On PBA Trades

In the end, SMB got the players they wanted. Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Baclao & Guevarra.

Initially, SMB planned to send Joseph Yeo, Mick Pennisi & Danny Seigle but Commissioner Salud shut it down. Final one man judgment: awfully lopsided.

But lo and behold, San Miguel Beer did not waste time and retooled the offer for another judgment day.

The repackaged deal includes long time San Miguel heroes - or this is a strong word - San Miguel legends, Dondon Hontiveros & Danny Seigle (Danny again, like he is the first guy they want to get rid off). Plus Dorian Pena, crowd favorite Paul Artadi and lord knows what else are in the SMB package.

In return, San Miguel gets young bigs Hussaini, Baclao and Guevarra. Final judgment, "an improvement" from the last 3-on-3 swap proposal. By changing draft picks, Mick & Yeo to Dondon, Artadi & Pena, suddenly it isn't a one sided deal anymore. And so the trade was approved.

San Miguel Beer, walang pinagsamahan.

Now, I really don't know what powers and authority the commissioner has, but for the sake of the commissioner himself and PBA as a whole, trades must not be decided by judgment of one man alone. It just can not be, borrow one from Stern.

What I mean is, look at Stern. In the NBA, Stern does not act as Lord of the Trades. NBA trade policies are set to get fair trades. Of course, there will be lopsided trade once in a while, there are no bullet-proof policies. But I can't remember a trade where Stern had the lone vote, this trade is a go, this trade is no go.

One with too much power is well, too much.

Easier said than done, but the commissioner and all of PBA must have clearer trading rules & regulations. And then, religiously implement these. The PBA will then be a better league, or a league with MORE integrity. They should factor in, players' age, number of years in the league, players' salary & salary cap, trading deadline, franchise player tags, and so on. They're all pro and good men, why not sit down and do this.

The next time another trade offer pops up, I dread the scenario when again, one man will judge the swap if it's deal or no deal.

PBA Games Live Stream now available via Philippine Star

Wow, this is a welcome news, PBA Games Live Stream now available via Philippine Star.

The PBA and Philippines Star struck a deal that will allow PBA online fans to watch Philippine Basketball Association games live, via online stream, and for free. This means Filipinos and fans around the world, and in the Philippines of course, and those who are still in the office or on the road during games (assuming you have mobile net connection), will all be able to watch live PBA games. This is thru Philippine Star live stream.

Will no longer google “PBA live streaming” every now and then. And I guess, I’ll put off my plan of buying a USB Laptop TV tuner.

Will try this PBA live streaming first.

As per report, the actual PBA live streaming feed starts with the double-header between the Talk N Text Tropang Texters and guest team Smart Gilas, and the Air21 Express and San Miguel Beermen this coming February 25. Whattaday to launch, FREE online PBA games on freedom day!

Yes, PBA will still use Solar & Studio 23 broadcasts so we’ll get to hear Sev Sarmenta still. It is still not clear though if the stream will feed the TV commercials that are aired on free over the air TV. Or, Star Group will have exclusive rights as to what ads they’ll show during timeouts, halftime and quarter breaks. I care about that aspect!

And unknown still what are the requirements needed by the end-watcher. Like, what minimum internet connection speed is needed, what’s the best browser to use, what plugin is needed, etc.

We’ll find out later.

Thanks Commissioner Salud, you scored one on this.

In a statement, PBA Commissioner Atty. Chito Salud said the move aims to further broaden PBA’s reach by not limiting the broadcasts of games to just local television and radio. “The choice of philstar.com as the PBA’s official partner to reach our potential global audience is perfect given the site’s wide reach and the high traffic,” Salud said. “Plus, with all the technological developments happening in the world, it is high time for PBA to go a step further in making sure that they are at the forefront of all these advancements.”

PBA expansion?

Do you want another PBA expansion team next season?

• Yes (93%)
• No (7%)

Total Votes: 234

Team owners are currently meeting now (Tuesday), dunno if this is on the agenda but this is surely worth studying. But a screening committee should be put up to carefully select capable and committed would be franchises. We do not want another Barako Bulls scenario. In the past, I am not really in favor of expansion that is why I am surprised with the overwhelming YES votes. Expansion dilutes talent. I am for super teams, loaded with superstars and stars grinding it out playdate after playdate. But then again, if the PBA can find or even groom more stars, align the stars (meaning a balanced distribution of stars), get first class imports, awesome marketing campaign (remember the 99 rookies vs veterans video plug), why not. More teams, more fans, more jobs, more fun. I guess done well, done right time, expansion is a win-win scenario.

PBA Wishes 2011

My top ten wishes for the PBA this 2011…

1. For PBA commentators to drop this line… WHAT A SHOT!?
2. For Joe Devance not to cut his hair.
3. For a banner PBA year in terms of TV ratings and gate receipts.
4. To have, 2 to 3 PBA players stepping up as real PBA torch bearers, real charismatic superstars.
5. Blue chip imports to spice up the other 2 conferences.
6. Ground breaking for a PBA arena.
7. New dedicated and seasoned TV coveror and channel.
8. For Quinito Henson & Ronnie Nathanielz to make peace.
9. For them to hire Daiana Meneses as courtside reporter.
10. Wisdom for the PBA leader and owners. (Dudes, football & tele-novela-babad is not the real PBA competition. It’s the technology and globalization. Cmon, do you expect a basketball loving 19 year old college dude to watch the 2 games from 5pm to 10pm (like i did)? No way. He will do Facebook, Twitter, will check his smartphone, netbook, play games, etc. He will watch NBA replays on TV, watch NBA highlights on Youtube, he’ll read ESPN articles.)

PBA Owners Meeting (Full Access)

PBA Team Owners’ Meeting, Minutes of the Meeting

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud confirmed that there will be a meeting of team owners on Jan. 25 at the Club Filipino in San Juan. Likely to be there are San Miguel Corps. President Ramon Ang, Manny V. Pangilinan of Talk N’ Text and Meralco, Rain or Shine’s Terry Que and Raymund Yu, George Chua of Barako Bull, Bert Lina of Air21, JB Baylon of Powerade and Fred Uytengsu of Alaska.

Like I did in the past, I have the ability to see as to what could possibly be the things to be said. Here’s the advanced minutes of meeting.

Commissioner Salud: Ok let’s get this thing going. Who wants to open the floor?

Ramon Ang: Since I own the most teams and I have the most championships, let me welcome you all for coming here. Let get this out of the way though, SMC is expanding its business interests, from petroleum to shawarma stalls, any of you guys want to sell your company to us?

All: (Laughing)

Fred Uytengsu in batik long sleeves: (Sneers)

Ramon Ang: No, I am serious.

Terry Que to Raymund Yu: (Are we on the red? Are we for sale?)

Commissioner Salud: Speaking serious, guys lets get real serious. We have 3 things to discuss. Top of the agenda today is building a PBA Coliseum. Can we really get this thing done?

Bert Lina of Air21: Yeah, let’s build it, I’ll handle the logistics!

JB Baylon: Since former-Atty, former-commissioner, now twitter-savvy Noli Eala days, we’ve already been talking about this PBA gym. But to do this, we need real commitment from us owners and continuity. We will not be able to this if we continue to change our commissioner every 2 years and and PBA chairman, every year. A stable leadership will result in better PBA financial condition. And, long-termed commissioner & chairman of 3 years is needed, enough for them to lead the way into building a coliseum in a three year span. Ok?

All: Yeahhhhhhhhhh!

JB Baylon: I nominate myself to be the Chairman!

Fred Uytengsu in batik long sleeves: (Sneers)

JB Baylon: Ok, I am just kidding Fred. Let’s get this thing rolling. We need a billion. Who’s willing to shell out 200 million now? To get the foundation done then we will figure out how to get added funds thru bank loans and each team chipping in ten million each per year of the 3 year span. Ok, 200 million, who got 200 million?

All: (Silence)

Fred Uytengsu in batik long sleeves: He sneers, then talks to his wife (yes Mrs. Uytengsu in the house) “Hon, building a coliseum is only a third of the problem, finishing it is another third of the problem. And the final third, making it profitable. Imagine all teams own the friggin coliseum. Who gets to run the coliseum and who’s to decide on big things to make this billion pesos structure a money making machine.” Joaqui Trillo (he is there too) claps in agreement! Then Joaqui asks the other people in the meeting room to clap the way he asks Alaska fans to say “A - LAS - KA! A - LAS - KA!

JB Baylon: Nobody? Ok, with no 200 million pesos, no hectare land, no host city that can give us good tax relief, I guess we should move on to the next agenda.

Commissioner Salud: Wait JB, why are you holding court, isn’t it my job to lead this kind of PBA meeting.

JB Baylon: Who told you so?

Commissioner Salud: My dad.

JB Baylon: Ah ok, shoot. Here’s a great refreshment, Coca Cola to cool you down.

Fred Uytengsu in batik long sleeves: (Sneers, then says “that’s a free plug!”)

Commissioner Salud: Thank you JB. Ok guys, any plans on what to do with our TV coveror.

Bert Lina: Let’s build a TV station, I’ll handle the logistics!

George Chua: I like your enthusiasm Bert but after the contract of Solar expires let’s just have a bidding among major TV stations.

Bert Lina: Ok, but is ABC 5 paid already with PBA?

Manny Pangilinan: I support the AZKALS!

Bert Lina: That’s not the topic Mr. Pangilinan.

Manny Pangilinan: I support the badminton. I support the Gilas.

Bert Lina: Whatever. If ABC 5 is unpaid, that makes Studio 23, Ch 4, Ch 9, Ch 13 as probable destinations.

Ramon Ang: I like Channel 13. Then let’s have another basketball show featuring Chino Trinidad and Anthony Suntay, like in the old Vintage days, that would be awesome.

All: Yeah!

Bert Lina: Let’s invite Chiqui Roa too!

George Chua: Request guys, can we ask our TV coveror to hire the following: Randy Sacdalan, Magoo Marjon, Luigi Trillo, Ramon Fernandez & Peaches Aberin.

Joaqui Trillo : (Interjects) I agree George, Luigi definitely is super knowledgeable and talks with a lot of sense.

Commissioner Salud: Um, this is team owners’ meeting Joaqui.

Fred Uytengsu in batik long sleeves: (Sneers)

Commissioner Salud: Ok, consensus is PBA coverage is for rebid. Next up, what to with the national team?

JB Baylon: Let’s hear Mr. Smart Gilas himself, Mr. Pangilinan, he got his hands on that.

Manny Pangilinan: Honestly guys, I dunno what the plan is right now. I’ll talk to Noli Eala soon and see where we are at. As soon as Noli done tweeting, he said, he’ll do his presentation.

JB Baylon: Rest assured Mr. Pangilinan, our company will always support the national team, in spirit and in funds, just as long as you call the team Philippine Powerade!

Commissioner Salud: Ok, so that’s it. Let’s wait for SBP’s Noli Eala report and act on this. But may I suggest, if the SBP will also do bunot-bunot system from PBA teams, and pick 4 to 5 players from PBA, what is the sense of having a developmental team? Why not for one last time, let’s try forming a PBA national, super team and after that, if really nothing happens, let’s go back to SBP’s plan. Besides, I’d like to see Chris Tiu in the PBA, I am really intrigued as to what he can do in the PBA, playing full-time. (Have you seen Tiu’s Milo commercial? This guy is a power dunker!)

Terry Que and Raymund Yu: In duet, ok 3 topics done! But guys, can we talk about the unfair & lopsided trades that’s been going on for years?

Bert Lina: Wait, I got phone call to make.

George Chua: Me too, let me grab some Barako Bull in the fridge.

Manny V. Pangilinan: Wait, I got a graduation speech to proof-read.

Ramon Ang: Nahhhh Terry & Raymund, we got other things important to talk about. BTW, Manny, hows the power sector doing, we really want to be in play with that. (Manny Pangilinan & Ramon Ang discuss business things)

Fred Uytengsu in batik long sleeves: (Sneers)

Terry Que and Raymund Yu: (To Ramon Ang) But sir? Balance of the league hinges on that. Not to mention the salary cap rule, is this being followed?

All: (Silence)

Ramon Ang: (Gets his smartphone, calls his finance chief, I’d like to buy a paint company. I think that’s a good business to be in, construction business is on the upside.)

Commissioner Salud: Terry, we need to set another meet for that. Figuring out salary cap & numbers will eat a lot of time. Ok, so guys I’ll set another meeting for now lets call this a wrap.

JB Baylon: Yeah, yeah, (holding coke-in-can) cheers to a productive meeting!

Fred Uytengsu in batik long sleeves: (Sneers)

Jaworski. Come. Ginebra.

You can only coach a team (or sister teams for Jong Uichico's case) for a number of years and then players will begin not to respond anymore. And worse, players will tune you out. In the NBA, coaching tune-out is a recurring cycle.

For Jong, he's lucky, players know Jong got SMC's backing so they are not tuning him out but the response Jong is getting from players? Not much. Even the huddles are chaotic.

Even Phil Jackson knows it. He won. He took a break. He joined. He quit. He re-joined. He's thinking out soon.

That's why coach like Tim Cone (or Jerry Sloan) is one in a hundred type of coach. Tim Cone is Mr. Fred Uytengsus's friend and more importantly, a really really very good coach. Only a foolish Alaska player will dare to step up in front of Tim Cone.

Which brings me to my point. I love Jong Uichico but I think it is time for another Ginebra coach. He has got a good run with both SMB and Ginebra. For his health sake too, he can take a break, rest up, recharge. Or, I wish that he be promoted under the SMC umbrella. Maybe head the sports programs of SMC, head of SMC basketball operations, or be a manager instead, I dunno.

Siot Tanq, Allan Caidic and the whole SMC coaching brigade are all good replacements but I see one guy who needs to coach Ginebra for one last time. Before the Caguioa - Helterbrand era is over (or before my love for PBA eventually fades). Who? Ang Bida sa Hardcourt...

Jaworski! Jaworski! Jaworski!

Clearly, me konting buhay pa ang Ginebra spirit. For the young fans, they's say Jaworski who? But kids, let me tell you, there is no Ginebra 2011, even maybe no PBA 2011 without Robert Jaworski. It's just fitting for Jaworski to try weaving his magic for one last hurrah before some of the better players in this Ginebra version fade.

Jaworski is not exactly getting a rag tag team. He'll get a capable, competitive and a fighting team. I mentioned some of the players that can play for Jaworski with no problem.

• Menk, without late night bar hopping, still has 1 to 2 years in the tank


• Jaworski would love to have Ronald Tubid and kick him in the ass if he does his "kalawit" rebound


• Willie Wilson can play Jawo-basketball


• Jaworski will have a young athletic wing player in JC Intal


• Jawo will have the hardworking Rudy Hatfield


• And the two guy in the commercial, Mark & Helterbrand, Caguioa got game still and the attitude to play for Jawo... when healthy, Jayjay is still one of the best PGS.

Close your eyes, try imagining these... crowd chanting Ginebra, Ginebra, Ginebra with fury/passion. Try to hear people shouting Jaworski!, Jaworski!, Jaworski!... or hear this, reperi, b*b*! reperi, b*b*! reperi, b*b*!... or Jaworski getting T'd up, then goes to the referee and says, ISA PA ISA PA! G#G#!.

Fun stuff.

I think SMC and Jawo patched things up, he is an endorser now for Ginebra again. The next step is for him to go back coaching Ginebra. I am advising Jawo to check my JAWORSKI - PERSONNEL CHECK LIST, some guys might be available and be of help. If the Jawo for Ginebra buzz picks up, I'll make an new personnel check list for Jawo. Like, Manny Pacquiao as back-up point guard... Vince Hizon as co-team manager with Dodot... and more.

And for a little more fun, come next season, Ginebra already got their muse. Check the commercial, she's there.

Supporting Smart Gilas

Reading the reports surrounding PBA or Gilas, the majority really sided with Smart Gilas taking it over. And I agree. After another failed attempt by PBA-backed team, I too voted for the programmed version of SBP’s Smart Gilas. Thirty year-old PBA superstars are simply over-riped for them to learn a whole new ballgame (so to speak) and in such a short time. Too old to be taught of the game that suits international game. Too hardheaded to throw away their fetish for one-on-one showtime. We’ve been wanting a basketball program for the longest time, and now that it’s here, let’s support them.

For PBA backers and fans, you don’t need to pout, looks like SBP is to hook up with at least 3 pro PBA players anyways, so we’ll get a taste of both (amateur & pro) worlds anyways. Guys like Jared, Gabe and Japeth were mentioned. The three, certainly, will get heavy minutes plus one naturalized player. The core will still be PBA players + an import, so c’mon SBP, show us your “non-PBA” national team next year, we’ll support you (and hit you) all the way. Be better than 9th, eclipse the 8th!

(AND I WILL JUST ADD THIS: If this Smart Gilas team does well, I mean triple-very well in its international forays, this could be the end of the PBA as we know it. You can save, bookmark, quote, me on this.)

Again, the PBA Website

In 2 years (or 3), I’ve blogged 2-3 posts hitting the lackluster PBA website. 2010 is fast approaching and the PBA website is still stuck in mediocrity. When I heard that the PBA is planning on building they own turf, I remember posting, before they start thinking of building a coliseum, they better fix their website first, pronto.

And so, I have an open letter to Commissioner Barrios…

Dear Sir, I am Benhur, a wanna be sports blogger. Of course this is not my real name. But close to that. My real name is Benjamin and if ever we’ll ink the contract I’ll give my complete surname. The contract you ask? Well, read on please sir.

I know fixing your website AKA your cyber space presence is not high on your TO-DO list. I understand that. Coz now, finding real space for your game 5 is even a larger problem. You are right, you don’t even have a place to play on. But please sir, consider my offer regarding the PBA websucks, err, website.

I’m thinking, hell, oh sorry sir, pardon me, heck, if we are paid next to nothing talking about the PBA and some guys can make kickass websites, blogs and forums via hardwork, passion for the PBA, for free, and using open source applications, why can’t a billion peso association like yours put up a decent website.

You know… decent…

• One with real-time stats and updated photo galleries
• One that has up-to-the-minute sched, game recaps & results.
• One where 404 (not found) pages don’t show up.
• One without Google ADS! Crissakes, one click and your visitors are headed elsewhere. One click = 1 peso? The PBA needs one peso? (Leave that Google ADs to indie sites like, ahm, HOOPH)
• One that can supplement PBA fantasy addicts.
• One that has separate team pages.
• One with some articles on it not written by robotic press people.
• One that has interactivity, celebrity chats, comments sections and/or forum.
• One with video archives, highlight reels and old vintage games.
• One that complements Solar Sports coverage.
• One that has integrated online store that sells PBA merchandise.
• One site that effin twitters!

And not one where Asi Taulava scored 2223 points.

The PBA website is out of touch and we need to act now.

Here’s my offer Sir Barrios:

The deal.., Hire me today. Pay me P75,000 a month. That’s only P7500 per team per month. I’ll quit my day job (yes I have sort of a day job) and we (and by we, means me & my web developer friends) will fix your site. Just give me access to stats, photos, videos & archives and we will rock it. And promise, no GOOGLE ADS.

Please call on or before 3 pm today. If you don’t call me it means you are not interested and you really don’t want to connect to your very active online fans.

The Tank - Noli Locsin

One of my favorite players of all time... The Tank - NOLI LOCSIN

An Online Mafia Plan

Continuing the series of Long Sleepy Posts (sample here)…

This entry is planned to be trilogy. This is the second part of three. If I am pumped enough, I’ll finish and post the first part, titled “I was an Ending Kobrador in Highschool.”

And Part 3, “The PBA Betting Game”, to be published as soon as further infos are divulged. (Right now, Manila Bulletin has some details available.) My early views…Like, does it need to be thru SMS-ing? Me thinks, over the counter transaction is an option. And plus, interwebs is an optional place to wage a bet. More on this later…

Part 2: A Philippine Basketball Association Online Betting Game Plan Went Kaput Read more…

Silence In Here

This part of the worldwideblog has been idle for a month now. Been very busy doing all sorts of thing across the web. Offline too, we got things going on, work, biz, personal life, health, e.t.z. My health is on the downside too so I have been picking up my dumbbells, punching and kicking my punching bag now and getting sunlight every 8 in the a.m. I went to the doc yesterday too. I complained that I am peeing too much at night, to which the doctor replied, 'you are fine and just tone down your AC'. My uric acid is ok, my blood (blood count something) is well. And so, (I guess) I am fine. Just need to eat good food (hard to find! hard to make!) and exercise moderately. Despite busy-ness and dizzy-ness, I still managed to write some entries at Hoops, check it out.

• Coach Chot Reyes out-coaching Jong Uichico
• PBA All-Star Voting
• Danding Conjuangco Fantasy Game
• The Debacle of Rudy Distrito
  

PBA Turning into a San Miguel Corp League

The PBA may soon turn into a San Miguel Corporation corporate league. That is, if SMC will do this year in and year out. Based from the statement of SMC basketball operations chief Robert Non, this will go on. Non said, "The coaches will be assessed every season or even on a per-conference basis".

Coach Jong Uichico will be in unfamiliar territory coaching the most popular club, the Ginebra San Miguel. But he will be with familiar faces as he will be reunited with old crew at Barangay Ginebra. Including the demoted, animated and whiteboard punching tactician, Tangquincen. Art Dela Cruz will be there too.

Coach Binky Favis will still handle Coca Cola but now has a new set of deputies. The point guard coaching duo of Boybits Victoria and Richie Ticzon is part of the coaching team. Include too, Johnny Abarientos soon to be joining the SMC coaching Academy.

Coach Chot Reyes will lead the Sam Miguel Beer this time. His staff includes, Biboy Ravanes, Nash Racela and Aboy Castro. Be sure to include the artist formerly known as Olsen Racela to later be in this coaching pool.

With Ryan Gregorio winning the last conference and his team looking organized and ready to kick some butt, he and his team eluded the semi-ax, so to speak.

From the looks of it, the San Miguel Corporation is having a league of their own. Maybe, San Miguel Corporation can do this because they own 44% of the PBA. Fielding in, not one, not two, not three but four sister teams.

The big sister, San Miguel Beer. The small sister, Ginebra San Miguel. The hot sister, Purefoods. The Youngest one, Coca Cola Tigers.

A precedent in SMC’s movement of personnel was the Allan Caidic move from San Miguel Beer to Ginebra. He later served a dual role, a player-assistant coach. He later took the head coaching job from Rino Salazar. Eventually 'promoted' and moved to being a GM. Yes, was replaced by a fellow from San Miguel Beer, Tanquingcen. And by Thursday, Siot was demoted to being an assistant again by Jong Uchuico. And Yes, we all know Jong was from San Miguel Beer. Coaching the SMB team for the longest time.

I wonder what the rest of the PBA Board and owners have to say about this carousel of team personnel. SMC's umbrella of teams can virtually and easily execute players and even coaches trade. No longer team managers (Hector Calma, Caidic, Lim, Loyzaga et al) control the direction of these teams. SMC basketball operations chief Robert Non does all these.

I remember being invited to join Fantasy NBA GM, where you get a chance to form a team and manage it and track their actual games and stats. You think it’s exciting? How about Mr. Non's job, getting to manage 4 teams in real life and can switch players and coaches in an instant. Some guys are blessed.

Definitely, SMC knows what they are doing and acting within the PBA guidelines but is this movement healthy for the PBA?

SMC team coaching staffssssss virtually know each other so how can there be an element of surprise in these games.

Players need time to acclimatize a coaches’ system, even years, moving personnel so much could just back fire.

We do not question the coaches' professionalism, but deep within, can these be coaches be truly committed on a team when in fact, in an instant, their phone could be ringing. SMC boss saying, 'Dude, coach the San Miguel Beer All-Star Tour next year'.