff for third place.
All three teams have no intention of slowing it down in the second conference.
The Beermen seek back-to-back all-Filipino championships with import Gabe Freeman back in tow while the Giants go for a season sweep with Reggie Larry as reinforcement.
The Kings, runners-up behind the Beermen in the 2009 Fiesta Conference, field in Awvee Storey as their import.
Air21 is another team reportedly working out a trade.
The Express have earlier consummated a deal with the Talk n Text Tropang Texters, getting Renren Ritualo and Yancy de Ocampo for JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban.
At Barako Bull, a tryout is ongoing with a number of Philippine Patriots joining the Energy Boosters in the camp.
The Fiesta Conference fires off March 21 with Barako Bull tangling with Sta. Lucia Realty and Barangay Ginebra going up against Talk n Text.
The second play date on March 24 pits Barako Bull versus Coca-Cola then San Miguel against Air21.
The start of the Fiesta Conference also marks the resumption of fan balloting for the 2010 All-Star Game set April 25 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The PBA and the Puerto Princesa city government closed their agreement after PBA officials Rickie Santos and Willy Marcial visited the host city Thursday.
It will be a five-day extravaganza with the PBA stars holding several outreach programs, including beach-cleaning, road-painting and basketball clinic, leading to the All-Star Sunday.
uploaded by snowbadua
uploaded by snowbadua
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Giants too good for Aces
source: Tito S. Talao | mb.com.ph
Tim Cone, the Alaska Aces coach, didn’t hang around long enough Wednesday night to “tip my hat” and “sing praises” to the Purefoods Giants after getting swept in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
He was gone from the Araneta Coliseum before Giants coach Ryan Gregorio could be hoisted by his victorious players, and was probably halfway to where he sought solace by the time Best Player of the Conference and Finals MVP James Yap was through shaking hands at the press room.
Getting shut out by a kid in front of more than 16,000 screaming fans was probably too much for the veteran Grand Slam coach to bear.
And there lies the dilemma of the Alaska Aces.
Defiant despite falling behind 0-3 in the championship series, Cone said after Game 3 Sunday that only when the series is over will he tip his hat and sing praises to Purefoods.
“But it’s not over yet,” he said.
It’s over now. And when the end finally came for the Aces, with Yap putting the finishing touches to a masterful performance and Purefoods’ relentless frontline crushing the air out of its counterpart, Cone found himself practically alone in the battle with the menacingly tall and agile Giants, especially in the title-clinching Game 4.
Willie Miller made a valiant effort to salvage Alaskan pride and stature, the Aces having come into the Final Four as a top seed and into the championship as conquerors of the Barangay Ginebra Kings in four straight games.
But two men couldn’t do it alone. And with Miller and Cone, and to some extent LA Tenorio, the only ones with the sustained courage to stand their ground against a pack of stampeding horses in Roger Yap, Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis, KG Canaleta, Kerby Raymundo, and rookie Rico Maierhofer, the Aces inevitably got run over.
“It was really their size,” Cone told the Bulletin’s Waylon Galvez the day after.
“I think we did a good job on James, Roger Yap and Kerby Raymundo. But it was Pingris, Reavis, KG (Canaleta), and even Maierhofer… it was their size and quickness. They disrupted us both on offense and defense,” Cone said.
“They outplayed us in the series. We had our chances to win games. But they came in to the series at a high level especially defensively. They just gained momentum. But the most impressive thing is that they didn’t let off the pedal for a moment. They didn’t give us a chance.”
Gregorio, who vowed not to give Alaska an ounce of air to breath after taking a 3-0 lead, pointed to the Giants’ indomitable spirit, something the Aces radiated when they still had Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio and a much younger Jeffrey Cariaso in the lineup, as a key factor in their triumph.
“Our will and determination to survive can't be described in words,” Gregorio said. “We're supposed to be tired, the inferior team. But again that's what prayers can do. Yes, we're tired on the court, we're tired in practice, but we prayed hard and those prayers were answered.”
Coming in through the backdoor, the Giants needed five games to dispose off tenacious Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals before blasting to smithereens No. 2 seed San Miguel Beer in the semifinals.
“This is really close to impossible, but we did it,” he said. “So that’s what makes this conference more memorable for us. It can be a preview of what life can be. You start slow, you start on the wrong foot, but you have to end the right way and that’s exactly what we did. We never gave up.”
Somewhere along the way, the Alaska Aces did.
Tim Cone, the Alaska Aces coach, didn’t hang around long enough Wednesday night to “tip my hat” and “sing praises” to the Purefoods Giants after getting swept in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
He was gone from the Araneta Coliseum before Giants coach Ryan Gregorio could be hoisted by his victorious players, and was probably halfway to where he sought solace by the time Best Player of the Conference and Finals MVP James Yap was through shaking hands at the press room.
Getting shut out by a kid in front of more than 16,000 screaming fans was probably too much for the veteran Grand Slam coach to bear.
And there lies the dilemma of the Alaska Aces.
Defiant despite falling behind 0-3 in the championship series, Cone said after Game 3 Sunday that only when the series is over will he tip his hat and sing praises to Purefoods.
“But it’s not over yet,” he said.
It’s over now. And when the end finally came for the Aces, with Yap putting the finishing touches to a masterful performance and Purefoods’ relentless frontline crushing the air out of its counterpart, Cone found himself practically alone in the battle with the menacingly tall and agile Giants, especially in the title-clinching Game 4.
Willie Miller made a valiant effort to salvage Alaskan pride and stature, the Aces having come into the Final Four as a top seed and into the championship as conquerors of the Barangay Ginebra Kings in four straight games.
But two men couldn’t do it alone. And with Miller and Cone, and to some extent LA Tenorio, the only ones with the sustained courage to stand their ground against a pack of stampeding horses in Roger Yap, Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis, KG Canaleta, Kerby Raymundo, and rookie Rico Maierhofer, the Aces inevitably got run over.
“It was really their size,” Cone told the Bulletin’s Waylon Galvez the day after.
“I think we did a good job on James, Roger Yap and Kerby Raymundo. But it was Pingris, Reavis, KG (Canaleta), and even Maierhofer… it was their size and quickness. They disrupted us both on offense and defense,” Cone said.
“They outplayed us in the series. We had our chances to win games. But they came in to the series at a high level especially defensively. They just gained momentum. But the most impressive thing is that they didn’t let off the pedal for a moment. They didn’t give us a chance.”
Gregorio, who vowed not to give Alaska an ounce of air to breath after taking a 3-0 lead, pointed to the Giants’ indomitable spirit, something the Aces radiated when they still had Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio and a much younger Jeffrey Cariaso in the lineup, as a key factor in their triumph.
“Our will and determination to survive can't be described in words,” Gregorio said. “We're supposed to be tired, the inferior team. But again that's what prayers can do. Yes, we're tired on the court, we're tired in practice, but we prayed hard and those prayers were answered.”
Coming in through the backdoor, the Giants needed five games to dispose off tenacious Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals before blasting to smithereens No. 2 seed San Miguel Beer in the semifinals.
“This is really close to impossible, but we did it,” he said. “So that’s what makes this conference more memorable for us. It can be a preview of what life can be. You start slow, you start on the wrong foot, but you have to end the right way and that’s exactly what we did. We never gave up.”
Somewhere along the way, the Alaska Aces did.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Purefoods capture PBA Philippine Cup title
source: abs-cbnnews.com
Purefoods Tender Juicy completed only the 3rd sweep in finals history with a masterful 86-76 win in Game 4, clinching the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup crown in front of more than 17,000 fans Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
James Yap proved why he’s the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the conference as he carried the Giants anew to their 8th title overall and 5th All-Filipino crown.
Yap scored 18 points including a back-breaking trey that sealed the victory for Purefoods.
Purefoods joined Swift (1992 Third Conference vs. Seven-Up) and Northern Consolidated Cement (1985 Reinforced Conference vs. Manila Beer) as the only teams that registered a 4-0 sweep in a best-of-7 finals series.
“Masayang-masaya ako at nakuha namin ito. Para sa Purefoods fans ito,” said Yap, who was also named the Handy Flex Finals MVP by the PBA Press Corps.
Roger Yap added 16 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists while Kerby Raymundo contributed 13.
Rookie Rico Maierhofer scored all of his 12 points in the second half, 9 in the third where he helped the Giants to get some cushion after a 40-all halftime score.
“Chapter closed, destination reached, mission accomplished. Now we can celebrate,” said Giants head coach Ryan Gregorio, who bagged his third PBA crown. He is the first Purefoods coach to win two All-Filipino titles.
“It’s not easy at all. The first 3 games could have gone either way. But we allotted extra motivation for tonight’s game,” Gregorio added.
The Giants came out firing in the game as they erected a 35-22 lead before Alaska unloaded an 18-5 bubble to tie the count at 40-all by the end of the first half.
The Aces even took a 44-40 lead early in the third before Maierhofer spearheaded a 17-4 exchange for a 57-48 lead.
Alaska kept on coming back and last threatened at 65-68, before James Yap and Roger Yap joined hands for a crucial 7-0 bomb for a 75-65 spread with 4:55 left in the game.
Willie Miller tried to ignite a late rally for Alaska as he buried a triple to slice the lead at 76-81, but James Yap answered with his own trey to seal the win, 84-76, 1:48 remaining.
Sonny Thoss had his best game in the series for Alaska with 19 points and 12 rebounds but his efforts were not enough to extend the series into another game.
Miller had 17 points but was 6-of-17 from the field. LA Tenorio contributed 11 markers.
James Yap is RP Cup’s best
Yap, a Negros Occidental native, won his first Best Player of the Conference (BPC) honor, beating Alaska’s Willie Miller and Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty.
The 28-year old Yap drew strength from the votes from media, Solar Sports and PBA Office to be the first player to win the BPC honor despite not being in the top five of the statistical points (SPs) category.
Yap, the 2005-06 MVP winner received 221 points from the statistical points, 591 from media, 128 from players’ votes, 150 from the television coveror and 150 from the PBA for a total of 1,380 points.
The two-time MVP Miller, who already won this title twice in his career, finished second with 925 points followed by Williams with 476.
“Siyempre masayang-masaya ako dahil blessing ito,” said Yap, the first Purefoods player to win the honor since Rey Evangelista, who also won the award in the 2002 Governor’s Cup.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa teammates ko, sa management at sa coaching staff sa tulong nila para makuha ko itong award,” he added.
Yap also dedicated the honor to his mother-in-law and former President Cory Aquino, who passed away last year.
Beermen forward Arwind Santos finished fourth in the voting with 457 points followed by Devance (397) and Talk ‘N Text’s Mark Cardona (245.)
The scores:
Purefoods 86 - Yap, J. 18, Yap, R. 16, Raymundo 13, Maierhofer 12, Pingris 9, Simon 5, Reavis 5, Canaleta 3, Artadi 3, Salvador 2, Allado 0.
Alaska 76 - Thoss 19, Miller 17, Tenorio 11, Hugnatan 9, Cariaso 5, De Vance 4, Fonacier 4, Dela Cruz 4, Ferriols 2, Cablay 1, Borboran 0.
Quarters: 21-15, 40-40, 65-58, 86-76.
Purefoods Tender Juicy completed only the 3rd sweep in finals history with a masterful 86-76 win in Game 4, clinching the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup crown in front of more than 17,000 fans Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
James Yap proved why he’s the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the conference as he carried the Giants anew to their 8th title overall and 5th All-Filipino crown.
Yap scored 18 points including a back-breaking trey that sealed the victory for Purefoods.
Purefoods joined Swift (1992 Third Conference vs. Seven-Up) and Northern Consolidated Cement (1985 Reinforced Conference vs. Manila Beer) as the only teams that registered a 4-0 sweep in a best-of-7 finals series.
“Masayang-masaya ako at nakuha namin ito. Para sa Purefoods fans ito,” said Yap, who was also named the Handy Flex Finals MVP by the PBA Press Corps.
Roger Yap added 16 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists while Kerby Raymundo contributed 13.
Rookie Rico Maierhofer scored all of his 12 points in the second half, 9 in the third where he helped the Giants to get some cushion after a 40-all halftime score.
“Chapter closed, destination reached, mission accomplished. Now we can celebrate,” said Giants head coach Ryan Gregorio, who bagged his third PBA crown. He is the first Purefoods coach to win two All-Filipino titles.
“It’s not easy at all. The first 3 games could have gone either way. But we allotted extra motivation for tonight’s game,” Gregorio added.
The Giants came out firing in the game as they erected a 35-22 lead before Alaska unloaded an 18-5 bubble to tie the count at 40-all by the end of the first half.
The Aces even took a 44-40 lead early in the third before Maierhofer spearheaded a 17-4 exchange for a 57-48 lead.
Alaska kept on coming back and last threatened at 65-68, before James Yap and Roger Yap joined hands for a crucial 7-0 bomb for a 75-65 spread with 4:55 left in the game.
Willie Miller tried to ignite a late rally for Alaska as he buried a triple to slice the lead at 76-81, but James Yap answered with his own trey to seal the win, 84-76, 1:48 remaining.
Sonny Thoss had his best game in the series for Alaska with 19 points and 12 rebounds but his efforts were not enough to extend the series into another game.
Miller had 17 points but was 6-of-17 from the field. LA Tenorio contributed 11 markers.
James Yap is RP Cup’s best
Yap, a Negros Occidental native, won his first Best Player of the Conference (BPC) honor, beating Alaska’s Willie Miller and Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty.
The 28-year old Yap drew strength from the votes from media, Solar Sports and PBA Office to be the first player to win the BPC honor despite not being in the top five of the statistical points (SPs) category.
Yap, the 2005-06 MVP winner received 221 points from the statistical points, 591 from media, 128 from players’ votes, 150 from the television coveror and 150 from the PBA for a total of 1,380 points.
The two-time MVP Miller, who already won this title twice in his career, finished second with 925 points followed by Williams with 476.
“Siyempre masayang-masaya ako dahil blessing ito,” said Yap, the first Purefoods player to win the honor since Rey Evangelista, who also won the award in the 2002 Governor’s Cup.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa teammates ko, sa management at sa coaching staff sa tulong nila para makuha ko itong award,” he added.
Yap also dedicated the honor to his mother-in-law and former President Cory Aquino, who passed away last year.
Beermen forward Arwind Santos finished fourth in the voting with 457 points followed by Devance (397) and Talk ‘N Text’s Mark Cardona (245.)
The scores:
Purefoods 86 - Yap, J. 18, Yap, R. 16, Raymundo 13, Maierhofer 12, Pingris 9, Simon 5, Reavis 5, Canaleta 3, Artadi 3, Salvador 2, Allado 0.
Alaska 76 - Thoss 19, Miller 17, Tenorio 11, Hugnatan 9, Cariaso 5, De Vance 4, Fonacier 4, Dela Cruz 4, Ferriols 2, Cablay 1, Borboran 0.
Quarters: 21-15, 40-40, 65-58, 86-76.
James Yap cops Best Player of the Conference plum
source: gmanews.tv
“Miller Time" has been a familiar refrain for Alaska ace Willie Miller during the first half of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. But it was Purefoods star James Yap who stepped up big time during the more important playoffs.
For this, Yap secured his first Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award, becoming the first Purefoods player to win the award since Rey Evangelista in the 2002 Governors Cup.
The 6’3 forward from Escalante, Negros Occidental, won convincingly over Willie Miller and Sta. Lucia’s do-it-all forward Kelly Williams.
Yap, the only player in Purefoods’ current roster who won a Most Valuable Player award aside from four-time MVP and current team manager Alvin Patrimonio, garnered 221 statistical points, 591 media votes, 128 players’ votes and 150 votes from television coveror for a total of 1,380 points.
“Masaya ako sa award and I would like to thank my teammates, coaching staff and management," said Yap. “Pero siyempre, mas masaya kung mag-champion kami."
Miller, a two-time MVP and a two-time winner of the BPC, came in second after accumulating 925 total points while Williams, who also won both an MVP and BPC award, placed third with 476.
Williams was No. 1 in the statistical points (SPs) average with 40.6 despite his team missing the playoffs.
Yap dedicated the honor to his late mother-in-law, former President Cory Aquino. - GMANews.TV
“Miller Time" has been a familiar refrain for Alaska ace Willie Miller during the first half of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. But it was Purefoods star James Yap who stepped up big time during the more important playoffs.
For this, Yap secured his first Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award, becoming the first Purefoods player to win the award since Rey Evangelista in the 2002 Governors Cup.
The 6’3 forward from Escalante, Negros Occidental, won convincingly over Willie Miller and Sta. Lucia’s do-it-all forward Kelly Williams.
Yap, the only player in Purefoods’ current roster who won a Most Valuable Player award aside from four-time MVP and current team manager Alvin Patrimonio, garnered 221 statistical points, 591 media votes, 128 players’ votes and 150 votes from television coveror for a total of 1,380 points.
“Masaya ako sa award and I would like to thank my teammates, coaching staff and management," said Yap. “Pero siyempre, mas masaya kung mag-champion kami."
Miller, a two-time MVP and a two-time winner of the BPC, came in second after accumulating 925 total points while Williams, who also won both an MVP and BPC award, placed third with 476.
Williams was No. 1 in the statistical points (SPs) average with 40.6 despite his team missing the playoffs.
Yap dedicated the honor to his late mother-in-law, former President Cory Aquino. - GMANews.TV
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