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Season 6 Preview (Part 2)

Down with the old, in with the new.

PPL is known to be one of the most competitive leagues in the country today. And now, it just became a notch higher.

Season 6 announces the new teams who will be vying for the trophy. Some old folks admit, that this is arguably one of the best crop of talents ever to come in the PPL as promotees.

Hoes has been a familiar face in the II.2 league, being a member since season 3, Hoes has been the Red Robins of League II.2, up until the 4th season, when they had the best record in the league, bearing an unbeatable 22 games. However, they lost against Mobsters United in the semifinals, it was quite the shock of the season.
They entered the 5th season with the same feat. Winning all 22 games in the league. They are the sure-fire favorites in winning the promotion this time, and they did just that when they swept the ADMU Blue Eagles in the finals. Ivan Ricamona, the leading scorer for Hoes, didn't win the MVP trophy for this season, but his plays and presence in the finals series surely gave the pundits something to talk about. His resilient shooting capabilities and domination can be compared to PPL stars, and will be surely one to be watched out for fans, especially new ones now that they're in the big leagues.

Mandaue Selection, like team Hoes, has been a veteran team in their former league, giving a somewhat lukewarm appreciation to fans. One thing has been their problem this season, fans has never been too supportive for them.
Being located in the place wherein basketball is not too appreciated, and wherein the primary leisure is boxing, chess, music, college hoops, and food. They never believed that their pro-basketball team is in a good spot. Hence, their 5th place on season 3 proves this.
Brian Masuecos, a representative for our country's NT, has been somewhat mediocre in his first 2 seasons, and coming season 5, Masuecos shocked everyone by taking the top scoring spot. He was in a different level compared to his performance in his first 2 seasons. He averaged almost 24 points per game, shooting above 40% both in the field and in the 3 point area. he defends more efficiently, and was very unstoppable.
League II.1 has been privileged to have the wild card promotion elections, wherein people vote on what team will be promoted in season 6. Masuecos was the scoring leader for season 5 in their league, Egbert Somosierra won the MVP award, and Mandaue Selection, though they lost in the semi-finals of the playoffs, won the promotion via wild card. Guess who liked them most, but their new-found growing fans.

Spider Forest has been in a turmoil in terms of team management. Moving in 4 managements before landing under Spider Forest management, Spider Forest proves that they are one of the most watched out teams in the country. reaching in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup and winning the League II.4 championship. Vitor Carvalhosa, a Portugal native, has been their driving factor and their key to promotion. But he "couldn't have done this win without my teammates... they were the real ones playing hard here." -Carvalhosa
Will they continue to surprise the fans with their fantastic teamwork? One way to know is to watch this team out.

Along with Spider Forest, Gin Kings, the runner-up to the season 5 finals in League II.4, has been granted promotion due to wild card elections. Along with their impressive, but somewhat lack lustering game against Spider Forest, Gin Kings were the number 1 seeded team in the Great 8 Conference. Deadly shooter Raphael Catapang dreams of being in the PPL for a long time (circa season 4) and now that the time has come, he "will do everything that I can just to stay in this top conference." With his impressive 2 seasons with 20+ points per game, I wonder if he didn't give everything just yet.

(Part 3 to be continued)

Season 6 Preview (Part 3)

Loyola Hts BC came in the League II.1 season 3 as playoff contenders, although, they didn't go past the first round. Bearing a team with full of potential, coach drizzt3 did all he can in providing this team a force to be reckoned with, He knows that this is a finals contender team, and with a talented team and a talented coach, who would argue?
Loyola Hts BC has been a Cup contender ever since, almost landing in the final 256 teams in 2 occasions and landing it in another occasion. And they never forget their league responsibilities as well.
It was in season 5, however, Loyola Hts pushed their red button. They know that this is their season, others don't. And they had the pleasure on giving them pain.
They finished the season with just one loss, and their scoring tandem of Gabriel Summers and Lito Guevarra seems ripe and ready for the big leagues, beating prominent teams like th favorites ribonucleic acid, the surprising Mandaue Selection, and the consistent tacticians Spring Chickens. They won the championship in three games, and still with Summers and Guevarra, the future is very bright for Loyola fans.

TGIF MANILA has been II.3's cream of the crop. Entering the playoffs since their induction to the league and eventually landing in the league finals, only to be stopped by another team that was also fresh off the boat, and has potential, PPL's team Polydozel.
TGIF swore that in the coming season, they will be the ones to be promoted. As their new found rivals were comfortably in the top league, winning games and sharing the limelight that they once thought they'd gonna have.
Team leader Roberto Alfonso led the team in two seasons of finals appearances. A viable double-double threat, and a powerhouse defender that has been the very core of TGIF MANILA basketball.
TGIF MANILA, same as their nemesis, team Polydozel, bears an all-Filipino line-up, consisting of one or two foreign players but mostly concentrated on Filipino talent. Which is not very traditional these days, but with their superior training, and good team management, these two teams managed to be one of the more known, and most competitive domestic supporting teams in the country today.

Along with TGIF MANILA in league II.3, Batangas Blades weren't pushovers in the league. Despite losing the Finals against their finals rival TGIF MANILA, Batangas managed to win the votes in the wild card elections, not by popularity, but with their staying power.
Fans believe that Batangas Blades have enough will to contain teams consisting of Red Robins, Jubas Beasts, and of course, TrailBlazers United. Being relegation refugees in Season 3, playoffs contender in season 4, and Finals participants and now, promoted team in season 5, Batangas Blades have more than enough to bring their fans some joyand excitement this season in the PPL.
In the very crowded Big 8 conference, wherein they are bracketed in, Batangas Blades have good chances for a playoffs spot according to some sources. "The Big 8 consists mostly of new promotees, which can be one-sided for the 1-2 seeded teams in the conference. Blazers in 1, Polydozel in 2-3, same with Hoes, and the 4th place will be up for grabs." -Quinito Henson

16 teams, 16 different backgrounds, 16 different styles of play, but only one may reign champions. Current PPL champions TrailBlazers United will host the most anticipated promoted team in the league, Hoes. The battle of the new and the old, champion vs. champion. Hoes have the arsenal to back up being champions, and the Blazers will be ready. Be sure to check the game out! On Saturday 6pm!

"Cavite Force"

Rynzer Management has changed its team name to Cavite Force in anticipation for the Season 6 Games. Since the start of Philippine League, Rynzer Force is a consistent team member of the PPL but lacks the luck to win the cup or regular season.

In Season 6, they plan to reorganize the whole team with new strategies and new players. "We are not aiming to be #1 in this season coz we believed we lacks the right skills yet, since we are still pursuing to have an all-filipino first 5 starter", exclaimed by Coach Kim Cong.

Cavite Force, since the start of the PPL has dedicated to use all-filipino players in their starting line-up. The only foreign players they used in the floor is Mansoor Omar Kahsib while Jaugelas Dacys was line-up as reserve player only.

"We will be in the #1 spot, we only dont know when, but we will be there", Cavite Force's Manager exclaimed.

Cavite Force - "Proud to be Pinoy"

Guarnes struggling in season opener, Mandaue, Gin Kings lost first game

Hipolito Guarnes was 9 of 21 on the field today, barring 1 of 6 from the three point line., but having 22 points as they were handled down by Batangas Blades in the season 6 opener between The Blades and team Polydozel at The Balisong.

Guarnes played the whole game, and managed to add 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Mervyn Jamora garnered a double-double, having 18 points and 13 rebounds, with 3 blocks. Marlou Suarez had his best game of his career when he scored 36 points, his career high, for the Blades.

Asides from Jamora, 3 more players went double-double this game as the Argentine Sebastian Alcantara (17 points, 11 rebounds), Simeon Tongson (11 points, 14 rebounds) and Ronnie Gotardo (11 points, 10 rebounds) played splendid performances to try to rack up a win.

"My players did their very best, and I have no complains." says the team coach. "Batangas Blades was the better team in this game."

Rogen Juan scored 19 and 7 (7 of 16) for the Blades, while the team shoots 49% in field goals overall compared to team Polydozel's 38%

"Even though we had more chances to score, the problem is we always miss the shot and eventually, tearin the team apart." says the coach.

"We missed a lot of shots, which is the result of a long vacation during off-season. We'll try to get back on our feet as soon as we can." says Guarnes.

In other games, TGIF MANILA managed to get their first PPL win against Mandaue Selection by the score of 91-77 at the Fridays Coliseum. Mandaue's Gary Aglipay was the high point man with 30 points and 7 assists. Hoes scraped a win against the defending champions TrailBlazers United with a high-pointed game thriller of 126-114. Ivan Ricamona plummeted a 40-game performance against the Blazers, while 3 Blazers managed a 20 point game (Palla with 29, Nezih with 23, and Azade with 21)

Spider Forest won the game against Devil Bats Deimon. Spider Forest the obvious ones running down the floor and creating a 120-109 win. Devil Bats' Mustafa El Karni was the player of the game with 36 points, his career high, with 16 rebounds. MAPUA RED ROBINS manage to win the nail-biting game against the Cavite Force (formerly Rynzer Force) by the score of 86-85 held at THE NEST. Brian Renato scored 23 points for the Robins but the player of the game is Dexter Uy, who shoots all of his three free throws for the win, scoring 13 points with 5 for 5 on free throws.

Loyola Hts BC played hard against the Pampanga Dragons and managed to secure a win by the score of 109-97. Pampanga's Norman Limpot scored an impressive 45 points and 7 steals, both his career highs. Jubas Beasts, the league's Cup champion, won against Queen's Coast by the score of 113-100, Liang Wai Cheng scored 43 points with 5 three pointers, making it his highest score in a game in his career. And H.P. won it's season 6 opener against Gin Kings, by the score of 135-122. Viteszlav Jurica scored 35 points, tying his career high in scoring, and Gin Kings, along with Mandaue Selection, are the only newly promoted teams in the league who lost their season opener.

Last edited by Katchafire Collie at 8/16/2008 8:56:29 AM

Australia beats Hong Kong at Asia NT Finals

22731 spectators gathered at the Happy Madison Center in Japan to witness the Asia Qualifying Finals. Australia seems the heavy favorite against their usual finals opponents, Hong Kong.

Darby Walters played well and gathered 35 points, shooting 6 of 11 from the outside to take to win by the score of 93-84. Preston Grigg led the team with 16 points, with 7 assists, and exemplified tenacious combination of offense and defense. He also had 5 rebounds. And Stewart Gaffney went for 13 points and 14 rebounds shooting at 60% from the field.

Hong Kong's center To Eng Long scored 19 points with 15 rebounds, and team mates Yiu Qing Lai and Tze Tze Peng scored 17 and 16, respectively, to try to rout the game into their favor. They tried to play inside more in this series. Yet, they were outpaced by the Aussies as they made outside game run in the second half to confuse Hong Kong's Inside defense.

Hong Kong's centers made a good job in Defending Caffney in the first half, limiting his scoring capabilities. But The Aussie center was relentless in the rebounding end as he made key boards and taps.

Australia was strong overall, despite their inside defense focus, they were really good in denying the outside shooting of Hong Kong, giving the Hong Kong3-point result to 6-19. "We really want to shut down their outside shooting. So, we made them shoot less, and shoot poorly, and it all went well despite having zone defense." says the AU coach.

Australia wins the Asia Confederation cup and will lead to the World Championships, in which, it will be announced when the World Championship committee releases a press statement. "Right now we are on a tight schedule and we will inform everyone on when will this occur." says the WC representative via phone patch.

Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia will be playing for Second Chance Qualifiers and will be held in the US. Taiwan will be facing Israel, Japan will play against Germany, and Indonesia will battle against Algeria.

waah! sayang OT pa pala pagkatalo ko.. T-T

TGIF, Blades, Loyola Hts maintain top spot

TGIF MANILA managed to play back to back wins, and now tied with Batangas Blades in taking the top spot in the Big 8 conference, with a win against Hoes by the score 113-108.

Modesto Navaja scored 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting for 50% FG, and Stephen Janagap scored 22 points.

Hoes tried to make a rally in the fourth quarter, out-scoring TGIF MANILA 41-27, yet the boys from Fridays Coliseum manage to maintain the led just in time in taking the game.

Batangas Blades, tied with TGIF MANILA, scored a win against Spider Forest with the score 136-127, held at the Wet Web Arena.

The hosts Spider Forest struggled to manage a lead in four quarters, ending each period trailing. Batangas Blades was pumped up and running more in the game.

Italian Forward Fulvio Blardone played 37 minutes scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks, yet he somewhat played just inept.

"We could've expected more from Blardone... this is not what we want him to play." says the Blades coach.

It was a great game none the less, as the two teams exchange points, and the crowd was on it's feet all throughout the final quarter.

Loyola Hts BC snagged a win against tournament champions Jubas Beasts, as these two teams, known for having high scoring games, reached the final score of 82-80.

Jubas Astrodome was faced with a situation, as they entered the season with 1-1 season record, fans fear that this may be start of a struggling chapter for the Beasts, who went 16 straight games with no loss in the start of their season 5.

Loyola Hts, however, had their 8 straight games with a win, including their first 2 at the PPL, and it seems that the future looks bright for the former champions.

Lito Guevarra and Roque Gualberto each scored 19 points for Loyola Hts, while Jorge Olivares scored 26 points and 15 rebounds and Cesar Bastos scored 22 ppoints and 19 rebounds.

In other games, TrailBlazers United, PPL season 5 champions, is now 0-2 after having a loss against team Polydozel. Mervyn Jamora scored 34 points and Ubaldo Nudalo had 26 points and 16 rebounds. Mandaue Selection also had an 0-2 record when they lost against Devil Bats Deimon, 84-70. Queen's Coast end our losing teams update, as they faced off against Gin Kings. Fernando Gimenez Soler scored 32 points and 18 rebounds for the Gin Kings, who won with the score, 79-108.

KDB's Ruel Garvez to be put up on TList

Ruel Garvez, Center for the NBBA's King Drive Ballers, and a representative for the Philippines' National team, will be on sale as reported earlier today.

In an announcement made by the National Team coach, he said that "The coach of King Drive Ballers sent a fax to me this morning, stating the sale of Garvez and proposing to make early bids for the player. He also stated that both parties had an agreement on this decision."

Garvez was drafted by the HailMary Team in the very start of season 3, after which he was bought by the Italian Premier Boston Celtics. He played for 2 seasons, and he was put on sale after. He was a monster in the defensive category, and despite his prowess in defense and rebounds, he manage to score double figures, shooting above 50%.

"He's a solid offensive threat, on a good day." says Anthony Suntay, A filipino sports analyst. "He sometimes scores below 10 points, but on other days, he scores 40. On an NBBA court."

And even if he is inconsistent in offense, he backs it up with his consistent and tenacious defense.

"He likes to rebound. And he likes defense a lot." Suntay added. "He likes to play the opponent rather than to play the ball."

There have been speculations whether on where will Garvez play next. As Suntay commented, "Garvez is still trainable, and this is what most teams want in a player on the Transfer List."

"But in his current ability, I guess the usual suspects would be the powerhouse teams. Italians could get him back, or other NBBA teams, also Canada."

"But, let's not forget other teams who are silent recently, Portuguese, Brazilian, Argentine, even Spanish teams could give an offer. With his ability, he has an open market, and the very elite will be there to have a bid."

Exciting matchup for the Big 8 conderence

9/2/2008 6:00:00 PM TGIF MANILA Devil Bats Deimon
9/2/2008 6:00:00 PM TrailBlazers United Batangas Blades
9/2/2008 6:00:00 PM Mandaue Selection Spider Forest
9/2/2008 6:00:00 PM Hoes Team Polydozel

Big 8 conference's day 6 of the 6th season of the Philippines Premier League caps off with a fantastic lineup of games. All would be started at 6 tomorrow evening.

First up is the match between Mandaue Selection and Spider Forest. Mandaue Selection is currently 0-5, searching for that first win still, and with the nail-biting loss to Team Polydozel with the score 136-134, wherein they have the chance to steal a win, Mandaue sure will have another hard weeks coming ahead as their next games include Spider Forest, Hoes, TrailBlazers United, and Cavite Force.

Spider Forest, however will be the favorites in this match, and will try to do most damage for points, as they would be facing harder opponents in the coming week, away from their home court. "This is one hard week ahead, playing away at home, so we need to be prepared at all costs." says the team coach

TGIF MANILA will be visiting Devil Bats Deimon, who is currently 7th on the conference, will try to win the game at ease, and watch out for complacency. Barring a 2-3 record, TGIF promised to have a promising PPL season, and try to stay out of the relegation zone. "People say that we need to stay out of the relegation zone." says the TGIF Coach. "But we will stay out of it, and will vie to have a spot in the playoffs. That's our goal for this season."

Currently trailing at 4th place, former champions TrailBlazers United will try to steal some Batangas Blades' thunder, as they will face off on Tuesday. A win by ten points or more will put them up on the spot, even higher, depending on the winner on the Hoes-Polydozel match.

"A win by ten or more will catapult TrailBlazers up and drag the Blades down." says analyst Chino Trinidad "And all will be jumbled up also depending on the other game, in which, the loser may join them in a triple tie, right before the inter-conference clash. A win for the Blades, however, will put them in a tie between of the winner of the other game."

That game would be the somewhat knockout game over the top between Hoes and Team Polydozel. TP is known as the surprising factor in season 5, but based on the papers, Hoes had the advantage.

"Hoes had been the absolute juggernaut ever since their stint in League II." says one Polydozel executive. "Having three players in 20+ points a game in your team would mean absolute offensive frenzy. You never know who will be their spark of the offense."

Both teams have won three consecutive games and this Tuesday will be the deciding factor on who will be leading the Big 8 conference at the inter-conference clash happening at 9/9/2008.

NCAA vs. UAAP Representative Showdown

Katipunan, Quezon City - It was one of the most awaited games this season in Division II.2 between the Letran Knights and the ADMU Blue Eagles. Both teams were with an unblemished 5-0 record before the match, each destroying their opponents by double digit averages. The Letran Knights had a formidable front court in Nino Nolasco and Juan Jose Villanueva showcasing exceptional rebounding and inside defense skills. The ADMU Blue Eagles were known however for their inside scoring with main man Roberto Catalano.

Amazingly, a surprise move by Norman Black saw the backcourt tandem of German Nader and team captain Arsenio Villalino focus on an outside game. "We knew they were going to protect the paint, and they're very well known for doing a good job at it, so coach thought why not focus on our jumpers instead, it worked out fine," said German Nader who was the high point man with 29 points, and shooting the crucial free throws to close out the game.

"We believe this is a pivotal game for us since the pressure will now be on the Letran Knights to win every game after this and try to come back and beat us in our second game in their home court", said coach Norman Black.

The Letran Knights and ADMU Blue Eagles look to be heavy favorites to come in the premiere league, but sports analysts say the Letran Knights are more ripe for the PPL.

"Ang bata pa ng ADMU Blue Eagles, they have a lot of young talent but they still have to expose that", said critic Quinito Henson.

The ADMU Blue Eagles sit atop with a 6-0 record followed by the Letran Knights at 5-1. Previous contender from last season Brgy. Ginebra Kings has been struggling the first few games, but have now began to pick up the pace.

"We're not ruling out the Kings, we all know their 'Never say die' attitude, and they may just be the dark horse for this season", said star Roberto Catalano.

It's Official, Garvez up for grabs

The word out of the mill is now official, Philippine NT superstar and NBBA sensation Ruel Garvez is out and into the transfer list.

In the recent fax made by the King Drive Ballers management to the Transfer List Committee, formally signed by the team manager, Ruel Garvez will be put up on global auction with the starting price of $4 Million.

King Drive Ballers, currently shaving off some salary cap space, now consists of 10 players including Garvez, as they recently sold out three players... Aage Isaksen, Cristiano Battaglino, and Sergio Villascuerna. A complete revamping of the KDB roster is already as planned.

"We plan on going straight at the B3 crown this season, so we tried to be extravagant. Unfortunately, we lost very early in the eliminations, and now, we're moving on to continue a run for a shot at next years B3." A KDB source tells us.

Lost to BC Torooo at the early stage of the tournament, KDB focuses more on their NBBA run, and this time, Garvez might be placed in other team.

"It is purely trying to go with the flow, the economic flow. We're currently like a dead fish swimming in the current when it comes to money talks, as most teams face right now, so we figured we shed some salary to survive this economic turmoil."

A price of $4 Million at this state could mean fewer buyers (if none). Narrowing the choices for Garvez's potential buyers to a fewer number. Italians might have a run in the auction, but none is confirmed as of yet.

"We really hope that whoever gets Garvez will continue to unleash his potentials, as he is still young and the possibilities are limitless potential-wise." says the NT trainer.

Garvez ranks #5 in Rating and #9 in FG% in NBBA, which is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. He averages 10 points and 10 rebounds per game, and considered one of the great walls of NBBA. With his outstanding defensive pressure, most players he defended will have a hard time with his speed, positioning, and leadership composure on-court.