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.

Drive and Desire: AdMU vs. FEU Finals Game 2 (UAAP S74 Final Four Special Recap)

Ateneo 82, FEU 69
Blue Eagles clinch fourth straight Championship
(Finals MVP: Nico Salva)

As the moment for Ateneo to claim its fourth straight championship draws near, people have been talking about the second game of the Finals through historical references. Some would like to go back to Season 73, expecting that FEU can deliver a better game and bring out another Ryan Buenafe who would seal the deal for the Blue Eagles. Others would go back to the 2009 championship against the UE Red Warriors, which practically broke the "October curse" (wherein Ateneo, in the past decade, loses to its Finals matches set in October). Even others, doubters specifically, would go back to 2003, telling the Blue Eagles that they should watch out, because the Tamaraws are hungrier with their backs against the wall.

But for this year's Blue Eagles, as part of Coach Norman Black's philosophy, the past has always been the past. The Game 1 domination over the FEU Tamaraws has given them both so much and so little. On one hand, they have the advantage and is one game closer to the fourpeat that they and the Ateneo community wanted so bad. On the other hand, the scores are back to 0-0 and they will have to start again, especially now that things might change because both teams have been given so much time to prepare and see what needs to be improved. However, one thing has remained the same for them, something that they have carried over since summer break: that the Blue Eagles are hungry for the win and they will go for the kill if presented with the opportunity, and they entered the possibly last game of the season with this mindset.

The first quarter became a tit-for-tat battle of some sorts. Both teams were able to find opportunities to score, with one team getting a small lead which the other would then take away in a matter of few seconds. However, the Blue Eagles were able to gain a safe five-point lead after ten minutes, thanks to a last minute basket by Justin Chua.

The Blue Eagles threatened to blow the game early when the second unit continued their superb play, when Juami Tiongson extended the lead of the Blue Eagles to ten, 28-18. However, the Tamaraws weren't ready to give up yet, as RR Garcia and Aldrech Ramos led a furious rally that had them up 37-36 after the first half.

At this point, many would think that this would be similar to Season 73's Game 2, saying that it would be a gut-wrenching fight to the finish, where at the last minute it could be anybody's ball game. However, later on, Coach Norman Black would say that he held back the team's offense in the second quarter after getting that large lead, letting the players find their own groove in the offense while at the same time playing excellent defense. It was a wager, but nevertheless, it worked, because after the halftime break, the Blue Eagles surprised the Tamaraws by executing perfect screen-and-roll plays that allowed Kiefer Ravena and the rest of the Ateneo backcourt to find their spots or attack the basket. After Gonzaga's relentless attack to the basket that resulted into an and-one, the Tamaraws were in the same hole that they were in during the first game, staring at an eleven-point lead, a margin that the Blue Eagles would not want to relinquish as they enter the final minutes of the g ame.

The Tamaraws had a few attempts to crawl back into the game, with RR Garcia desperately finding ways to score against a tight Ateneo defense. But then, all was too much for them. Kiefer Ravena responded to Garcia's basket that trimmed the lead to ten, extending it back to fourteen, and the Tamaraws have been silent since then.

The last two minutes have been garbage time, with the Blue Eagles and the four-finger-flashing Ateneo supporters, composed of more than 70% of the Smart Araneta Coliseum crowd, just waiting for the final buzzer to sound . And when it came, there was a thunderous roar of celebration, as the Blue Eagles, led by Coach Norman Black, became the first team to win at least four straight championships, joining the ranks of the UST Growling Tigers under Coach Aric del Rosario, the DLSU Green Archers under Coach Franz Pumaren, and the UE Red Warriors under the legendary Coach Baby Dalupan.

The Blue Eagles finished off the Tamaraws without anything essentially new, and they utilized their one and only weapon against them: dynamic team play. They could have centered both their offense and defense on Slaughter and Ravena, but perhaps what surprised the Tamaraws, Coach Bert Flores specifically, was the way it was decentered during this final game.

Yes, it is true that the two newcomers, Greg Slaughter and Kiefer Ravena, became vital cogs in this run, but it was not theirs alone. Of course, there was the "third banana," Nico Salva, who, after a perfect offensive performance in the first game, came back with a splendid Kobe-esque performance in Game 2 to bag the Finals MVP Award. Emman Monfort and Kirk Long also gave headaches for the Tamaraws, especially when the pick and roll surprise was executed in the second half.

Lastly, the bench delivered the punch that the Sixth Men demanded from them. Tiongson astounded everyone with running jumpers and a quick corner three, finishing with 11 big points. Tonino Gonzaga, the team's epitome of burning passion to win, had an and-one play and a huge triple that put the Tams away for good during the third canto. Justin Chua effectively kept the FEU big men at bay, conquering the paint in his own way.

The Blue Eagles, in the end, were once again too much for the FEU Tamaraws. In the two Finals games, Coach Bert Flores threw everything against the Blue and White, even plugging in those whom he would not normally put in, such as Roger Pogoy, Clarence Foronda, and the injured Christian Sentcheu. The three-guard combination alongside Aldrech Ramos did not make things work in terms of the offense, as they threw in miss after miss, lucky enough to grab offensive boards and take their chances once again. Garcia and Ramos, however, put up a fight in the first half, showing the determination to survive, hoping that the two of them could force a rubber match. Apparently, their teammates did not join them well in their endeavors.

The FEU defense was just horrible, as the Tams were unable to hold on to their slim one-point lead in the third quarter. Still, they could not contain Slaughter, Ravena, and Salva altogether, and they even allowed the Ateneo bench to find their spots on the court. Their lack of ability to adjust their offensive and defensive plays became their downfall. And as we have seen, it was the same thing that happened during the second half., even with Coach Bert Flores admitting to Ateneo's near-perfect game.

The Tamaraws, together with the six other UAAP teams, will start the work of rebuilding, hoping that they can grab the crown that comfortably rests in Loyola Heights, now on its fourth year. Of course, the Blue Eagles will do just that after two weeks, when they enter the Unigames and wait for their PCCL matches. But now, they only have to celebrate and relish the blessing.

The Scores:

Ateneo 82 – Ravena 18, Salva 15, Slaughter 11, Tiongson 11, Monfort 9, Gonzaga 6, Long 5, Chua 5, Erram 2, Pessumal 0, Sumalinog 0, Golla 0, Austria 0

FEU 69 – Ramos 20, Garcia 16, Tolomia 7, Romeo 7, Escoto 4, Bringas 4, Exciminiano 4, Foronda 3, Cruz 2, Noundou 2, Pogoy 0, Mendoza 0, Knuttel 0

Quarter scoring: 23-18, 35-36, 57-45, 82-69

Credits to Fabilioh for the picture and Inboundpass for the box scores.

Moving Mountains: AdU vs. FEU (UAAP S74 FInal Four Special Recap)

15 September 2011

FEU 59, Adamson U 49
FEU forces knockout game

18 September 2011

FEU 78, Adamson U 74
FEU clinches Finals berth

To cut all storylines and other explanations short, it is suffice to say that the Adamson story is a fairy tale story. The Soaring Falcons never had big success in the UAAP in the past, and they have always landed fifth or sixth place after the eliminations, despite having stars and go-to guys like Mark Abadia, Leo Canuday, PJ Cabahug, and Ken Bono. Prior to this season, the only lists in the Soaring Falcons in their resume would be their short Final Four stints in 2006 and 2010, both put to a halt by the team that they never won against in the past 14 years: the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

But then enter Coach Leo Austria, a no-nonsense strategist who envisioned the Soaring Falcons as a contender despite limited financial support compared to UAAP powerhouses. He headed the efforts to turn a rag-tag team of basketball players into one that could topple Ateneo and prevent them from getting their fourth straight championship. In fact, they proved that they could do it a few weeks ago, when they defeated the Ateneo Blue Eagles by 16 points, the average winning margin of the defending champions this season.

And that is why Soaring Falcons fans thought that now was their time, that this team can usher a new age for the UAAP, one wherein the trophy will move out from Katipunan Avenue to San Marcelino. Even Alex Nuyles' tears of joy after their final game of the elimination round clearly attests to this message of hope.

But there's something that might cause their downfall, which is their lack of experience in the Final Four. While it is true that they have a lineup that could be dangerous, it is only their third time to enter the Final Four in five years, and their first time to handle a twice-to-beat advantage. Mix it the fact that while this team might be strong, they were highly inconsistent and tend to lose their focus. Just a few games ago, Coach Leo Austria attributed their loss to the UST Growling Tigers to too much anticipation of facing Ateneo for their 14th game, which nearly cost them the number 2 spot. It was fortunate that they won against the Blue Eagles and secured their twice-to-beat advantage, however, with the Blue Eagles in the Finals and the FEU Tamaraws as a big obstacle, how can this not happen again?

This disadvantage of the Falcons entering the Final Four was something that the FEU Tamaraws would like to take advantage of. For the past years, the Tamaraws have had consistent Final Four appearances. In fact, after unsuccessful stints in the semifinals, they even became the favorites in Season 73, only to lose to the Blue Eagles in two Finals games. Now, despite being number three, now was the time to strike. The Soaring Falcons did them a big favor when they forced a Final Four, having the comfort of not facing UST and Adamson more than once in the playoffs, a more herculean task to do than beating the Soaring Falcons twice, since they faced defeat with both teams. In a position where they experience less pressure despite the one-game incentive of the Falcons, all it takes is one huge push to make it to the top.

And push they did. The Tamaraws took advantage of an Adamson basketball team whose ammo have run out after firing everything at the Blue Eagles. The thirteen-point margin by the end of the first half, in favor of FEU, is supposed to be a wake up call for the Falcons. As Coach Leo Austria says, once they blow this game, it will be all over for them. Sadly, things didn't go their way as they were in a hole that was 20 points deep by the end of the third quarter.

The Falcons made one last push that trimmed the lead to nine, thanks to Alex Nuyles, who even made a thunderous dunk that silenced the FEU crowd, perhaps reminding them that this Falcons team can "pull an Ateneo" (referring to the AdMU-FEU 2nd round meet) on them. However, that was the last of what the Falcons had, as the whole FEU team saved themselves from another meltdown, thanks to the combo of RR Garcia, Aldrech Ramos, and Terrence Romeo.

The final score was 59-49, in favor of the Tams who lived to fight for another day. On the other side, Adamson now had been put in a precarious situation, facing a do-or-die game that decides whether they will be seeing Ateneo in the Finals or they'll just sit back in the lower box section of the Smart Araneta Coliseum, watching two (or three) matches between Ateneo and FEU. Moreover, there is this one setback that they have to face, as Alex Nuyles was limping away after that loss, and later they would find out that he was suffering from an ankle sprain which could affect his game and therefore their chances. All in all, this was a bitter pill to swallow for the Falcons, but as they say, it ain't over 'til it's over.

Regrouping, reprogramming, returning. These were perhaps the themes running through the heads of the Adamson Falcons as they entered their knockout game. After all, the scoreboard will go back to 0-0 and they still have this one chance. Early in the knockout game, they showed that they still have what it takes to challenge Ateneo. Unfortunately, Cris (or Mike, if the media prefers) Tolomia, the former Baby Tam and U-18 guard pulled off a miracle, raining down jumpers and dribble drives that extended the lead to until 11 in the fourth quarter.

Near the end of the game, the Tamaraws thought they had it all, until there was Jerick Canada. Many believed that putting him alongside Lester Alvarez would not be as effective as combining either of them with Janus Lozada. But then, he hit two big three pointers to keep Adamson afloat and provide a start to a big comeback and an upset against FEU. Together with Jan Colina, Janus Lozada, and Lester Alvarez, Canada's season and his UAAP career is on the line, and he might as well bring it all just to get into the Finals. After those threes, FEU's lead dwindled down to 2, and another "pull an Ateneo" kind of fear swept through the crowd.

But all attempts were in vain, because by the time when the Tamaraws had the ball and missed a crucial shot, Russel Escoto, the surprise of the year for the Tams, was lucky to tap the ball outside for Terrence Romeo to grab the offensive board as time expires. The Falcons then had no choice but to foul and hope that the man who can either win or lose it all for the Tamaraws would miss the free throw.

However, he calmly sunk those two charities to seal FEU the win. By the sound of the final buzzer, the game was finished, and the Tamaraws were already celebrating in the court, happy that they would have the opportunity to face Ateneo for the second straight time in the UAAP Finals. Jens Knuttel was one of those who were so happy, he planked in the middle of the court at the delight of his teammates.

As for the Soaring Falcons, there was only silence and sadness. At the singing of the school song, Coach Leo Austria was left speechless. There were a few sobs here and there from the four graduating Falcons. And as for Alex Nuyles? He was there perhaps thinking what could have happened had he not sprained his ankle and missed crucial shots in the last part of the game. If only. Perhaps he just hopes that he and Eric Camson can still carry another magnificent run like this next year.

On a side note, too bad the Blue Eagles will not face the Soaring Falcons for the Finals. They just have to wait until the Philippine Collegiate Champions' League to avenge their loss.

The Scores:

Game 1:
FEU 59 – Romeo 19, Garcia 16, Exciminiano 8, Ramos 7, Bringas 6, Escoto 2, Tolomia 1, Pogoy 0, Cruz 0

Adamson 49 – Nuyles 20, Camson 6, Cañada 5, Alvarez 5, Brondial 4, Lozada 4, Colina 3, Manyara 2, Etrone 0, Cabrera 0

Quarter scoring: 11-9, 29-23, 52-32, 59-49

Game 2:
FEU 78 – Tolomia 19, Romeo 15, Garcia 11, Escoto 10, Ramos 10, Cruz 8, Exciminiano 5, Pogoy 0, Bringas 0, Knuttel 0

Adamson 74 – Cañada 14, Camson 13, Nuyles 12, Lozada 9, Alvarez 9, Colina 8, Manyara 4, Petilos 3, Brondial 2, Cabrera 0

Quarter scoring: 18-14, 33-35, 57-50, 78-74

Credits to inboundpass.com

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