Source: The Philippine Star
-- Denzel Bowles came out as the leading Best Import contender that he is, asserting his presence in their decisive surges in the early goings and at endgame as B-Meg repulsed Talk n Text, 88-82, in the opener of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals that drew a crowd of over 13,000 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Bowles imposed his huge presence to collect double-double numbers of 25 points and 11 rebounds, and struck hardest when it mattered most, giving the Llamados the decisive head start in the best-of-seven titular series.
The Llamados drew first blood as they outplayed the Tropang Texters in the first half and in the payoff quarter with PJ Simon providing Bowles a big support.
B-Meg, as a whole, imposed its will on Talk n Text in this game, dictating the tempo by playing good defense and controlling the boards.
“We showed our depth today. We went big (tall lineup) for a period of time helping us control the boards, and I think that’s the key,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone.
Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes rued they gave away the game by failing to convert the charities.
“Just two words – free throws. You can’t win the game if you can’t make the foul shots,” said Reyes.
“These guys have been playing basketball since they’re in shorts pants. They should make the free throws. That’s their job. I can’t help them there,” added Reyes whose team bungled 20 of 36 charities in this contest.
Donnell Harvey matched Bowles' 25-point output but he missed four crucial charities. Kelly Williams had five missed free throws while Larry Fonacier and Jarred Dillinger three each.
Still, the Texters, who trailed by 14 points early on, got into the game in the second half only to lose just the same, hurt by the exploits of Bowles and Simon.
James Yap struggled with a 3-of-8 shooting facing the tight guarding of Ryan Reyes but the Llamados bucked the adversity with Bowles and Simon firing away eight points apiece in the fourth quarter.
“They wiped us out in the third quarter but PJ got back us in the game. He would have played the entire second half if not for fouls,” said Cone.
Cone said they have to do better if they’re to make it two in a row tomorrow.
“It’s not a good recipe to beat Talk n Text. Luckily we built a lead in the first half. We have to play basketball for four quarters, not just two or three,” said Cone.
Shooting and tending the boards better, the Llamados twice led by 14 before settling for a 48-40 cushion at halftime.
B-Meg erected its first 14-point spread at 28-14 after a 20-3 romp it made in a seven-minute stretch bridging the first two quarters.
The Llamados asserted themselves early, dominating the boards, 17-9, and converting a high 52.2 percent of their shots for a 25-14 lead in the opening canto.
Harvey was the lone bright light for Talk n Text early on, leading all scorers with 15 points in first half.
The Texters struggled with a 40-percent field shooting and, curiously, were worse from the stripe with a woeful 6-of-16 clip (37.5 percent). TnT was a 70.65-percent shooting team going into the series.
Source: ABS-CBN News
-- The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters and the B-Meg Llamados begin their best-of-seven PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series tonight at the Araneta Coliseum in a match-up that is believed to be too close to call.
In what is their fifth straight Finals appearance, the Texters are looking to defend their Commissioner's Cup title against the Llamados, who are in the Finals for the first time since the 2009-2010 season.
Both coaches agree that each team will have its own distinct advantage over the other.
"B-Meg has the depth advantage," TNT head coach Chot Reyes told PBA.ph. "They are also fresher, as we're playing our fifth Finals in a row."
"They have the advantage in size, and we have the advantage in speed," he added.
"If they can play up-tempo, we may not have the chance," B-Meg mentor Tim Cone conceded. "But if we can slow them down, make the game ugly, then we have a chance."
Talk 'N Text is the second highest scoring team in the conference, scoring an average of 100.43 points per game, while B-meg is the best defensive team, giving up only 87.06 points per contest.
But Reyes insists that at the end of the day, the Finals will boil down to adjustments and execution.
"It will be close, and it will be about who's able to execute at the finish," he said. "The series will be won by the team that imposes its game and makes quick adjustments."
Cone, for his part, acknowledged that the Texters have the advantage in terms of experience but said his team is hungry for victory.
"The experience you gather, doing it over and over again, winning in every conceivable way makes your confidence extremely high," he said. "That's their edge. But I take that we're fresh and hungry, and we'll see how far that takes us."
In an interview with The Philippine Star, former Smart Gilas head coach Rajko Toroman said that while both teams have a chance to win, "experience is on Talk 'N Text's side."
"If they play their game, it's hard to beat Talk 'N Text. They will try to speed it up and use 10 players in their rotation. If they shoot well from three-point distance, it will be very difficult to beat them," Toroman said.
"With all of Talk' N Text's advantage, I think B-Meg has a chance but they must slow down the game... If B-Meg can execute its system offensively and defensively, anything can happen," he added.
"B-Meg has a lot of talent in their team and they match up well against Talk 'N Text."
Toroman said that Talk 'N Text has the advantage on the inside, while B-Meg has the advantage on the perimeter.
"It's a very close call," he admitted. "Both teams have great players in different positions and the coaches (Reyes and Cone) are two of the best in the PBA."
The Texters defeated the Llamados, 102-96, in their meeting in the elimination round.
Source: GMA News
-- The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters are loaded with championship experience. The B-MEG Llamados, on the other hand, are on a title drought as they will play in the finals for the first time since the 2009-2010 Philippine Cup.
An experienced team against a hungry squad, that's what both teams will be dealing with when they vie for the 2012 Commissioner's Cup title with the best-of-seven series starting Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tim Cone will vie for the Commissioner's Cup title for the first time under B-MEG. Chot Reyes, meanwhile, has been a staple to the finals and will appear in his fifth consecutive titular series.
Both coaches assessed their chances in the championship series during Friday's press conference at the Gateway Suites in Quezon City.
Cone knows what his team will be dealing with. He is familiar to the feeling of Talk 'N Text's championship poise, he had a string of titles of his own with Alaska.
"I had that experience in the 90s of going what Talk 'N Text is going through in terms of every conference having the opportunity to win the crown. I can't speak for Chot but for my own experience, the experience you gather every conference, they have won in every conceivable way possible," Cone said.
"But I'll take being hunger and fresh," he said after the Llamados dispatched Barangay Ginebra in four games in their semifinals series.
Talk 'N Text reached the finals the full route defeating the Barako Bull Energy in five grueling matches. The Texters have been in the finals in the last two years and while that is an edge, it is something that could also be a cause of concern.
"We have been playing in an unbelievably high number of games in the past two years, it's going to take its toll on our bodies," Reyes said. "It's a fact, we have to deal with it. Everybody understands that we need to deal with that and we have to deal with BMEG. They are the deepest and biggest team in the PBA, we just have to find a way."
Talk 'N Text scored the most points during the semifinals with an average of 97.25 a game while BMEG gave up the least with 79 per outing. The Llamados showed their height advantage with a league-best 10.75 average in second chance points and second in rebounds with 50.75 while the Tropang Texters had an average of 15 fastbreak points in the semis.
Source: ABS-CBN News
-- Defending champion Talk N’ Text sealed a finals showdown with B-Meg Derby Ace by disposing of the hardworking Barako Bull in their 5-game semis series.
The Texters battled past the Energy’s brute style of play to fashion out a 101-90 win in Game 5.
“This was a really, really tough game. We have no illusions, we knew Barako is a good team. They're very deep and they have a lot of veterans. They know how to win and how to play this game,” said Talk N’ Text coach Chot Reyes, who will be making his 15th finals appearance.
“In the end, I said we just have to focus on what we do well and that's to play through the physicality and play Talk N' Text basketball,” he added.
By that, Reyes meant wearing down Barako by using Talk N’ Text’s run-and-gun game.
Texters import Donnell Harvey led all scorers with 29 points, connecting on 12 of his 19 attempts from the field.
He also hauled down 14 rebounds, helping Talk N’ Text into its 5th-straight PBA finals appearance.
Harvey had to work extra hard against the Energy’s tight and sometimes physical defensive tactics in order to steer the Texters to the finals.
“It's playoffs basketball baby... they play hard, but I'm still here,” he said.
Ranidel de Ocampo and Jared Dillinger also stepped up their game as Barako clipped wingmen Jimmy Alapag and Larry Fonacier.
De Ocampo eventually finished with 18 points, while Dillinger had 14.
Gabe Freeman top scored Barako with 22 points and received additional firepower from Danny Seigle who tallied 21 points.
But the efforts of other Energy locals came up short.
Former MVP Willie Miller only had 6 points while Don Allado scored 12.
Talk N’ Text will star its finals series against B-Meg on Monday.
Reyes is expected to map out plans on beating the Llamados, who are led my multi-titled coach Tim Cone.
“We're good friends [with Cone] but in the finals, on the playing court, we're the bitterest of rivals. In the end it's really gonna be about the players, not Cone and me, but about the players.”
Box scores:
Talk N’ Text 101 - Harvey 29, De Ocampo 18, Dillinger 14, Castro 14, Williams 9, Peek 7, Alapag 6, Fonacier 3, Reyes 1, Alvarez 0.
Barako 90 - Freeman 22, Seigle 21, Tubid 18, Allado 12, Miller 6, Salvador 4, Najorda 3, Arboleda 2, Pena 2, Weinstein 0, Pennisi 0.
Quarters: 25-27, 56-47, 77-74, 101-90
Source: The Philippine Star
-- With its back against the wall, Talk n Text stayed focused and fought with determination every inch of the way, mangling Barako Bull, 108-90, and forcing a deciding Game Five in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Final Four confrontation last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters imposed their will early, building a 16-point bulge in the first half and dominating the Energy to the finish, thus, keeping their hopes for a title repeat in the mid-season tourney they won over the Barangay Ginebra Kings last year.
Forging a two-game deadlock in the series, the Texters battle the Energy in a do-or-die match at 6:45 p.m. tomorrow, also at the Big Dome.
Ginebra likewise tries to force a sudden death with B-Meg in their side of the semis also at 6:45 p.m. tonight at the same venue.
The Gin Kings stayed alive by stopping the Llamados, 88-79, Sunday to force a fourth game.
“I’d like to say that we beat ourselves last game by playing with little focus and awareness,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone. But when our guys come out like that, it’s on me. It’s my fault. I’ll need to have them better prepared for Game Four.”
TnT coach Chot Reyes, meanwhile, stressed the need for the Texters to focus on the task at hand.
“All we did was tied the series. We can’t celebrate, not for one minute. We can’t be satisfied. We’re just halfway there,” said Talk n Text coach Reyes.
“Hopefully, we will come out with even more energy in the next game. The same amount of energy won’t make the job done. We have to play better,” Reyes added.
After Game Three, Barako coach Junel Baculi promised they would do their best to “slay the giant in Game Four.”
The Texters, however, played every inch a champion team, smothering the Energy with their firepower and hardly giving them a chance to recover.
The match was practically over by the third period after the Texters posted leads of as many as 29 points.
They breezed through in a game they couldn’t afford to lose, completing the romp that could give them the needed momentum heading to the sudden death.
TnT forward Ranidel de Ocampo underscored the Texters gutsy stand, bucking a cut in his right eyebrow and returning to deliver huge numbers.
He went 2-of-2 from the three-point area and finished with a game-high 23 points that went with seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block against three turnovers.
For Barako, import Gabe Freeman proved to be the biggest flop in a match the Energy had hoped to hurdle, going 1-of-9 from the field and 4-of-5 from the stripe for his least output (six points) in a game in all his playing stints in the PBA dating back to 2009 with San Miguel Beer.
It was the first time ever, he was held to single-digit output.
The Texters came out smoking, outscoring the Energy with a 13-2 binge to built leads of as many as 16 before settling for a 55-42 spread at the turn as Barako’s Ronald Tubid hit a buzzer triple triple.
The Texters set the tone of the game early as they converted 51.5 percent of their shots as against the Energy’s 31.4-percent clip in the first two quarters.
Talk n Text was efficient on both ends, forcing Barako to 12 turnovers and scoring 13 points off those miscues in the first 24 minutes of play.
Barako enjoyed the lead just once as Freeman nailed the game’s first basket from the stripe.
Source: ABS-CBN News
-- Barako Bull psyched out defending champion Talk N’ Text with a highly physical game to take the series lead in their Best-of-5 semifinal showdown on Saturday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Energy hammered out an 85-81 victory against the Tropang Texters, who are just a game away from getting eliminated from their race to the finals.
Barako now hold a 2-1 edge against Talk N’ Text in their semis duel.
The Texters were expected to carry the momentum of their Game 2 win where they routed the Energy, 123-98.
But Barako came out with spunk and grit in Game 3, to ruin Talk N’ Text’s play.
Mick Pennisi led the Energy with 15 points through 4-of-8 shooting from the field.
He also collared 8 rebounds while outplaying Texters’ import Donnell Harvey.
“He's very tough, he's a rebounder, he's physical, I'm just a little bit longer... The last couple of games I've been on the shooting slot, luckily I hit a couple today for the team,” said Pennisi.
Barako coach Junel Baculi said the game showed which team was hungrier for the victory.
“The players showed they want to win this one… They showed it, displayed it, we got away with the lucky win,” he said.
The Energy surprised the Texters by taking the halftime lead, 42-31.
Along the way, Talk N’ Text lost Jimmy Alapag after the fleet-footed point guard got ejected from the game over an altercation with Barako’s Ronald Tubid.
Barako’s lead went as high as 21 points, but this was cut down by Talk N’ Text’s furious run in the fourth quarter.
Kelly Williams’ free throws brought the Texters at striking distance, 82-81, with 57 seconds remaining.
But Willie Miller was able to fish a foul off Harvey Carrey in the ensuing play. His charities brought the scores to 84-81.
Williams fired a potential equalizer from the rainbow territory but missed.
Pennisi went for the rebound and was awarded two free throws after a contact with Harvey.
He split his charities to make it 85-81, 26 seconds remaining.
Coach Chot Reyes drew a play for Williams, but the latter missed his undergoal stab.
This allowed Tubid to secure possession for Barako until the end of regulation.
Gabe Freeman topscored the Energy with 27, while Miller finished with 17 points.
Texters’ reinforcement Harvey got 19 points. Teammate Harvey Carey added 15 points for Talk N’ Text.
Baculi said they hope to close out the series on Monday when they again play Talk N’ Text in Game 4.
The Energy is expected to make new adjustments to keep the Texters guessing.
“We still have to go back to the drawing board, look at the tape and see what else we can adjust to win Game 4… for us the key is Game 4. If we give that to Talk N' Text on Monday, mahihirapan kami to win Game 5,” said Baculi.
Box scores:
Barako 85 - Freeman 27, Miller 17, Pennisi 15, Seigle 14, Tubid 8, Salavador 2, Pena 2, Aquino 0, Najorda 0, Allado 0, Arboleda 0.
Talk N’ Text 81 - Harvey 19, Carey 15, Alapag 14, Castro 11, Williams 7, Fonacier 7, Dillinger 3, Reyes 3, De Ocampo 2, Gamalinda 0.
Quarters: 19-17, 42-31, 67-57, 85-81
Source: Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — For a team that is already missing players like Jimmy Alapag, Rich Alvarez, Aaron Aban and Ali Peek, defending champion Talk ’N Text will play sans another key contributor in Ryan Reyes when it resumes its campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters meet newcomer Shopinas.com Clickers at 5:15 p.m. without the five players, with the 6-foot-1 Reyes the latest to join the injury list with a strained left Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) he sustained in their previous game against Powerade.
The Texters won that game against the Tigers, 95-86, a week ago despite dealing with the shocking shooting incident on the burly 6-foot-4 veteran center Peek, who was shot in the nape last Oct. 7 by a still unidentified gunman in Mandaluyong City.
Peek, 36, is now in stable condition at the Medical City Hospital, although a surgery to remove the lodged bullet in his nape is not being considered by his doctors at the moment, according to TNT coach Chot Reyes.
Alapag, the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) is still recovering from a sprained right ankle. Aban tore his left Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) last week, while Alvarez is not yet available with a hand injury.
“We’re making do with what we have,” said Reyes, who is left with 10 players. “We’re trying to strike a balance by staying sharp without over extending the players in practice as we’re left with only seven of our regular players on the rotations.”
Of the seven players in his regular rotation, Reyes said that Ranidel de Ocampo and Harvey Carey are not in full strength after injuries, reason why Japeth Aguilar, Kelly Williams, Jason Castro, Jared Dillinger and Larry Fonacier must step up.
Against the Tigers, Aguilar led the Texters with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Dillinger added 18 markers, and Williams had 12 points and 10 boards that improved their record to 6-1.
After Rain or Shine’s 80-90 loss to Petron Blaze last Sunday, Talk ’N Text regained the No. 1 spot in the team standings.
Talk N' Text (102) - Harris 23, Reyes 15, De Ocampo 14, Carey 11, Fonacier 10, Alapag 10, Peek 8, Williams 6, Castro 5, Aban 0, Alvarez 0.
Ginebra (99) - Brumfield 26, Caguioa 25, Miller 11, Mamaril 10, Intal 6, Cortez 6, Hatfield 6, Labagala 5, Menk 4, Wilson 0, Tubid 0.
Quarters: 26-15, 59-41, 81-73, 102-99
Source: GMA News
Talk ‘N Text pounced on a luckless B-Meg Derby Ace team Friday night, carving out a 107-102 win to secure the second outright semifinals berth in the PBA Commissioners Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Already without top gunner James Yap (calf injury), the Llamados had the misfortune of losing import Courtney Beasley with just 27 seconds gone in the game after he was ejected from the playing court for committing a landing spot infraction against Harvey Carey.
That was the cue the Tropang Texters needed to assert their might over the Llamados.
Without Beasley, Talk `N Text import Paul Harris went berserk and finished with a game-high 37 points on top of 13 rebounds. Ranidel de Ocampo added 23 and Jimmy Alapag had 10 points.
The Tropang Texters extended their tournament-best winning streak to seven games and tied Smart-Gilas on top with a 7-1 record, becoming the second team after the Nationals to make the semifinals outright.
“We came out ready and prepared with or without Beasley there," said Harris.
The Llamados ended their campaign with a 4-5 (win-loss) record, their fate of whether they make the playoffs now depending solely on the outcome of Air21's and Rain or Shine’s final outings.
With Beasley out of the game, Kerby Raymundo took charge for the Llamados with 22 points, while also becoming the 33rd member of the league’s 2,000 defensive rebounds club.
Peter June Simon added 17 points.
Behind a 1-2-2 defense, the Llamados managed to stay along with the Tropang Texters, even briefly taking the lead twice in the third period, the last time at 73-72 with four minutes to go.
They last threatened at 93-95 on a basket by Gerwin Gaco in the final 4:09.
But forced shots and turnovers hurt Derby Ace. The team committed several turnovers, including one in the 1:31 mark when Jonas Villanueva lost the leather to Alapag when the Lllamados were still within striking distance, 95-100.
The error led to two Alapag free throws that made it a seven-point Talk `N Text lead.
First game: Rain or Shine 98 def. Barako Bull 86
Box Scores:
Rain or Shine (98) – Mercado 21, Reyes 20, Chan 11, Rodriguez 10, Norwood 8, Arana 8, Tang 6, Cruz 5, Vanlandingham 3, Kramer 2, Bugia 2, Ferriols 2, Jazul 0, Ibanes 0
Barako Bull (86) – Isip 29, Juntilla 15, Bono 10, Hubalde 9, Salvacion 5, Wainwright 5, Yee, 5, Andaya 3, Cruz 2, Dimaunahan 2, Duncil 1, Thiele 0, Alonzo 0
Quarter Scores: 25-16, 53-35, 79-62, 98-86
Second game: Talk ‘N Text 93 def. Alaska 83
Box Scores:
Talk ‘N Text (93) - Castro 17, Alapag 16, Dillinger 13, Carvey 12, Williams 11, Peek 10, Fonacier 8, Reyes 6, Aban 0, Alvarez 0
Alaska (83) – Devance 23, Hugnatan 13, Thoss 12, Tenorio 11, Baguio 10, Dela Cruz 8, Custodio 4, Borboran 2, Eman 0
Quarter Scores: 28-25, 44-46, 68-70, 93-83
Source: Philippine Basketball Association
-- Talk n Text and Sta. Lucia Realty finally sealed their trade deal Wednesday that had the Smart-PLDT franchise acquiring not just Kelly Williams but also Ryan Reyes and Charles Waters.
In the first three-team trade submitted to the PBA Commissioner’s Office, TnT first acquired Ogie Menor from Barako Energy Coffee in exchange for the Tropang Texters’ second round pick in the 2010 Annual Draft. Talk n Text then immediately shipped Menor, along with Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, Pong Escobal, to Sta. Lucia. In return, the Realtors had to give up their marquee players, Williams and Reyes.
An hour later, another three-team deal involving the same teams reached the PBA Office. In the trade, Barako Energy Coffee gave up Yousif Aljamal to Sta. Lucia for the Realtors’ Charles Waters. But Waters was then dealt by the Coffee Masters to TnT in exchange for Mark Isip.
The Smart-PLDT ball club worked for these deals with the intention of getting Williams to play for the Smart Gilas RP team in future major international tourneys.
“Malabo na siguro sa Champions Cup dahil malapit na yon. Pero talagang gusto ni coach Rajko Toroman si Kelly, so hihingin ko sa PBA Board ang approval for Kelly to be loaned to the RP team,” said Smart-PLDT top official Ricky Vargas.
“I’ll have the Williams issue calendared for the next PBA Board meeting,” Vargas added.
Vargas, however, stressed Williams’ priority would be Talk n Text.
“Iba ang magiging case ni Williams kaysa kay Japeth Aguilar,” said Vargas, explaining Williams would be loaned to Smart Gilas on a short-term basis, unlike Aguilar who’s committed to play for the RP team at least until after the 2011 Fiba Asia Olympic qualifier.
Vargas said Toroman is also eying Jarred Dillinger for the RP team.
With the addition of Reyes, Vargas said they now have a surplus of talents at the backcourt – something which the TnT top official considered “a good problem.”
“Sabi ko nga kay coach Chot ‘you have a good problem, now the challenge begins,’” said Vargas.
“Obviously, I’m happy about our acquisitions but sad to see our guys leave as we’ve been playing great team ball and they’re integral to our chemistry,” said Reyes.
Sta. Lucia Governor and team manager Buddy Encarnado said they gave up their marquee players certainly with a heavy heart.
Encarnado was in tears after informing Williams and Reyes of the development minutes after the Sta. Lucia – Alaska game Wednesday night.
“It’s beyond me,” said Encarnado.
Source: GMA News
-- Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez entered the press room as a protocol for winning coaches facing sports writers after the game.
He has won the match, his team’s third in its last four games, but came up with an opening statement as if he has lost a big one.
"I can’t imagine my team without my (most valuable player)," said Fernandez.
Yes, indeed, Fernandez lost his prized-player, 2007-2008 MVP Kelly Williams, after the Realtors shipped the versatile forward to Talk 'N Text, ending weeks of trade rumors.
As if that was not enough, the Realtors also lost their former rookie of the year, Ryan Reyes also to the Tropang Texters, completing a nine-player, three-team trade deal considered as the biggest this season.
But Williams and Reyes were two of the only players with greater value, so to speak in a trade that also involved Barako Coffee. The two cagers who played for the PBA-backed national team to the FIBA Asia Championship in separate occasions, will go to the Tropang Texters as a diverting route to the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas developmental squad.
The two players are reportedly set to be loaned to Smart-Gilas, which is also being supported by Manny V. Pangilinan, who also owns the Texters' ballclub in the PBA.
Also involved in the multi-player trade were Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, Pong Escobal, Ogie Menor, Yousif Aljamal, Mark Isip and a future rookie draft pick.
The Realtors were able to secure the rights on Peek, Belasco, Escobal, Menor and Aljamal.
The Energy Coffee Masters tabbed Isip and a future pick.
Sta. Lucia team manager and former PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado told GMANews.TV that it's really hard to let go of two of the Realtors' best players.
"Things are really done for a reason and one of them is because of a higher calling and that is to represent the national team," said Encarnado.
Sta. Lucia’s last hurrah?
But is this the sign that we have seen the last of Sta. Lucia in the PBA?
Encarnado neither confirmed nor deny that the Fiesta Cup would be the last conference in the PBA for the Realtors, who won two titles in nearly two decades of participation in the country’s premier cage league.
"We can't really tell it," said Encarnado when asked if this will be the final conference of the Realtors. "It’s like asking somebody if he still wants to stay alive or wants to die."
"But you cannot question anymore Sta. Lucia's tenure in the PBA. We have stayed longer than some of the teams that participated here. Right now, we'll still continue to show the same passion and willingness to compete," added Encarnado.
Source: Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin
-- Sta. Lucia Realty forward Kelly Williams said that playing for flag and country gives him great pleasure, but quickly added his focus is to help the Realtors in the PBA Fiesta Cup.
“If I was to play for the national team... that would be great. I love international play and I love to represent the country. If it happens it happens. I’m ready for whatever,” said the 6-8 high-leaping versatile forward.
“But I still got this jersey on, I’m fighting for Sta. Lucia,” Williams added when asked for his reaction on the ongoing trade talks between his team and Talk ’N Text, which would pave the way for his entry to the Smart-Gilas national team.
SLR governor Manuel “Buddy” Encarnado confirmed the trade talks with TNT last week.
The 6-foot-8 Williams, 28, is in his fourth season in the pro league after he was tabbed with the No. 1 overall pick by the Realtors in the 2006 PBA Rookie Draft. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2006-07 and won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award the following season.
He was sidelined near the end of last season’s Fiesta Cup due to a rare blood disorder called ITP or Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.
He has come back strong this season, and prominently figured in Best Player of the Conference in the Philippine Cup.
Source: Rey Joble, GMA News
-- Marshall University standout, Fil-American Chris Lutz, has agreed to play for the Smart-Gilas national developmental team.
Smart-Gilas team captain Chris Tiu confirmed this through his Twitter account. Tiu and the rest of the squad are currently playing tune up matches in the United States against crack teams composed of NBA Draft prospects.
Lutz, a 24-year-old combo guard, was the all-time leading scorer of his high school squad Trinity High before he went to Marshall University.
This season, the 6-foot-3 Lutz averaged 8.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists while playing for the US NCAA Division I team.
Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes, who personally saw Lutz played, believes he will be a vital cog for the national team aspirants.
“I had the opportunity of seeing him play here. Smart-Gilas was playing tune up games against us and I was impressed with his versatility. He can shoot, can slash and plays with a lot of energy," said Reyes.
Lutz, whose mother Luzviminda is Filipina and father Wayne is American, will arrive middle of this month.
But Lutz may turn out to be just one of the few additions for Smart-Gilas, which wrapped up its US joust with a tough tune up match against the Impact All-Stars beefed up by Edgar Sosa and Lance Stephenson, two NBA draftees.
The national team aspirants lost, 99-108.
The All-Stars were bannered by Fil-Italian Chris Banchero, who finished with 22 points and four assists. Banchero, a 6-foot-1 guard, is also being seriously considered to be given a spot in the Smart-Gilas squad.
Williams to the rescue?
The name of Kelly Williams, 2007-2008 Most Valuable Player in the PBA, cropped up again.
This after Sta. Lucia management, led by PBA board representative Buddy Encarnado, made it known his intentions of loaning Williams and former Rookie of the Year Ryan Reyes to the Nationals.
A source, who requested anonymity told GMANews.TV that Williams and Reyes will most likely be traded to the Talk N Text Tropang Texters in exchange for some of the squad’s marquee players.
“They should make it more enticing because we will unload our marquee players. But we’re doing this as our way of help to the national team," said Encarnado. “What do we get in return depends on them (Talk N Text and Smart-Gilas) because they’re the ones requesting for our players. They’re the ones who should offer us."
Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez said that he has yet to talk to Encarnado regarding their team’s next plan.
Source: Nelson Beltran, Philippine Star
-- Sta. Lucia top official Buddy Encarnado said they would be willing to let Kelly Williams join the Smart Gilas team provided the team would be properly remunerated.
“Kelly Williams is our main man. They have to understand that our team would be jeopardized if we give him up without getting anything in return,” said Encarnado.
“We’re amenable if we’re compensated. How? I don’t know,” Encarnado added. “They have to think of ways dahil nananahimik kami.”
Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman is keen on having Williams in his roster especially with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas having a hard time looking for a naturalized player.
Toroman and his chargers are now in the thick of preparation for the coming Fiba Asia Champions Cup and the Asian Games. The same team would vie in the Asian Olympic qualifier next year.
“Kelly being sent to Smart Gilas is not easy because Smart Gilas is not a PBA team. If ever it would go through Talk n Text,” said Encarnado, hinting he’s open to trade talks with Talk n Text.
Encarnado, however, stressed TnT must initiate the deal.
“While we’re willing to help the national cause, hindi naman pwedeng puro flag and country lang. Our interest must also be protected,” said Encarnado.
Source: Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin
-- Sta. Lucia Realty is willing to let go of prized forward Kelly Williams for the sake of national interest, according to team governor Buddy Encarnado as he confirmed talks are under way with Talk ‘N Text.
Williams’ services have been sought by the Smart-Gilas national team that is training for the Asian Games in November in China.
“While nobody turns his back for flag and country, we’re also thinking what about the interest of my team. We are amenable of loaning him, but if we lose Kelly, how can we be compensated if he leaves the team,” Encarnado said.
League sources said that Williams and versatile point guard Ryan Reyes will be traded for veterans Ali Peek and Nic Belasco. Talk ’N Text sophomore wingman Jared Dillinger is also being considered as another option in the trade.
Encarnado, however, won’t deny or confirm the report, the same position taken by TNT governor Ricky Vargas when queried about the issue.
“No I don’t want to comment on that. That’s his (Encarnado) prerogative what he wants to say,” Vargas said.
Encarnado clarified the only reason why they are amenable to giving up their 2006 top overall draft pick is for the 6-foot-8 Williams to help the Nationals mentored by Serbian Rajko Toroman.
Talk ‘N Text and Smart-Gilas are both owned by telecommunications mogul Manny V. Pangilinan, who is also the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Early in the season, Talk ’N Text traded several players to Air21 to obtain 6-10 forward Japeth Aguilar, the top rookie pick last year. He was immediately loaned by the Tropang Texters to the national team.
Smart-Gilas is currently training in the United States in preparation for the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Doha, Qatar on May 22 to 30. The Nationals will also see action in the Asian Games this November in Guangzhou, China.
These tournaments are just part of the Nationals’ build-up for the FIBA-Asia Championship next year, which is the qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.
Without elaborating, Encarnado said that there are other ball clubs interested in having Williams and Reyes, as well as Nelbert Omolon and even 14-year veteran Marlou Aquino.
But TNT’s offer is the one that interests them most, according to Encarnado. “It’s simply because of the national team,” Encarnado said.
Source: ABS-CBN News
-- Coca-Cola survived a poor shooting performance and escaped with a 100-96 win over Air21 to remain on top of the standings of the KFC-PBA Fiesta Conference Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
James Penny, Asi Taulava and RJ Rizada took advantage of the Express’ foul-troubled big men in the closing minutes to give the Tigers a rare 3-0 start in the tournament.
Penny finished with a game-high 29 points, including a put-back of a missed triple by Norman Gonzales. The put-back helped preserve the win for Coke.
David chipped in 21 while Gonzales contributed 10, highlighted by a 3-of-4 shooting from the 3-point area.
“My wish was granted. I really expected this to be tough game. We’re just lucky, and the guys did not give up even though we’re behind,” said Tigers had coach Bo Perasol.
“Everybody else contributed, but we missed a lot of free throws. If we could have made some of these, I think we would have been able to pull away a little earlier,” he added.
Air21, which committed a season-tying high of 32 turnovers, fell to 1-2.
“This (3-0) is a good start for us going up against Ginebra on Sunday,” said Perasol.
Beermen survive TNT
San Miguel Beer bounced back from a humiliating loss as it defeated Talk ‘N Text, 112-106, in overtime to improve its mark to 2-1.
Gabe Freeman collected 29 points and 22 rebounds to lead the Beermen, who dropped a 108-98 decision to Coke last Saturday in Gingoog City.
Dondon Hontiveros added 21 points while Anthony Washington contributed 18.
Ranidel de Ocampo led the Tropang Texters with 28 points, including the 3-pointer with 0.9 ticks left to send the game to overtime. Harvey Carey had 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Texters.
“Masama ang laro last time, buti na lang kahit papaano nakabawi,” said SMB head coach Siot Tanquingcen. “Milya-milya pa sa laro na gusto naming ipakita.”
San Miguel used a 6-1 run at the start of overtime to take control of the game, 103-98 with 3:05, and TNT failed to convert its shots the rest of the way.
Jimmy Alapag had 17 while Shawn Daniels netted 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Texters, who dropped to 1-2.
Source: ABS-CBN News
-- Talk ‘N Text weathered Rain or Shine’s last minute uprising to hold on to a 99-96 win in the KFC-PBA Fiesta Conference Friday night at the Cuneta Astrdome in Pasay City.
The Tropang Texters almost blew a 7-point lead in the final 2:21 of the game as the Elasto Painters staged a comeback but came up short to surrender the victory to their rivals.
Ranidel de Ocampo scored 15 of his 20 points in the second half and shot 7-of-8 from the field to lead Talk ‘N Text’s onslaught in the final half of the game.
With the win, the Tropang Texters bounced back from a 90-97 defeat at the hands of Barangay Ginebra in their opening game last Sunday.
But still, Talk ‘N Text head coach Chot Reyes was far from satisfied with the performance of his team.
“This is a very disappointing win because we cannot close the deal,” said Reyes, who also drew 19 points and 6 assists from Jimmy Alapag.
“It’s nice to have a win but it was a very disappointing cause. We gave them an opportunity to come back and it went down to the last possession. We’re just lucky Gabe (Norwod) missed that shot,” he added.
Jason Castro, Mark Cardona, and import Shawn Daniels contributed 15, 14 and 13 points respectively for the Texters.
Jay-R Reyes led Rain or Shine with 23 points and 13 rebounds while Jai Lewis chipped in 17 for coach Caloy Garcia. Gabe Norwood finished with 16 points.
SLR dumps Kings
Sta. Lucia Realty also nailed its first win in the tournament with an 86-72 shellacking of Barangay Ginebra.
Anthony Johnson led the Realtors with 22 points and 13 rebounds and was responsible in the team’s breakaway in the fourth period to bounce back from a sorry 93-97 loss to Barako Coffee in their first game.
Kelly Williams added 13 points and 6 rebounds for SLR.
Awvee Storey paced the Kings with 13 points and 22 rebounds but the import failed to solicit support from the locals to slide to 1-1 in the team standings.
Source: Nelson Beltran, Philippine Star
-- Barako Energy Coffee, featuring a re-tooled lineup and new coach Junel Baculi and backstopped by a talented import, made a triumphant debut in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference, outsteadying Sta. Lucia Realty down the stretch for a 97-93 victory last night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Import Sammy Monroe dished out a solid double-double job and new local recruits Al Vergara, Rob Wainwright and Jerwin Gaco put in some significant help as the Energy Coffee Masters got off to a winning start after finishing dead last in the recent Philippine Cup.
“I really believe that with hard work, we can win games. The goal is to come out of the rut. We don’t want a repeat of our performance in the last conference,” said Baculi, who took over from Leo Isaac.
“It’s good to win our first game and it doesn’t stop there. It’s just the first game. There’s 17 more, so it’s still a long, long way to go,” Baculi added.
Monroe, an all-playoff teamer and co-playoff MVP with the Rochester Zeniths in the 2007-08 Premier Basketball League, had an impressive first game in the local pro league, churning out 39 points and 11 rebounds. He also had three assists in 39 minutes of action.
Also a veteran of the Mexican league where he once was a second leading scorer, Monroe personally clinched the Barako win with a rebound and three free throws in the last 11 seconds.
“I would like to think we’re going to finish on top. I hate to lose so expect me to play with all my heart every night. I’ll be aggressive and you’ll see a lot of entertainment,” said Monroe.
Vergara, a PBA returnee after a stint with the Singapore Slingers in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), stepped up for Barako, knocking in back-to-back baskets that gave the Energy Coffee Masters a six-point spread, 94-88, with 1:25 left to play.
“He’s been there before. He’s a veteran. It’s just a matter of giving him the confidence. He’s aching to prove that he belongs,” said Baculi of Vergara, who also had a brief stint with Purefoods in 2009.
Vergara finished with eight points, the same output delivered by Wainwright, another PBA returnee from the ABL. Wainwright went 2-of-2 from beyond the arc and added a two-pointer and three rebounds in 18 minutes of play.
The entire team was 37-of-69 from the field – the best for the franchise in the last six conferences.
Meanwhile, the Barangay Ginebra Kings and import Awvee Storey ended their first game together with a good story to tell.
Storey also had an impressive 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.
Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid and Jayjay Helterbrand added at least 11 points each as the Kings kept their streak in their personal duel with the Texters since their controversial quarterfinal duel in the recent Philippine Cup.
“Storey is not that spectacular but he’s an all-around player. He’s got little of everything and we’re hoping he can complement the team,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
The Energy Foods and Drinks ball club struggled in the last three years, finishing 10th and last in the league’s last three tourneys.
Monroe poured in 17 points in the third quarter, fuelling a fiery charge that opened a double-digit lead.
Anthony Johnson and Kelly Williams spearheaded a fourth-quarter Sta. Lucia fightback but the Realtors failed to sustain their momentum, losing steam at the finish.
The Realtors, who trailed by 12 points four times, pulled even at 88 entering the last two minutes of the game. But Monroe canned in two free throws off Bitoy Omolon, then Vergara had his crucial back-to-back hits, giving the Coffee Masters a 94-88 margin.
Going down the drain was Johnson’s own double-double game of 41 points and 13 rebounds.
Source: Tito S. Talao, Manila Bulletin
-- Like the noble captain of a doomed ship, Talk ’N Text team owner Manny V. Pangilinan waited until everyone aboard had been saved before quietly stepping off deck Sunday night.
With a small retinue of business associates, confidants and friends keeping him company, the telecommunications tycoon remained on his ringside seat for more than an hour after the lights had dimmed at the Araneta Coliseum, apparently waiting for the anguished feeling of defeat to pass over.
Eventually, the man majestically known as MVP made his way out through the Big Dome corridor, passing the Talk ’N Text locker room and looking straight ahead.
A lawyer associate inquired reverently if he could give a couple of waiting sportswriters a few minutes, and he stopped to oblige.
He was asked if he regrets walking out in Game 4.
“No, not all,” said the PLDT-Smart Communications chairman. “I thought it was the right decision under the circumstances.”
And his thoughts about Game 5?
“Ginebra played very well and they deserved to win,” Pangilinan said. “We didn’t play as well as we should have, pero ganoon talaga.”
What’s in store for the team in the next couple of weeks?
“We don’t know yet. We’ll probably evaluate the performance of everybody,” he said.
Would there be a top-to-bottom shakeup?
“Mahirap sabihin,” he said. “It’s difficult to say because it has just finished. But we’ll have to review the team’s performance.”
Asked whether Serbian coach Rajko Toroman, who handles the RP-Smart Gilas team, has anything to say about the game, Pangilinan said he hasn’t spoken with him.
Later that night, however, the TNT top brass, who apparently thought the question referred to coach Norman Black who did play-by-play analysis of Game 5 for Solar Sports TV, confirmed via text message, through Smart Sports’ Patrick Gregorio, that indeed “Coach Toroman and I chatted for a while right after the game.”
What it was about, MVP’s text didn’t say. And we didn’t ask.
