OFFICIAL PBA THREAD

rudy hatfield talks and acts like a wrestler! :lol
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i wouldnt want to see in a dark alley. :rollin
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GINEBRA COMPLETES AMAZING COMEBACK, BAGS PHILIPPINE CUP
Helterbrand FTs ice Kings 7th PBA titleed it with a big loud bang.


Behind their never-say-die spirit, the Kings completed one of the most memorable Finals comeback in league history, the exclamation point in the remarkable feat coming through a thrilling 96-94 victory over the gritty San Miguel Beermen Friday night to win the All-Filipino championship.

Jayjay Helterbrand, adjudged as the Accel-PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), topscored for Ginebra with 20 points, none more important than the two pressure-packed free throws he sank in the final 2.9 seconds that broke a tight 94-all contest and put the Kings in front for good.

San Miguels bid to extend the series to a winner-take-all on Sunday fizzled out as Lordy Tugades desperate attempt from three-point range failed to hit the mark at the buzzer, sparking a wild celebration among Ginebra fans and players inside the rocking Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings won the last four games of the Finals to end the series, 4-2. They became only the fifth team to rally from a 0-2 deficit and win a best-of-seven title showdown, and the first team to do the feat since Talk N Text in the 2003 All-Filipino.

Ginebra began the conference with a 102-69 massacre of Welcoat and ended its campaign by bagging a third All-Filipino title. Overall, it was the teams seventh championship, putting the franchise in fifth place among the leagues all-time winningest ballclubs.

For Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, the championship was his seventh overall, but first outside of San Miguel, where he severed his two-decade long association prior to the start of the 2006-07 season.

It feels good to win my first championship with Ginebra on my very first try with the team, said the soft-spoken mentor, now fourth in the most successful coaches of all-time, in the din of the Kings celebration.

Sunday Salvacion added 18 points for the Kings, including a big jumper with 35 seconds left in Game 6 to tie the score at 94.

Best Player of the Conference Mark Caguioa added 17 while Ginebra forward Ronald Tubid had 12.

SMB was led by the 19 of Dondon Hontiveros, followed by the 16 of Danny Seigle and the 14 of Olsen Racela.

The Beermen actually led by as many as 41-25 late in the second period and six beginning the fourth period, before the Kings finally caught up with them at 75-all following a big three-pointer by Helterbrand with 7:09 remaining in the game.

San Miguel last tasted the lead at 94-92 on a booming trey by Tugade, 45 seconds left, but Salvacion promptly answered back with his own basket to tie the game for the last time.

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for first time San Miguel coach Chot Reyes, who also bungled a similar 2-0 Finals lead against Talk N Text and lost the All-Filipino title as mentor of the Coca-Cola Tigers in 2003.

The scores:

Ginebra 96 Helterbrand 20, Salvacion 18, Caguioa 17, Tubid 12, Hatfield 11, Reavis 8, Mamaril 7, Abarrientos 3, Menk 0.

San Miguel 94 Hontiveros 19, Seigle 16, Racela 14, Gonzales 10, Pena 10, Tugade 9, Ildefonso 8, Adducul 5, Tenorio 3, Wilson 0.

Quarterscores: 22-23; 34-46; 61-67; 96-94.
 
I feel happy for Johnny A.!


Quote:
^yep tama ka..para siyang wrestler magmula ng bumalik siya dito..


Wrestling school can do that to you.
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sapatos yan, hindi trophy
[size=+1](Team Back Spasms)[/size]

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Click to expand...
 
hell yea ginebra champs baby, my boy helterbrand the mvp....oh yea now i can wear my ginebra shorts this week...
TEAM NJ NETS​
Kidd. Carter. Jefferson. Need we say more?​
 
CAGUIOA, HELTERBRAND, SEIGLE, ASI LEAD 12 NAMED TO RP 5
We picked the best team, not the best players or talents Coach Chot
TWELVE brave souls. One common mission.

The roster of the RP mens basketball team out to seek the countrys first ever Olympic berth in 34 years was finally unveiled Saturday, an all-pro selection which its high-profiled mentor best describes as a bunch of young, quick and fundamentally sound players.

Coach Chot Reyes named five guards, five forwards and two slotmen to the national squad whose first primary task begins this summer when it takes part in two South East Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) qualifying tournaments.

We wanted to make sure that the team we picked is the best team, not necessarily the best players or the best talents, because in the end, the only way were going to win is if we have superior teamwork and if we have a lot of players willing to sacrifice their individual goals and interests for the good of the team, said Reyes when he formally announced the 12 players comprising the RP squad before the media at the Grilla Grill in Libis, Quezon City.

Comprising the guard spots are Talk N Texts Jimmy Alapag and Renren Ritualo, the Ginebra duo of Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand and Dondon Hontiveros of San Miguel.

San Miguel forward Danny Seigle leads the wingmen, along with Ginebras Rudy Hatfield, Tony de la Cruz of Alaska, Air21s Ranidel de Ocampo and Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods.

Manning the center slot is Asi Taulava of Talk N Text and surprise pick Mick Pennisi of Red Bull.

Named as three alternates are Red Bulls Enrico Villanueva, San Miguels Romel Adducul and Rafi Reavis of Ginebra. Unlike the 12 regular members of the national squad, the trio will not be pulled out of their respective mother teams for the Fiesta Conference that begins on March 4.

Reyes said the selection was done in close coordination with former national coaches Norman Black, Tim Cone, Jong Uichico and team scouts Binky Favis and Aboy Castro.

We wanted a team that was going to be flexible, we wanted a team that could run up and down the floor, that could press, we wanted to put premium on outside shooting without necessarily sacrificing size, said Reyes as he spoke the selection of the team alongside PBA commissioner Noli Eala.

The team holds its first formal practice on March 5 and has lined up several playing schedules that will take the nationals to Iran, Australia, Europe and Qatar.

All members of the squad was presented simultaneously to the media and the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas under its president Manny V. Pangilinan.

The PBA Board of Governors led by chairman Ricky Vargas already gave its imprimatur to the 12 national players, all of whom will be removed from their respective teams to concentrate on the RP quintet.

The national teams first tournament will be the SEABA qualifying tournament for the FIBA-Asia champions Cup to be held in Indonesia on April 9 to 14. Then its off to Bangkok for the SEABA cagefest from May 24-28, where the top two placers get automatic slots to the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifier to the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Tokushima, Japan in July.

The countrys SEABA participation was made possible after the FIBA (Federation Internationale de Basketball) suspension on the Philippines was finally lifted last February 20.

The easy part is over with the lifting of the FIBA suspension. Now comes the hard part, Reyes admitted. But were all excited. I already spoke to the players and they are all committed to play for flag and country.

Eala said the PBA will bankroll the training and preparation of the team based on the budget submitted by Reyes to the league.
 
WTH is Taulava still doing in that team?! Sigh...
The worst disability, is the disability to understand.
 
Compton donning Welcoat jersey

The Philippine Star 02/27/2007

Alex Comptons cherished dream to play in the local pro league has come true as the PBA board of governors approved yesterday Welcoats request to field the American guard as the teams second import in the coming PBA Fiesta Cup.

The board approved Welcoats request since the team has a lineup weakened by injuries to key players Jojo Tangkay and Joey Mente.

Thus, the Dragons will compete with two imports in Compton and Charles Clark in the Fiesta Cup, which kicks off March 4 at the Astrodome. Welcoat clashes with Coca-Cola in the opening tiff.

"This is a dream come true not only for Alex but for me to see him play in the PBA. I want to see how he fares against the leagues established stars," said team owner Raymund Yu.

"Hes a positive addition to our team. Hell boost our backcourt rotation. Hell bring not only his playing skills but leadership on the court. Hell be the extension of coach Leo Austria inside the court," Yu added.
 
LAST SEASONS FINALISTS START FIESTA CONFERENCE ROLLING
Board OKs Compton as Welcoats 2nd import
Tuesday, 27 February 2007


PUREFOODS and Red Bull, the two teams that clashed for the Fiesta Conference championship a year ago, rekindle their old rivalry as they face off in the main game of the import-spiced conference that kicks off March 4 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Both teams opted to bring in the same reinforcement that led them all the way to the Finals last year, which the Barakos won in six games.

Former Texas Christian University standout James Penny will be back for another tour of duty for the Barakos while 2006 Fiesta Conference Best Import winner Marquin Chandler wears the Giants jerseys again.

But owing to a knee injury, Chandler, coming off a stint in Australia, will most probably sit out the first two weeks of the season-ending tournament and will temporarily be replaced by Jesse King of Texas & M.

The Barakos and Giants take on each other in the 6:20 p.m. second game of a Sunday doubleheader. Rookie ballclub Welcoat meets Coca-Cola in the curtain raiser set at 4:05 p.m.

The Dragons are pinning their hopes on import Charles Clark for a respectable finish this time, following the teams early exit in its maiden stint during the last Philippine Cup.

The MVP of the Johnson C Smith University varsity team, Clark averaged 18.7 points during his senior year and is described as big and stocky.

But Welcoat will have additional firepower as assistant coach Alex Compton has finally realized his long cherished dream of playing in the PBA. The Board of Governors approved the Dragons request to suit Compton up as the teams second import for the Fiesta Conference and the former MBA hotshot will give the team much-needed scoring sock.

Meanwhile, an awesome dunker in Anthony Johnson is what the Tigers have for an import.

The 6-foot-5 Johnson played for Louisiana at Lafayetteville in 2001-02, averaging 14.9 points. He was also the star player of the Martin Luther King High School team in 1998-99 when he normed 28 points and 12 rebounds as a senior.

Four teams Sta. Lucia, Air21, Talk N Text and Alaska make their respective debuts on March 7, with the Realtors battling the Express and the Phone Pals meeting the Aces in an exciting twinbill at the Araneta Coliseum.

San Miguel, runner up to Ginebra in the recent Philippine Cup finals, wont play until March 9 at the Astrodome, when it goes up against Red Bull.

Its the Kings turn to see action on March 11 at the Big Dome where they play the Aces in the 6:30 p.m. main game.

Old faces Rosell Ellis and Shawn Daniels beef up the campaigns of Alaska and Air21, respectively, while Sta. Lucia, Talk N Text, San Miguel and Ginebra opted
to bring in new talents.

The Realtors are tapping the services of Kris Smith, who played two years for Mansfield University in Division II and two years for Plattsburgh State in
Division III.

For their part, the Phone Pals are bringing in J.J. Sullinger, a 6-foot-5 do-it-all swingman who boasts perhaps the most impressive credentials among the current batch of imports, owing to his stints with Ohio State and Arkansas.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico eyes back-to-back titles for the Kings and will need all the help from Rod Nealy to accomplish it.

Nealy stands 6-foot-5, is a natural forward but can play the four position. Hell be a nice fit to our team, said the soft-spoken Ginebra mentor of his prized import.

Chot Reyes of San Miguel hasnt made up his mind yet on who to pick from a short list of reinforcement that includes Mountain State Universitys Rodney Epperson and Brian Hamilton of Louisiana at Lafayette.
 
Bulls, Giants banner PBA opener
By Nelson Beltran
The Philippine Star 03/04/2007

The reigning champion and its vanquished foe. A ball club back in the fold of its international mother company and another team parading a former MBA star guard. These teams take the spotlight as PBA action resumes after a brief breather, kicking off its season-ending Reinforced Conference at the Astrodome today.

Its Welcoat versus Coca-Cola at 4:05 p.m. and Red Bull against Purefoods at 6:35 p.m. in the opener of the Talk n Text PBA Fiesta Cup which will be minus members of the RP team but will be featuring a mix of new and old imports who could well electrify the games.

Red Bull and Purefoods clash in an early rematch of their title collision last year with the title-holder bringing back James Penny and the losing finalist playing with interim import Jesse King while reigning Best Import awardee Marquin Chandler is still nursing an injury.

The Bulls whipped the Giants in six games in winning the crown last year. Purefoods, however, got back at Red Bull in the succeeding All-Filipino Conference.

Welcoat and Coca-Cola could provide a good aperitif as they mix it up in the curtain-raiser both showcasing a souped-up lineup.

Alex Compton reinforces the Dragons as the Philippine-born American player is allowed by the PBA board of governors to be Welcoats special import, playing with regular reinforcement Charles Clark.

The Tigers, meanwhile, have new recruits in Chester Tolomia, Ervin Sotto, Leo Avenido and Bernzon Franco, teaming up with returnees John Arigo, Dennis Miranda, Ali Peek, William Antonio, Joseph Yeo, Jason Misolas, Manuel Caceres and Chris Pacana in the team re-absorbed by the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. (CCBPI).

The ball club is back to the fold of the Coca-Cola system since San Miguel Corp.s shares in Coca-Cola Phils. have been sold to the Coca-Cola International.

It will be remembered that the Tigers won the All-Filipino championship in their maiden year in the league in 2002 under the Coca-Cola system. Shortly after, the team was taken over by San Miguel Corp.

JB Baylon, Coca-Cola vice president for public affairs and communications who will represent the team in the PBA board of governors, said theres no doubt in his mind that Coca-Cola is committed to keep a team in the local pro league.

"They knew they need it," said Baylon, referring to CCBPI chief executive officer David Lyons and chief operating officer Baring Olafsson.

Coach Binky Favis said hes excited to work under the Coca-Cola system. He said his initial target is to get his team to the playoffs.

"Were No. 9 in the Philippine Cup and Im looking to get some notches higher. Well have the same formula keep on fighting and work hard to get better," said Favis.

The Tigers will be reinforced by Anthony Johnson. The 6-foot-5 dunker played for Louisiana at Lafayetteville in 2001-02, averaging 14.9 points. He was also the star player of the Martin Luther King High School team in 1998-99 when he normed 28 points and 12 rebounds as a senior.
 
^But too bad now that he's old.

He's nearing basketball retiring age. I guess it's not yet too late.
I hope he gets that PBA championship before he retires.
The worst disability, is the disability to understand.
 
TIGERS START FIESTA CAMPAIGN ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Johnson, Arigo show way for Coca-Cola in close win over Dragons of the Talk N Text-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.



Johnson accounted for 12 of his team's 24 points in the final period as the Tigers held off repeated comebacks by the Dragons, who threatened to the turn the game around with a big third-quarter surge.



"If this game was just an indication of how things are going to come for us ... nothings is ever going to be easy," said Favis.



"Just when we thought we had a good lead, just when we thought we had the game well under control ... all of a sudden Welcoat comes back and all of a sudden it's a game."



Favis was just thankful his team kept on doing what he preaches and that is to be the best they could possibly be.



"If we just consistently be the best we could possibly be, continue working hard and continue doing what we've got to do then good things might happen," Favis said.



The 6-foot-5 Johnson, who was named to the 2006 All-USBL First Team and All-Defensive Team, shot just 7-of-22 from the field but made 13-of-18 free throws including two with 4.8 seconds left to give the Tigers a comfortable five-point lead after the Dragons pulled to within 73-76.



Favis said his import is still a work in progress but could be a tough match-up if he improves on his defense and keeps away from foul trouble.



John Arigo scored 18 points and single-handedly carried the fight for the Tigers in the third while Ali Peek added 17 and had 11 boards as Coca-Cola outrebounded Welcoat, 52-37.



The Dragons found themselves trailing 45-20 at halftime, but they slowly get back into the game behind Jay-R Reyes, Denver Lopez and Charles Clark, who warmed up in the second half after a disappointing two-point first half where he was 0-of-9 from the field.



Reyes showed the way for Welcoat with 25 points, most of them on aggressive plays that sent Johnson the man guarding him into foul trouble.



With Coke's import out with still five minutes left in the third after picking up his fourth foul, the Dragons capitalized on it and managed to trim the gap at 54-57 going into the fourth.



The momentum appeared to have swung in favor of the Dragons when Froilan Baguion and Reyes scored back-to-back baskets that put Welcoat ahead, 65-64, with 6:19 to go.



But they didn't have enough time to enjoy the lead as Johnson answered with three free throws to put Coke back in front. The best Welcoat could do after that was to tie the count twice at 67-67 and 70-70 with 4:24 remaining.



The Tigers broke the last deadlock with a 6-0 run that virtually broke the backbones of the Dragons.



Alex Compton finally made his debut in the PBA, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists in 39 minutes.



"Wala pa sa kundisyon. My goal is to help the team win. Hopefully, I could regain my old game sooner than later,' said the Compton, who is playing in the conference as Welcoat's second import.


The scores:

Coca-Cola 81 Johnson 29, Arigo 18, Peek 17, Antonio 8, Avenido 3, Miranda 2, Misolas 2, Tolomia 2, Pacana 0, Yeo 0, Sotto 0, Franco 0.

Welcoat 79 Reyes 25, Clark 16, Lopez 13, Compton 12, Ibanes 5, Baguion 2, Cabatu 2, Sta. Maria 2, Wainwright 2, Gelig 0, Lao 0.

Quarterscores: 20-8, 40-25, 57-54, 81-79.
 
RED BULL LAUNCHES TITLE DEFENSE WITH FIERY WIN OVER OLD RIVAL
Penny, Baguio, Cruz preside over decisive 3rd quarter salvo in the 2007 Talk N Text PBA Fiesta Conference.

In a duel between the title protagonists last year, the Red Bull Barakos reasserted their supremacy over the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, pulling off a 98-88 victory before a good weekend crowd at the Astrodome.

The Barakos slowly got their game going but established full control in the second half for the convincing victory that spoke well of the teams determined bid to retain the crown with the help of returning import James Penny.

Penny, the former Texas Christian U solid all-round player, picked up from where he left off in the 2006 Fiesta Conference, anchoring the Barakos decisive final-half charge.

"James Pennys been practicing well. As we all know, hes not a dominant offensive player but does a lot of things for us. He intimidates shot, passes the ball, blocks shots and opens up his teammates exactly the same reason why we went all the way to win the championship last year," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

"If things go right, were hoping to go far again in this conference," Guiao added.

The fiery Red Bull mentor, however, downplayed the impact of their win against Purefoods.

"Were lucky we played them (the Giants) in their first game. Theyre not yet in their full potential minus Marc Pingris and Jun Limpot. They will become much stronger especially when Marquin Chandler eventually suits up with them," said Guiao of the Giants, temporarily playing with Jesse King as import with Chandler still nursing an injury.

King appeared to be a worthy import although he slowed down when he got into foul trouble in the second half.

The Barakos pounced on the Giants with King riding the bench majority of the final half, turning things around after playing the catch-up role most of the first two periods.

Penny, Cyrus Baguio and Celino Cruz fuelled a torrid third-quarter run that had Red Bull surging from a 47-53 halftime deficit.

Penny continued to wreak havoc defensively in the final quarter with Junthy Valenzuela and Larry Fonacier taking over on the offensive end as the Barakos kept their mastery of the Giants whom they beat in six games in the best-of-seven title playoff last year.

Incidentally, Red Bull finished fourth in the recent Philippine Cup while Purefoods failed to make it past the quarterfinal round.

Both teams are contributing a player each to the national team with Red Bull giving up Mick Pennisi and Purefoods Kerby Raymundo.

"Weve yet to adjust on Pennisis ouster. I was still looking for Mick every time I looked at my bench," said Guiao.

The Barakos, however, churned out a balanced game with starters Penny, Valenzuela, Cruz, Carlo Sharma and Rich Alvarez combining for 60 points. Baguio, Mike Hrabak, Fonacier and Enrico Villanueva each scored at least six points coming off the bench.

James Yap led all scorers with 28 points, hardly appearing affected by his marital problems with celebrity wife Kris Aquino. He also logged four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

King finished with 24 points and 17 rebounds.

The scores:

Red Bull 98 Penny 23, Baguio 17, Valenzuela 15, Cruz 12, Sharma 8, Hrabak 7, Fonacier 6, Villaneuva 6, Ybanez 2, Alvarez 2, Membrere 0, Najorda 0, Bugia 0.

Purefoods 88 Yap J. 28, King 24, Salvador 9, Evangelista 6, Castillo 5, Simon 4, Yap R. 4, Yee 4, Artadi 2, Gamboa 2.

Quarterscores: 19-27, 47-53, 78-67, 98-88.
 
Compton rusty, has fun in pro debut
The Philippine Star 03/05/2007

Alex Compton might be a bit slow but still possessed the wondrous touch from the long court and oozed with enthusiasm and emotion in his first game in the local pro loop.

"It was really fun. Because I love playing basketball so much, I was so happy although I struggled on the court and we lost the game," said Compton, his blue eyes sparkling after realizing his dream to play in the PBA.

"It was really my dream to be a professional player. At first, I was dreaming to be pro player anywhere in the world not knowing theres a pro league in the Philippines. But when told that theres a pro league here, Id since looked forward to playing here," added the American player born at the Makati Med in 1974.

He admitted his PBA debut was far from impressive, missing his first four attempts and committing two errors before scoring his first basket 21 minutes into the game.

The former MBA MVP awardee, who also had a sterling stint in the PBL, struggled on the floor having been inactive in competitive play in nine months.

"Ang hirap dahil nine months akong nabakante," said the 5-foot-11 guard fluent in Filipino.

But having achieved his dream of playing in the PBA, Compton says his immediate goal is to help improve the Welcoat Dragons performance. The team won only three of 18 games for a last-place finish in the All-Filipino Cup.

He said hes looking forward to play Johnny Abarrientos and Olsen Racela whom he respects so much.

"I was playing for Cornell U when told by our assistant coach Tyrone Pitts (former Triple V import) of the PBA. He told me theres a guard here who plays so much better than me. I saw it for myself when I came back here in 1998," said Compton, referring to Abarrientos.

"Hanggang ngayon ang galing ni Johnny," said Compton, fluent in Filipino.

Wearing jersey No. 22, Compton said it was his college number and hes "hoping to bring out the enthusiasm of a 22-year-old."
 
ACES HOPING TO BOUNCE BACK WITH VENGEANCE
Boyet F debuts as intact SLRs mentor vs Air21; SMBs Whitney over 6-6
Tuesday, 06 March 2007

Alaska coach Tim Cone surely wasn't happy with what his troops achieved last conference. Who would be after placing 8th in a 10-team race anyway?

Unexpected injuries that sidelined two of their stars Reynel Hugnatan and Mike Cortez obviously took its toll on the Alaska Aces who had a roller coaster ride in the Philippine Cup.

Their early exit last conference enabled the Aces to prepare for the league's season-ending 2007 Talk N Text PBA Fiesta Conference though and the acquisition of Rosell Ellis as their import drove Cone extremely optimistic about their campaign.

The Aces open their campaign Wednesday against the Talk N Text Phone Pals, who are without their three top players.

Game time is set at 7:20 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum. It follows the 4:35 p.m. encounter between the Sta. Lucia Realtors and the Air21 Express.

"I don't see why we can't compete for a championship. We've worked hard from a management standpoint to create a team that is character driven. And we now have an import who is character driven and will complement his teammates," Cone said.

"Rosell is one of the hardest working imports the league has ever seen. I believe his work ethic will inspire his teammates and we'll be the hardest working team this conference. That's a great recipe for success," Cone added.

The Phone Pals, who will be reinforced by 25-year-old James Sullinger, will carry their campaign without center Asi Taulava, shooter Renren Ritualo and playmaker Jimmy Alapag.

The trio has been named to the Philippine Team that will compete in the SEABA championships and the FIBA-Asia Olympic Qualifier and are excluded from playing for the mother teams this conference.

"Without my top players I will be hard-pressed to compete against the top squads this conference," said TNT coach Derrick Pumaren.

Boyet Fernandez will also be getting some attention as he officially makes his debut as the full-pledged coach of the Sta, Lucia Realtors.

The big question that begs for an answer is how the Realtors will respond to the young and inexperienced Fernandez, who took over from Al Chua.

Rock Anthony Winston, who brings with him impressive credentials, beefs up the Realtors. The 6-foot-3 forward makes his maiden PBA appearance against Shawn Daniels, who is in town for another tour of duty for the Air21 Express.

The Express, who are also without star forward Ranidel de Ocampo, added speed and a dash of experience to their game by signing up free agent guard Jimwell Torion.

Meantime, Kelly Whitney, who was supposed to reinforce San Miguel, was ruled ineligible to play after league officials found out that he is over the required height limit.

The 200-lb forward from Chicago measured 6-6 7/16, almost half an inch over the 6-6 limit for imports this conference.

"Mr. Whitney failed to meet the height requirement of 6-6 and so he is ineligible to play for the Fiesta Conference," said PBA technical chief Perry Martinez, who supervised the proceeding.

San Miguel acting coach Biboy Ravanes said Whitney's replacement will be coming as soon as possible but refused to provide any details about him.

The Beermen open their campaign on Friday against defending champion Red Bull.

While awaiting the arrival of their new import, Ravanes said they will be fielding a substitute import named Vidal Massiah. Ravanes said Massiah flew in and tried out for the team.

An American based in Canada, Massiah reportedly played for the Canadian national team. He is scheduled to be measured Wednesday morning.

Aside from Whitney, Alaska's Ellis and Rod Nealy of Ginebra also were measured Tuesday. Ellis stood at 6-4 while Nealy was measured 6-4 7/8.
 
AIR21 GETS BACK AT STA. LUCIA
David leads Express in come-from-behind win over their Philippine Cup tormentors of the conference, the Realtors looked good in the early going. They started strong and led by as many as 14 points in the first half before settling for a 46-36 advantage at lemon time.

We shot poorly in the first half but I told the boys to just keep on shooting because sooner or later their shots will fall, said Perasol.

Air 21 shot just 27 percent in the first half compared to Sta. Lucias 41 percent.

The Express did found their touch in the third quarter which saw them shooting 60 percent (15-of-25) from the field but it wasnt enough to grab the lead the from the Realtors, who made 50 percent of their shots.

After Santos pulled the Express within 57-62 midway in the third, Rock Winston completed a three-point play before Kenneth Duremdes knocked in back-to-back threes as the Realtors stretched the lead to 71-57, one of their many 14-point leads in the game.

Winston showed the way for the Realtors with 18 points on a 7-of-16 shooting and showed a lot of movement although his ability to take control of the game remained suspect.

Duremdes scored 15 points, Dennis Espino added 14 and Marlou Aquino had 11 for the Realtors, whose poor shooting from the stripe contributed to the loss. Sta. Lucia made only 12 of their 28 free throws.

Sta. Lucia held an 89-84 lead with under six minutes to play. But they missed their next three shots and committed three successive turnovers that led to a 6-0 run and a 90-89 lead for the Express with 2:58 remaining.

A three pointer by Cesar Catli put the Realtors back in front but Santos scored two crucial baskets and Homer Se completed an assist by David underneath as Air21 took the lead for good 96-92 with 1:21 to go.

The scores:

Air21 101 David 25, Daniels 13, Santos 12, Arboleda 12, Dimaunahan 11, Telan 11, Canaleta 9, Se 8, Andaya 0, Bernardo 0, Torion 0.

Sta. Lucia 94 Winston 18, Duremdes 15, Espino 14, Aquino 11, Williams 10, Cabagnot 6, Calimag 6, Gonzales 5, Mendoza 4, Catli 3, Isip 2, Bughao 0, Omolon 0.

Quarterscores: 15-22, 36-46, 69-75, 101-94.
 
THOSS, MILLER LIFT ALASKA PAST TALK N TEXT
Cone expects bigger games from Aces Mutt-and-Jeff combo
Thursday, 08 March 2007


The name Sonny Thoss does not strike fear in the hearts of other PBA players.

That will soon change if the Alaska center keeps playing like he did Wednesday night, scoring 15 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to lead the Alaska Aces to a 98-94 victory over the Talk N Text Phone Pals in the 2007 Talk N Text PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Thoss played a lukewarm first half but came out smoking in the second half where he scored all of his points, including eight markers in the crucial fourth period. In the process he was named Player Walang Katulad by the TV panel.

Sonny has just been developing and developing, said Alaska coach Tim Cone. Hes been tearing teams and people apart at the low post during practices. Hes always had nice post moves. He just couldnt finish before. Tonight he finally showed what he could do.

Yancy de Ocampo pushed the Talk N Text Phone Pals within two of the Alaska lead 90-92 at the 1:46 mark but Thoss scored on an unstoppable power move inside the paint to stretch the Alaska lead to four, 94-90.

On the other end, Thoss forced De Ocampo to miss in his own inside incursion. Alaskas Nic Belasco scored on his own layup as the Aces virtually iced the game, 96-90, with only 47 seconds to go.

James Sullingers four free throws against Willie Millers own freebie pushed Talk N Text within three, 94-97.

The Phone Pals had one last chance to send the game into overtime. Jay Washington inbounded to Mac Cardona, who turned his head before securing the leather. The ball slipped through Cardonas fingers and into Millers hands. Miller was promptly fouled and split his charities to finalize the count, 98-94.

Ro (Ellis) will do everything for us, said Cone. But he wont be our primary scorer. Miller will be our scoring import. I expect a big conference for Miller. Ro reminds me a lot of Sean Chambers. He enhances our team. He makes everyone around him so much better. He also works so hard and everybody else just follows his example and works just as hard.

Miller led all scorers with 27 points to go with two rebounds and three assists. Ellis had 20 points while Belasco had 15 markers, the same as Thoss output. Jeff Cariaso had nine points while John Ferriols chipped in eight markers.

Reynel (Hugnatan) struggled all game long, said Cone. He just couldnt get his game going. John also struggled. He played below par for us tonight. I expect both of them to get better as the tournament goes along.

Jay Washington led the Phone Pals with 21 points while spectacular new import Sullinger had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Cardona had 18 points while De Ocampo had 16.

The scores:

Alaska 98 Miller 27, Ellis 20, Thoss 15, Belasco 9, Cariaso 8, Ferriols 7, Singson 7, Hugnatan 3, Laure 2

Talk N Text 94 Washington 21, Sullinger 20, Cardona 18, De Ocampo 16, Carey 8, Belano 5, Billones 4, Fran 2, Noble 0
 
TIGERS IN ROARING START
Arigo leads 4th quarter comeback as Coke grabs early solo leaded coaching this team, we've (often) gone 2-0 and that's it. Now, my challenge to my players is to play consistent. We've got to learn how to play consistently," Favis added.



It was a very frustrating ending for the Giants, especially for head coach Ryan Gregorio, who appeared animated and very inspired as the Giants dominated the Tigers in the first half with Jesse King leading the charge. The loss was the second in a row for the Purefoods which lost to Red Bull in the Finals in last years tournament.



Kings, who wound up with 34 points and 15 rebounds for his second straight double-double, was practically in a zone in the first half, hitting from all angles for 24 points to help the Giants open a 14-0 lead that went as high as 37-23 with seven minutes left in the second.



But King, who is only playing as a reliever while Marquin Chandler is recovering from an MCL strain, lost his effectivity and eventually succumbed to pressure in the second half when the Giants started to double-team him.



Peter Simon, who finished with nine points, tried to carry the load for the Giants by scoring consecutive points late in the third quarter as the Giants turned a 60-62 deficit to 67-63 lead going into the fourth.



Both teams fought fiercely early in the fourth period which saw the count see-sawing seven times before Arigo turned the complexion of the game around.



After King tied the count at 79-79 with 4:35 left, the Fil-Am guard answered with a short jumper, fed Anthony Johnson who actually led Coca-Cola with 33 points and 15 rebounds -- for an eight-footer before hitting a three himself, raising his arm in celebration after giving Coke an 86-79 lead with under three minutes left.



"I'm proud with the way the boys played. If you play as a team, sometimes you get lucky," Favis said.

The scores:

Coca-Cola 98 Johnson 33, Arigo 20, Antonio 19, Peek 11, Yeo 10, Miranda 4, Pacana 1, Caceres 0, Sotto 0, Avenido 0, Misolas 0.

Purefoods 81 King 34, Yap J. 19, Simon 9, Camaso 5, Salvador 4, Artadi 4, Yee 4, Evangelista 2, Yap R. 0, Castillo 0.

Quarterscores: 10-31, 40-47, 63-67, 98-81.
 
RED BULL LOOKING GOOD, GAINS SHARE OF EARLY LEAD
Penny stamps class over Massiah
Friday, 09 March 2007


Vidal Massiah didnt look like the messiah that could carry San Miguel Beer to ultimate glory.

James Penny, meanwhile, continued to prove hes simply worthy of the trust and confidence accorded him by Red Bull.

Penny outclassed Massiah and the defending champion Barakos made it two in a row in the 2007 Talk N Text PBA Fiesta Conference with an emphatic 102-84 win over the Beermen Friday night at the Astrodome.

Massiah, a former member of the Canadian national team, was just a last-minute import recruit of San Miguel after original choice Kelly Whitney was measured to be over the 6-6 height limit. He was a walk-in applicant and could get his walking papers soon.

The Barakos capitalized on their advantage on the Penny-Massiah match-up as they established control early and dominated the game up to the finish despite Enrico Villanueva sitting it out due to a sprained ankle.

That was the Barakos second straight win in their title-retention bid in the season-ending tourney with a 98-88 victory over the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants on opening day.

It was a vengeful triumph for the Barakos, whose title quest in the recent Philippine Cup ended at the hands of the Beermen in their semifinal showdown.

"Malaking kawalan tonight si Rico. With Mick Pennisi also out, we lost all our first options at the frontline. The good thing was that Mike Hrabak and Carlo Sharma filled their shoes very capably in this game," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

"Need not be said that James Penny has become the yardstick by which imports will be measured in this conference. Lutang na lutang siya against Massiah," Guiao added.

Penny scored 23 points and hauled down 13 rebounds while playing it cool and easy in 30 minutes.

Massiah also finished with a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds but he was good for only two points and five rebounds in the first half compared to 12 points and 13 rebounds by Penny.

Good things came around for Red Bull with Penny outplaying Massiah. The Barakos erected a 29-20 lead after the first quarter and sat on a 53-38 cushion at halftime.

"Penny will produce even if hes not looking to score when he touches the ball. Thats only an option if he cant get anybody open," said Guiao.

Penny had his teammates getting their opportunities with Sharma, Hrabak and Cyrus Baguio all scoring at least 10 points.

The former Texas Christian U hitman and his Red Bull teammates played with good chemistry as proven by their 30 assists as against San Miguels nine.

San Miguel obviously struggled in its first outing following the departure of coach Chot Reyes and key players Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros for the national team.

Biboy Ravanes calls the shots for the Beermen in the absence of Reyes.

The scores:

Red Bull 102 Penny 23, Sharma 18, Hrabak 13, Baguio 10, Bugia 9, Najorda 6, Valenzuela 6, Membrere 5, Fonacier 5, Alvarez 4, Ybanez 3, Cruz 0.

San Miguel 84 Pena 17, Tenorio 15, Cablay 14, Massiah 11, Calaguio 9, Adducul 8, Espinas 5, Racela 4, Gonzales 1, Wilson 0, Adriano 0.

Quarterscores: 29-20, 53-38, 77-56, 102-84.
 
happy.gif
naka 18pts si SHARMA



[size=+2]
I've seen the future of the nba his name is Amare Stoudemire -Shaquille O'Neal
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