The Victory Ride

"Chapter closed, destination reached. Now we can celebrate." -- These were the words of Purefoods' first 2-time Philippine Cup Champion Coach, Coach Ryan Gregorio as his Giants finally won, in a 4-0 sweep against the Aces, the KFC Philippine Cup Championship title after a roller coaster ride in the 18 games of the elimination round and playing 15 tiring games in the play-offs last March 3, 2010 at the country's basketball capital - the Araneta Coloseum. (Do you know that no team has played as many games in a conference as the Giants, who played 33 games?) Now, they finally have the bragging rights; they can finally be named as the best team in the land.


It was a night of odds and defeating the odds. In fact, the odds were against Purefoods; for the past 4 conferences, the teams to which the BPCs belong lose the game in which they were awarded as such. That night, "Big Game" James Carlos Yap was named as the KFC Philippine Cup's Best Player of the Conference. That was, sort-of, a jinx for them and as the game ended, James Yap said that he wanted to prove that "jinx" non-applicable to them.


Aside from being the BPC, James Yap was also named as the Finals MVP of this conference.


Words would never be enough, but I'd love to express my feelings for a few people. :]


* Chris Timberlake (31) & Jonathan Fernandez (12) - Though you weren't able to play, I'm sure that if you'd work harder, you'll get your break. Wait and see what the future holds for you. :) Good luck with your professional careers and I do hope that I'd see you both grow as players in the same squad.

* Rommel Adducul (10) - You're a great person and that's why God has given you another chance to live. I'm sure that He has plans for you and all you have to do is to wait for Him to unfold His plans. I'll be very glad to see you next conference as The General we have known and loved. :)

* Don Allado (41) - I'd be a liar if I'll say that I love you and that I'm your biggest fan. Though I'm not, I'm so proud of how you have grown as a player in PF. I also love how you show appreciation for your teammates and how you make the crowd roar during timeouts because of your funny antics. See you next confe! :D

*Jondan Salvador (61) - I just love you! =)) Need I say more? :)) Kidding aside, I'm so happy that, even though you were on the floor for very limited minutes, you were able to contribute for the team. The rebounds, the basket, the defensive moves, and the magnificent block made my larynx go tired. :)) I hope that PF would find a way to bring you back to the player you were before and that they'll always make you play. See ya! :)

*Niño Cañaleta (9) - I'm so happy that you were traded to PF! :D I never thought that you're a wonderful shooter in the inside and in the rainbow country. I'm super duper proud of you! PF has made you a better player than before. :) I'll be watching out for your possible entry to the Slamdunk Competition in the All-Star Weekend! :)

*Paul Artadi (11) - Mr. Energy and Play-maker! :) That's who you are to me. I'm so happy that they finally found a way to bring you back to the squad. I really love how you make everyone work their hardest when you're on the floor. You're the man! :) Practice more on your threes and everything's good. :)

*PJ Simon (8) - "Wala ng injury injury, finals na eh." I'm sure that that statement of yours touched the hearts of your Simonatics so much. All PF fans are surely so thankful that you played to the best of your ability despite the injuries. Hope that you'll be playing your best next conference once your injury's completely healed. Go Supersub!! :)

*Rico Maierhofer (1) - Though you're a rookie, that doesn't make you work less than the rest of your teammates and that makes all PF fans so proud and happy that you're part of this team. Your energy and momentum keeps the team and the fans alive every time you play. Congratulations on your first PBA Championship! :)

*Rafi Reavis (4) - At first, I have to admit, I didn't like the trade that involved you. But now, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's very thankful to have you traded to PF. You work like an import! Minus the foul trouble, of course. :)) And that's what everyone likes about you. See you next conference!

*Roger Yap (13) - As PBA's site says, you're now playing your best game in 9 years. You're a great, great player and we hope that, somehow, you could extend your stay in the PBA and in Purefoods. :) Good luck!

*Kerby Raymundo (5) - Many games (more like referees) tested your patience and your professionalism. Yet, you showed everyone that your "anger" was righteous. :)) You made every PF fan proud by showing us your perseverance especially during the games' crucial moments. You really are a captain. :) Hope to see you receive MVP titles in the future! :D

*James Yap (18) - King, Man with a Million Moves, Big Game James. So many titles for one amazing player who has just won another Finals MVP and BPC title. PF is very very proud of you, James. 'Cause despite all the problems you face, the controversies thrown at you, you never ever give up and still play your very best. Congratulations! You deserve all the awards, praises, and love from your fans. :)

*Coaching Staff, esp. Coach Ryan Gregorio - Congratulations! So many people doubted your abilities, but you proved everyone wrong by outsmarting one of the best, if not the best, coaches in the PBA now - Coach Tim Cone. I'm so proud specifically of Coach Ryan Gregorio. Can I insult your haters now? :)) I've always been a supporter and now that you won your third championship for Purefoods, no one can ever blame you for anything. Good luck with your coaching careers and hope to see the complete staff next conference!


To end this, let me quote the Champion Coach, Coach Ryan Gregorio of the Purefoods TJ Giants who humbly said, "What makes this championship sweet is that this was close to impossible but we did it. It can be a preview of what life can be. We never gave up and we were rewarded." Again, congratulations to the whole Purefoods team! :)

Roster as of NOW.

This is still subject to change since the last day of finalizing rosters will be on Oct. 5. Got this from Hoop Talk's Note on Facebook. :D


ALASKA

Head Coach: Earl Timothy Cone
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Joel Banal Mr. Richard Bachmann, Mr. Isabelo Lastimosa,Mr. Luigi Trillo

PLAYERS: Mike Cortez, LA Tenorio,,Sonny Thoss, Kelvin dela Pena, Mark Borboran, Larry Fonacier, Willie Miller, Sean Co, Eric Canlas, Ariel Capus, Reynel Hugnatan, Jeffrey Cariaso, Brandon Cablay, Ervin Sotto, Tony dela Cruz, Joe Devance, John Ferriols, Mike Burtscher

BARAKO BULL
Head Coach: Leo Isaac
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Ariel Vanguardia, Mr. Mon Celis

PLAYERS: Chad Alonzo, Jojo Duncil, Paulo Hubalde, Leo Najorda, Magnum Membrere, Reed Juntilla,
Alex Crisano, Rogemar Menor, Benedict Fernandez, Jim Bruce Viray, Yousif Aljamal, Gec Chia,
Aris Dimaunahan, MC Caceres, Donbel Belano, Gilbert Lao

BURGER KING WHOPPERS
Head Coach: Joseller Guiao
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Junel Baculi, Mr. Roehl Nadurata, Mr. Johnny Tam

PLAYERS: Ernesto Billones, JR Quiñahan, Frederick Rodriguez, Aaron Aban, Wynne Arboleda,
Gary David, Mark Yee, Beau Belga, Ram Carlo Sharma, Richard Yee, Ron Jason Buenafe, Orlando Daroya
Chico Lanete, Ronnie Matias

BARANGAY GINEBRA KINGS
Head Coach: Joseph Uichico
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Art de la Cruz, Mr. Allan Caidic, Mr. Juno Sauler

PLAYERS: Celino Cruz, Billy Mamaril, Cyrus Baguio, Kevin White, Junjun Cabatu, JC Intal, Junthy Valenzuela, JJ Helterbrand, Douglas Kramer, Paolo Bugia, Enrico Villanueva, Willie Wilson, Eric Menk,
Rich Alvarez, Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid, Sunday Salvacion

COCA-COLA TIGERS
Head Coach: Kenneth Duremdes
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Bo Perasol, Mr. George Ella, Mr. William Antonio,

PLAYERS: Chris Ross, RJ Rizada, Cear Catli, Kenneth Bono, Francis Allera, Rodney Santos, Marvin Cruz
Dennis Espino, Larry Rodriguez, Ronjay Enrile, Ricky Calimag, Norman Gonzales, Dale Singson, Alex Cabagnot, Mark Macapagal, Asi Taulava

RAIN OR SHINE
Head Coach: Caloy Garcia
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Richard del Rosario, Mr. Mike Buendia, Mr. Jay Legacion,

PLAYERS: Tyrone TY Tang, Sol Mercado, Jireh Ibanes, Jay Alfad, Jay-R Reyes, Jeffrei Chan,
Gabe Norwood, Don Dulay, Marcy Arellano, Ryan Arana, Jervy Cruz, Mike Dizon, Mark Telan, Allan Salangsang , Mike Hrabak, Eddie Laure

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN
Head Coach: Siot Tanquingcen
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Gee Abanilla, Mr. Pido Jarencio, Mr. Freddie Abuda, Mr. Biboy Ravanes

PLAYERS:
Mike Cortez, Jonas Villanueva, Dorian Pena, Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Ildefonso, Bonbon Custodio, Wesley Gonzales, Olsen Racela, Lordy Tugade, Samigue Eman, Jay Washington, Arwind Santos, Dennis Miranda, Mick Pennisi, Danny Seigle, Michael Holper, Chris Calaguio

TALK 'N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
Head Coach: Vincent Reyes
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Aboy Castro, Mr. Nash Racela, Mr. Ferdinand Ravena,

PLAYERS: Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, Emerson Oreta, Nicholas Belasco, Mark Cardona, John Paul Escobal, Florendo Ritualo, Jason Castro, Yancy de Ocampo, Jared Dillinger, Ranidel de Ocampo,
Ali Peek, Mark Isip, Jonathan de Guzman

STA. LUCIA REALTORS
Head Coach: Boyet Fernandez
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Cholo Martin, Mr. Adonis Tierra

PLAYERS: Ardy Larong, Josh Urbiztondo, Nelbert Omolon, Kelvin Gregorio, Paolo Mendoza, Ryan Reyes
Chito Jaime, Marlou Aquino, Dennis Daa, Jason Misolas, Jervy del Rosario, Joseph Yeo, Gabby Espinas,
Kelly Williams, Chris Pacana, Charles Waters, Mark Benitez

PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS
Head Coach: Paul Ryan Gregorio
Asst. Coaches: Mr. Ronnie Magsanoc, Mr. Coy Banal, Mr. Rey Evangelista, Mr. Dayong Mendoza

PLAYERS: Paul Rico Maierhofer, Rafi Reavis, Kerby Raymundo, Peter June Simon, Nino Canaleta,
Romel Adducul, Paul Ryan Artadi, Jonathan Fernandez, Roger Yap, Marc Pingris, James Yap,
Chris Timberlake, Don Allado, Jondan Salvador

PBA Offseason Updates!

PBA Offseason Updates

- Rain or Shine signs up free agent Mark Telan

- Nic Belasco goes to Talk 'N Text, Rob Reyes goes to Red Bull and Larry Rodriguez goes to Coca-Cola

- Brgy. Ginebra traded Paul Artadi, Rafi Reavis and the rights to 8th pick Chris Timberlake for Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, Celino Cruz and Paolo Bugia of Purefoods. Burger King acted as the conduit team, trading Cholo Villanueva to Brgy. Ginebra and acquiring the rights to 2009 Rookie draft 18th pick Orlando Daroya and future picks.

- Purefoods released Richard Yee and Topex Robinson to free agency

- Burger King shipped their 3rd pick Chris Ross, guard Marvin Cruz and the 13th pick to Coca-Cola for Ronjay Buenafe and Coca-Cola's 2010 1st Round Draft pick.

- Barako Bull's Jeff Chan and Mike Hrabak traded to Rain or Shine for Rob Wainwright and Mark Andaya

- Jojo Duncil is now with Coca-Cola.

- Gabby Espinas traded to Sta. Lucia for Sta. Lucia's 2009 1st Round pick.

- Brgy. Ginebra released Junjun Cabatu, Macky Escalona and JR Aquino to free agency.

-Burger King's Marc Pingris traded to Purefoods for Purefoods' 2010 1st and 2nd Round Draft picks.

- Burger King's Arwind Santos traded to San Miguel for Marc Pingris, Ken Bono and San Miguel's 2010 1st Round draft pick


Attention!



Powerade Team Pilipinas Games: FIBA-Asia

Thursday, 8/06 - 9 am - vs. Sri Lanka
Friday, 8/07 - 9 pm - vs. Japan
Saturday, 8/08 - 9 pm - vs. South Korea


The team left the country for Tianjin a while ago. On the 6th, James Yap won't be there to play yet but I think he'll fly to Tianjin in a few days. According to Ms. Patricia Bermudez-Hizon's twitter, all these will be aired live on both CS9 and BTV. Support our country by watching and praying for them.


Please also continue to pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Former President Corazon Aquino and for each other as she has instructed us. Tomorrow will be her funeral, let's all take a minute to remember and express our gratitude to her for making the move to regain our freedom. Until the end, LABAN!

Trades

I won't explain anymore, I'm sooo busy! Just dropped by for this. Here are the trades that I'm aware of as of the moment.

Marc Pingris -- from SMB to BK to PF
Ken Bono -- from SMB to BK
Arwind Santos -- from BK to SMB
Raffy Reavis, Paul Artadi, Chris Timberlake -- from BGK to PF
Rico Villanueva, Paolo Bugia, Celino Cruz, Rich Alvarez -- from PF to BGK
Ronjay Buenafe -- from CCT to BK
Nic Belasco -- from CCT to TNT
Marvin Cruz, Chris Ross -- from BK to CCT
Larry Rodriguez -- from three-way trade to CCT
Jeff Chan, Mike Hrabak -- from BB to ROS
Rob Wainwright, Mark Andaya -- from ROS to BB
Gabby Espinas -- from BB to SLR


Articles:

Jones Cup Results

JONES CUP RESULTS (Team Pilipinas only)

072609 Lost to Iran 65-80
072209 Won over Taiwan B 94-90
072209 Lost to Korea 80-83
072209 Lost to Lebanon 83-95
072109 Lost to Japan 85-87
072009 Won over Kazakhstan 85-67
071909 Lost to Taiwan A 77 - 86
071809 Lost to Jordan 59 - 90

Team Pilipinas' Schedule and TV Listings for the Jones Cup

Sorry for the late post about this, I knew about it very recently.. Anway, here's the Powerade Team Pilipinas' game schedule and the telecasts for the Jones Cup.

Philippines vs. Jordan
Tipoff: Saturday, July 18, 5 PM
ESPN Broadcast: Sunday, July 19, 1 PM

Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei – A
Tipoff: Sunday, July 19, 7 PM
ESPN Broadcast: Monday, July 20, 10 AM

Philippines vs. Kazakhstan
Tipoff: Monday, July 20, 3 PM
ESPN Broadcast: Live!

Philippines vs. Japan
Tipoff: Tuesday, July 21, 3PM
ESPN Broadcast: Live!

Philippines vs. Lebanon
Tipoff: Wednesday, July 22, 7PM
ESPN Broadcast: Live!

Philippines vs. South Korea
Tipoff: Thursday, July 23, 5 PM
ESPN Broadcast: Live!

Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei – B
Tipoff: Saturday, July 25, 3 PM
ESPN Broadcast: Live!

Philippines vs. Iran
Tipoff: Sunday, July 26, 1 PM
ESPN Broadcast: Live!

ESPN will not be able to air this weekend's games live because they'll be broadcasting the British Open Championship. Credits to a site where I found this. (Dang, I'm so sorry I can't give much credit, I wasn't able to copy the link of the site. I'm really sorry..) Let's all support our country in the best way that we can, by praying. God bless us all! :)