Gameday Sunday: 18 August 2013

Is there any need for explanation why this is called Gameday? One thing to note, though, is that there will always be something significant to look at, and that's why we put the Spotlight on it.

UAAP

National U 80, Adamson 48

Wow. Just wow.This was a serious attack there brought by the Bulldogs, just a few days after they delivered the FEU Tamaraws' first loss. And by handing the Soaring Falcons' second straight loss which pummeled them further down the seventh spot, it seems that the promise to be contenders, despite having a reliable big man in Ingrid Sewa, will just remain to be a promise. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are proving that they deserve to have that number one spot that the Tams stole from them way back in Round 1

Spotlight: A year ago, it was rumored that Emmanuel Mbe opted out of the team in order to search for a French league where he can play and hone his skills. Fortunately for NU, it was either a rumor or a case of not having been discovered, as Mbe is back in his (questionably) fourth year as a Bulldog. And in the battle of the imports this afternoon, it was the older and more experienced one who prevailed, as Mbe tallied 21 points and 10 boards for this game.

NU 80 - Mbe 21, Parks 16, Roño 8, Porter 6, Javillonar 6, Alolino 6, Rosario 5, Khobuntin 4,  Neypes 3, Javelona 3, Villamor 2, Perez 0, Labing-isa 0, De Guzman 0, Alejandro 0

AdU 48 - Cabrera 12, Cruz 11, Sewa 8, Petilos 5, Brondial 5, Garcia 2, Agustin 2, Abrigo 2, Monteclaro 1, Trollano 0, Rios 0, Ochea 0, Julkipli 0, Inigo 0

Quarter scoring: 21-7, 37-25, 55-40, 80-48

De La Salle 75, FEU 66

First, the match against NU happened. Afterwards, this happened, and in between there was Terrence Romeo. After the first round, everyone was praising Nash Racela's fantastic dribble drive offense; however, this second round, it seems that everything is failing, not because the play isn't working, but more because the one who has been easily proclaimed as the first round MVP has been nothing but awful.

Spotlight: The biggest addition that DLSU has been so far this season is not a stronger and "improved" Jeron Teng, who has remained subpar with his free throw shooting. In fact, it's Jason Perkins, who provided a boost for the Green Archers especially in the huge 2nd quarter run that gave them a safe lead entering the second half.

DLSU 75 - Perkins 18, Teng 16, Vosotros 13, Van Opstal 9, Salem 6, Montalbo 5, Torres 4, Tampus 4, Revilla 0, Bolick 0

FEU 66 - Pogoy 16, Belo 16, Romeo 12, Tolomia 7, Garcia 6, Cruz 4, Inigo 0, Sentcheu 0, Mendoza 0, Lee Yu 0, Jose 0, Dennison 0, Delfinado 0, Aguilon 0

Quarter scoring: 23-14, 44-33, 60-50, 75-66

PBA

Barako Bull 90, Meralco 89

Admit it. You don't expect the Pocket Rocket, Emman Monfort, squeezing this win out, especially that Barako Bull has gone through a lot in the past few weeks (actually, I was talking about the blunder that is the Allein Maliksi trade). Well, for a team that Alaska coach Luigi Trillo hits at for the past few weeks, it is a pretty impressive performance out there.

Spotlight: 22 big points and 7 boards were delivered by Monfort for this team, including a go-ahead jumper that pretty much sealed the deal for the Energy Boosters. Now, who would think that this 5'7" guard would come out that big in a conference where giants dominate?

Barako Bull 90 - Singletary 28, Monfort 22, Seigle 12, Buenafe 7, Jensen 6, Pennisi 5, Intal 4, Marcelo 2, Macapagal 2, Cruz 2, Weinstein 0, Yap 0, Pena 0

Meralco 89 - West 33, Hugnatan 16, Salvacion 12, Wilson 9, Hodge 4, Guevarra 4, Ross 4, Allado 4, Vanlandingham 3, Mangahas 0

Quarter scoring: 22-21, 41-48, 66-67, 90-89

Petron 101, Ginebra 95

Finally, Coach Gee Abanilla has given some confidence back to the Petron Blaze Boosters after what happened last two conferences, including the "relegation" of Coach Olsen Racela to the San Mig Coffee Mixers alongside Coach Tim Cone. Wish the same could have been said for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, who still has to find some solid foundation in Ato Agustin.

Spotlight: It was former Blue Eagle and Powerade Tiger Doug Kramer who provided the win for Petron, as he finished the game with a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds. He once saved the Blue Eagles from falling behind Coach Pido Jarencio's UST Growling Tigers, supported Gary David, JVee Casio, and Marcio Lassiter in their finals bid under Coach Bo Perasol, and now he has provided key plays late in the game to seal the deal for the Blaze Boosters.

Petron 101 - Millsap 24, Lassiter 23, Cabagnot 18, Kramer 17, Santos 12, Tubid 5, Fajardo 2, Deutchman 0, Lutz 0, Lanete 0

Ginebra 95 - Lowhorn 29, Caguioa 15, Ellis 12, Tenorio 9, Aguilar 8, Wilson 7, Mamaril 6, Helterbrand 5, Baracael 4, Urbiztondo 0

Quarter scoring: 26-29, 45-52, 79-71, 101-95

Collegiate Alumni in the 2012 PBA Draft

Now that the different PBA teams have drafted the top guns of the amateur leagues, it's time to look back at those mainly from the UAAP (and some of the NCAA), who made it and how they precisely carved their roads to the professional leagues.

Calvin Abueva (SSC-R Golden Stags, drafted by Alaska - 1st round 2nd pick)

The Beast lived up to his name not just by accidentally destroying the rim in The Arena a few weeks ago, but more importantly by his dominance in the NCAA. His athleticism and capacity to score from all sides of the court makes him the number one option for Alaska. Now that the Aces are not willing to give up L.A. Tenorio, the ace point guard would be happy to throw lobs and dish crazy passes at him.

Aldrech Ramos (FEU Tamaraws, drafted by Barako Bull - 1st round 5th pick, traded to B-Meg)

The Llamados (who will soon change their name to San Mig Coffee) hardly missed power forward Kerby Raymundo, who made his mark in the team through his ability to score both in and out of the paint. With Ramos, who distinguished himself in the UAAP by the same ability that Raymundo has, the team added extra offensive power, and with an All-Filipino conference coming in first thing in the season, Ramos can prove that he is PBA-material.

Chris Tiu (Ateneo Blue Eagles, drafted by Rain or Shine - 1st round 7th pick)

It was quite surprising that Barangay Ginebra opted to draft Chris Ellis over this court general, but it opened up a perfect opportunity for Coach Yeng Guiao, who immediately chose Tiu once the clock was in for the Elastopainters. This will be a win-win situation both for Rain Or Shine and Tiu, as the former will not have star sophomore Paul Lee for the All-Filipino Cup, an opportunity that the latter might take to show how he is ready for the PBA after much experience in the amateur and international leagues.

Yousef Taha (MIT Cardinals, drafted by Air 21 - 2nd round 1st pick)

Air 21 needs big men badly, considering that at this point, the young guns that they have to rely on are Magi Sison and Mark Isip, who have not been dominant in their respective careers. Perhaps with a 6-foot-8 figure, all he needs to practice is his body-banging and low post skills that Coach Franz Pumaren's team needs to relieve their backcourt from the pressure of carrying the team's burden.

Dave Marcelo (San Beda Red Lions, drafted by Barako Bull - 2nd round 2nd pick)

Consider this a big break for the former San Beda big man, as he gets the chance to fill in for the suspended Don Allado and play alongside former UAAP cagers Doug Kramer and Carlo Sharma. Marcelo can pound it in, shoot from the baseline, and haul down big rebounds, and his experience as a member of the Gilas Pilipinas team only polished his skills. With Marcelo in, expect Mick Pennisi court comedy to come out only (and hopefully) in garbage time.

Jewel Ponferrada (NU Bulldogs, drafted by Barako Bull - 2nd round 3rd pick)

In the pre-Parks days of the NU Bulldogs, Ponferada was the sole firepower, which enabled him to develop perimeter shooting and inside scoring to complement a rookie import by the name of Emmanuel Mbe. With Willie Miller still around, perhaps it would be time for Ponferrada to learn from him and slowly take over his role.

Lester Alvarez (Adamson Soaring Falcons) & Emman Monfort (Ateneo Blue Eagles) (drafted by Barako Bull - 2nd round, 5th and 6th picks respectively)

Arguably the best graduating guards of UAAP Season 64, Alvarez and Monfort both bring steady perimeter defense, coupled with consistent 3-point shooting that force opponents to stretch their defenses. The big question is, will their height be of concern in the PBA (Imagine guarding Gabe Norwood)? In his Sinag Pilipinas stint, Monfort showed that his small figure can actually be an advantage, especially when he wants to zip by those taller defenders for quick layups and pull-ups. Alvarez, on the other hand, has shown what he can do as well in the UAAP while guarding taller two guards when he is inserted in the Falcons' lineup alongside Jerick Canada. Expect things to be interest for the Barako Bull frontcourt once Coach Junel Baculi decides on using both of them more frequently.

Woody Co (UP Maroons, drafted by Barako Bull - 2nd round, 8th pick)

This UP alumnus knows what it means to be both a role player and a star player, as he once led the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP, despite dismal records season after season, and won three championships with the NLEx Road Warriors, coming off the bench and scoring when it is needed. At most, Barako Bull will use him as a second or third-stringer, depending on how their two's or threes will produce.

Raphy Reyes (UE Red Warriors, drafted by Alaska - 2nd round, 9th pick)

The Aces have Tenorio, Cyrus Baguio, and R.J. Jazul, so there could be no way that Reyes, whose performance dwindled in his last year with the UE Red Warriors, would have some playing time. However, this may be a good opportunity for him to learn from this impressive guards.

Simon Atkins (De La Salle Green Archers, drafted by Air21 - 3rd round, 1st pick)

It's no wonder that Coach Franz Pumaren would opt to get those whom he coached during his long stint with the Green Archers, but one would wonder why he would pick a spot-up shooter when there are other available backcourt guys in the pool. Put this draft pick under the category "I picked him because I'm familiar with him," because anything more than that need proof.

Janus Lozada (Adamson Soaring Falcons, drafted by Meralco - 3rd round, 4th pick)

In the UAAP Season 74, Lozada could have been the Falcons' biggest player, until one Alex Nuyles came out of nowhere and delivered them to their Final Four appearance. Unfortunately, his post-college career did nothing to show his real potential. And with a Bolts team that features Mac Cardona as the sole legitimate two guy who can score, there is room for growth for the Adamson alumnus.

Bacon Austria (Ateneo Blue Eagles, drafted by Rain or Shine, 3rd round, 7th pick)

Perimeter defense has been Austria's best asset as a Blue Eagle, and then his stint with the Cebuana Lhuiller Gems was a means for him to emerge as a legitimate offensive threat, able to shoot threes and make perimeter jumpers. Thus, being chosen to play for the Elastopainters would give the huge break that Austria needed, and he might need to get in shape to get used to the PBA (Beau Belga and JR Quinahan, here's the third member of Extra Rice, Inc.).

Jerick Canada (Adamson Soaring Falcons, drafted by Ginebra, 3rd round 8th pick)

Canada is small, but he's quick, can defend, pass well, and shoot threes. Jayjay Helterbrand is on the verge of retiring, and the Gin Kings would need Canada's services in the second string. Plus, considering that no one has seen his improvement in the ABL and realized that he's a notch above other guards picked earlier, Ginebra is a draft winner in this regard.

Jumbo Escueta (Ateneo Blue Eagles, drafted by Talk 'N Text, 3rd round 10th pick)

The Tropang Texters have an athletic frontcourt, and what Jumbo Escueta can offer is physicality, the ability to bang bodies with burly frountcourt members of other squads despite his 6 foot 3 frame. Worried about minutes? Coach Norman Black has got something up his sleeve for his former center, so expect surprises to come its way in the All-Filipino Cup.

Kokoy Hermosisima (NU Bulldogs, drafted by Barako Bull 4th round, 4th pick)

At this point, not sure if the Energy Boosters are just trolling or they want to build an all-star UAAP cast.

Jan Colina (Adamson Soaring Falcons, drafted by GlobalPort, 4th round 6th pick)

Colina was one of those who had a great fourth season, but faltered in their last year of playing. Had he played a better fifth year, then the Soaring Falcons could have entered the Finals. With these left behind as he went for a short stint with the ABL, redemption would be a question as he enters a team chuck full of shooters.

Paul Zamar (UE Red Warriors, drafted by Ginebra, 4th round 8th pick)

Three-point shooters. Three point shooters everywhere, and we wonder where Zamar will play heavy minutes with Ginebra or not.

Credits to the internets for the images.

Game Notes: PBA Blue vs. Green Dream Game

Blue Team 104, Green Team 117

-It was a reunion for both sides, but an advantage for one of them. Coach Norman Black, whose Blue Eagles became the UAAP champions from 2008 to 2011, had most of his Blue Team players coming from the 2002 UAAP Blue Eagles, most notably Larry Fonacier, L.A. Tenorio, and Enrico Villanueva. In the Blue Team roster, he only had JC Intal, Eric Salamat, Doug Kramer, and Nonoy Baclao (plus Rabeh Al-Hussaini who could have played as well if not for his injury) to lead the team in executing the system that he uses in the UAAP. Franz Pumaren, on the other hand, had all of his best players in his own fourpeat, from 1998 to 2001, including those who were members of the 2007 championship, like Ryan Arana and Jvee Casio. Judging from that, it seems obvious that Pumaren has the upper hand, as it would only be the same old thing all over again for the Green Team, while the Blue Team would still have to make in-game adjustments in order to work as a team.

-This in turn begs a big question for the fans of DLSU past: Is it a case of Pumaren getting his DLSU players to Air 21, or being reestablished as DLSU's head coach in the coming years if Abanilla would not bring them to the promised land?

-One big advantage that the Green Team had during the game was their sweet shooting from beyond the arc. Mike Cortez, Jvee Casio, Joseph Yeo, and Ryan Arana, had their own share of three-point baskets, while the Blue Team's threes of their own, which could have made a big difference early on, only fell into the hands of Green Team's rebounders. Larry Fonacier, presumably the biggest three point shooter in the team, only made a few, leaving Tenorio and Salamat to carry the burden. Apparently, this, together with a few missed baskets and opportunities, led to a Green Team lead that went as big as 25 in the second half of the game. The Blue Team, on the other hand, only thrived and caught up through big runs of their own, and were not able to fully capitalize and gain the lead as the Green Team made some crucial stops and baskets, especially in the final minutes of the game.

-Despite being a charity game that has no bearing at all except for a statement as well as a chance to break the 80-all tie that ended the first Blue vs. Green dream game a few years ago, there were significant moments that perhaps the recent Ateneo and La Salle crowds wanted to see. Don Allado did a Tim Tebow after a counted basket, at the delight of the green side of the court. Tenorio had alley-oop passes to Japeth Aguilar, Paolo Bugia, and Enrico Villanueva. Arana, despite not doing the "dance" in his college days, also had flashes of brilliance. Aguilar, who left after two years in the UAAP to play in the US NCAA, showed that he has not only a high flyer but also a midrange shooter, which begs another question of what could have happened if he developed under the Norman Black system. And who would forget one of the best players of the UAAP, Captain Hook, Macmac Cardona, who did his signature hook shot over the same guys he fought against back in college? Too bad we did not see the trademark defense of the Blue Eagles which brought them four straight championships, mastered and known by heart by the present Blue Eagles team, or the De La Salle full court press that terrorized not only the Blue Eagles but also other teams in the UAAP.

-Besides the Season 73 first round elimination win of the Green Archers against the Blue Eagles, this has been the only moment where the DLSU crowd has been wild against the AdMU crowd, as this is the only other AdMU-DLSU game where the score favored the green side of the crowd during the final buzzer since 2010. Will this happen again the UAAP? With a new coaching staff and the acquisition of high school stand out Jeron Teng, we could expect a tight competition once again between the Blue and the Green, which perhaps is more significant and more important for both blue and green fans.

The Scores:


Green Team 117 – Allado 23, Cardona 20, Casio 13, Sharma 12, Arana 9, Maierhofer 9, Yeo 9, Ritualo 8, Cortez 8, Aquino 3, Gaco 3.

Blue Team 104 – Tenorio 20, Villanueva 19, Aguilar 16, Fonacier 14, Intal 13, Kramer 7, Salamat 4, Baclao 4, Membrere 3, Alvarez 2, Bugia 2.

Quarter scores: 34-20, 61-48, 94-75, 117-104

Credits to InterakTV for the image and box.

All In A Day's Games (19 October 2011)

Not so ordinary to have four great games in a day without NBA, isn't it?

NCAA (Final Four)

San Sebastian Stags 63, Letran Knights 56
Stags advance to the Finals vs. San Beda Red Lions

Leading most of the game, the Stags entered the fourth quarter with a double-digit advantage. However, Letran hotshot Kevin Alas hit big three point shots to tie the game at 55 apiece. Good thing Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva, two-thirds of SSC-R's Pinatubo Squad, never lost their poise as they prevented a meltdown, regaining the lead and cruising all the way to victory.

San Sebastian 63 – Abueva 20, Sangalang 15, Pascual 11, J. dela Cruz 9, Antipuesto 3, del Rio 2, Vitug 2, Miranda 1, Maiquez 0
Letran 56 – K. Alas 26, Cruz 11, Cortes 8, J. Alas 4, Racal 3, Belorio 2, Dysam 2, Almazan 0, Espiritu 0, Gabriel 0

Quarter scores: 17-16, 34-28, 50-41, 63-56

PBA

Barako Bull 100, Talk 'N Text 86

The Tropang Texters have been dominant these past few conferences,but in this game, Barako Bull had the momentum. Willie Miller led the BB Energy with 27 big points, coupled by a combined 28 point effort from the "Espana Squad," rookies Dylan Ababou and Allein Maliksi. On the other hand, the Tropang Texters, who were down from the beginning, had Jayson Castro leading with 23 points.

Barako Bull 100 -Miller 27, Ababou 20, Pennisi 18, Allado 9, Maliksi 8, Najorda 6, Artadi 4, Arboleda 3, Pena 3, Salvacion 2, Salvador 0.

Talk N Text 86 - Castro 23, Reyes 16, Dillinger 10, Aban 10, Peek 8, Fonacier 6, Carey 6, Aguilar 4, Alapag 3, Raymundo 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0.

Quarter scores: 25-11, 52-33, 71-62, 100-86

Rain Or Shine 89, Meralco Bolts 84

A 30-9 scoring advantage for the Elasto Painters was outright impressive, and it's a good thing they held a huge 25-point margin before the Bolts tried to storm back in the game. The Elasto Painters' big three at the backcourt--JeffChan, Paul Lee, and Gabe Norwood, had a combined 40 points (14 apiece from Chan and Norwood, with 12 from Lee), while Mark Macapagal and Gabby Espinas led the way for the Bolts, scoring 20 and 19 respectively.

Rain or Shine 89 - Norwood 14, Chan 14, Lee 12, Rodriguez 11, Buenafe 9, Matias 8, Belga 6, Quinahan 6, Ibanes 5, Arana 4, Cruz 0.

Meralco 84 - Macapagal 20, Espinas 19, Taulava 16, Lanete 14, Isip 6, Borboran 5, Ballesteros 2, Omolon 2, Timberlake 0, Yee 0.

Quarter scores: 22-21, 41-40, 71-49, 89-84

FIBA Asia U-16

RP U-16 93, Indonesia 30

Basically, the Indonesian team was creamed by Coach Olsen Racela's U-16 squad in the Group D bracket of the U-16 tournament, getting off an early 27-9 lead in the first quarter and stretching it all the way to 63 points by the end of the buzzer. Malayan High School standout Jay Alejandro led the way with 17 points, while Xavier Stallion Kyles Lao had 15 of his own. The RP team will have Vietnam as its next opponent this Thursday, 20 October 2011, and will advance to the semifinal round with the top three teams of Group C.

Philippines 93–Alejandro 17, Lao 15, Go 9, Rivero 9, Diputado 8, Heading 7, Cani 7, Ramos 6, Javelosa 4, Dalafu 4, Caracut 4, Asilum 3.

Indonesia 30–Abraham 9, Indraprasto 6, Kosasih 5, Yogia 4, Fahdani 4, Sidabutar 2, Airawan 0, Setiawan 0, Istiadi 9, Purwoko 0, Ramadhan 0, Wongso 0.

Quarter scores: 27-9, 56-13, 78-22, 93-30

Credits to Inboundpass, HoopNut, PBA.ph, Caloy's Sports Blog, and Inquirer Sports for the pics and box scores.

Where To, Smart Gilas?

It seems that after the Olympic qualifier, we won't be seeing the same Smart-Gilas team that brought a revived enthusiasm for Philippine basketball. There are those who would try their skill in the professional leagues, namely JV Casio, Andy Barroca, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, and Chris Lutz, who applied for the PBA draft. On the other hand, the Cebuano Hotshot, Dondon Hontiveros, called it quits after a tiring stint. The same goes for Asi Taulava, who already felt that a handful of PBA seasons and stints with the various national teams were more than enough.

The good news is, Smart-Gilas Pilipinas team captain Chris Tiu decided not to play in the professional league, and hoped that his contract will be renewed with the Philippine team. And hopefully, Tiu's decision to stay would also invite Coach Raijko Toroman to do so as well, seeing that there's still someone left who knows his system.

But the more important concern is the replacements for those who have departed. Who could be the ones who can wear the red, blue, and white, and represent our country in international tournaments?

-News came in a few months ago about the addition of professional cagers Sol Mercado, Jimmy Alapag, and Kelly Williams in the Smart Gilas roster. Of course, their professional experience have already said a lot about them, and they could provide the necessary force that the national team needs. But the question is, can they work full time with the national team like Hontiveros or Taulava? Could they also be willing to leave their respective teams and participate on a full time basis?

-Also, remember that there are current Smart Gilas players playing in the collegiate ranks. Greg Slaughter still has to work for his college degree, including two years of serving as the pillar of the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles. Aldrech Ramos, on the other hand, is in his final year in Far Eastern University. These two will be helpful especially that Japeth Aguilar and Marcus Douthit need reliable back ups to cover the paint.

-Speaking of collegiate players, how about considering recalling JR Cawaling, also in the final year of playing for the Tamaraws? Or former applicant Ryan Buenafe, who is on a hiatus at the moment to catch up on academic requirements and trim his weight down?

-It might be also good to review the previous Powerade Pilipinas national team, led by Yeng Guiao, and pick out some gems. Governor's Cup Finals MVP Arwind Santos is a likely candidate, and so is Alaska Aces guard Cyrus Baguio. James Yap would be a good addition, as well as Gabe Norwood. But then, we run again into the question of commitment.

-Is anyone familiar with the Sinag Pilipinas team that Coach Norman Black came up with for international amateur tournaments? There are a handful of names from the collegiate ranks that could be standouts for the Smart Gilas team. But the most qualified candidate among them would be FEU Tamaraws' RR Garcia. The Season 73 Most Valuable Player can do even more than what Mark Barroca can do in his FEU days, and maybe he will be as valuable as Barroca was in the team. Fil-Ams Bobby Ray Parks and soon-to-be Blue Eagle Chris Newsome could also be good additions. On the NCAA side, we have "The Beast" Calvin Abueva and Garvo Lanete, from the Stags and the Red Lions respectively. And this may not be an immediate concern, but Smart Gilas should do all it takes to sway the Phenom Kiefer Ravena and have him play for the country. After all he has already done so in the U-16 and U-18 categories.

So, having all these options, what would it be for Smart Gilas? Or would everyone still hang on to the hopes that the guys in the PBA draft drop their names off when Friday comes?

Credits to Inquirer.net, Interaktv, GMANews, CDOLifestyle.com, Kvitters, Nugglepurl, and Metagini for the pictures.

Notable Names

The list of PBA draft hopefuls have already been released, and there are already significant names in collegiate basketball that have appeared. The big question that lies here is: How will they fare in the professional level?

Here are some of those former college cagers, coming in alphabetical order

Dylan Ababou (UST, Smart Gilas)

The former Growling Tiger became the head of their ambush during Season 72, who placed fourth and were defeated by the Rabeh Al-Hussaini-led Ateneo in the Final Four. Known before for his midrange game, Ababou has since gained a lot of skills, which include (thank God) inside scoring and defense, thanks to the Smart Gilas training program. Can he make use of these skills to make it? Perhaps he would, in the early second round.

Ken Acibar (UE)

Many Red Warrior fans wished that Acibar could have stayed and become the pillar of the Red Warriors this Season 74. Apparently, due to the change in the coaching staff, he decided to leave the team (and its chances of becoming a competitive bunch in the UAAP) together with Paul Lee and Coach Lawrence Chongson. A forward capable of becoming a threat both outside and inside, he might earn a significant spot and be drafted early.

Mac Baracael (FEU, Smart Gilas)

The guy who was shot after a game-fixing fiasco fully recovered after his years in the UAAP, even becoming a dominant shooting forward who knows his game very well and how he would fit in Coach Toroman's system. Let's see how he will carry it over in a professional league that demands him to become more of a small forward than a power forward.

Andy Barroca (FEU, Smart Gilas)

The last discussions that we have about Andy Barroca and his playing years in the UAAP involved allegations of game-fixing during Season 72. However, it seems that it did not dishearten him, when he played full-time for Smart Gilas and made a name for himself. He has the skill and the basketball IQ to become a legit point guard in the PBA, but plugging in prejudices, can this be the opportunity for him to prove that there is no such thing as "game-fixing" in his vocabulary?

JV Casio (DLSU, Smart Gilas)

Why oh why, does Casio have to enter the PBA draft, when he is the best player of Smart Gilas? The last time he wore the green and white, he was seen finding his spots and shooting timely jumpers. And things changed a lot since then, for he developed as a reliable guard both from inside and the outside, on both ends of the floor. Too bad he was injured during the last stretch of the Jones Cup. Had he been there, Team Pilipinas could have a shot of becoming number one. The challenge now is for him to elevate and adjust his game in the professional level.

Reil Cervantes (FEU)

Cervantes also decided to forego his final option to play for the FEU Tamaraws (which seems to be a bad decision from the perspective of the present Tams, who terribly lack big men to fill in his post) and head straight to the professional league. Now what can a big man that knows how to post up as well as hit outside jumpers do? A lot, actually.

Brian Ilad (DLSU)

Last time we've heard from him was his quarrel with UE Red Warrior Mark Fampulme, and that's the only time his name became significant. Even along former Maroon Magi Sison, he didn't rack up good numbers in the D-League. Expect this guy to be left out until the late 2nd round.

Paul Lee (UE)

Season 73's chief Red Warrior was the one whom teams have been waiting for, ever since news broke out that he will be leaving the University of the East together with Coach Chongson. Whether he will live up to the expectations or not depends on how he will adjust his game. Will his shooting antics work well in the PBA? Only way to know how is to let him play.

Allein Maliksi (UST)

Maliksi used to be the Growling Tigers' spunk off the bench, until he became the D-League MVP. And from resident dunker to all-around player, expect him to be drafted mid-1st round, especially with a team that needs both inside and outside offense.

Kit Rosopa (UE)

Like Ilad, is this a wise decision for the UE second-stringer? Even though he provides power in the post in his Red Warrior days, he might have a lot of adjustments, and part of them is accepting the fact that he can just be a third-stringer or a twelfth man. Perhaps it's not too late to back out and return to the D-League.

Eric Salamat (Ateneo)

Ateneo's court general really has what it takes to become a premier one or two in the PBA. He can pass, shoot threes, play D, and run from coast to coast for transitions. However, with the overload of guards in the professional league that are taller and quicker, he might have to put aside his ego and learn that even though he has a fighting chance of being drafted in the early first round, he will end up on the bench

Magi Sison (UP, Smart Gilas)

Despite improved numbers, Magi Sison has already been branded as a fluke of a big man, judging from his Fighting Maroon days and his short stint with Smart Gilas. But given the proper training and conditioning to become a legit forward, he can be dominant. Or not.

In the end, let's just cross our fingers and hope that they become key components in the teams that will get them.

Postscript:

Of course there are some names that we would expect to come out, but aren't there:

-FEU alum Paul Sanga didn't apply for the draft at all. Maybe he thought that there is more to it than shooting jumpers in the professional level.
-Not surprising at all: Joshua Saret, who has not improved greatly after leaving the Fighting Maroons basketball program.
-It has been more than two years since we've heard about former top Bulldog Edwin Asoro, and maybe the professional league is not for him either. And perhaps this is what would happen to other former 'Dogs like Jewel Ponferada and Kokoy Hermosisima, who obviously need more exposure in the D-League. Danny Ildefonso and Lordy Tugade are getting old already,and it's nigh time that they get their replacements.

And conversely, other names that should NOT be there (you decide):

Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz will apply for the PBA draft and opt out of the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas team, which brings us to a separate discussion...

Credits to the following for the photos: GMANews, Bleachersbrew, Philstar.com, Greenarchers.ph, Pinoy Exchange, GBrew, The Varsitarian, Abante, Fabilioh, and Flickr

All In A Day's Games (21 August 2011)

UAAP


National U 65, State U 43

The Fighting Maroons have been going haywire since the First Round, but this was the worst game they have played. With their screens not working against the NU defense, Paolo Romero, Jett Manuel, and even non-jumpshooting Jelo Montecastro continued to chuck up shots while giving the Bulldogs the boards. On the other hand, why does Coach Eric Altamirano let Mbe remain in the fourth, when they already have an insurmountable lead.

NU 65 – Parks 22, Mbe 17, Terso 7, Javillonar 6, Khobuntin 4, Villamor 2, Celda 2, Alolino 2, Singh 2, Ignacio 1, Neypes 0, Labing-isa 0, Celiz 0

UP 43 – Romero 7, Montecastro 6, Maniego 6, Juruena 6, Gamboa 5, Mbah 4, Gingerich 3, Silungan 2, Manuel 2, Gomez 2, Wong 0, Wierzba 0, Fortu 0

Quarter scoring: 17-6, 27-13, 48-26, 65-43

Far Eastern U 62, Adamson U 61

Terrence Romeo might have exploded, but this does not excuse him from committing another boneheaded turnover that allowed the Soaring Falcons' Alex Nuyles to to trim the margin to a point after being behind by as much as 15. The tams should be thankful for Aldrech Ramos' superb performance. If not for him, they could have lost the game and be on the verge of elimination from the Final Four.

FEU 62 – Ramos 18, Romeo 14, Garcia 14, Tolomia 8, Escoto 4, Cruz 2, Exciminiano 2, Pogoy 0, Mendoza 0, Bringas 0, Knuttel 0

Adamson 61 – Nuyles 17, Camson 9, Alvarez 9, Lozada 8, Cañada 7, Brondial 6, Cabrera 4, Manyara 1, Petilos 0, Etrone 0, Colina 0

Quarter scoring: 14-12, 30-24, 47-39, 62-61

PBA


Petron Blaze Boosters 85, Talk N Text Tropang Texters 73

The Grandslam can wait another season for the Tropang Texters, as the Boosters stayed ahead for the rest of the game despite being branded as this series' underdogs. It's true that they were fortunate enough for TnT to miss point guard Jason Castro, but they had bigger misfortunes, namely injured ones Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Joseph Yeo, Jay Washington, and Lordy Tugade. Former FEU Tam Arwind Santos was crowned the Finals MVP, leading the ragtag pack with a magnificent 16-point, 16-rebound output.

Petron 85 – Grundy 26, Santos 16, Miranda 16, Ildefonso 13, Cabagnot 12, Pennisi 2, Duncil 0, Hubalde 0, Salvacion 0.

Talk N' Text 73 – Baker 22, De Ocampo 15, Williams 13, Alapag 13, Carey 6, Castro 2, Peek 2, Dillinger 0, Reyes 0, Aban 0. Fonacier 0, Alvarez 0.

Quarter scoring: 28-17, 40-34, 64-53, 85-73

Thanks to inboundpass for UAAP box and photos, and Interaktv for PBA box and photo