http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/274593/nba-stars-watch-awe-caidic-fires-54

NBA stars watch in awe as Caidic fires 54
By JONAS TERRADO
August 28, 2010, 7:39pm

NBA stars Chris Webber, Gary Payton, Mitch Richmond and Glen Rice watched in awe
as that old gunslinger named Allan Caidic shot the lights out at the Araneta
Coliseum Friday.

A year after making an impression on the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and
Dominique Wilkins, Caidic turned the NBA legends into believers, making shots
after shots from afar.

The 47-year-old Caidic, now an assistant coach of Barangay Ginebra, erupted for
54 points as the Red Team came out victorious over the White Team, 177-167, in
the 2010 NBA Asia Challenge.

In just 24 minutes, the many-time RP team member and 1990 PBA Most Valuable
Player converted 14-of-26 from rainbow country as he obliged to almost every
passes made by Payton, Rice, D-Leaguers Darnell Lazare and Chris McCray and
local teammates.

One of Caidic's triples came on one of six assists from Payton, who lifted both
hands even before he converted the shot.

"It's fun playing with the PBA players, especially with this guy right here,"
described Payton, who was seated next to Caidic during the postgame press
conference. "We just kept feeding him and we heard a lot of stories that he is
the truth so it was fun."

"They gave me the ball so I have to shoot it. I'm also open so I have to make
it," Caidic said. "I really prepared for this game and good thing I was able to
deliver."

Caidic actually fell three shy of the PBA record he set on November 21, 1991,
unloading 17-of-27 threes and 79 points, an all-time mark for a local, for
Tivoli in a 162-149 victory over Ginebra San Miguel. He also made 15 on Nov. 2,
1989 when Presto downed Alaska in overtime, 175-159.

"Watching a guy that really put on a show named `Trigger' was really exciting,"
said Rice, who lost to Caidic, 7-5, in a special three-point shooting contest
during one lull.

"I was in awe so I think he's going to come back and sign a two-year contract
with San Miguel," joked former PBA import Richie Frahm, who led the White team
with 24 points, sharing top scoring honors with Webber.

"'The Triggerman' was just incredible," said Webber, who had 11 boards. "I mean,
he shot the ball well and each time we were trying put our hands on each other's
face but he still was able to make those shots."

It was a night to reminisce for most of the fans and even PBA players and
officials alike.

Aside from Caidic, there was four-time PBA MVP Alvin Patrimonio bulldozing his
way inside over current star Arwind Santos and Vergel Meneses, now a coach of
his alma mater JRU in NCAA, showing glimpses of his trademark layups.

The White squad's Ronnie Magsanoc dishing one of his game-high 14 assists to
former Shell teammate Benjie Paras for a medium-range jumper.

Also getting attention was the Red Team's Atoy Co but only because he kept on
missing shots. After so many attempts in the first quarter he was able to make
one, unfortunately, it came after the buzzer had sounded.

He later hit his first jumper in the second period and finished with 10 points
on a 5-of-21 shooting.

Co, whose missed shots were delivered mostly by Payton, gamely kneeled to the
ground at one point, perhaps pleading for consistency from the outside.

"I tell you what, to be in any age to play this game is a blessing and an honor
so to see Fortune Cookie (Co) out there shooting and still going and one time is
he shot and he was like, "Check up Chris!" and I said `Ok!'," said Webber.

The NBA stars also showed up their trademark moves such as Webber slamming the
ball with authority, Rice and Richmond uncorking outside shots and Payton
attempting to do those crazy passes like he once did to Shawn Kemp with the
Seattle Supersonics.

The scores:
RED 177 — Caidic 54, Lazare 22, Rice 19, Santos 16, Meneses 16, Maierhofer 15,
McCray 11, Co 10, Tenorio 7, Payton 7.
WHITE 167 — Frahm 24, Webber 24, Tyndale 22, Hontiveros 20, Paras 18, Magsanoc
18, Patrimonio 16, Richmond 16, Tubid 13.
Quarters: 38-44; 92-94; 124-124; 177-167.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199734/trade-galore-fonacier-ritualo-villanueva-head\
ed-to-new-teams

Trade galore: Fonacier, Ritualo, Villanueva headed to new teams
08/29/2010 | 10:51 PM

Trading of players during Draft Day is nothing but an ordinary sight in the
Philippine Basketball Association.

Deadly shooters Larry Fonacier and Ren-Ren Ritualo and promising guard Jonas
Villanueva are now headed to their new teams after separate deals were reached
before and during day of the 2010 Rookie Draft.

The 6-foot-3 Fonacier will join a Talk N Text Tropang Texters squad orphaned by
its leading scorer the past two seasons -- Mac Mac Cardona, who is now with the
newest member in the league, the Meralco Bolts.

Pressed with issues on salary cap, Alaska was forced to unload Fonacier, who was
shipped to the Tropang Texters. In return, the Aces got the rights on the No.4
overall pick and immediately named high-flying Elmer Espirtu of the University
of the East Warriors as their top rookie pick.

The Aces also worked on a separate trade, this time, with Meralco. They acquired
the services of combo guard Bonbon Custodio then gave up their No. 10 pick in
the first round to the Bolts.

"It costs us Larry in this season's draft and it will definitely hurt us a lot.
He played a pivotal role in the championship series against San Miguel and was
really coming into his own, but he became a victim of the salary cap," said
Alaska coach Tim Cone, the winningest mentor among active coaches.

"The good side is, he will join a Talk N Text where he can earn more and will be
under the guidance of Chot Reyes, who is a good friend of mine. He (Chot)
promised me to take care of Larry," added Cone.

But Alaska did not only kept the nucleus of the team intact. It bolstered the
roster even more with the addition of Espiritu, a 6-foot-3 forward and former
Slam Dunk champion of the UAAP, as well as securing the services of Custodio and
Marvin Hayes.

"Other teams are looking at either La Salle or Ateneo, but we wanted players
from UE, this season, so we picked Elmer Espiritu and got Bonbon Custodio via a
trade. I've been keeping an eye on Espiritu as early as two years ago. As for
Bonbon, we hope he can fill up the spot left by Larry."

"One good thing about Bonbon is he is a combo guard. A combo guard is ideal for
Triangle Offense. There's something in Marvin Hayes, which can be developed and
that's the reason why we took a chance on him."

Ritualo, a 6-foot-1 gunner, will be reunited with his old coach – Bo Perasol –
with the Powerade Tigers.

The deal was agreed in principle while all 10 teams were waiting for their turn
to hand over their respective picks in the draft.

First, the Express and the Tigers worked on a trade for the rights on the No. 6
overall pick obtained by Powerade.

Powerade chose Josh Vanlandingham, a Fil-Canadian forward, as the sixth pick,
but gave up its first-round draft pick for 2012 to Air21. Then, the two teams
worked on a deal that shipped Ritualo out of the Express and sent him to the
Tigers' den.

In return, the Express will secure the Tigers' second-round pick next year.

And then, there's Villanueva, a talented guard, who blossomed last season, but
found himself relegated back as a third-string guard in San Miguel's congested
backcourt unit.

Villanueva is reportedly headed to B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados, but a conduit squad
is needed in order for the transfer to push through. The Llamados and the
Beermen are sister teams and under league rules, they cannot trade players
directly and will need an independent squad to make the trade legal.

A highly-placed source from B-Meg's camp told GMANews.TV that a conduit squad is
the only lacking piece that will make Villanueva an instant addition to
Llamados' squad, whose guard spot needs some retooling.

"As of now, that's the only (conduit) lacking we have. Jonas' transfer is being
worked out now. We just have to finish the other details," said the source. -
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
__________

http://www.pba.com.ph/topstories/air21-selects-baclao-no-1-all-hussaini-no2-draf\
t

AIR21 SELECTS BACLAO NO. 1, AL-HUSSAINI NO.2 IN DRAFT
Mon, 08/30/2010 - 13:08 — junior

Air21 now has the pieces to become a contender again, but first has to do some
mollifying on a slighted ego.

In an unexpected move that highlights a proceeding filled with twists and turns,
the Express made Nonoy Baclao the top overall pick over former Ateneo teammate
Rabeh Al-Hussaini in Sunday's PBA Rookie Draft at the Market! Market! Place.

"Speechless talaga ako. Nakakagulat dahil hindi ko talaga inaasahang magiging
No. 1. This is a great privilege," said the 24-year-old Baclao, who was often
relegated by Al-Hussaini to the shadows throughout their simultaneous collegiate
and amateur careers.

The move, which Air21 coach Yeng Guiao said was management's decision, seemed to
irk Al-Hussaini, a former UAAP MVP who shone the most among the aspirants in the
week-long rookie camp.

"Insulto `yun, eh," said the 22-year-old, who had a talk with new teammate and
Express regular Carlo Sharma, an older half-brother, after the Draft.

Guiao, however, said he is confident they can work things out among themselves
and was visibly satisfied with their picks, which included wingman Rey Guevarra,
whom they tabbed at No. 3.

"We are in the process of rebuilding and we got all the players we wanted," said
Guiao. "They are the type of guys who will work well within our system. They've
all got heart. You cannot teach heart and I know we will come up with the team I
want to form.

"It will not be instant. We need time to mold a contender, hopefully a
championship team. But we are positive we can shorten that time."

The Express actually also had the No. 6 pick and used that on Sean Michael
Anthony. But reports are rife they have traded the Fil-Canadian and the rights
to Ren-Ren Ritualo to Powerade in exchange for the Tigers' 2012 first round pick
and and another future Draft pick.

Alaska also caught everybody by surprise by trading shooting guard Larry
Fonacier to Talk `N Text for the rights at No. 4 and using that on Elmer
Espiritu. The Aces also traded their rights at Nos. 10 and 15 to Meralco and
Rain or Shine for Bonbon Custodio and a 2011 second round pick, respectively.

That visibly caught Fonacier, who came after the trade announcement was made, by
surprise. But Alaska coach Tim Cone had a ready explanation.

"Larry was a salary cap casualty for us. His contract has expired and we cannot
give him the same salary he had last year. The only way he can come back is for
him to take a pay cut and we cannot do that, so we worked out a deal that is
best for all of us," related Cone.

"We've been interested in Espiritu for the longest time. We liked his
athleticism, that's his upside. But we really wanted Bonbon Custodio and Elmer
will be a project, sort of like a Mark Borboran."

Cone then used his last pick, No. 21 overall, on Marvin Hayes, a known
hard-nosed forward whom the coach described as "developable."

Meralco was as busy, choosing four. The Bolts got point guard Shawn Weinstein at
No. 10, wingman Riego Gamalinda at 11th, center Ford Arao at 14th and another
wingman Khazim Mirza at 16th.

Picking at Nos. 5 and 15, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters opted for forward
Joshua Vanlandingham and RJ Jazul, the latter a sort of a bonus since few
expected the former Letran star guard to be a second-rounder.

Barangay Ginebra shored up its wings by using its picks at Nos. 7 and 8 on Jimbo
Aquino and John Marion Wilson and then tabbed Robert Labagala at No. 12.

B-Meg Derby Ace used its No. 9 pick on bulky forward Narciso Llagas and then
chose versatile forward Hezy Val Acuna at No. 13.

Barako Bull used its lone pick at No. 17 on off-guard John Carlos Hermida, but
coach Junel Baculi said he can fill up his need for big men through some of the
41 of the 60 hopefuls who were not picked and thus became automatic free agents.

Lawyer Chito Salud also presided over the proceedings, but his ascension from
deputy commissioner to commissioner vice Sonny Barrios will officially take
place when the Board makes the formal announcement in a directional meeting
starting in Hong Kong on Wednesday. (NC)

___________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=607357&publicationSubCategoryId=9\
5

Aalagwa pa si Maierhofer
FREETHROWS Ni AC Zaldivar (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated August 30, 2010 12:00
AM

Isang napakagandang experience para kay Rico Maierhofer ang pangyayaring
nakapaglaro siya sa 2010 NBA-Asia Challenge na ginanap sa Araneta Coliseum noong
Biyernes.

Naging kakampi ni Maierhofer sa Red team ang dalawang legends ng National
Basketball Association na sina Glenn Rice at Gary Payton. Nagposte sila ng
177-167 panalo kontra sa White team na pinangunahan ng kapwa NBA legends na sina
Chris Webber at Mitch Richmond.

Sa larong iyon, si Maierhofer ay nagtala ng 15 puntos, anim na rebounds, tatlong
assists at isang turnover sa 17 minuto.

Well, kahit pa sabihing walang matinding depensahan sa larong iyon at parang
katuwaan lang ang naganap ay hindi maitatatwang isang nakapalaking karangalan
para kay Maierhofer na mapabilang sa NBA-Asia Challenge.

Aba'y siya ang pinakabatang manlalaro ng PBA na nakabilang sa game na iyon at
napasama siya sa ganoong katinding grupo bunga ng pangyayaring pinarangalan siya
bilang Rookie of the Year ng katatapos ng 35th PBA season.

Suddenly, things are looking up para sa dating manlalaro ng La Salle Green
Archers na tubong Puerto Galera. Aba'y parang itinadhana ang pangyayaring ito sa
kanya!

Kasi nga'y second pick overall lang sa 2009 PBA Draft si Maierhofer matapos na
kunin ng Air21 (dating Burger King) si Japhet Aguilar at sungkitin siya ng
Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants (ngayo'y B-Meg Derby Ace). Pero isang game lang
ang nilaro ni Aguilar sa PBA at pagkatapos ay napunta na siya sa Smart Gilas.

Kaya hayun at dinomina ni Maierhofer ang kapwa baguhang manlalaro. Tinulungan pa
niya ang Purefoods na magkampeon sa Philippine Cup. Hands down choice si
Maierhofer para sa ROY award dahil sa napakalayo ng statistics at achievements
ng ibang mga rookies.

Malaki at mabigat ang papel na gagampanan ni Maierhofer sa "future" ng B-Meg
Derby Ace na ngayon ay gagabayan ni head coach Jorge Galent na humalili kay Paul
Ryan Gregorio matapos na lumipat ito sa Meral­co Bolts.

Sa totoo lang, marami ang nagsasabing malamang na si Maierhofer ang pumuno sa
pusisyon ni Kerby Raymundo kung hindi na ito makapaglalaro ng mahahabang minuto.
Kasi nga, noong nakaraang season, hindi na napakinabangan ng B-Meg Derby Ace si
Raymundo sa Fiesta Conference na hinangad nilang madomina upang makumpleto ang
isang "mini-sweep"

Kailangan nga lang na matularan ni Maierhofer si Raymundo sa iba pa'ng aspeto.
Sa ngayon ay nakalalamang sa intensity si Maierhofer kung ikukumpara kay
Raymundo. Pero angat si Raymundo sa leadership at sa range ng tira.

Kaya naman kailangang ma-develop din ni Maierhofer ang kanyang outside shots
upang maging threat din siya sa opensang kagaya ni Raymundo. Kasi nga, sa
kasalukuyan, higit na kilala si Maierhofer sa kanyang depensa.

Bata pa si Maierhofer. Papasok pa lang siya sa kanyang ikalawang season bilang
isang pro. Napakalayo pa ng kanyang lalakbayin. Pero mukhang maaliwalas naman
ang kanyang future sa PBA!

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/17316-derby-in-a-bind.html

Derby in a bind
by Zean Macamay
Monday, 30 August 2010 20:34

FOR a first-time head coach in the big league, Jorge Gallent of Derby Ace is
headed for difficult times.

A decorated figure in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) both as a mentor
and as a player, he will attempt to steer the Llamados to a successful title
defense in the PBA no franchise has done the past seven years.

If only he has the complete materials.

Gallent and Derby Ace will begin their title defense in the Philippine Cup
without two key men in Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris, both diagnosed with
right leg muscle tears that would require surgery and recovery for at least five
months.

Raymundo, the Llamados' premier power forward, and Pingris, a one-time Finals
MVP and defensive specialist, will undergo surgeries in the U.S. next month.
Worse, they may not even be fit 100 percent the whole season of 2011-12.

"Naku! It will last a minimum of five months," said Gallent when asked when
would be the soonest possible time Raymundo and Pingris able to play at full
strength.

"But we will defend it the best possible way," he said. "Other guys just have to
fill their spots and step up."

On Draft day, the Llamados acquired a player who they think can contribute even
in a small way to the gap left by Raymundo and Pingris, netting power
forward-center Pari Llagas, a University of the East product.

Derby Ace likewise added shooting power and depth in its back-court by obtaining
Val Acuña also of the Warriors.

It's the frontline positions that Gallent needs to address, though.

Without Raymundo and Pingris, the Llamados are left with Rafi Reavies as their
legitimate center. They also have in their line-up Niño Canaleta and Don Allado,
but both these two players are more accustomed to playing from the outside
rather than posting down low.

Jondan Salvador now remains as the player who can be developed into a low-post
player, but needs to trim down on his weight.

At this point, Gallent is trying to work out away to acquire a mobile big man,
although none appears to be available on the trading block.

A reliable source revealed that Derby Ace is eyeing the services of Billy
Mamaril of Ginebra. The same source, though, said that the Kings are not
inclined to release Mamaril since he will be used as a back-up to the
37-year-old Eric Menk.

Gallent will now be tested over how deep he could carry the Llamados in the
season-opening tournament that kicks off on Oct. 3. The 2010-11 season will also
mark the return of the league to the three-conference format since the
two-conference set-up was introduced in 2004.

The man who took over the head coaching job left by Ryan Gregorio, Gallent is a
proven winner. He has won seven titles as a player of Stag Pilsen/Tanduay and
guided Harbour Centre to six championships as a coach in the PBL.

______________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199844/with-kerby-pingris-out-llamados-face-tough-ta\
sk-in-philippine-cup

With Kerby, Pingris out, Llamados face tough task in Philippine Cup
08/31/2010 | 02:14 PM

For sure, defending the PBA Philippine Cup title will be like going through the
eye of the needle for B-Meg Derby Ace.

Not only one, but two key players of the Llamados are likely to sit out the
season-opening conference that kicks off Oct. 3, putting the franchise's
ambitious bid to become the first back-to-back All-Filipino champions in 25
years in total jeopardy.

Big men Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris are set to undergo surgeries in the U.S.
by next month, a scenario that could possibly kept them out in the early part –
if not most – of the coveted conference in Asia's first ever play for pay
league.

New head coach Jorge Gallent admitted it's going to be a tough task repeating as
champions, but vows to give the rest of the field a very good fight.

"We will defend it the best possible way. Other guys just have to fill their
spots and step up," said Gallent, who took over the chores vacated by Ryan
Gregorio, now the head coach of the Meralco Bolts.

Both Raymundo and Pingris are suffering tears in their right leg muscles that
require surgery the soonest possible time.

Although the Llamados were able to win the Philippine Cup last season despite
Raymundo sitting on the bench owing to a knee injury, Gallent believes the added
absence of Pingris would definitely takes its toll on the team once the new
season begins.

Pingris, a one-time Finals MVP and considered the Llamados' best interior
defender, will be out for at least five months.

Ditto for Raymundo, the other half of Derby Ace's famed 1-2 punch together with
two-time MVP James Yap.

"Perhaps, it will last a minimum of five months," said Gallent about the length
of time the two big men needed to recover from surgeries.

Anticipating the absence of Pingris and Raymundo, Gallent opted to acquire power
forward Pari Llagas of the University of the East as the team's first round pick
(no. 9) in last Sunday's annual Rookie Draft at the Market! Market! Place in
Taguig.

The Llamados are left to do with only Rafi Reavies as their legitimate center,
and while they also have in their rosters Nino Canaleta and Don Allado, both are
more known for shooting mid-range jumpers than posting up and banging bodies
inside. - RCJ, GMANews.TV
____________

http://www.malaya.com.ph/09012010/sports1.html

BY NOLI CORTEZ

B-Meg Derby Ace has yet to make an offer on its No. 9 overall selection Pari
Llagas and Val Acuna, tabbed at 13th.

The Llamados resume practice today and new head coach Jorge Gallent said they
want to see first how the former UE Warriors play with the rest of their new
prospective teammates.
____________

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/702-maximum-pay-for-air21s-top-2-picks

Written by Joel Orellana / Reporter
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 11:58

B-MEG Derby Ace still has to make a qualifying offer to No. 9 overall selection
Pari Llagas. The Llamados will resume practice on Wednesday and new head coach
Jorge Gallent said they want to see how the former University of the East
center-forward blends with the team before making a move. Derby Ace tabbed
another former Red Warrior Val Acuna (13th) in the draft.

__________

http://www.pba.com.ph/topstories/pba-condoles-hong-kong-people

PBA CONDOLES WITH HONG KONG PEOPLE

Tue, 08/31/2010 - 15:17 — junior

The Philippine Basketball Association has decided to cancel its 3-day planning
session scheduled in Hong Kong on September 1 – 3, 2010.

After observing the developments in the on-going investigation by the Philippine
authorities of the hostage-taking incident and wishing to express its sympathy
and unity with the family and friends of the hostage victims, along with the
people of Hong Kong, the PBA has thought it wise and prudent to hold its annual
planning session in a local venue instead.

"We don't want to give the impression to our Hong Kong neighbors that we are
insensitive to their grief. We also want our authorities to conclude their
investigation to address the concerns and sentiments of the Hong Kong people,"
Chairman of the Board of Governors Rene Pardo said.

Atty. Chito Salud, PBA Deputy Commissioner, for his part added, "the Board had
this Hong Kong planning trip long scheduled in its calendar. When the
hostage-taking incident occurred, the Governors were understandably alarmed and
closely followed the developments here and in Hong Kong. Sentiments of grief and
frustration are still running high on all sides. They thought it best and
prudent to show solidarity and sympathy with our Hong Kong brothers and sisters
at this time."

Among those to be tackled in the planning session are matters pertaining to the
three-conference season format, the planned D-League and the request of the
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for some PBA players to join the national team
to the Asian Games in Guang Zhou in November.


_____________

http://www.malaya.com.ph/09012010/sports3.html

Pro league scraps HK plan gab

STICKING to the old adage that discretion is the better part of valor the PBA
has decided to cancel its three-day planning session in Hong Kong to commiserate
with the victims of the recent hostage crisis in Manila.

The planning session, geared toward the new season set to start on Oct. 3, was
supposed to start today. The PBA executive committee is set to meet later this
week to decide where to hold the planning session.

A Malaya source, however, claimed the cancellation was an offshoot of a recent
communiqué from Philippine Consul General Claro Cristobal advising Filipinos to
call off any immediate trip to HK if they feel it will not be safe.

"Mga 45 katao ang PBA delegation and any one of them could be at risk because of
some anti-Philippine sentiments among the people of Hong Kong," said the
insider.

"Kung may isa man lamang na ngumiti o tumawa out loud in public, this may be
misconstrued and cause an untoward incident."

This was not the official stance being adopted by the PBA, however.

"We don't want to give the impression to our Hong Kong neighbors that we are
insensitive to their grief. We also want our authorities to conclude their
investigation to address the concerns and sentiments of the Hong Kong people,"
said new PBA Chairman Rene Pardo.

Set to be tackled in HK were the official appointment of lawyer Chito Salud as
league commissioner, replacing Sonny Barrios, and matters pertaining to the
coming three-conference season, the league's developmental tournament and the
SBP request for some PBA players to join the RP team to the Guangzhou Asian
Games in November.

The cancellation will cost the PBA plenty. Penalties for its advanced bookings
in HK hotels alone have reportedly amounted to more than $13,000 but the league
is willing to pay the price.

"The Board had this Hong Kong planning trip long scheduled in its calendar,"
Salud said. "When the hostage-taking incident occurred, the Governors were
understandably alarmed and closely followed the developments here and in Hong
Kong.

"Sentiments of grief and frustration are still running high on all sides. They
thought it best and prudent to show solidarity and sympathy with our Hong Kong
brothers and sisters at this time."

http://www.malaya.com.ph/08312010/sports2.html

Derby eyes Mamaril to shore up frontline
BY NOLI CORTEZ

B-MEG Derby Ace is raring to defend its PBA Philippine Cup crown, but must do so
with two of its most prized players most likely sitting it out for majority of
the conference.

So the Llamados are moving heaven and earth to shore up their frontline and are
eyeing Billy Mamaril from Ginebra for the veteran frontline presence they so
badly need.

"The problem is, sister team ang dalawa and Derby Ace cannot give Ginebra
anything but a future draft pick," said a source privy to the negotiations.
"Also, there's the problem of which is going to be the third party."

Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent declined to comment about the possible trade, but
admitted they indeed need some frontliners to make up for what is projected to
be a prolonged absence by Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris.

Raymundo, who hardly saw action in the recently-concluded Fiesta Conference, was
found to be suffering from a torn muscle in his hip area, the same injury
bugging Pingris. Both are set to undergo arthroscopic surgery and may take five
months to fully recuperate.

The Philippine Cup, topped last season by the team then known as Purefoods,
starts on Oct. 3.

The Llamados tried to shore up their frontline by acquiring 6-foot-3 Pari
Llagas, a known inside banger, and 6-4 Val Acuna, also a former UE Red Warrior,
in last Sunday's draft. But even team officials admitted the two may take some
time before fully blooming in the pro league.

"What Derby Ace truly needs is the veteran smarts Mamaril can instantly
deliver," said the source.

Already, the Llamados are sending Paul Artadi to San Miguel Beer for Jonas
Villanueva in a trade that also involves Air21 and future draft picks.

For their part, the Kings picked a pair of former NCAA MVPs in John Marion
Wilson and Jimbo Aquino, both shooting guards who could help the perennial crowd
favorites' aging backcourt.
____________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199792/ferriols-bugia-boost-painters-frontline

Ferriols, Bugia boost Painters' frontline
08/30/2010 | 06:43 PM

Veteran frontliner John Ferriols and Paolo Bugia will provide additional height
and heft to an undersized, but athletic, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters squad.

Rain or Shine co-team owner Raymond Yu confirmed the news to GMANews.TV through
a text message.

"We just added Ferriols and Bugia to our team," said Yu. "At least we've added
few more frontliners who can help out Jay-R Reyes, Jervy Cruz and Doug Kramer.

Kramer, a 6-foot-4 banger, was picked up by the Elasto Painters in a trade with
Air21 for Marcy Arellano during the latter stretch of the PBA Fiesta Conference
won by Alaska.

Just as expected, Air21 is active in the wheeling dealing of players.

The Express is reportedly acting as conduit to the trade between sister teams
B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados and the San Miguel Beermen. The Llamados will acquire
the services of promising guard Jonas Villanueva while the Beermen will get Paul
Artadi. The Express will get a future second-round pick.

With three new players joining the squad – top rookie picks Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh
Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra – the Express will be forced to unload two more
players.

The team is reportedly putting former Rookie of the Year awardee Rich Alvarez
and Wesley Gonzales on trading block.

Meanwhile, Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes expressed satisfaction in getting the
services of Larry Fonacier, who was plucked by the Tropang Texters from the
Alaska Aces during Draft Day.

The Tropang Texters were forced to unload their No.4 overall pick for the rights
on Fonacier, who will play an integral part on the team's offensive scheme.

"Before the draft started, we were looking at a big man and a shooter. We were
able to get Ali Peek, but lost Mac-Mac Cardona to Meralco. And then we found
Larry (Fonacier) being offered to us by Alaska so we grabbed the opportunity.
Last year, we were only seventh in three-point shooting. With Larry around, I
believe we can improve more," said Reyes. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

______________

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=663:tr\
iple-threat-express-counting-on-trio-of-rookies-in-bid-to-finally-win-title&cati\
d=31:sports&Itemid=65

Meanwhile, B-MEG Derby Ace is reportedly trying to lure back Billy Mamaril from
Barangay Ginebra and it is now looking for a conduit to make the trade possible.

The Llamados desperately need a big man as Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris will
undergo arthroscopic surgery and will need around five months to recuperate.

Derby Ace tabbed six-foot-four forward Pari Llagas in the first round and
six-foot-four wingman Val Acuna in the second round. But the Llamados want
Mamaril to provide stability to their frontline.

Derby Ace is also reportedly sending Paul Artadi to San Miguel Beer for Jonas
Villanueva with Air21 as the third team in the deal. The Express are expected to
get future draft picks.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=608349&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

Raymundo, Pingris out for season
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated September 02, 2010 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris, two of the main cogs of
B-Meg Derby Ace's All-Filipino champion team, will not be around when the team
defends its crown in the coming 2010-2011 PBA season.

Rene Pardo, the current PBA board chairman from Derby
Ace, said Raymundo and Pingris are both set to undergo arthroscopic surgery at
the famed Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, California.

They would need four to five months to fully recover from the operation,
according to Pardo.

In their absence, rookie draftees Pari Llagas and Val Acuna are likely to be
signed up to fill their spots. The team is also looking at the free agent pool
to beef up their frontcourt.

Raymundo, who sat out most of the recent Fiesta Conference due to an assortment
of injuries, is already in the US, accompanied by team physical therapist Nick
Ocampo. Pingris is set to leave in the next few days.

Both players endured pains in their effort to help the team in their triumphant
ride in the 2010 Philippine Cup but the rigors of pushing themselves beyond the
limit have taken their toll on them.

Pingris even took injections just to be able to continue playing during the
Fiesta Cup playoffs.

"The two were living embodiment of heart and character," said Pardo of the two
warriors.

Most of the team's core players were absent when Derby Ace held its first
practice under new coach Jorge Gallent at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

James Yap and Rafi Reavis are both on vacation in the US. Reavis, however, has
agreed to a two-year contract-extension deal with the team.

Yap, meanwhile, is set to sign a new three-year pact worth P12.6 million upon
his return.

With Raymundo and Pingris out, it's highly unlikely Derby Ace would agree to
loan Yap to Smart Gilas for the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in November.

Yap himself has said he might decline invitation to play for the team.
_____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=608215&publicationSubCategoryId=9\
5

Samantala, inaasahan namang makakaapekto sa pagdedepensa ng Derby Ace sa
kanilang All-Filipino crown para sa darating na 2010-2011 PBA season ang injury
nina Kerby Raymundo at Marc Pingris.

Kapwa sasailalim ang 6'6 na si Raymundo at ang 6'5 na si Pingris sa isang
arthroscopic surgery sa Kerlan Jobe Clinic sa Los Angeles, California.

Para punan ang nabakanteng posisyon nina Raymundo at Pingris, hinugot ng
Llamados ng bagong coach na si Jorge Gallent sina 6'4 rookie draftees Parri
Llagas at 6'2 Val Acuna bukod pa ang pagtingin sa free agent pool.

Nakatakda nang pirmahan ni 2006 PBA MVP James Yap ang isang three-year, P12.6
million contract sa Derby Ace, habang pumayag na si 6'7 Rafi Reavis sa isang
two-year contract extension sa kanilang pagbabalik mula sa US.
____________

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2010/september/1/sports3.i\
sx&d=2010/september/1

Llamados need replacement players

B-MEG Derby Ace will be busy scrounging for replacement players after both Kerby
Raymundo and Marc Pingris were declared unfit to play, at least for the coming
Philippine Basketball Association All-Filipino Conference.

Raymundo and Marc Pingris will both undergo surgeries in the United States
before the next season starts. Raymundo missed most of the Fiesta Conference due
to a recurring leg injury, playing sparingly in B-MEG's quarterfinals series
against Rain or Shine and aggravating his injury.

Pingris tore his ITB muscle in the homestretch of the Fiesta Conference, but
continued playing despite being hurt. It also worsened his injury.

B-MEG said that it will be looking for possible options to strengthen its
weakened frontline.

"We were informed that they might miss a big part of the All-Filipino conference
if not the whole of it. We are the defending champions and we still want to
defend our crown,'' said new B-MEG Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent. "Management is
planning on making some moves to help fill the spot of the two. It would be
tough.''

B-MEG Derby Ace governor Rene Pardo said they will not wait for their forwards'
recovery because the team will eventually suffer, but will instead make the
necessary moves to keep their front-court competitive for the next conference.

"Mahihirapan kami na wala `yung dalawa. Kailangan naming lumaban sa loob kaya
necessary na mag-trade kami ng isa or dalawang players namin para makakuha ng
quality power forward habang wala pa `yung dalawa. Sa ngayon wala pang
specifics. Tinitignan pa namin, pero we have to do something about it,'' said
Pardo.

The only healthy frontliners for B-MEG at the moment are center Rafi Reavis,
forwards Don Allado and Nino Canaleta.

The Llamados also selected power forward Narciso Llagas from the University of
the East as their first-round selection to help remedy their problems inside.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine prepped up its frontline by signing free agents John
Ferriols and Paolo Bugia, two underrated players who didn't see much action in
the past conference.

Ferriols was a regular part of Alaska 's rotation in last season's Philippine
Cup, but was sent packing to Ginebra after the all-Filipino tournament. But
Ferriols didn't see considerable minutes for the Kings.

Bugia, meanwhile, is a journeyman still trying to find a home in the league. He
spent two seasons with Ginebra, where he played limited minutes and was later
relegated as a practice player.

He also saw action for B-MEG before going to Ginebra.

After failing to get past the quarterfinals of the last conference, the Elasto
Painters quickly grabbed forward Doug Kramer from Air21 in a trade for guard
Marcy Arellano as its first move in upgrading its frontline. Jeric Lopez
______________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200001/powerade-allows-asi-to-join-gilas-for-asiad

Powerade allows Asi to join Gilas for Asiad
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
09/02/2010 | 12:04 AM

Asi Taulava might be suiting up for the Smart-Gilas national developmental team
to the Guangzhou Asian Games this November.

This after the management of Powerade agreed to loan the services of the
6-foot-9 Fil-Tongan for the second time.

Taulava reinforced the decimated national team aspirants in the tough Stankovic
Cup where the Filipinos placed fourth. The fourth-place finish was enough to
land the Philippines a spot in the Olympic-qualifying FIBA Asia Championship
next year.

But JB Baylon, Powerade board governor in the Philippine Basketball Association,
told GMANews.TV in an online interview that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas'
request to get the services of Taulava, a former PBA MVP, two-time MVP James Yap
of B-Meg Derby Ace and 2008 MVP Kelly Williams, will need the league's board
approval.

"It still depends on the board," said Baylon.

The SBP, through its president Manny V. Pangilinan, wrote the PBA and requested
the league to loan Taulava, Yap and Williams to the national developmental squad
composed of some of the finest amateur cagers in the land.

Pangilinan was also the one who requested the PBA to allow Taulava to play for
Smart-Gilas in the Stankovic Cup, which the league agreed.

But the PBA had already made an exit plan regarding its involvement in
international basketball competitions. As a matter of fact, the league reverted
to its original three-conference format starting its 36th season on October 3
and replace the existing two-conference, one season format.

"I believe the PBA had already made an exit plan, that's why, the PBA which will
now be headed by new commissioner Chito Salud, is now back to a three-conference
format," said outgoing PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios.

"Also, the league's main thrust in the coming 36th season is to improve the gate
attendance. With some of the stars not seeing action, it might have an effect in
gate attendance," added Barrios.

Williams is likely to be loaned by his mother team, Talk N Text, as the
franchise is a sister company of Smart Communications under the Philippine Long
Distance Telephone company.

But Yap's availability hangs in the balance, not only for his team Derby Ace,
but also because of the player's personal legal problems.

With Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris, two marquee players of the Llamados and
key figures in the team's drive to winning the Philippine Cup last season, Yap
will be tasked to do much of the scoring load.

The 6-foot-2 reigning MVP is also mandated to attend hearings on his marital
problems with estranged wife, popular television and movie personality Kris
Aquino, youngest sister of President Noynoy Aquino. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200088/no-gilas-stint-for-yap-villanueva-to-join-lla\
mados-next-week

No Gilas stint for Yap; Villanueva to join Llamados next week
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
09/02/2010 | 09:50 PM

Two-time Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player James Yap will
beg off from joining the Smart-Gilas national developmental team in the Asian
Games.

That's because B-Meg Derby Ace will have a depleted lineup at the start of the
league's 36th season on Oct. 3.

B-Meg Derby Ace is the defending champion of the Philippine Cup, but its title
retention bid is in peril as the squad will miss the services of main
frontliners Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris, who will undergo surgeries in the
United States anytime soon.

"I told Mr. (Rene) Pardo that it will be really difficult for us if we will
allow James to play for Smart-Gilas in the Asian Games. We will already miss our
two frontliners, so it will really be a tough task for us to defend the crown,"
said B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent.

"Right now, we only have two big men in our team, Raffi Reavis and Jondan
Salvador as Don Allado has yet to sign a contract because he's in the United
States while Romel Adducul's status remains up in the air because the team wants
to have younger guys," he added.

Yap is also in the United States vacationing and will most likely join the
team's first full practice session two weeks from now.

The 6-foot-2, reigning MVP, is one of those being requested by the Samahang
Basketbol ng Pilipinas to join the Smart-Gilas national developmental team to
the Guanzhou Asian Games along with other former PBA MVPs Asi Taulava and Kelly
Williams.

Taulava was already given the green light by his mother team, Powerade, while
Williams, whose team, Talk N Text is a sister company of Smart Communications,
will most likely be allowed as well.

Still, their participation in the Asian Games to reinforce the all-amateur
national developmental squad coached by Rajko Toroman, will need approval from
the PBA board.

Aside from being hard pressed to help his decimated squad, Yap is not keen on
joining the national team aspirants as the cager will also need to attend to
other personal matters.

A close associate of Yap, who requested anonymity, said the cager is mandated to
attend hearings on his marital problems with estranged wife, popular movie and
television personality Kris Aquino, youngest sister of President Noynoy Aquino.

Gallent also clarified that Jonas Villanueva will join the squad next week and
attend the September 9 practice.

"We've talked on the phone," said Gallent. "He's still in the United States and
he will arrive on September 8."

Villanueva will join B-Meg Derby Ace via a three-way trade involving San Miguel
Beer and Air21. The Beermen will get Paul Artadi while the Express will secure a
future second-round pick from the Llamados.

The Express have yet to decide who will be the player to be unloaded. The team
has excessive players on its roster, which include former Rookie of the Year
Rich Alvarez and Wesley Gonzales.

"We have yet to finalize the player who will be involved in that trade," said
Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio. "We have yet to discuss that." - GMANews.TV
____________

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/275265/bmeg-may-not-allow-yap-play-gilas

B-Meg May Not Allow Yap to Play for Gilas
By WAYLON GALVEZ
September 2, 2010, 7:11pm

With a depleted roster going to the 2010 PBA Season, it's uncertain whether
B-Meg Derby Ace will allow superstar guard James Yap to play for the Smart-Gilas
Pilipinas in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China this November.

A high-ranking team official said yesterday that management is having second
thoughts of loaning Yap to the RP team.

"It's not a hundred percent thing," said the B-Meg official, who asked not to be
named.

The Llamados will start to defend their Philippine Cup championship starting
this October without veteran forward Kerby Raymundo, who will undergo hip
operation in the United States and is expected to miss the rest of the 2010-11
Season.

"For sure, without Kerby things will be difficult. Then if you take James out of
the roster, I don't know what will happen to the team," said the same source.

Aside from Raymundo, who was sidelined in the Fiesta Cup, B-Meg Derby Ace – now
with new mentor Jorge Gallent (who took over from now Meralco coach Ryan
Gregorio) – forward Marc Jean Pingris (right leg injury) is also doubtful for
the season.

The 6-foot-1 Yap, together with the 6-foot-9 Asi Taulava of PowerAde and the the
6-foot-7 Kelly Williams of Talk 'N Text were requested by the Samahang Basketbol
ng Pilipinas (SBP) to be loaned to the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas for the Asian
Games.

Incoming PBA Commissioner Chito Salud is expected to make a recommendation and
the PBA board, chaired by Rene Pardo of B-Meg, will decide on the SBP request in
its 3-day board meeting in Bangkok, Thailand beginning September 15.

It was Rajko Toroman, the Serbian mentor of Smart-Gilas, who asked the SBP to
request the PBA to loan Yap, Taulava and Williams to the national team.

Meantime, PowerAde's coach Bo Perasol that while he considers it a big loss if
in case the PBA board decides to allow Taulava to play for the national team, he
said that he has no problem with that since it is for flag and country.

"Although magiging malaking kawalan kung sakaling matuloy si Asi sa Gilas, we
know naman it's for national interest," he said.
_____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=608658&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

PBA returns to old format
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated September 03, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Newly appointed PBA commissioner Chito Salud expects
quality games throughout the coming season as non-bearing matches are likely to
be eliminated on the league's return to the old three-conference format.

"The stats show the gates suffer in a long elimination round. In a long elims,
there are non-bearing games that are not attractive to the fans. We'll try to
remove that," Salud told The STAR.

The PBA addressed that concern in mounting the league calendar for the 2010-11
season, which fires off next month.

The league reverts to its tried and tested three-conference format featuring one
all-Filipino tourney and two import-reinforced conferences.

The 36th PBA season starts with a shortened Philippine Cup where the 10 teams
play only 14 games each in the eliminations, then the top eight advance to the
playoffs.

The elims will be inter-intra where the 10 teams are divided into two groups.
Group-mates meet each other once and play the teams in the other group twice.

The bottom two after the preliminary round are automatically out, leaving eight
teams to battle it out in the playoffs.

The top two carry a twice-to-beat advantage over the No. 7 and No. 8 teams in
the quarterfinals. The other pairings – No. 3 versus No. 6 and No. 4 versus No.
5 – figure in a best-of-three series. The semis and the finals will be
best-of-seven showdowns.

The two import-laden tourneys carry different formats.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer and B-MEG Derby Ace finally completed a trade
transaction yesterday that sent Jonas Villanueva to the Llamados in exchange for
Paul Artadi.

The sister ball clubs struck the deal with Air21 serving as conduit. The Express
acquired Derby Ace's 2014 first round pick in exchange for their 2013 second
round pick.

At the same time, Air21 and Ginebra formalized their own deal that brought Billy
Mamaril back to the Kings in exchange for a future pick.

In the second conference, the 10 teams figure in a single round robin affair in
the elims with only six teams advancing to the playoffs.

The top two gain automatic semifinals entry with the next four settling for
spots in two best-of-five quarterfinals matchups.

The third conference will have a different post-elims play format. After the one
round robin elims, six teams advance to the next phase where they play another
round, carrying over their elims win-loss records. A team which wins four of
five games in the second round (regardless of their overall record) gets
automatic playoff crack at a finals berth.

The first reinforced tourney will feature imports with the same height
limitation. The other import-laden conference will adopt a height limitation
handicapping system based on the performances of the teams in the first two
conferences.

"I foresee a slam-bang affair from the elims to the finals with these formats,"
said Salud.

"We'll really try to meet the expectation of our fans in terms of quality of the
games. In terms of maximizing the potential of the players, we'll allow them to
play their game," said Salud.

http://www.pba.com.ph/topstories/smb-b-meg-swap-court-generals-mamaril-back-king\
s

SMB, B-MEG SWAP COURT GENERALS; MAMARIL BACK WITH THE KINGS

Fri, 09/03/2010 - 15:22 — junior

San Miguel Beer and B-MEG Derby Ace have changed the make-up of their backcourts
by figuring in a trade deal involving Jonas Villanueva and Paul Artadi.

The Beermen and the Llamados, sister ballclubs under the giant SMC umbrella,
consummated the deal with the Air21 Express serving as the third party.

The Express benefited from being the conduit as they acquired the Llamados' 2014
first round pick in exchange for their 2013 second round selection.

At the same time, Air21 and Barangay Ginebra formalized a separate deal that
sent Billy Mamaril back to the Kings. The Express acquired a future draft pick
in this transaction.

Towards the end of the 2010 Fiesta Conference, the Express got Mamaril from the
Kings in a futile bid to prolong their season.

Despite their acquisition of Mamaril and the arrival of import LeRoy Hickerson,
the Express couldn't get past the wildcard plays.

Meanwhile, San Miguel was looking for quickness and hustle in enlisting Artadi.

"The coaches talked about it. They believed it's a win-win trade for both
teams," said Rene Pardo, the current PBA Board chair from Derby Ace.

"Kailangan ng San Miguel ng quickness. Kami okay lang pakawalan si Paul dahil
meron pa kaming Chris Timberlake," Pardo added.

Denok Miranda is staying with San Miguel, having just signed a fresh two-year
pact. (SB)

__________

Villanueva dinala ng San Miguel sa Derby Ace
(Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated September 04, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View
comments

MANILA, Philippines - Sa kanyang pag-uwi sa Pilipinas ay ang uniporme na ng
Derby Ace ang isusuot ni pointguard Jonas Villanueva.

Ito ay matapos siyang dalhin ng San Miguel sa Derby Ace kapalit ni pointguard
Paul Artadi sa isang three-team, three-player trade sangkot ang Air21.

Sa naturang trade, makukuha ng Express, magbabandera kina No. 1 at No. 2 overall
picks Nonoy Baclao at Rabeh Al-Hussaini sa 36th season ng PBA sa Oktubre, ang
future second-round pick ng Llamados.

Posible ring ipamigay ng Air21 sa Derby Ace ang sinuman kina Wesley Gonzales at
Rich Alvarez.

__________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=608861&publicationSubCategoryId=9\
5

Reunion ng mga Warriors
FREETHROWS Ni AC Zaldivar (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated September 04, 2010
12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

Malamang mahirapan si James Yap na pasanin ang B-Meg Derby Ace sa 36th season ng
Philippine Basketball Association dahil sa hindi niya makakasama ang mga big men
na sina Kerby Raymundo at Marc Pingris.

Ang dalawang ito'y sasailalim sa operasyon sa Estados Unidos at hindi bababa sa
anim na buwan ang rehabilitation process. Kung sakali, baka sa third confe­rence
pa makabalik sina Raymundo at Pingris.

Alam naman ng lahat na sina Yap at Raymundo ang 1-2 punch ng Llamados. Kapag
sabay sila sa hardcourt, kahit paano'y nahihirapan ang kalabang koponan na
dumepensa. Pero pag mag-isa lang si Yap, itututok ng kabilang koponan ang buong
pwersa ng depensa sa kanya.

Ito namang si Pingris ay isang pambihirang workhorse. Monster rebounder at
mahusay dumepensa laban sa sentro ng kabilang team. Nakapagbibigay siya ng
kakaibang energy sa kanyang mga kakampi.

Mahirap punan ang pusisyong babakantehin ng dalawa.

Pero umaasa ang bagong B-Meg head coach na si Jorge Galent na makakatulong ang
mga manlalarong nasikwat niya sa 2010 PBA Rookie Draft na sina Narciso Llagas at
Hezy Val Acuña.

Bagamat undersized si Llagas, okay din naman itong makipaglaban para sa mga
rebounds. Si Acuna naman ay isang mahusay na shooter.

Ang kapuna-puna dito'y parehong produktong Uni­versity of the East Warriors sina
Llagas at Acuña. E, si Yap ay dating manlalaro din ng UE. Gayundin si Niño
Canaleta. Sayang nga lang at ipinamigay ng B-Meg Derby Ace ang isa pa'ng dating
UE Warrior na si Paul Artadi sa San Miguel Beer kapalit ni Jonas Villanueva,
isang dating Most Improved Player awardee. Kumpleto sana ang reunion.

So, parang nagkaroon ng reunion ang mga Warriors sa kampo ng Llamados.
Magkaibang batch nga lang. Pero nevertheless, pareho ang kanilang kulay.

Malamang na si Llagas ang maging karelyebo ni Rico Maierhofer na itinanghal na
Rookie of the Year at si Acuna naman ang makakapalitan ni Canaleta.

Anuman ang mangyari, tiyak na mamamayagpag ang mga Warriors sa B-Meg Derby Ace.

Kung titingnan nga'y parang pareho ang landas na tinatahak ng B-Meg Derby Ace at
Alaska Milk. Nag-stack up din ng mga dating UE Warriors si Alaska coach Tim Cone
nang kunin niya sina Bonbon Custodio buhat sa Meralco at Elmer Espiritu bilang
No. 4 pick sa nakaraang Draft. Makakasama nila sa kampo ng Aces ang dating
Warrior na si Mark Borboran na mabibigyan na ng mahabang playing time ngayon
matapos magretiro si Jeffrey Cariaso.

Marahil, sa pangyayaring napanalunan ni James Yap ang kanyang ikalawang Most
Valuable Player award noong nakaraang season, biglang bumango at naging
sought-after ang mga Warriors.

Pero kung nagiging matagumpay ang mga Warriors na pumanhik sa PBA ngayon, medyo
sinamang-palad naman ang UE sa kasalukuyang 73rd UAAP men's bas­ketball
tournament dahil sa nabigo itong makarating sa Final Four.

You can't have it all, `ika nga!

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200362/llamados-tab-free-agent-gaco-want-pennisi-nex\
t

Llamados tab free agent Gaco, want Pennisi next
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
09/06/2010 | 04:12 PM

Look who's being eyed by new B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent.

Mick Pennisi, a 6-foot-9, grizzled veteran slotman, is now on top of the wish
list of the Llamados, who want to shore up their decimated frontline and boost
their title retention bid in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Philippine Cup is the opening conference of the Philippine Basketball
Association's 36th season, which begins October 3.

"He's (Mick) first in our wish list. We really need a five man right now,"
Gallent told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. "But we're also looking at
other options, including signing up veteran free agent center Romel Adducul.

Adducul is one those players, whose contract expired. The 6-foot-5, many-time
national team member, is still practicing with the team and Gallent is keeping
an open mind of including him on the roster.

"No assurance that we will get Romel, but right now, I would say there's a
70-percent chance B-Meg Derby Ace might get him," added Gallent.

The Llamados have yet to sign up another frontliner, Don Allado, who just
arrived from a vacation in the United States.

But the possible inclusion of Pennisi is one of the things being anticipated in
the off season.

Still, the Llamados will need to get a third team to act as conduit in able to
get Pennisi from his current squad, San Miguel Beer. Under PBA rules, sister
teams like B-Meg Derby Ace and San Miguel Beer cannot trade directly and a third
team is needed in order for the trade to push through.

Pennisi is seriously being considered by the Llamados as two of their main
frontliners – Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris – underwent operation.

Just recently, the Llamados were able to tab the services of free agent Jerwin
Gaco from Barako Bull.

The 6-foot-4 Gaco played for Gallent's multi-titled Harbour Centre team in the
Philippine Basketball League.

"He's a free agent, so we were able to secure his services," said Gallent.
"Right now, we really need to shore up our frontline with the absence of Kerby
and Ping." - GMANews.TV
_________

http://www.malaya.com.ph/09072010/sports2.html

Tigers, Llamados also eyeing big men
BY NOLI CORTEZ

ASIDE from Meralco, Powerade and defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace are also
searching for another big man.

The Tigers are willing to shop around for a frontliner who could take the place
of slotman Asi Taulava if and when the latter is permitted by the PBA Board to
join the Smart Gilas team seeing action in the Guangzhou Asian Games in
November.

The Llamados are on the lookout for a power forward who could augment their
frontline in the absence of the injured Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris.

The two teams are merely following the lead of Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio,
who the other day told Malaya he wants another big man to backstop centers
Marlou Aquino and Beau Belga and power forwards Gabby Espinas and Dennis Daa.

"We haven't really thought about replacements for Asi," related Powerade coach
Bo Perasol. "Our options will definitely be in the free agents' pool. We don't
know as of yet kung sino ang available."

Derby Ace seems to have the inside track as head coach Jorge Gallent yesterday
bared team management is seriously considering Jerwin Gaco, formerly of Barako
Bull, as partial solution to his frontline woes.

"We are thinking of getting him pero wala pang final decision," said Gallent.
"Within the week pa namin malalaman kung papipirmahin siya."

Gallent and Gaco are no strangers to each other as they have teamed up with the
Harbour Centre team in the PBL where they won six titles together.

The Llamados are reportedly working on a deal with Ginebra for 6-foot-6 Billy
Mamaril but they are still searching for a third team to make it happen.

Derby Ace and the Kings are sister teams and are barred from directly trading
with each other.

Gallent denied knowledge of any deal in progress, but admitted Gaco will be a
big help in their title-retention bid. "Jerwin will be a big help. He will be
the banger inside and get those loose balls," he said.

Gaco saw action with Barako last season, playing 15 games and averaging 5.3
points and 3.5 rebounds. He was reportedly headed to the Philippine Patriots for
the ABL, but may opt for the PBA if signed.

The 29-year-old forward also had a stint with the Laguna Stallions in Liga
Pilipinas before bringing his act to the Energy Coffee Masters in the Fiesta
Conference, when the George Chua-owned franchise tied up with Harbour Centre.

Derby Ace selected a pair of big men in the last rookie draft in Pari Llagas and
Val Acuna, but the former UE stalwarts are not expected to make an immediate
impact for the team.
__________

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/09/05/10/mvp-james-yap-ready-return-action

MVP James Yap ready to return to action
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 09/05/2010 4:04 PM | Updated as of 09/06/2010 10:13 AM

MANILA, Philippines – B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados superstar James Yap is ready to
hit the hard court again for the upcoming 36th PBA Season next month.

The 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) said he will to return
to practice on Monday after his two-week vacation in the United States.

Yap was joined in the US by teammates KG Canaleta and Rico Maierhofer. They
arrived on Sunday from Los Angeles, California.

Yap related that his US vacation was breather after his grueling PBA season,
plus the collapse of his 5-year marriage to actress-TV host Kris Aquino.

Canaleta earlier told ABS-CBN News that they decided to take a break because of
the planned return of the three-conference format next season.

"Baka ito na `yung last break namin. Baka mag-3 conference na next season," he
said.

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud confirmed that the league will have 3 conferences
again, an all-Filipino conference and 2 import-reinforced tournaments.

"The stats show the gates suffer in a long elimination round. In a long elims,
there are those non-bearing games that are not attractive to the fans. We'll try
to remove that," Salud said in a PBA.com.ph report.

Salud explained the PBA's shift to the old three-conference format would
maintain the leagues commercial viability by giving fans exciting games.

B-MEG lineup changed

Meanwhile, Yap's former University of the East (UE) Red Warriors teammate Paul
Artadi is now his former Derby Ace teammate.

Artadi was traded for Jonas Villanueva of San Miguel Beer (SMB).

Rene Pardo, the current PBA Board chair from Derby Ace, commented that it was a
win-win trade for both squads which are sister teams under San Miguel
Corporation.

"Kailangan ng San Miguel ng quickness. Kami okay lang pakawalan si Paul dahil
meron pa kaming Chris Timberlake," he told PBA.com.ph.

SMB and B-MEG completed the deal with Air21 Express as the third party.

Air21, meantime, got B-MEG's 2014 first round selection in exchange for their
2013 2nd round pick. – With reports from Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN News and
PBA.com.ph
_________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=609782&publicationSubCategoryId=9\
5

Villanueva pakakawalan na ng SMBeer
Ni RCadayona (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated September 07, 2010 12:00 AM Comments

MANILA, Philippines - Si pointguard Jonas Villanueva na marahil ang pinakahuling
Beermen na pakakawalan ng San Miguel.

Sa panayam kahapon ni Snow Badua sa kanyang radio program na "Re­liable Source"
sa DZ­SR Sports Radio, sinabi ni assistant coach Gee Abanilla na wala na siyang
nalalaman na papa­sukang trade ng SMC fran­chise sa ngayon.

"Kausap ko nga si team manager Hector Cal­ma at wala naman si­yang nababanggit
sa amin," sabi ni Abanilla sa galaw ng San Miguel.

Dinala ng Beermen si Villanueva sa Derby Ace Llamados para kay pointguard Paul
Artadi sangkot ang Air21 Express bilang `conduit' dahilan sa pagbabawal ng PBA
na diretsahang mag-trade ang mga sister teams.

Isang future draft pick ang nakuha ng Air21 mula sa Derby Ace bilang
kapalit.Magsisimula ang en­sa­­yo ng San Miguel sa Set­yem­bre 15 kung saan si
Abanilla muna ang mama­mahala sa mga Beermen habang hinihintay pang matapos ang
86th NCAA season kung saan minamandohan ni coach Ato Agustin ang nagdedepensang
San Sebastian College-Recoletos.

Nawala sa San Miguel ang korona ng nakaraang PBA Fiesta Conference matapos
matalo sa nagkampeong Alaska, 4-2, sa kanilang best-of-seven championship
series.

Samantala, kinuha naman ng Derby Ace si 6-foot-4 power forward Jerwin Gaco para
takpan ang butas sa shaded lane ma­tapos malaman na hindi pa makakalaro sina 6'6
Kerby Raymundo at 6'5 Marc Pingris.
____________

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/17791-all-eyes-on-alaska.html

All eyes on Alaska
by Zean Macamay
Monday, 06 September 2010 19:39
ALASKA wasn't given much of a chance in the Fiesta Conference yet won.

Now coaches seem to rate the Aces as the team to beat once the Philippine Cup
kicks off.

Two coaches with a combined 13 championships and another about to take over a
powerhouse ball club have all regarded Alaska as the premier team in the PBA's
most prestigious tournament that opens on Oct. 3.

Jong Uichico of Ginebra, Talk `N Text's Chot Reyes, and Ato Agustin of San
Miguel Beer all project the Aces to make another run at the championship even
though the ball club known for its systematic triangle offense had just came out
from an exhausting title series against the Beermen last month.

"You can see how consistent they (Aces) are," said Uichico, an eight-time
champion. "They've always been there. For the past four conferences, they have
been in the Finals three times. You can't ask for more. And for sure, they will
be a force to be reckoned with once again in the Philippine Cup.

"Maski wala na si (Diamon) Simpson, malalaki pa rin sila. They have Sonny Thoss,
and (Samigue) Eman is expected to play more minutes in the Philippine Cup."

Reyes also rated Alaska as his No. 1 choice when asked for a projection, while
Agustin, who was named to replace Siot Tanquingcen days after San Miguel's
defeat to the Aces in the Fiesta Conference Finals (4-2), is also giving the
Aces high chances to making it back-to-back.

"You can never count out Alaska. Maganda ang organization nila," said Agustin.

Jorge Gallent of Derby Ace also listed Alaska as his first team, but later on
said that the teams he mentioned like San Miguel Beer, Talk `N Text, Ginebra 
and his own squad are just spur-of-the-moment picks and not necessarily in that
order.

San Miguel Beer, the team that failed to win a championship last season despite
having a collection of big names, is seeded No. 2 by four coaches – Uichico, Bo
Perasol of Powerade, Agustin, and Reyes — while rated third by Meralco mentor
Ryan Gregorio.

The Tropang Texters, on the other hand, was seeded first by Perasol while the
Llamados were the highest rated by Gregorio, their former coach.

Upon learning that Marc Pingris and Kerby Raymundo will not play for at least
five months, though, Gregorio said that that factor will be big in the
franchise's campaign to become the first team in 25 years to repeat as
Philippine Cup champions since Great Taste in 1985.

"Oh that's big. That's very big," said Gregorio.

Shortly after winning its 13th championship, Alaska coach Tim Cone said that
they are `excited' to play in the season-opening conference. Cone said that he
is expecting Thoss to fully recover from his knee injury and is eager how well
Eman will figure.

The Aces are also expected to see more of Mark Borboran, who is anticipated to
have added minutes after Alaska traded Larry Fonacier to Talk `N Text in
exchange for the Texters' fourth-round pick the Aces used to acquire another UE
standout Elmer Espiritu.

In a related development, Powerade finally signed up Sean Michael Anthony
yesterday, according to coach Perasol, while Beau Belga inked a two-year deal
with the Bolts.

Perasol, however, did not divulge details over the amount and length of the
contract.

"I don't have the details but I don't think we are going to give him the maximum
contract for a rookie," said Perasol.

Anthony was picked sixth overall by Air21 Express last Aug. 29 in the Annual
Draft, but was sent to the Tigers along with Ren-Ren Ritualo on the same day in
exchange for a first-round pick next year.
____________

http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=17255

Give And Go -- By Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Old format

The days of the "grand slam" champions in the Philippine Basketball Association
are back as the league returns to its old three-conference format starting next
season.

Hoping to eliminate "non-bearing" games which are unappealing to the fans, the
PBA had decided to bring back the tri-tourney season not seen since 2003.

From 2004 up to last season, the league went for the two-conference format
beginning in October to accommodate international tournaments that PBA players
were asked to participate in. It was also said to be the league's way in
channelling the focus of the basketball public to the big local collegiate
leagues whose seasons run from June to October each year.

For the PBA's 36th season which fires off next month, it will once again feature
one all-Filipino tournament and two import-laced conferences from one all-Pinoy
and one import-reinforced tourney the previous six years.

The all-Filipino Philippine Cup this time around will have a shortened 14-game
elimination schedule per team, from 18. The 10-team field will engage in an
inter-intra elimination setup where they will be divided into two groups. Those
in the same group will face each other once in the elims and play the teams in
the other bracket twice.

Only eight teams advance after the elimination round with the top two teams
getting a twice-to-beat advantage over the no. 7 and 8 teams, respectively, in
the quarterfinals. The other pairings -- no. 3 vs. no. 6 and no. 4 vs. no. 5 --
engage in a best-of-three quarters series. The semifinals and finals will be
best-of-seven affairs.

The two import-flavored tournaments have different formats from that of the
Philippine Cup.

For the second conference, with reinforcements with the same height limit (still
to be determined), the 10 teams will engage in a single round-robin affair in
the elimination. Only six teams get to advance into the play-offs with the top
two going straight to the semifinals and the remaining four paired in two
best-of-five quarterfinal matchups.

The third conference, which will have a handicapped system as per imports'
height cap depending on the performances of the teams in the previous two
conferences, will also feature a single round-robin elimination phase. Six teams
get to advance in the next round as well but this time they will still play
another round carrying their win-loss records from the elimination round. A team
which wins four of five games in the second round -- irrespective of its overall
record -- gets an automatic play-off crack at a finals berth.

Returning to a "tried-and-tested" format, we should very well expect more
exciting fares from the PBA. Angling not to make the games a drag, I think the
league did just that with their tweaking of the league calendar in more ways
than one. Will we see another grand slam winner? That and other questions we get
to answer starting next season.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=610465&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

B-Meg sees tough grind minus two key players
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated September 09, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines
- With injured stars Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris out of the 2009-10 PBA
Philippine Cup, coach Jorge Gallent considers B-MEG Derby Ace just "a
middle-of-the-pack team" when the league fires off Oct. 3.

"We've lost a key offensive guy (Raymundo) and an important defensive player
(Pingris). Their spots are hard to fill. We'll be in for a tough grind in the
coming tourney," said Gallent, who has taken over the coaching chores from Ryan
Gregorio.

Rookies Pari Llagas and Val Acuna will have their hands full in the absence of
Raymundo and Pingris.

Another addition to the team is forward Jerwin Gaco, who scrapped a plan to
return to the Asean Basketball League.

"He's a good addition to us. He's been practicing with us for three days. I've
talked to (Philippine Patriots co-owner) Mikee Romero and he's given his
blessing for Jerwin to join us," said Gallent, Gaco's mentor with Harbour Centre
in the PBL.

Still up in the air are the contracts of veterans Don Allado and Romel Adducul.

"The management has given Don until Friday to decide on our offer. The team has
a good offer but I guess Don is bargaining," said Gallent.

Adducul's contract-extension, meanwhile, would depend on a league rule which
Gallent is still checking on.

"Are we allowed to put 14 names on the roster with Kerby and Pingris on the
injured list? Or should we include Kerby or Pingris on the 14 for us not to take
the risk of losing them to free-agency? We don't want what happened to San
Miguel on the Sam Eman case," said Gallent.

Alaska Milk grabbed Eman as San Miguel relegated the young behemoth to the
unrestricted reserve list.

Gallent had earlier expressed his wish to have Mick Pennisi in his team but the
SMC bosses turned his request down.

With what's left in his roster, Gallent intends to make Derby Ace a quick
running team in the coming tourney.

"We'll be much, much quicker than the old team. We'll do that in a bid to
compensate for Kerby's and Ping's absence," said Gallent.

"Jonas Villanueva will help us do that. I've also spoken to Roger Yap and he's
okay with that," Gallent said.
__________

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/276127/llamados-eye-defend-title-sans-two-stars

Llamados Eye to Defend Title Sans Two Stars
By ERICKSON BECO
September 8, 2010, 4:25pm

Manila, Philippines — Reigning PBA Philippine Cup champions B-Meg Derby Ace
Llamados are feeling the urgent need for a dependable big man to fill the void
left by two of its top performing stars, Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris.

The Llamados, who will be handled by their new coach Jorge Gallent, will start
to defend their Philippine Cup championship starting this October without the
two veteran forwards, who will be undergoing two separate arthroscopic
operations in the United States and will be expected to miss the rest of the
2010-11 season.

Add to this the fact that its superstar gunner James Yap is also being eyed to
don the country's colors anew with the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas, together with
fellow pros Asi Taulava of the Powerade Tigers and Kelly Williams of the Talk `n
Text Tropang Texters, for the Guangzhou Asian Games this November.

Known for having the luxury of plenty of big mans in its roster, the Llamados
suddenly find themselves lacking in ceiling with veterans Don Allado and Rommel
Adducul still remaining unsigned by the management.

To address this, Gallent and his team decided to tap power forward Pari Llagas
and the sweet-shooting Val Acuña, both out of the University of the East, from
the recent rookie draft. The team also signed Jerwin Gaco, formerly of Barako
Bull and one of Gallent's players in the Philippine Basketball League, to team
up with holdovers Niño Canaleta, 2010 Rookie of the Year awardee Rico
Maierhofer, and Fil-American Rafi Reavis at the frontcourt.

Llagas is expected to provide the much needed muscle underneath the boards,
something that the Llamados will surely be lacking with Pingris and Raymundo
out. The 6-foot-4 rookie was a known bruiser and inside operator during his
playing days in college, and was instrumental in the Red Warriors amazing run to
the UAAP Finals two years ago.

Acuña, on the other hand, will be sharing playing minutes with the two Yaps —
James and Roger —as well as Peter June Simon, Chris Timberlake, Jonathan
Fernandez, and new acquisition Jonas Villanueva, who was shipped by the San
Miguel Beermen in exchange for spitfire Paul Artadi, at the Llamados' backcourt.

James Yap, as expected, will be leading the defending champions in their quest
to prove the odds wrong anew. Shrugging off all the intrigues surrounding his
marriage with presidential sister Kris Aquino, Yap is expected to be back to his
old, usual self that bagged him his second Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy
come tip-off time.
___________

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2010/september/7/sports3.i\
sx&d=2010/september/7

Yap buckles down to work after vacation

by Jeric Lopez

FOLLOWING a much needed, two-week vacation in the United States, reigning
Philippine Basketball Association most valuable player James Yap is back in town
and looking to pick up where he left off last season.

Yap, who led the Llamados to last season's Philippine Cup title, resumed
practice with his mother team yesterday.

The two-time MVP spent his vacation in Los Angeles, California, along with
teammates Rico Maierhofer and Niño Canaleta to relax before once again hitting
the hardwood for a fresh season. The three arrived Sunday.

However, Yap will play with a slightly different B-MEG Derby Ace team as the
Llamados welcomed some new faces in their line-up after making some minor
changes the past weeks to fill in some holes.

Yap 's long-time backcourt partner Paul Artadi was shipped to sister team San
Miguel Beer last week in exchange for vastly improving point guard Jonas
Villanueva.

Also, newly elevated head coach Jorge Gallent started taking over for the squad
after Ryan Gregorio left for Meralco to be its lead tactician and head of
basketball operations.

Power forwards Kerby Raymundo and Mark Pingris, who are the team's main
catalysts in their frontcourt, are both out of action after undergoing surgeries
on their recurring leg injuries in the States. The two key players will sit out
the entire All-Filipino Conference, the first of the PBA's 36th season.

The Llamados are currently studying their options on how to bolster their
frontcourt with their two main bangers sidelined.

Jerwin Gaco, who played for Barako Bull last season, is trying out with the
Llamados. The undersized but hardworking power forward was handled by Gallent at
Harbour Centre during their days in the Philippine Basketball League.
_____________-

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200454/weinstein-agrees-to-2-year-deal-with-bolts-al\
lado-llamados-on-a-deadlock

Weinstein agrees to 2-year deal with Bolts; Allado, Llamados on a deadlock
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
09/07/2010 | 06:05 PM

Shawn Weinstein, Meralco's top rookie pick this season, has finally agreed to
sign a two-year pact with the Bolts, ending days of dilly-dallying in
negotiations.

Bolts team manager Virgil Villavicencio confirmed the news to GMANews.TV.

"He signed around 4 p.m. Tuesday," said Villavicencio. "I believe the two-year
contract is fair for both camps."

According to Villavicencio, he set a time frame regarding the contract signing
of the Filipino-American guard, who played in Israel against former B-Meg Derby
Ace import Tony Washam.

"I was in the practice at 8 a.m. and I told the player that I'm giving him until
10 a.m. whether to sign the offer or not. The coaching staff is waiting for his
decision as the team is scheduled to play in Singapore for tune-up matches with
the Singapore Slingers next week."

"He told me, if it's OK for us to meet in the afternoon regarding the contract,
then his agent, Caloy Allado, called me up and we met for the signing," he
added.

Allado is the father of B-Meg Derby Ace center/forward Don Allado, who, himself,
has yet to agree on a new deal being offered by the Llamados.

The Llamados had already come up with an offer, but the younger Allado, whose
playing career is also being managed by his father, has refused to sign the
contract up to this time.

"We made a very nice offer, but if he doesn't want to sign, what can we do?,"
said B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent, who openly expressed intentions of
getting the services of veteran slotman Mick Pennisi from San Miguel Beer via a
three-way trade involving Allado and a conduit squad.

The Llamados have a decimated frontline as main men Kerby Raymundo and Marc
Pingris will miss most part of the PBA's 36th season due to injuries. Both
players underwent operations in the United States.

And with the younger Allado not yet coming to terms with the Llamados, the team
might do desperate measures, including trading the veteran forward.

But unlike Allado, Weinstein was given an ultimatum. The rookie agreed to sign a
contract in the afternoon.

Weinstein, a 5-foot-11 guard, was the last rookie to sign up with the Bolts. The
other newcomers – Khazim Mirza, Ford Arao and Bam Gamalinda – have already
signed one-year deals with the squad a few days ago.

Weinstein will share minutes playing the point guard spot with Chris Ross and
Pong Escobal.

The Bolts are expected to have Mac Mac Cardona and Beau Belga, two players
plucked via separate off-season trades, in the starting lineup together with
Bitoy Omolon, Gabby Espinas and Ross. - JVP, GMANews.TV
__________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200559/more-physical-games-consistent-calls-seen-in-\
pbas-36th-season

More physical games, consistent calls seen in PBA's 36th season
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
09/08/2010 | 06:59 PM

Expect more exciting, physical and free-flowing games in the 36th season of the
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

PBA coaches on Wednesday met with newly-installed PBA commissioner Chito Salud
and reviewed the existing rules on officiating.

Coaches Ryan Gregorio of Meralco, Bo Perasol of Powerade and Yeng Guiao of Air21
shared their views regarding the new interpretation of the existing rules.

I don't think making the game more physical will benefit every squad, but how
consistent the calls are will give teams better understanding and create more
exciting games.
– Bo Perasol, Powerade Tigers coach

"It's almost basically the same," Guiao told GMANews.TV in a telephone
interview. "It differs maybe on the interpretation as they will eliminate the
touch fouls or those that won't have any effect on the play."

"I think they're going to give more leeway in terms of physicality, which will
not be only good for us, but for the teams, the fans and the league as well,"
added Guiao.

Perasol believes consistency, and not the high physicality of the game, which
will give teams better understanding of the rules.

"I don't think making the game more physical will benefit every squad, but how
consistent the calls are will give teams better understanding and create more
exciting games," said Perasol.

Gregorio, who was represented in the meeting by his assistant coach Boyet
Fernandez, cited as example the games played during the time of former
commissioner Rudy Salud, the father of current league chief Chito, who took the
reins from Sonny Barrios a few days ago.

It was during the time of the elder Salud when the PBA had its glory years.

For Gregorio, who is known coaching a tough defensive team like Purefoods/B-Meg
Derby Ace for several years, highly-physical games are nothing but natural in
the PBA.

"Basketball is a contact sport and we should allow it just like that. We don't
want to stop the action more because a hand-check foul is called or a flopping
violation is whistled," said Gregorio. "Let the players play."

But Gregorio explained that consistency is the most important thing.

"If you allow a player to bump his way against his defender and score, referees
should make sure they will allow the same at the other end," added Gregorio.
"Consistency is what we're asking because at least it would give us coaches and
players time to adjust to the rules. So, a team cannot anymore blame officiating
every time it loses a game."

Gregorio, a member of the league's agenda committee, was also elated on the fact
that the flopping rule will not be implemented anymore.

"I'm glad flopping rule will be scrapped. If a player flops, it will only make
things difficult for the referees whether to call a charge or a blocking foul
and it will impede the action as well," said Gregorio.

Tom Urbano, probably the longest-serving staff member of any competing teams in
the PBA, believes there's a big difference in officiating then and now.

"Before, there was the 'no harm, no foul' rule," said Urbano, who started to
work as a referee in 1979. "But games before were more exciting unlike today
when referees will impede the action of the game." - JVP, GMANews.TV
__________

http://www.pba.com.ph/topstories/david-taulava-alapag-topbill-2009-10-stats-cham\
ps

DAVID, TAULAVA, ALAPAG TOPBILL 2009-10 STATS CHAMPS

Wed, 09/08/2010 - 15:40 — junior

Coca-Cola's Gary David emerged the scoring champ, teammate Asi Taulava the best
in the business of rebounding and Talk n Text's Jimmy Alapag No. 1 in assists in
the just concluded 35th PBA season.

Ryan Reyes and Arwind Santos were tops in steals and blocks, respectively, while
Gabe Norwood was the best all-around player, being the only one to figure in the
top 10 in all five major stats categories.

A change in playing environment didn't alter David's ways.

The 6-foot-2 forward out of Lyceum remained a big time scorer, beating out
season MVP James Yap for the scoring title with an average of 18.15 points an
outing.

David became the scoring champ doing what he does best. Even when he was with
Air21, David was the Express' top scorer in 2007 and 2009.

The Dinalupihan, Bataan native averaged 15.3 points or more from 2006-2009. The
five-year pro had a career norm of 13.8 points a game through 2009.

Yap, the scoring champ in the 2007-08 campaign, narrowly lost the race the past
season with his 17.98 points per game average.

Mark Cardona, who ruled the 2008-09 scoring wars, came in third with 17.13
points per game, followed by Sol Mercado (16.74), Santos (14.64), Jay Washington
(14.63), Kelly Williams (14.14), Alapag (14.00), Norwood (13.78) and Willie
Miller (13.59).

Taulava distinguished himself the year's board chairman with an average of
11.452 rebounds a night, beating out Williams (10.614), Harvey Carey (8.196),
Marc Pingris (8.033), Santos (7.999), Rafi Reavis (7.672), Washington (7.073),
Jayr Reyes (6.800), Norwood (6.666) and Ali Peek (6.457).

Amassing 355 boards the entire season, the veteran Fil-Tongan center hiked his
career aggregate to 4297 and improved three rungs up to 14th in the league's
all-time most total rebounds list.

He has a league-best career average of 12.383 rpg.

Alapag, meanwhile, continued to stamp his class in playmaking, dishing out 6.468
assists an outing.

The heady Talk n Text point guard totaled 304 for the season and jacked up his
career total to 2332, thus, jumping past 13 players (Benjie Paras, Al Solis,
Yoyoy Villamin, Freddie Hubalde, Hactor Calma, Alvin Patrimonio, Jeff Cariaso,
Rudy Distrito, Franz Pumaren, Vergel Meneses, Jojo Lastimosa, Arnie Tuadles and
Abet Guidaben) to be at No. 15 in the all-time high list.

Runners-up in the 2009-10 assists race were Alex Cabagnot (5.460), LA Tenorio
(4.629), Jayjay Helterbrand (4.611), Mercado (4.565), Ryan Reyes (4.098), Miller
(4.000), Roger Yap (4.000), Jonas Villanueva (3.855) and Norwood (3.784).

Scrappy defender Ryan Reyes was the best in steals with 1.585 per game, followed
by Norwood (1.412), Williams (1.273), Tenorio (1.226), Cyrus Baguio (1.219),
Chico Lanete (1.207), Mercado (1.174), Ronjay Buenafe (1.158), Santos (1.127)
and Josh Urbiztondo (1.054).

In the art of blocking, Santos was No. 1 with 1.255 a game, followed by Peek
(1.171), Mike Hrabak (.844), Reavis (.836), JR Quinahan (.778), Norwood (.745),
Sonny Thoss (.672), Pingris (.672), Joe Devance (.661) and Rico Maierhofer
(.661).

The players with the most minutes played were Norwood with 38.647 a game, tailed
by Tenorio (35.323), Williams (34.841), Mercado (34.544), James Yap (33.938),
Washington (32.317), Taulava (32.129), Alapag (32.128), Pingris (31.984) and
Kerby Raymundo (31.969).

The most error-prone were Cardona (3.213), David (3.205), Espino (2.850),
Taulava (2.807), Mercado (2.783), Miller (2.776), Roger Yap (2.766), Washington
(2.663) and Raymundo (2.656). (SB)

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200868/pingris-wont-be-operated-may-join-llamados-in\
-december

Pingris won't be operated, may join Llamados in December
09/12/2010 | 10:36 PM

Well, not all are bad news as far as Derby Ace’s bid to go for a back-to-back
PBA Philippine Cup title is concerned.

Marc Pingris, the Llamados’ energetic, do-it-all power-forward, may be back in
the team’s starting line up sooner than later as he’s no longer scheduled to
go under the knife as indicated earlier.

Derby Ace Board representative and league chairman Rene Pardo confirmed that no
operation is needed for the 6-foot-4 Pingris, but rather, only a thorough
rehabilitation will be performed on him to repair a muscle tear in his right
leg.

“The doctors discovered a tear, but it’s not that serious. No operation is
needed," said Pardo.

The Derby Ace executive added Pingris’ rehabilitation should take about three
months, meaning he’ll likely be back in the active roster by December at the
most.

The Philippine Cup, the league’s season-opening conference, formally kicks off
on Oct. 3.

The latest development comes as a sigh of relief for the defending All-Filipino
champions, who earlier was diagnosed to be a candidate for operation along with
fellow big an Kerby Raymundo.

The 6-foot-6 Raymundo already went under the knife at the famed Kerlan-Jobe
Clinic in Los Angeles, California and will likely be sidelined for the next five
months.

Reigning league Most Valuable Player and Derby Ace gunner James Yap also
underwent minor operation recently to repair of nose polyp, which the player
said is causing him to have difficulty in breathing.

But he’s expected to be ready in action when the 36th season of the league
opens shop as the operation only requires him to take a 10-day rest.

The Llamados are attempting to become the first team in the last 25 years to win
the All-Filipino title in successive fashion after the defunct Great Taste squad
did it in 1984 and 85. - RCJ, GMANews.TV
__________

http://www.malaya.com.ph/09132010/sports4.html

No surgery for Pingris
BY NOLI CORTEZ

MARC Pingris’ injury does not need any surgery and he is set to make an early
comeback for B-Meg Derby Ace in the coming PBA season unfolding on Oct. 3.

"Merong punit, pero sabi ng mga doctor hindi na raw kailangang operahin," PBA
Board chairman Rene Pardo told Malaya yesterday. "Hindi raw kasi ganu’n
ka-seryoso ang sugat ni Marc."

That comes as welcome news for the Llamados, who already have to make do without
another do-it-all forward in Kerby Raymundo for majority of the Philippine Cup
that ushers in the league’s 36th season.

Raymundo and Pingris were found to have torn muscles in their hip area when they
went to the world-famous Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles. It was initially
projected they would need five months to fully recuperate and be fit enough to
play. Pingris could suit up as early as December.

"Kailangan lang daw ng seryosong rehab na tatagal lang ng two to three months at
most," said Pardo, who added Raymundo has already been operated on.

The high-leaping 6-foot-4 Pingris’ early return would tremendously help boost
Derby Ace’s frontline, composed of Rafi Reavis, Romel Adducul, Rico
Maierhofer, Jondan Salvador, Jerwin Gaco and Don Carlos Allado, in the
tournament formerly known as the All-Filipino and won by the team then known as
Purefoods last season.

Allado has just signed a new contract with the Llamados and two-time MVP James
Yap is set to ink a new three-year deal worth P12.6 million when he has
sufficiently recovered from a recent surgery.
_____________

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/18182-no-more-surgery-for-pingris.htm\
l

No more surgery for Pingris
by Zean Macamay
Sunday, 12 September 2010 20:40
MARC Pingris may play for Derby Ace in the Philippine Cup after all.

The former Finals MVP listed injured will no longer require surgery in the U.S.
to repair a muscle tear in his right leg, according to Derby Ace representative
and Board Chairman Rene Pardo yesterday.

“The doctors discovered a tear, but it’s not that serious,� said Pardo.
“No operation is needed.�

Pingris, one of the best defensive players in the PBA today, however, will need
a thorough rehabilitation process to be able to get back into tip-top shape.
Pardo said that that will take three months at most, meaning that Pingris would
see action by December.

Pingris was one of two Llamados players scheduled to undergo surgery at the
world-renowned Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, California, the other one
being Kerby Raymundo. Raymundo already went under the knife, and would need at
least five months to recover.

For a team seeking to become the first to repeat as Philippine Cup champion in
25 years, the news about Pingris certainly comes as one welcome development. The
question now is whether Pingris will be competitive enough by December, which is
expected to be late part of the eliminations in the shortened conference that
kicks off on Oct. 3.

Until Pingris returns, the Llamados will have to rely on Rafi Reavies, Don
Allado, Rico Maierhofer, Jondan Salvador and Rommel Adducul on the frontline.
____________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200657/llamados-yap-agree-to-3-year-p126-m-contract

Llamados, Yap agree to 3-year, P12.6-M contract
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
09/09/2010 | 08:40 PM

Nothing but the best offer for the two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP).

B-Meg Derby Ace Ace Llamados' top gun James Yap verbally agreed to a three-year,
P12.6-million contract extension, a deal that came as no surprise.

B-Meg Derby Ace board governor and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)
chairman Rene Pardo told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview that the franchise
player has already agreed to the terms.

James Yap, right, is shown in photo receiving one of his many individual awards
from former PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios. Yap has agreed to stay for B-Meg
Derby Ace for the next three years. GMANews.TV
"We've already agreed to the terms. James agreed to the three-year term, but he
hasn't signed the contract yet because he's in the hospital to have his nose
operated," said Pardo. "His doctor told him to rest for 10 days."

Pardo is the one personally negotiating with the team's prized-player, an
agreement which he requested from team manager Alvin Patrimonio.

Yap underwent minor operation at the St. Luke's Hospital to repair a nose polyp
after the player claimed "he had difficulty breathing."

"James complained he had difficulty breathing," said B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge
Gallent. "That's why he underwent operation. But it's nothing serious. He just
have to rest."

The 6-foot-2, former University of the East standout won the MVP award of the
just concluded 35th season of the PBA, becoming only the second player since
Patrimonio to win at least two MVPs for the old Purefoods franchise.

Patrimonio is the only other four-time MVP aside from Mon Fernandez.

Meanwhile, Gallent has set a deadline on B-Meg Derby Ace forward Don Allado, who
has yet to sign a contract extension up to this time.

Patrimonio and Allado's father, Caloy, who also serves as the player's agent,
are scheduled to meet Friday to discuss the contract.

Gallent has set a deadline of until Saturday to Allado, who's been reportedly
offered as a trade bait following his refusal to sign for several days now.

But Pardo said Allado is continuously attending the team's practice.

"He's attending practices to keep himself in shape. As far as the contract is
concerned, Alvin is the one negotiating to Caloy," said Pardo. - JVP, GMANews.TV
__________

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/276319/james-yap-undergoes-surgery

James Yap Undergoes Surgery
By WAYLON GALVEZ
September 9, 2010, 6:27pm

Manila, Philippines —  B-Meg Derby Ace superstar James Yap, the reigning PBA
Most Valuable Player (MVP), will go under the knife this Friday to remove a
polyp that has bothered his nasal passage the past couple of years.

Yap said it’s “nothing serious� although he decided to have the polyp
removed, which according to him is now the size of a “grape.�

“It affects my breathing. I have this polyp a couple of years now, so my
doctor advised me to have it remove,� said Yap on the operation set to take
place at the St. Luke’s Hospital.

The 6-foot-3 Yap will have a week-long rest before rejoining the Llamados’
practice session in preparation for their title-retention bid in the PBA
Philippine Cup starting in October.

Newly-installed B-Meg mentor George Gallent said that he’s not worried with
the condition of Yap, who already had two practice sessions since returning from
a brief vacation from the United States.

What Gallent is concerned of is the situation of his team, which will miss Kerby
Raymundo and Marc Pingris.

Raymundo already underwent hip operation in the US last Wednesday day while
Pingris will be evaluated if he has to go to a similar hip surgery.

“I hope everything turns out ok (for Raymundo and Pingris),� said Gallent,
who got free agent Gerwin Gaco to solidify the team’s frontline that includes
KG Canaleta, Rafi Reavis, Don Allado, Jondan Salvador and rookie Pari Llagas.

“The replacements we got are doing ok together with the other veterans. I hope
they step up, we just have to play with intensity,� added Gallent, whose goal
is for B-Meg to make it to the semifinals outright.
___________

http://www.malaya.com.ph/09102010/sports2.html

Llamados nix Tigers offer
BY NOLI CORTEZ

POWERADE must look elsewhere for a trade that will land the team younger legs to
bolster an aging frontline.

The team’s major prospect, B-Meg Derby Ace, nixed the Tigers’ twin proposals
for a one-on-one trade between Asi Taulava for Don Carlos Allado or the tandem
of Taulava and Dennis Espino for Allado and Rafi Reavis.

"Hindi payag ang management dahil masyadong lugi in terms of age," claimed a
Llamados insider.

Taulava is 37 while Espino will also turn 37 come Dec. 20. Allado and Reavis are
both 33.

Despite his age, Taulava averaged 11.4 rebounds in 31 games to emerge as the
PBA’s top rebounder last season, the eighth time in the last 10 he achieved
the feat. Reavis normed 7.7 in 61 games and Allado 3.6 in 63.

There is a very strong possibility Taulava would be allowed to join the national
team seeing action in the Guangzhou Asian Games on Nov. 12-27, when the
eliminations phase of the season-opening Philippine Cup that starts Oct. 3 is
already in full swing.

Besides, the source added, Derby Ace frontliners Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris
should have recovered from their injuries and could be rejoining their teammates
by then.

"Once these two come back, there will be no need for a Taulava, Espino, or
both," he said.

For the Tigers, a source from Powerade contended, head coach Bo Perasol does not
want to part with Espino due to his exemplary work ethics, but must grudgingly
give his nod if it means his team would be boosted by fresher legs, especially
by Reavis.

"Ideal sana ang katulad ni Reavis, hindi nakikipag-agawan sa bola. He will just
assume his role of defending and getting those rebounds," he said.

Powerade team manager JB Baylon, in a text message, said: "No deal kami."
_____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=610675&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

PBA confab tackles rule changes, video replay
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated September 10, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Taking the cue from major leagues like the NBA, NFL and
tennis grand slam
events, the PBA will use video review to help improve officiating in line with
its aim to make the games more exciting and more appealing to local fans.

The use of video replay to decide on unclear two-point or three-point shot for
the entire game and for contested out-of-bounds calls during the last two
minutes of the game are among the proposed new rules to be applied for the 36th
PBA season which comes off the wraps next month.

There are seven other proposed rule changes set to be discussed by the PBA board
of governors in its annual planning session set in Bangkok, Thailand on Sept.
19-22. The meeting was originally slated in Hong Kong on Sept. 2-4.

Already up for implementation in the coming season is a new philosophy on
officiating which new commissioner Chito Salud said would “enthuse the players
to play with heart, more desire and more passion.�

In eliminating touch and marginal fouls, Salud is optimistic “the more
physical players, the more fundamentally sound players and the team with better
plays will prosper.�

Salud briefed the PBA coaches on the general framework Monday and received
positive responses.

If there’s any doubt, it’s on the consistency on the application of the
rule.

“Consistency will be worked on, but honesty and impartiality are
guaranteed,� said Salud.

If approved, the “challenge rule� will be scrapped since field-goal
verification will be enforced for the entire game.

During the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime periods,
verification will be made during the next dead-ball situation.

During the last two minutes, contested out-of-bounds calls will be subject to
video review, the same rule already being used in the NBA.

Referees must make a call which will say if the review is inconclusive.

A player who cannot shoot free throws awarded him because of an injury and is
replaced can no longer return to the game.

The substitute will shoot the free throw, regardless of the type of foul called
(regular or flagrant). The same rule applies on a jumper in jumpball situations.

Other major rule changes include the removal of the ‘flopping’ violation and
the primary or secondary defender distinction on “no charge zone.�

On timeouts, there’s no more need to cross midcourt line for a player to call
a 30-second timeout.

During the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime, all timeouts
will have the option to inbound from the free throw line extended.

In all overtime periods, a team enters penalty situation after the second team
foul; no more carryover from the fourth quarter.

_____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=611616&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

PBA to stage more games in provinces
(The Philippine Star) Updated September 13, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Reverting to its old format of holding three conferences
in a season, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is set to stage more
provincial games for the 2010-11 calendar.

Around 15 games on the road have so far been scheduled under the management of
new commissioner Chito Salud, assuring of at least holding a minimum of five
out-of-town matches per conference.

For the First Conference of the 36th season, the league will be staging a
breakthrough game in Digos City in Davao del Sur, pitting Talk n Text against
Rain or Shine on Dec. 4.

The Digos City outing is just one of two road games Davao is hosting in the
All-Filipino tournament, the other one to be held in Panabo, Davao del Norte
featuring Powerade opposite San Miguel Beer on Oct. 23.

“Going back to the three conference format meant more opportunities for us to
hold provincial games and give our fans outside of Metro Manila the chance to
see their favorite players in the flesh and enjoy the PBA brand of plays,�
said Salud.

An interesting match up between crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra and Powerade
kicks off the provincial sorties for the season in Batangas City on Oct. 9.

A week later on Oct. 16, the league hosts its first game in Naga City after a
long while with B-Meg Derby taking on Air21.

The last time the PBA played in Naga was still in the 1990s.

From Naga, the out-of-town sorties go to Panabo, and then in Bacolod City on
Nov. 6 when Alaska
battles rookie team Meralco.

Outside of Digos, the league is also scheduled to play for the first time in
Lapu-Lapu City following the construction of a 10,000-seat capacity gym in the
Cebu province.

Likewise, the PBA will go to Legazpi City for a similar out-of-town match to be
held in another newly constructed playing arena that can accommodate a crowd of
10,000.
____________

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Smart-Gilas-may-get-Kelly-Asi-but-not-MV\
P-James.html

Smart Gilas may get Kelly, Asi but not MVP James
Ronnie Nathanielsz
First Posted 11:18:50 11/09/2010

MANILA, Philippines--THE PBA board is likely to to give in to the request of
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan to release
Coca-Cola center Asi Taulava and Talk ‘N Text forward Kelly Williams for
national team duties in the Asian Games this November.

The development came as Derby Ace gunner James Yap is a virtual scratch from the
list of possible PBA reinforcements for the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas after
undergoing minor surgery as well as his lack of condition aggravated by personal
problems.

The Inquirer learned that the board, under chair Rene Pardo, is scheduled to
take up the issue at its annual meeting on Sept. 19 and the POC might make an
exception to its Sept. 15 deadline for basketball’s final roster to include
the two reinforcements.

The deadline set by Guangzhou Asian Games organizers for final rosters is on
Sept. 30.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud felt board members “are willing to listen to the
plea of Mr. Pangilinan.

“So long as it would not be prejudicial to the interests of the league
they’re willing to accommodate as in the case of Asi Taulava when he was
borrowed by the SBP for the Stankovic Cup,� Salud added.

Salud said the PBA has “set guidelines on this and the players themselves have
to be agreeable.�

Yap won the Most valuable Player award in the past PBA season, but his condition
is suspect because of a minor surgery. He is also currently sorting out marital
woes and may not be up to the task of representing the country.

Salud said that the program of Smart Gilas “is a young program and if it needs
help when help is truly needed, the PBA is there.�

Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman earlier said it would boost the RP squad’s
chances in the Asiad if Yap, Taulava and Williams reinforce the team.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/200990/gin-kings-bolts-square-off-in-pbas-36th-seaso\
n-opener

Gin Kings, Bolts square off in PBA's 36th season opener
09/14/2010 | 03:16 PM

The Philippine Basketball Association opens its 36th season on October 3 with a
certified blockbuster pitting crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra Kings against
rookie team Meralco Bolts.

The lone encounter is scheduled at 6 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum following the
4:15 p.m. opening ceremonies.

Defending All-Philippine Cup champion B-Meg Derby Ace makes its debut on Oct. 6
against Talk N’ Text, which made key player trades during the off season.

The Llamados-Tropang Texters game comes off at 7:30 p.m. after the 5 p.m. match
between Rain or Shine and Powerade (formerly Coca-Cola) – two teams that are
expected to make some noise in the league’s first conference.

Defending Fiesta Cup titlist Alaska takes its turn on Oct. 8 when it battles
Barako Bull at 5 p.m. On that same day, San Miguel Beer also opens its campaign
against new-look Air21, powered by top two rookie picks Noy Baclao and Rabeh
Al-Hussaini.

“We have a lot of fresh talents coming in this season and a new team in
Meralco. So I am very sure the games will be very thrilling and exciting," said
league commissioner Chito Salud.

The league’s first road game has been scheduled on Oct. 9 pitting Powerade
against Barangay Ginebra in Batangas City.

The PBA Commissioner’s Office has released playdates for the first two weeks
of October. The rest of the schedule are as follows: Oct. 10 (Cuneta Astrodome)
Meralco vs Barako Bull, TNT vs SMB; Oct. 13 (Araneta Coliseum) Air 21 vs ROS;
Derby Ace vs Alaska; Oct. 15 (Cuneta Astrodome) Alaska vs ROS, Meralco vs TNT;
Oct. 16 (Naga City) Derby Ace vs Air 21 and Oct. 17 (Araneta Coliseum) Barako
Bull vs Powerade; SMB vs Barangay Ginebra.

Tournament format will be inter-intra meaning the 10 teams will be divided into
two groups. Teams in the same group play each other once while playing teams in
the opposite group twice.

Bracketed in Group A are Alaska, Barangay Ginebra; TNT, Meralco and Air21. In
Group B are Derby Ace; SMB; ROS; Powerade and Barako Bull.

The last two teams after the classification round will be eliminated.

The quarterfinals will pit No.1 vs No. 8 and No.2 vs No.7 with the top two seeds
enjoying a twice to beat advantage. The games between No. 3 v No.6 and No.4 vs
No.5 will be a best-of-three affair.

Winners if the quarterfinals will advance to the best-of-seven semifinals. -
RCJ, GMANews.TV
__________

http://www.pba.com.ph/topstories/yap-ok-no-surgery-pingris-llamados-gird-philipp\
ine-cup-title-defense

YAP OK, NO SURGERY FOR PINGRIS AS LLAMADOS GIRD FOR PHILIPPINE CUP TITLE DEFENSE

Mon, 09/13/2010 - 21:28 — junior

James Yap was discharged from St. Luke’s Hospital Monday afternoon already
breathing freely with the polyp inside his nose gone.

“Masakit yung procedure but at least wala na yung problema ko,� said Yap,
bothered by that benign small growth for years.

The two-time PBA MVP awardee underwent a minor medical procedure to remove that
growth Friday.

A week’s rest, and Yap’s likely to rejoin his team in training in
preparation for their title-retention campaign in the 2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup
which opens Oct. 3.

He’s set to re-sign with B-MEG Derby anytime in the week, getting P12.6
million in three years.

Another good news for Derby Ace was that of forward Marc Pingris being spared of
operation in the United States.

Pingris will be back sooner than later as he will just undertake a thorough
rehabilitation to repair a muscle tear.

PBA Board chairman Rene Pardo, from Derby Ace, said the latest prognosis on
Pingris was that the player can rejoin the Llamados in action by December.

“The doctors discovered a tear, but it’s not that serious. No operation is
needed," said Pardo.

Already done with surgery was Kerby Raymundo. The 6-foot-6 center/forward will
likely miss the entire all-Filipino tourney.

The Llamados will be going all out to be the first team in 25 years to win the
all-Filipino crown in successive fashion. They won the coveted championship
versus the Alaska Aces last year.

Team management and coaching staff meet Tuesday day to finalize their lineup.

“We still have one slot left open. We’ll discuss who will take that spot,�
said Pardo.

A veteran player left unsigned is Romel Adducul. (SB)
_____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=611865&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

Pingris won't need surgery for muscle tear
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated September 14, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - B-Meg Derby Ace forward Marc Pingris will be back in
Llamados fold sooner than his scheduled return as he would forego surgery to
repair a muscle tear and simply undergo thorough rehabilitation.

PBA board chairman Rene Pardo, from Derby Ace, said the latest prognosis on
Pingris was that the player can rejoin the Llamados by December.

Another good news for Derby Ace was the successful operation undertaken by main
man James Yap, removing a polyp inside his nose.

The medical procedure was done at St. Luke’s Hospital Friday and Yap was
scheduled to check out yesterday.

Pardo said Yap and Don Allado are set to sign their new pacts. Yap is to get
P12.6 million in three years while Allado is inking a one-year deal.

With these developments, the team management and the coaching staff meet today
to finalize their lineup for the 2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup, which fires off
Oct. 3.

“We still have one slot left open. We’ll discuss who will take that spot,�
said Pardo.

A veteran player left unsigned is Romel Adducul while the team was relieved by
report from the famed Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, California that Pingris
would be spared of surgery.

“The doctors discovered a tear, but it’s not that serious. No operation is
needed,� said Pardo.

Meanwhile, Kerby Raymundo, the B-Meg’s tough 6-foot-6 center/forward, will
likely miss the entire all-Filipino tourney after undergoing surgery.

The Llamados will be out to be the first team in 25 years to win the
all-Filipino crown in successive fashion. They won the coveted championship over
the Alaska Milk Aces last year.
____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=611798&publicationSubCategoryId=9\
5

P12.6 milyon kay James, Pingris mabilis ang recovery
Ni NBeltran (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated September 14, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Taliwas sa inaasahan, mas mapapaaga ang pagba­balik
aksyon ni B-MEG Derby Ace forward Marc Pingris sa dahilang hindi na niya
kailangang sumailalim pa sa operasyon at sa halip sasailalim na lamang siya sa
rehabilitation upang ayusin ang kanyang muscle tear.

Ayon kay PBA board chairman Rene Pardo, tiniyak ng Derby Ace na makakabalik sa
aksyon si Pingris sa da­rating na Disyembre.

At ang isa pang magandang balita mula sa Llamados ay ang matagumpay na operasyon
na isinagawa sa kanilang main man na si James Yap, upang alisin ang polyp sa
loob ng kanyang ilong.

Isinagawa ang nasabing operasyon sa St. Luke’s Hospital nitong Biyernes at
nakatakda namang lumabas si Yap ngayong araw.

Sina Yap at Don Allado ay nakatakdang lumagda ng kani-kanilang panibagong
kontrata, ayon pa kay Pardo. Si Yap ay makakauha ng P12.6 milyon sa loob ng
tatlong taon, habang si Allado ay pipirma ng isang taong kontrata.

At sa mga kaganapang ito, nakatakdang magpulong ang team management at coaching
staff ngayong araw upang isapormal na ang kanilang line-up para sa 2010-11 PBA
Philippine Cup na magbubukas sa October 3.

“We still have one slot left open. We’ll discuss who will take that spot,�
dagdag pa ni Pardo.

Tanging ang beteranong manlalaro na si Rommel Adducul na lamang ang hindi pa
nakakapirma ng kontrata.

Nagmula ang magandang balita na hindi na kaila­ngang operahan si Pingris mula
sa tanyag na Kerlan Jobe Clinic sa Los Angeles, California.

“The doctors discovered a tear, but it’s not that serious. No operation is
needed,� wika pa ni Pardo.

http://www.pba.com.ph/topstories/hardcourt-idols-ramp-pormang-pba

HARDCOURT IDOLS ON THE RAMP IN PORMANG PBA

Wed, 09/15/2010 - 19:44 — junior

The Philippine Basketball Association is ushering its 36th season with a new
twist.

A week before its opening on Oct.3, the league parades 16 of its current and
up-coming stars, who will try something new that doesn’t require their skills
on the basketball court.

Led by B-Meg Derby Ace’s James Yap, the league’s hardcourt heroes display
their glamour and style in a three hour fashion show billed “Pormang PBA.�

Set for Sept. 26 at the Big Dome, the 6-9 p.m. affair in cooperation with the
Binibining Pilipinas Charity, Inc. will also feature the winners of 2010 Bb.
Pilipinas beauty pageant led by Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj.

The activity is part of a busy 36th season of the league under Commissioner
Chito Salud.

“This will showcase the other side of our players apart from basketball in
order for fans to see them in a different light, hindi yung puro basketball
lang,� Salud said.

Besides Yap, also parading on the ramp are 2010 Rookie of the Year awardee Rico
Maierhofer of Derby Ace, Barangay Ginebra’s JC Intal and Ronald Tubid, Gabe
Norwood and Doug Kramer of the Rain or Shine team, San Miguel Beer’s Arwind
Santos and Jarred Dillinger of Talk `N Text.

Also joining them are Wesley Gonzales and the rookie pair of Severino Baclao and
Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Air21, Alaska’s L.A. Tenorio and Elmer Espiritu, Aris
Dimaunahan of Barako Bull, Powerade’s Francis Allera and MacMac Cardona of
rookie franchise Meralco.

The PBA stars will parade formal, casual and sporty wears. (DBC)

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=613522&publicationSubCategoryId=9\
5

Adducul, Allado pumirma na
(Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated September 20, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Muling maglalaro ang mga beteranong sina Don Allado at
Romel Adducul para sa Derby Ace sa da­rating na 2010-2011 PBA Philippine Cup na
idedepensa ng Llamados simula sa Oktubre 3.

Sina Allado at Adducul ay binigyan na ng kontrata ng Derby Ace, iginiya ni
da­ting coach Ryan Gregorio sa korona ng nakaraang Philippine Cup, kasabay ng
pagkakalagay kina rookies Parri Llagas at Val Acuna bi­lang mga unrestricted
free agents.

Ang mga beteranong sina Allado at Adducul ang inaasahang tatakip sa butas na
nilikha ng pagkawala nina Kerby Raymundo at Mark Pingris na parehong may injury.

Inaasahan ring hindi ipapahiram ng Llamados, gagabayan ngayon ni dating
assistant coach Jorge Gallent, si two-time PBA Most Valuable Player James Yap sa
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) para sa Smart Gilas na sasabak sa 16th
Asian Ga­mes sa Guangzhou, China sa Nobyembre.

Ito ang inaasahang tatalakayin ng PBA Board of Governors sa kanilang three-day
planning session sa Bangkok, Thailand.

Samantala, makakasama naman ni James Yap si 2010 Ms. Universe fourth runner-up
Venus Raj at iba pang Binibining Pilipinas winners sa isang special fa­shion
show sa Araneta Coliseum sa Linggo.

Kabuuang 16 top pla­yers mula sa 10 PBA member teams ang magtutunghayan sa
naturang fashion show.

___________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?artic...ubCategoryId=69

Superstars, beauty queens on ramp in Pormang PBA
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated September 20, 2010 12:00 AM

BANGKOK – The PBA board of governors arrived here yesterday for a three-day
planning session for the coming season that would be spiced up by a unique
fashion show featuring PBA superstars, led by MVP winner James Yap, and beauty
queens, headed by Ms Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj on Sunday at the
Araneta Coliseum.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud bared the details of the program of the show
moments before the start of their planning session at the Amare Watergate Hotel.

Board chairman Rene Pardo (B-MEG Derby Ace), vice chairman Mamerto Mondragon
(Rain or Shine) and board members JB Baylon of Coca-Cola, Joaqui Trillo of
Alaska, Patrick Gregorio of Talk n Text, Robert Non of Ginebra, Ely Capacio of
San Miguel Beer, Manny Mendoza of Barako Energy Coffee, Ramon Segismundo of
Meralco and Johan Ramos of Air21 promised their full support.

The board and the commissioner flew here with legal counsel Melvin Mendoza, PBA
operations and technical chief Rickie Santos, accounting head Jimmy Sunglao and
media bureau's Willie Marcial and Dave Coros.

Arriving here at around 4 p.m., they just refreshed for a few minutes then
started their conference, laying down the league's programs for the 2010-2011
season starting Oct. 3.

In a prelude to the season inaugurals, the PBA, in partnership with Binibining
Pilipinas Charity Inc. and with support from the Araneta Center and Pizza Hut,
stages the fashion show billed "Pormang PBA" this Sunday.

Sixteen top players representing the league's 10 member teams have been tapped
for the event set 6-9 p.m.

Leading the cast of player-models are Derby Ace's James Yap and Rico Maierhofer,
Ginebra's JC Intal and Ronald Tubid, Rain or Shine's Gabe Norwood and Dough
Kramer, San Miguel's Arwind Santos and Talk n Text's Jarred Dillinger of Talk `N
Text.

Also parading on the ramp are Wesley Gonzales and the rookie pair of Severino
Baclao and Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Air21, Alaska's L.A. Tenorio and Elmer Espiritu,
Aris Dimaunahan of Barako Bull, Powerade's Francis Allera and MacMac Cardona of
rookie franchise Meralco.

The PBA stars will parade on formal, casual and sporty wears.

"This will showcase the other side of our players. This gives the fans an
opportunity to see our players in a different light," Salud said.

Meanwhile, Yap has formalized his P12.6-million three-year deal with Derby Ace.

"Finally, it's sealed. I'm ready for the coming season," said Yap in a text
message.

Derby Ace has also come to terms with Don Allado and is signing up Romel Adducul
to a one-conference contract.

These transactions caused Pari Llagas' and Val Acuna's relegation to the
unrestricted reserve list.
_____________

http://www.pba.com.ph/topstories/pba-playe...lanning-session

PBA PLAYERS IN RP ASIAD TEAM, RULE CHANGES, D-LEAGUE TO BE TACKLED IN BANGKOK
PLANNING SESSION

Sun, 09/19/2010 - 16:58 — junior

Will Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and James Yap be allowed to don the national
colors and play in the Asiad?

The PBA Board of Governors will render a decision on that and other key issues
when it holds its planning session from Sept. 19-21 in Bangkok Thailand.

The meeting will be presided over by B-Meg Derby Ace representative Rene Pardo,
who will officially take over from Lito Alvarez of Air21 as league chairman
along with lawyer Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine, vice chairman, and
Powerade's JB Baylon, treasurer.

Also in the agenda are the proposed playing rules which had already been tackled
by the Competitions Committee and which PBA Commissioner Chito Salud will
present to the Board for approval.

"The PBA office has already discussed these rules with members of the team's
coaching staff and PBA media partners. We believe the simplified version of the
rules will prevent confusion and errors," Salud said.

He also said the league, with the help of Solar TV, will use all available
technology to aid the referees to make sure the calls are correct.

Reverting to the three conference format was also a brainchild by Salud that
instantly earned the approval of the Board.

What remains to be finalized are the height limit for imports in the second and
third conferences. That matter should be discussed and decided upon during the
three-day brain storming session.

The PBA Commissioner also revealed that the Board is going to discuss the
possibility of putting up a Developmental League due to the current state of the
Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas.

"The Governors are looking deeply into it. They are monitoring the progress of
the PBL-Liga merger and are aware of the uncertainties," Salud said.

But the one issue that begs for an answer concerns the request of the Samahang
Basketbol ng Pilipilinas of which the PBA is a stakeholder.

The SBP, through its chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, who also happens to be the
team owner of Talk N' Text and Meralco, has sought the help of the PBA to lend
Taulava, Williams and Yap to Smart Gilas-Pilipinas which will represent the
country in the Asian Games set Nov. 12-27 in Guangzhou, China.

Apparently, Pangilinan made the request because the team's head coach, Rajko
Toroman, contends Smart Gilas will be more competitive with the addition of the
PBA stars.

"The Smart Gilas program is a young and promising program. So in whatever way
the PBA can assist, we shall not hesitate," Salud proclaimed.

However, he made no commitment with regard to the availability of Taulava
Williams and Yap.

The Asiad coincides with the PBA Philippine Cup.

"Regardless of the decision of Board on whether or not to loan the three stars,
the PBA must arrive at a long term operational arrangement with the SBP that
specifically defines the PBA's role in aiding SBP's international basketball
program," Salud said.(DBC)

___________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/201457/hontive...cement-to-gilas

Hontiveros eyed as Yap's replacement to Gilas
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
09/20/2010 | 04:14 PM

Dondon Hontiveros, San Miguel Beer's veteran shooter and a member of the last
all-pro team that competed in the Asian Games in Busan, Korea, eight years ago,
is being eyed by Smart Gilas national developmental team to replace James Yap.

This was confirmed by Allan Gregorio, RP-Smart Gilas national developmental team
assistant coach to GMANews.TV.

"We're looking at Dondon right now since James (Yap) opted not to join. But we
don't want to make major changes in the team because we don't want to disrupt
the chemistry of the squad," said Gregorio in a telephone interview.

"We hope Dondon will be allowed by his mother team and the PBA," added Gregorio.

GMANews.TV earlier reported that Yap will likely beg off from joining the
national team aspirants who will compete in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China,
this November because of professional and personal reasons.

The 6-foot-2, two-time PBA Most Valuable Player will be hard-pressed to do much
of the scoring for B-Meg Derby Ace as team captain Kerby Raymundo is expected to
be out of the season while another key player, Marc Pingris, will miss his
team's games until December of this year.

Just recently, Yap underwent minor operation at the St. Luke's Hospital to
repair a nose polyp. The operation had to be done as the player claimed he had
"difficulty breathing."

The PBA Board has already given in to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' (SBP)
request for the services of Asi Taulava of Powerade and Kelly Williams of Talk N
Text to beef up the RP-Smart Gilas squad in the Asian Games.

Should Hontiveros be included, the Cebuano hotshot will be reunited with
Taulava, his former teammate with the national team that placed fourth in the
Busan Asian Games.

Hontiveros averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Beermen
last season. - KY, GMANews.TV

http://www.malaya.com.ph/09212010/sports4.html

Llamados need to prune team to 14

BANGKOK. – B-Meg Derby Ace is facing what many may consider a pleasant problem.

Team management and the coaching staff need to drop one player from current
15-man roster, one player more than allowed per team for the coming PBA season.

The Llamados actually have yet to close a deal with Romel Adducul, but Rene
Pardo, the team's representative to the PBA board and currently its chairman,
said the veteran center is sure to be signed up since they have a frontline that
is already minus key players Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris, who will both miss
the early part of the season-opener.

Raymundo recently underwent surgery for a torn muscle on his hip and will be out
for five months. Pingris has the same injury but is expected to be back in
action in December.

"With Romel there, panlaban na ang harapan namin because we will also be having
Jondan Salvador, Don Carlos Allado, Rafi Reavis and Rico Maierhofer alternating
there," Pardo noted.

The Llamados have also acquired free agent forward Jerwin Gaco, along with Roger
Yap, PJ Simon, Nino Canaleta, Chris Timberlake, Jonathan Fernandez and Jonas
Villanueva, who was acquired from San Miguel Beer for Paul Artadi.

The player who would be dropped will automatically be an unrestricted free agent
with right to salary.

"Hindi puwedeng ibaba sila Kerby and Marc dahil baka may dumampot kaya nasa
lineup sila," said Pardo.

The most important piece for the Llamados, reigning MVP James Yap, was formally
signed to a three-year P12.6 million contract last Saturday.

"Pinag-uusapan pa, pero malamang na manggagaling sa wings dahil sobra-sobra kami
sa posisyong iyon," said Pardo.

In their planning session here, all 10 governors present agreed to a 14-man
lineup throughout the coming three-conference season.

"The Board deemed it expedient for the players, but it will still be up to the
coach," Pardo said.
____________

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/sep2110/sports_story6.htm

May dehado sa Llamados

     BANGKOK --- Kailangang magbawas ng lineup ang B-Meg Derby Ace.

     Sa kasalukuyan, may 15-man lineup ang Llamados kaya kailangan nilang
maglaglag ng isa para sumakto sa 14 bago ang umpisa ng 36th season ng Philippine
Basketball Association.

     Sisimulan ng Derby Ace na idepensa ang Philip­pine Cup crown sa October 3.

     Sa ngayon, hindi pa makapagdesisyon ang Llamados kung sino ang ma­dedehado
na ibig sabihin ay ilalaglag.

     Sa kanilang planning session dito sa Thailand, nagkasundo ang 10 go­vernors
na bawat team ay magpapasok ng 14-man lineup para sa buong three-conference
season. Nasa coach pa rin ang pasya kung gagamitin niya lahat ang 14 players.

     Sinabi ni Rene Pardo, ang kinatawan ng Derby Ace na siya ring chairman ng
PBA Board, na sobra sila sa wings sa kasalukuyan kaya posibleng sa posisyon na
ito manggaga­ling ang ilalaglag.

     "Pero whoever is dropped, we know we will still come up with lineup more
than enough to give everybody else stiff competition," paliwanag ni Pardo. "At
saka mas maganda na itong sobra kami kesa sa pahirapan sa paghahanap ng pamunong
player."

     Ang pinakaimportanteng piyesa ng Derby Ace na si reigning MVP James Yap ay
pinapirma na ng hanggang tatlong taon pa sa halagang P12.6 million.

     Halos sigurado na ring muling papipirmahin ng Llamados si veteran center
Rommel Adducul dahil kulang sila sa frontline sa pagkawala nina Kerby Raymundo
at Marc Pingris na parehong may injuries.

     Siguradong hindi ilalag­lag sina Raymundo at Pingris dahil tiyak na may agad
dadampot sa kanila. Sinuman ang ibababa ng Llamados ay magiging unrestricted
free agent.

     Palaban na ang frontline ng Derby Ace dahil bukod kay Adducul ay nasa kanila
rin sina Jondan Salvador, Don Allado, Rafi Reavis at Rico Maierhofer.

     Kinuha rin ng Llamados si free agent forward Jerwin Gaco panahog kina Roger
Yap, PJ Simon, Nino Canaleta, Chris Timberlake, Jonathan Fernandez at Jonas
Villanueva na ipinalit kay Paul Artadi sa San Miguel Beer.
_____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=613945&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

Williams, Taulava gain PBA nod; Yap begs off
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated September 21, 2010 12:00 AM

BANGKOK – Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and a still unnamed PBA player have been
given the permission to reinforce the Smart Gilas RP team for the Asian Games in
Guangzhou, China this November.

The PBA board of governors made the decision approving the Samahang Basketbol ng
Pilipinas' request to backstop the Asiad-bound RP team in the first resolution
it passed in its three-day planning session at the Amari Watergate Hotel here.

During the initial session, the board also gave its approval on the game rule
changes proposed for implementation for the coming 2010-11 season by new
commissioner Chito Salud.

The Commissioners and the Governors Cups will be re-introduced as the league
returns to the three-conference calendar. These import-laced tournaments follow
the Philippine Cup which gets under way Oct. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Taulava, Williams and a third PBA player will miss some action in the
all-Filipino tourney as they will beef up the Nationals in the Asian Games.

The SBP had requested in particular Taulava, Williams and James Yap but the
B-MEG Derby Ace main man begged off due to health and personal problems.

"He was with the RP team in the last two FIBA Asia championships and James asked
me if he can be excused this time. He has personal reasons plus the fact that
he's just undergone nasal operation. He was rushed back to the hospital Saturday
due to massive bleeding," said Derby Ace top official and PBA board chair Rene
Pardo.

"The PBA board has acceded to the request of the SBP. James Yap won't be able to
join but nevertheless the SBP will be given the choice to fill up a third slot,"
said the league commissioner.

In addition, the PBA board is also allowing Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes to
assist coach Rajko Toroman in the Asian Games.

Talk n Text alternate governor Patrick Gregorio, also a Smart Gilas insider
being the head of the sponsoring Smart Sports, said Toroman would make the
choice.

"It would be a position. It could well be a shooter," said Gregorio.

Among the players likely to be considered are Dondon Hontiveros, Macmac Cardona
or Sol Mercado.

  The PBA board also tasked the commissioner and the chairman to meet with SBP
officials to know the specific role the pro league would play in the
federation's long-term international program.

Before this development, the SBP leadership had freed the PBA of responsibility
with the RP team since it has formed the Smart Gilas team under its Serbian
coach.

Salud, however, doesn't see PBA help entering in smaller tournaments like the
SEA Games and the SEABA.

Salud said the board rendered a unanimous decision even as Coca-Cola governor JB
Baylon earlier aired concern in losing a lone dominant player in Taulava.

"In the end, he gave an unconditional consent," said Salud.

Taulava will lend his services to the RP team for a fourth major international
tourney after the 2002 Busan Asian Games, the 2007 Tokushima Asian championship
and the 2009 Tianjin Asian meet. He's also played with Smart Gilas in the recent
Stankovic Cup in Lebanon.

Williams, meanwhile, will be back in the country's team after playing for the RP
squad in the 2007 Tokushima conclave.

_____________

http://www.malaya.com.ph/09212010/sports3.html

Yap out of RP five to Asiad
BY NOLI CORTEZ

BANGKOK. – James Yap is definitely out of the national team competing in the
Guangzhou Asian Games in November but the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has
been given the green light to pick another player from the pro league as Yap's
replacement.

The PBA Board issued this decision Sunday after allowing Powerade's Asi Taulava
and Talk N Text's Kelly Williams to join the national team.

"The Board has given the SBP the choice to fill up that slot," related
Commissioner Chito Salud after a marathon eight-hour meeting at the Amari
Watergate boardroom.

Yap, the ace gunner of B-Meg Derby Ace and the reigning league MVP, reportedly
begged off due to his going marital woes.

According to TNT representative Patrick Gregorio, he has informed SBP chief
Manny V. Pangilinan of the PBA decision. "We're clearing it with (RP head) coach
(Rajko) Toroman and we expect a name Monday," he said.

Salud stressed the SBP choice must have the PBA player's approval as well as of
his mother team.

The Asiad is set on Nov. 12 to 27 and runs smack into the eliminations of the
season-opening Philippine Cup that starts on Oct. 3.

Salud and PBA Chairman Rene Pardo also said they will sit down with SBP's top
brass to clarify some things about the pro league's specific participation in
future national teams.

"The PBA wants a specific role and we could acquiesce if the SBP's request is
reasonable," said Salud, adding PBA players could be loaned to future RP teams
for elite tournaments such as the Asiad or qualifying events for either the
Olympics or world championship.

The SBP has a program in place but expects everything to fall into place only
next year.
___________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/201489/pba-board-approves-taulava-williams-stint-wit\
h-smart-gilas

PBA Board approves Taulava, Williams stint with Smart Gilas
09/20/2010 | 10:35 PM

BANGKOK – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) plans to sit down with the
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to once again redefine the role of the pro
league in the overall program of the country's governing body for basketball.

Newly-installed PBA commissioner Chito Salud and chairman Rene Pardo made the
disclosure Monday at the close of the PBA Board's annual planning session here
following efforts made by the SBP to tap talents from the pro league in
reinforcing the RP-Smart Gilas national developmental team to the coming Asian
Games in Guangzhou, China.

"We will try to seek an audience with the SBP since the (PBA) Board aired its
concern during the meeting over what specific role the league plays in helping
out the association in its program," said Salud. "We certainly want to iron
things out."

The request by the SBP to have the services of Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and
James Yap topped the agenda for the two-day Board session.

While Taulava and Williams were both given the go-signal to suit up for the Nov.
12-27 Asiad, Yap begged off from playing for the team.

The reigning PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) cited personal reasons and the
recent surgery performed on him to remove the polyp in his nose as to why he had
to decline the invitation.

All three star players were part of the two separate national teams formed and
trained by the PBA that saw action in the 2007 and 2009 FIBA-Asia men's
basketball championships, respectively.

"James Yap has personally begged off to play because we all know the personal
matters he's undergoing right now," said Pardo.

The Board chairman disclosed that Yap actually had to be brought back to the
hospital more than a week ago following the surgery as he was experiencing mass
bleeding.

Salud said filling up the void left by Yap will solely rest on the SBP and
national coach Rajko Toroman, who is currently in China with the Smart Gilas
squad for the 4th Asian Basketball Association Club Championship.

Although no other names have been submitted to the Board for Yap's possible
replacement, veteran Dondon Hontiveros of San Miguel and Mac Mac Cardona of
Meralco are being mentioned as among the prime candidates for the position.

Patrick Gregorio, board representative of Talk `N Text, which sponsors the
national team, remains non-committal about the matter other than stressing that
Toroman wants a shooter in the mold of Yap.

Salud said the decision of the Board to allow Taulava and Williams to reinforce
the Smart-Gilas squad is just a stop-gap measure as he expects the SBP program
to become "more mature and competitive by next year."

"That's why we want to sit down with SBP officials and clarify the extent of
support we will give them," said the commissioner.

Also limited of the Guangzhou Asiad is the stint of Talk `N Text mentor Chot
Reyes as special assistant to Toroman.

Salud also noted that per the SBP letter to the PBA, Taulava and Williams will
only play for the team for the two-week duration of the meet.

During the session that lasted for about six hours, the Board also approved the
improvised rules on officiating Salud and his technical group initiated for
outright use in the coming 36th season that kicks off on Oct. 3.

The commissioner said he is ready for any criticism that may arise out of the
refined set-up in officiating.

He added he was confident that it "will work out not immediately, but soon
enough."

Other points tackled were the employment of a 14-man lineup for each team and
the right to field in all 14 players during a game, as well as a 6-4 height
limit for imports seeing action in the second conference and the application of
a handicap import system in the season-ending tournament.

Aside from Pardo, also elected as officers of the Board were Mamerto Mondragon
(Rain or Shine) as vice chairman and JB Baylon (Powerade) as treasurer.

Other Board members present during the two-day planning session were former
chairmen Joaqui Trillo (Alaska) and Ely Capacio (San Miguel), Robert Non
(Ginebra), Gregorio, Ramon Segismundo (Meralco), Johan Ramos (Air21), Manny
Mendoza (Barako Bull) and one-time chairman Buddy Encarnado. - KY, RCJ,
GMANews.TV

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=615693&publicationSubCategoryId=1\
10

B-Meg outlasts Alaska
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel (The Freeman) Updated September 27, 2010 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines – It was just a PBA pre-season match, but the Alaska Aces and
B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados treated the huge crowd to a highly entertaining
hardcourt showdown as if they were slugging it out for the championship.

And when the dust settled, the Llamados came out smoking the victory pipe.

High-leaping foward Nino Canaleta pumped in 11 of his topscoring 21 points in
the final quarter to rally the Llamados past the Aces, 73-70, at the University
of San Carlos
(USC)-Main gym.

From the very start, there was no indication that it was just an exhibition duel
as the two protagonists threw out aggressive plays, tenacious defense and at
times the game went physical.

Although the Aces took an early 19-14 edge, it was the Llamados who dictated the
pace of the match for most of the way. B-Meg's could only led by as much as
eight points, 44-36, as Alaska fought back with savvy to pull within just a
hairline, 51-52, with 19 seconds left in the third quarter.

But Jonas Villanueva closed the period with an incredible buzzer-beating shot
from the halfcourt to give the Llamados the needed morale-booster going into the
final canto.

The Aces surprised the Llamados with a 7-1 run to snatch the upperhand, 58-56,
but only for a short moment as after Don Carlos Allado tied the scoreat 58-all
with a long-range jumper, Canaleta dropped seven straight points spotlighted by
a lightning slam dunk to put B-Meg on top by five, 65-60, with 5:40 left to
play.

The Aces were still in the thick of the fight after Joe Devance completed a
three-point play that pushed them to within a matchstick, 70-71, with a minute
remaining.

After a botched attempt by B-Meg, the Aces had a chance to steal the lead but
they comitted a costly passing error. In an effort to stop the clock, they
quickly fouled Roger Yap, who then clamly sank his twin gift shots to push B-Meg
ahead by three, 73-70, with only 11 ticks left before the final buzzer.

The Aces could have knotted the count, but Devance fired an airball to the
dismay of Alaska fans.

Peter June Simon and Allado backed up Canaleta with 21 points combined for
B-Meg. Devance topped Alaska with 17 points followed by Cyrus Baguio with 13
mark-ers.

B-Meg superstar James Yap was present in the closely-fought battle but came in
streetclothes. Nevertheless, he was the center of attraction as fans came in
droves to ask for his autograph and take photos of him. (FREEMAN)

____________

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/279183/reavis-out-3-months-due-injury

Reavis Out for 3 months Due to Injury
September 26, 2010, 5:55pm

MANILA, Philippines – B-Meg Derby Ace suffered another blow in its bid to retain
the Philippine Cup title in the coming PBA All-Filipino Conference after its
fourth starter – veteran forward Rafi Reavis – fractured his right middle
finger.

The 6-foot-8 Reavis broke his finger during the Llamados' tune-up game against
the Philippine Patriots last Friday.

According to B-Meg management, Reavis will have to rest for three months to heal
the injury. Reavis joined the team's growing list of injured players that
include reigning MVP James Yap, forwards Kerby Raymundo and Marc Jean Pingris.

"Now we have four starters down with injuries," said George Gallent, the
newly-appointed head coach of B-Meg Derby Ace.

Reavis' injury was the latest to hit B-Meg after Raymundo had a surgery in the
United States to repair a dislocated hip. Pingris is expected to be out for two
months due to a similar hip injury, while Yap is still recovering from an
operation (polyp). —Waylon Galvez
_____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=615758&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

PBAPC to fete best ref, Mr. Quality Minutes
(The Philippine Star) Updated September 27, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - A player who managed to perform well on a limited playing
time and a referee who made good judgment calls get to share center stage with
the awardees to be feted during the PBA Press Corps Awards on Wednesday at the
Sapphire Room of the Gateway Mall in Cubao, QC.

The annual awards, with San Miguel Corp., Smart Sports and Alaska Milk as major
sponsors and backed by Accel, Solar Sports, Coca-Cola, Araneta Center and
Phoenix Petroleum, has Philippine Sports Commission's Chito Loyzaga as guest of
honor. It will be hosted by veteran sportscasters Quinito Henson, Ed Picson and
Patricia Bermundez-Hizon.

The event, which will honor PBA personalities who excelled during the 35th PBA
season, will start at 7:30 p.m.

The best player coming off the bench last season, Niño Canaleta of B-Meg Derby
Ace, will be rewarded with the Mr. Quality Minutes award, while Kelly Williams,
then with Sta. Lucia Realty and now with Talk n Text, will receive the William
"Bogs" Adornado Comeback Player of the Year plaque, the award presented by
Phoenix Petroleum.

Man in gray Manolito Quilingen is the Referee of the Year, Gabe Norwood of Rain
or Shine the Defensive Player of the Year, and the quintet of Rico Maierhofer,
Josh Urbiztondo, Ronnie Matias, Ogie Menor and Jervy Cruz comprising the
All-Rookie Team.

Also to be honored by the PBAPC are the Executive of the Year and the Coach of
the Year.

The season's top coaches will dispute the coveted Virgilio "Baby" Dalupan Coach
of the Year trophy which is named after "The Maestro", who remains the
"winningest" mentor in the pro league with 15 championships.

The season's top official will be awarded the Danny Floro Executive of the Year
trophy, an award named after the amiable Crispa Redmanizers team owner, who
helped build the team's dynasty by winning 13 titles, including two Grand Slams.

Adornado, one of the league's three-time Most Valuable Player awardees and PBA
Hall of Famer, has agreed to lend his name to the Comeback Player of the Year
award, an award rightfully distinguished after his name when he came back from a
career-threatening injury to win the league's highest individual award.

Two recipients of the Raffy Japa Presidential Award will share the spotlight
with the winners, while a short audio-visual presentation for the late Willie
Caballes, the Manila Bulletin assistant sports editor and former PBAPC president
who passed away last April, is in the program.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/202096/pba-llamados-face-daunting-task-defending-all\
-filipino-crown

PBA: Llamados face daunting task defending All-Filipino crown
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
09/28/2010 | 09:59 AM

How tough is it defending an All-Filipino Conference crown?

B-Meg Derby Ace, the reigning defending champion of the Philippine Cup, knows
the answer only too well.

In fact, the Llamados are not on the list of favorites in the season-opening
conference, which starts Oct. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum.

"That's natural, considering that our key players are injured," said B-Meg Derby
Ace governor and current league chairman Rene Pardo, referring to the absence of
two-time Most Valuable Player James Yap, Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Raffi
Reavis when the team starts its title-retention bid.

Raymundo will be out of the season as he went under the knife to repair a torn
muscle on his leg at the famed Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, California. He
will be sidelined for the next five months.

Pingris didn't undergo an operation, but will be under continuous rehabilitation
to repair a torn muscle on his right leg.

Yap underwent an operation to remove a nose polyp and will miss his team's first
few games, while Reavis will have to wait for a fractured hand to heal.

That leaves Roger Yap as the only healthy player in the Llamados' starting unit
— a fact that renders Derby Ace as an unlikely underdog.

"But we offer no excuses," Pardo said at the league's press launching of the
36th season at the Diamond Hotel in Roxas Boulevard.

"We're the defending champion and we'll fight up to the last man in our lineup,"
he added.

Already a banged-up team this early, B-Meg also suffers from the odds,
statistics wise.

No team in the PBA has successfully defended an All-Filipino crown for the past
25 years.

Great Taste, then handled by `The Maestro' Baby Dalupan and bolstered by such
players as Ricardo Brown, Manny Victorino, Arnie Tuadles, Abe King, Chito
Loyzaga and Joel Banal, was the last team to retain the AFC crown, way back in
1985.

Aces, Beermen, Texters picked

The consensus among teams competing in the 36th season is that Alaska Milk, San
Miguel Beer and Talk N Text are the favorites to take the season-opening
conference.

"Alaska, San Miguel and Talk N Text will be there. Our team may have improved
and may carry us to greater heights this season, but these three squads will be
there on top," said Rain or Shine governor and league vice chairman Atty.
Mamerto Mondragon.

But the up-and-coming Elasto Painters found a supporter in Pato Gregorio, who
installed the young squad co-owned by Raymond Yu and Terry Que as among the
odds-on picks.

"For me, B-Meg being the defending champion, and San Miguel, which has a
superior lineup, are the favorites, but Rain or Shine will perform even better
this season," said Gregorio, board representative of Talk N Text.

Manny Mendoza, Barako Bull's board representative, and Robert Non of Barangay
Ginebra have different outlooks for the season.

"We intend to make it to the quarterfinals this time," Mendoza boldly declared.

"One thing is for sure, Ginebra will be on top in all three conferences in terms
of helping the league in revenues," said Non.

Powerade board governor JB Baylon, whose team just lost Asi Taulava in a
multi-player trade, believes his squad is on a rebuilding stage. He simply
intends to look forward to the future.

"I had dinner with Asi the other night and told him that he should let me know
what Meralco's plans are for him after 2011, as I want him back for our squad,"
said Baylon.

Ely Capacio of San Miguel sees a wide-open race for the crown.

"It's a toss-up. All teams have become very competitive," said Capacio.

Salud promises to enhance PBA product

With the 36th season reverting to the old format of three conferences a year,
newly-appointed commissioner Atty. Chito Salud said that it's now time to
enhance the league's most important product – the game.

'We can now concentrate on polishing our product. The product, of course, is the
game," said Salud. "If the quality of your product diminishes, then it may not
be appealing any more to the fans."

"We believe that the three-conference format will be highly entertaining, as we
will see more playoff matches, and the fans come in during playoff time."

Salud said that for the previous years, the PBA encountered trying times due to
so much competition.

"Unlike before when only the movies were the only competitor of the PBA, the
league was rivaled by so many other diversions. One of these was the online
attractions, which lured some of our followers, particularly, the younger
generation. This season will be a test for us," added Salud, son of former PBA
commissioner Atty. Rudy Salud.

The PBA is also set to implement new guidelines, such as taking away the
flopping rule, handcheck and touch fouls, and anything that impedes the game,
including challenging a basket whether it's a two-pointer or a three-pointer.

"We intend to make the game more free-flowing. We anticipate teams complaining
in the first three weeks this season, but once they get used to it, I'm sure
they won't have a hard time. The games wil be more entertaining. The more
physical games are the types of games the fans love to watch," said Salud.

Salud recalled that the PBA was very successful during the '70s and '80s, as
players like Robert Jaworski and those attached to the masses were well-loved by
the fans.

The second-generation commissioner also has a message for Fil-foreign players in
the PBA.

"Reach out to the fans, so that you will be accepted, and that the stain of the
Fil-Shams will finally be removed," added Salud, who is planning to involve the
Fil-foreign players in more community projects and interaction with the fans. -
KY, GMANews.TV
________________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=616023&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

Reaching out for new goals at 36
By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star) Updated September 28, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) expects a
highly competitive 36th season with an old but cutthroat format that would draw
the best from each team and may spell another banner year for the country's
premier cage league.

Crowd-darling Barangay Ginebra and newcomer Meralco Bolts mix it up at 6 p.m.
Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum to kick off the 2010-2011 hostilities.

A calendar that features more playoff games and less elimination-round contests,
the PBA leadership believes, augurs well in their bid to top their whopping
gross gate receipts of P75.3 million last campaign.

New PBA commissioner Chito Salud stressed the paramount idea is to make the
games more exciting, lure more fans, and keep the league's status as a topnotch
marketing vehicle.

"We'll pay tribute to the fans to whom the PBA owes its existence. The players
will show their appreciation by playing their hearts out in each game. The
board, meanwhile, will think of ways to make the games more attractive and
pleasing," said Salud during their season launch at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

The well-attended occasion was also graced by league board chair Rene Pardo,
vice chairman Mamerto Mondragon, treasurer JB Baylon and members Ely Capacio,
Robert Non, Ramon Segismundo, Patrick Gregorio and Manny Mendoza.

They believe highly competitive tournaments are in the offing with Alaska Milk,
San Miguel Beer and Talk n Text as the league forces to reckon with.

Pardo, Mondragon, Baylon, Non and Gregorio consider the Aces, the Beermen and
the Tropang Texters as the teams with the edge over the rest on paper.

Segismundo is confident Meralco can make a worthy showing in its PBA debut while
Mendoza is optimistic of Barako's improvement.

"We intend to be in the semis of each conference," said Mendoza.

Though four of their starters are nursing injuries, Pardo vowed the B-MEG Derby
Ace Llamados will come out fighting in a bid to retain the Philippine Cup
championship.

"We'll start the season minus Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris, James Yap and Rafi
Reavis. But there won't be excuses. We'll try to defend our title, fighting to
our very last man," said Pardo.

Derby Ace, the all-Filipino champ and fourth placer in the last reinforced
conference, will have two new players in ex-SMBeerman Jonas Villanueva and
ex-Barako Coffee Master Jerwin Gaco.

Twenty-three other veteran players will be playing for a new team in the season
marking the league's return to its old three-conference format.

There will be 14 rookies led by Air21's celebrated recruits Rabeh Al-Hussaini,
Nonoy Baclao and Rey Guevarra.

Air21, Rain or Shine, Powerade and Barako are the teams with several new
acquisitions.

The Express reacquired JQ Quinahan and tapped in sophomores Joshua Urbiztondo
and Marcy Arellano. The Elasto Painters got Larry Rodriguez, Doug Kramer, John
Ferriols, Paolo Bugia, RJ Jazul and Joshua Vanlandingham, Barako tabbed Hans
Paul Thiele, Marvin Cruz, Richard Yee and Sunday Salvacion while the Tigers
enlisted Sean Anthony, Renren Ritualo, Jai Reyes, Rob Reyes and Eddie Laure.

A total of 17 road games will be played in the season with the league making a
first-ever stop in Digos and revisiting Naga for the first time in years.

"The league may be an established ground but we'll continue to make new ways,"
said Salud.

________________

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/279362/3way-battle-pba-title-looms

3-Way Battle for PBA Phil. Cup Title Looms
By WAYLON GALVEZ
September 27, 2010, 8:11pm

MANILA, Philippines — Fiesta Cup champion Alaska, as well as powerhouse teams
San Miguel Beer and Talk 'N Text have been installed as the teams to beat when
the 36th PBA Season opens with the Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Araneta
Coliseum.

At least five team governors have included either of the three ball clubs as top
contenders for the prestigious championship in the all-Filipino conference, the
first of three conferences as the pro league reverts back to the
three-conference format.

"It's Alaska, San Miguel Beer and Talk 'N Text," said PBA chairman Rene Pardo of
defending AFC champion B-Meg Derby Ace during the press conference for the 36th
PBA Season held on Monday at the Diamond Hotel.

Pardo did not include B-Meg Derby Ace in the top three as four of their starters
are in the injury list -- James Yap (polyp operation), Kerby Raymundo (hip
surgery), Marc Pingris (hip injury), and Rafi Reavis (fractured right middle
fingler).

Aside from Pardo, board vice-chairman Atty. Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine
and treasurer JB Baylon of Powerade also picked the same three teams, while Pato
Gregorio of Talk 'N Text and Ginebra's Robert Non included either of the two
teams in their top three list.

"We just want to contribute to the revenue of the PBA," said Non.

Also present in the press conference were Ramon Seguismundo of Meralco and Manny
Mendoza of Barako Bull. Alaska's Joaqui Trillo and Air21's Johan Ramos failed to
attend the event.

Barangay Ginebra will clash against newcomer Meralco, which recently bought the
Sta. Lucia Realty franchise in a multi-million deal, on Sunday at the Big Dome
where a first of a kind presentation will be offered for basketball fans.

Newly-appointed PBA commissioner Chito Salud refused to reveal what is in store
on opening day presentation although he mentioned they have hired "a maverick
group to handle the opening for a first of its kind" presentation.

Salud, son of former league chief Atty. Rudy Salud, said that the PBA's
objective this season is to lure back fans.

"Everyone seems to be ready to help us this season, it's really heartwarming to
see the old-timers and the newcomers come together. We want to pay tribute to
the fans, from which the league owe it very existence," said Salud.

Meantime, Salud said that he's aware of the previous lopsided trades, saying:
"I'll just try to even things out this time."

The issue was discussed following a three-team trade that brought Asi Taulava to
Meralco from Powerade, as well as a separate three-team deal that shipped Mac
Cardona also to Meralco from TNT sister-team Meralco with Air21 acting as
conduit.

"We'll revisit the trade rules involving commonly owned teams," Mondragon said.

"Sometimes there are far more to trading players than we usually see. That may
look like a lopsided trade to others, but it may not be for the other teams,"
Baylon said.
__________________

http://www.malaya.com.ph/09282010/sports1.html

FOR 36TH SEASON STARTING OCT. 3
PBA offers `better product'
BY JEROME LAGUNZAD
Sports

WITH new officiating rules in place and the league reverting to its
three-conference format, the PBA intends to offer a `better product' when its
36th season starts on Oct. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum with a game pitting
crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra and Meralco, the newest team on the block.

Commissioner Chito Salud, who has taken over the post vacated by Sonny Barrios,
presided over the launching of the pro league's newest season yesterday at the
Diamond Hotel on Roxas Blvd., saying: "The PBA can now polish the product. We
cannot afford to sit back and relax. We have to offer products to the needs of
the fans. The players should make a connection to the fans. Dapat lahat sila ay
nagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa mga fans."

Kicking off the league's three-conference offering is the Philippine Cup, with
B-Meg Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods) as defending champion. The next two
conferences are the Commissioners and Governors Cups.

The inter-intra format is back in the Philippine Cup, with the Llamados
bracketed in Group A along with Barako Bull, San Miguel Beer, Powerade, and Rain
or Shine. Playing in Group B are Air21, Alaska, Ginebra, Meraldo and Talk N
Text.

With Barrios at the helm, the league's 35th season that ended last Aug. 6 posted
gross earnings of P75.3 million, a new record, that included P37 million in the
season-ending Fiesta Conference won by Alaska over San Miguel Beer in six games.

To sustain the gains achieved by the league, Salud, son of former PBA
commissioner Rudy Salud, tinkered with officiating rules during the off-season,
doing away with the flopping rule and instituting automatic review of shots and
out-of-bounds calls, among others.

"We intended to change some rules to have more free-flowing games, more accurate
results and less errors technically," said Salud, the eighth commissioner of the
league founded in 1975. He officially took over from Barrios last Aug. 26 and
presided over the PBA Board planning in Bangkok, Thailand, recently.

The changes, Salud said, are all geared for the enjoyment of the viewing public,
especially fans who religiously come to the games.

"We want to pay tribute to the fans," he said. "We want to show our appreciation
and love to them."

Fans, he added, can expect "the players to play their hearts out, to display the
brand of play Filipinos are known for."

As part of the league's drive to involve the fans, Salud also unveiled the
"Alagang PBA" program that aims to help various communities through social
advocacies planned by teams with the help of their players.

Aside from Metro Manila games, the league has also scheduled five provincial
games every conference, with Ginebra and Powerade battling in Batangas City on
Oct. 9 for its first-out-of-town game this season. The league will also bring
its act for the first time to Digos City, Davao and will also return to Naga
City since the 1980s.

Also gracing the event were top officials of the teams, led by PBA Board
chairman and B-MEG Derby Ace governor Rene Pardo, governors Mamerto Mondragon of
Rain or Shine, JB Baylong of Powerade, Robert Non of SMB, Ely Capacio of
Ginebra, Ramon Segismundo of Meralco, Atty. Manny Mendoza of Barako Bull, along
with Peter Chan Liong, Solar TV CEO, and representatives of the league's
sponsors.
____________

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/19175-hot-picks.html

Hot picks
by Gerry N. Ramos
Monday, 27 September 2010 20:07

In the eyes of the majority of the league's Board of Governors, powerhouse teams
San Miguel, Talk `N Text and reigning Fiesta Cup champion Alaska are the teams
to beat in the 36th season of the Philippine Basketball Association which starts
this Sunday.

A sprinkling of defending Philippine Cup winner B-Meg Derby Ace and the youthful
Rain or Shine had been mentioned once in a while during the formal presentation
of the 2010-2011 playing calendar at the 27th floor of the Diamond Hotel Monday
afternoon.

But when the stakes be-come high, there's little room going wrong in choosing
the top three favored teams starting with the Philippine Cup.

"Dapat kasama kami kasi 3-0 kami sa pre-season," said new league chairman Rene
Pardo of Derby Ace, explaining the Llamados had beaten Rain or Shine, the
Philippine Patriots, and just over the weekend, Alaska in Cebu City, during the
off-season despite playing minus four of their starting unit.

"But seriously, I will take Alaska, San Miguel and Talk `N Text."

Pardo's vice-chairman, Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine also mentioned all
three teams, but made a pitch for the young and well motivated Elasto Painters,
whom he said will bring the team `to greater heights.'

JB Baylon of Powerade, who is also the PBA treasurer, shares the same line of
thinking, while Robert Non of Barangay Ginebra cited the Beermen and the Aces,
before he brought the house down when he declared, "and for good measure, just
to contribute to the coffers of the PBA, I pick Barangay Ginebra."

To further increase both the gate and television receipts are two of the
foremost goals Atty. Chito Salud wants to achieve in his first season as league
commissioner when the PBA reverts back to its tried and tested formula of
staging three conferences in a year.

And raising the quality of officiating is one way of attaining it, which is
basically the reason why Salud is initiating of going back to the basics of
officiating starting this season when touch fouls, flopping and marginal fouls
would be let go.

"I do expect a typhoon, a turmoil in the first few weeks," admitted Salud about
the officiating adjustment. "But I'm ready to stand by it for the sake of the
fans."

The viewing public, said Salud, remains the lifeblood of the league, after all,
the very reason why "the PBA is still the best and top form of marketing in the
country today."

"This is our PBA, whose very existence we owe it to the fans," stressed the
eldest son of former commissioner, the eminent Rudy Salud.

Also joining yesterday's affair were other members of the Board including Ely
Capacio (San Miguel), Patrick Gregorio (Talk `N Text), Atty. Melvin Mendoza
(Barako Bull) and Ramon Segismundo (Meralco), media bureau chief Willie Marcial,
Solar Sports Chief Operating Officer (COO) Peter Chanliong and Atty. Raymund
Sobilla of corporate sponsor Phoenix Fuel.

Opening the season is the lone encounter between the Barangay Ginebra Kings and
debuting Meralco Bolts at the Araneta Coliseum, which is preceded by a colorful,
opening ceremony which commissioner Salud said is a `first of its kind on local
tv.'

"We tapped a maverick group to do the opening rites for us in line with our
objective this season to show our appreciation to the fans," he added.
____________

http://www.mb.com.ph/node/279343/pba-pre

PBA Press to Honor Gregorio, Uytengsu
September 27, 2010, 7:51pm

MANILA, Philippines — Ryan Gregorio, the newly-appointed mentor of the Meralco
Bolts, and Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu will receive the highest
honors from the Philippine Basketball Association Press Corps during this
Wednesday's Awards Night at the Sapphire Room of the Gateway Mall in Cubao,
Quezon City.

Gregorio will be named the Coach of the Year for the third time while Uytengsu
will be presented the Executive of the Year award in the event sponsored by San
Miguel Corporation, Smart Sports and Alaska, and hosted by veteran sportscasters
Quinito Henson, Ed Picson and Patricia Bermundez-Hizon.

The youthful Gregorio had an amazing ride in the 35th season, leading his former
team, Purefoods, to a four-game sweep of Tim Cone and the Alaska Aces in the
All-Filipino Cup. The former University of the Philippines backup guard also won
the Virgilio `Baby' Dalupan trophy in 2002 where he emerged co-winner with Chot
Reyes and in 2006, the same season his Giants won the All-Filipino crown.

Uytengsu, a two-time PBA chairman, will receive the Danny Floro trophy for the
second time. He first won the award in 1998, the same season when his squad won
two of three regular conferences.

The event, backed by Accel, Solar Sports, Coca-Cola, Araneta Center and Phoenix
Petroleum, will have Philippine Sports Commission's Chito Loyzaga as guest of
honor and Fr. Bienvenido Realuyo as inspirational speaker.

Also sharing the spotlight with the Coach and Executive of the Year awardees are
Niño Cañaleta of B-Meg Derby Ace, Kelly Williams of Talk N Text, Gabe Norwood of
Rain or Shine and referee Manolito Quilinguen.

Cañaleta, the best player coming off the bench, will be rewarded with the Mr.
Quality Minutes award, while Williams will get the William `Bogs' Adornado
trophy for being named Comeback Player of the Year from the Hall of Famer
himself, the plaque presented by Phoenix Petroleum.

Quilinguen was selected the most outstanding game official and chosen to be the
recipient of Referee of the Year award while Norwood was picked as the season's
Best Defensive Player.

Promising newcomers Rico Maierhofer, Josh Urbiztondo, Ronnie Matias, Ogie Menor
and Jervy Cruz comprised the All-Rookie Team.

Two recipients of the Raffy Japa Presidential Award will share the spotlight
with the winners, while a short audio-visual presentation for the late Willie
Caballes, the Manila Bulletin assistant sports editor and former PBAPC president
who passed away last April, is in the program.
_______________

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/sports/view/20100927-294582/BMEG-\
Derby-Ace-beats-Alaska

BMEG Derby Ace beats Alaska

Cebu Daily News First Posted 10:22:00 09/27/2010

THE BATTLE for supremacy in the upcoming All-Filipino Cup of the Philippine
Basketball Association (PBA) has already begun and it started here in the "Queen
City of the South."

Dubbed as just an exhibition match from the very start, yet it ended up being a
full-fledged war between the Alaska Aces and the BMEG Derby Ace Llamados.

In the end, it was the Llamados who came out victorious, 73-70, thanks to
pressure-packed shots by Nino Canaleta and Jonas Villanueva that left the Aces
going back home to Manila with nothing to show for but two straight losses.

Alaska also lost to hosts M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos, 82-93, last
Saturday. Both games were held at the University of San Carlos, which yesterday,
adapted a playoff-like atmosphere with both teams scratching and clawing at one
another, and neither giving one another an inch.

Villanueva's high-looping lay-up and Canaleta's fadeaway with 1:02 left in the
match, along with two free-throws by Cebuano Roger Yap, were enough though, to
keep the Aces at bay until the final buzzer.

With league MVP, James Yap, sitting it out as he recovers from nasal surgery,
there still was plenty of excitement to go around as BMEG took a nine-point lead
in the second canto, 32-23. But the Aces persevered and cut the lead down to
three at halftime, 33-36.

The Llamados held steady and threatened to pull away as they led, 44-36, but
Alaska reserves Mark Borboran and Bonbon Custodio combined for baskets to trim
the deficit down to three, 49-52.

Villanueva, who was traded from San Miguel in exchange for Paul Artadi, canned a
buzzer-beating triple from halfcourt to put his team in front, 55-51, heading
into the last quarter.

The Aces regained their bearings and took the lead at 58-56, after Erwin Sotto
scored five straight points that included a rare three-pointer at 9:01 mark.
Canaleta scored seven in a 9-2 salvo that was capped off by a soaring slam-dunk
with just 4:08 left in the game.

The two teams went back and forth until Canaleta's aforementioned fadeaway
jumper dropped to give BMEG a 71-67 lead, which the Llamados would protect until
the end.

Canaleta ended up with 21 points while Peter June Simon, who suffered a nasty
cut to his eyebrow early in the game, added 11 markers.
__________

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/sports/b-meg-beats-alaska-aces-73-70

B-Meg beats Alaska Aces, 73-70

By Rommel C. Manlosa

Monday, September 27, 2010

IT took an end game mistake for the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados to subdue the
Alaska Aces, 73-70, in a tune-up match at the University of San Carlos (USC) Gym
yesterday.

A wide outlet pass made by Samigue Eman in the dying seconds of the game was all
it took for the Llamados to win the game.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

Leading by a precarious 71-70, the Llamados battled through the heavy inside
defense of the Aces that was wasted after Eman collared the defensive rebound
and erred on his pass.

Eman quickly passed the leather to the advancing Cyrus Baguio for a potential
game-wnning fastbreak but his pass was nowhere near Baguio.

Roger Yap got the ball and the Llamados had a fresh chance to extend the lead.

Alaska wasted more than 10 seconds before they could stop the clock by sending
the Cebuano Yap to the free throw line.

Yap sank both free throws for the final count.

Alaska had a decent attempt from the three-point area but Joe Devance's shot was
too strong and Derby Ace gave its new coach Jorge Gallent his first "official"
win.

Though it was just a tuneup match, both played intensely from start to finish.

That match also had official PBA referees.

Defense was tough, and the game was physical. Complaints from both coaches and
their staff hounded the refs and delighted that full-packed venue.

Alaska was trailing by as many as nine but took control for a few minutes in the
final quarter.

KG Cañaleta proved to be the hero of the day as he delivered 11 of Derby Ace's
final 13 points in the last seven minutes of the game.

PBA SCHEDULE OF GAMES

Oct. 03 - Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:15 p.m. OPENING CEREMONIES
6:00 p.m. 01 Barangay Ginebra Kings vs. Meralco Bolts

Oct. 06 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 02 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Powerade Tigers
7:30 p.m. 03 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS

Oct. 08 – Friday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 04 Alaska Aces vs. Barako Bull Energy Boosters
7:30 p.m. 05 San Miguel Beermen vs. Air21 Express

Oct. 09 – Saturday BATANGAS CITY
5:00 p.m. 06 Powerade Tigers vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings

Oct. 10 – Sunday CUNETA ASTRODOME
4:00 p.m. 07 Barako Bull Energy Boosters vs. Meralco Bolts
6:30 p.m. 08 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. San Miguel Beermen

Oct. 13 – Wednesday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. 09 Air21 Express vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
7:30 p.m. 10 Alaska Aces vs. B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS

Oct. 15 – Friday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. 11 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Alaska Aces
7:30 p.m. 12 Meralco Bolts vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Oct. 16 – Saturday NAGA CITY (CAMSUR)
5:00 p.m. 13 B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS vs. Air21 Express

Oct. 17 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 14 Barako Bull Energy Boosters vs. Powerade Tigers
6:30 p.m. 15 San Miguel Beermen vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings

Oct. 20 – Wednesday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. 16 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
7:30 p.m. 17 Meralco Bolts vs. B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS

Oct. 22 – Friday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. 18 Barangay Ginebra Kings vs. Barako Bull Energy Boosters
7:30 p.m. 19 Alaska Aces vs. Air21 Express

Oct. 23 – Saturday PANABO CITY
5:00 p.m. 20 Powerade Tigers vs. San Miguel Beermen

Oct. 24 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 21 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Meralco Bolts
6:30 p.m. 22 B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings

Oct. 27 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 23 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. Powerade Tigers
7:30 p.m. 24 San Miguel Beermen vs. Alaska Aces

Oct. 29 – Friday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 25 Air21 Express vs. Barako Bull Energy Boosters
7:30 p.m. 26 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings

Oct. 30 – Saturday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 27 B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS vs. San Miguel Beermen
7:30 p.m. 28 Powerade Tigers vs. Meralco Bolts

Oct. 31 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 29 Barako Bull Energy Boosters vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
6:30 p.m. 30 Alaska Aces vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Nov. 03 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 31 Air21 Express vs. Powerade Tigers
7:30 p.m. 32 Meralco Bolts vs. San Miguel Beermen

Nov. 05 – Friday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 33 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS
7:30 p.m. 34 Barangay Ginebra Kings vs. Air21 Express

Nov. 06 – Saturday BACOLOD CITY
5:00 p.m. 35 Alaska Aces vs. Meralco Bolts

Nov. 07 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 36 San Miguel Beermen vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
6:30 p.m. 37 Barako Bull Energy Boosters vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Nov. 10 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 38 Air21 Express vs. B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS
7:30 p.m. 39 Powerade Tigers vs. Alaska Aces

Nov. 12 – Friday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 40 San Miguel Beermen vs. Barako Bull Energy Boosters
7:30 p.m. 41 B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS vs. Powerade Tigers

Nov. 14 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 42 Meralco Bolts vs. Air21 Express
6:30 p.m. 43 Alaska Aces vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings

Nov. 17 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 44 Barangay Ginebra Kings vs. Barako Bull Energy Boosters
7:30 p.m. 45 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. San Miguel Beermen

Nov. 19 – Friday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. 46 Air21 Express vs. Powerade Tigers
7:30 p.m. 47 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS

Nov. 21 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 48 Barako Bull Energy Boosters vs. Alaska Aces
6:30 p.m. 49 San Miguel Beermen vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings

Nov. 24 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 50 Powerade Tigers vs. Meralco Bolts
7:30 p.m. 51 Alaska Aces vs. B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS

Nov. 26 – Friday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 52 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. Barako Bull Energy Boosters
7:30 p.m. 53 Air21 Express vs. San Miguel Beermen

Nov. 28 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 54 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Alaska Aces
6:30 p.m. 55 B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings

Dec. 01 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 56 Barako Bull Energy Boosters vs. Meralco Bolts
7:30 p.m. 57 Powerade Tigers vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters
Dec. 03 – Friday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. 58 Barangay Ginebra Kings vs. Powerade Tigers
7:30 p.m. 59 Meralco Bolts vs. San Miguel Beermen

Dec. 04 – Saturday DIGOS (DAVAO)
5:00 p.m. 60 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Dec. 05 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 61 Barako Bull Energy Boosters vs. Air21 Express
6:30 p.m. 62 San Miguel Beermen vs. Alaska Aces

Dec. 08 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 63 Meralco Bolts vs. B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS
7:30 p.m. 64 Air21 Express vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Dec. 10 – Friday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 65 B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS vs. Barako Bull Energy Boosters
7:30 p.m. 66 Barangay Ginebra Kings vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Dec. 12– Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. 67 Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. Air21 Express
6:30 p.m. 68 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings

Dec. 15 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. 69 Alaska Aces vs. Powerade Tigers
7:30 p.m. 70 Meralco Bolts vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=616904&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

Yap back on court, to wear face mask
By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated October 01, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Two-time MVP James Yap said yesterday he's breathing
comfortably after surgery to remove a polyp in his nose but it will take a few
more weeks to get back his wind.

Yap will wear a protective nose mask when B-Meg makes its PBA season debut
against Talk `N' Text on Wednesday. Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent said P. J.
Simon will start in Yap's place at off-guard as he slowly gets the former UE
star back in the groove.

Yap showed up for shooting in his first practice since the operation the other
day. He hadn't been in a gym for three weeks. Yesterday, Yap joined teammates in
his first hard practice with drills and lots of running.

"I'm hoping to play next Wednesday," said Yap. "I don't know how long I'll play.
I'll probably be in and out of the court. I'm still working on my stamina. But
I'm breathing fine and I'm feeling okay. I'm excited to play. I know the game
will be more physical now. No more touch fouls. It will be a challenge to drive
in because the referees will only call clear and hard fouls."

Gallent said he was told Yap's mask will cover only his nose. "It won't cover
his entire face," he said. "I think his mouth will be exposed. It will be like a
Batman mask."

Gallent said B-Meg will start the season with 11 players suited up as Kerby
Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis are in sick bay. A move to reacquire
first round draft pick Pari Llagas from the Philippine Patriots was scuttled
because it will mean relegating one of the three injured mainstays to the
reserve list where he technically becomes an unrestricted free agent despite a
live contract.

Llagas was the ninth overall pick in the draft last August. He went to the
Patriots in exchange for banger Jerwin Gaco, an undrafted free agent who made
his PBA debut with Barako Bull last conference.

The 11 players in B-Meg's lineup ready to play on Wednesday are James Yap, Roger
Yap, Gaco, Simon, K. G. Canaleta, Jonas Villanueva, Rico Maierhofer, Don Allado,
Jondan Salvador, Romel Adducul and Chris Timberlake. Gallent's starters for
Wednesday's game will be Canaleta, Simon, Roger Yap, Salvador and Allado. Second
round draft pick Val Acuna was signed as a practice player.

B-Meg team manager Alvin Patrimonio left for Los Angeles last night to check on
the progress of Raymundo and Pingris who are undergoing therapy at the Kerlan
Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. The two players have been away a month with team
physical therapist Nick Ocampo. Raymundo underwent surgery to repair a muscle
tear in his hip while Pingris was spared the knife after an examination showed a
less serious tear also in his hip.

Patrimonio will assess the situation in Los Angeles and determine how much
longer the treatment of the two players will take. The prognosis is Raymundo has
two more months of therapy to go and Pingris, slightly less.

Reavis suffered a fracture of his right middle finger during a recent scrimmage
with the Patriots but will not need surgery. The injury will take six to eight
weeks to heal.

Despite the depleted roster, B-Meg swept its three preseason assignments by
outrebounding Rain Or Shine, the Patriots with two imports and Alaska.

"We lost a lot of height with Kerb, Ping and Rafi out but we're holding our own
off the boards," said Gallent. "We had 65 rebounds against Rain Or Shine. K. G.
is getting used to starting. He averaged 10 rebounds in our three practice
games. We like the physical game. We've got physical players in Jondan, Romel,
Don, Jerwn and Roger."

Gallent explained why B-Meg is careful not to pick up a player and relegate one
of the three injured stars to the reserve list.

"We remember what happened in the Sam Eman case," said Gallent. "He was put on
the reserve list with a year left in his contract. Then, he got an offer for a
three-year contract from Alaska and left San Miguel. The same thing might happen
to any of our three players if we put one of them in the reserve list."

Gallent said B-Meg's first two games this season will be tough. After Talk `N'
Text, the Llamados are scheduled to take on Alaska on Oct. 13.

James Yap said he'll miss long-time teammate Paul Artadi who was traded to San
Miguel for Villanueva but the swap will be beneficial to both players. Yap,
Artadi and Gaco were teammates on the high school selection that won the Nike
International championship in Taipei in 1999 under Gallent. Yap and Artadi later
teamed up at UE.

"Both Paul and Jonas are quality point guards," said Yap. "Now, we've got Roger,
Jonas and Chris at point guard with P. J. and me at off-guard. I think our
backcourt is solid."

PBA chairman Rene Pardo of B-Meg said the revelation in the preseason is
Canaleta. "K. G. is doing it all, scoring, rebounding," said Pardo. "Jonas is
scoring and assisting. He played under Koy (Banal) at FEU so he's not a complete
stranger to us. Everyone is contributing. There's no other option but to step up
while we wait for Kerby, Ping and Rafi to come back."

Canaleta, recipient of the Mr. Quality Minutes award from the PBA Press Corps
the other night, said he's ready for the physical play this season. "We're
prepared," he said. "We won't settle for jumpshots. We'll go strong inside.
We've been practicing hard."

As the Philippine Cup defending champion, B-Meg is looking forward to the
challenge of keeping the crown with a new coach and a cast that's itching to
prove itself on the court.
_____________

http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/oct0210/sports_2.htm

Llamados handa sa giyera
(RC)

     May good news pa rin kahit paano para sa B-Meg Derby Ace fans limang araw
bago ang debut game ng Llamados kontra Talk `N Text sa PBA Philippine Cup.

     Siniwalat nina league chairman Rene Pardo, ang kinatawan din ng team sa PBA
board of governors, at newly-appointed head coach George Gallent na nakahanda na
sila sa kanilang title-retention bid at makakalaro ang reigning Most Valuable
Player na si James Carlos Yap, Sr. matapos ang operasyon sa ilong (poly).

     Ito'y kahit na tatlo pa sa starters – sina Kerby Raymundo, Rafi Reavis at
Jean Marc Pingris – ang `di muna masisilayan sa team ito dahil sa pagpapagaling
ng kanilang injuries.

     "Kerby went under knife on hip injury and is expected to be out for six to
seven months. Pingris has the same injury that doesn't need operation although
we'll miss him until December. We hope Rafi can recover from his finger injury
from six to eight weeks," salaysay ni Pardo, na sinamahan  nina Gallent, Yap at
team captain Rogelio Yap, Jr. sa SCOOP-sa-Kamayan sa Ermita, Manila na mga hatid
ng Mang Inasal, Smart Sports at Fila.

     "Hindi pa ako 100 percent in shape, pero siguradong maglalaro ako sa first
game pa lang namin," ani Yap kahapon. "Two times pa lang akong nakakapag-praktis
sa team and I would say I'm only 70 percent in shape, but slowly, makaka-recover
din ako at makakatulong as the All-Filipino Cup progresses."

     Sa panig ni Gallent, binaggit niyang mananatiling defensive team ang
Llamados bagama't nabawasan ng liksi kay Paul Artadi na na-trade kay Jonas
Villanueva ng San Miguel Beer, na bukod sa huli'y tanging si Jerwin Gaco lang
ang bago sa kanyang 11-man line-up.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=618378&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

Injury-hit B-Meg faces Talk N Text
(The Philippine Star) Updated October 06, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - B-MEG Derby Ace hopes to make do with what's left in its
injury-hit roster as it takes on Talk n Text to start its title-retention
campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Already without injured Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis, the
Llamados will be without another big man in the dengue-stricken Romel Adducul.

James Yap, who has just undergone minor operation to get rid of nasal polyps,
may well be forced to play some minutes to help the Derby Ace team in its
adjustment stage with new coach Jorge Gallent.

Derby Ace and Talk n Text face off at 7:30 p.m. after the 5 p.m. tiff between
Rain or Shine and Powerade (formerly Coca-Cola), two teams which have developed
their own rivalry following collisions in knockout matches in the last three
conferences.

Talk n Text was No. 1 last season in terms of overall win-loss percentage
although the Texters couldn't finish better than fifth in the first conference
and third in the second confab.

"We need to answer a lot of questions. How can we cope without Ranidel de
Ocampo? How will we make up for Macmac Cardona's exit? How big an impact will
Larry Fonacier make? We shall see tomorrow," said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

Cardona, in the top three in the scoring ladder in the last three seasons, has
moved over to Meralco while De Ocampo is out after undergoing surgery to scrape
bone spurs on his ankles.

Without Cardona and De Ocampo, Reyes will lean on Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag, Harvey
Carey, Ryan Reyes, Jason Castro, Jarred Dillinger, Kelly Williams, Mark Yee, Ali
Peek, Rich Alvarez, Aaron Aban, Gilbert Lao and Mark Telan.

They will be up against James Yap, Roger Yap, Rico Maierhofer, Jonas Villanueva,
Peter June Simon, Niño Canaleta, Jerwin Gaco, Chris Timberlake, Don Allado and
Jondan Salvador.

Gaco, who played under Gallent in the amateurs for a long time, is a free-agent
acquisition while Villanueva is a trade recruit in exchange for Paul Artadi.
____________

http://mb.com.ph/articles/280706/bmeg-vs-talk-n-text-wednesday

B-Meg vs Talk 'N Text this Wednesday
Rain or Shine, Powerade also make debut
By WAYLON GALVEZ
October 5, 2010, 7:54pm

MANILA, Philippines — Undersized by the absence of three injured big men, B-Meg
Derby Ace will have to be quicker and steadier when it battles the powerhouse
Talk 'N Text this Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Llamados will be without veteran center Kerby Raymundo, forward Marc Pingris
(hip injury) and center Rafi Reavis when they battle the Tropang Texters at 7:30
p.m.

The 6-foot-6 Raymundo is still rehabbing in the US after undergoing a hip
operation and so are Pingris (hip injury) and Rafi Reavis (fractured right
middle finger). Pingris and Reavis, however, are in the country.

Ace shooting-guard James Yap will be around but the reigning Most Valuable
Player (MVP) is not expected to be in top form since he had polyp operation only
last month.

These are just some of the problems inherited by new coach Jorge Gallent who
took the place of Ryan Gregorio.

Gregorio is now with Meralco which debuted on a high note last Sunday with a
73-72 thriller over Barangay Ginebra.

"We will definitely be undersized against our opponents so we have to be quicker
than them," said Gallent, who won six straight titles as head coach of Harbour
Centre in the PBL. "We will have to play 48 minutes of good basketball and try
to contain their running game. Most important too is to control the boards."

Clashing at 5 p.m. are Rain or Shine and Powerade with the Elasto Painters ready
to parade their latest acquisition in Josh Vanlangdingham, RJ Jazul, veteran
forward John Ferriols and Doug Kramer.

With the absence of the three frontline players, Gallent will rely on Rookie of
the Year winner in 6-foot-6 Rico Maierhofer, 6-foot-5 KG Canaleta, 6-foot-6 Don
Allado, 6-foot-5 Jondan Salvador, 6-foot-6 Romel Adducul and new recruit
6-foot-4 Jerwin Gaco.

Though Maierhofer and Canaleta have the height, they don't possess the physique
of pure centers. They're too thin for the job.

Aside from Yap, expected to deliver the goods for the team are Roger Yap, PJ
Simon, Chris Timberlake and Jonas Villanueva, who was acquired in a trade from
San Miguel.

"Regarding my debut, I'm very excited and I can't wait for the new challenge
ahead," added Gallent.

Talk 'N Text will also be handicapped by the absence of 6-foot-5 forward Ranidel
de Ocampo due to foot injury, as well as the departure of Mac Cardona, who is
now with newcomer Meralco.

"Lots of question marks: How will we cope without Ranidel? How much will we miss
Mac's scoring? We'll see in the game," said TNT coach Chot Reyes, who hopes that
Larry Fonacier, acquired in a trade with Alaska, can make a difference right
away.
____________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/202671/philippine-cup-derby-ace-opens-title-defense-\
bid-vs-tnt

Philippine Cup: Derby Ace opens title defense bid vs TNT
10/05/2010 | 08:00 PM

Reigning champion B-Meg Derby Ace kicks off its title defense of the PBA
Philippine Cup Wednesday against a team considered by many as among the top
three contenders for the season-opening tournament.

The Llamados take on the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in the main game of a
Wednesday doubleheader at the Araneta Coliseum. Their campaign to become the
first team in 25 years to repeat as All-Filipino champs will be severely tested,
what with the absence of three key players.

Rookie coach Jorge Gallent will not have the luxury of playing starters Kerby
Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Raffi Reavies in the 7:30 p.m. encounter, as various
injuries will keep the three big men on the sidelines.

The Derby Ace coach also has to keep top gunner and reigning league MVP James
Yap under limited minutes, as the shooting guard out of University of the East
hasn't fully recovered from a surgery that removed a polyp in his nose.

Still, Gallent believes the Llamados can find a way to win over a Talk 'N Text
team that is also one major player less.

"The most important thing is to control the boards," said Gallent.

Battling the Tropang Texters off the boards may be a bit manageable for the
crippled Llamados in the absence of Talk 'N Text's power forward Ranidel de
Ocampo.

De Ocampo had to undergo two surgeries to remove bone spurs in both ankles last
August. He is expected to be back by December or January, and he may still not
have his deadly shooting touch at the perimeter or the mobility he used to enjoy
in the post.

The fancied telecommunication franchise will also be missing the unorthodox
scoring prowess of shooting guard Mac-Mac Cardona, who was traded in the
off-season to Talk `N Text's sister team Meralco.

"There are a lot of questions. How will we cope without Ranidel? Will Larry
(Fonacier) make a difference right away? How much will we miss Mac-Mac's
scoring? We'll see on Wednesday," said coach Chot Reyes, who will also have to
leave the team for at least two weeks next month since he's part of the coaching
staff of the national squad competing in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

Fonacier was acquired by Talk 'N Text after trading its fourth round pick in the
PBA Draft to the Alaska Aces, who used the slot to obtain the athletic, two-time
Slam Dunk champion Elmer Espiritu of University of the East.- KY/JVP, GMANews.TV
____________

http://www.inquirer.net/sports/articles/Here-come-the-defending-champs.html

Here come the defending champs
Musong R. Castillo
First Posted 10:52:37 05/10/2010

MANILA—The Purefoods franchise starts the post-Ryan Gregorio era Wednesday when
a severely depleted Derby Ace squad opens defense of its PBA Philippine Cup
crown against powerhouse Talk 'N Text at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Rookie coach Jorge Gallent will call the shots for the Llamados in their 7:30
p.m. tussle with the Tropang Texters, the 2009 champions who will also be
playing without a familiar face in Mac Cardona for the first time in years.

Gregorio and Cardona somehow got together with new team Meralco, which came up
with a smashing debut in the inaugurals on Sunday by nipping Barangay Ginebra,
73-72.

Gregorio won three titles with Purefoods, starting with this tournament's 2002
edition.

The last of those titles came last season, when he swept Tim Cone and the Alaska
Aces in the Finals, earning for himself a third Coach of the Year award from the
PBA Press Corps.

James Yap, the reigning MVP, will continue to be Derby Ace's main gun. He
underwent nasal surgery recently and joined the team in practice only late last
week.

Gallent will also miss the services of Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis
and Rommel Adducul.

Cardona's departure has made Jimmy Alapag the squad's go-to guy with the
hard-working Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo and Harvery Carey
providing support.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine parades new acquisitions Larry Rodriguez and John
Ferriols and rookie Joshua Vanlandingham against a Powerade side that went
smaller and younger by dealing away Asi Taulava to the Bolts.

That match is scheduled at 5 p.m.

The Llamados are trying to be the first team since Great Taste in the mid-80s to
repeat as champions in an all-Filipino tournament.
____________

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/2143-llamados-woes

Llamados woes

Jorge Gallent will have his baptism of fire as head coach of B-Meg Derby Ace on
Wednesday—and chances are, he will encounter rough sailing. That's because
Gallent, who took over from Ryan Gregorio, who left for the Meralco Bolts, will
have to do with a short-handed roster as the Llamados open their campaign in the
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

Certainly, Gallent would not want to be in this kind of situation if he could
help it.

Taking into account that he will be up against powerhouse Talk 'N Text, the
debuting coach would surely love to have an all-star cast on his roster.

Unfortunately, injuries have taken its toll on star forwards Kerby Raymundo and
Mark Pingris and veteran center Rafi Reavis so Gallent is now counting on his
reserves and role players to stand up and deliver.

The latest health bulletin from the Derby Ace camp confirmed that Raymundo is
out for the rest of the season to recover after undergoing surgery to repair a
torn muscle in his leg. Pingris, a monster rebounder and a tough defender, also
won't see action until December to continuously undergo rehab also for his torn
muscle in his right leg.  Reavis, on the other hand, will be out for six weeks
to fully heal a fracture in his shooting hand.

Superstar James Yap also went under the knife recently to remove a nose polyp
but has decided to play, thus providing the Llamados with a go-to guy when they
begin their title defense.

Gallent is not exactly helpless about their situation but admitted he is bracing
for a tough campaign.

"We'll have to play 48 minutes of good basketball and try to contain their
running game," he said of their scheduled 7:30 p.m. encounter with the Tropang
Texters at the Araneta Coliseum.

He added: "And most important is to control the boards."

Dominating the boards could probably spell the difference for Derby Ace against
TNT. But how they will do it without their frontliners is something Gallent and
his coaching staff needs to ponder.

Derby Ace's state of health obviously provides the Tropang Texters a tremendous
edge, but TNT coach Chot Reyes contends his team, too, is confronted by "lots of
question [marks] that need to be answered."

His first concern is about how the Tropang Texters would cope without Ranidel de
Ocampo, who will be sidelined for quite a while after undergoing surgery to
remove bone spurs on both feet.

Reyes is also interested to know how Larry Fonacier, who was acquired from
Alaska during the off-season for future picks, would make a difference right
away? And how much will TNT miss Mark Cardona's scoring.

Those questions will be answered on Wednesday and hopefully, whatever the result
would help the two coaches make the necessary adjustments.
--Dave Coros
______________

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/19704-llamados-meet-texters.html

Llamados meet Texters
by Zean Macamay
Tuesday, 05 October 2010 20:00

JORGE Gallent might not be that too comfortable sitting as head coach on the
very first game of Derby Ace in the Philippine Cup.

He won't have Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris for at least three months for
muscle tears discovered in their right legs, and he recently lost Raffi Reavies
similarly for three months when the mobile big man fractured his middle and ring
fingers in a tune-up game only last month.

That's not all. Gallent also realizes that James Yap hasn't fully recovered yet
from the surgery that removed a polyp in his nose, leaving him with no choice
but to play the two-time MVP under limited minutes.

Yet Gallent wants to win his first-ever PBA game in a manner that may look
far-fetched.

"The most important thing in the game is to control the boards," said Gallent.

Gallent and the crippled Derby Ace begin their drive to become the first team in
25 years to repeat as Philippine Cup champions today, seeking to overcome key
absences with vital contributions from the rest as they battle a Talk `N Text
team that will also miss an important man and one that has a lot of questions
that need to be answered.

Game time is at 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum, with Rain or Shine and
Powerade figuring in the opener of the double-header.

The Tropang Texters, coming off a huge disappointment in the Fiesta Conference,
will see action without Ranidel de Ocampo, and will have to prove that they can
sustain their vaunted high-scoring game after giving up Mac-Mac Cardona to
sister-team Meralco in the off-season.

De Ocampo required two surgeries to remove bone spurs in both ankles last
August. He is expected to be back by December or January, and is still not
projected to possess the same deadly shooting touch at the perimeter and the
mobility he used to have.

But playing without de Ocampo isn't the only thing that bugs Texters' coach Chot
Reyes, who will also leave the ball club for at least two weeks next month as
part of the coaching staff of the national team competing in the Asian Games in
Guangzhou, China.

"There are a lot of questions. How will we cope without Ranidel? Will Larry make
a difference right away? How much will we miss Mac-Mac's scoring? We'll see
tomorrow (today)," said Reyes.

The Larry Reyes was referring to is Fonacier. The Texters acquired Fonacier
after trading their fourth pick in the Draft to the Alaska Aces, who used the
slot to obtain the athletic and former two-time Slam Dunk champion Elmer
Espiritu of University of the East.

As for the Llamados, Gallent just hopes that the bench could contribute.

June Simon is expected to start out in place of Yap, who has decided to suit up
anyway for today's game. Yap will wear a protective mask and isn't expected to
make dashing moves towards the basket, especially now that the league has
scrapped touch fouls.
_______________

http://www.malaya.com.ph/10062010/sports1.html

RoS tests resolve of Asi-less Tigers
BY NOLI CORTEZ

IT'S still a long way off from Halloween but expect some masks to be worn today
when the Philippine Cup goes full blast at the Araneta Coliseum.

The masks, to be sported by B-MEG Derby Ace's James Yap and Powerade's Sean
Anthony, are of the protective sort—to shield their respective noses from
possible harm.

Yap, the reigning MVP, had surgery last month to remove some polyps from his
nose. He should be out until next month, but decided to play for the Llamados
who are already without forwards Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris when they begin
their title defense against the Talk N Text Tropang Texters tonight at 7:30.

"Medyo okay na ang laro niya. He's been doing a lot of extra work lately," Derby
Ace coach Jorge Gallent of Yap.

___________

http://www.tribune.net.ph/

(Almost) intact Llamados start defense of Philippine Cup

By Rocky Nazareno

B-Meg Derby Ace returns to defend its All-Filipino title with virtually the same
lineup in the 2010-2011 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup
tonight, making it one of the league's pre-tournament favorites, save for one
most precious missing element – erstwhile chief tactician Ryan Gregorio.

And it will be seen how new head coach Jorge Gallent can effectively fill in his
former's boss's big shoes when the Llamados debut against another league
favorite Talk `N Text in the 7:30 p.m. featured game at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rain Or Shine and Powerade (formerly Coca Cola) square off in the 5 p.m. opener.

Gregorio, who masterfully led the then Purefoods Giants to the 2010 All-Filipino
title, has since moved on to mentor the league's newest team Meralco and had
stomped his class early in the 36th season when the Boltz took down the
much-fancied Ginebra San Miguel, 73-72, in the opener last Sunday.

And except for San Miguel-recruit Jonas Villanueva, the Llamados wil be parading
an intact roster that shocked league heavyweights San Miguel and Alaska in the
All-Filipino semis and finals, respectively.

"We will just follow the system. The team has been together for quite a while
and with an intact lineup, that's what we have to start with. But this early, I
know we will be among the most competitive teams this season," said Gallent.

It will also be known if TNT lost more than it gained when it sent forward Mark
Cardona to the Boltz during the off-season.
____________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=618298&publicationSubCategoryId=9\
5

Llamados sisimulan ang pagdedepensa ng titulo
Ni RC (Pilipino Star Ngayon) Updated October 06, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines -  Sisimulan ng B-Meg Derby Ace ang kanilang pagtatanggol sa
korona sa pakikipagkita sa Talk `N Text ngayong alas-7:30 ng gabi sa 2010-2011
PBA Philippine Cup sa Araneta Coliseum.

Hindi makakalaro sina Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris at Rafi Reavis para sa
Llamados dahilan sa injury, habang tinamaan naman ng dengue si Romel Adducul.

Ang kapalaran ng Derby Ace, mamandohan ni Jorge Gallent na sinalo ang naiwang
posisyon ni head coach Ryan Gregorio matapos lumipat sa Meralco, ay inaasahang
papasanin ni two-time PBA MVP James Yap.

Si James Yap ay nanggaling rin sa isang minor operation para tanggalin ang
kanyang nasal polyp.

Makakatuwang ni James Yap para sa Llamados sina Roger Yap, Rico Maierhofer,
Jonas Villanueva, Peter June Simon, Niño Canaleta, Jerwin Gaco, Chris
Timberlake, Don Allado at Jondan Salvador.

Ang 6-foot-3 na si Gaco, naglaro sa La Salle Green Archers sa UAAP, ay isang
free agent, habang nakuha naman ng Derby Ace si Villanueva mula sa San Miguel
kapalit ni Paul Artadi.

Babanderahan naman nina Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes, Harvey Carey
at Jason Castro ang Tropang Texters ni Chot Reyes makaraang dalhin si Macmac
Cardona sa Bolts ni Gregorio sa offseason.
_________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/202602/pba-coaches-new-rules-to-favor-weaker-teams

PBA coaches: New rules to favor weaker teams
10/05/2010 | 12:59 AM

Defending the Philippine Cup crown will be a tough task for B-Meg Derby Ace not
only because of manpower disadvantage, but also the new officiating rules
favoring more action and fewer calls.

This is the analysis of B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent, who believes weaker
teams will benefit from the new rules being implemented under new PBA
commissioner Chito Salud.

"Games are faster because referees eliminate tic-tac fouls," Gallent told
GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. "There were so many let- go's, particularly
off the ball. I believe anything that is hard should be called a foul and a foul
should be a foul."

"I believe this new rule favors weaker teams. For example, if I have a weaker
team and you have a more superior lineup, all I have to do is to bump you,
especially off the ball, and the referees normally don't blow their whistles.
But whatever rule we're adopting now, all we ask for is consistency on the
calls," added Gallent.

Gallent and the rest of the Llamados will start their title retention bid with a
banged-up squad.

They will miss Kerby Raymundo for the rest of the season after the star forward
went under the knife to repair a torn muscle on his leg at the famed Kerlan-Jobe
Clinic in Los Angeles, California.

Marc Pingris won't be able to play until December, after continuous
rehabilitation for a torn muscle on his right leg.

The Llamados will also miss the services of two-time Most Valuable Player James
Yap for a few games, as well as Raffi Reavis.

Yap underwent an operation to remove a nose polyp, while Reavis will have to
wait for a fractured hand to heal.

Junel Baculi, head coach of the Barako Bulls, agreed with Gallent's analysis
that the new rule will favor the less-equipped squads.

"I think the new rule looks fine. At least we have a better chance as long as we
keep the physicality to a certain limit. In a way, it negates our manpower
disadvantage," added Baculi.

The PBA opened last Sunday with fans getting a taste of what to expect in the
games to come. The referees hardly blew their whistles, and only contacts that
had an effect on the play were called.

The fast-paced game proved to be more advantageous to the young Meralco Bolts
squad, which nipped crowd favorite Ginebra, 73-72.

"I am an advocate of a foul is a foul," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. "We're
still adjusting to the new rules. I think all teams are adjusting."

No player was in foul trouble during the opening-day game between the Gin Kings
and the Bolts. Only 12 fouls were called on the Bolts with Bitoy Omolon having
the most number of personal fouls with three. The Gin Kings picked up a total of
17 fouls as a team but no Ginebra player was charged of more than two fouls. -
KY/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

http://www.pba.com.ph/news/entry/554

TALK 'N TEXT DRUBS INJURY-HOBBLED DEFENDING CHAMPS
Published on October 7, 2010

Talk n Text picked up its game in the second quarter behind its second unit and
sustained the heat in the final half en route to an 87-76 win over title-holder
B-MEG Derby Ace in Day Two of the
2010-2011 PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Harvey Carey, Jason Castro and new recruit Larry Fonacier played big coming off
the bench, each making an impact as the Texters got off to a rousing start in
the league's 36th season.

Carey put in 17 points and the same number of rebounds, Castro chipped in 13
points, five assists and four rebounds while Fonacier added 11 markers, two
feeds and one board helping the Texters
withstand the Llamados in a highly physical match.

Starters Jared Dillinger, Ryan Reyes, Ali Peek, Kelly Williams and Jimmy Alapag
had their contributions but the TnT reserves stole the thunder on their exploits
on crucial moments.

Behind Carey, Castro, Fonacier and Aaron Aban, the Texters went on a decisive
surge in the second quarter, building momentum they sustained to the finish.

The Texters survived the rugged encounter marred by several hard fouls,
including a grappling infraction by Ali Peek on Rico Maierhofer that triggered a
commotion in the third quarter.

Earlier, Maierhofer, the 2009-2010 Rookie of the Year awardee, sustained a cut
on the chin on a wayward elbow by Dillinger.

"It's like a gang war out there," said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

"We love the new rules but the officials must make sure keeping the fine line
bordering hard fouls and those beyond that," Reyes added.

The Texters coped with the situation, thus, dominating the game from the second
quarter onwards.

"This is the way we will win. We have to grind it out each night," said Reyes.

"We see tonight portents of things to come… how hard we have to go to win a
game. We have to be stronger than the other teams," Reyes added.

Definitely, the Llamados had a harder time playing their first game in the
season minus injured starters Kerby Raymundo, Rafi Reavis and Marc Pingris.

Derby Ace, under new head coach George Gallent, also missed the services of
Romel Adducul and new recruit Jerwin Gaco.

Though not in the best of shape coming from a minor surgery, James Yap was
forced to play extended minutes, making key baskets that kept the team within
striking distance in the third period.

The two-time MVP winner pumped in 12 points all in the third canto. (SB)

The scores:

Talk n Text 87 -- Dillinger 18, Carey 17, Castro 13, Reyes 12, Fonacier 11, Aban
6, Peek 4,
Williams 3, Alapag 3.

Derby Ace 76 -- Villanueva 20, Simon 18, Yap J. 13, Salvador 9, Maierhofer 6,
Yap R. 4, Allado 4,
Canaleta 2, Timberlake 0.

Quarterscores: 17-23, 44-36, 70-59, 87-76
_________

http://www.bworld.com.ph/main/content.php?id=19112

Give And Go -- By Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Long road

Their roster hit by injury and after undergoing a coaching change in the
off-season, the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados face a title defense they have never
seen before.

Practically parading a new team, at least early on in Season 36 of the
Philippine Basketball Association, the consensus among pundits and observers is
that it will be a long and arduous road back to championship glory for the
defending champs.

Currently out in the Derby Ace lineup are Kerby Raymundo (had surgery on his
knee), Marc Pingris (knee), Rafi Reavis (broken hand) and Rommel Adducul
(dengue) -- key pieces in its Philippine Cup championship run last year. While
it has tapped an able replacement in Jorge Gallent to replace erstwhile coach
Ryan Gregorio and that reigning league most valuable player James Yap has
decided to play even after undergoing surgery on his nose, these have not been
enough to convince many to be high on the Llamados.

And Derby Ace certainly got a taste of how an uphill battle it will be for the
team this season in its first game on Wednesday that saw them lose out to the
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, 87-76.

Perhaps ominous of things to come for a team not having its full complement, the
Llamados had a hard time keeping in step with the Texters for the full stretch.
While they started out strong, even taking the first canto, 23-17, the Llamados
as the game progressed however had a hard time sustaining their competitive run.
Just as the Texters were raising the ante, the Llamados were struggling to match
their foes.

Not surprising, such was evident in frontline play where the Texters had the
number of their Llamado counterparts. Jared Dillinger and Harvey Carey alone had
their way against the "lean" Derby Ace frontcourt, combining for 35 points to
the entire Derby Ace frontline's 21. Carey was also a monster off the boards,
plucking 17 caroms. To think that former PBA MVP Kelly Williams had a poor game
of three points in said game and Ranidel De Ocampo was out in the TNT lineup
because of injury made the Derby Ace frontcourt woes more pronounced.

Saving grace for Derby Ace was the play of its backcourt which suggested that
the guards are willing to take the cudgels for their team. New Llamado Jonas
Villanueva, acquired from San Miguel in a trade, was impressive in his Derby Ace
debut, top-scoring with 20 points and proving to be a steady floor general.
Peter June Simon also had a solid game of 18 markers while James Yap was good
for 13. If at all, veteran Roger Yap should step up some more as his four-point
output was just not enough for their current makeup.

So unless the Llamados find a way to resolve their "weaknesses," foremost of
which in the frontline, shareholders of the team should expect a long and bumpy
ride in the ongoing Philippine Cup. Of course, this is in no way giving up on
the team; after all, Derby Ace is the reigning champion and as they say one
should not underestimate the heart of a champ. But as their first game showed
though, a lot of work needs to be done for Coach Gallent And Company. The sooner
they address these, the better for them. Let's see how things will pan out for
Derby Ace.
___________

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2010/october/8/sports2.isx\
&d=2010/october/8

Chot: New PBA rules need to be defined properly
by Jeric Lopez

TALK `N Text coach Chot Reyes yesterday said that the Philippine Basketball
Association's new "no harm, no foul" rule must be defined properly.

After the Tropang Texters' first game, Reyes thought that the new officiating
rule was essentially good, but added that there should be a fine line to define
its borders.

"Actually, we like the new rules, but there should be a fine line between
allowing hard fouls and physical play and getting beyond that. I think that's
what the technical committee should look out for now. I like the physical play,
but I think the one thing we should worry about is not going past that fine
line,'' said Reyes after his Tropang Texters turned back defending champion
B-MEG Derby Ace, 87-76, on Wednesday.

The game was highly physical with the referees blowing the whistle only when the
contact was obvious and affected the plays. The coaching staff and players of
both teams expressed surprise with how the game flowed intensely with the new
rules.

There were several warnings and second motions called on both teams' staff and
players. Reyes and B-MEG coach George Gallent were both all over the officials
throughout the game complaining about certain calls that they thought should be
called.

Jondan Salvador was called for a second motion for retaliating against Jared
Dillinger after a rebound play as well as Ali Peek, who bear-hugged and lifted
Rico Maierhoffer for a few seconds after a fiery positioning play under the
basket.

But new PBA commissioner Chito Salud said he had expected some bumps with
regards to the new rules at the start of the season.

`'We expect a lot of complaints early in the season because it is really not
that easy to quickly adapt to the new rule and we understand that. It will take
some time for the teams to get used to the new regulations allowed by the league
in terms of officiating,'' said Salud prior to the start of the 36th season.

News and updates

http://www.malaya.com.ph/10122010/sports2.html

Gallent out to blaze own path in PBA

JORGE Gallent was a multi-titled coach in the amateurs and he's confident he can
keep his winning ways in the pros.

With his burning passion to compete and win Gallent is aching to also carve a
niche in the PBA where he owns up to being challenged and motivated to show his
worth.

"I'm just excited to compete. I'm motivated to beat them (rival PBA coaches),"
said Gallent, the new B-MEG Derby Ace coach taking over from Ryan Gregorio.

He was beaten in his first PBA game by Talk N Text last Wednesday, but he has
lost none of his confidence.

"It was just the first game and we're still adjusting to many things. We're also
adapting to the new officiating philosophy," said Jorge, holder of a record six
championships won in the same number of tournaments in the PBL.

He himself is in an adjustment stage.

"There's a big difference between coaching PBL players and coaching the pros. In
the PBA, you don't teach but more of motivate," said Gallent.

"You tone down practices in the pros because you save their legs for a long
season. Kung ano ang ipapagawa mo… you have to make them understand why. You
have to explain why they're doing this," Gallent added.

Gallent, who played college ball with FEU, looks up to coaches Tim Cone, Norman
Black and Jong Uichico for what have they achieved in their coaching careers.

"Mahirap gawin yung mga nagawa nila," Gallent offered.

He, however, pointed to coaches Joe Lipa, Alfrancis Chua and Ryan Gregorio as
those who have big influences in his coaching style.

He played under Lipa with Philips Sardines in the PBL, under Chua with Tanduay
in the PBL and PBA and worked as assistant to Gregorio with Derby Ace.

"The good positive things na nakita ko sa kanila, `yun ang mga kinuha ko," said
Gallent.
_________

http://www.tribune.net.ph/

Gallent hopes to bring magic into the pros
10/12/2010

Jorge Gallent was a multi-titled coach in the amateurs, and he's confident he
can keep his winning ways in the pros.

With his burning passion to compete and win, Gallent is aching to also carve a
niche in the Philippine Basketball Association.

He swears he's hardly awed by the PBA klieg lights but rather challenged and
motivated to show his worth in the big league.

"I'm just excited to compete, I'm motivated to beat them (rival PBA coaches),"
said Gallent, the new B-MEG Derby Ace coach taking over from Ryan Gregorio.

He was beaten in his first PBA game (by Talk n Text Wednesday) but lost none of
his confidence.

"It was just the first game and we're still adjusting to many things.

We're also adapting to the new officiating philosophy," said Jorge, a record
holder of six championships won in the same number of tournaments in the PBL.

He, himself, is in adjustment stage.

"There's a big difference between coaching PBL players and coaching the pros. In
the PBA, you don't teach but more of motivate," said Gallent.

"You tone down practices in the pros because you save their legs for a long
season. Kung ano ang ipapagawa mo… you have to make them understand why. You
have to explain why they're doing this," Gallent added.

Gallent, who played college ball with FEU, looks up to coaches Tim Cone, Norman
Black and Jong Uichico for their achievement in their coaching careers.

"Mahirap gawin yung mga nagawa nila," Gallent offered.

He, however, pointed to coaches Joe Lipa, Alfrancis Chua and Ryan Gregorio as
those who have big influences in his coaching style.

He played under Lipa with Philips Sardines in the PBL, under Chua with Tanduay
in the PBA and worked as assistant coach to Gregorio with Derby Ace.

"The good positive things na nakita ko sa kanila, yun ang mga kinuha ko," said
Gallent.

The jury would bel out on whether his coaching would click in the pros.

He had been very successful in the amateurs, a winner since starting his career
with back-to-back championships for the Absolut Mineral Water team in the PBL
juniors.

He stepped into the PBL regular tournament as an assistant to cousin Caloy
Garcia at Welcoat. He stayed with the team for two conferences with Welcoat
making the finals on both occasions.

Curiously, both are now trying to make a name in the majors.
__________

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=2010/october/12/sports4.is\
\
x&d=2010/october/12

Gallent wants to stamp class in pro league

JORGE Gallent is ready to bring his success in the amateurs all the way to the
pros.

After dominating the amateur ranks, steering powerhouse Harbour Center to a
number of titles, Gallent wants to stamp his class in the Philippine Basketball
Association, this time as coach of defending Philippine Cup champion B-MEG Derby
Ace.

"I'm just excited to compete, I'm motivated to beat them (rival PBA coaches),"
said Gallent, the new coach of the Llamados, taking over from Ryan Gregorio.

Gallent started his pro career as head coach of a PBA team with a loss (the
Llamados were beaten by Talk `N Text Wednesday), but his confidence is still
intact.

"It was just the first game and we're still adjusting to many things. We're also
adapting to the new officiating philosophy," said Jorge, a record holder of six
championships won in the same number of tournaments in the Philippine Basketball
League.

"There's a big difference between coaching PBL players and coaching the pros. In
the PBA, you don't teach but more of motivate," said Gallent. "You tone down
practices in the pros because you save their legs for a long season. Kung ano
ang ipapagawa mo… you have to make them understand why. You have to explain why
they're doing this."

Gallent, who played college ball for Far Eastern University, looks up to coaches
Tim Cone, Norman Black and Jong Uichico for what they have achieved in their
coaching careers.

"Mahirap gawin `yung mga nagawa nila," Gallent said.

He, however, pointed to coaches Joe Lipa, Alfrancis Chua and Gregorio as those
who have big influences in his coaching style.

He played under Lipa with Philips Sardines in the PBL, under Chua with Tanduay
in the PBA and worked as assistant coach to Gregorio with Derby Ace.

"The good positive things na nakita ko sa kanila, `yun ang mga kinuha ko," said
Gallent.

The jury is still out on whether his coaching would click in the pros. Reuel
Vidal
___________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/203163/pro-leagues-new-rules-draw-mixed-reactions

Pro league's new rules draw mixed reactions
Rey Joble, GMANews.TV
10/11/2010 | 08:29 PM

Coaches and officials of the Philippine Basketball Association gave mixed
reactions regarding the new guidelines being used by referees that has allowed a
more entertaining brand of play.

Jong Uichico of Ginebra, Tim Cone of Alaska Milk and Ryan Gregorio of Meralco
shared their different views with GMANews.TV regarding the games that have also
turned out to be more physical.

Under the stewardship of new commissioner Atty. Chito Salud, the new guidelines
eliminated touch fouls and others that impede a play.
Roughhousing has no place in basketball. Referees must be vigilant at all times.
We don't want players getting hurt or a free-for-all erupting because of the
no-harm-on-the-play rule. A foul is a foul. It's a universal rule and we don't
want to reinvent the game.
– Ryan Gregorio, Meralco Bolts coach

"For me, it's simple. You cannot use your hands, elbows, knees or forearms and
extend them to the body of an offensive player. Otherwise, it's a foul. That's
what we've learned in the game of basketball," said Uichico, whose team split
its first two games this season.

Uichico said his team struggled in its first game of the season, which it lost
to Meralco, 72-73, two weeks ago.

"There were a total of 29 fouls called," said Uichico. "That's low for two teams
combined. We had difficulty adjusting and other teams were fortunate enough to
watch our game and observe what's being allowed and what is not."

In his team's second game, Uichico and his Gin Kings won over the Powerade
Tigers, 82-75.

Cone's Alaska squad beat Barako Bull soundly, 88-64, in its first game of the
season. The outspoken American mentor is keeping an open mind regarding the
newly-implemented rules established by the Commissioner's Office.

"We're in a wait-and-see mode at this time, but we're keeping an open mind on
the Commissioner's Office's experiments with this set of rules," said Cone in a
text message.

But Gregorio has some apprehensions on the new rules.

"Roughhousing has no place in basketball," Gregorio, the newly-appointed coach
and head of basketball operations of the youngest franchise in the league, said
in a telephone interview.

"Referees must be vigilant at all times. We don't want players getting hurt or a
free-for-all erupting because of the no-harm-on-the-play rule. A foul is a foul.
It's a universal rule and we don't want to reinvent the game," he added.
Chito Salud


However, the three-time Coach of the Year awardee thanked the Commissioner's
Office for eliminating ticky-tacky fouls.

"I have mixed feelings about the way the game is being officiated. On the one
hand, it's okay because the ticky-tacky fouls are no longer called. However,
there are instances where the defensive player is clearly tackling the offensive
player and still, it's a let-go situation. I think the officiating must be
clear-cut on what is a foul or not," said Gregorio.

"If the offensive player loses the ball because he was tackled, a foul should be
called. If the offensive player goes for a shot and he is tackled, a foul should
be called. Otherwise, it is changing the game we know how to play. In the end,
consistency is still the basic principle of basketball officiating," he added.

Salud said that the new guidelines were not meant to induce players to play
rough.

"The new guidelines encourage the players to play hard, honest and correct
basketball, not rough and dirty," said Salud. "Incidental and marginal contact
will be let go, but not harmful and dangerous plays. Physicality is allowed only
to the extent that the contact is incidental to normal moves." - KY, GMANews.TV
____________

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/281680/no-harm-no-foul-has-mixed-reactions

'No Harm, No Foul' has Mixed Reactions
By WAYLON GALVEZ
October 11, 2010, 8:25pm

MANILA, Philippines — The decision of new PBA Commissioner Angelico "Chito"
Salud to redefine some rules, particularly on the way the fouls are called in
the week-old Philippine Cup, received mixed reactions.

The league now operates under the framework of "only clear and hard contacts
will be called," eliminating touch fouls and marginal contact fouls.

The new framework also helps the league to define if the call was a block or a
charge, a duty foul or a hard one, or a more severe infraction, which may result
to Flagrant Foul 1 or 2.

"There are mixed reactions," Salud said. "There are people saying it's too
physical, but there are some saying touch fouls are still being called."

"But let it be clear, the framework does not encourage physicality, but it will
allow hard, honest and correct basketball. We have emphasis on the freedom of
offense movement, because that balances when we removed the touch foul," he
added.

The 10 coaches of the PBA teams were one in saying that the game has become more
exciting, although some of them expressed concern that too much physicality may
result to fights.

And with that, the PBA referees should always be under control.

"I think the fans love it," said Talk `N Text coach Chot Reyes, whose team
claimed the early lead with a 2-0 record after beating San Miguel Beer, 97-83,
late Sunday at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

"As long as the thin line between physicality and "thuggery" isn't crossed and
players make legit defensive plays instead of going after their men, then it's
fine," Reyes said.

"People expect that there might be fights," Rain or Shine mentor Caloy Garcia
said.

"Being physical is okay, but not knowing what a foul is different. There's no
specific guideline on what a foul really is. Players, coaches, referees and fans
are all adjusting," he said.

"I think it makes the game faster and exciting. But anything in excess is always
not good. Too much physicality hinders a player's chance to show his skills and
will just encourage brute strength, which is only one aspect of the game," said
SMB assistant coach Gee Abanilla.

So far, statistics have showed improvement under the framework of allowing a
free-flowing offense.

The points per game through eight matches have increased to 84.8 points,
compared to 84.1 points in last season's Philippine Cup.

Also, the fouls called dropped to an averaged on 21.08 per game from 23.86, a
reason why foul shots given also fell from 25.2 to 22.8.

"It's a work in progress, we're still adjusting. But we will adjust ahead of the
teams," said Salud.

"On the third or fourth run of the refs, that would be it. That would be the
framework that we envision for the season. I would say now, they (referees) 80
percent on the frame work."

Coach Tim Cone of Fiesta Cup champion Alaska said he's just observing
developments, saying: "At this point, I'm just keeping an open mind, seeing
where all this will lead. My only concern is the low scores and the poor
shooting percentages of the offenses."

The physicality of the game, however, led to painful results to some players,
including Powerade forward Eddie Laure (cut on lower lip), B-Meg Derby Ace's
Rico Maierhofer (cut on chin) and Alaska rookie Elmer Espiritu (cut on lower
lip).
__________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=619364&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
\
9

Cagers adjusting to physicality
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated October 09, 2010
12:00 AM

With the introduction of the new officiating philosophy of letting go incidental
or marginal contact, players are finding out they've got to be physically fit to
withstand the rigors of a long, gruelling and arduous PBA season.

Now, the name of the game is survival of the fittest. Players, who aren't able
to hold their own on defense or stay in pace, find themselves sitting on the
bench. A team with a deep bench has a distinct advantage. The tendency is for
defenders to play physical, testing how far the referees will let them go before
blowing their whistles. Players who like to play up and down will wear out
defenders who aren't in shape.

The guideline remains that if there is clear and hard contact, a foul will be
called. Ticky-tack or inconsequential contact will be ignored. Another guideline
is an offensive player's movement must not be impeded, meaning if a defender
tugs at his jersey or grabs him in any way or extends the arm bar to restrict
mobility, a whistle will be blown. A third guideline is any contact made on a
shooter, creating a disadvantage – such as a tap on the elbow of the shooting
arm in the act of shooting – will be a foul. The principle of gaining undue
advantage or causing a disadvantage by making contact will be a strong basis for
calling a foul.

After three games, fans are noticing a trend in the manner by which the referees
are working. In the Meralco-Ginebra game last Sunday, the Bolts adjusted to the
new style smoothly and played physical in taking the Kings out of their rhythm.
Meralco won, 73-72, in a low-scoring contest.

In the Powerade-Rain Or Shine game last Wednesday, the Tigers drove the Elasto
Painters to the ground and won, 111-103, in a high-scoring duel. The referees
called a total of 48 fouls, compared to 29 last Sunday, but they didn't hamper
the flow of the game. Powerade scored 21 fastbreak points and Rain Or Shine, 22,
indicating a free-flowing encounter marked by a total of 58 turnovers.

The positive thing about the new officiating philosophy is fans won't know what
kind of game to expect – either low or high-scoring, depending on how the
players adjust. Referees won't determine how a game flows – the players will.
That's the beauty of this philosophy.

"The fans love it," said PBA media bureau chief and assistant to the
commissioner Willie Marcial. "Let's give everybody – the coaches, players and
referees – time to adjust. I remember when the PBA brought down the team foul
limit before penalty from seven to five, coaches and players argued the game
would slow down because of too many free throws. But eventually, they all
adjusted and now, we have a much more exciting game. Players have to be in
condition to play hard every game. I think in one or two weeks, the players will
be in the kind of shape they need to be. It's a different game now."

Marcial said he makes it a point to consult the coaches on how they're coping
with the new style.

"One coach told me the fans are enjoying but the players are getting beaten up,"
said Marcial. "Another coach commented that the PBA is now as physical as the
PBL, except the pros are much bigger. One coach joked that he might not have
enough healthy players to finish the season. It's a period of adjustment. We're
encouraged by the fans' reaction. They like the way the players now have to work
hard to earn their minutes."

Another positive thing is the new foul standards inspire hustle. Players who
drag their feet or cherry-pick or go through the motions will end up losing
their jobs. If a player wants to stay in the league, he's got to play with a
pair of lungs aired to last a 48-minute battle of attrition. The rule allowing
teams to play 14 in a game will help. Last Wednesday, Powerade played 14 players
and Rain Or Shine, 13.

* * *

In Talk `N' Text's win over B-Meg last Wednesday, coach Chot Reyes' most
physical players Ali Peek and Harvey Carey combined for 21 points and 30
rebounds to power the Tropa to an 87-76 win. Both teams hit less than 40 percent
from the floor in a low-scoring, defense-oriented contest – a stark contrast to
what happened in the Powerade-Rain Or Shine clash.

Reyes said under the new philosophy, the responsibility rests squarely on the
shoulders of the referees "to understand the fine line between hard fouls and
thuggery – if they're able to, then it's fine."

Reyes said no question, players must be fit to survive the war on the court.
"You've got to be in great shape and with enough physical strength to withstand
the banging," he went on. "The key is to distinguish if a defender is making a
legitimate play for the ball or just consciously initiating contact."

B-Meg assistant coach Richard del Rosario said the Derby Ace Llamados were
surprised by the physicality allowed by the referees in the game against Talk
`N' Text.

"I guess both players and referees are still adjusting to this new philosophy
because there were times that the referees seemed unsure whether to call a foul
or not," noted Del Rosario. "We will adjust in practice to get used to this new
rule. My concern is that if they let go too much contact so as not to disrupt
the play, then fights might break out and players could get injured, thus
depriving the fans of the chance to watch their favorite players play."

B-Meg played without Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis. Romel Adducul
was suited up on the bench, just recovered from a dengue fright, but didn't
check in. He showed up for practice only the day before the game. James Yap wore
a mask to protect his nose.

According to B-Meg team manager Alvin Patrimonio, it will take about six more
months before Raymundo is able to practice but Pingris could be back in action
by December. Reavis will take about a month more to get over his fractured
finger. Patrimonio recently visited Raymundo and Pingris who are undergoing
rehabilitation in Los Angeles.

http://www.pba.com.ph/news/entry/565

2009-10 PHILIPPINE CUP FINALISTS ALASKA & B-MEG SQUARE OFF; AIR21 TAKES ON ROS

Published on October 13, 2010

The Alaska Aces are working themselves into the conference, literally.

Tim Cone swears the Aces are still a work in progress so his priority is to get
them into game shape sooner than later given the short elimination round.

The Fiesta Conference champions did show some signs of rustiness during their
debut against Barako Bull last Friday but managed to win that game, 88-64, with
their poise and experience.

Alaska faces a lot tougher test Wednesday when they play B-Meg Derby Ace which
hopes to bounce back from a 76-87 loss to early leader Talk N' Text (2-0) last
Wednesday.

The Aces and the Llamados (then still TJ Giants) faced off in the 2009-10
Philippine Cup Finals, with the latter scoring a 4-0 sweep of the best-of-seven
affair.

"It's so early in the conference so we're not too concerned with who were
playing. We're just trying to get our own game straightened out, and that's
really what our focus is right now," Cone said.

The Alaska-Derby Ace encounter is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. at the Cuneta
Astrodome, following the 5p.m. match between Air21 and Rain or Shine.

Derby Ace routed Alaska in a pre-season game late last month in Cebu City so
Cone anticipates their hands to be full against the Llamados, the defending
Philippine Champions.

"We're still trying to fit our own pieces together," said Cone, who claimed he
misses the leadership of veteran guard Jeffrey Cariaso, who called it quits
after last season.

Cone said the Llamados play hard-nosed basketball.

Injuries to stars Kerby Raymundo, Mark Pingris and Rafi Reavis, who have to be
sidelined for quite some time, are making things tough for the Llamados.

Derby Ace coach George Gallent said there are other concerns that have to be
addressed immediately.

"First of all we have to adjust to the calls," said Gallent, only in his second
game since taking over from Ryan Gregorio, now the head coach of Meralco.

Starting this season the league allowed more physicality that would not
constitute a foul. The new policy apparently is taking the game of some of
Gallent's players.

"We have to also play 48 minutes of aggressive basketball and control the boards
in order for us to run," Gallent said.

During their debut, Derby Ace was clobbered off the boards by TnT, 60-42.
___________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/203239/aces-llamados-renew-rivalry-painters-express-\
collide

Aces, Llamados renew rivalry; Painters, Express collide
10/12/2010 | 07:29 PM

Alaska goes for an early share of the lead with Talk `N Text Wednesday as it
clashes with defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace in the PBA Philippine Cup main
game at the Astrodome.

Although up against a team riddled with injuries in the 7:30 p.m. encounter,
Aces coach Tim Cone is not taking the Llamados for granted.

Cone witnessed how the reigning All-Filipino champions turned back his Aces
despite playing without key starters Kerby Raymundo, Marc Pingris, Raffy Reavis
and two-time MVP James Yap during an exhibition game down South a few weeks
before the new season kicked off.

"Derby Ace beat us up in Cebu in a pre-season game so we know we have our hands
full," said Cone. "Jorge Gallent's (Derby Ace coach) team plays very hard-nosed
basketball."

Cone is hoping the Aces have learned their lessons from the team's debut game
against the Barako Bull Boosters.

While Alaska beat Barako Bull by a mile, 88-64, the Fiesta Cup champion came out
flat in the early minutes of the match and found themselves behind in the early
going, 0-10.

The Aces outscored the Boosters, 53-30, in a strong second-half windup before
securing the win and avoiding a king-sized upset.

"It was certainly frustrating at the beginning. We expected the bad start
because we didn't have enough practices, but we didn't expect it to be that
bad," Cone said.

Derby Ace meanwhile, opened its title defense on a bad note, dropping a 76-87
loss to Talk `N Text.

Although it will take a long while before the Llamados parade a healthy line up,
Gallent is hoping those remaining healthy players would be able to hold the fort
until such time the injured players are reactivated.

For now, Gallent believes getting rebounds will be enough to make his team
competitive with the rest of the field.

"We have to control the boards for us to run," said Gallent.

Rain or Shine and Air21 meet each other in the 5 p.m. opener with both teams
hoping to make it to the win column.

The Elasto Painters lost to the Powerade Tigers, 103-111 last week, while the
Express got mangled by the San Miguel Beermen, 86-100.

"We have to come out mentally tougher," admitted Elasto Painters' coach Caloy
Garcia. "And we have to make stops against a tall and quick team like Air21."

Top rookie pick Noy Baclao is again a doubtful starter for Air21 after suffering
a knee injury that sidelined him in the Express' debut game for the season. -
RCJ, GMANews.TV
______________

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=620497&publicationSubCategoryId=6\
9

Aces, Llamados duel in battle of champs
(The Philippine Star) Updated October 13, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska seeks to keep a run that dates back to its Fiesta
Conference title conquest while B-MEG Derby Ace tries to bounce back from a loss
to Talk n Text Wednesday as they clash in an exciting duel of champions tonight
in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome.

The Fiesta Conference champs and the all-Filipino titlists mix it up at 7:30
p.m. after the 5 p.m. faceoff between the Air21 Express and the Rain or Shine
Elasto Painters.

The Aces are out to catch the Talk n Text Tropang Texters (2-0) at the helm
while the Llamados, the Express and the Elasto Painters are all hoping to break
into the win-column in their second outing in the tourney.

"It's so early in the conference so we're not too concerned with who we're
playing. We're just trying to get our own game straightened out and that's
really what our focus is right now," said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

"We have to adjust to the calls and we have to play 48 minutes of aggressive
basketball," said Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent, implying they're the underdogs
versus the Aces.

Gallent said they may be the defending champions but they've been reduced to a
"middle-of-the-pack team" with injuries to key frontcourt players Kerby
Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis.

Jerwin Gaco could plug some holes as he finally joins Derby Ace. The bruiser
from La Salle was not allowed to play in the team's initial game versus Talk n
Text due to paper matters.

"We need to control the boards in order for us to run," said Gallent, hopeful
they can cope up with the Aces' run-and-gun game.

The Aces were impressive in their 88-64 thrashing of the Barako Bull Energy
Boosters Friday.

Joe De Vance and Cyrus Baguio churned out double-double numbers while LA Tenorio
and Sonny Thoss contributed combined stats of 29 points and 14 rebounds as they
kept the Aces going coming from their recent Fiesta Cup title run.
________________

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/281834/alaska-takes-injuryhit-bmeg

Alaska Takes on Injury-Hit B-Meg
By WAYLON GALVEZ
October 12, 2010, 6:47pm

MANILA, Philippines — Fiesta Cup champion Alaska Milk shoots for its second
straight win against shorthanded B-Meg Derby Ace this Wednesday night in the
nightcap of a regular doubleheader in the Philippine Cup at the Astrodome in
Pasay City.

Much has changed since the Aces and the Llamados fought last year for the
Philippine Cup championship.

After being swept in four games, the Aces bounced back strongly to win the
Fiesta Cup, beating the Llamados twice in the preliminaries.

"That monkey is off our back," said Alaska coach Tim Cone who nevertheless
expects a strong challenge from Derby Ace.

Now handled by coach George Gallent, the Llamados will miss the services of
Kerby Raymundo (hip injury), Marc Pingris (hip injury) and Rafi Reavis
(fractured right middle finger).

But Cone isn't letting his guard down.

"Gallent's team plays very hard-nosed basketball," said Cone, whose team is
eyeing an early tie for the lead with Talk 'N Text (2-0). "B-Meg beat us in Cebu
in a pre-season game so we know we have our hands full."

Still, Cone is more concerned with how the team is playing rather than the
opponent it faces.

"We're just trying to get our own game straightened out, and that's really what
our focus is right now. We're still trying to fit our own pieces together," Cone
added.

Gallent, who took over from Ryan Gregorio, said he believes they can compete
even without their injured players.

"First we have to adjust to the calls, and we have to play 48 minutes of
aggressive basketball," said Gallent. "We also have to control the boards for us
to run."
______________

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/sports/20137-aces-seek-no-2.html

Aces seek no. 2
by Zean Macamay
Tuesday, 12 October 2010 18:34

ALASKA'S first game in the PBA Philippine Cup was a blowout, if the final score
was to be the gauge. In reality, Tim Cone was unimpressed, upset over how his
Aces started the game sluggishly, unable to score in the first four minutes.

Now, Cone and the Aces have a game coming up against a much talented team and
the defending champion, Derby Ace. In reality, too, he doesn't care which one he
confronts at the moment. All he wants to see is how Alaska has learned its
lessons.

"We're not too concerned with who we're playing," said Cone.         "We're just
trying to get our game straightened out, and that's really what our focus is
right now."

The Aces will be going for a share of the lead with Talk `N Text if they ever
pull through tonight. But for them to accomplish the small feat, they better
make sure they show up at the Cuneta Astrodome mentally prepared first.

The Fiesta Conference champions of the 2009-10 season came out flat in the early
minutes of their opening game against the lowly Barako Bull. The Aces fell
behind by 10-0, trailed by as much as 12, before finally getting their acts
together in the second half.

The result was a lopsided 88-64 victory over a team that ended last the past
four conferences, the win molded heavily when Alaska outscored the Energy
Boosters, 53-30, in the second half.

No matter how easy the triumph might reflect, Cone wasn't happy at all, and
could only wish that such a start wouldn't happen again for the rest of the
tournament.

"It was certainly frustrating at the beginning. We expected the bad start
because we didn't have enough practices, but we didn't expect it to be that
bad," Cone said.

The franchise Alaska will be challenging also had a bad start in its first game,
falling to the Talk `N Text Tropang Texters, 87-76.

Yet that won't be the thing that Cone and the Aces will keep in mind.

"Derby Ace beat us up in Cebu in a pre-season game so we know we have our hands
full," said Cone. "Jorge Gallent's (Derby Ace coach) team plays very hard-nosed
basketball.

Gallent and the Llamados didn't have the start they wanted when it battled Talk
`N Text. The absences of Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris due to muscle tear
injuries and the loss of Raffi Reavies to fractured middle fingers were just too
much to bear, and Derby Ace eventually suffered an 87-76 defeat to the
now-league-leading team.

It will take at least five months for the Llamados to have a complete roster.
But until then, Gallent will have to make the best of what's left in his
line-up.

He craves for aggressiveness most of all, and if his frontline could deal with
it, wants to control the boards as well.

"We have to control the boards for us to run," said Gallent.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/203335/aces-survive-llamados-gain-share-of-lead-with\
-texters

Aces survive Llamados, gain share of lead with Texters
10/13/2010 | 10:55 PM

Alaska took four full quarters before finally subduing a hard-fighting B-Meg
Derby Ace, 92-87, and gaining an early share of the lead in the PBA Philippine
Cup Wednesday night.

The Aces dominated the main game of a weekday doubleheader at the Astrodome, but
didn't have their second straight win in the bag until James Yap missed a long
three-pointer in the final 14 seconds with Alaska up by only four, 89-85.

L.A. Tenorio iced the victory by going 3-of-4 from the line the rest of the way.

The reigning Fiesta Cup champions are now tied with idle Talk `N Text on top of
the standings with identical 2-0 records.

Joe DeVance, who had 24 points, seven rebounds and two block shots to pace the
Aces, said the team is bound to get even better as the season-opening meet
progresses.

"We're just about 85 percent. We still have to work on our Triangle (offense),
and we still have to work on our defense. But the sooner we get to that, we'll
get better," said DeVance, who failed to finish the game due to cramps.

Four other Aces also finished in double figures, including Sonny Thoss, who
scored 10 markers, but grabbed 21 rebounds in a dominant showing at the low post
against a depleted Llamados team that played without injured big men Kerby
Raymundo, Marc Pingris and Raffi Reavis.

The Aces clobbered the Llamados off the boards, 50-38.

Derby Ace remained winless after two games in the conference it won a year ago
following a four-game sweep of Alaska in the Finals.

But the Llamados didn't simply fade away against the Aces.

Several times they trailed by double-digit deficits, and yet always managed to
claw their way back.

Their last stand came with 28 seconds left when Yap converted on a one-hander
inside the shaded box to cut what was once a 10-point Alaska lead to only two,
87-85.

The Aces answered back at the other end as Bonbon Custodio made a spin move
against Roger Yap to make it a four-point game.

The Llamados went to Yap following a time out, but the two-time league MVP's
hurried three-pointer went short to seal Derby Ace's fate.

James Yap shared scoring honors with Peter June Simon at 16 points apiece to
lead the Llamados' losing cause. - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV

ALASKA 92—De Vance 24, Dela Cruz 14, Tenorio 12, Borboran 11, Thoss 10, Custodio
9, Baguio 9, Eman 3, Espiritu 0.

DERBY ACE 87—Yap J. 16, Simon 16, Villanueva 15, Yap R. 11, Allado 10, Salvador
6, Maierhofer 5, Gaco 4, Adducul 4, Canaleta 0.
Quarters: 16-15, 43-39, 68-63, 92-87

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/282424/naga-city-host-bmeg-vs-air-21

Naga City to host B-Meg vs Air 21
By WAYLON GALVEZ
October 16, 2010, 11:21am

Game Saturday (Naga City Coliseum)
5 p.m. — B-Meg vs Air21

MANILA, Philippines — One team will remain winless as tail-enders B-Meg Derby
Ace and Air21 clash today in the second PBA Philippine Cup out-of-town game at
the Naga City Coliseum in Camarines Sur.

Presented by Phoenix Fuel, the lone game between the defending champions
Llamados and the Express is set at 5 p.m.

With three key players in the injured list – Kerby Raymundo (hip) Marc Pingris
(hip) and Rafi Reavis (fractured right middle finger) – the Llamados are
struggling big time, losing their first two games that gave rookie coach Jorge
Gallent a rude welcome.

The Express, who took the first three picks in the annual drafting, have also
dropped their first two games although they showed a big improvement in their
last outing.

Gallent, who took the place of Ryan Gregorio (who is now Meralco coach) said he
knew they will encounter big humps along the way but did not expect to drop
their first two games.

"Yes we're undermanned, but I didn't expect that losing the first two games,"
said Gallent, a six-time champion coach with Harbor Centre in the PBL.

Despite a hot start that saw them took several 10-point leads in the first half,
the Llamados still suffered a 76-87 defeat to Talk 'N Text in their opening
game. They were also beaten by the inspired Alaska Milk, 92-87, last Sunday.

Gallent, however, sees a positive outlook in their defeats, saying: "If there's
any good thing in the two setbacks, I think it's that we lost against teams we
thought we actually had 50-50 chance because of our injuries, because we're
undermanned. We fought hard but we just came short."

The Express lost to powerhouse San Miguel Beer (86-100) and Rain or Shine
(86-89), the last one was more painful.

They had a chance to win their previous game but Jeff Chan buried a game-winning
three-pointer at the buzzer for the Elasto Painters.

Even with the two defeats, Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio said the team,
particularly the rookies – Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra – have
learned valuable lessons.

"We know that we need to make lots of adjustment," Gregorio said. "Hopefully the
young players, as well as the veterans can get their acts together for us to
win. But we're not pressuring them (to win), we know it would take some time."

"But because of what we saw (against Rain or Shine) when they fought hard, we
know we have a good chance of winning soon," he added.

It's going to be an exciting match-up between reigning MVP James Yap and and
Air21's Ronjay Buenafe, who fired 25 points on 5-of-11 three-pointers against
Rain or Shine.

Also, the frontline of 6-foot-5 Baclao and the 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini, both from
Ateneo, will renew their rivalry with B-Meg Derby Ace's 6-foot-6 Rico
Maierhofer, last season's Rookie of the Year who used to play for La Salle.