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Ribonucleic Acids are Cup Champions!

Finally.

The Ribonucleic Acids win their first Philippine Cup Championship, in what is described to be a Cinderella story.

Two seasons ago, they came close to winning the title, only to be denied in the finals by powerhouse Jubas Beasts. Represented then by co-team captains Teodoro Daganzo and Danilo Nismal, they we're clearly the underdogs outclassed by the veteran Beasts. "It was our first time to experience such thing", said Nismal. "And our inexperience clearly showed in the way we played. It was our first season, and to battle in such a prestigious and big stage was too much for us. This time, we made sure that we would do better."

And they did. The acids were up by 4 points, 56-54 at the half, and they never looked back. They went on a scoring spree, outscoring the Beasts 33-16 in the third quarter, led by their new recruit Nicolas Hartlieb who scored 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. "I wasn't there when during their previous championship match, but I could just sense that the team couldn't bear to lose again. It is our time, our year, and our championship."

The Ribo Acids lead by as much as 22 points going into the fourth, but the Beasts cut it to 5, entering the last minute of the game, backed by league superstar Wai Cheng, who shot the lights out at Jubas Astrodome, scoring 39 points on 15-31 shooting. "I tried to contain him," exclaimed Daganzo, "but he was just unstoppable. Good thing we maintained our composure in the end."

With a minute on the clock, and ball in possession of the Beasts, Modris Kleperis sneaked behind Wai Cheng to steal the ball, and seal the game.

"We knew the ball was going to his hands. He was red hot from the field the entire game. I just had to help." said Kleperis. And he did, sealing the game with pressure packed free throws. "The first time we met, I was new in this league. I struggled back then. But this time, I made sure that I would leave an impression."

"It was a sweet win for us," said team manager Chris Tiu. "The odds were stacked against us since the Semifinals, everyone was expecting us to falter under pressure, but thankfully the players delivered."

The Ribo Acids won 115-100 in OT, getting big contributions from Kleperis, Gallou, and Hartlieb. "Do not ask me how we did it." exclaimed Tiu. "The Blazers are arguably the best team in the Philippines right now, but with the fans backing us up that day, I guess we just had the heart to push through."

The whole team and staff would be flying off to China after the playoffs to unwind and to check out some chinita girls.

Last edited by JSmoove at 1/27/2009 12:21:52 PM

Classics Ready for Playoffs

Last season's doormat, the new-look Nescafe Classics won 7 of their last 8 after the All-Star Break to finish on top of League IV.53 with a 20-2 record. The playoff bound team has gone a long way to proving their detractors wrong.

The incredible turn-around of the Coffee Makers was a result of the gutsy and daring moves of GM F.A. Cruz. Inheriting a dispirited Psycho Manajos squad which finished a poor 9-13 last year, the risk-taking GM transformed a devil-may-care team into an exciting squad focused on passing and tenacious full court defense (21.3 APG and 14.2 SPG). Along the way, they also became a scoring machine, outscoring opponents by an average of 18 PPG.

"When I first came into the locker room, I sensed that the losses have taken its toll on the team. The players were pointing fingers at each other and were not giving their all in every game. I knew that I had to make drastic choices --- and I did them," said Cruz.

What happened next was a dizzying sequence of players being traded, transferred, and released. All the Filipino players except team captain Ricson Ritualo left the Classics for other teams or retired. Even promising rookies Ao Hengbang and Rhyan Cerillo did not escape the trading block.

GM Cruz then took veteran players from overseas to fill the roster. Not being content, he eventually traded them away for young and promising athletes that would fit the youth movement of the Classics.

Despite the whirlwind affair, the Classics reeled off eight straight wins before absorbing their first loss of the season. "All credit goes to the staff. Especially the coaching staff of Head Coach I.M. Ganzo. He did an incredible job of keeping the locker room loose and at the same time focused. There was a whole lot of camaraderie there that was missing last season," said GM Cruz. "We also upgraded our other staff positions with Dr. Miljan Smiljanic, Head Trainer Hardi Ääremaa and PR Manager Calvin Mansfield coming in at just the right time."

The Classics are led by scoring duo SF Ricson Ritualo (19.7 PPG on 51% shooting)
and SG Jan Janasiak (15.5 PPG and 4.0 APG). The middle is ably manned by PF Daniel Muyco (13.9 PPG and 9.9 RPG) and C Janio Niño (11.9 PPG and 9.7 RPG). The Coffee Makers' unselfish backcourt is composed of PGs Yannick Sincère (5.2 APG) and Eduard Trenichev (4.3 APG). Leading sixth-man candidate Gracijus Bridis comes off the bench to chip in 11.5 points per outing.

Recently, they have acquired two new players to offset the loss of back-up SG Admir Gartnar due to injury. Veteran SG Zulkiflee bin Mokhtar and PG Andre Luzano are being counted on to fill in the scoring gap left by Gartnar.

The Classics will face Carleon (11-11) first in their quest for the league championship. Last time they met, the Coffee Makers overpowered Carleon 105-82. The same results are expected, though leading scorer SG Nestor Casiño (25.4 PPG) is sure to give his defenders fits. SF Moises Maula (18.3 PPG and 3.1 APG) is also expected to come out with guns blazing.

Last edited by Fridrik at 2/10/2009 7:49:44 AM

Hi Coach,

I just read your message and found out that you need a forward. Actually i have a 20 yr old 6-6 SF with strong outside and inside defense. Currently training for rebounds. If you want i could send you his stats.

Room Left For One

This coming PPL Finals, it would be another one for the dynasty books, as arch-rivals TrailBlazers United and Jubas Beasts battle it out once again for the coveted PPL trophy. But now, things are a notch higher than last time...

This classic match up started on Season 5, when the Jubas Beasts entered the finals for the first time after failing to win conference finals in seasons 3 and 4. Dragged out by the Celestial Fury and their conference rival RED ROBINS (now MAPUA RED ROBINS), the Beasts were hungry for the title "champion". Season 5 entered, and the Beasts were having an impressive season, and was the favorites in the Great 8 conference.

Their first opponent, the season 4 champions Ateneo Jologs, who are now known in season 5 as TrailBlazers United. The mad dogs of the season had an unprecedented 20 wins, 1 win shy of tying the season best record held by Celestial Fury, who was eliminated in the later seasons due to management reasons.

TrailBlazers United, determined to defend their title, and also was determined to win the league title to prevent Jubas Beasts from being the first team to win both the League and Cup championship. Led by hotshot Ubaldo Nudalo, the Blazers managed to win against the Beasts in three games. the un-doable "double" is still not yet being reached.

Come along Season 6, most probably known as the most competitive season in that era, both the Blazers and the Beasts managed to regain their composure as the number one team of the conference. with the TrailBlazers tying the Beasts' winning record of 20 wins and two losses set only last season. Jubas Beasts was also impressive, finishing the regular season with just three losses.

Both are expected as the finals contenders, only with TrailBlazers United having the momentum being the Cup champions of that season, It's now up to the Beasts to prevent the Blazers from winning the double. One league executive even had a comment saying "We will not witness a match, but a form of dynasty."

The Beasts won it. Sweeping the series by winning two games. The league was impressed, and they can't wait for the next season to start.

Now comes season 7, the brutal season wherein one surprise has come to make the flame burn hotter in these two teams. It's organic, it's the team ribonucleic acid.

For the past 2 seasons, both Jubas Beasts and TrailBlazers United have participated in the BuzzerBeater Best, an international club team tournament representing the country's best of the best, the country's pride, the country's representatives. They represent the Philippines because they have won the cup finals and league finals in the past two seasons.

In season 7, ribonucleic acid, a known dark horse team even in league II, now PPL, has won the cup championship, winning against the Blazers by a comfortable margin, and was the Big 8's best team of the season, now ranked number 1.

TrailBlazers was surprising at the end of the regular season, finishing 3rd, and the Beasts was trailing in second in the first half of the season as the MAPUA RED ROBINS was having a surprising season.

Second half of the season was for the Beasts, as they manage to win 5 out of 6 games, thus ending the season with a three way tie at first place against MAPUA RED ROBINS and Queens Coast Silv3r. By point differential, the Beasts bagged the first seed once again.

The playoffs was way harder for both teams. as they both managed to win by just a close margin. And now that they will enter and face against each other again in the finals, the showdown will be in high stakes because neither of them has won Cup championship and one of them might not represent the Philippines in the upcoming B3 tournament.

The day to remember: Tuesday. For the third time, TrailBlazers United and Jubas Beasts will fight it out for that golden trophy with red sash, and for that final spot at the B3, because now, for them, there is only room for one.

Nescafe Classics Crowned Champs!

Thwarted by a gutsy Smoky Mountaineerz team which forced a tie-breaker game last February 21, the Coffee Makers rode on an emotional tidal wave from their sold-out out home court as they stamped their class early in the first period 42-26 to emerge as champions with a convincing 137-119 victory.

It has been an incredible year for the Classics which underwent a massive line-up overhaul and yet kept winning games in dominant fashion. Key to it all was new GM F.A. Cruz who made the risky decisions and made them pay off.

"This championship belongs to all the fans who have stuck with us all the way and believed in us. Our players are always inspired because of our loyal fans who have supported us through thick and thin," beamed a deliriously happy F.A. Cruz.

Losing 122-117 in the pivotal second game, the Classics' spirit was almost crushed by the defeat. Head Coach I.M. Ganzo, architect of the 20-2 Season 7 record of the Coffee Makers, made some fateful decisions. Ganzo shook the starting line-up and installed a motion offense overnight, replacing their bread and butter plays.

"I made adjustments to the starting line-up because though our defense was excellent, we lacked some scoring punch. Thus, I made Janasiak slide to the PG slot and made Gartnar the starting PG and Bridis as Admir's back-up. I had doubts at the start, but you see the results. It ain't bad at all," said I.M. Ganzo.

Again, it was team captain Ricson Ritualo who top scored for the Classics. Ritualo was red hot from the field in the 1st quarter, shooting 6 of 6 (14 pts) as he asserted his will over the opposing team. He finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals.

Gracijus Bridis, came off the bench for Admir Gartnar and chipped in 27 points and 5 steals. Jan Janasiak had 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals. PF Daniel Muyco put in 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals.

For the opposing team, SG Ralph Faigao shot the lights out with 43 points on 17 of 27 shooting, 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. He had little help though as their bench wasn't able to contribute as much.

Though the Classics was out-hustled and out-rebounded (41-56), they more than made up for it through their stingy full court press, forcing their opponents to 34 turnovers. The Classics also had a total of 32 steals as their suffocating defense totally swarmed the opposing ball carriers.

"All our efforts have been rewarded and our decisions vindicated. The Nescafe Classics will continue to improve and win championships for years to come. We've built them as a dynasty and this is Year One," boasted GM F.A. Cruz.

Last edited by Fridrik at 2/23/2009 9:34:17 AM

BEASTS BACK-TO-BACK PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPS

Jubas Astrodome - After 22 regular games and 4 playoff games it has come down to 1 big game in deciding the best team in the Philippine Premier League. The Jubas Beasts(53996) have successfully defended their title against the Trailblazers United(54042) in a thriller 106-101 game(10545926).

The Beasts and Trailblazers have faced each other in the Premier League Finals for the past 3 seasons. But this was probably the hardest road to the finals for both teams with all the strong teams coming into their own this season.

The Beasts only topped the Great 8 conference through point differential in a three-way tie with the rejuvenated Red Robins(53984) and the red-hot Queen's Coast(53994) . The tie was forced with a win by the Beasts over the Robins in their final game of the season and Queen's Coast riding it's 7-game winning streak.

The Trailblazers made it through an even rougher Big 8 conference which boasts of 6 teams with more than 10 wins. This is the conference of Philippine Cup champions RNA(54037) and the powerhouse Hoes(54021) .

In a game where Beasts wingmen Liang "Laway" Wai Cheng(2445408) and Marlon Kintanar(2205524) had a difficult time finding their shots, it was the reserves who stepped up to try and keep up with Ubaldo Nudalo and company. Cleber Aguilar(817892) and Richard Tonillo(2205520) contributed from the bench 14 and 9 points respectively.

But it was the prolific defense of Cesar Bastos(2228771) and Ondrej "Colossus" Zatkovsky(3198109) who also made it harder for the Trailblazers big men to dominate the game.

Then with the game on the line and 5 minutes left, it was Liang Wai Cheng and Marlon Kintanar who made the big plays.

Philippines suffers first U21 loss against Australia U21

at the second leg of the BuzzerBeater Asia U21 Championship Tournament, Philippines U21 suffers their first loss against Australia U21 with the score of 155-101 held at the Zapper Arena in Indonesia.

U21 gunman Sotero Maravilla erupted for 43 points, nailing down 5 three-pointers and swatting 5 shots. Anthony Gillegao also scored in double figures, with 24, also racking up 5 blocks.

Scond quarter was a big problem for the Pinoys, as they were pinned down to only 18 points, after scoring 31 on the first quarter. The Australian youngsters were everywhere on the court, gunning shot after shot on the next 2 quarters.

"We have been challenged to a showdown, we were prepared to fight, i just think that tonight was not our night." says the U21 coach.

The Pinoys shut down the Australians' outside shooting, but their spped and perimeters cam to a toll, they even shut down floor leader Miguel Pingonan, who never had a basket from downtown.

"They were spotting me on, pressuring ten-folds and intercepting the passing lanes. It was a very embarrasing effort."

Nonetheless, our Pinoy U21 bigmen provided frontcourt prescence with 61 rebounds, Legaspi had 15 and Pacanan grabbed 16.

"We thought that our big men will save the day. They had a very good game, but the Australians were feeling it too."

Down at the end quarter, the pinoy team couldn't make a run, which is in their forte, to give the last quarter a big run.

Next game would be against China U21, and they're pretty confident that they will learn from their previous game and apply give what they got on Monday. They never liked the loss, for it's their first since the management took a transition by appointing GM-Katchafire Collie as their new manager.

"I never take it with them, They were unbeatable, and that also means that there will come a time that they would be losing a game... it's natural. I have high hopes on this youngsters and hopefully so, we would win the remaining games." says Collie.


Last edited by Katchafire Collie at 4/28/2009 8:04:57 AM

Sorry di ko sigurado kung saan ko ilalagay itong message pero minor correction lang, 115-101 yun final score. :)

Last edited by Greedy at 4/28/2009 6:55:06 AM

Shortie: Hoes couldn't compete with TrailBlazers United

Shortie has admitted that they would have won the title were it not for their bitter rivals TrailBlazers United.


Hoes manager, Shortie, has acknowledged that Hoes could not compete with TrailBlazers in the Philippine Premiere League this season.

Shortie declared himself "happy and proud" of his time with Hoes, but told the press that their team couldn't topple their rival.

"We could not compete with Aldo's squad. Our performance has been very high and with the results that we have obtained, we could be champions, but for TrailBlazers," he explained.

"They play excellent basketball, but these are the patches in basketball. Players like Nudalo, Czulinski and Nezih combine to the highest level."

Certainly Shortie has managed to turn Hoes around in his time in charge, but perhaps not enough to see him stay beyond this season.

He admits that his contract is only for five seasons, and that already there is plenty of talk of possible replacements after the elections.

"It was clear that my contract was for five seasons and if nobody gets in touch with me before may 30, it will be clear that my time here is over." he mused.

"I knew where I stood and what was required of me. I only wanted the next team to count on me if he trusted in my work.

"The rumors have already started and they are mainly talking about my retirement."

Despite almost acknowledging that he will be leaving this summer, Shortie did say that he has at least achieved his objectives.

"When I arrived, the objective was to qualify for the Playoffs and we have done that several times and even bagged home a championship trophy. In fact, I even feel like we could become a champion in the near future with rising stars Teofilo García de Caceres, NT player Mauro Sumayod and former national player Ivan Ricamona!" he joked.

"The fans are delighted because in his last reign I gave the fans a reason to come in the team's color during game time. I feel sad for them that I have to move on now with my own life. Apart from being a manager. " he said.

TrailBlazers United Win PPL season 8 Championship

The TrailBlazers have broken Jubas Beast's chance of getting the cup and league trophy in one season by sealing the championship series 2-0...

TrailBlazers United are PPL champions for season 8 following a hard-fought but deserved win from Game1 of the series.

"The Jubas Beasts was a bigger team against our Team. They have outstanding players. Sharpshooter guards and dominating big men. and what a time to win against them. we had 3 games in the past this season and we lost all of them. I just put my trust on my players in game 1 and won. I guess its just that they(Beasts) didnt prepare for us. It is not yet the right time for the Grandslam season of Jubas Beasts. Maybe some other time.". Aldo commented

The coach is not about to rest on his laurels, though, and told the press that he wants more players for the next season.

"I want a bigger TrailBlazers Squad next season."

The coach went on to state that it is "always necessary to incorporate new players" but said he did not want to be drawn on who might leave or come in. We must keep in mind that this is a mentally stable and young team, who can go for some years more."

With regards to the future of Ubaldo Nudalo at the team, again the coach did not want to speak too much about it, but he said they will discuss his deal soon.

"He is a very important player and I am delighted with him, but I will not speak publicly about transfers. We will speak with him soon, we will speak privately and we will let it be known what happens," he explained.

Personally, TrailBlazers United manager Aldo said that he will "digest the success" he had in this league.

"We just managed to bag home a runner-up trophy for the past two seasons and we are so much determined to win this championship this season because I know it will be very hard for us to bounce back if we continue on displaying a runner-up trophy on our trophy case and the Jubas Beasts will surely be the favorite of all filipino fans. That is what I am afraid of.. We know how Ginebra Team wins the PBA championship because of the fans."

Season 8 is over

After one season of training and playing, Korniks Team ended with a disappointing tie breaker loss to ShoOots.


Eliseo Garin was fouled out during the last minute of the game, "I am so disappointed. Where are the inside prescence of my teammates? I was relying to their skills but what happened? Are they tired or something?", told the reporters after the "solo" game when he scored 30 points and 12 rebounds.

The only player who has double digits is scoring is Shumkovski garnering only 10 points and the team had a bad shooting night with 30-80 in shooting.

"We faced a team that is so outstanding and we are undermanned, I wish them luck in League II", cezzz16 told the reporters. "I have to talk to my players to boost their morale and learn from our mistakes. He (Garin) is disappointed because everybody have a great expectation on him because he is a member of the national team. I was so proud of Garin and the team for what they did in this season. I saw their hardwork and teamwork that made them strong as a team. This feeling of loss shall pass and i know next season, my team would be strong as ever. I would like to thank all of our fans who watched every second of our game. Next year fans, next year." he added.

The Korniks Team is hoping for getting a new draftee next season. "One more center for next year and I'm done training my big men." the manager closed.