Pingris working double time as he prepares to take on Asia's finest big men By Snow Badua

“Kailangang mas magpalakas eh. Pag nakuha tayo (sa Gilas Pilipinas), mabigat ang pwesto na lalaruan natin,” says San Mig Coffee forward Marc Pingris. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee workhorse Marc Pingris on Monday bared that he’s now working double time on his conditioning to prepare himself for the tough task ahead - the Fiba-Asia Men’s Basketball Championship.
The 31-year-old native of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan said roadwork is now a nightly routine for him to complement his training with San Mig as he bids to be in the best shape of his life if he makes the 12-man team that will represent the country in the August 1-11 showpiece in Manila.
“Kailangang mas magpalakas eh. Pag nakuha tayo, mabigat ang pwesto na lalaruan natin,” said the bull-strong San Mig forward, considered a shoo-in for one of the power forward spots in coach Chot Reyes’ Gilas Pilipinas team.
Running is just one of the many extra work Pingris has been doing daily to hit top shape.
Aware that he will be up against much bigger opponents if he gets drafted for the team that will vie for a spot in next year’s Fiba-World Basketball Championship in Spain, the hard-nosed 6-foot-5 banger has also started a strict diet and scaled down his night life.
“Kaya ngayon pa lang, kailangan nang mag-double-up sa workout kaya ako tumatakbo gabi-gabi,” he said. “Mas disciplined ako ngayon. Ingat sa pagkain at lalong wala nang gimik sa gabi.”
Pingris also sees the current format of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as a chance to prepare himself for the expected constant banging he is bound to encounter during the Fiba-Asia meet.
“Sanay naman ako bumantay at sumabay sa malalaki, madalas nga ako magbantay ng import, di ba?” said Pingris, who is concentrating on perfecting his footwork and his post-up moves.
The San Mig forward said that playing in front of basketball-loving Filipinos during the tournament which the country is hosting for the first time in 40 years makes it even more imperative for him to be 100 percent.
Pingris also declined to make any prediction on the country's performance, saying “nasa amin nang players yun. Kailangang pag-trabahuhan namin yun. Mas gusto ko kasi `yung gagawin na lang kaysa sasabihin pa.”
But first things first, Pingris has to make sure to crack Gilas’ final 12-man roster.
“Kailangan makapasok pa rin muna ako sa 12-man lineup ni coach Chot (Reyes). Madami pa kami ngayon … at lahat hindi pa sure.”
And for him to realize that, Pingris says he will have to be better player.
“Even better than before,” he said.

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source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pingris-working-double-time-as-he-prepares-to-take-on-asias-finest-big-men

Secretive James keeps teammates guessing on new girl in his life By Snow Badua

“Very silent siya, kasi mas gusto niya pag-usapan siya as a basketball player dahil 'yun naman talaga siya eh," says Reena del Mundo, San Mig Coffee marketing head, of James Yap. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig superstar James Yap remained tight-lipped on the new girl in his life, but hinted that he may soon let the cat out of the bag.
“Relax ka lang, darating din tayo d’yan," chuckled Yap when Spin.ph caught up with him during the charity garage sale he held on Saturday at the Fabulous Autoshop along Granada Street in Quezon City.
Yap, 30, had earlier revealed to Spin.ph that he is "getting there" as far as having another relationship is concerned, over a year after the collapse of his marriage to actress and TV personality Kris Aquino.
There had been rumors that the soft-spoken native of Escalante, Negros Occidental is now dating an Italian-Australian stunner - talk Yap declined to confirm or deny.
Asked if the same lady was the reason he took a vacation in Milan, Italy last month during the post-Philippine Cup break (For photos of Yap during the vacation, click here: James recharges batteries), he laughed: “Ikaw na ang showbiz reporter."
He added: "Pero seriously, makikilala niyo rin siya."
So secretive is Yap about the girl that even his closest friends at San Mig Coffee have yet to meet her.
“Napakalihim niyan pagdating sa private life niya," said teammate Jerwin Gaco, who disclosed that among the Mixers it was only Marc Pingris who has seen the 'mysery girl' so far, albeit by accident.
“Aksidente pa ata 'yun noong nakita ni Marc … kasubuan na," said Gaco laughing.
Yap's marriage to Aquino was annulled last December. The relationship lasted five years and was marked by very public spats and controversy.
“Before and after that, talagang reserved si James pagdating sa mga relationships at private life niya," said Reena del Mundo, San Mig Coffee marketing head.
“Very silent siya, kasi mas gusto niya pag-usapan siya as a basketball player dahil 'yun naman talaga siya eh," added del Mundo. “If you notice, never siya nag comment about Kris and his personal relationships."
But del Mundo said Yap is always proud to talk about his celebrity son, James Junior (Bimby).

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source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/secretive-james-keeps-teammates-guessing-on-new-girl-in-his-life-v02

Inspired Barako Bull win completes shutout of three SMC-owned squads By Richard Dy

Barako Bull import Evan Brock had a relatively quiet debut until he made his mark in the end. Jerome Ascano

AN injury-ravaged Barako Bull leaned on the endgame heroics of new recruitJonas Villanueva, import Evan Brock and veteran forward Danny Seigle to pull off a 79-75 victory over an import-less San Mig Coffee on Friday night in the two teams' PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Villanueva, who arrived from San Mig just two weeks ago as part of the blockbuster five-man, 10-player trade, played with fire in his eyes, facilitating well and knocking down the key baskets against his former team.
Brock and Seigle then combined for nine of the team's last 10 points while helping the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions to just one basket inside the final two minutes to ice the win.
“It’s a very important win for us. Considering that San Mig was playing without an import, it’s still a great win for us,” said Rajko Toroman, Barako Bull’s coaching consultant.
The loss left the San Miguel organization winless in three games featuring its teams in two leagues, coming just after the setback suffered by Petron at the hands of newcomer Globalport and the Beermen's defeat to the Indonesia Warriors in the ABL.
Toroman said the team is going through a lot of adjustments, from injuries to key players, the entry of new faces due to the trade, plus a new system he introduced less than a month ago.
“We missed four players. Roger Yap will undergo surgery (back), while JC Intal, Sean Anthony, Celino Cruz and Eman Monfort are still injured as well. In this situation, we still had an amazing result,” said the 57-year-old Serb.
Seigle finished with just eight points, but he hit a three-pointer that opened a five-point lead for Barako Bull in the endgame as well as the two free throws that ended the Mixers' hopes.
Despite missing import Matt Rogers who is still confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center due to suspected food poisoning, the Mixers kept the Energy Cola in check for much of the contest.
James Yap carried the fight for the Mixers with 19 points while Rafi Reavis and PJ Simon added 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Toroman admits their import Brock is not be as explosive a scorer as the other imports, but the 6-9 lefty still led the Energy Cola with 18 points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
Josh Urbiztondo, another former San Mig Coffee guard, added 17 points for Barako Bull while going 5-of-10 from beyond the three-point arc.
The scores:
Barako Bull 79 - Brock 18, Urbiztondo 17, Villanueva 16, Macapagal 8, Seigle 8, Maliksi 7, Pennisi 5, Duncil 0, Kramer 0, Allado 0
San Mig Coffee 75 - Yap 19, Reavis 13, Simon 11, Najorda 8, Devance 6, Pingris 6, Mallari 5, Barroca 4, Alvarez 3, Gonzales 0
Quarterscores: 16-19, 38-36, 55-52, 79-75

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source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/inspired-barako-bull-win-completes-shutout-of-three-smc-owned-squads

Rogers and out as import ruled out of San Mig debut due to food poisoning By Snow Badua

According to team insiders, Matt Rogers had apparently eaten spoiled pasta on Thursday night and soon after complained of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and nausea. Jerome Ascano

BAD news for San Mig Coffee fans.
Import Matt Rogers will be forced to sit out when the Mixers begin their title defense in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday against Barako Bull after being downed by food poisoning.
A Spin.ph source said the 6-foot-11 slotman had apparently eaten spoiled pasta on Thursday night and soon after complained of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and nausea.
Rogers was immediately rushed to the Cardinal Santos hospital, where he is still confined at the moment.
“Sayang nga kasi talagang ang ganda ng ipinapakita niya sa laro these past few days,” said the same source. “Gusto pa naman niyang patunayan `yung worth niya.”
A former Spanish league campaigner, Rogers faces the tough task of duplicating the championship feat of the Mixers last season when they won the import-laden conference behind fan favorite Denzel Bowles.
Rogers actually was San Mig’s first choice for import last season but was unavailable, giving the young Bowles the opening to win best import honors and lead the team to the Commissioner's Cup championship.
The 25-year-old Rogers is expected to be confined until Saturday morning.
“Kailangan namin matiyak na safe siya before na ilabas siya sa ospital,” added the same source, who nonetheless assured Rogers will be ready to suit up in the team’s next game against Petron on Wednesday.
“Okay na siya by that time. Ngayon lang talaga di pwede kasi talagang dehydrated siya.”

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source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rogers-and-out-as-import-ruled-out-of-san-mig-debut-due-to-food-poisoning

San Mig begins title defense against Barako By Richard Dy

Head coach Tim Cone and the Mixers are eyeing loftier targets this time after making it to the semifinals of the Philippine Cup. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee begins its PBA Commissioner’s Cup title defense when it clashes with an improved Barako Bull five on Friday at the start of the import-laden, mid-season conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Mixers gave up Jonas Villanueva and JC Intal to the Energy Cola two weeks ago in a blockbuster five-team, 10-player trade. But in return, coach Tim Cone’s charges got 6-foot-4 rookie guard Alex Mallari, bruiser Leo Najorda, Lester Alvarez plus a future draft pick to boost its already formidable line-up.
On the other hand, aside from Villanueva and Intal, the Energy Cola also got high-flying Allein Maliksi and Jojo Duncil, injecting the much-needed young blood to their aging roster.
Cone said his team, which will parade former Texas Legends forward Matt Rogers as import, has been wrestling with the recent roster transition as he patiently teaches the newcomers the rudiments of the triangle offense.
“We haven’t really had a chance to work on defense yet. Our team still has a lot of work to be done, though we’re getting a little better,” said Cone, whose team tangles with Barako Bull in the 7:30 p.m. game.
Barako Bull also underwent major changes. Before the trade, former Petron team consultant Rajko Toroman was tapped to run Barako Bull as the George Chua-Bert-Lina owned franchise hopes to have a better showing in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Toroman, who will be assuming the active team consultant role for Barako Bull, has instilled his European-coaching style to the Energy Cola, which requires a lot of ball movement and perimeter shooting.
Barako Bull Import Evan Brock said everyone in the team has been picking up the system well and is confident they could play well against the Mixers.
“It’s a new system and we have a new coach. But he’s (Toroman) been taking time with us. Making sure we understand and learn the system the way we are supposed to learn it. I think we’re doing good,” Brock told Spin.ph, who averaged 17 points in the team’s five tune up games.

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source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-begins-title-defense-against-barako-bull

Rookie Mallari keen to kick-start career as he takes on point-guard duties for Cone By Richard Dy

“The triangle is such a complicated system because up to now, I’m just trying to learn the basics. I’m not even learning the defense yet,” says new San Mig guard Alex Mallari. Jerome Ascano

ROOKIE Alex Mallari is starting to feel at home as he works to rebuild his confidence and kick-start his stalled professional career at San Mig Coffee.
The trade that sent him to the Mixers camp gives Mallari the chance to start afresh after a forgettable debut conference with Petron, most of which he spent at the farthest end of Olsen Racela's bench.
But moving to a new team entails new challenges and major adjustments for the No. 3 pick overall of the last rookie draft, who has now been entrusted to share the point-guard duties with sophomore Mark Barroca under Tim Cone's triangle offense.
“I’m pretty good, though I’m still adjusting to learning the triangle system," the gangling 6-4 player told Spin.ph. "I just got to pick it up pretty quick because coach Tim puts a lot on my shoulders."
Mallari said learning the triangle offense is not easy and will take time, so much so that the Fil-American admits he is still grappling with the basics of Tex Winter's offense two weeks after moving to the Mixers.
“The triangle is such a complicated system because up to now, I’m just trying to learn the basics. I’m not even learning the defense yet,” he added.
The Mixers are 0-3 so far in their pre-Commissioner’s Cup buildup with import Matt Rogers in tow, but Mallari remains confident the team will be ready for the start of their title defense against Barako Bull on Friday.
Playing just nine games in the Philippine Cup, Mallari finished with averages of 4.73 points, two rebounds and 1.1 assist in 15.7 minutes as he had to compete for playing time with playmakers Alex Cabagnot, Dennis Miranda and Chico Lanete.

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source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rookie-mallari-keen-to-kick-start-career-as-he-takes-on-point-guard-duties-for-cone

Garage sale marks fresh start for James Yap as new relationship 'getting there' By Snow Badua

The normally evasive James Yap allowed Spin.ph a rare peek into his private life while talking about his garage sale this weekend, saying a new-found relationship is "getting there." Jerome Ascano

JAMES Yap is ready  to start afresh as far as his personal life is concerned.
The normally evasive San Mig Coffee star allowed Spin.ph a rare peek into his private life while talking about his garage sale this weekend, saying a new-found relationship is "getting there."
The two-time PBA MVP said on Wednesday he is finally starting to savor life as a bachelor, a year after his high-profile, five-year marriage to top showbiz celebrity Kris Aquino was annulled by the courts.
“Basta nag-eenjoy ako,” said the 30-year-old with a laugh. “Wala pa naman exactly nagpapatibok ng puso ko, basta."
The sweet-shooting San Mig star declined to let out additional details, evading direct questions on his love life with boyish replies of "Secret" then bursting into more laughter.
But pressed for answers, the Escalante, Negros Occidental native relented and shed a little light on his status as a dating man by responding, “We’re getting there."
“Basta nag-eenjoy ako ngayon," he said. "Settle down? Sabihin na lang natin na … I’m getting there."
Asked if he is dating another showbiz personality after his stormy marriage to Aquino, Yap answered: “Wala, hindi na tayo pwede sa sikat, kasi magulo.
"Private person na lang tayo ngayon."
Meanwhile, Yap said proceeds from the sale of his personal stuff this weekend at the Fabulous Autoworks, No. 96 Granada Street, Valencia, Quezon City will go to a charitable institution where he hopes to spend his birthday on February 15.
“Lagi ko naman ginagawa yung pag-share ng blessings pag may occasion tulad ng birthday ko," said the soft-spoken Yap, for so long regarded as the face of the pro league.
Yap said he will sell his personal items like shoes, clothes, and other memorabilia in the one-day garage sale organized by his brother Jeff - stuff he can no longer store in his new house.
“Ang place ko kasi ngayon hindi naman ganun kalaki. Iyong gamit ko, hindi naman sa pagmamayabang, medyo madami. Medyo over sa place ko," Yap said. “Sayang naman kung nasa kahon lang.”
Yap promised to personally grace the event.

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source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/special-reports/garage-sale-marks-fresh-start-for-james-yap-as-new-relationship-getting-there