It Could Have Been For The Kings

I kinda miss PBA. I got frustrated last time when the Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) were eliminated in their wildcard game against the Air21 Express. I got a little more disappointed that time since Kerby 'The Kid' Raymundo was only able to gain most of his scores only from the free throw line. Anyway, it was the first game of the Quarter Finals Series between the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK), my favorite team, and the San Miguel Beermen (SMB).

I was not able to watch the game. Good that I have friends who willingly update me on the happenings as the game goes by. I was kinda sad that time when SMB lead ballooned to 10 big points at the end of the first half (42-32). To my mind, SMB is really an all-star cast. And there's BonBon Custodio (my bet for the Rookie of the Year, ha ha) who really plays so well. But, I still wanted to see BGK winning the game.

I was delighted when BGK come back because of their 3-pt shots. And it was more fascinating since one of the shots from the parking lot came from my favorite player, Chris Pacana. I really hoped that he would be given more playing time by Coach Jong Uichico.

It was a tight ball game in the ending minutes. While still on my way home, I hoped that I could still catch the game and see Pacana throwing the winning shot. Yes, I was able to catch the game. It was about 47 (Mark Caguioa? Where are you?) seconds left, 78-77 in favor of SMB, BGK's ball. Well, as expected, Pacana is no where to found in the court. Pacana is used by Coach Uichico more on the defensive stop rather on offense. Anyway, what matter here now is to have a basket. But it was heartbreaking when Ronald Tubid failed to chip in his 3 point basket. Nonetheless, he was hailed as the game's 3-point King. Now, it was SMB's ball. They just melted the clock, and was not able to gain a basket. Only 4 seconds left, BGK had another chance of making a win from this one. But, JayJay Helterbrand's 3-point attempt do not even touch the rim. Well, it was a hard shot. He was not given any screen that time. He simply fished for a fould then against Custodio, but the referees where too lazy to call one. (It makes me miss PF, and all their buzzer beaters.)

Sorry loss for BGK. The game could have been for the them. But, it was not. Well, the series is a Best of 3, they will surely come back next game. It would be a do or die for them. And I'm sure, they'll do it.

The scores:

San Miguel 78 - Tugade 15, Hontiveros 14, Racela 11, Custodio 10, Seigle 10, Pingris 6, Pena 6, Washington 4, Pennisi 2, Calaguio 0.

Ginebra 77 - Mamaril 22, Tubid 14, Valenzuela 9, Helterbrand 8, Artadi 7, Salvacion 6, Menk 4, Pacana 3, Wilson 2, Crisano 2, Escalona 0, Cabatu 0.

Quarterscores: 21-16, 42-32, 61-54, 78-77.

Another Sorry Loss for Talk N' Text Courtesy of Purefoods' Teamwork

Remember the buzzer beater of Chico Lanete? It was a hurt breaking game for the Talk N' Text Tropang Texters (TNT). When all the while they thought they would win the game, a buzzer beater from Lanete erases those smiles from their faces.

Their 2nd encounter was almost the same I can still see the smiles of Mac Mac Cardona and Jason Castro, who thought that they had revenged from their sorry loss. They wish. But, there's no star to grant their wishes, hi hi. Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) come back from a 17 point deficit to win the game 93-96. Sorry Cardona, sorry Castro, PF's team work ate your hearts out.Ü

I remember Kerby Raymundo can't get his basket. But, no need to blame him since he never forgets to make assists. Well, it was pretty obvious that a point guard should lead the team in assists. Know what? Raymundo is the 2nd team leader in assists as far as PF is concern. I really find it amazing how he finds an open man for the easy basket. And the lucky recipient has almost always been Enrico Villanueva. Probably the main reason why Villanueva got his offense going. But in this ballgame, it was not just Villanueva who got the pretty dishes from Raymundo. James Yap also had that beautiful assist from Raymundo making him earn a 3 point basket. One thing that also enabled Villanueva earned easy baskets is on how Raymundo stretched his hands to clear away the opponents' defense. Great job for The Kid, he's The Man.Ü

J. Yap, he had a big game. His shots must not be compared to Cardona's. J. Yap's shots are graceful and artistic. I remember his layups in the first half. He did it gracefully in the right side, then he did the same move on the left side. Cardona's shot, as what Jason Webb described it, is an ugly one, ha ha ha. Well, J. Yap never disappoints the fans with his brilliant moves. I cheered for him as he passed against the tight defense of 2 TNT players. And I always clap my hands whenever he shot the 3 point heart breaker.Ü

Speaking of teamwork, I bet TNT got surprised when the 3 point baskets come from the least expected guards - Lanete, Topex Robinson, and Roger Yap. Oh, I missed R. Yap so much. This game is the first time that I saw him play again. Nice to see you back R. Yap.

The Best Player of the Game (BPG) is Villanueva. He punctuated the ballgame with a slam. With Raymundo giving him the benefit of being freed from the opponent's defense, he returned the favor with his points. And I admire the way he plays. I admire him even more when he exhibited a kind heart when I happen to meet him after their game against the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK). Well, it was a double-double for Villanueva, 24 points and 10 rebounds. I wonder how Cardona and Castro can smile after the game, hee hee. PF breaks their hearts once more. PF is definitely the team with whom you can't be complacent. PF is the team that holds the record for coming back from a 29 point deficit. They even come back from a 6 point lead with less than 24 seconds remaining. Well, it was just another sorry loss for the TNT.

Kerby Raymundo Slam

This is the first time that I saw Kerby Raymundo made a dunk. Love watching this over and over again.

Purefoods TJ Giants Buzzer Beaters

I have been loving watching Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) games. Aside from Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK), I am a PF fanatic. Aside from Chris Pacana, I'm a Kerby Raymundo fan.

Well, I've collected three (3) of the most exciting ball games of PF. Their buzzer beaters. It would really make your body hair stand for excitement and happiness.

James Yap Buzzer Beater

He had done this many times before. And he did it once more. That's why he had been called 'The Big Game James'. It was PF vs Air21 Express on October 31, 2008. If you never know what PF can do, you might lose your hopes in the last minute of the 4th Quarter. It was 25 seconds remaining, Air21 had their 5 point lead (91-96). But Kerby, having his career high, never gave up yet. His 3 point shot provide greater hopes for the PF team. 15 seconds remaining, Air21 ball, 94-96. PF have no choice but to foul. They had fouled Gary David. Luckily, David missed one (1) of his two (2) charities, only extending the lead to 3 points (94-97), with 12.9 seconds remaining. Good it is that Enrico Villanueva had reached in for the rebound. PF has no time out left. Rico passed the ball to Chico Lanete. Chico crosses the half court and dished the ball to Jonathan Fernandez. Tan-Tan then gave the ball to Kerby. Kerby, with the clock winding down, makes a 3 point attempt, but his shot doesn't go. James battled for the rebound against Arwind Santos. He turned around, shoot the ball, and *kaboom*, he made a 3 pointer, extending the ball game for 5 more minutes. And all their efforts are worth it. They won the ball game, 108-105, with Kerby as the Best Player of the Game (BPG), having 37 big points and 11 big rebounds.

Chico Lanete Buzzer Beater

There's no Roger Yap for PF, so someone from the point guard (PG) position has to step up. And that would be, Chico this time. November 7, 2008, PF vs Talk N' Text Tropang Texters (TNT), 25.2 seconds remaining, 87-86 in favor of TNT. James has the leather, he passed it to Rico, then Rico passed it to Kerby. Only about 10 seconds left, Kerby take the shot, but he missed it. Rico battled for the lose ball, and gave it to Chico who had struggled for the ball as well against Mac-Mac Cardona. The moment he got a good grip of the leather, with only a second left, he just takes the shot, and he did it. A miracle shot from the all night hot, Chico Lanete. PF won, 88-87. And who else could be the BPG, yes, it's Chico. He has his career high of 24 big points, with 5/7 from the 3 point territory.

Enrico Villanueva Buzzer Beater

The most recent of the PF buzzer beater games was courtesy of Rico. It was PF vs San Miguel Beermen (SMB) on a PBA Sunday, November 23, 2008, my birthday. The score was 82-83 in favor of SMB with only 5.7 seconds remaining. Again, it was Kerby who made it possible for PF to reach this one. James, though having a high-fever, still played. Unfortunately, he can't deliver the points he used to contribute. It was 76-81 back on 2:44 minutes when Kerby hit a 3 pointer. Still anybody's ballgame. Not only that, Kerby made a back-to-back basket. He had a 3-point play opportunity, letting the PF to gain the lead, 82-81. But SMB won't give up. They have all the time to get the lead back, and all the stars of PBA, ha ha. Yes, SMB is an all-star studded team. And almost for the last 2 minutes, no one had earned a basket. Not until DonDon Hontiveros had his fade away shot, grabbing the lead 82-83 with 34.7 seconds remaining. It's PF's turn to turn the ball over. But, James had been called for an offensive foul against Mic Penisi who, as what the officials had said, already established his position. But believe me, Penisi is moving, it should not be an offensive foul. But, it was the break of the game. Only 30 seconds left, SMB ball. It was a bright idea for Coach Ryan Gregorio not to let his players commit a foul. Anyway, there would be 6 seconds left after the play to be executed by SMB. Luckily, SMB failed to get a basket, Penisi just throw an airball. With 5.7 seconds remaining, Coach Ryan called for a time out. And I just love what Coach Ryan had told his men, 'We'll gonna win this guys'. Yeah, that's my Coach. The play was designed for Kerby. He's the man of the hour. He was the one who scored the last 6 points of the team. But with the double, then triple defense of SMB, he can't get away to take the shot, but he got away to pass the ball to the free Rico underneath the basket to win the ball game. And yes, it was Kerby's night again. It was Kerby's birthday gift for me, hi hi. He got 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. And, in case you don't know, he was still suffering from amoebiasis that night.

Enjoy! I love these games!

Kerby Raymundo Doing It the Michael Jordan Way

Finally, I was able to crop the video to showcase Kerby Raymundo's reverse layup. And that layup reminds me of Michael Jordan's number 1 move in his Top 10 Amazing moves.

PF vs Air21 (October 31, 2008)



MJ top 1 Amazing Moves

Purefoods Survived Despite Unbelievable Calls from the Officials

I never watched Game 1. I am only watching Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) and Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) games. My friend, whom I treated as my younger sister asked me to update her of the game since she won't be ablt to watch it. And it's my pleasure updating her.

To my surprise, James Carlos Yap will be playing. News had told that he might not play due to injury. As what the commentators said, two Yaps (James and Roger) are missing. But not this time. J. Yap is there to play.

PF had a poor start. Air21 Express showcased a full court press. They had their, uhm, good defense. First Quarter ended with 15-22 in favor of Air21. I thought PF would lead at the Second Quarter with 35-32 in favor of Air21 before the Quarter ends. But, it was so disappointing since it ended 37-43, still, in favor of Air21.

But my hopes ain't over. I felt good when they tied at 53 despite the dirty defense exhibited by Air21. It even become more exciting since it was Kerby Raymundo who make the basket for the lead. It was a 3 point play for him. Seems like the momentum was now in PF. Homer Se just had an air ball after PF got the lead. Not just that, Air21 had committed a lot of fouls, ha ha. Not only players, but Coach Bo Perasol as well. *wink wink* It is not surprising. Perasol and Air21 is used to it, ha ha. It was 72-66 in favor of PF at the end of Third Quarter.

Now, this one's unbelievable. Team manager Alvin Patrimonio was called for a technical foul? Say what?! Oh well, how could Patrimonio not react to the offensive foul called against Enrico Villanueva when it was supposed to be a 3-point play. Hmmm, smells something fishy huh? I just can't believe it. I just said 'booooooooooooooo'. That technical foul was followed by three more technicals. One for Coach Ryan Gregorio who did nothing, and two for Topex Robinson. Topex made me laugh, ha ha. He, himself asked for the second technical foul from the referee. And he was ejected from the game. No R. Yap, now, no Topex. It was all Chico Lanete. And know what? Lanete was pushed by Wynne Arboleda, no foul. Making Arboleda shot a 3 point basket. Then showed his tongue. Grrrr..

But, I admired PF team. Despite unbelievable and almost one-sided calls, they managed to stay focused. It was 80 all with 4 minutes remaining in the Fourth Quarter. 89-86 in favor of Air21 with 1:38 minutes left. Still everybody's ballgame. I can't remember who made the basket, but it was 89-88 in favor of Air21 with 1:16 minutes left. The ball game was so exciting. It was 92-91 in favor of Air21 with only 40 seconds left. Kerby now has 32 big points. I almost gave up. It was 96-91 with only 23.5 seconds remaining. But Kerby never let me down. He just scored a 3 pointer to make it 96-94. Whew! In the last play before the end of the pay off period, it was 97-94 in favor of Air21. PF has no time out left. Kerby attempted another 3 point shot but failed to gain the basket. But J. Yap had the offensive rebound against Arwind Santos with about 3 seconds left. He had his turn around 3 point shot, and it was a tie ball game at the end of the 4th Quarter. This was the 3rd game where PF would be playing for an Over Time.

It was all because of Kerby and J. Yap. It's our night. Aaron Aban stand out as well for me, in defense particularly. It was 105-100 in favor of PF with 1:27 minutes remaining. 105-103 with 58.6 seconds remaining. 108-103 with 14.9 seconds remaining courtesy of the should be flagrant foul of Arboleda, but was called as a regular foul instead. 108-105 with 3.7 seconds remaining, PF's ball, and... we won!!!

And who could be the Best Player of the Game? None other than Kerby 'The Kid' Raymundo who scored almost 1/3 of the PF's score. Double-Double, 37 big points and 11 rebounds. Congrats Kerby!!! Congrats J. Yap!!! Congrats PF!!!

Scores:

Purefoods 108 -- Raymundo 37, Yap J. 31, Villanueva 13, Lanete 7, Aban 7, Belga 4, Fernandez 4, Simon 3, Alonzo 2, Salvador 0, Robinson 0.

Air21 103 -- Arboleda 25, Se 25, David 21, Santos 18, De Ocampo 4, Quinahan 3, Billones 3, Kramer 2, Intal 2, Canaleta 2, Cruz 0, Sta. Maria 0.

Quarterscores: 15-22, 37-43, 72-66, 97-97 (reg.), 108-105 (OT)

Battle of the Champions (Barangay Ginebra Kings vs Sta. Lucia Realtors)

For photos, click here --> PF vs RB and BGK vs SLR Pictures

Last night was the first game of the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) for the 2008-2009 KFC Philippine Cup. Their first assignment, the reigning 2007-2008 All Filipino Cup Champions, the Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). Hence, it would be Battle of the Champions -- AFC Champs vs the FiestaCon Champs. And I was very lucky to be watching the game live at the Araneta Coliseum.

Game 1 is between Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) and RedBull Barakos (RB). It was a nice game. The PF rallied from 16pt deficit to win the game 73-77, with Kerby 'The Kid' Raymundo as the Best Player of the Game wit 23 pts and 15 rebounds.

And now, the Battle of the Champions began. Everytime I watch PBA, of course with BGK on court, I feel the nervousness. And I bet, I'm not the only one. To make it worse, Mark Caguioa, Raffy Reavis, Billy Mamaril, and Junty Valenzuela can't make it on their first game. But, in my head, BGK can win it. Remember? They've done it last conference.

The SLR had a great start, leaving BGK 10-0 behind. The Araneta Coliseum had been silent for that moment. But guess what? It was Chris Pacana who made the first basket for BGK, and it was from the 3pt arc. I remember seeing him practice shooting from the 3pt area during their warm up. And most of his shots are good. And now, BGK is ready for the battle.

It was kinda frustrating when SLR gained their lead back at the end of the 1st half (35-45). I even saw Dennis Espino being interviewed before he returned to their dug out. But, as what all BGK fans have in common, we have the never say die spirit.

Come 3rd quarter, JayJay Helterbrand showed SLR why he had been hailed as the Best Player of the last Conference. He nailed back-to-back 3 points followed by a fastbreak layup. It was even kinda funny since he thought of even passing the ball to Ronald Tubid, probably he would want Tubid to have a slam dunk as an answer to Kelly Williams'. If I remember it right, Williams made 3 dunks, but those dunks ain't gonna gain 4pts each, haha. For those who missed it, here's the video:

I can barely hear myself from the crowd chanting GI-NE-BRA, GI-NE-BRA, GI-NE-BRA. I really love watching PBA, I really love watching BGK, I really love watching Chris Pacana.

In the dying minutes of the pay off period, you won't be able to guess who will chip in the win. Just a 3pt shot from SLR could turn the table around. Less than 2 minutes of the 4th Quarter, the SLR stops the clock by their 'dirty' fouls. Fortunately, they've chosen to foul JayJay and Paul Artadi who never missed their charities that time. Less than 5 seconds left, 88-86 in favor of BGK. Sunday Salvacion was on the line. He missed his first free throw. Making me think, a 3pt shot might break BGK fans hearts. Good that he made the second one. Kelly was about to attempt a 3pt shot to tie the ball game, but the buzzer rang even before he release the ball. BGK won, 86-89, with Artadi as the Best Player of the Game, 18pts, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Now, who is the real champion? Call it luck, I don't care. BGK won the battle, hence, BGK is the real champion. And I'm happy to witness it live.

Congrats BGK!!! Hope to see more of those exciting ball games.

PBA JAM Kick Off Party

Last night, October 1, was PBA's Kick Off Party. Luckily, I was able to attend the said event. It's fun. A lot of players are present, except for Air 21 Express, I suppose. However, since I knew only a few of them, I failed to recognize most of the players, haha. Here are some pictures of the event.

Jondan Salvador and Billy Mamaril

JunJun Cabatu, new recruit of Barangay Ginebra Kings

Olsen Racela

Marc Pingris

Chris Pacana

Sunday Salvacion

Paulo Hubalde (now in Red Bull), Mark Macapagal, JayJay Helterbrand, and Mike Holper

Kerby Raymundo

Alex Crisano

Chris Pacana and Ronald Tubid

JayJay, The Next MVP?

The poll I have in this blog for "who could be the next Most Valuable Player (MVP)?" is now over. Just in time before the annual awarding of the PBA this season. Landslide victory to my personal bet, JayJay "The Fast version 2.0" Helterbrand.

#1 Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR) might have the edge for they won the All Filipino Cup this season. They even reached up to the Quarter Finals of the current Fiesta Conference. He as well soars as the Slam Dunk champ this year, probably because KG Canaleta is not around.

#2 Arwind Santos

Arwind Santos of Air 21 Express is one of the consistent players in the league. They would be battling with Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) for the Fiesta Conference Championship. Their last game of the Semis shows another revelation of why he is second in the current MVP race.

#3 Willie Miller

Willie Miller of Alaska Aces is the last year's MVP. Some says that he won the title since the star players were out for the Team Pilipinas. But seeing how he played this season convinces me that he has that MVP quality.

#4 JayJay Helterbrand

JayJay "The Fast" Helterbrand of BGK has been hailed 3 times as Player of the Week in a month. He has been one of those players who stepped up during the loss of Mark Caguioa. His semis stats shows that he's unstoppable. He can score. He can make a play for the open man. His average turnover is 1. Making him very hard to guard. Not to mention that he has been the Best Player of the Game and the TM 3 King for their 3 consecutive games at Semis.

#5 Kerby Raymundo

Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods TJ Giants might have the statistics for him to belong to the top 5. He is my 2nd personal choice. But seeing the way Purefoods play this conference, I see it clearly that he has less opportunity to make it.

Media and player votes are still to be casted before the MVP for the season be hailed. Could JayJay be the media's bet? Or could it be Kelly? Hmmmm... I really hope that it could be JayJay. I may be biased, but, I personally think that JayJay deserved to be honored as the season's MVP among others. He had lifted BGK from 0-5 to now, Finals. I just get disappointed when he seemed to loss his usual game on Game 4 of the Best of 7 Series against Red Bull. I am really saddened of his statistics. Makes me wonder, could he still won the MVP? Thania knew how much worried I am on that off night of JayJay. I cannot really rejoice on BGK's finals berth knowing it might affect JayJay's statistics. Thanks to her, she makes me smile.

Finals (Game 1) will start on Wednesday, I hope JayJay could still show why he is called "Faster than Ever". If only the votes here reflects the media and player votes, then, JayJay could really be the next MVP. I am really hoping, and praying, that the MVP award be given to JayJay. If not, to Arwind.