YAP OPTIMISTIC SAN MIG COFFEE CAN DEFEND TITLE By Snow Badua

YAP IS POSITIVE HIS TEAM CAN WIN THE COMMISSIONER'S CUP AGAIN BUT KNOWS THE DEFENSE OF THE TITLE WILL NOT COME EASY.

MANILA - San Mig Coffee Mixers superstar James Yap is optimistic that his team can very well defend the Commissioner’s Cup crown.

But the Escalante, Negros Occidental native thinks that his team’s road to the defense of the title will not come easy.

“Alam mo naman, lahat ng teams nagpalakas halos… Ano ang ibig sabihin nun? Gusto nila kaming unahan sa korona,” said Yap, who once again fell short of a Philippine Cup finals stint last month.

But the debonair shooter said his teammates are now motivated following the recent success of Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters in defending the All-Filipino Cup crown for the second straight time.

“Kaya yan… Kaya… Basta mag focus lang kami sa training nang husto at ibigay ang lahat sa game, kaya yan. Sana,” added Yap.

In its bid to further improve their grasp of the complicated triangle offense, Yap bared that San Mig is back to practicing twice a day since last week.

Since Tim Cone assumed the head coaching job at the Mixers’ side, the team has been regularly conducting bi-daily practices.

“Kailangan kasi naming talaga makuha yung sistema ng triangle, lalo pa ngayon may mga bago pa kami sa team,” said Yap, who is happy to welcome his new teammates.

Just recently, San Mig was part of the unprecedented 5-team, 10-player trade that saw them acquiring rookie guard Alex Mallari, Lester Alvarez and veteran wingman Leo Najorda.

In the process the Mixers lost Jonas Villanueva, JC Intal and sophomore forward Aldrech Ramos.

Yap and his teammates open up hostilities of Commissioner’s Cup Friday versus Barako Bull Energy Cola in the main game of a double header at the Araneta Coliseum.

Source: http://www.solarsportsdesk.ph/bk/bknews/2013/02/01/yap-optimistic-san-mig-coffee-can-defend-title

Baculi happy to see new-boy Mercado blend with stars David and Miller By Richard Dy

Sol Mercado scored seven points and issued seven assists in his first tune-up game with Globalport and, more importantly, found a way to work well with fellow stars Gary David and Willie Miller. Jerome Ascano

GLOBALPORT had just dropped its third straight tune-up game following its 84-87 loss to Air21 on Friday, yet a smile remains in new coach Junel Baculi's face.
His joy is understandable, of course, after seeing the team's newest recruit, Sol Mercado, find a way to blend with Globalport two other star guards, Gary David and Willie Miller, during the game.
"The guys respect Sol and Sol respect them too," Baculi told Spin.ph after the tune-up game at the Moro Lorenzo gym inside the Ateneo campus.
"Ang maganda pa dito, the bench was very happy unlike dati na parang gloomy. I see a very bright future for this team," added the new Globalpot bench tactician.
Mercado and rookies Kelly Nabong and JP Belencion joined the team from Meralco in a trade that saw the Batang Pier bid goodbye to Rey Guevarra, Vic Manuel, Josh Vanlandingham, and a first-round pick.
The flashy guard who led the league in scoring and assists in the Philippine Cup jumped straight into tune-up game a day after the trade, scoring seven points and issuing seven assists.
The Batang Pier also expect Japeth Aguilar, whom they acquired on Thursday in a straight swap with Talk 'N Text for Rabeh Al-Hussaini, to arrive on Monday morning.
Baculi said Friday's tune-up game will be the team's last in its Commissioner's Cup buildup as the Batang Pier focus on developing chemistry ahead of the February 8 opening.
Baculi admits import Justin Williams is not a high-scoring type of player, the reason the team is now surrounding him with several scorers. Williams scored nine points, grabbed nine rebounds and swatted away three shots against Air21.
"Iyan naman talaga ang role sa amin ni Justin. He's a defensive player kaya namin siya sinu-surround ng mga scorers," explained Baculi.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/baculi-happy-to-see-new-boy-mercado-blend-with-stars-david-and-miller

Ginebra is 'biggest loser' as Globalport gets Aguilar, Mercado in blockbuster deals By Snow Badua

Meralco's Sol Mercado, left, and Kelly Nabong were shipped to Globalport for Rey Guevarra, Vic Manuel and Josh Vanlandingham while Talk 'N Text's wantaway center, Japeth Aguilar, and Rabeh Al-Hussaini traded places.Jerome Ascano

Kings 'biggest losers' as Global nets Aguilar, Mercado in pair of deals
NEARLY four hours of negotiations in Singapore saw Globalport seal two blockbuster trade that involves Japeth Aguilar, Solomon Mercado and handful of young cagers.

The first step saw Globalport agree to a  one-on-one swap with Talk 'N Text for the wantaway Aguilar that saw Batang Pier center Rabeh Al-Hussaini reunite with his college coach Norman Black at the Texters camp.

A few hours later, Globalport sealed a three-for-two trade that saw Batang Pier’s young wingmen Rey Guevarra, Vic Manuel and Josh Vanlandingham moving to Meralco for Mercado and rookie Kelly Nabong.

The trades are subject to the approval of the Commissioner's Office.

A couple more transactions are still on the table in what initially started as a six-team, 12-player merry go round, but some parts of the negotiations are either on hold or have been abandoned.

The biggest loser, though, may be Barangay Ginebra, which may end up holding an empty bag after the trading frenzy.

Aguilar was supposed to end up at the Ginebra camp in the secon half of the deals that would see the Kings part with Kerby Raymundo, but such moves are now in doubt.

Sources revealed that it was the Talk 'N Text camp which put its foot down and demanded that Aguilar be retained by Globalport, denying Ginebra a chance to land the 6-9 Aguilar.

Ginebra, sources added, already had an offer on the table for the enigmatic center.

Another planned Globalport trade for Jay Washington also appeared scuttled. A source told Spin.ph that Petron wants Vic Manuel to be part of any deal for Washington, but the hard-working rookie has already been dealt to the Bolts.

“Yung deal dun (sa Petron for Washington and Manuel) eh mukhang malabo na," said the source who refused to be named.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-is-biggest-loser-as-globalport-gets-aguilar-mercado-in-blockbuster-deals#.UQnbFQFuRTs.twitter

Tim Cone: ‘Sakuragi’ Pingris big boost to SMART-Gilas Pilipinas

Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Tuesday, January 29, 2013 · 7:45 pm

AKTV/Pranz Kaeno Billones

San Mig Coffee livewire forward Marc Pingris is the newest member of the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team, and his coach Tim Cone couldn’t be more excited.
“I think he’ll be a key contributor. I’m really happy for Ping,” Cone told InterAKTV. “I’m sure, he, too, is very proud about his selection.”
Cone said Pingris, nicknamed ‘Sakuragi’ after the anime character for his firebrand style of play, brings a different dimension to SMART-Gilas.
“He does so many things that were never done by other members of the squad,” said Cone.
Pingris’ entry into SMART-Gilas could mean missing games for San Mig Coffee in the Governors’ Cup, the schedule of which is still being set by the PBA. With this in mind, Cone said that the team could choose to bring back Marqus Blakely, who led the franchise to a finals appearance in the season-ending tournament last season. During his stint, fans compared Blakely’s style of play to that of Pingris, earning him the nickname ‘Black Sakuragi’.
“We’re looking to bring him in for the third conference,” said Cone.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/tim-cone-sakuragi-pingris-big-boost-to-smart-gilas-pilipinas

For Mark Barroca, the time is now CARLO PAMINTUAN

January 29, 2013 6:33pm

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Some basketball players often feel lost when they are taken away from the game. They compete so hard so they can continue competing. For professional basketball players, there’s really only one perfect time to rest. It’s right after his team wins a championship. Any other ending is abrupt and unwelcome.

 

For Mark Barroca, disconnecting from competitive basketball is as easy as a making a wide open layup. 

 

It was a Tuesday afternoon, a day before Game 4 of the Philippine Cup finals between the Talk ‘n Text Tropang Texters and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters commenced. Barroca, along with his wife Ruselle and their five-month-old baby Natalie Faith, were having lunch inside a Quezon City mall.

 

The San Mig point guard held their baby. Food was right in front of him but he refused to dig in just yet. He was waiting for Natalie’s yaya to finish eating before he did. To pass time, Barroca held his baby’s hand while singing a two-worded lyrical masterpiece.

“Close-open, close-open,” he sang but the baby refused to move.

Her father was persistent. “Huwag mong ipapahiya si daddy, anak, may bisita tayo,” he pleaded. Natalie finally relented, opening and closing her small hand to her father’s singing.

 

The father broke into a smile while enjoying his baby’s movements as his wife looked on. The couple looked happy, far from the situation they were in a few years back.

 

I tried asking about the FEU Tamaraws but Barroca was quick to stop me.

“Nakaraan na yun,” he said. “San Mig Coffee na lang yung pag-usapan natin,” he added. 

 

Barroca’s San Mig Coffee Mixers were on vacation. They lost 4-2 to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. In Barroca’s perfect world, he would not be eating inside a mall at the very moment. He’d be inside a gym, sweaty from practice while watching tape of the Talk ‘n Text Tropang Texters. 

 

What do you think about the Tropang Texters dominating the Elasto Painters? Do you think the Mixers could have put up a better fight? How about Jayson Castro? How do you stop a guy like that? Do you ever stop and wish that it was your Mixers challenging the Tropang Texters?

 

These were the questions I wanted to ask him but apparently he is not even remotely interested in watching the PBA finals.

 

“Yung asawa ko pa nga yung nagbabalita sa akin na 3-0 na daw yung lamang ng Talk ‘n Text,” Barroca said. “Siya rin yung nagsabi sa akin na hindi na si Denzel Bowles yung import namin next conference,” he added as he carefully handed their baby to his wife. 

 

I would have thought he’d be intently following the series, licking his wounds, and sharpening his claws so he can come back stronger in the next conference. Apparently, Barroca is not like other players who punish themselves by watching someone else winning to make them hungrier for the next time. All the inspiration Barroca needed was right in front of him.

 

Barroca and his wife brought their baby to the hospital earlier that day for one of her scheduled shots. Ruselle said that Natalie didn’t cry while getting her shot.  “Yung tatay pa nga yung natatakot,” she joked. 

 

Baby Nat, as her parents sometimes call her, looks like every other five-month-old baby out there, except all the other babies have two months on her. Natali was born premature. She started life as an underdog. Much like her father.

 

The path to the PBA is long and arduous even for the most talented basketball players. It’s near impossible for a sub-six-feet guard from Zamboanga. Yet, Barroca made his way into the PBA and he makes it a point to make sure he’ll stay there for a long time.

 

“Hindi naman ako tumitigil magpakundisyon, nagtraining ako dun sa court malapit sa amin,” he said. He runs and shoots hoops to keep his body in condition while waiting to be called back for training. Barroca was doing all this extra work with a still swollen ankle. “Medyo namamaga pa rin pero kailangang pilitin,” he told me as he showed the ankle he injured in Game 4 of their series against Rain or Shine. “Medyo masakit pa pero di naman pwedeng magpakita ako sa training na wala sa kundisyon,” he added.

 

His work ethic has always been Barroca’s calling card. He knows there are point guards taller and faster than him and his only way of keeping in pace is by outworking them. This drive endeared him to most of his coaches. Former Smart Gilas head coach Rajko Toroman even labelled him as one of the hardest working players in Gilas and in the PBA today.

 

Back in college, there were days when he practiced thrice a day. He’ll practice with the FEU Tamaraws in the morning, with Harbour Centre in the afternoon, and with Smart Gilas at night. He even juggled that with college classes. “Sa sobrang pagod ko dati, tine-tape yung paa ko habang natutulog pa ako sa kama bago yung practice namin sa Gilas,” he shared. 

 

The family then made their way out of the restaurant and into the mall to look for a baptismal dress for Natalie. Barroca, like every guy in history, wanted to buy the first dress that they saw. Ruselle, like every other girl in history, liked the dress but didn’t love it so they continued looking until they found the perfect dress for their princess. 

 

In between stores, Barroca would find the time to chat more. He talked about how he loved playing alongside Joe Devance. “Pag kasama ko si Joe, pwede na akong mag-leak out kasi kaya niyang magdala yung bola at kahit sa half court alam niya talaga yung mga sets ni coach Tim [Cone],” he shared. Then he’d talk about looking for a piece of land he could invest it. He’d jump from the hardships of learning the Triangle System to the excitement about going home to Zamboanga so his family could finally see his baby in person.

 

During our entire conversation, it was never just about basketball and it was because it isn’t all about basketball for Mark Barroca. Basketball is not the end-goal. It’s just a way to provide a comfortable life for his family. He’s just puts so much into it because a long and fruitful career means a better life in the future. 

 

Just before we parted for that day, he told me that although he was happy winning his first championship in the PBA, he felt that he didn’t contribute a lot during the run. “Sobrang saya nung nag-champion kami pero si Josh [Urbiztondo] pa yung main point guard nun. Sana magkaroon rin ako ng chance na gawin yun,” Barroca said. 

 

Even the player himself could not have guessed what would happen next. A handful of days after he said that, the San Mig Coffee Mixers participated in a trade that cost them JC Intal, Aldrech Ramos, and Jonas Villanueva, the Mixers’ only point guard outside Barroca. It became clear that Cone is ready to hand over the reigns of his Triangle Offense to Barroca.

 

“Malungkot ako sa nangyari kasi parang kapatid na namin sila,” Barroca said after he heard of the trade. “Pero ganun talaga ang trabaho namin.”

 

In only his second year as a professional basketball player, Barroca will now be tasked run the offense for the San Mig Coffee Mixers while being in charge of defending the best guards of the opposing teams. On February 8, Barroca will officially assume the role of full-time starting point guard for the Mixers. Adding to the drama is the fact that they will be up against the Barako Bull Energy Cola, the current team of the two point guards the Mixers traded away to clear the path for Barroca.

There’s no time to shy away from the spotlight now. There’s nowhere to hide. It may have come too soon for the time is now for one Andy Mark Barroca. - OMG, GMA News

Bolts star Mercado admits he's headed for Globalport at center of six-team mega-deal By Snow Badua

It's lights out for Sol Mercado at Meralco as he's headed for Globalport as part of a six-team, mega deal. Jerome Ascano

MERALCO is taking a giant step toward what it hopes could be the major piece that will take the franchise to the next level in the PBA.
And sadly, it meant parting ways with one of its top superstars.
In what could be the biggest shocker in the pre-Commissioner’s Cup break, the Bolts finally bared their cards and openly declared they’re ready to trade away high-scoring guard Solomon Mercado.
The stocky Fil-Puerto Rican point guard will be the center of a blockbuster trade that is expected to materialize Wednesday afternoon and bound to eclipse last week’s stunning five-team, 10-player deal.
No less than Mercado himself confirmed the reports that reached Spin.ph through multiple sources.
“Coach (Ryan Gregorio) told me I am going to be traded,” said Mercado, obviously still puzzled by the sudden turn of events.
The young sentinel was informed that he’s bound to suit up for Globalport and be reunited with Harbour Centre team owner Mikee Romero for the mid-season conference that starts on February 8.
A known winner, Mercado lets out some of his emotions but was careful not to offend the team that has served as his home for the past two seasons.
“I though we’re building up. We’re only a big man away from that target. Now I am being traded. But that’s business,” Mercado said in a sad tone.
“I don’t like being traded. I love this team,” he added. “I wish it may not happen like this, but everything happens for a reason. And I know God has a plan.”
Asked if he felt bad about the impending trade, Mercado replied in the positive, saying, “definitely, but I am looking forward to a new start.”
The trade is expected to be finalized and sent to Commissioner Chito Salud for approval when the PBA board of governors convenes in Singapore for a two-day meeting starting Wednesday.
The deal is expected to involve five other teams and a number of players, most of whom are marquee and above average.
But on the positive side, playing for Globalport meant revisiting Mercado’s owner-player relationship with Romero back in their Philippine Basketball League days when the Batang Pier won a handful of championships.
“I love Boss Mikee. He’s a very supportive and a cool guy,” said Mercado, who landed at Meralco following a similar trade with Rain or Shine when Yeng Guiao assumed the coaching job for the team.
“I can’t wait to win a championship with him (Romero) and my new team.”

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: 

San Mig's Pingris to cancel August trip to see dad in France to play for Gilas By Snow Badua

For Marc Pingris, answering the Gilas Pilipinas call means cancelling a long-planned trip to France for a reunion with his dad and namesake Jean Marc Pingris, Sr. Jerome Ascano

PLAYING for the flag entails a lot of sacrifice.
That goes for San Mig Coffee star Jean Marc Pingris as he gets ready to join the Gilas Pilipinas team that is set to compete before home fans in the Fiba-Asia Men's Basketball Championship this August.
Pingris has been given the green light by the San Miguel organization to join Gilas, but answering the call means cancelling a long-planned trip to France for a reunion with his dad and namesake Jean Marc Pingris, Sr.
The Pozurrubio Pangasinan-raised dribbler had long planned the trip to attend an important family gathering in France with his wife Danica and kids Jean Michelle and Caila.
“Malaking event kasi sa family naming yun eh," said Pingris.
The San Mig power forward has yet to summon the guts to tell him his dad the bad news, saying he prefers to wait until the Gilas summon becomes official before making the overseas call to France.
But San Mig governor Rene Pardo told Spin.ph that Pingris is officially in the team because Gilas has already informed them of the loan.
“Tumawag na sa amin and sinabi nga na hihiramin si Pingris. We’re giving our full support to the national team," said Pardo. "So pwede nang tumawag si Marc sa daddy niya."
Meanwhile, Pingris, one of the players under the San Miguel organization who national coach Chot Reyes has long coveted, said he is looking forward to playing for flag and country.
“Syempre masaya ako maglaro sa national team … Karangalan ito eh na maipapagmamalaki ng mga anak ko balang araw”, said the 31-year-old, who is married to the daughter of comedian-TV host Vic Sotto.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-migs-pingris-to-cancel-august-trip-to-see-dad-in-france-to-play-for-gilas#.UQdY3MwOERc.twitter