37th PBA Season: Schedule of Games (Oct. 05, 2011)

The 37th PBA season will have its first double header at the Cuneta Astrodome as newly revamped Powerade Tigers will play against another new in the league (new team name) Shopinas.com Clickers in the first game. Second game will be the battle of sister teams Petron Blaze Boosters and BMEG Llamados parading its new headcoach Tim Cone. 

1st Game(5:15 pm): Powerade Tigers vs. Shopinas.com Clickers

Powerade Tigers will play minus their number 1 pick overall and national team mainstay JV Casio, who suffered from Patelar Femoral Syndrome that he acquired way back from FIBA-ASIA championship. The team will be showcasing their newly revamped line-up that highlight's another Smart Gilas mainstay Marcio Lassiter, rookies James Martinez and Rudy Lingganay, Josh Vanlandingham and Doug Kramer which they acquired from Rain Or Shine in a trade, veterans Rommel Adducul and combacking Alex Crisano, to help the team's go-to-guy Gary David, Dennis Espino and the rest of the team.

Shopinas.com meanwhile will have its debut game tonight headed by veteran collegiate headcoach Franz Pumaren. Majority of the team's players are free agents from different teams, rookies and players from disbanded Barako Bull franchise. Shopinas is lead by PBA veteran shooter Ren-Ren Ritualo together with Ogie Menor, Paolo Hubalde, Khazim Mirza and Jojo Duncil forming the team's core. Also in the team are rookies Magi Sison, Marc Canlas, Brian Ilad, RJ Jazul, Elmer Espiritu, Vaughn Canta and combacking Homer Se. 

2nd Game(7:30 pm): Petron Blaze Boosters vs. BMEG Llamados

While 1st game is a battle of newly constructed teams, the second game is a battle of the 2 powerhouse teams and championship contenders. Petron, the Governor's cup champions retain most of its core line-up, with addition of rookies Chris Lutz and Marc Agustin. Petron also got Don-Don Hontiveros and Carlos Sharma from a trade with Barako Bull. Marc Borboran, though has signed a contract with the team, will stay wait for the final decision from the commissioner to which team he will play. All in all, Petron will suit up only 11 players tonight - minus Borboran, Jay Washington and Rabeh Al-Husaini.

BMEG Llamados on the other hand will play under a new system - the triangle together with triangle system master Tim Cone. Tonight's game is a testament on how far the team is in terms of learning the triangle. Lead by superstars James Yap and Peter June Simon, rookie Mark Barroca, Joe Devance, veteran Roger Yap, and the return of the "sampayan brigade" of Kerby Raymundo, Rafi Reavis and Rico Maierfoher, the team is surely a finals contender.

Disclaimer: The author does not hold copyrights of the image used in this blog post. Credits of the images goes to pbaddicts.net. 

PBA 37th Season Opening: PBA Team Muses

Apart from the amazing stage, spectacular intermission numbers from various entertainers, the parade of players, the opening ceremonies and the hall of fame induction of "The Black Spiderman" Billy Bay Rates, people who watch the opening of the 37th Season of the PBA inside the Big Dome and at the comforts of their homes (especially the men basketball fans) also excited to see the parade of muses of each of the PBA teams. While last year it was Vice Ganda who surprised everyone, being the muse of Powerade Tigers, this time it was  the Talk N Text Tropang Texters who made the biggest surprise - by having the superstar Nora Aunor (together with 2010 Ms. Universe 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj). Since the PBA was dubbed as "bayan ng superstars", Nora Aunor is definitely at home!.

Also included in the parade PBA muses is 2011 Ms. Universe 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup as the Ambassador of Light. For those who haven't watch the 37th PBA Season Opening, here's the pics of the muses from respective teams, courtesy of the PBA website.

1. Alaska Aces - Bubbles Paraiso

2. Barako Bull - Helga Krapt

3. BMEG Llamados - Rhian Ramos

4. Brgy. Ginebra Kings - Solenn Heussaff

5. Meralco Bolts - Bb. Pilipinas Intenational 2011 Diane Necio and Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011 Isabella Manjon

6. Petron Blaze Boosters - Miss World Philippines 2011 1st Princess Helen Nicolette Henson, 2nd Princess Martha Chloe McCully and Miss Photogenic Samantha Neville Purvor

7. Powerade Tigers - Maricar Reyes

8. Rain Or Shine ElastoPainters - Miss Earth Philippines-Fire 2011 Michelle Gavagan

9. Shopinas.com Clickerz - Iya Villania

10. Talk N Text Tropang Texters - Superstar Nora Aunor, 2010 Ms. Universe 4th Runner-up Venus Raj

Ambassador of Light - 2011 Ms. Universe 3rd Runner-up Shamcey Supsup

That's all!

Disclaimer: All images used in this post are owned by the PBA. Credits of the image goes to the PBA.

PBA Opening: Paul "the Lee-thal Weapon" Lee Sparks Rain Or Shine in Win vs. Ginebra

Technically, he may be a rookie in terms of years, but he played like a veteran in his debut game.

In his debut game, Paul "the Lee-thal weapon" Lee showed to the PBA fans that he can compete with the league's finest - including 2001 rookie of the year and Ginebra superstar Mark "the spark" Cagiuoa. The 2nd overall pick in the recent PBA rookie draft was as good as advertised; helping the ElastoPainters to win its first game of the season versus the crowd favorite Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings 94-93 in the lone game of the opening of the 37th Season of the PBA.

Lee does what he does best scoring off or making his teammates involve with his superb passing skills. He finished with 21 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds off the bench; making it one of the best performance of a rookie in a debut game. Though he missed all of his 6 attempts from beyond the arc, he managed to get 7 out of 9 from the 2-point territory that propelled Rain Or Shine to its first win of the season - against the team that they haven't defeated in six meetings last season.

According to coach Guiao, "Paul Lee played a great game". "He's physically tough, mentally tough. It's a natural talent". The rookie scored 10 points in the opening quarter that changed the complexion of the game; from 11-2 Ginebra lead to 20-19 Rain Or Shine at the end of 1st Quarter.

Jeff Chan also had his share, scoring 18 points(12 in the third) which includes a rare 4-point play to end the 3rd Quarter. Gabe Norwood finished with 11 (5 in the fourth), and Jervy Cruz with 8 (4 in the fourth). ROS's largest lead of the game stood at 87-71 with 7:43 in the fourth.

What looked like a blown game turned out into an interesting, tight contest as the never say die attitude of the Kings showed; cutting the 16-point deficit down to 3, 94-91 with 20.8 seconds remaining. JC Intal had the chance to forced the game into overtime, as he was fouled by J.R. Quinahan while attempting a 3-point shot, but missed the final freethrow, thus sealing Rain Or Shine's first victory of the season.

 JC Intal and Cagioua both has 16 points in a losing effort for Ginebra. But, it's definitely the night for Paul "Lee-thal Weapon" Lee. 

The scores:

Rain or Shine 94 - Lee 21, Chan 18, Norwood 11, Buenafe 10, Cruz 8, Quinahan 7, Matias 6, Belga 4,
Rodriguez 4, Ibanes 4, Arana 1.

Ginebra 93 - Intal 16, Caguioa 16, Helterbrand 11, Tubid 8, Cortez 8, Wilson J. 6, Canaleta 6,
Villanueva 6, Labagala 5, Mamaril 5, Wilson W. 4, De Ocampo 2, Cervantes 0.

Quarters: 20-19, 44-37, 77-62, 94-93 

37th PBA Season: PBA Teams' Official Line-Up Part 2

ALASKA ACES

Head Coach: Joel Banal

0     Julius Pasculado
3     Cyrus Baguio
4     Jay-R Reyes
5     LA Tenorio
7     Sonny Thoss
10   Mac Baracael
12   Eric Salamat
13   Bon-Bon Custodio
21   Paolo Bugia
24   Brandon Cablay
26   Ariel Mepana
33   Samigue Eman
34   Wesley Gonzales
35   Tony Dela Cruz
Hans Paul Thiele (Reserved/Injured)
Ervin Sotto (Reserved/Injured)


BARAKO BULL ENERGY


Head Coach: Junel Baculi


4    Dorian Peña
5    Jondan Salvador
8    Don Allado
11  Willie Miller
14   Leo Najorda
16   Paul Artadi
18   Allein Maliksi
19   Wynne Arboleda
26   Paul Sorongon
33   Dylan Ababou
42   Danny Seigle
88   Mick Pennisi
95   Leo Avenido
Lou Gatumbato (Reserved/Injured)
Kenneth Acibar (Reserved/Injured)


MERALCO BOLTS


Head Coach: Ryan Gregorio


2      Chris Timberlake
3      Sol Mercado
5     Asi Taulava
7     Nelbert Omolon
8     Mark Yee
9     Yousif Aljamal
10   Gabby Espinas
12   Mark Isip
14   Mark Cardona
15   Gilbert Bulawan
16   Jason Ballesteros
26   Chico Lanete
80   Mark Macapagal
0     Bryan Faundo
Chris Ross (Reserved/Injured)
Reynel Hugnatan (Reserved/Injured)


SHOPINAS.COM


Head Coach: Franz Pumaren


1     Brian Ilad
5     Jojo Duncil
7     Mark Canlas
9     Elmer Espiritu
10   Magi Sison
12   Paulo Hubalde
13   RJ Jazul
14   Ren-Ren Ritualo
15   Ogie Menor
33   Vaughn Canta
41   Khazim Mirza
52   Dennis Daa


TALKNTEXT TROPANG TEXTERS


Head Coach: Chot Reyes


3     Jimmy Alapag
4     Harvey Carey
10   Ryan Reyes
12   Larry Fonacier
16   Pamboy Raymundo
17   Jason Castro
20   Jared Dillinger
21   Kelly Williams
35   Japhet Aguilar
33   Ranidel De Ocampo
34   Ali Peek
40   Rich Alvarez
51   Aaron Aban
98   Gilbert Lao

37th PBA Season: PBA Teams' Official Line-Up Part 1

The 37th PBA Season will start tomorrow, October 2, 2011 with the crowd favorite Brgy. Ginebra Kings versus the Rain Or Shine ElastoPainters right after the opening ceremonies. The opening also highlights the parade of all the 10 competing PBA teams with their complete roster (and beautiful muse/s). Want to know the line-up of your favorite team, as well as the line-up of the other teams? You don't have to wait for the PBA opening ceremonies, or wait for your favorite team's first play date. This article will provide you the complete line-up for the 37th Season of the PBA.

B-MEG LLAMADOS

Head Coach: Tim Cone

0     Jonas Villanueva

1     Rico Maierhofer

2      Josh Urbiztondo

3      Andy Mark Barroca

4      Rafi Reavis

8      Peter June Simon

13    Roger Yap

15    Marc Pingris

18    James Yap

19    Gerwin Gaco

35    Kerby Raymundo

38    Joes Devance

55    John Ferriols

60    Val Acuña

BRGY. GINEBRA KINGS

Head Coach: Siot Tanquingcen/Jong Uichico

1     Mike Cortez

2     Billy Mamaril

4     Jimbo Aquino

5     Robert Labagala

6     JC Intal

9     Nino Canaleta

13   JJ Helterbrand

18   Yancy De Ocampo

20   Reil Cervantes

23   Rico Villanueva

24   John Wilson

27   Willy Wilson

47   Mark Caguioa

71   Ronald Tubid

Eric Menk (Reserved/Injured)

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS

Head Coach: Ato Agustin

3     Chris Lutz

4     Marc Agustin

5     Alex Cabagnot

6     Rey Guevarra

7     Don-Don Hontiveros

10   Danny Ildefonso

11   Rabeh Al-Hussaini

18   Joseph Yeo

23   Jay Washington

27   Nonoy Baclao

29   Arwind Santos

32   Dennis Miranda

34   Carlos Sharma

POWERADE TIGERS

Head Coach: Bo Perasol

1    Celino Cruz

3    James Martinez

4    Rudy Lingganay

8    Francis Allera

10  Sean Anthony

13  Marcio Lassiter

17  Rommel Adducul

18  Doug Kramer

20  Gary David

22  Josh Vanlandingham

24  Ricky Calimag

34  William Antonio

42  J.V. Casio

43  Alex Crisano

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTOPAINTERS

Head Coach: Yeng Guiao

1     Jonathan Uyloan

3     Paul Lee

5     Larry Rodriguez

6     Jireh Ibañez

8     Ronjay Buenafe

10   Gabe Norwood

11   T.Y Tang

16   Jeff  Chan

18   Ryan Araña

20   Jervy Cruz

21   Chito Jaime

30   Beau Belga

33   Ronnie Matias

48   J.R Quinahan

Click here for part 2.

37th PBA Season: Unofficial Line-Up

With only a couple of weeks before the opening of the 37th season of the PBA, teams are now on their final phase of preparation to get the crown. Some teams in fact, are now playing tune-up games against other PBA teams for conditioning purposes. Some of the team already have their rosters complete as early as this stage, some are trimming down to their final 14-men personnel, while some are looking for the missing piece that will complete their roster.

This is the unofficial line-up for the current teams in the PBA. I'll update this post as soon as some teams released their unofficial line-up.

Powerade Tigers:

Head Coach: Bo Perasol

Alex CRISANO
Doug KRAMER
Will ANTONIO
Ricky CALIMAG
Sean ANTHONY
Gary DAVID
Josh VANLANDINGHAM
Marcio LASSITER
Franciz ALLERA
Celino CRUZ
JVee CASIO
Rudy LINGGANAY
James MARTINEZ

Rommel Adducul

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTOPAINTERS(FINAL 14-MAN ROSTER)Head Coach: Yeng Guiao
JONATHAN UYLOAN
RONNIE MATIAS
LARRY RODRIGUEZ
JIREH IBANEZ
RONJAY BUENAFE
GABE NORWOOD
TY TANG
JEFF CHAN
RYAN ARAÑA
JERVY CRUZ
BEAU BELGA
JR QUINAHAN
PAUL LEE
CHITO JAIME

TNT Unofficial Line-up for the 37th PBA Season:

 Jimmy Alapag

 Jason Castro

 Pamboy Raymundo.
 Ryan Reyes

Larry Fonacier

Emerson Oreta
Kelly Williams

Jared Dellinger

Aaron Aban.
Ranidel de Ocampo

Harvey Carey

Rich Alvarez
Japeth Aguilar

Ali Peek

Gilbert Lao.


Barako Bull Energy (16-man roster)


DANNY SEIGLE
DON ALLADO
DYLAN ABABOU
ALLAINE MALIKSI
KEN ACIBAR
PAUL JOHN SORONGAN
LOU GATUMBATO
DORIAN PENA
JONDAN SALVADOR
MICK PENNISI
LEO NAJORDA
WILLIE MILLER
PAUL ARTADI
WYNNE ARBOLEDA
LEO AVENIDO
SUNDAY SALVACION

CUT:
MARCY ARELLANO
PATRICK CABAHUG
REED JUNTILLA


Alaska Aces (17-man roster)


SAMIGUE EMAN
CYRUS BAGUIO
LA- TENORIO
SONNY THOSS
JAY-R REYES
BONBON CUSTODIO
PAOLO BUGIA
BRANDON CABLAY
WESLEY GONZALES
TONY DELA CRUZ
MARK BORBORAN
HANS THIELE
JULIUS PASCULADOS
ARIEL MEPAÑA
MAC BARACAEL
ERIC SALAMAT

MIKE BURTSCHER (INJURED)


PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS
(FIRST DRAFT 14 MAN ROSTER)

JOSEPH YEO
LORDY TUGADE (NO CONTRACT YET)
DANNY ILDEFONSO
CHRIS LUTZ
DONDON HONTIVEROS
DENOK MIRANDA
ALEX CABAGNOT
REY GUEVARRA
NONOY BACLAO
CARLO SHARMA
ARWIND SANTOS
MARK AGUSTIN (ROOKIE)
JAY WASHINGTON (INJURED)
RABEH AL-HUSSAINI (INJURED)


Source: Snow Badua. Follow him on twitter @snowbadua

Update: 37th PBA Season Official Line Up: Click Here

PBA Trade Update: Barroca to B-MEG, Allado to Barako Bull, Espiritu to Shopinas.com

Image Source: http://pba.com.ph

B-MEG failed to get what they need the most in the recent PBA rookie draft - a legitimate point guard. But the team and its entire management didn't stop until they got what they dubbed as the missing piece of their campaign last season. If they can't have it on the draft, they can via trade.

B-MEG seems not to run out of luck as they got a legitimate point guard in the name of Mark Barroca in a three-team, multiplayer trade happened last september 6, 2011. The teams involved in the said trade were B-MEG, Barako Bull (former Air21) and Shopina.com (former Barako Bull). 

B-MEG got Mark Barroca, known by his superb play-making skills in his stint with Smart Gilas, from Shopinas.com (their 5th pick from the draft), Barako Bull acquired Don Carlos Allado from B-MEG, and Shopina.com got high leaper Elmer Espiritu from Barako Bull and rookie Brian Ilad from B-MEG. 

Commissioner Chito Salud approved and signed the trade ruling that it was a fair trade, with each team benefited with the players they got. 

With Mark Barroca playing the point spot together with Roger Yap and Josh Urbiztondo, and with the return of the original "sampayan brigade" of Rafi Reavis, Rico Maierhofer and Kerby Raymundo, plus Joe De Vance - BMEG Llamados is a force to reckon in the upcoming conference.


Update: Tim Cone named as new BMEG head coach: Read here.
Update: 37th PBA Season Official Line-up. Click here.

Disclaimer: The author does not hold copyright of the image used in this blog post. Credits goes to the owner of the image.

PBA Trade Updates before the PBA 37th Season Kicks-off

Credits of the Image used belongs to the Philippine Basketball Association

With still one month to go before the opening of the PBA 37th Season, the 10 teams are now focusing on rebuilding their respective rosters, as well as their coaching staffs to strengthen their team and be able to compete for the crown. Let's take a round-up on the recent developments on each team in terms of: rookies from the draft, acquired free agents, trades, coaching staff revamps etc.

The 2011 Annual PBA Rookie Draft:

Here are the list of each of the team and their draft picks:

First Round:

Powerade  - JV CASIO

Rain or Shine  - PAUL LEE

Petron - CHRIS LUTZ

Powerade  - MARCIO LASSITER

Shopinas.com - MARK BARROCA

Alaska - MAC BARACAEL

Meralco  - JASON BALLESTEROS

Barako Bull - ALLEIN MALIKSI

Brgy. Ginebra  - REIL CERVANTES

Barako Bull - DYLAN ABABOU

Second Round:

Shopinas.com - MAGI SISON

TalkNText - PAMBOY RAYMUNDO

Alaska - ERIC SALAMAT

Alaska - JULIUS PASCULADO

Alaska - ARIEL MEPANA

B-Meg - BRIAN ILAD

Meralco - GILBERT BULAWAN

Brgy. Ginebra Kings - JAMES MARTINEZ

Barako Bull - KEN ACIBAR

Barako Bull - JOHN PAUL SORONGON

Powerade Tigers - JOHN MARK AGUSTIN

Third Round

Shopinas.com - MARC CAGOCO

Petron Blaze Boosters - FILEMON FERNANDEZ

Fourth Round

Petron Blaze Boosters - GERALD LAPUZ

Trade Players

Different teams also engaged on different trades even before the draft day. Powerade acquired Josh Vanlandingham and Doug Kramer from Rain Or Shine. In exchange, the team released veteran forward JR Quinahan, Normal Gonzales, 2013 2nd round draft pick (originally from Shopinas.com), and 2014 2nd round draft selection.

Hours before the draft day, Powerade, Meralco and TalkNText sealed a three-way trade that gave Meralco to select 7th from the draft (originally from TalkNText), as well as acquiring forward Mark Yee (TalkNText) and Mark Macapagal (Powerade). The Tropang Texters got Bam Gamalinda and Shawn Weinstein from Meralco, and Powerade got Ogie Menor and Chris Timberlake from Meralco, as well as TalkNText's 21th draft pick.

Petron and Barako Bull also engaged into another trade. Petron got their former star player Dondon Hontiveros and Carlos Sharma from Barako Bull (former Air21), in exchange of Sunday Salvacion, Mick Pennisi and Petron's first Round draft pick to Barako Bull.

Alaska traded it's 17th pick in the draft for Meralco's 2014 second round draft pick. 

Rudy "H-Bomb" Hatfield announced yesterday that he's leaving the Brgy.Ginebra line-up and the league for good. This means that Brgy.Ginebra, his fans and PBA fans will never see Rudy Hatfield in the court again.

Coaches Revamp

Perhaps the biggest news in the PBA recently are not on the players, but in the coaches. A lot of coaching revamps on different teams happened over the past week.

Every PBA and Alaska Aces's fan was definitely shocked on the announcement that coach Tim Cone resigned as the Aces's headcoach. (Read full article here). His assistant coach Joel Banal named as new Aces's head coach.

B-MEG Derby Ace also named their assistant coach/commentator Richard Del Rosario as the team's new head coach, replacing Jeorge Gallent. However, there are speculations that Tim Cone will soon join B-MEG, but Cone and B-MEG officials deny the rumors.

The trend of assistant coaches promoted as coaches continued with Brgy. Ginebra Kings, as assistant coach  Siot Tanquincen was named King's head coach while delegating former tactician Jong Uichico on the assistant's role.

With these developments in the league over the past month, one thing is certain - 37th Season of the PBA will going to be fun and exciting.

Update: Barroca traded to B-MEG. Read full article here.
Update: Tim Cone named new BMEG head coach. Read full article here.

References: 

http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1124

http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1117

http://www.pba.ph/images/37th.jpg

Alaska Ace's Mentor Tim Cone Resigns, Banal named as Aces's New Coach

Credits to the Image goes to the Philippine Basketball Association

The long-time mentor of one of the most successful franchises in the PBA decided to drop the drawing board, ending his 22-year career as Alaska Aces head coach. This is a sad news for all the Aces fans, as coach Cone has been part of Alaska franchise's dominance in the PBA over the past years - numerous finals appearances that gave the team 13 championships dating in 1989 that includes a rare grand slam in 1996, and barely missing a repeat in 1998. Alaska was the third franchise in the history of the PBA to haul a grand slam. Sadly, the mentor that made all these accomplishments possible had to leave the team.

Coach Time Cone still has two years remaining in his contract with the team,  but opted to ask the management for his release. According to team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu "Tim wants to explore other options, challenge himself, pursue other horizons. We're saddened, but we wish him well. We had quite a journey. There's never been a 22-year partnership like this in the PBA and I think there never will be" when asked on coach Tim's reason for leaving the team.

There's a speculation came out that the real reason behind his exit to the Aces was he's heading into other PBA team (some named BMEG but no confirmations yet). Coach Tim Cone denied the rumor however.

Meanwhile, Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu named Aces's long time assistant coach Joel Banal as  the team's new tactician. Banal has been on the same bench with Tim Cone for more than 10 years, so it'll be easy for the players to adjust to the system that Banal will implement. In addition, Banal is a proven winner as a head-coach; leading TalknText PhonePals to championships in 2002 and 2003.

"If the rumors are true that Coach Tim Cone heading to another PBA team, then I'm excited to watch this furious coach, in Alaska opponent's bench"

Content References:

http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1123
http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/tim-cone-alaska-part-ways

Official Line-up for the 2011 PBA Commissioner's CUP

Two days before the start of the 2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup, the 10 competing teams finally submitted their complete 15 man roster that includes an import and 14 local players. The line-ups hasn't been finalized until yesterday because of unexpected trades as well as adding players from the free agent pool. 

Well except for the Smart Gilas who's parading new line-up, there are lots of changes in the line-up for most of the teams come second conference, highlighted by three-team, multiple player deal that sends Sol Mercadoand Eric Rodriguez to Meralco Bolts, Jay-Ar Reyes and Reed Juntilla to Air21, and Ronjay Buenafe, Beau Belga and Ronnie Matias to Rain or Shine. There is also another trade that sends Reynel Hugnatan also to the Bolts in exchange to Hans Thiele and Paolo Bugia to Alaska. 

The 2nd conference will start this Friday Feb.18,2011  where Brgy. Ginebra Kings takes off Meralco Bolts. 

Click here for the full line-up.

Disclaimer: image used are subject to copyright. Credits to the images goes to the link where the image was taken.

PBA Late Trade: Mercado to Bolts, Reyes to Express, Buenafe to ElastoPainters

Image Link: http//:www.pba.com.ph

While San Miguel Beermen and Talk N Text Tropang Texters preparing for their awaited battle in the best of 7 finals of the PBA Philippine Cup, the other 8 teams who vowed out of contention has been very busy preparing for the import laden 2nd conference next month. Three teams made their move early as they are involved in what could be the biggest, blockbuster multi-player trade happened thursday night.

Rain or Shine, Meralco and Air21 participated in a three team multi-player trade which was finalized thursday night GMANews.TV confirmed. As agreed on the trade, ROS  sent Sol "Sol Train" Mercado to Meralco Bolts and Jay-R Reyes to Air21 Express, while acquiring hotshot Ronjay Buenafe and Ronnie Matias from Air21, and Beau Belga from the Bolts. Also included in the trade are the two future first-round draft picks of the Express for the 2011 and 2013 rookie draft. Other players involved in probably the biggest trade of the season are Paolo Bugia of Rain or Shine, Reed Juntilla of Meralco and Eric Rodriguez of Air21.

Rumors about Sol Mercado trade which the ROS fans feared came true, but not on the way everyone expected it to be. Rumors said that Sol will be traded to the Gin Kings in exchange to Willie Miller - the only part of the rumor that never came true. This move of Rain or Shine is also part of the major changes of the team that includes the hiring of the 5-time champion coach Yeng Guiao. Both Mercado and Guiao were not on good terms back when Guiao was still coaching for the Express.

The inclusion of Mercado to the Bolts, teaming up with Mac Cardona will surely help the campaign of the Bolts in the conferences to come. The trade could also help Air21 and ROS for their continuous seeking of their first ever PBA title.

Follow Sol Mercado on twitter @SM3rc3.

Latest: Draft Results Trade Updates and other news for 37th PBA Season. Click Here

Disclaimer: The author does not hold copyrights for the images used in this blogpost. Credits of the image goes to the website link appearing below the image.

Top Buzzer Beaters in Pinoy Basketball

Watching basketball games are very exciting, with all the nice moves, acrobatic shots, intense defense, and even too much physicality that leads to unsportsmanlike actions. But the most exciting part of any basketball game is when the game would go down the wire finish, meaning opposing teams went toe-to-toe and keep the score as close as possible down to the last seconds of the game. Because on this type of game you could witness wild finishes like "for the win" shot or what we called "buzzer-beater" shots. Especially if my favorite team delivered the winning shot, it really made me shout and jump from where I am seated.

Well, as a pinoy basketball fanatic, here are the top 5 buzzer beaters which made me scream and jumped while watching them. Take note that these are games of the latest seasons of various Philippine basketball leagues and not those the times of my father.hehehe...

Gabe Norwood Tip-In at the buzzer vs. San Miguel Beerman

This was the second round elimination game between the Rain or Shine ElastoPainters and the San Miguel Beerman during the All Filipino Cup of the 34th season. The game was controlled by the powerhouse Beerman for most of the game until the ElastoPainters fought back hard and bring the game to this exciting finish. Rain or Shine won the game 93-92.

Import Jai Lewis hits buzzer beater 3 vs. Air21 to force overtime

Game played by the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and Air21 Express during the Fiesta Conference of the 35th Season of the PBA. The game was closely fought by both teams towards the end of regulation. Rain or Shine mapped their last play to force an extra 5 mins when Jai Lewis left open at the left wing for an open 3 point shot to send the game into overtime. The Elastopainters showed their strength at the overtime and eventually won the game 106-102. What a confidence for the big fella to take the last shot.

Doug Kramer Left Open for Lay-Up at the Buzzer




College basketball in the Philippines is very intense just like the professional game. Like the game one of finals of the 69th season of the UAAP between the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. The Blue Eagles took control of the entire game, but the Tigers refuses to give up and even took the lead 72-71 with 1 second to play. With 1 second to play Norman Black mapped a perfect play to give Ateneo a 1-0 lead in the series. Look at how the team and the crowd celebrated.

Ryan Araña tip-in at the buzzer vs. Air21




If the first round match of Rain or Shine on the fiesta conference of the 35th season of the PBA was sent into overtime by a buzzer beater 3 by their former import Jai Lewis, the second round of the elimination was once again decided by a buzzer beater; but this time it was Ryan Araña made a Ron Artest follow up to give Rain or Shine their 8th win in 17 outings. But believe it or not this game didn't exactly looked like the way it ended. The Express were on top by 28 points on the 3rd quarter and looked like they'll just blow the ElastoPainters. But the ElastoPainters launched huge bomb on the fourth to grab the lead and keep the game close at the dying seconds of the game. On the last possession, Rod Nealy missed his jump shot but Araña was on the right spot for the follow up.

Jeffrei Chan buzzer-beater 3 vs. Air21



The Air21 Express seems to be the favorite team of Rain or Shine ElastoPainters when it comes to heartbreaking finishes. This game is the 3rd and probably no the last game that the ElastoPainters edged the Express at the buzzer. This game was the first meeting of both squad on the All Filipino Cup conference of the 36th season of the PBA. The game was controlled by the ElastoPainters on the early parts of the game but the express led by Ronjay Buenafe made a rally to keep the game at bay. Tied at 86, coach Caloy Garcia mapped a perfect play anchored on Sol Mercado as the decoy, and a nice kick out pass to Jeff Chan that sealed the game for the ElastoPainters 89-86.

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