On the GlobalPort coaching conundrum and UST

I think by the time I get to post this, you've already heard of the rumors saying that UST head coach Pido Jarencio will soon be named as the new head coach of the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
Well, this is the transcription of our interview (which could potentially be the last as a PBA head coach, for now) with the still-GlobalPort head coach Ritchie Ticzon (The question is, until when?) after they bowed out in the quarterfinals last Wednesday to Rain or Shine.

On his plans for the future of GlobalPort

Hindi ko alam. I really don't know. I'm not even sure if I'll be the head coach (next conference). Interim ako eh, so I can't answer about the future, promise.

Did the Batang Pier reach its goal for the Philippine Cup?

Palagay ko, hindi eh. Our goal was to enter the quarters na number 5 or 6 sana. Kaso lang 7 eh, so kulang.

Take note that we have five rookies [Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Justin Chua, Nico Salva, and LA Revilla] that were playing and four sophomores [Kelly Nabong, Marvin Hayes, Jewel Ponferrada, and Jaypee Belencion]. Yun ang composition ng team and I really think na it played a big role that we are young, but its never an excuse. Hopefully in the future, magco-compete tayo ng better.

What's your assessment of your team in the conference?

Its all about consistency. We were able to compete with a lot of teams. We were able to beat tough teams. Yung mga talo naman natin, it was close. Di naman masyadong tambakan lahat, so I really feel that we are competing. Kaya lang, yung consistency part. We were not able to compete for 48 minutes. That, we have to address.

On his personal assessment as a PBA coach

I really am a far cry to all of the coaches in the PBA, period. Malayo pa ko. Malayo, as in malayong malayo. I still have a lot to learn.

*****

What bugged me most is this exchange that we had at the end of the interview.

Question: What about your team in the next conference, coach?
Ritchie Ticzon: I haven't thought about that yet.
Q: May meetings na po ba kayong slated with Sir Mikee?
RT: Wala pa.
Q: Practices?
RT: Wala pa. Text-text na lang daw pag may time. [laughs]

Even Ticzon knows that his return to the bench for GlobalPort is bleak.

*****

As an ardent San Miguel/Petron fan before I got to this writing job with the PBA (I'm toning down my fan-boying moments, except if I'm face-to-face with coach Olsen Racela. Sorry. Idol eh.), I always enjoyed the image of the coaching staff sitting there side-by-side, as the Beermen's/Boosters' coaching staff always outnumbered the competition. Like one team would only have four assistant coaches, while Petron would have (pre-head coach) Gee Abanilla, Biboy Ravanes, Freddie Abuda (then-consultant) Ato Agustin, Pido Jarencio, Bobby Parks, (pre-head coach) Olsen Racela, and Hector Calma sitting there like they can enter the game as a fourth platoon when the first three won't work for the team.

When coach Olsen took the head coaching duties for Petron, Jarencio was a more evident assistant, whispering notes to Racela whenever he needs it.

As time went by, I saw coach Pido's role to the coaching staff of Petron diminish as his seat went further to the back.

Intrigued by this development, I asked one of the UST assistant coaches if coach Pido is still an assistant to the team, and he said, "Oo naman! Nagpaalam lang si coach na magpopokus muna sya sa UST hanggang sa matapos yung UAAP, tapos babalik din sya dun. Parang kay coach Boycie (Zamar with UE) at Juno (Sauler with La Salle)."

The UAAP season ended and there were no Pidos in the Petron bench.

Rumor has it that coach Pido got the ire of some official, but the reason is as blurry as a Jayson Castro drive. Even those I asked who follow the PBA religiously doesn't have any explanations with the Pido situation in SMC.

*****

A day before the UAAP semifinal game between UST and NU in the past season, I visited the Tigers' practice and wanted to talk to coach Pido. I was there not to get any scoops or quotes or insights. I just wanted to ask coach Pido about something I read on Twitter.

You see, just a day before the Tigers faced the Bulldogs in the Final Four, with UST's back against the wall as at that time, NU still had that twice-to-beat edge, I read a tweet from a writer which completely stated that this would be the last season for Jarencio in Espana.

After leading UST to a shocking championship run in 2006 in his rookie coaching season, Jarencio's name is always there in the rumor mill as the coach who is most likely to get fired at the end of the season, something which the very outspoken bench tactician has accustomed himself to over the years.

Despite all of this and after eight years on the job, coach Pido has stayed in his seat and is the longest tenured coach out of the eight head coaches in the 76th season of the UAAP.

But its the timing that has really bugged me. We are in the middle of the Final Four and this rumor comes out? (Maybe I'm the only one who saw the tweet since the news didn't really broke out that big during that time.)

Jarencio's name was floated one too many times before, often being groomed as a potential coach for this team and that team. The ones which I can remember were Barako Bull and Ginebra.

So right at that moment, at the end of the Tigers' practice and moments before coach Pido got himself in pictures with adoring Thomasians, I asked him that.

Question: Coach, nabasa ko last season niyo na daw po ito sa UST? :(

Pido Jarencio: San mo na naman nabasa yan?! Lagi namang may ganyan eh. Pero ako, pokus lang tayo sa susunod na laro. Sa akin naman, hangga't masaya pa ang kaparian sa ginagawa ko sa UST, masaya ako. Kung gusto pa nila ako dito, pasalamat tayo. Kung ayaw na nila, masaya pa rin tayo, kasi kahit paano napagsilbihan natin ang UST, di ba? [smiles]

Then, he proceeded to the swarms of students.

*****

Eto ang akin.

Kung totoo man, masaya ako para kay coach Pido. Kahit madalas nyang sinasabing "tsamba" lang yung mga panalo ng UST, na minsan nagagamit din against sa kanya kesho nananalo lang sila dahil magaling yung players, kailangan din nating bigyan ng credit si coach.

Medyo magiging kakaiba nga lang pag dumating yung time na wala na yung makulit na coach sa press conference na minsan magbibitaw ng medyo racist o homophobic comments, as well as yung matabang coach (Not my term, coach. Sinabi lang sa kin ng kaibigan ko. Promise!) na pinupuntahan ng mga estudyante sa QPav para magpa-picture.

Sabi nga ng mga mas eksperto, its about time na mabigyan ng break si coach Pido.

Di ba intriguing yon, si Pido at ang BroNation sa PBA?

Well, kung matuloy man to, di na natin kailangang isipin, kasi malay nyo, malapit na ring magkatotoo.

Sinabi na rin naman ni coach Pido na malaki ang tiwala nya sa maiiwan nya sa UST, lalo na kay coach Estong Ballesteros.

Kung nagtiwala kayo sa walong taon na nagbunga ng isang kampeonato, dalawang silver-medal finish (Oo, kasama sa computation ng general championship yung runner-up finish.), at anim na Final Four appearance, siguro panahon na rin para makita natin yung kakayahan ng iba sa UST, the same way na masusubukan si coach Pido sa PBA, ngayon bilang coach.

Malay nyo, mag-Finals ang GlobalPort sa Commissioner's Cup.

Puso. Pride. Palaban. Pi-Bro? (c) My good buddy Max Serafica

Student vs Teacher | With Fajardo back to form, Petron ends elims in a blaze

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 18, 2014

Whether it might be the sight of its former cornerstone in the opposing jersey, or just re-energized by their sophomore big man’s return to form, Petron Blaze overwhelmed Meralco, 96-87, in the 2014 PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, earning its 10th win and giving itself a shot for a possible playoff for the second twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

“It’s a big win for us against Meralco. It’s a good way to bounce back after a loss, and coming into the quarterfinals, we want to have to some sort of momentum, some sort of positive attitude,” said Petron Blaze head coach Gee Abanilla.

“We still have a shot for No. 2, but it’s a slim chance for a knockout game. Most probably, we’re just gonna be waiting for whoever’s going to be paired against us. We’re going to be prepared for what’s going to be a gruelling week for us next week.”

June Mar Fajardo had his first start in this game since spraining his MCL and had his best outing since returning from injury, as he had his 10th double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds.

“Nakukuha na nya yung groove nya. Tingin namin unti-unti na siyang nagiging healthy. Sumasabay na rin yun chemistry, kasi nakakasama na rin sya sa practice. He’s ok compared than before,” Abanilla said of their top big man.

With 5:12 remaining in the first half, former Booster Danny Ildefonso entered the game and was cheered on by the enthusiastic Big Dome crowd. It was only a few seconds until he and his Cebuano student battled down low.

The two continued its battle in the paint in the second half, as Ildefonso scored on Fajardo numerous times. But it was a different case in the second half as Fajardo got a measure of retribution, using the spin move lay-up in the pain, scoring against his mentor.

“Siya nagturo sa akin nun eh,” Fajardo said. “Alam ko na gagawin niya yung mga moves pero naka-counter nya kasi dinadaan nya sa experience. Yung mga tinuro nya sa akin, yun din yung ginagawa ko.

“Privilege ko lang din na makakaro sya,” he added.

For his part, Ildefonso said that he is happy with the performance he had against his student in the game.

“Mahirap kalaban si June Mar pero masaya ako na maganda yung nilalaro nya,” he said. “Nahirapan lang ako kasi ang bigat eh. Marami na kong nabantayang malaking import at malaking Pilipino, pero si June Mar ang pinakamabigat, at may skills pa.”

Chris Ross, a former Meralco player, had 17 of his 18 points in the second half, which saw the Boosters jump ahead to a lead as big as 19, 89-70 in the 5:45 mark of the fourth, while Arwind Santos had 17 markers and five boards.

The big lead enabled Abanilla to rest Fajardo for the whole fourth quarter.

“We’re just happy that we stayed the course. We got guys coming in healthy. We were able to rest June Mar in the final minutes, and we had a lot of guys stepping up. We need support from all of the guys and the good thing in this game is that they delivered,” he said.

Alex Cabagnot had 14 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Chris Lutz added 12.

“Ang sinabi lang namin, this is a very important game for us. Dapat maganda yung mindset namin, dapat may kumpyansa. At nag-deliver naman si June Mar. We had a conscious effort of giving him some touches. It’s a collective effort din from the rest of the guys,” Abanilla said.

Gary David top-scored for the Bolts with 18, while Ildefonso had a memorable first game against his former squad, finishing with a season-high 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five blocks.

“Dapat yung teacher di magpatalo sa student,” Ildefonso said.

Jared Dillinger had 16 points, while John Wilson and Cliff Hodge combined for 26.

The loss placed Meralco on 5-9 slate, waiting for the result of the Barako Bull-Alaska game on Sunday to see what its fortune will be in the quarterfinals.

Marcio Lassiter missed the game for Petron, as the sharpshooter attended his grandmother’s funeral in the States.

The Scores:

PETRON BLAZE 96 – Fajardo 19, Ross 18, Santos 17, Cabagnot 14, Lutz 12, Kramer 6, Duncil 4, Tubid 2, Taha 2, Lanete 2.

MERALCO 87 – David 18, Ildefonso 17, Dillinger 16, Wilson 13, Hodge 13, Allado 5, Hugnatan 3, Artadi 2, Timberlake 0, Salvacion 0, Al-Hussaini 0.

Quarters: 15-15, 44-33, 70-56, 96-87.

*****

POSTSCRIPT: The following are quotes taken from separate interviews between June Mar Fajardo and Danny Ildefonso after the game. There were no post-game interactions between the two as June Mar immediately left the venue (seemingly teary-eyed), while Danny I was one of the lasts to go out of the Meralco dugout.

Danny I on his first court interaction with June Mar as opponents

Nagso-sorry eh. Sabi nya, [mimicking June Mar's big voice] "Idol, sorry!" Sabi ko, "mag-focus ka nga!" Sabi ko mag-focus siya, tsaka wag nya kong pagbibigyan. Sabi nya, [again mimicking June Mar's voice] "nakalusot ka nga eh." Sabi ko, mag-pokus ka lang sa game. Nakakahiya sa coaching staff niyo.

June Mar on Danny I's patented spin-move lay-up

Akala ko didiretso siya eh, pero moves niya yun. Siya ang nagturo sa akin nun eh. May isa nga ako nung first half, nag-spin ako pero na-anticipate niya. Alam niya yung move eh.

Danny I on his student doing his vintage moves

Naisahan nga ako sa baseline eh. Tinuro ko sa kanya (yung baseline spin), tapos nawala sa isip ko. Before the game, tinuturo ko pa sa mga big man dito. Tapos sa akin pa nangyari! Nainis lang ako na naisahan niya ako, pero masaya ako na maganda yung nilalaro nya at nakabalik na siya.

Danny I on June Mar's bid for the Best Player of the Conference

Makakahabol pa sya sa BPC. Kung ano naman ang success niya, masaya ako. Tsaka worth it sa kanya yun. Pinaghirapan niyang makarating dun kasi masipag yung bata.

June Mar on Danny I's future in the PBA

Kaya pa niya. Yung experience niya, andun eh. Sana makalaro pa siya ng ilang years pa.

Danny I on his first game against June Mar and Petron

Wala akong ano sa kanila. Sa akin, makapaglaro lang. Kahit paano eh answered player na (sa akin na) sana maganda rin yung laruin ko. Salamat kay God na kahit papaano, nakasabay sa estudyante ko. Part na dun yun kasi dapat yung teacher, di magpatalo. Pasalamat din na nangyari yun.

Pag may chance ulit, ayoko nang bantayan! Ang bigat eh! [laughs] Napapagod ako ng sobra. Sobrang bigat ni June Mar.

Quinahan completes boyhood dream with improbable shot

Edited version posted on the PBA website on January 15, 2014

Sometimes, its funny how the basketball gods write things. And sometimes, the biggest shots come to those who least expect it.

Meralco's Gary David tied the game at 86 with a three-pointer with 8.6 ticks left to play. Rain or Shine's Paul Lee, knowing they could still win the game, tried his best and released a three-pointer. But the shot missed and as the ball made its way down the floor, it bounced off of John Wilson's leg and went out of bounds.

The clock read 0.7 seconds, and coach Yeng Guiao, relieved to have been given a second chance to steal the game, called a timeout.

"I just felt that one great shot deserves another," he said.

The no non-sense coach drew up a play which primarily saw Jeff Chan or Beau Belga as the first option. He also wanted JR Quinahan to set a pick for Paul Lee, who will cut straight to the basket to get the ball.

Then, the buzzer sounded.

Gabe Norwood, the designated inbounder for the final play, only had one thing in his mind.

"I have to give it to who is open," he said. "That's my idea. Just get the ball inbounded and give us a chance to win the game."

With coach Ryan Gregorio's stingy defense written all over the play, shooters Chan and Belga had a hard time getting free from their defenders. On the left side of the court, Quinahan set the screen and got Lee freed for the cut.

"Ang ineexpect namin kung hindi, alley-oop, ibibigay nila sa labas. Kasi 0.7 seconds, wala ka nang magagawa dun eh," David said.

The defense switched which placed El Granada on to Quinahan. This was exactly what coach Yeng had in his mind.

"Sabi ni coach Yeng sa akin, pagkabigay ko ng back pick, sure na mag-switch yung depensa, so guard yung mapupunta sa akin," Quinahan recalled. "Sabi ni coach, 'Maliit yung bantay mo. Pwede kang tumanggap ng bola'."

But Guiao left one thing clear on his instruction to the five inside the floor, "Tira nyo lang."

That words rung in Quinahan's head all throughout the play.

Growing up in Cebu and honing his basketball skills, Quinahan always dreamt of big moments like this.

"Matagal ko na ring dream na magawa ko (yung game winner) sa isang game," he said. "Syempre, player ka, at part na sa pangarap mong magawa yun. Mahirap yun eh."

And now, with the clock less than a second long, Norwood saw his 6-foot-6 backpedaling to the back of the arc and passed the ball to him.

"They took away Jeff, and they took away Paul. JR got to an open spot so I just put it somewhere where he could shoot it," Norwood said. "When I passed that ball, I knew my job is done."

With the play materializing in front of the Elasto Painters' bench, Ryan Arana stood up and saw the ball went to Quinahan. He himself is readying for another impending extra five minutes of basketball.

"Handa akong mag-overtime. Wala kaming play except sa kung sino man ang makakatanggap ng bola, tira lang," Arana said.

Quinahan said, "Wala na kong choice kasi kung di man ma-shoot yun, mago-overtime din eh."

As he got the ball from Norwood, Quinahan rose up for a shot while David tried his best to at least get a touch of the leather. The former Green Lancer had his body fading away from David right in front of coach Yeng Guiao, and at the top of his jump, released the ball to the heavens.

"Sabi ko bahala na. Basta sa isip ko ititira ko to," he said.

As he landed back to earth, Quinahan saw his whole game fade right through his eyes.

"Buong game, pangit yung stats ko. Two points pa lang," he said.

As the ball got to the top of its arc, Norwood stood right under the basket and saw where the ball would land.

"Midway through the shot, I had a good idea that it was going in," he said.

As the buzzer sounded, the ball did sail through the net, sending the estatic Big Dome crowd up to its feet.

"Swerte lang kasi sa lahat ng tinira ko, yun pa yung pumasok," Quinahan said.

Arana could no longer contain himself when the shot went in.

"Di ko rin in-expect na mashu-shoot. Sobrang nagulat ako sa tira ni JR kasi unang una, alam naming ang bagal ng release niya," he said. "Kaya nung nashoot, wala na kong ibang naisip kundi tumakbo sa kanya at i-congrats siya. Niyakap namin at pinagbabatukan."

"Ganun sa amin eh. Parang magkakapatid. Kung may nagawa yung isa na maganda, yayakapin mo at ico-congrats mo," Arana said.

Norwood ran as fast as he can to the dugout, but halfway through, he looked back and wondered why his teammates are not following him.

"JR made it happen. I felt that the shot was good, so I tried to get out of the court," he said.

On his way back, he was telling the idle Petron players that the shot was good, and he knew there was no more reason to review the play.

But Quinahan knew the proceedings.

"Tinignan ko pa tapos nung nakita kong pumasok, nagulat ako. Di pa rin ako nag-celebrate kasi may review pa. Kaya late yung reaction ko eh. Baka di umabot sa oras," he said.

David walked back to his coaches as the officials reviewed the play, but in the back of his mind, he knew the worst is about to happen.

"Big shot na lang yun eh," he said. "Pero nag-relax din kami, Nag-relax din ako kaya medyo masakit yung pagkatalong ganun."

And the referees made it official. Quinahan's three-point bomb was good. Rain or Shine wins the ballgame, 89-86.

"That's a great shot taken by Gary earlier, and even a bigger shot taken by JR because its the winning shot," Guiao said. "Kumbaga, one tsamba deserves another."

But for Quinahan, its not just luck. His boyhood dream has just been realized.

"First time ko yun," Quinahan said.

As the dust settled, Guiao turned serious after the game.

"The first time we played (Meralco), it also boiled down to the end game. We're lucky that we're riding a streak of good luck," he said. "We're just taking this momentum all the way where its going to take us."

"We're on a six-game winning streak. Somehow, there's some pressure knowing you're in a streak. But we just have to put it in the back of our heads and salvage second place for the twice-to-beat advantage," Guiao said.

Norwood added, "We're excited to get the win. We know we're in a situation where we can get to second place, and that's our focus. Its a great win, but at the end of of the day, we're just focused to get the win."

But for the night, let's just give it to JR. He deserves the credit, much as he deserves an extra rice for his efforts.

Daniel Bryan gets freed in Providence

You knew this was coming. Yeah, I know wrestling is fake, but there's something about pro wrestling that makes it so compelling. Again, there's a reason why RPN called WWE "the drama for real men."

*****

First of all, a little backstory. Daniel Bryan has been feuding with the Wyatt Family during the tailend of 2013, and has always been on the receiving end of numerous beat downs.

That was until the final Raw of 2013, where Bryan faced all three members in a gauntlet match. After dispatching Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, the little guy is primed to face the leader of the faction, Bray Wyatt. But the two cohorts would have none of it, as they once attacked Bryan before the match ever materialized.

To the surprise of the Richmond, Virginia crowd, Bryan, battered and lying down the mat, did the unthinkable and joined the trio.

Shortly a week after, Bryan came to the arena wearing a jumpsuit, cementing his place with the Wyatt Family.

But little did we know that the jumpsuit would only last for two weeks.

Fast forward to the January 14, 2014 episode of Raw, after the opening tag team match between the Usos and the team of Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt ended in a disqualification, now-Director of Operations Kane made the match the main event and it will be fought inside a steel cage later in the evening.

Then, this happened.

But after that, this happened.

After I watched the ending, I tweeted this:

Seriously, when was the last time you saw a crowd that into a character? I literally had goosebumps watching that.

Its just like Gilas winning against Korea (maybe I'm really going nuts), plus the cage, and really, plus the beard. It felt like the triumph of the people.

Bravo for you, Providence, Rhode Island. You did way better than the ones before you.

And to think that was Old School Raw. Shame on you, Baltimore, Maryland. That's Jake The Snake, for God's sake! Even Dean Ambrose smiled when Damien slithered all over his face!

Going back, from a fan standpoint, they couldn't have stuck Bryan in that gimmick for long. The dude has awesome wrestling skills! He deserves to be in the main event and deserves a title shot (if they would give it to him) despite his small stature, which goes against the norms the powers-that-be believes should be leading the company.

Bryan has always been that impressive dude even before his WWE stint. He was a legend in the indies, and after a lame character in NXT, he has shined in every role he has been placed to.

From that wily "rookie" with The Miz as his "veteran" (I really thought that was a joke. It should be the other way around), to his first taste of gold with the U.S. title, to being the "Yes" (and "No") man which saw him win the World Heavyweight Championship from the Big Show, to his crazy antics with Kane in Team Hell No, to the "B-plus" challenger to Randy Orton's title (sadly, the PPV buys didn't really help him much), Bryan has embraced all the characters that has been given to him.

Or maybe, that's who he really is, a wrestling machine cut from the DNA of Shawn Michaels (his mentor), just smaller and scruffier.

Bray Wyatt said in the previous promos that after Bryan joined them, "he now has a home."

In Providence, Bryan escaped from that home, all while cheering "Yes!" with the crowd.

You heard how ecstatic the audience were. It now leaves the door open if the power brokers of the WWE have heard the same noise.

If that crowd reaction didn't sell Bryan to the ones who decide the fate of the company, I don't know what will.

At the end of the day, Daniel Bryan is Daniel Bryan once more. And most importantly, he is free.

YES!

OUT NOW: Manila Bulletin Sports Digest January 2014 issue

Featuring the top 10 stories of 2013, Manny Pacquiao's win over Brandon Rios, Rubilen Amit, the San Beda Red Lions, the UST-Letran benefit game, efforts from the sporting community to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda, and many more!

Grab your copies now!

Asi to young bigs: "I'm still here!"

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 9, 2014

Has Asi Taulava discovered the fountain of youth?

Looking at the numbers he is posting in the 2014 PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup, the answer might be yes.

Even coach Franz Pumaren believes so, as the Express’ bench tactician said, “It’s like looking at Asi five to eight years ago.”

But for the 6-foot-9 Fil-Tongan, what keeps him on his toes is the challenge the younger centers have brought upon the league.

“It’s just the challenge for us veterans and old guys to prove that we’re not washed up,” he said. “Look at Danny (Ildefonso). Coming out of two to three months sitting around, and in his first game back, he took some of those young bigs to school. That’s a testament to our efforts.”

Taulava added, “We put up so much extra work for our teams that whenever our numbers are called and we are asked to play, we’re always out there, ready to perform.”

“I super love it, especially when I go out there and see some of these cocky young guys. I try to bring them down to earth. I just don’t want to go out there and compete. I’ll go out there and come after you.”

When Air21 downed Talk ‘N Text, 102-100, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the 2003 PBA Most Valuable Player tallied his seventh double-double of the season, finishing with 23 points and 18 rebounds.

“We’re fighting for survival. We still have the chance to make the playoffs,” he said. “The win helps us a little bit, gets us upbeat against San Mig Coffee, and get the number eight spot and get a chance to make the playoffs.”

“I started off slow but I’m coming along fine. I’m starting to understand my teammates and what I can do to help the team. Whatever coach Franz asks me to do, I just go out there and give it my 110 percent. Win or lose, as long as I give my all, I’m happy with the results,” he said.

His contribution to the Express’ cause is so vital that Pumaren even credits Taulava for fueling the team to its third win in 12 assignments.

“Asi really gave us a big lift. He started out pretty strong and he really dominated the paint,” Pumaren said.

Taulava also inched his way closer to the top of the rebounding mountain, as he sits at 10th with 5,138 career rebounds, four boards short of overtaking the ninth overall Ali Peek, who has collected 5,141 career boards.

“The competition is fun. It’s great to go out there to compete against all of these younger guys. Every team out there is a challenge and its fun,” the affable big guy said. “I just go out there and battle. June Mar (Fajardo) is doing a great job. The best center in the league is at number one, so I’m kind of giving him a run for his money.”

With this new found fresh spirit keeping him in tip-top shape, Taulava issued a stern warning to those guys who are bound to bang bodies against “The Rock” down low: “The old man still got young legs,” he said. “So to these young guys, don’t look past me. I’m in shape and it feels good. I’m still here to compete.”

The demolition resumes for Danny I

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 6, 2014

Hours before the Saturday doubleheader commenced at the Mall of Asia Arena, two battle-tested brothers shared small talk before they waged war against different foes.

“Good luck and enjoy the game,” said Danny Seigle, now of Talk ‘N Text, to Danny Ildefonso, who made his season debut for Meralco.

Formerly sharing the same colors, the two now don different gears, far from the ones they wore during their heydays, when they won seven championships in 12 years together.

But the night was not about Seigle, or their partnership, or their past. The night was about Ildefonso, on his triumphant return to the hard court. This time, however, he’s not wearing the blue, red and white of Petron, or even the old red, black, and white of San Miguel, the franchise he stayed on for 15 years.

That night, Ildefonso wore the orange and white of Meralco.

Unwanted by the Boosters at season’s start, the two-time MVP had to wait for two months until he got back to a team’s roster, prolonging a wait that has spanned for almost a year after the Urdaneta, Pangasinan native recovered from a shoulder injury.

And on the fourth day of the new year, Ildefonso finally got his wish as he played his first game in a year.

“I just told him how happy and how excited I was for him,” Seigle said of his longtime teammate. “I know he’s going to be an asset for any team, so it’s great to see him back. I know he’ll do well.”

He did just that, as Ildefonso registered 14 points, six rebounds, and a team-high five assists in 29 minutes of play as the Bolts survived the pesky Air21 Express, 92-88, in overtime.

“What an incredible test again, but this time, we made sure that we’re going to come out on top,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio after the game. “I’ve been praying so hard for an opportunity like this, and it’s just an incredible feeling that the guy who probably was left out at the start of the season was the one who helped us tremendously tonight, and that’s Danny Ildefonso.”

For his part, Ildefonso was surprised in the major role he played in the win, saying, “29 minutes? Parang yung 2000 season na playing time ko yun ah,” referring to the season he first won the Most Valuable Player award.

Though he was thought initially as somebody who would serve as a mentor to the younger bigs of the Bolts, Ildefonso was on the floor for majority of the Air21 game after coming off the bench late in the first quarter.

“Nagulat ako kasi akala ko, konti lang yung minutes na lalaruin ko eh. Sa practice, di ko pa masyado kabisado yung plays kaya minsan nanghuhula ako. Di ko expected na ganun lalaruin ko at ganun ang magiging playing time ko,” he said. “Pero God is good. Mabuti na lang, na-guide Niya ako.”

The game meant so much for Ildefonso that after the game, he had tears in his eyes as he made his way out of the court.

“Naiyak talaga ako sa tuwa,” he said, after his team got a scare from the Express courtesy of a flurry of three-pointers from Nino Canaleta at the end of regulation.

“Pinakaba pa kami. Pinahirapan pa talaga kami. Pero answered prayer ito kasi nagdadasal talaga ako during the game na ibigay na sa amin. Ang ganda na ng laro namin eh, na ituloy na yung biyaya sa akin,” he said.

Even Jong Uichico, his coach in the old San Miguel franchise who now serves as an assistant coach for the Bolts, was impressed with his long-time ward’s showing.

“Maganda yung pinakita nya. He played more minutes than what we intended to,” Uichico said. “He makes the game and the team more efficient. He makes the right decisions in the end game. Importante yun sa isang team, na merong ganun in the closing minutes and for the whole game.”

He added, “He played 29 minutes today, but we have to reserve him dun sa mga bakbakan na laro. He’s no longer a regular 30-minute player because of his age.

Pero maalaga naman sya sa katawan and he’s very disciplined kaya his age doesn’t affect his play too much.”

So integral was Ildefonso in that game that Uichico even said, “Kung wala sya sa game, baka natalo pa kami.”

As Ildefonso looked back on the roller coaster of a year that was, he is just thankful for the night he had, saying, “Na-surprise ako ni God eh. Hindi ko expected na ganun ang lalaruin ko. Basta’t yung mga bagay na di ko kayang kontrolin, Siya na ang bahala.”

He also said that the long layoff has taken a toll on him as he is still on the process of reacquainting himself to the physicality. But the new beginning also allowed the 6-foot-6 power forward to show what he can still do even at his age.

“Parang 1998 lang. Parang rookie ulit yung feeling,” he said.

“Gusto ko pa rin talaga maglaro eh. Hindi lang ako, gusto rin ng mga anak ko,” said Ildefonso, whose son Shaun plays with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets.

“Gusto kong maging role model sa mga anak ko. Yun yung gusto kong mangyari, na maalala nila yung mga ginagawa ko."

*****

POSTSCRIPT: This was one of the lengthiest articles I wrote for the website, not only because it was such an emotional night for a great player, but also because I am a San Miguel/Petron fan who grew up on seeing Danny I, Danny S, and my personal favorite Olsen Racela leading the franchise in the early 2000s. The image of Danny I on a different jersey is just indescribable. It feels so wrong, yet I am happy for him that even at his age, he got a chance to still show what he's got. I'm just out of words for this one. I hope my biases didn't show up.

Anyway, for that performance in his first game back, Ildefonso was hailed as the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week. Keep raising the roof, Lakay!

Pingris vows San Mig rebound in 2014

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 4, 2014

After winning a championship, the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers seem to have crashed back to earth all of a sudden.

Sitting at 3-7, the Tim Cone-mentored squad is left to rue its shortcomings as the year ended. The disappointing losses came first from rival Alaska, an 88-75 letdown last December 27, and two days after, a 101-77 beating from Rain or Shine.

Cone was so disappointed in their game against the E-Painters that he just stood on the sidelines and gave his players the silent treatment.

And the emotional Marc Pingris knows this.

“Sobrang nasasaktan na si coach sa mga nangyayari,” the Gilas mainstay said. “Gusto kong tulungan yung team, lalo na si coach kaya kailangan na talaga naming bumawi.”

“Mas masakit yung nangyari ngayon kaysa sa tuhod ko eh. Ang hirap din na nakaupo ka lang at di nakakatulong. I hope pag nakabawi kami ng isa, giginhawa din yung pakiramdam nya.”

Pingris is putting behind his knee injury just to bring the Super Coffee Mixers back to their  winning ways. But he knows it wouldn’t be easy.

“Kumbaga sa kin, every game, importante ngayon na makakuha kami ng panalo. Andun pa rin yung goal naming makapasok ng semis at kung papalarin, sa Finals,” he said.

Injuries have also taken their toll on San Mig, one of the reasons why the team has struggled to find its groove this conference.

“Ang hirap eh. May player na dumadating tapos may mga players na mai-injure. Parang pag nakabalik yung isa, yung isa naman yung mawawala,” Pingris said. “Pero ang sa amin, di kami gi-give up. Ibibigay pa rin namin yung best namin sa next game. Isa-isa lang at darating tayo dyan.”

But Pingris vowed to bounce back big this new year.

“I promise na makakabalik kami at makakaabot kami ng semis. Dapat lang maging 100% kami lahat. Yun yung prayer ko kay Lord, na sa 2014, sana makumpleto kami sa game,” he said.

“Basta makakabawi kami. Promise yan.”

*****

POSTSCRIPT: On their first game for the year 2014, San Mig Coffee did bounce back big, as they beat Ginebra, 83-79, last Sunday. The win placed them at a five-way tie at the fifth spot with Barako Bull, Meralco, Alaska, and GlobalPort, all with a 4-7 card. Pingris finished with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Lassiter hopes Boosters continue to build, grow, learn together

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 4, 2014

When Petron suffered its second straight loss on Christmas Day without June Mar Fajardo, critics believed they saw a flaw in the Blaze Boosters’s  armor which could spell their downfall.

But in their second game without The Kraken, the Boosters used a strong third quarter to shock the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters last December 28, 105-91, and stop their two-game skid.

It was a complete team effort which saw Petron buck a slow start and made a 30-point swing in the third period.

And in front of the Boosters’ battle was Marcio Lassiter, who caught fire from beyond the arc, shooting 3-of-6 from the three-point region  to finish with a team-high 22 points.

“I just stayed aggressive the whole game,” he said. “June Mar is obviously a huge presence for us and we count a lot on him. But the difference in today’s game compared to the last game is that we learned to adjust and we knew what our attacks will be. And we did a better job in this game.”

“We’re deep. We can put up a lot of points and we still play the same system that we do despite not having June Mar,” Lassiter added. “We just had a greater time doing that today.”

The 6-foot-2 marksman also said that the win over Talk ‘N Text will be good for the team’s morale, hoping it would set the tone for their team in the new year.

“You always want to end on a good note, and we did just that. We just want to continue to build on that and make sure that we stay aggressive, stay true to our game, and play defense. That’s what we are doing and that’s what wins championships,” Lassiter said.

“We’ll continue to build, grow, learn, and play together. And if we continue that, we also hope to start this new year on a good note.”

Alapag - 'It Starts with Me'

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 3, 2014

After Talk ‘N Text’s 91-105 defeat to Petron Blaze last December 28, team captain Jimmy Alapag expressed his disappointment, not on his teammates but on himself, as he took the blame for the loss.

“It starts with me,” the 5-foot-8 playmaker said. “I’m not playing anywhere near the level that I expected myself to lead this team.”

Alapag only had two points and four assists on 1-of-8 shooting from the field in 30 minutes of play, but he said that his recent knee injury is not the reason for his woeful performance.

“The knee is alright. My terrible play has nothing to do with my injury. I got to do better and I expect more of myself,” he said.

Though the Tropang Texters are still in the running for the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters at 6-3, Alapag is not satisfied with how the team has played in their first nine games.

“I just think we haven’t played a complete game,” he said. “Even the games that we won last week, I thought we played good for 25, 30, sometimes 35 minutes, but we haven’t played a complete 48-minute game. That’s what we expect to do, but we have some work ahead. We welcome the break, get back to the gym, and be ready.”

The 10-year veteran said that he used the time off to reflect and hope that the new year can bring him out of his playing funk.

“I’m looking forward to the new year and a new start.”

Baguio itching for Aces' consistency

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 2, 2014

With 10 games already in their pocket and a 4-6 card across their name, the Alaska Aces are still slow to find their groove in the 2014 PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup.

But their 88-75 win over San Mig Super Coffee might just be the antidote they need to turn their fortunes around this conference.

“Siguro we have to work on our consistency,” said Cyrus Baguio. “Kumpleto naman kami lalo na yung second group namin. Malalim naman yung bench, so kung  maganda yung start tapos nasustain ng second group, gaganda yung outcome ng game para sa amin.”

Baguio made an example of their game against the San Mig Coffee, when they had a strong start and frustrated the Mixers with their choking defense. He also said that with their squad loaded from top to bottom, anybody can contribute at any given time.

“Yun lang ang maganda sa amin kasi di lang starters ang inaasahan. Kahit sino pwedeng umiskor. Ang focus lang namin talaga is our defense, kasi sa offense marami naman ang kaya mag-step up,” he said.

He also hopes that 2014 will bring in a new perspective to the Aces, which have lost a few close games, greatly hampering their campaign this season.

“Yung mga talo namin, kontrolado naman namin eh,” he said. “Sobrang gigil lang namin manalo kaya nagkakaproblema sa fouls. Kaya minsan, masama yung second half namin. Ang hirap makadepensa kung nasa foul trouble ka na eh. So sana, ma-control namin yung fouls para pagdating ng second half, may reserba pa kami.

“Siguro ngayon ang focus na lang namin is in the next game. Itatapon na namin yung mga talo namin at wag maging kampante.”

Baguio added, “Mahaba pa yung liga. Kailangan pa naming isunod-sunod yung panalo, lalo na yung effort na ginagawa namin na nananalo kami, sana di mawala yung depensa.”

“Sana sa 2014, ma-improve pa namin kung ano yung kulang namin. Kami naman tulong-tulong lang kaming mga coach and players sa game plan eh. Yun lang, sana maging consistent kami sa mga laro.”

Chan challenges himself to be more aggressive

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 2, 2014

Coaches always say that they want to end a year with a bang.

But Jeff Chan is no ordinary player, and in the final two games for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, a gut-wrenching 99-95 win over Barako Bull last December 27 and a 101-77 rout over San Mig Super Coffee last Sunday, he literally did what their coaches wanted – he ended the year with a bang.

He had a career second-best 34 points in the Barako Bull win, a 7-of-10 shooting night from beyond the arc, including the game-winning three-pointer with 8.2 seconds to play in the fourth.

“Nagulat ako kasi nung last, si Jervy (Cruz) na-open, tapos si Willie (Miller), nag-full help. Dun ako na-open,” he said.

Though it was a historic night for him that Friday, Chan said he didn’t really chase his career-high 35 points, opting to put the team first before individual statistics.

“Nung first half, feeling ko kaya kong habulin, pero di ko naman pinipilit. Pag yung play na nira-run namin, pag na-open ka, itira mo na. Ganun naman yung sabi ni coach Yeng (Guiao) eh, pag open, tira lang,” said Chan.

He followed it up two days later with a 15-point performance on a 3-of-4 shooting from trifectaville, when rookie Raymond Almazan had his breakout game with a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds and where Paul Lee sizzled with 15 points on a 5-of-7 shooting from rainbow country.

“Any game, pwede talagang pumutok yung kahit sino sa amin,” Chan said.

But personally, it is in Chan’s mind to challenge himself to be more aggressive on the offensive end.

“Nasa mindset ko lang na gusto ko umatake ngayon,” he said. “The same way na kailangan namin yung depensa, kailangan talagang umatake para gumana yung opensa namin.”

*****

POSTSCRIPT: "Trifectaville" was inserted by the editor. Not my term.

Miller feels chemistry is the key for Barako turnaround

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 2, 2014

During the pregame shootaround, Willie Miller clowned around with his teammates, distracting them whenever they hoisted a shot. The Thriller, together with his teammates, are about to face GlobalPort, hoping to end their woes as the year nears its end.

A couple of hours after, Barako Bull improved its standing to 3-7 with a 108-95 win.

Miller, as usual, had a ready smile on his face.

Though it really isn’t a surprise to many, Willie flashes his smile all the time, something that is sometimes misunderstood especially when he flashes his pearly whites after a loss.

But the 2002 PBA MVP knows that there’s more to it than just his smile. He also feels the Energy’s struggles, even though he doesn’t show it.

“Lahat pag binigyan ng matagal na time, nagbabago. Lalo na sa amin, nag-start kami November na. Kinakapa pa rin namin yung chemistry namin as a team, at sila coach din, kung sino yung magandang combination sa loob. Ako din personally, kinakapa ko rin yung teammates ko kung saan sila mas komportable,” Miller said. “Yun yung pinakaimportante eh. Dapat yung lima sa loob, alam nila kung paano gagalaw ang bawat isa. Yung mga lapses, dun nakikita eh. Yung mga errors sa huli, missed passing, yung depensa, medyo may lapses pa rin. Sa chemistry yun eh. Sabi nga nila, kahit na nakapikit o natutulog, dapat alam mo kung san pupunta yung kakampi mo.”

Though chemistry is one of the biggest issues Barako Bull is addressing, Miller believes that their crew, composed mostly of wily veterans, can adapt easier to their needs.

“Mas mapapadali yun kasi mas matatanda kami. Kumbaga, mas matanda, maiingay kami, kasi yung veterans salita ng salita. At least, mas madali kaming magkakaintindihan,” he said.

“Medyo ok na naman yung nangyayari sa amin. We’re just trying to pull out the effort para matakpan yung konting mistakes namin. Siguro pag dumating yung time na maganda na yung chemistry namin, napakaganda ng mangayari sa amin,” Miller added.

And they showed glimpses of it in the win over GlobalPort where six players logged double-digit scores.

“Alam ng mga players na may chance kami parati, na kahit tambak kami, humahabol kami. Na kahit natatalo kami, mataas pa rin yung morale ng team. Sabi nga namin, pag ganito lagi yung nangyayari sa atin at binaon natin yung ulo natin, mas lalong sasama yung performance natin,” Miller said.

He added, “Andito yung mga veterans para pagsabihan yung ibang players to take the  responsibility and move in the right way in case mag-commit ka ng error. Kumbaga, kahit mahuli yan nung umpisa, dapat mag-move on ka, next play na. Yun ang importante sa camaraderie ng players, andito kami para i-lift up yung mga players na nado-down.”

“Chemistry lang talaga eh. Ang daming matatanda, ang daming bata na capable. Pag gumanda yung chemistry namin, amuy-amuyan na lang yan at basahan na lang ng feel ng players. Malay nyo, baka wala nang makatalo sa min,” Miller said with the usual jovial grin plastered all over his face.

COMM SPEAK: Salud on 2013

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 1, 2014

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud looks back on the year 2013, the past season, the rookies, the Gilas Pilipinas conquest, and what’s in store for the league in 2014.

pba.ph: The PBA saw the year 2013 as a banner year, as Season 38 proved to be a rousing success and the ongoing season looking like it’s going to pick up where the previous season left off. Commissioner, what are your thoughts on the year that was?

Comm. Salud: 2013 is a banner year for the league in terms of gate receipts and live attendance. That tells me that we’re in the right direction, that we’re able to meet the expectations of the fans, meaning they want exciting games and we were able to give them that.

The players are responding by playing their best at all times. They’re behaving on and off the court, showing the acceptance of the responsibility on being role models. Our tournament formats are successful in which we were able to avoid non-bearing games, which bore the fans which we also do not like. Our everyday games during the quarters and the semis are a hit with the fans. They like it, and the same with the players. They think that the everyday games, or in their case, every other day games for their team, keeps them on their toes and keeps them fit for the games. So all of these combined, with the support of our Board of Governors and our team owners, we’re able to introduce all these innovations simply to make the PBA more responsive to the clamor of the fans.

pba.ph: The immersion of the 2012 batch of rookies and then the new blood coming in 2013. Six different teams reaching the Finals in all three conferences. What can you say about the parity of the league in the past season?

Comm. Salud: What I’m saying is that we’re taking steps in the right direction. The entry of new and fresh blood – that means that the game will be more exciting because our veterans will be challenged. They will be asked to bring their game to the next level because of the rookies who will continually try to prove themselves, and in so doing, push the veterans also to elevate the game. The rookies are always the lifeblood of the league. Without them, there will be no new challenges and new flavor. So in terms of if they are able to adjust to the type of play that we have in the PBA, some take a while and some hit the ground running, but in the long run, because of their talent and their skills, and of course, their basketball I.Q., they are able to adjust and help make the PBA more exciting.

pba.ph: One of the highlights of the year was the silver medal finish of the country in the 27th FIBA Asia Championship. What kind of help will the PBA extend to the national team with the FIBA World Cup and the Asian Games coming?

Comm. Salud: The FIBA World Cup is a commitment for the part of the PBA. The team that played in the last FIBA Asia tournament and won silver will be kept, at least the core, as I understand it from coach Chot Reyes, will be kept. And the PBA is fully supportive of this. And we’re looking forward to that along with the Asian Games.

pba.ph: Personally, what was your favorite moment for the whole year?

Comm. Salud: Marami eh. One, being how rookies were able to blend into the league, and I have to mention Calvin Abueva and the vast improvement of June Mar Fajardo. Second, the close fight for the Most Valuable Player award between two top stars of the PBA in Arwind Santos and LA Tenorio. Third, of course, that very, very inspiring second place finish that we had in that FIBA Asia Championships. All of these, and day-in and day-out, the excitement of the games that bring joy to our fans – these are the moments that I am thankful for.

pba.ph: Commissioner, looking forward to 2014, what can the fans expect from the PBA?

Comm. Salud: It’s simple. Our team owners have one instruction for me – Make the games more exciting and make the league more responsive to the desires of the fans. And everything that we do here emanates from that instruction from the team owners. So let’s just hope that our format works again this year, and our players continue to respond to their obligations to play their best at all times. And that we fare well, and that’s a relative term, in the incoming FIBA World Cup and Asian Games. And I believe, all of that will contribute to another successful 2014.

*****

POSTSCRIPT: It was a delight to talk with the good Commissioner in the final playing day of 2013. It was the third time I had a chance to speak to him and thankfully, it wouldn't be the last. We'll be doing a monthly version of this in the PBA website wherein I ask "Kume" the ramblings within the league and it would start this month. Here's to another successful year for the PBA this 2014!

Sol embraces leader's role

Originally posted on the PBA website on January 1, 2014

Young and dangerous. That’s what the GlobalPort Batang Pier are.

Flanked by a cast of young veterans, gritty defenders, and of course, rookies, GlobalPort is slowly finding its footing in the league after a dismal first season.

And who better to lead the Batang Pier than the Sol Train himself, Sol Mercado.

The five-year veteran has embraced the role given to him by the squad, and has always been a go-to guy for GlobalPort in the end game.

“Management wants me to be there. They called me to be the leader and I don’t mind doing that,” Mercado said. “Its just tough at times. We got so many young players. It takes time with any team to build that chemistry. You get new players, and it takes time to build that team. But we’ll get it together. I’m excited to see how we’ll be down the stretch.”

He added, “We have to learn how to win in those crucial times. I have to allow myself to take over. It’s a learning process, and you become better from it. You think of what you could have done and you come back and become better.”

The six-foot guard from Biola University also said that though criticisms have been fired their way, he doesn’t really listen to them, opting to improve his game more than just silencing his doubters.

“People say stuff about me and Mark (Cardona) can’t coexist before, me and Gary (David) can’t coexist in the past,” Mercado said. “There are teams who have been successful by having scorers, but were not just scorers. We do other things. Once we solve it, it’s still a journey. We’re still in the process of building chemistry and knowing each other.”

“Mark my words. Once we learn it and once we come together, we’re gonna be a dangerous team and it’s going to be scary for the league. It’s a journey and I’m excited to see what happens in the future."

'The Ninja' on his Christmas triple-double, newfound role

Originally posted on the PBA website on December 30, 2013

With Air21 Express sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 1-8 card, Joseph Yeo wanted nothing more that Christmas Day than a win over GlobalPort, their opponents that night.

But at the end of the day, he got more.

The Ninja had the first triple-double of his career in the 109-103 overtime win over the Batang Pier with his 19 points, 14 assists, and a career-best 10 rebounds.

“Nagulat ako actually,” Yeo said. “Siguro I had one nung high school pa, but as far as I can remember, never pa (ako nagka-triple-double).”

Lacking a pure point guard in their line-up, coach Franz Pumaren is putting the ex-Green Archer in the one position, a role, Yeo said, that he is still getting familiar with.

“Sa totoo lang, hindi pa ako nakakapag-adjust ng mabuti sa bago kong role, kasi ako, gusto ko yung umaatake talaga,” Yeo said. “Pag point guard ka kasi, kailangan mo intindihin yung teammates mo.”

“Kaya minsan, sina KG (Canaleta), Macmac (Cardona), pag minsan di ko sila napapasahan, naiinis sila. Kaya sinasabi ko pasensya kasi naga-adjust pa din ako eh. Ganun talaga eh, pero eventually napapasahan ko na rin sila. Naintindihan din nila na di rin ako sanay sa role ko.”

Yeo said that their Christmas conquest is just one of those games that he was finally able to get their groove going, but he still said that they still need a player who is used to filling that role.

“Ngayon lang naging maganda yung pag-orchestrate ko sa team, pero pag natatalo kami, nahihirapan ako. At least kung may natural point guard kami, wala kong iisipin kundi umatake talaga. Pero may times sa game na pwede rin ako mag-point guard. Pero malaking bagay din kung may natural point guard kami,” he said.

Cardona butted in, saying, “Di namin kailangan ng natural point guard. Kailangan namin natural passer!”

Though he’s still struggling to get accustomed in his new role, Yeo is willing to take the challenge head-on.

“Hindi lang sa akin eh. Para din kila Vic Manuel, Elmer Espiritu, sinasabi ko sa kanila, at least nabibigyan ng chances ibang players kaya kailangan lang natin mag-step up. Chance natin to. Hihintayin pa ba nating kumuha ng ibang players? Might as well grab the opportunity,” he said.

Also, one of those things being brought about in the win was the idea that Yeo and Cardona, both being known as scorers ever since their college days, cannot co-exist on the floor.

“We play the same position, pero in this game, ginagawa ako ni coach na point guard so we can play together,” Yeo said. “Kasi before, palitan kami eh. Kung maganda yung laro ko, di makakapaglaro si Macmac. Kung maganda naman yung laro nya, ako naman yung magsa-suffer. Kaya si coach, gusto nyang matuto ako mag-point guard para pwede kaming magsabay.”

Cardona added, “Since college yata hindi pa kami nakapaglaro ng sabay ng maganda. First time to. Triple-double sya, at maganda naman yung scoring ko. We’re both happy and memorable pa to sa amin kasi Christmas pa nangyari.”

Captain Hook top-scored for the team in that game, along with Asi Taulava, with 28 points.

Yeo is convinced that though the Express is firmly at the cellar, their standings doesn’t really reflect how good they are as a team.

“I think we’re a better team than sa standings namin. Ang dami naming games na dikit, so I think dapat nasa gitna sana kami eh,” he said. “At the start of the conference, mataas yung expectations namin. Confident naman kami sa individual skills namin kaya malaking bagay na yun. Natatalo lang talaga pero until now, makapasok lang kami, may chance pa kami.”

“Yung chance namin, nasa amin pa rin eh. Wala kaming paki sa iba. Pag natalo yung iba, aangat naman kami at sila naman yung bababa,” Yeo added.

“Kami naman, enjoy lang at walang masyadong pressure. Natatalo nga kami pero yung morale ng team, given na medyo mababa pero hindi tulad sa iba na baka mag-give up na lang. Si coach, nagpe-prepare pa rin ng game plan. At least, may extra motivation kami. Kaya naman namin manalo eh. Mahirap talaga kaya kailangan talaga ng team effort.”

Meralco needs to develop 'winner's attitude' - Gary D

Originally posted on the PBA website on December 31, 2013

After finally mustering a respectable 3-2 record early in December, the Meralco Bolts suddenly lost their footing, stumbling in their next four assignments.

The Bolts are now looking for a fresh start in 2014, and one of those in the forefront of the battle for Meralco is Gary David.

After their fourth loss, a heartbreaking 82-83 defeat at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last December 28 courtesy of a buzzer-beating Japeth Aguilar trey, the Gilas gunner was clearly distraught when he exited the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Masakit yung pagkatalo namin. Kailangan naming bumawi,” he said. “Dapat pa naming pag-isipan yung mga bagay na makakapagpaimprove sa amin, lalo na sa end game.”

Meralco was up by five in the final 15 seconds, but missed free throws doomed the Bolts, giving Ginebra a glimmer of hope, which they seized.

Though obviously disappointed, David hopes that 2014 will give them a much needed breather as they eye to salvage the season’s campaign in their final four games.

“Siguro ang kailangan lang naming iimprove ay yung mentality at eagerness to win,” he said. “Yung winner’s attitude – yun ang dapat naming pagtibayin, mas lalo na sa end game ng mga laro.”