PBA All-Filipino Cup semifinals set

Alin kina Jeff, Calvin, Chris, at Jayson ang magwawagi sa All-Filipino Cup?

With the demise of the Purefoods-STAR Hotshots in Phase I of the All-Filipino Cup quarterfinals, the PBA will have a new champion at the end of the first conference.

Four teams are still left standing, and have the right to be the first champion of the 40th season of the first professional basketball league in Asia.

Kicking off the best-of-seven semifinals is the match-up of 2nd seed Rain or Shine and 3rd seed Alaska.

Lone eliminations meeting ended 98-95 for Rain or Shine.

Schedule:

Game 1: December 18, 7pm
Game 2: December 20, 5pm
Game 3: December 22, 7pm
Game 4: December 25, 415pm

The Elastopainters are seeking their first All-Filipino title and have done so in spite of injuries affecting their rotation depth, from Chris Tiu and Ty Tang to rookie Jericho Cruz. However, Yeng Guiao has relied on the Elasto-Gilas quartet of Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, and Paul Lee to become the first team to snag a semifinal berth (although tiebreakers pushed them down to second).

The Aces, on the other hand, have ridden on the shoulders of Calvin Abueva, who is second in the league in the Best Player of the Conference race. Calvin is the "face" of the Aces' seeming grit-grind mentality, with Chris Ross being the only significant PBA player of note with a better defensive rating than the Beast.

Rain or Shine takes pride on their league-best pace, while Alaska puts its lunch bucket on their capable rebounding percentage and their defense (tied with San Miguel in best defensive rating).

Set to take place tomorrow is the other semifinal pairing between the top-seed San Miguel Beer and 4th seed Talk 'N Text.

Lone eliminations meeting ended 107-101 for Talk 'N Text.

Schedule:

Game 1: December 19, 7pm
Game 2: December 21, 5pm
Game 3: December 23, 7pm
Game 4: December 26, 7pm

Head coach Leo Austria's didn't stray away from what worked for him in Adamson and with the ABL version of San Miguel Beer. The Beermen play with the slowest pace among the four teams left in the running, opting to use his biggest weapon, reigning MVP JuneMar Fajardo, to his advantage. Along with the Aces, the Beermen have the best defensive rating in the league as well as the best eFG% defense. Of course, they decided to add a new wrinkle with the late addition of ertswhile Beerman Alex Cabagnot from Globalport.

Meanwhile, the Tropang Texters decided to rebuild on the fly, keeping the core intact, while going out and netting themselves two members of the cadet pool in Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser. They have an average defensive rating, but what gets them going is their offense, with a 104.6 rating. Keying this version of the DDrM is Jayson Castro, while gunners like Larry Fonacier and Jimmy Alapag lie waiting in the wings to lead the sniping brigade from the perimeter.

TV5 will televise the games, while NewsFM (92.3 in Manila, 101.9 in Cebu and Davao, 102.3 in Bacolod, and 97.5 in General Santos) will have radio broadcast. Sports5.ph offers legitimate online streaming (albeit geo-locked to the Philippines) of the games, as well as certain exclusives that neither TV or radio will have coverage on.

Strong ratings for TV5 with Game 1 of Commissioner's Cup Finals

Game 1 of the Cebuana Lhullier PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals was a much-anticipated affair, with the Alaska Aces and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel looking to be named as champions after dispatching last year's finals participants during the PBA Semifinals.

The game ended in a 87-70 victory for Alaska, as they opened the game in front of 19,678 fans in the SMART-Araneta Coliseum with a 28-6 salvo. Eventual Best Import winner Robert Dozier scored 14 points and grabbed 22 rebounds, while reserve RJ Jazul led the team in scoring with 16. Dozier's counterpart in Ginebra, Vernon Macklin, led the team with 16.

Fans not at the Big Dome also managed to watch the game, as the "Live on 5" resulted into high ratings. Nielsen Media Research NUTAM data shows that Game 1 averaged almost 2.5 million viewers or an average audience shares of 18.4%. The apex of the coverage netted TV5 3 million viewers that generated a 26% viewership. The match was also simulcast on Aksyon TV as well streamed on Radyo5 92.3 News FM using the Radyo PBA feed of DZSR 918AM.

2012 PBA Philippine Cup rosters

This was posted by the PBA as of September 25. You might see some interesting quirks on this list.

Air21 Express

Coach: Franz Pumaren
Assistants: Tonichi Yturri, Jack Santiago, Cholo Villanueva, Dan Rose, Joshua Villapando

Players:

2 - John Wilson
3 - Bitoy Omolon
4 - Yousef Taha
5 - Eric Salamat
7 - Nonoy Baclao
9 - KG Canaleta
10 - Simon Atkins
11 - Ogie Menor
12 - Mark Isip
14 - Renren Ritualo
19 - Wynne Arboleda
24 - Rob Reyes
31 - James Sena

Meralco Bolts

Coach: Ryan Gregorio
Assistants: Jong Uichico, Ronnie Magsanoc, Boyet Fernandez, Patrick Fran, Xavier Nunag

Players:

1 - Clifford Hodge
3 - Sol Mercado
4 - Jay-R Reyes
6 - Chris Ross
8 - Ronjay Buenafe
11 - Paul Artadi
14 - Mac-mac Cardona
15 - Gilbert Bulawan
16 - Mark Borboran
21 - Reynel Hugnatan
23 - Kelly Nabong
34 - Carlo Sharma
80 - Sunday Salvacion

Reserve / Injured:

9 - Yousef AlJamal
13 - Chris Timberlake

Petron Blaze Boosters

Coach: Olsen Racela
Consultant: Rajko Toroman
Assistants: Gee Abanilla, Biboy Ravanes, Pido Jarencio, Bobby Parks, Jorge Gallent

Players:

2 - Dennis Miranda
3 - Chris Lutz
4 - Dorian Pena
5 - Alex Cabagnot
10 - Danny Ildefonso
11 - Jojo Duncil
13 - Marcio Lassiter
18 - Joseph Yeo
20 - Alex Mallari
22 - JuneMar Fajardo
23 - Jaw Washington
24 - Magi Sison
26 - Chico Lanete
29 - Arwynd Santos

Reserved / Injured:

? - Hans Thiele
? - Paolo Hubalde

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Coach: Siot Tanquingcen
Consultant: Alfrancis Chua
Assistants: Allan Caidic, Art dela Cruz, Juno Sauler, Freddie Abuda

Players:

2 - Billy Mamaril
5 - LA Tenorio
10 - Rico Maierhofer
11 - Mike Cortez
13 - Jayjay Helterbrand
18 - Allein Maliksi
21 - Kerby Raymundo
23 - Elmer Espiritu
27 - Willy Wilson
32 - Keith Jensen
33 - Dylan Ababou
34 - Chris Ellis
47 - Mark Caguioa
99 - Rudy Hatfield

San Mig Coffee Mixers

Coach: Tim Cone
Assistants: Coy Banal, Richard del Rosario, Jeff Cariaso, Johnny Abarrientos

Players:

2 - Wesley Gonzales
3 - Jonas Villanueva
4 - Rafi Reavis
8 - Peter June Simon
9 - JC Intal
10 - Jewel Ponferrada
14 - Andy Barroca
15 - Mark Pingris
17 - Aldrech Ramos
18 - James Yap
19 - Gerwin Gaco
22 - Chris Pacana
38 - Joe Devance
95 - Yancy de Ocampo

Alaska Aces

Coach: Luigi Trillo
Assistants: Dickie Bachmann, Topex Robinson, Monch Gavieres, Franco Atienza, Alex Compton, Louie Alas

Players:

0 - Nic Belasco
1 - Sam Eman
3 - Cyrus Baguio
4 - Raphy Reyes
7 - Sonny Thoss
10 - Mac Baracael
21 - Paolo Bugia
24 - Brandon Cablay
25 - Dondon Hontiveros
27 - Gabby Espinas
31 - RJ Jazul
35 - Tony dela Cruz
42 - Jvee Casio
65 - Eddie Laure

Reserve / Injured:

9 - Nino Gelig

Barako Bull Energy Cola

Coach: Junel Baculi
Assistants: Bong Ramos, Leo Pujante, Jonas Mendoza

Players:

1 - Celino Cruz
2 - Josh Urbiztondo
5 - Lester Alvarez
10 - Reil Cervantes
12 - Dave Marcelo
13 - Roger Yap
14 - Leo Najorda
17 - Jason Ballesteros
18 - Doug Kramer
21 - Sean Anthony
23 - Enrico Villanueva
42 - Danny Seigle
71 - Ronald Tubid
88 - Mick Pennisi

Reserve / Injured:

3 - Woody Co
6 - Emman Monfort

Global Port Batang Pier

Coach: Glenn Capacio
Assistants: Ricky Dandan, John Cardel, Louie Gonzales, Charles Tiu

Players:

0 - AJ Mandani
1 - Jason Deutchman
2 - Rabeh Al-Hussaini
4 - Rudy Lingganay
5 - Jondan Salvador
7 - Rey Guevarra
9 - Marvin Cruz
10 - Rommel Adducul
11 - Willie Miller
14 - Mark Yee
20 - Gary David
22 - Josh Vanlandingham
24 - Vic Manuel
33 - Angel Raymundo

Reserve / Injured:

34 - Will Antonio
43 - Alex Crisano

Rain or Shine Elastopainters

Coach: Yeng Guiao
Assistants: Caloy Garcia, Roehl Nadurata, Mike Buendia, Jay Legacion, Matt Makalintal, Ricky Umayam

Players:

1 - Jonathan Uyloan
3 - Paul Lee
5 - Larry Rodriguez
6 - Jireh Ibanes
10 - Gabe Norwood
11 - Ty Tang
16 - Jeff Chan
17 - Chris Tiu
18 - Ryan Arana
20 - Jervy Cruz
21 - Chito Jaime
30 - Beau Belga
33 - Ronnie Matias
48 - JR Quinahan

Talk N Text Tropang Texters

Coach: Nash Racela
Consultant: Norman Black
Assistants: Sandy Arespacochaga, Gene Afable, Jamike Jarin, Josh Reyes

Players:

3 - Jimmy Alapag
4 - Harvey Carey
6 - Bambam Gamalinda
10 - Ryan Reyes
12 - Larry Fonacier
16 - Pamboy Raymundo
17 - Jayson Castro
18 - Gilbert Lao
20 - Jared Dillinger
21 - Kelly Williams
33 - Ranidel Ocampo
34 - Ali Peek
40 - Rich Alvarez
51 - Aaron Aban

Analyzing the 2012 PBA draft

c/o Interaksyon

The 2012 PBA Draft came and went. Had the chance to watch this proceeding in person and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Petron: June Mar Fajardo, Alex Mallari, Mark Sarangay. Not surprised with Fajardo going 1st overall. Just making sure Team SMC has him on lock (he was on their ABL team). Hopefully his apprenticeship is smoother than what Sam Eman went through with them. An already strong frontline gets a boost with Mallari now in. Sarangay might just see himself doing ABL stuff soon.

Alaska: Calvin Abueva, Raphy Reyes, Karl Dehesa. The task now for Luigi Trillo would be to try to corral "The Beast" and integrate his skill set onto the triangle scheme. Surrounding himself with veteran coaches helps, as does having Topex Robinson (Calvin's HC at SSC-R). Reyes and Dehesa are depth picks at the backcourt.

Meralco: Cliff Hodge, Kelly Nabong, Janus Lozada, Eric Suguitan. Meralco gets a clear upgrade all around. Nabong and Lozada are going to be off-the-bench lesser versions of Mercado & Cardona. Suguitan gets to be Asi's understudy.

Barako Bull: Dave Marcelo, Lester Alvarez, Emman Monfort, Woody Co, Kokoy Hermosisima (and Sean Anthony). The Manong Brigade needed an injection of youth and skill, as well as being able to play immediately, with Marcelo chiefly being able to already plug the hole that Don Allado put himself into.

Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel: Chris Ellis, Keith Jensen, Ryan Boada, Jerick Canada, Paul Zamar, JR Buensuceso, Elliott Tan. Their first two picks are great additions of size and athleticism, especially with Ellis. Then they added 5 guards, all below 5'11. If you are accumulating that number of guards AND you have the likes of Cortez, Helterbrand and Labagala... Very David Kahn-esque of Siot.

Rain or Shine: Chris Tiu, Bacon Austria, Jewel Palomique. Coach Yeng pretty much has a grasp of the team's needs, adding role players that fit what he wants to achieve. We know Tiu and Austria can defend. They'll figure out their need on size in free agency / trade.

B-Meg: Aldrech Ramos, Jewel Ponferrada, Gian Chiu, Ramon Mabayo. Curious move to virtually trade up to snag Aldrech, especially having to give up a Sakuragi-esque player in Sean Anthony to pull it off. Also curious, snagging three bigs, with Ponferrada then Chiu. Mabayo is a long-shot to make the roster.

Global Port: Vic Manuel, Jason Deutchman, AJ Mandani, Macky Acosta, Jan Colina, VJ Serios (and Val Acuna). Clearly, Mikee Romero wants to beef up the remnants of Powerade. Manuel instantly slots in where Sean Anthony left off. AJ Mandani could be a capable reliever for Casio and David in the backcourt.

Air 21: Yousef Taha, Simon Atkins. The DLSU braintrust knows what Atkins can do, thus no-brainer at where they were picking him. Taha adds ceiling to a really small team (only rookie Magi Sison is taller than 6'4".)

Talk 'N Text: Jaypee Belencion, Jason Escueta. Belencion can shoot. Ask La Salle during a certain Fil-Oil game. The lineup remains stacked, so this is merely a means to stock up on depth. TNT bench is very familiar with what Jumbo can provide, since they coached him.

Thoughts on the draft from being at the venue:

1. Huge crowd at Robinson's Midtown Atrium. All floors occupied as fans flocked around the venue. Someone unfurled an Aldrech Ramos tarp from one floor when he was drafted. Ditto with Raphy Reyes. But with his case, it's the one you're familiar with at courtside on the UAAP games. The PBA is going to be fine, y'all.

2. Ateneo vs La Salle. I was seated behind the Air 21 table. Sure has a DLSU feel to it, from Coach Franz to his assistants Tonichi Yturri and Jack Santiago to Renren Ritualo. Beside them is the Talk 'N Text table. You probably knew that Norman Black is their new head coach. He basically ported over virtually the entire Ateneo coaching staff, as Sandy, Jamike and Gene were there with Coach. Norman has already said he is going to finish UAAP's Season 75 with Ateneo. The PBA opens on September 30. Based on my schedule calculations, that is the Sunday of the UAAP Final Four Week. They are going to have an interesting stretch of games.

3. It pays to be in an established program / team. All Ateneans were drafted. All members of NLEX were drafted. The Adamson players that Coach Leo Austria nurtured were drafted.

4. A sense of timing. Ronald Pascual gets it. This year's draft class is stacked. Next year's batch won't be as strong, but it will be decent, highlighted by the crop of Ateneans in Slaughter and Salva.

Winners:

Teams: Rain or Shine, Meralco and Barako Bull.

Steals: Janus Lozada (Meralco), Gian Chiu (B-Meg), Jaypee Belencion (TNT).

Huge bust potential? Aldrech Ramos (didn't really shock the world with the Patriots), Jason Deutchman (injury issues)