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Time to restart

Akainu's Lair, Fairview -- After defaulting their do-or-die Game 3 matchup two seasons ago against Edeno Uno for the right to advance in the Philippine Premier League, the Dahlia Mavericks changed their name to Absolute Justice last season to seek 'vengeance'.

They were contemplating to move-on from the league but the passion evidently burns stronger than the mishap.

Absolute Justice was breezing through the first half of the season until the mid-year when the injury bug took care of them. Injuries to Josefina Dieta in the season finale made the GM to trade him hastily as bad luck was on their side. James Castillo was also sideline for almost a month right at the finish line.

They fought valiantly in the playoffs but ultimately succumbed to home team Global 9 in Season 29.

With all but 5/15 players in the market, it's time to say goodbye.

The transfer of Fillmore Sabangan, Erben Parado, James Castillo, Rennor Villegas and Renald Geonanga are all but assured.

"We want to give our veterans a chance to compete for the Finale," GM Nicolo Maro said. "we mean to advance and reach the PPL or at the championship which we could not foresee."

GM Nicolo Maro has been contemplating to 'restart' for such a long time but he felt that this is the season wherein they have to 'let go.'

"We are not getting younger anymore, our team is composed of wily veterans and they have done their part and another season together won't do it," he said.

"We have to evaluate our future, what we want to accomplish, our enjoyment, the business-side, time, everything to continue," he added.

According to the GM, no need to highlight what the players have done especially Fillmore, "Geo" and Rennor. "They have been terrific in their stay with our team."

Unlike other teams, Absolute Justice doesn't thrive in 'buy and sell' as they actually take care of their players and wants them to be part of organization long-term. In addition, they're the only team in their league with an All-Filipino lineup to boast.

With that, possible enshrinement's might be finally made as the team will review their overall outlook and see and enjoy the improvement of their young players and continually search for the 'next one'.

For the fans, the team would like to say, 'thank you'. We were perennial contenders and as we've enjoyed continuous success, it might be time to for us to experience growing pains. We can make this quick but let's all be patient in the process.

Serkan Ules: The first 'true' superstar


In recognition of the pending transfer of Fillmore Sabangan and Renald Geonanga - two possible candidate for enshrinement - Absolute Justice will feature players in the coming weeks that will be enshrined in their Hall of Fame.


First: Serkan Ules, 6'6" 198lbs.


Played from: November 19, 2009 to August 22, 2012 (10 seasons)

- He was the first major transaction of the team netting $2,760,400 to be their import.
- Was a four-time allstar in his 10 seasons with the team.
- Part of the Mavs team that advanced in the Philippine Premier League (PPL) - their first ever - in Season 19.
- Played 175/425 career games in Mavs uniform.

Totals:
Points: 2,583
Rebounds: 1014
Steals: 140
Assists: 474
Blocks: 150
- Player average: 14.7ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.7apg, 0.8spg, 0.9bpg and 1.1 TO. 44%FG, 32% 3P, and 74% FT.
Career high (in points): 45

Serkan was the first 'true' superstar of the team according to GM Nicolo Maro. He was the all-around guy who can play multiple position and was able to fit seamlessly in any lineup.

"I think if not for the performance of "Saba", Ules will not be the first to be inducted. However, we felt that during his time, Serkan was the franchise player. Unlike Saba, he was more of the do-it-all forward that is critical to any team." ~ GM

Despite being a 'foreigner', it speaks a lot of volume how Serkan Ules impacted the Dahlia Mavericks franchise as their first hall of fame inductee. He was the best player on the floor during his tenure, and without a doubt having the 'heart' of a Filipino.

We got talent

Akainu's Lair, Fairview -- In their first game after 'cleaning house', Absolute Justice fought valiantly in a televised game against Global 9 with just six players.

"We have to deal the cards we're dealt," Coach Doc said. "I am proud of those guys."

It was a closer game than the outcome as both teams were trading baskets up to the mid-way of the fourth. However, fatigued sets-in as Justice ran out of gas in the fourth as almost all starters played 48 minutes.

"We played intelligent basketball and I couldn't be more happier with the outcome of the game," GM Nicolo Maro said. "we will issue press release as often as we would love to showcase the progress of our players in this rebuild."

Amante Ruben who was acquired just before the deadline last season wasn't dealt in the frenzy and he provided the muscle for Justice with a game-high 28 points and 23 rebounds.

"We were thin and there's no way we would go down without a fight," Ruben said.

Team favorite Santos Verano also had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

"What I like most about Santos is he sacrificed himself for this team," GM Nicolo Maro said. "Rest assured that we appreciate everything he has done for our organization."

Marion Pacete was 'awful' but playing out of position and against Global 9 superstar Eugene Putong, he stood his ground. He went 6-28 from the field but who else is to create for Absolute Justice?

The only consolation was that he was able to limit Putong's output as he scored 12 although it can be argued that Global 9 played a team effort.

Bernard Holganza led the visiting team with 22 points while bruiser Nicholas MacWhirr had a double-double with 17 points and 20 rebounds. The rest of the starters scored in double-figures.

"As long as the team is fun to watch, let these young guys grow and acquire some, we'll support the team," one fan quipped.

Leonard Dyer: The first 'franchise' player

As the Absolute Justice franchise better known as Dahlia Mavericks commemorates their players, there is one who truly stood out during his time playing for the team - his name is Leonard Dyer.

Leonard Dyer, 6'1" 181lbs.

Played from: September 14, 2008 to March 22, 2011 (10 Seasons)

- He was considered the first 'franchise' player of the team.
- Was a two-time all-star in his 10 seasons for the team.
- Played 175/304 career games in Mavericks uniform.

Totals:
Points: 1,788
Rebounds: 726
Assists: 681
Steals: 136
Blocks: 60

Player average: 10.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 3.9apg, .8spg, .3bpg and .8TO in 38% FG, 28% 3P, and 72% FT.

Leonard Dyer is considered the first 'franchise' player of the team. He and Denneb Tampus were the young guns looking to prove their worth in the league as the starting back-court of the upstart Dahlia Mavericks.

"My vivid memory of Dyer was that he was flirting with a triple-double and is the premier rebounding point guard in our league," GM Nicolo Maro said. "he deserves to be in our hall of fame as we can't think of any other player who we called a franchise player back then."

Tinatamad ako gumawa ng 'press release'. Anyway, this is one of the best - if not the best - game of my franchise (despite being in Division III).

(http://www.buzzerbeater.com/match/82691835/boxscore.aspx)

epic match yan idol ah ....

Ravena establishes new scoring record in epic Cup win

Philippine National Tournament Round 4
Bacoor Blades @ PhilippinePride
18:05

In what could be considered an epic game, it is only fitting that a record was set in its midst.

Raphael Ravena, in just his second game back from a week-long injury, created history as he established a new scoring high for a Bacoor Blade with 72 points, including crucial baskets down the wire, in an overtime victory, 164-156, against PhilippinePride at the Mall of Asia Arena to help the team advance to Round 5 of the National Tournament.

A high-octane game from the get-go, the Blades and the Pride were exchanging baskets from the first quarter on, with the Blades eking out a 36-34 lead after one. But the Pride bounced back in the second and thru the efforts of Leandro Cui, the hosts took the lead at halftime, 69-67.

The torrid exchange went on for the rest of the second half, up until the last few seconds of regulation. With just 17 seconds remaining, the Blades were down by four, 137-133. After calling a timeout, Arthur Jeter nailed a three pointer with 11 seconds to go. Blades played the foul game but Juan Ocón made both of his freethrows to increase the gap to three, 139-136.

Despite having a timeout remaining TheDogMan elected to keep the game going, which started to look like a bad idea as they could not find a good shot. Out of desparation, Ravena fired a three pointer with a second to go over the outstretched arms of Ocón and connected to tie the game. A successful defensive stand saw the Blades prevent a driving layup attempt by Cui from going in, affirming the extra session.

In overtime, Baltazar Sotero and Ravena connived to give the Blades the early edge before Arthur Jeter nailed a three to make it 156-145 with over 90 seconds to go. With the game nearing the end the chances of a comeback was becoming bleak for the hosts.

Aside from the scoring record, Ravena also had eight assists and four rebounds across his name. Jeter had a monster performance as well, flirting with a triple-double with 41 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. Sotero rounded up what weirdly enough as the only three double-digit scorers for Bacoor. In contrast, it was a team scoring effort for the hosts, with four of their players scoring at least 30 points.

"It's an amazing achievement." said team manager TheDogMan. "We were asking him before the game if he's okay."

"I guess he's okay." he further added.

"Hindi ako makapaniwala na nagawa ko 'to." Ravena admitted. "Sa sobrang bilis ng takbo ng laro hindi ko na napapansin yung score ko."

The Blades will return to League action next as they face Great 8 team Baltimore Murderers.

The Curse is Over

After 15 long seasons in league 2.4 Zebu Mayas finally won the finals in their third try defeating Philippine Pirates in a two game sweep. Long time suffering fans were jumping like crazy as their team finally graduates from league two to the PPL after all these seasons of trying. Lolo Smithz was calm and composed as he was mobbed by players and given a congratulatory ride.

Interviewed by reporters Lolo Smithz was seen wiping tears of joy and had this to say. "The "Forever 2.4" curse has finally been broken today. 15 seasons in league 2 is a record of sorts in BB Pilipinas that will be hard to break. I wish no team will go through the same suffering season after season wondering when will their team ever succeed in winning it all and go up in league."

"Next season will be a challenge. Whether or not we will succeed in surviving the top league time will tell. One game at a time. Thanks to the BB Gods who finally took pity on this suffering old man."