===--
Alex Crisano
Billy Mamaril
Jeff Gloger
Macky Escalona
Paul Artadi
Ronald Tubid
Sunday Salvacion
Willie WilsonMy memory is still clear of the last games of the eliminations last conference. Game 1 then was between the Red Bull Barakos (RB) and the Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). Before that game began, Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) still has the chance to make it to the outright semis spot. But, SLR was tooooooo lazy to catch for their win. They could have won the game, tsk tsk tsk. Then there's karma, ha ha ha. I bet you know what happened to SLR last conference. The following match was BGK against the Alaska Aces. The winner of the game would clinch the Quarter Finals berth while the other team would have to make it to the wild card phase. And yes, BGK won! They landed the 3rd spot after the double round eliminations.
It was dejavu! History repeats itself. Game 1 was between Talk N' Text Tropang Texters (TNT) and Air21 Express. The 2nd slot for the outright semis is still open. Not until TNT grabbed the win with just a hairstrand. Come Game 2, BGK vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (RoS), a BGK win would let them grab the quarter finals berth. And a loss for them would mean a chance for RoS to battle TNT for the outright semis berth. But, as what others are mentioning, BGK might have a depleted line up, but BGK has the biggest heart of all. It is very evident how the crowd can make things happen, most especially if it is a crucial game. Thus, just like last conference, BGK landed the 3rd spot after the double round eliminatinos.
What's more amazing for BGK was, they repeated not only landing the 3rd spot, but they repeated starting at the cellar, ha ha. Yes, probably, most of the non-BGK fans are laughing their hearts out at the start of the conference, since BGK find it real hard to make it to the upper half of the standings. They even mentioned that there'll be no more Chris Alexander to help the team have the 13 win streak. But hey, BGK fans are now laughing their hearts out, ha ha. There might be no Alexander this time, but we have Billy Mamaril (slamming against Arwind Santos' face), Jun Jun Cabatu (raining 3s), Raffy Reavis (blocking Santos), Macky Escalona (shooter), Junthy Valenzuela (the moves), JayJay Helterbrand (raining 3s as well), Paul Artadi (energy inducer), Chris Pacana (intelligent defender), Willie Wilson (Dennis Rodman, Philippine version), Eric Menk (the MVP), Alex Crisano (the crowd favorite), Ronald Tubid (defense & offense guy), and Sunday Salvacion (the 3-pt warrior). Feels great to be a BGK fanatic.
Everything's said:
History Repeats Itself for the Barangay Ginebra Kings
December 05, 2008
Air21 vs. Ginebra (102 - 84)
Araneta Coliseum
Who would have thought Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) would win tonight? BGK is really missing Mark Caguioa (MC), but now, missing JayJay Helterbrand could be the worst nightmare. BGK might have survived last conference championship because it was only JayJay who cannot play. MC is still around then, and he was the one who got the crucial rebounds in Game 7 to enable BGK to grab the championship crown. Well, of course, not to mention all the other players who stepped up all conference long. But tonight, it was not only a furious-less ball game, it was a fast-less match as well. But, not really bad, Raffy Reavis is back and will play tonight.
In the 1st Quarter, Paul Artadi and Ronald Tubid, knowing that they are now the go-to guys of BGK, never disappoints the team and the fans as well. Paul, as always, got the speed to induce energy to the team. Although his easy layups do not gain him baskets, his speed and excellent ball handling is a key factor for keeping the team in shape. And how about Tubid? His fearless drive, jump shots, rebounds, defense, steals, uhm well, everything. He just makes BGK team cheer for joy. And even Coca-Cola Tigers was able to gain a 3-pt basket courtesy of Nick Belasco, of course, BGK will have its own version. And who would be the 3-pt shooter? No other than Sunday Salvacion. But wait, Tubid and Junthy Valenzuela also has their 3-pt versions. Even without the key players, BGK limited Coke to only 6 points in the 1st Quarter. Seems that they find it hard to play against BGK when JayJay's out. They just don't know who they should guard 'cause everyone's stepping up.
Speaking of stepping up, I won't definitely forget crediting Macky Escalona. His game had been really improving. It was a blessing for him when BGK's key players are missing. He had been given extra playing time, and he utilizes it to show everyone what he got. He, for me, is a great outside shooter. And while Coke is really finding it hard to gain a basket, BGK is finding it hard as well. But, BGK is a little luckier than Coke as Tubid once again chip in another 3-pt shot. But, it was too early for Coke to give up as Mark Macapagal and Ronjay Buenafe had their 3-pt shots to make their score 16 at the last 2-minute mark of the 2nd Quarter.
Come 3rd Quarter, the shooting of both teams are now finding their rhythm. Alex Cabagnot got his layup and 3 pt shot while Eric Menk had his perimeter shot. Coke was known to be coming back strong in the 3rd Quarter. And they live to it as Cabagnot got his 3 pt shot followed by the fastbreak points of RJ Lizada and Asi Taulava. But, Menk still got his shot. *wink wink* And just when Coke is cutting the lead of BGK to a single digit, Alex Crisano's fake, basket, and steal just extends the lead again to a double digit.
Ronjay opened the pay off period with a 3 pt shot cutting BGK's lead to only 6 pts. And his shot was followed by a lose ball foul committed by Tubid. *sigh* It was almost always like this. BGK will lead the ball game up to the 3rd quarter. Then in the 4th, you will always hold on to your feet that they could maintain their lead as the opponent is cutting the lead into a single possession. Good that the 3-pt shot by Enrile, cutting the lead to only 1, is answered by a 3-pt shot by, no other than, Salvacion. Not just one, but a back-to-back 3-pt shot. Who would have said that BGK could win tonight's ball game? In the last game of BGK against Coke, it was JayJay who scored the most needed points in the 4th Quarter. Hence, BGK is definitely missing his points. But, why should we miss it when Salvacion is not yet finished with his 3-pt shot. And Crisano still has to make his million dollar buzzer beater shot. And Willie Wilson still has to make his 3-pt play. *smug* However, Cabagnot still has the guts. He just made a back-to-back 3-pt shots, making BGK took care of only a 6 pt lead. But Sunday's here to save the day. Just in time when the last 2 minutes was announced, he once again had his 3-pt shot, earning his 21st point, only 1 pt shy of his career high last game against Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). He does not only have his back-to-back 3 pt shots, but he also has his back-to-back Player of the Game citation. The game is definitely a Sunday's Salvacion.
The scores:
Ginebra 84 – Tubid 22, Salvacion 21, Wilson 9, Crisano 8, Valenzuela 7, Menk 6, Mamaril 4, Escalona 4, Artadi 3, Cabatu 0, Reavis 0.
Coca-Cola 77 – Telan 18, Cabagnot 15, Taulava 13, Buenafe 10, Belasco 9, Enrile 6, Macapagal 3, Rizada 2, Catli 0, Arigo 0, Dimaunahan 0.
Quarterscores: 21-6, 34-20, 56-48, 84-77
November 08, 2008
Lucena City
Coke vs BGK (77-81)
It is the first out-of-town game of the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) for this conference. Hoping that the 5 game losing skid would be broken this time around. What was happening to BGK is almost similar to what happened last conference. They started 0-5, then 2-7, then finally was able to make a Quarter Finals berth, and of course, winning the championship. It was because of the chemistry created by their import, Chris Alexander to the team. Now, I was believing that the 2-5 standing of BGK will be revived and game win streak will be up next. If before it was Alexander, now, it would be Mark 'The Spark' Caguioa, who until now is still nursing his injury in the states. I'm waiting for his return, and his promise -- I'm telling you, we'll go to the championship!
But, Caguioa isn't around yet. So, who could be the hero for tonight? Well, Coca Cola Tigers is a great team. I admire a couple of their players -- Alex Cabagnot and Ronjay Buenafe (my bet last season for Rookie of the Year (ROY)). Not to mention Asi Taulava, who I wished belong to the BGK roster. But, with the never say die spirit of BGK, we will win tonight's ball game.
What's new? 8-0 in favor of Coke. BGK almost always have the poor start. Seem to be living to the spirit of a hero. JayJay Helterbrand just can't get his rhythm in the 1st Quarter. He, I believe, has 0/3 in the 3 point arc. But guess who saved the day -- no other than CHRIS PACANA. Sweet revenge? Yeah, the sweetest, to his former team. Ü I was really laughing when Pacana and Willie Wilson are the ones who fought for the defensive rebound, causing Pacana to sit on the floor. Then in the succeeding play, in the offense, a missed shot was tipped in by Pacana. A whistle was blown by the officials. But, it was just an inadvertent whistle since the play was actually a foul of Wilson, again, against Pacana, ha ha. Letting me capture this sweet smile from Pacana.
Almost all of his basket came from offensive rebounds. He out powered the big men of Coke. Standing 6'1", he just became unstoppable in the minutes when he is badly needed. He was the one in-charge in defending John Arigo, one of Coke's star players.
Come 2nd Quarter, Helterbrand is beginning to feel his phase. Though missing his backcourt tandem, he felt that he should carry BGK in his broad shoulders. And he never failed the team. I remembered, in the game against Red Bull Barakos (RB), it was Pacana's night. In the game against Alaska Aces, it was Helterbrand's night. In the game against Rain or Shine, it was Eric Menk's night. If only they had their nights simultaneously, I believe, BGK would be leading the season's elimination round.
One of the most awaited match up then was between Taulava and Alex Crisano. They never disappointed the fans. Crisano had been a crowd favorite ever since he came in BGK line up. As what the commentators are telling, whether he turns the ball over or not, he just get the loudest cheer. Merely checking in for someone, he receives the loudest applause. Whenever they bumped under the basket, everyone's on their feet. But what's nice in their match up, was, they still manages to smile. And for them, it was, I think, for fun.
There it goes, 1st Half ended with 46-29 in favor of BGK. But, I still hold on to my feet. I remember last game of Coke against RB where they bounce back from a 2-digit deficit, having Cabagnot as the Best Player of the Game (BPG). And yes, the battle ain't over.
And just what I am so much afraid to happen, Coke manages to cut the lead to a single digit at the end of the 3rd Quarter 61-56, even without Arigo on the floor. Arigo earlier hurt his knees, making it swollen. I remember I am talking to television, saying, 'Cabagnot, not now', ha ha ha. I know he's good, but don't show how great you are during this game.
Coke had tied the ball game. They even had their lead in the pay off period. But with the hustle of Paul Artadi and Helterbrand they had had more touches of the leather. Menk as well gained the basket that is badly needed from him in the last 3 minutes of the quarter. You bet, Helterbrand had been the hero of the game. His nothing but net baskets in the dying seconds of 4th quarter breaks the heart of the Tigers. And finally, BGK breaks the spell (5 game losing skid) at Lucena City. And the BPG, no other than, Caguioa?
Just kidding! Helterbrand seemed to mimic Caguioa's looks. It was Pacana's 1st Quarter, Menk's 4th Quarter, and Helterbrand's night.
Scores:
Brgy. Ginebra 81 - Helterbrand 28, Tubid 8, Salvacion 8, Artadi 8, Pacana 8, Menk 6, Mamaril 4, Crisano 4, Escalona 4, Wilson 2, Cabatu 1, Holper 0.
Coca-Cola 77 - Belasco 22, Taulava 19, Cabagnot 13, Catli 9, Macapagal 6, Telan 4, Calimag 2, Arigo 0, Baguion 0, Dimaunahan 0.
Quarterscores: 21-18, 46-29, 61-56, 81-77
My cousin was really encouraging me to watch tonight's ball game. He would even treat me with court side ticket (generous, huh?), just for me to come. But, I don't know, I said 'NO'.
Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) battled with the Red Bull (RB) Barakos, still, with a depleted line up. I was not able to watch the first few minutes of the game. Thanks to my ever-loving friends who updated me of what's happening while I was still on my way home. They've told me how JayJay Helterbrand sink in two 3 pointers. And I said, wow, it would be raining 3's again for BGK. But, a bad news had been sent to me, Ronald Tubid was called for a flagrant foul penalty 1. I really can't give comments since I was not able to see the play. All I know was it was against Rich Alvarez.
Luckily, I got home before the 1st Quarter was over. It was a seasaw battle for the 2 teams, until Tubid was ejected, being called for foul for second motion (sorry, poor memory, I can't remember if it was a technical foul or flagrant foul). Mark Caguioa, Raffy Reavis, and Billy Mamaril were not present. And now, Tubid was ejected. *sigh* How can BGK possibly win this one?
I really hate RB. From the coach to the players. For me, they had their dirty reputation, ha ha. I could have like Cyrus Baguio, only if he is not from RB. I simply hate the way they play. From Celino Cruz to Jojo Duncil to Gabby Espinas. Sorry to their fans, I just don't like the way RB plays. I have watched the 2nd Quarter, and who's that guy again? Paulo Hubalde? Oh, i'm sorry, I don't really know him. Is he a rookie? Well, I really don't care. He was just so, so bad. He has his back to back fouls, ha ha. He was about to stop JayJay's fastbreak in the dirty way. Oh it could have injured JayJay badly. Then, the following play had made the officials call for an offensive foul against him. His looks shows his attitude, bad! Ooops forgot to include dirty!
I can see the frustration in JayJay. It was his off night. I remember he had fired a 3 pointer that doesn't even reach the basket. Almost all of them, actually, had their off night. Sunday Salvacion's open 3 point shots just don't chip in. He only made 2 out of 6 attempts. Same with JunJun Cabatu, last game's hero, who has 2/7 3pt FG. Alex Crisano, Paul Artadi, Junthy Valenzuela, and Eric Menk were all having hard time in easy and open baskets.
But RB doesn't get away with the win easily. BGK is well known for their never say die attitude. And this attitude was exhibited by Willie Wilson. He had 10 big points, 3/3 FG and 4/4 FT. Perfect! Tubid was ejected, which, in turn gave Chris Pacana more playing minutes. I simply love the way he played. In every game, he would always dive for the lose ball. I am really cheering each time he would earn a basket, either from the field or from the free throw line. He never let me give up in the dying minutes with his excellent defense. He totaled 5 steals and 9 rebounds. I just said to myself, he could have been the Best Player of the Game if BGK won. But then again, BGK lost. Never the less, it just feels great. He shows what he can do for BGK. He had 18 big points. Hope to see more of those kind in the next games.
The scores:
Red Bull 100 -- Espinas 18, Baguio 15, Sharma 14, Hubalde 12, Alvarez 12, Rodriguez 8, Chan 7, Cruz 6, Duncil 5, Membrere 3, Najorda 0, Hrabak 0.
Ginebra 94 -- Helterbrand 22, Pacana 18, Salvacion 12, Wilson 10, Cabatu 8, Crisano 8, Artadi 6, Menk 6, Tubid 4, Escalona 0, Holper 0, Valenzuela 0.
Quarterscores: 30-22, 51-39, 70-62, 100-94
Last night, the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) celebrated their Victory Party at the San Miguel Corp Building in Ortigas for being the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Champions. Luckily, with someone else's good heart, I was able to come to the party and meet the players of BGK. Here are some pictures of the event...
Newspaper Dance, Ronald Tubid and his partner won.
Grace and Ronald 'The Fearless' Tubid
JayJay 'The Fast Version 2.0' Helterbrand
Alex Crisano
Sunday Salvacion
Johnny Abarrientos
JR Aquino
Billy Mamaril
Paul 'The Kid Lightning' Artadi
For those who missed the awarding ceremony of the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference, here you go. There's not much that I can say. All I know is, of all the awards one can get, it was always the runner-up who takes his trophy with a frown.
It's Chris Pacana and Steve Thomas
