Tag Archives: Philippine Basketball Association

PBA: SMC to re-evaluate participation

11 Mar

Following the Renaldo Balkman saga, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is re-evaluating its participation in the country’s no.1 professional basketball league.  SMC currently has three teams in the PBA; Petron Blaze Boosters, the defending Commissioner’s Cup champ San Mig Coffee Mixers, and the crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra Kings.  SMC is one of the league’s pioneers and if it withdraws from the league, it will leave a big void that could spell the end of Asia’s first play for pay basketball league. Here is a statement from SMC (taken from interaktv):

San Miguel Corporation would like to apologize to basketball fans and the Philippine Basketball Association, for the unsportsmanlike conduct shown by its import, Renaldo Balkman, last Friday, March 8. We accept the decision to ban Mr. Balkman for life from the league.

We do not condone his actions. The mandate of our basketball operations has always been to entertain basketball fans and foster camaraderie and a spirit of healthy competition. We pride ourselves in having great teams who serve as good role models to the youth and community.

Unfortunately, the incident has been blown out of proportion and has damaged our good name. Already, news of the incident has spread throughout the country and overseas through traditional and online media.

Our reputation is of utmost importance to us because we have worked hard to cultivate this good name through the decades. But it takes only one unfortunate incident like this to undo all our efforts.

As such, given the possible long-term effect of this incident to the San Miguel organization’s image, and in consideration of our need to preserve our good reputation, Management has decided to re-evaluate the company’s continuing participation in the PBA.

Moving forward, we believe sports is a pillar of Philippine society and we will continue to support it and Filipino athletes in general in meaningful ways in and out of the PBA.

The Petron Blaze Boosters (PBB) is the team of Cebuano rookie June Mar Fajardo.  Last friday in their match against Alaska Aces, PBB import Renaldo Balkman went bonkers as he pushed an assistant coach and two teammates before ending up choking Arwind Santos in national TV.  The sad incident prompted Commissioner Chito Salud to fine the former NBA first round pick 250,000 pesos and banned him from the PBA for life.  SMC felt that the incident somehow tarnished their name and made them think about their future in the league and as one of the biggest basketball sponsors in the country.

caloycomment: What’s next in the Petronovela?

Related articles
About these ads

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Cebuanos to watch in 2013: June Mar Fajardo

3 Jan

June Mar Fajardo was the top pick in the 2012 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie draft.  The 6’9″ giant from Pinamungahan, Cebu has been dubbed as the country’s future premier big man.  The former University of Cebu Webmasters varsity star played first for the San Miguel Beermen in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) after an illustrious career at the CESAFI were he led UC in destroying University of the Visayas Green Lancers dynasty.  After learning that Petron, one of San Miguel Corporation‘s teams in the PBA, had the first pick in the 2012 draft, June Mar immediately decided that it was time to take his skills to the PBA.   As expected, he got drafted by the super loaded Petron team which has stars like Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot,  and Jay Washington, along with super sophomores in Marcio Lassiter, and Chris Lutz.

The expectations were so high far the vaunted Petron Blazer Boosters  (PBB) team with the addition of the highly touted Cebuano. June Mar Fajardo had 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks in his season debut against recently crowned Governor’s Cup champs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.  His numbers were good but the Boosters lost by 16, 86-102.  Fellow Cebuano Center and ex-Green Lancer JR Quinahan gave him a rough welcome by torching Fajardo with 13 points while having a perfect 3 for 3 in the 3-point region.  Fajardo somehow was stunned as the center of RoS can hit the trey which forced him to defend the perimeter.  Beau Belga, the tag team partner of Quinahan in RoS’ feared extra combo likewise hit 3 trifectas. It was  big contrast to Fajardo who only made 2 of 7 in his attempts in the field while shooting just 5 of 11 in the 15-foot line.

In the next time game, Fajardo only played for 16 minutes in PBB’s victory over Barako Bull and he managed to grab 7 rebounds in limited action.  June Mar had a monster game against sister team San Mig Coffee finishing with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 blocked shot. It was a bittersweet performance as Petron lost again.  It became worse as it was discovered after the game they had a bizarre injury in the scrotum after unintentionally hit by Marc Pingris. He was out of action for over a month.  He came back in Petron’s victory over cellar dwellers Global Port by tallying 14 points and 7 rebounds.  He played 3 more games in the eliminations and ended up with averages of 9 points, 8.14, 0.86 steal, 1.14 blocks in 24.6 minutes of action for the 7 games he played.  Petron finished disappointing 6 wins and 8 loses in the eliminations which is only good for the 7th seed.  They faced the second seeded San Mig Coffee Mixers that gets a twice to beat advantage.

In the quarterfinal game, Fajardo was the best Petron player as he finished with 22 points, 15 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 3 blocks but PBB was eliminated 87-92.  Many fans felt that Coach Olsen Racela did not give him enough touches especially in the final period.  A lot of pundits think that June Mar Fajardo was underutilized.

The next two conferences in the PBA will be import-laced. Fajardo will be up against imports that could be bigger or taller than him in the Commissioner’s Cup.  As he nicknamed the Kraken in the PBA, he expected to sow fear underneath the boards for Petron.  He will be a player to watch as many fans would like to know if indeed he has the potential to dominate the league or he will just end up like the slow and unworthy big men of the past. If we are just looking at his upside, there has been no pure Filipino big man to be blessed with the height, heft, agility, and basketball iq of his caliber.  If he plays to his potential he can average 20 points and 10 rebounds at the minimum even against imports.  It will not happen immediately as he has to get accustomed to the PBA brand of play and he needs to possess intelligence to learn the intricacies of a pro-style offense and defense. If he does not cope, he could be like an EJ Feihl or worse a Samigue Eman.  It will definitely be interesting to see how he pans out.  It will also be exciting to see if how he and Greg Slaughter will match-up in the future.  The two were the main protagonist of some of the most memorable battles in the CESAFI.  If Fajardo and Slaughter end up to be the best big men in their generation, it is fun to know that they both started Cebu, an island known for their explosive guards rather dominating big men.

This blog’s writer will always be a big fan and a believer of June Mar. He could be the Hercules that will carry Petron to many battles ahead. Go, June Mar!!!

Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

2012 PBA Draft recap: 4 Cebuanos picked

21 Aug

There were four notable Cebuanos who were picked in the recent Philippine Basketball Rookie Draft. Leading the group is this year’s No.1 overall pick June Mar Fajardo of Pinamungahan. Four picks later, Aldrech Ramos of Balamban was picked by Barako Bull then traded to B-Meg Llamados. In the 3rd round, former Adamson Soaring Falcons point guard Jerick Cañada of Minglanilla was picked by the Barangay Ginebra Kings at No. 28. Five picks later, big man Jan Colina of Mandaue was picked the PBA’s newest team Global Port.

June Mar Fajardo is the No.1 overall pick

Fajardo is Petron’s choice! (Photo care of Cebu Daily News)

No. 1 Pick June Mar Fajardo is the pride of Pinamungahan, Cebu.  He played college ball at University of Cebu.  In his career as a UC Webmaster, he was able to lead his school to 2 titles.  With Fajardo, UC ended the 9-year reign of UV Green Lancers at the CESAFI. Fajardo had a great rivalry with now Ateneo Blue Eagle Greg Slaughter during the time Slaughter was still playing in Cebu. The Pinamungahan native then played for the San Miguel Beermen in Asean Basketball League where he contributed well in helping the Beermen reach the ABL finals in its inaugural season.  He was not planning to enter the draft this year but decided to pursue a PBA career after Petron, ABL San Miguel Beeer’s sister team was able to secure the first over-all pick in the 2012 draft.  Petron picked him to make him their premier big man in the near future.

Aldrech Ramos now a Llamado

No.5 pick Ramos of Balamban (photo from spin.ph)

Aldrech Ramos was originally picked by Barako Bull at No.5.  He switched jackets on the same day as he was acquired by the B-Meg Llamados for Sean Anthony and their 2nd round pick (Dave Marcelo). Ramos was picked higher than what mock drafts placed him.  The versatile big man played college ball for the FEU Tamaraws.  He played for the Smart-Gilas and has represented the country in international competitions. To prepare for his entry to the PBA, he joined the Philippine Patriots for some seasoning at the ABL. At B-Meg or San Mig Coffee (It’s name this season), he will play with Marc Pingris, Joe De Vance, Rafi Reavis, and JC Intal. His addition gives Coach Tim Cone one of the most athletic forward group in the league. B-Meg had injury concerns all-throughout last season and stacking up high quality big men will assure that the team will experience a minimal drop off in performance in case an injury to a front-court player  happens.

Jerick Cañada of Minglanilla was Barangay Ginebra’s 3rd of 6 picks on draft day. The pick is some sort of a move for the future as the Kings are very loaded at that position. JJ Helterbrand, Mike Cortez, and Talisay City’s Robert Labagala currently occupies PG depth chart of the squad. Cañada will be  a some sort of insurance should Helterbrand decides to retire or any of the point guards get injured.  The Kings needed a PG that can manage a run and gun offense as they have drafted highly athletic forwards Keith Jensen and Chris Ellis in the first round.   Cañada not only showed that quality while playing for Adamson in college, he also showed his ability to win in helping Indonesia win its first tile in the ABL.

 

Jan Colina of Mandaue is Global Port’s 5th of 6 picks.  The former UC Baby Webmaster and Adamson Falcon will try to land a spot in PBA’s newest team. He might be too small to play his natural PF spot in the pros but he has shown his intensity on court against bigger and more talented players in the past.

Among the four, the 2 first-rounders are cinch to play in the PBA in the coming season.  The two former Soaring Falcons face a tall order in order to secure a spot in a PBA team’s rotation. If the two latter picks fail to get a roster spot in the PBA, most likely, they will be playing at the ABL. With so many decent basketball talents in the country, the PBA should consider adding more teams to give more players a chance to strut their stuff in Asia’s first professional basketball league.

Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Cebu Live’s 8 Questions with Jerie Marlon Pingoy

16 Aug w092
Cebu Live 8 Questions with Jerie Pingoy

FEU-Diliman’s Jerie Marlon Pingoy (courtesy of sis Kath)

Cebu Live had an opportunity to ask 8 questions to one of the best high school basketball players in the country right now.  Cebuano Jerie Marlon Pingoy is the reigning MVP of the UAAP Jr. basketball tournament. His team the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws is currently on top of the standings of Season 75 along with NU Bullpups with similar 6-0 slates. Pingoy is the son of namesake Jerry Pingoy who played in the PBA for Great Taste and Tanduay.  The younger Pingoy is now in Mongolia with the rest of the Energen Pilipinas U-18 team that will play in the 22nd FIBA-Asia U-18 Championships.  Here are his answers to the 8 questions of this blog:

Cebu Live: “What is the difference with your UAAP Jrs. to your Cebu High School league?”
JMP: “It’s very different kay mas daku ni na liga ang UAAP and all the teams kay di basta-basta.” (It’s very different because UAAP is way bigger league than what I am used to and all the teams are strong.)

Cebu Live: “Who is your basketball idol growing up? Local and NBA.”
JMP: “Allen Iverson for the NBA and my father for local.”
Cebu Live: “Whose game are you trying to pattern?”
JMP: “Aside from my father, I’m trying to follow Isaiah Thomas‘ playing style.”
Cebu Live: “How far do you think the Baby Tamaraws go this season?”
JMP: “We are taking it one game at a time and hopefully, we can reach the finals.”
Cebu Live: “What do you miss most about Cebu?”
JMP: “Ay daghan. haha. Especially pagkaon sa Pasil ug pungko-pungko sa Lahug. And of course, my family and friends.” ( Many. Haha. Especially the food in Pasil and “the pungko-pungko” in Lahug. . And of course, my family and friends.)
Ginabot, Ngohiong, etc.

Pungko-Pungko de Cebu ;)

Cebu Live: “How tall are you now?”
JMP: “5’9″
Cebu Live: “Which Brangay did you live in Cebu?”
JMP: “Apas and Pasil”
Cebu Live: “What school did you play for while in Cebu?”
JMP: “I started playing varsity basketball only when I entered high school. I played one year for University of Cebu before moving to FEU”
The true-blue Cebuano could be the next star that will follow of the footsteps of Cebuano guards who succeeded in the Philippine Basketball Association like Boy Cabahug, Al Solis, and Don-Don Hontiveros.  By the end of this year’s basketball season, he will be one of the most sought after recruits in college ranks.  Cebu Live prays for his continued development and success.  This blog will always be a big fan.
Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

2012 PBA Rookie Draft: Petron gets first pick; Junmar Fajardo could enter draft

23 Jul

The Petron Blaze Boosters got a big consolation from a very disappointing year as they are set to pick this year’s No.1 and No.3 overall in the 2012 PBA Rookie Draft. The final 2 spots were decided at half-time of Game 1 of the 2012 Governor’s Cup Finals between Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and B-Meg Llamados. Actually, the winner of the lottery was Air 21 but apparently the rights for their first round pick in this year’s draft was acquired by Petron in a previous trade. Set to pick 2nd is the Alaska Aces.

Many pundits are now waiting for the next move of the big man from Pinamungahan, Cebu Junmar Fajardo.  The former star of the University of Cebu Webmasters told reporters a month ago that he will only enter the draft if Petron gets the No.1 pick this year.  Well, his prayers were answered last Sunday. After a year of seasoning in the ABL playing for the  San Miguel Beermen that finished runners-up in their inaugural season, Fajardo could be another key player for the Petron team that did not get finals slot in all 3 conferences this year despite of its star-studded line-up.  Fajardo’s ceiling is quiet high and he could be the next dominant big man in the PBA but some quarters also feel that he could just be a shade better than Samigue Eman if he falls to the wrong team.

The 2012 Annual Rookie Draft will be held at the Robinsons Midtown Mall in Manila on August 19.

Here is the 2012 PBA draft order:

1st Round

1. Air21 Express (to Petron Blaze Boosters)
2. Alaska Aces
3. Barako Bull Energy (to Petron Blaze Boosters)
4. Meralco Bolts
5. Petron Blaze Boosters (to Barako Bull Energy)
6. Powerade Tigers (to Barangay Ginebra Kings)
7. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
8. Barangay Ginebra Kings
9. B-MEG Llamados
10. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (to Powerade Tigers)

2nd Round

1. Air21 Express
2. Alaska Aces
3. Barako Bull Energy
4. Meralco Bolts
5. Petron Blaze Boosters
6. Powerade Tigers
7. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
8. Barangay Ginebra Kings
9. B-MEG Llamados
10. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

2012 PBA Governor’s Cup Semifinals: Quinahan helps Rain or Shine reach finals

18 Jul

The wait is finally over for the Asia Coating franchise to reach the finals of any Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) conference.  It took them 6 long years to finally have a chance to fight for an elusive first PBA title. In the early 2000′s, the Welcoat team of Terrry Que and Raymund Yu were the most dominant team in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) before strutting their stuff in the PBA.  They finally can breathe a sigh of relief that their championship tradition has transitioned to the biggest basketball league in the land after beating the 2012 PBA Commissioner’s Cup champs B-Meg Llamados, 92-82, to clinch the first slot in the 2012 Governor’s Cup Finals.

Among the players who were instrumental for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painter’s win was former University of the Visayas Green Lancers star J.R. Quinahan.  Quinahan of Mandaue City is probably the only CESAFI bigman who lasted this long in Asia’s first play for pay league.  During his tenure at UV, the Lancers bagged the local collegiate title in every year. He will have a chance also to continue his winning tradition should the Painters win it all this year. In last night’s game, Quinahan scored 7 points and he anchored the defense of RoS when B-Meg started its final rally in the 4th quarter. He was able to get timely rebounds and blocks to take fight away from the feisty Llamados. He even hit a baseline jumper late in the quarter to somehow make it harder for B-Meg to catch up.

B-Meg was still able to cut down the lead to 6 eventually with less than a minute left after a basket by import Marcus Blakely.  Ros, however, got the crucial rebounds at crunch time and were very steady in the charity lane to hold on for the win.

After the win, Coach Yeng Guiao gave a shout out to the team owners.

“Nothing could be more satisfying than to make the finals for a dedicated team [and] owners,” Guiao said. “Kaya naman pala kahit isang maliit na team na naniniwala na dito sa ligang ito, mapakita yung buti ng mga tao behind the organization.

The victory was, indeed, a testament to the balance in the league as Rain or Shine is the 4th different team who made it to the finals in this year’s season. Owner Terry Que who recently turned 62 just got one of the best birthday gifts of his life and only a championship could probably top it.

Jeffrey Chan was judged as the best player of the game finishing with 25 points. Jamelle Cornley had a big night with 16 points along with same number of boards. Marcus Blakely led B-Meg with 18 points.

B-Meg will play sister team Barangay Ginebra Kings on Friday for the right to meet the Painters in the finals. Game One of the Governor’s Cup Finals will be played this Sunday.

The scores:

Rain or Shine 92 – Chan 25, Cornley 16, Buenafe 11, Cruz 9, Lee 8, Norwood 7, Belga 7, Quinahan 7, Ibanes 2, Tang 0, Arana 0.

B-MEG 82 – Blakely 18, Yap 12, Villanueva 11, Barroca 10, Simon 9, Pingris 8, De Ocampo 6, Gaco 4, Reavis 4, Urbiztondo 0.

Quarter scoring: 23-20, 49-41, 74-58, 92-82

Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

PBA Out of Town Game June 2, 2012: Ginebra routs Meralco in Lapu-Lapu

2 Jun
Barangay Ginebra Kings logo

Barangay Ginebra Kings logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lapu-Lapu City‘s Hoops Dome has once again successfully hosted a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) game.  This time it is between the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Meralco Bolts in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup match. With both teams coming off loses, Barangay Ginebra came out with more fire and desire to win as they coasted to a 100-73 victory by pulling away in the 2nd half.

The trio of Mark Caguioa, Alein Maliksi and import Cedric Bozeman combined for 65 points to tow the Siot Tanquingcen-coached squad to a 27 point massacre.  Ginebra limited Champ Oguchi to 16 and Mac Cardona to a mere 2 points. Sol Mercado led the Bolts with 23 points.   With the win, Ginerba moves to 2-1 and it is just a game behind the undefeated Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.  Meralco fell to 1-2,

The scores:

Ginebra (100) – Bozeman 27, Caguioa 22, Maliksi 16, Raymundo 13, Cortez 8, Maierhofer 7, Ababou 4, Hatfield 2, Mamaril 2, Labagala 2, Wilson 2, Helterbrand 0.

Meralco (73) – Mercado 23, Hugnatan 18, Oguchi 16, Taulava 4, Artadi 4, Macapagal 4, Cardona 2, Daa 2, Reyes 0, Ross 0.

Quarterscores: 25-13, 41-39, 67-57, 100-73

Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

PBA Commissioner’s Cup: TNT eliminates RoS in Lapu-Lapu City

24 Mar
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters logo

Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hoops Dome, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu- Defending Champions Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters hit two birds in one stone as they clinched an outright semifinal berth and eliminated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2012 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.  The Tropang Texters relied on its long range bombers to carve a 102-90 out of town win over the Elasto Painters.

The game was tied at 24 after the first 12 minutes of play. The Texters pulled away in the middle of the second quarter behind the 3-point shooting of Jimmy Alapag and Larry Fonacier. The half-time score was 52-42. TNT extended its lead to 18 going to the final quarter. They doused several attempted rallies by the Painters and cruised to a double digit win.

Import Donnell Harvey dominated the shaded lane for the Texters who missed the services of burly Center Ali Peek and head coach Chot Reyes. He finished with 32 points and 16 caroms. Coach Nash Racela was the acting head coach for Texters in the match.

With the win, Talk ‘N Text is now 6-2 and is assured with a top 2 ranking going to the playoffs. They will complete their elimination round schedule on Wednesday against rivals Petron Blaze Boosters (3-5). Rain or Shine exits the Commissioner’s Cup with a 3-6 record. It is a disappointing tournament for the Yeng Guiao-mentored Philippine Cup semifinalist.

Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

B-Meg releases ex-USJR star Roger Yap to San Miguel Beermen

5 Mar

English: Air21's KG Canaleta against Purefoods...

The B-Meg Llamados has released veteran point guard Roger Yap to SMC’s Asean Basketball League (ABL) team. Yap, a former PBA mythical team member, has been a vital cog in the title runs of the Purefoods franchise in the past few years. At 35, he has seen a decline in minutes as new B-Meg Llamados coach Tim Cone prefer Josh Urbiztondo and rookie Mark Barroca at No.1 slot.

Yap will be joining ABL’s San Miguel Beermen (7-3) which currently ranked second just half a game behind AirAsia Phl Patriots and Malaysia Dragons. He will join fellow ex-USJ-R Jaguar John Ferriols. Ex-pros Froilan Baguion and Leo Avenido are the current main guards of the team. Roger Yap will definitely give the team a veteran presence and a reliable perimeter defender. Also in SMB team is Cebuano big man Junmar Fajardo.

The ABL will be welcoming a proven player that has accomplished a lot in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Hoops Dome to host PBA Commissioner’s Cup game

21 Feb
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters logo

Image via Wikipedia

The Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu is once again of the chosen venues of out of town games in the current Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup. Cebuanos will have a chance to witness a PBA game between defending champions Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on March 24, 2012. Rain or Shine will be one of the most active teams when it comes to out of town games as they are currently in Dubai to play 2 games in front of the overseas fans of the PBA.

The March 24 game will mark the first time that the Elasto Painters will play in Cebu. The Painters will be bannered by former University of the Visayas star JR Quinahan. Quinahan comprises one half of the vaunted extra rice incorporated that is being employed by Coach Yeng Guiao. Talk ‘N Text has been the most dominant team in recent years and it boasts of a line-up comprised of several PBA All-Stars.

Related articles

Tags: , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 113 other followers