Showing posts with label pj simon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pj simon. Show all posts
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! :)
Shocking Links. :D
It's just shocking to find out that in one way or another, you're linked to a player. That's exactly how I feel. :)) Hmm, not that much but, somehow, yeah.
First link: My sister studies Math in Kumon while my aunt waits for her everyday. She talks to parents and guardians there while waiting so as not to get bored and one actually said that her son was PJ's friend before! Also, they lived nearby in Pasig (I think). She said that PJ gave them some Purefoods products before during Christmas. :)
Second link: My friend/schoolmate/ex-classmate came from an all-girls school. She and her sister studied there during her grade school years. According to her younger sister, Wesley's sister was her batchmate! She even said that she saw Wesley fetching her sister before. Aww. :)
Third link: Between Jondan and me, there is no link. =)) That's because we're just connected by nothing. We're connected but no one connects us. Get it? Oh right, I guess the link is my dad. Jondan lives in BF Parañaque (according to my sources) and we have guards there. :) Nice, right? If only my dad was supportive enough, I could've have his address by now!
Links, I'm sure there are more and I'll do my very best to find out! :D
Gregorio beats Garcia, at last.
Ever since Coach Caloy Garcia took over the Elasto Painters, Purefoods has never won against the said team. As Mico Halili said, "He is the only coach he has not beaten yet." And yes, it is true. I started watching the PBA in 2008, during the Philippine Cup Championship Game 3 between PF and SLR. I continued this passion for PBA and ever since I started watching, I never saw Purefoods win over the franchise. As we all know, Rain or Shine was formerly known as Welcoat and during the 2008 Fiesta Conference, the team won only 4 games in the entire conference, 2 of those games were won against the Giants. Last Conference (2009 Philippine Cup), Purefoods suffered the same feat, losing 2 games against Rain or Shine in 2 Thursdays.
But, this time, the tables were turned. However, turning the tables was pretty hard for the giants as the first half ended with the Giants' 5 point lead at 45-40 and with a total of 8 lead changes. Since the venue was not airconditioned, both imports were not dominant in the game. Because of that, the locals had to work extra hard to win; especially the locals of Purefoods because their import, Brian Hamilton, got ejected early in the 3rd quarter due to a flagrant foul penalty 2 against Rob Wainwright. Good thing that Kerby Raymundo, Don Allado, James Yap, and PJ Simon stepped up and brought in points for the Giants while Al Vergara, the former import for the Singapore Slingers, brought the energy and the momentum that lifted their all-Filipino lineup. They actually did very well. They had a 15-2 run against ROS and had 29-11 turnover points even without Hamilton.
Although the 4 were very active for their team, 3 people from Rain or Shine also had the "hot hands" for shooting field goals; namely, Gabe Norwood, Sol Mercado (who was suspended in their last game), and Don Dulay. Norwood had three 3pt fieldgoals, Mercado had 11 points (6 in the 2nd qtr?), and 4 shots from rainbow country went in for Don Dulay. Their import, Charles Clark, had 12 points and was not given much playing time in the second half. While they enjoyed knocking shots in, one guy remained unfortunate and that was Jireh Ibañes who had 5 misses in a row. (?)
So, how did Purefoods win without their import? Well, they had the momentum, they showed that they "had the bigger heart" as Don Allado has said. It was a very hard-earned win as Purefoods had to win it without their import like in Coke's 1st win against Barako Bull. Actually, it was more difficult for them since they weren't able to win it in regulation; the game was sent into overtime with the score of 87 all. This is due to the missed freethrows by Wainwright and missed buzzerbeater by James Yap.
Nonetheless, the game was for Purefoods and Purefoods alone. The momentum was completely in their favor in the overtime period. Simon had 5 straight points while Roger Yap and Allado knocked in 3 straight charities. The game ended with an 8 point lead for the giants at 102-94.
The scores:
Purefoods 102 Allado 22, Raymundo 21, Yap J. 19, Simon 17, Canaleta 6, Hamilton 5, Yap R. 5, Vergara 4, Adducul 2, Villanueva 1.
Rain or Shine 94 Norwood 14, Reyes 13, Dulay 12, Clark 12, Mercado 11, Wainwright 11, Isip 10, Arana 9, Laure 2, Andaya 0, Ibañes 0.
Quarterscores 23-25, 45-40, 68-60, 87-87 (reg.), 102-94 (OT)
**credits to pba.ph (scores)**
PF vs. RB: the Sequel
It was just any other day in everyone else's life, probably. But for James Yap and the Purefoods Squad, it was the opposite of an ordinary day. It was a huge win for them against the Barakos and it was won the hard way. I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the wonderful first meeting on the 8th of October live and the second meeting was not boring either. PF enjoyed a good time with an 11 point lead with about 7 minutes remaining. Sadly, they went scoreless for about 3 minutes and the Barakos woke up from slumber. They had completed a 13-0 run and led by 2.
James Yap, a born 3-point shooter, led his team to a 10-0 run which removed RB's hopes of winning. He had a game-high 27 points, having shot 11 field goals out of 16 attempts which includes 5 out of 8 from rainbow country. Kerby Raymundo, who just came from sickbay, and Enrico Villanueva had 14 points while former RB player Topex Robinson had 4 assists and 4 steals.
It was Gabby Espinas who stepped up for RB. He had a career-high 21 points while his teammate, Larry Rodriguez, chipped in 12 points for the Barakos who now have a win-loss card of 4-5.
Both teams played badly in the game's first half. Poor shooting and a combined 25 turnovers from both sides were the half's features.PF shot 34% from the field while RB shot 35%. PF finished the game with 25 errors overall, one more than RB.
Purefoods Team Coach Ryan Gregorio said that it is hard for his team's depleted line up to play efficiently. PJ Simon and Roger Yap are still out on sickbay as of the moment.
James Yap, a born 3-point shooter, led his team to a 10-0 run which removed RB's hopes of winning. He had a game-high 27 points, having shot 11 field goals out of 16 attempts which includes 5 out of 8 from rainbow country. Kerby Raymundo, who just came from sickbay, and Enrico Villanueva had 14 points while former RB player Topex Robinson had 4 assists and 4 steals.
It was Gabby Espinas who stepped up for RB. He had a career-high 21 points while his teammate, Larry Rodriguez, chipped in 12 points for the Barakos who now have a win-loss card of 4-5.
Both teams played badly in the game's first half. Poor shooting and a combined 25 turnovers from both sides were the half's features.PF shot 34% from the field while RB shot 35%. PF finished the game with 25 errors overall, one more than RB.
Purefoods Team Coach Ryan Gregorio said that it is hard for his team's depleted line up to play efficiently. PJ Simon and Roger Yap are still out on sickbay as of the moment.
Scores:
Purefoods 80
Yap J. 28, Villanueva 14, Raymundo 14, Alvarez 8, Robinson 5, Bugia 4, Belga 2, Lanete 2, Salvador 2, Aban 1
Red Bull 72
Espinas 21, Rodriguez 12, Duncil 7, Chan 6, Ybanez 6, Sharma 5, Cruz 5, Baguio 5, Hrabak 3, Hubalde 2, Najorda 0
Quarterscores:
20-9, 31-31, 57-51, 80-72.
Loss of Kerby is too much.
The Purefoods TJ Giants had proven it can hold on even without PJ Simon and Roger Yap. However, the loss of the team captain, Kerby Raymundo, is something too much for the team to handle.
Alaska won against the depleted lineup of Purefoods, 95-80, to stretch its winning streak to three regain solo league leadership in this conference.
“You take away LA, Sonny and Joe, and it would also be so difficult for Willie. They lost a lot minus Simon, Yap and Kerby. It’s really very difficult for them to compete with the lineup they had,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.
Even the coach was impressed with the team's energy at the beginning of the game. Yet, he was quite confident that they'll be able wear the Giants down.
And they did as Alaska closed out its stint in the first round of the elims with a 7-2 win-loss card.The Giants came out strong but faded out quickly with Raymundo joining Simon and Yap out in sickbay. The Aces coach admitted that they were not aware that Kerby’s out until about six minutes of the game and when they did, they concentrated on guarding James Yap who actually had 2 straight games with 30 plus points. Beau Belga, the rookie, led the Giants with 16 points.
starting units:
- Purefoods -- Beau Belga, James Yap, Topex Robinson, Rico Villanueva, Richard Alonzo
- Alaska -- Joe Devance, Sonny Thoss, LA Tenorio, Willie Miller, Tony de la Cruz.
top scorers per team:
- Alaska – Devance 20, Fonacier 16, Thoss 14, Ferriols 11, Tenorio 10,
- Purefoods – Belga 16, Yap 16, Villanueva 12, Bugia 8, Salvador 6
** note: this is an editted post from pba.ph **
Philippine Cup Opening!
To be honest, I was very frustrated. I was waiting from 3:00 but it started so late. I came from my retreat and was tired, of course. I was so sleepy too. But I just couldn't miss it! It was my first time to watch the opening.
It was fun. Well, quite boring to be honest. But fun because I missed PBA so much and wanted to see them all back. I looked for Macky, Jondan, and PJ first. Then, the rest. ;p
Makisig Morales was there, and also the little Red Lions from San Beda Mendiola (why can't they get the Little Red Lions/Indians from SBCA? Why Mendiola? The kids from our school are much cuter.. ;p) Also a player from Ateneo, is he in highschool? The ambassador from US was also there! Her name is Christy Kenny I think? I'm sorry for the spelling if it's wrong, all I know is her name's pronunciation and her face.
The parade went on and on and on. Pokwang's muse for Coca-Cola. She had her grand entrance. Iwa Moto was muse for Ginebra. Iya Villania was muse for Purefoods. SMB had 3 muses. Shocking. :)) It was Rufa Mae Quinto for Air21. I can't remember the others..
I saw the new players. Was shocked to see PF's lineup so different. Felt weird seeing Rain or Shine. I'm not used to that name. I'm used to saying Welcoat or Dragons or the team that beat PF 2 times last conference. (frustrating.. super.)
I watched the game. It was CCT vs. TNT. I missed PBA so much. But, unfortunately, I was unable to finish the game because I fell asleep. ;p
So glad PBA's back! Hope to see Purefoods and Ginebra fighting for the AFC Championship trophy! :)
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