Beermen take pep out of Barako Coffee, share lead

Source: Philippine Star



MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer started strong and finished even stronger as it walloped Barako Energy Coffee, 106-82, to gain a piece of the lead in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Astrodome last night.

The Beermen seized control early behind the exploits of Dondon Hontiveros and Alex Cabagnot and finished pulling away on the sterling efforts of Dorian Peña, Jay Washington and Olsen Racela.

Import Gabe Freeman drew tremendous support from his local teammates as the Beermen tied the Coca-Cola Tigers for the lead with 3-1 win-loss cards.

Hontiveros went 4-of-4 from the field in the opening quarter and finished with a team-high 20 points on top of four rebounds and one assist.

Freeman put in 17 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two shot blocks with Washington, Cabagnot and Peña adding at least 11 points each for the Beermen who made it 3-0 over the Energy Food and Drinks franchise this season.

The Coffee Masters reeled to their fourth straight loss after winning their first game in the reinforced tourney against the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine and Barangay Ginebra clash today in the second leg of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour in Victorias, Negros Occidental.

The Beermen jumped the gun on the Coffee Masters only to relax in the second and third quarters, allowing Barako to get back into the game.

“That’s our main concern, we have bad habits,” rued San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“We gave away 17 free throws in the second quarter, meaning we didn’t play defense. We’re not playing defense so we’re not able to pull away early,” Tanquingcen added.

After allowing the Coffee Masters to come within five, 64-69, after the third quarter, the Beermen buckled down to work again to pull off the rout.

Peña, Washington, Racela, Cabagnot and Arwind Santos did the job as San Miguel pummeled Barako, 38-18, in the fourth quarter.

Philippine Cup champion B-MEG Derby Ace made it two in a row in the reinforced tourney with a 92-75 win over Air21 in the nightcap.

Former Sen. Nikki Coseteng tossed the ceremonial ball in the contest highlighting the first day of the league’s weeklong anniversary celebration.

The scores:

San Miguel 106 – Hontiveros 20, Freeman 17, Washington 16, Cabagnot 13, Peña 11, Yeo 8, Santos 7, Racela 6, Ildefonso 4, Miranda 2, Pennisi 2, Villanueva 0, Holper 0.

Barako Coffee 82 – Monroe 25, Najorda 11, Vergara 9, Reyes 9, Wainwright 9, Duncil 8, Aljamal 6, Faundo 2, Alonzo 2, Dimaunahan 1, Menor 0.

Quarterscores: 31-17, 55-46, 69-64, 106-82

Second Game

Derby Ace 92 – Wade 29, Yap J. 15, Yap R. 14, Canaleta 12, Artadi 7, Pingris 6, Simon 4, Maierhofer 2, Revis 2, Allado 1, Salvador 0.

Air21 75 – Buenafe 14, Young 13, Ritualo 12, Billones 9, Cortez 8, Sharma 6, Gonzales 5, Matias 3, Kramer 2, Alvarez 2, Williams 1, Belga 0, Yee 0.

Quarterscores: 19-10, 50-37, 73-59, 92-75

Tigers gun for 4th win vs Kings

Source: Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola takes on Barangay Ginebra in an Easter Sunday showdown at the Araneta Coliseum, determined to sustain their sizzling start in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.

The Tigers, who have never had a 4-0 start in a tourney in four years, go for that mark as they clash with the Kings at 6:30 p.m.

Rain or Shine and Barako Energy Coffee mix it up at 4 p.m. with the former gunning for a second win in three starts and the latter seeking a second victory in four outings.

The Tigers hardly took a rest during the brief Lenten season break as they’re really aching to keep their winning run, hoping to make it four in a row versus the Kings.

Coach Bo Perasol and the James Penny-led Coke squad are off to an auspicious start in the reinforced tourney, winning their first three games by a whopping average margin of 12.3 points.

And they’re not about to slow down.

“We need to put aside the fact that we’ve won our first three games. We have to muster enough mental toughness to overcome a very tough opponent like Ginebra,” said Perasol.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico expressed deep concern playing the red-hot Coke team.

“We have to be consistent on both ends of the floor. They’ve got a good system going,” said Uichico.

The Kings, fourth placers in the recent Philippine Cup, had a swashbuckling debut versus the Talk n Text Tropang Texters but struggled and suffered a sorry loss in their next game against the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

Interesting is how Awvee Storey would adjust after being shackled down by the Realtors.

Storey, the only one with NBA credentials among the imports listed in the tourney, could well be up for another acid test facing Penny and Asi Taulava.

In the first game, the Elasto Painters are likely to bank heavily on import Jai Lewis anew as they look for a follow-up to their 84-77 conquest of the Realtors on Palm Sunday.

“Barako is a dangerous team having a scoring import and hard working locals. We have to maximize our height. If we control the boards and limit Sam Monroe’s touches, then we have a good chance,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

Barako coach Junel Baculi, meanwhile, is hopeful his team will start winning soon.

“I’ve told the players that no one recognizes a team that always loses. Win and be respected. Win as a team,” said Baculi.

Coke vs San Miguel 03.27.10

Freeman leads Beermen in win over Texters

Source: PBA.com
Cramping out in their last game Saturday, Gabe Freeman returned with a flourish, stepping up as San Miguel Beer beat out Talk n Text in their fierce Holy Wednesday showdown at the Araneta Coliseum.

Freeman churned out 29 points and 22 rebounds and drew tremendous support from four teammates as the Beermen outlasted the Tropang Texters, 112-106, in overtime to gain solo second in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.

Dondon Hontiveros, Jay Washington, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot were locals who helped big as San Miguel became the first team in light-colored uniform to win a game in the season-ending tourney.

Hontiveros added 21 points, Washington chipped in 18 points, five rebounds and three assists, Santos contributed 13 points and five rebounds while Cabagnot shared 12 points and eight points.

The Beermen outlasted the Texters in a furious battle, seizing solo second with a 2-1 win-loss records before the league takes a brief break in observance of the Lenten season.

The tourney resumes on Easter Sunday with Barako Coffee and Rain or Shine slugging it out at 4 p.m. before Barangay Ginebra and Coca-Cola clash at 6:30 p.m.

“We wanted to come out. We knew we needed to regroup as a team, and I think we did a good job out there tonight,” said Freeman.

“At least nakabawi after our poor game versus Coca-Cola (in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental last Saturday). Actually dalawang sunod na masamang laro yon,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“We’re a work in progress and hopefully we’ll be able to fast track it. With two new recruits (Alex Cabagnot and Joseph Yeo), nagkakapaan ang team,” Tangquincen added.

Talk n Text sent the game into overtime on a triple by Ranidel de Ocampo but the Texters lost just the same on a woeful 5-of-10 free-throw shooting in the extension play.

The Texters slid to joint fifth place with the Air21 Express and the Barako Energy Coffee Masters on their identical 1-2 marks.

The Beermen opened the overtime with a 6-1 tear and held on to the lead to the finish.

Going down the drain was De Ocampo’s heckuva game laced with 28 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Harvey Carey had a double-double game with 20 points and 11 rebounds with Jimmy Alapag adding 17 points, three assists and two rebounds.

Import Shawn Daniels continued to concentrate on manning the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds but putting in only 16 points. He was 2-of-7 from the stripe. (SB)

The scores:

San Miguel 112 - Freeman 29, Hontiveros 21, Washington 18, Santos 13, Cabagnot 12, Villanueva 6, Pennisi 6, Yeo 4, Pena 3, Miranda 0.

Talk N' Text 106 - De Ocampo 28, Carey 20, Alapag 17, Daniels 16, Castro 10, Cardona 9, Yee 6, Dillinger 0, Aban 0, Isip 0, Belasco 0.

Quarterscores: 28-25, 55-51, 76-73, 112-106

Banes engages Baker for Pinoy cagers

Source: Philippine Star
Rain Or Shine skills and conditioning coach Eric Banes said yesterday he has come to terms with basketball expert Ganon Baker to form an academy that will offer a development program for Filipino players and introduce the latest methods in boot camp training.

Banes recently arrived from a two-week visit to Columbus, Ohio, where he conferred with Baker, a well-known professional skills development coach whose list of past and present clients includes NBA veterans Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, Steve Francis, T. J. Ford, J. R. Smith, Kevin Durant, Andrew Bynum, Glenn Davis, Al Horford, Daequan Cook, Sean Singletary and Al Thornton.

“My talks with Ganon produced positive results,” said Banes who is also the Philippine Patriots strength and conditioning coach and College of St. Benilde deputy assistant coach. “His credentials are impeccable. Ganon and I are forming an academy with camps in North and South Carolina and Washington , D. C. Our program will focus on team development. We plan to bring college and professional teams from Asia to the US. Our starting point is the Philippines. The idea is to bring Filipino teams to the US for training or Ganon himself will come to Manila to conduct clinics.”

Banes, 43, described Baker as “the most sought-after skills development coach in the US and Europe today.”

“Ganon inspires players to learn, perform and execute at the highest level,” continued Banes. “He has the ability to demonstrate all drills and teaching methods. He provides take-home material to enhance the learning process. His past experience as Nike’s lead instructor for skills training and development and the Jordan brand camp gives him instant credibility.”


Banes initially met Baker at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, Ohio, two years ago. He was introduced to Baker by Boston Celtics assistant coach Kevin Eastman who organized the course for outstanding under-18 high school players with James holding court.

“Observing Ganon’s clinics, one thing stands out clearly in my mind,” said Banes. “It’s bringing focus to teaching values in playing the game while enhancing tomorrow’s elite players by maximizing their basketball performance and improving their physical skills and overall basketball IQ.”

Baker’s own objective in teaching players is “to build fundamentally strong athletes while mentoring good character and moral principles.” He said his goal is to build the most highly-skilled basketball players where they always have a solution on and off the court.

A former Duquesne and University of North Carolina at Wilmington varsity player, Baker has a Master’s degree in physical education and health. He played professional basketball in Iceland after a brief stint as a Division I and II assistant coach. Baker has produced 42 best-selling DVDs on skills development.

Among Baker’s references are former UCLA coach Steve Lavin, former NBA guards John Lucas and Craig Ehlo, Nike global director and coach George Raveling, Chinese national team assistant coach Brian Goorjian and Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester.

Banes has attended several camps in the US, including the Steve Nash Skills Academy in New Jersey, the Joe Abunassar Impact Basketball Camp in Carson City, the Boston Celtics camp in Walsham, Massachusetts, the University of Connecticut strength and conditioning seminar, the Bobby Knight camp at Indiana and Achieve Fitness courses in Denver. Last year, Banes was the only Asian coach and class topnotcher in the Athletes Performance course in Tempe, Arizona.

Banes earned a management degree at San Beda College where when he was in Grade 6, worked as a water boy for the Red Lions teams that won back-to-back NCAA seniors titles in 1978-79 under coach Bonnie Carbonnel. Among the San Beda players he served were Frankie Lim, Chito Loyzaga, Jayvee Yango, Chuck Barreiro and Cholo Martin.

“When I skipped classes at San Beda one day to be with the basketball team as a water boy in 1978, I didn’t realize it would open a new chapter in my life,” said Banes, married to wife Maricon with a 15-year-old daughter Megan. “That started my passion for the game. I tried out for the high school teams of San Beda, Jose Rizal and Perpetual Help. It was at Perpetual where I was taken in during a guest appearance in the ’80s. I’ve been coaching now for 12 years and some of my students were Luis Sinco, Gabby Albano, Jed Manguera, Mark de Guzman, Mike Fernandez, Dom Fergus, Rey Yap, James Panaligan and Andres Calma. I work with Mac-Mac Cardona on his strength and conditioning.”

Banes said it was Dindo Pumaren who took him to his brother Derrick who in turn endorsed him to his brother Franz. He was briefly in the La Salle coaching staff as an assistant to Franz.

“Derrick jump-started my coaching career and I find Franz a consistent disciplinarian and mentor,” said Banes. “Richard del Rosario has a good grasp of the sport with his ability to break down a game, particularly in defense. But it was Louie Alas who taught me a lot about the game. Louie’s analytical mind in preparing for games is one aspect I learned from him. I saw that a lot when I joined his crew in the Asean Basketball League. There are many coaches I admire but Doc Rivers epitomizes the best there is due to his calm demeanor during games.”

Banes heads Achieve Fitness Performance Asia which has links to the Denver head office specializing in one-on-one skills development in basketball, mobile training, team training, boot camp, equipment procurement, strength and conditioning and hotel gym management.

03.26.10 Talk 'N Text vs Rain or Shine

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Tigers clobber Beermen, grab lead

Source: Philippine Star
Coca-Cola outscored San Miguel in a duel of spurts last night, getting away with a telling run at the finish for a 108-98 victory in their PBA Fiesta Conference road game at the Gingoog City Sports and Cultural Center in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.

Chico Lanete came off the bench to preside over Coca-Cola’s swashbuckling, finish sending the Tigers to a second straight win for early solo leadership in the season-ending reinforced conference.

The Beermen started strong but faltered at the finish as they lost big men Dorian Peña, Gabe Freeman, Jay Washington and Danny Ildefonso one after the other.

They moved down to joint second place with the Sta. Lucia Realtors, the Ginebra Kings, the Talk n Text Tropang Texters and the Barako Energy Coffee Masters with identical 1-1 win-loss records.

The Realtors and the Energy Coffee Masters go for a second straight win as they take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Air21 Express, respectively, at the resumption of play at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Dorian went to the showers ahead of everybody on a flagrant foul on Dennis Espino right in the first quarter, Freeman suffered cramps with 5:13 left to play while Washington and Ildefonso fouled out in the homestretch.

The Tigers simply pounced on the situation, unleashing a 14-4 run to race ahead, 88-85, entering the last five minutes of the game.

With no import rival to contend with, James Penny imposed his will at the finish and the Tigers went on to chalk up their first 2-0 start in the last four conferences. They had a 0-3 start in the recent Philippine Cup where they finished seventh.

The Tigers set out for the game coming off a 13-point whipping of the Energy Coffee Masters Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The scores:

Coca-Cola 108 -- Penny 33, David 19, Lanete 15, Espino 12, Taulava 9, Rizada 9, Macapagal 9, Cruz 2, Ross 0, Gonzales 0, Allera 0, Rodriguez 0, Bono 0.

San Miguel Beer 98 -- Freeman 18, Santos, 18, Ildefonso 17, Hontiveros 12, Cabagnot 8, Yeo 8, Washington 6, Villanueva 6, Pennisi 3, Seigle 2, Miranda 0, Holper 0, Pena 0.

Quarterscores: 32-26, 51-57, 72-77, 108-98.

SLR guns for 2nd straight win

Sta. Lucia Realty goes for a second straight win when it takes on Rain or Shine while Barako Bull Coffee tries to get back on the winning track when it battles Air21 this Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Yñares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

The Express (0-1) and the Coffee Makers (1-1) clash in the first game at 4 p.m., while the Elasto Painters (0-1) and the Realtors (1-1) collide in the main game at 6:30 p.m.

Sta. Lucia is fresh from a convincing 86-72 win over Barangay Ginebra Friday night at the Astrodome in Pasay City, its first win this conference after bowing to Barako Bull Coffee, 97-93, on opening day last week.

Import Anthony Johnson led the way for the Realtors as he scattered 22 points on top of 13 rebounds, two assists and three shot blocks.

Local mainstays also stepped up as point guard Ryan Reyes had 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and five steals, while Kelly Williams added 13.

Although Rain or Shine is coming off 96-99 loss against Talk N’ Text in its opening game last Friday, the Realtors are not taking the Painters lightly.

“We just have to keep on playing hard on both ends,” Sta. Lucia head coach Boyet Fernandez said. “Knowing Rain or Shine, which has the tools, the system to be a competitive team, we expect another tough game.”

Jay-R Reyes led Rain or Shine with a personal season-high 23 points, while import Jai Lewis had 17 and 20 rebounds. But the Painters shot only 31 of 79 or 39.2 percent from the field and made 22 of 34 attempts from the free throw line, hastening their downfall against the Tropang Texters.

“We have to improve on our shooting, and we have to toughen on our defense,” said Rain or Shine mentor Caloy Garcia, who will rely on Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado, who scored 16 and 13 points, respectively against TNT.

Equally exciting is the match pitting Air21 and Barako Bull Coffee.

This marks the first time that the two teams will collide since Junel Baculi joined the Coffee Masters after serving as chief lieutenant of revered head coach Yeng Guiao with the Bert Lina-owned team for two conferences.

“Of course I’m excited to play my former team. Coach Yeng was really a big help when I was with him with Burger King. Expect an exciting game,” Baculi said.

Games Sunday (Yñares Sports Center)
4 p.m. – Air21 vs Barako Bull Coffee
6:30 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Sta. Lucia

Perseverance pays off for PBA rookie

Source: Philippine Star
Barako Coffee’s Jerwin Gaco holds the distinction of being the only rookie to break into the ongoing PBA Fiesta Conference and for the 29-year-old forward who was snubbed in the 2005 draft, the long wait was worth it.

Gaco couldn’t believe it at first when Barako coach Junel Baculi offered a one-year contract and said he would be in the Energy Masters’ roster starting this conference.

Eventually, reality sunk in. He reported for practice and was welcomed by his former PBL teammates Chad Alonzo, Rob Reyes, Jojo Duncil and Al Vergara. And last Sunday, Gaco made his PBA debut, compiling two points, two rebounds, one blocked shot and four fouls in 14 minutes, as Barako downed Sta. Lucia Realty, 97-93, at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I was nervous and excited,” said Gaco yesterday. “It’s a dream come true for me. It’s what I’d been praying for. I never lost hope. I wasn’t drafted in 2005. I tried out for Red Bull and Purefoods but didn’t make it. I knew if I worked hard, I would someday play in the PBA.”

Gaco suited up for Polytechnic University then transferred to La Salle where he teamed with Mac-Mac Cardona, Joseph Yeo and Rico Maierhofer. The 6-1 1/2 forward played on one La Salle UAAP title team and brought his winning ways to the PBL where he was a fixture on Mikee Romero’s seven championship squads.

Through the years, Gaco earned a reputation as a hard-nosed defender with a championship tradition. In his first overseas trip in 1999, Gaco played on a national high school selection that captured the Nike Invitational crown in Taipei. Among this teammates were James Yap, Paul Artadi and Romero’s basketball operations director Erick Arejola. The prep team was coached by George Gallent and topped the US, Japan, Korea and two Taiwan squads for the title.

Gaco also saw action for the Philippine Patriots that recently won the inaugural Asean Basketball League (ABL) diadem. Never staying idle, Gaco even played for Laguna in Liga Pilipinas during the PBL offseason.

The eldest of four children, Gaco lost his parents before he turned 19. His father Jaime, a seaman, died of cancer at 35 in 1995 and mother Estrella succumbed to leukemia at 36 four years later. With his parents gone, the orphaned Gaco became the family breadwinner and used his basketball earnings to send his sisters Jeaneileen and Jamaica and brother J. R. to school.

“It would’ve been special if my parents were still alive and saw me in the PBA but I know they’re watching over me,” said Gaco. “My sisters and brother have all graduated, thanks to basketball. It’s been a long journey for me. I remember when I tried out for La Salle, I was so intimidated that I brought along my best friend Ricky Alcantara for moral support. When I was signed by Barako, I got lots of texts from friends. Sabi nila, it’s about time.”

Gaco said as an undersized forward, his work is cut out for him in the PBA. “I’m used to the PBL’s physical play,” he went on. “In the PBA, it’s not as physical. Hand-checking isn’t allowed. I’m adjusting. I’m spending extra hours working on my perimeter shots to improve my offense. I know I have to be in condition all the time. I’ve never suffered any major injury and for that, I thank the Lord. I’m praying for a long career in the PBA.”

Gaco said he learned a lot from previous coaches Franz Pumaren, Tonichi Yturri, Dindo Pumaren, Gallent and Louie Alas. With Baculi, he is reunited from their Harbour Centre days and said he’s looking forward to contributing to Barako’s cause in any way possible.

“Coach Junel wants us to play hard,” he said. “It’s a big challenge for our team and for me since I’m just a rookie. One of my responsibilities is to defend imports. It’s something I hope to prove – that despite my size, I can do it. I never want to lose. I’m just so happy I was given a chance to play in the PBA.”

Gaco lives alone in Sta. Mesa. When his parents passed away, he was cared for by his uncle Leonilo Gaco in San Mateo. He stays in close touch with his grandmother Choleng Andrade in Quezon and grandfather Jose Gaco in Montalban.

In his free time, Gaco bonds with his two daughters Kirsten Anne, 5, and Jillian, 2.

“I have so much to be thankful for,” said Gaco. “I have two wonderful kids. Every chance they get to watch me play, they’ll be there. I’ve worked hard for my family. I persevered. I went from league to league, trying to earn as much as I could to send my brother and sisters to school. Even during hard times, God has always provided.”

Gaco said playing at the Big Dome last Sunday gave him goosebumps. “I didn’t know if I would play against Sta. Lucia,” he said. “The rule is 12 to play plus the import and we’re 15 in the lineup. But coach Junel gave me a chance. I even finished the game on the court and we won so it was very memorable for me.”

Arejola said Gaco deserves what he worked hard for. “He belongs in the PBA,” he said. “Mr. Romero is very, very proud of him. He always knew that someday, Jerwin would make it to the PBA. I call him a rookie veteran because he has so much experience. He’s a leader on the floor. He plays with a lot of intensity and energy. He’s a player whom all coaches look for. More than anything else, he’s a good person. He takes care of his family. He’s generous, disciplined and hard-working.”

Fil-Am prospects for PBA draft

Source: Philippine Star

At least three Fil-Ams are expected to hit town in the coming months, looking for playing credits to gain eligibility for the next PBA draft.

Sports agent Caloy Allado said the other day he’s awaiting the outcome of talks involving a possible merger between the PBL and Liga Pilipinas before waving the green flag for the Fil-Ams to fly in.

The three are 6-1 Shawn Weinstein of San Diego State, 6-3 John Smith of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and 6-4 Anthony Lao of Fraser Valley.

Allado was in the process of bringing in Lao but negotiations were derailed when other agents got into the picture. But he said Weinstein and Smith will be ready to come as soon as they finish their commitments in other leagues.

Weinstein played briefly for San Diego State, an NCAA Division I school, then moved to St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, where he saw action in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. As a senior at Peninsula High School in Rolling Hills, California, Weinstein averaged 28.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.1 steals.

Weinstein, 24, is now playing in the Israel league. His father is Jewish and mother, a Filipina.

Smith played for the same Hawaii school that produced Alex Cabagnot. Last season, he averaged 16.3 points and 3.1 assists in claiming first team All-Pacific West honors. Smith, whose mother is Filipina, is now playing for Lokomotiv Bernau in the German league.

Lokomotiv coach Torsten Schierenbach said, “We looked at a lot of players and in the end, John offered the best overall package for us – he’s a good shooter, he can defend and he has a great personality.”

In February last year, Smith hit a buzzer-beating triple and finished with 24 points to lift Hawaii to an 80-78 squeaker over Chaminade University at the Hilo gym. With 20 seconds left and Chaminade up by one, Smith took the inbounds pass, drove to the top of the key and let loose a triple for the game winner.

* * * *

Lao played two years for Fraser Valley in the Canadian collegiate league, averaging 10.2 points in 2006-07 and 7.7 points in 2007-08. Coach Laurian Watkins said the goal is for Lao to play in the PBL then apply for the PBA draft in August. Former PBA cager Jon Ordonio, who works for Watkins as a scout, is pushing for Lao to make it here.

“I know Anthony will take the PBL and the PBA by storm,” said Ordonio. “There is footage on him in the internet. I know his name will get out there but I’m looking for a team to take him.”

Allado said he initially contacted Lao on the possibility of playing here.

“I told Anthony he wouldn’t get a big salary playing in the PBL and he’d have to pay his own way to Manila but once he makes it to a team, I’ll work on his reimbursement,” said Allado. “When he breaks into the PBA, that’s the time he can start earning a big salary. It’s up to him. Jon called me up about him and I tried calling him back but he’s not picking up. I hope for Anthony’s sake, he’ll come around. I think he’ll be good for the PBA.”

As for Allado’s son Drew, he said the dream to follow in his big brother Don’s footsteps won’t come true after all.

“Drew played four years in college, never dropped a subject, never flunked and got a 3.7 grade point average,” said Allado. “His goal is to become a lawyer. At first, he thought of playing basketball to make some money for law school. He applied for the PBL draft. He would’ve played for Magnolia but the team decided not to play this conference. Right now, Drew is enjoying his stay in Manila, doing DJ and modelling work. He’s a 6-1 guard and to make it to the PBA, he’s got to be exceptional to beat other guys his size. He’s realistic and he’s got a head on his shoulders. In a few months, he’ll go back to LA and enroll in law school.”

Allado’s son Don, meanwhile, just returned from LA where he consulted with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph Lombardo on the nagging pain in his knee.

“No surgery is required for the moment,” said Allado. “Don will take some shots to numb the pain. His condition is similar to Amare Stoudemire’s problem. It’s wear and tear in the knee. He might decide to undergo surgery in one or two years then do three months of rehab. But that’s not his plan. Don wants to play on and contribute.”

Allado, 32, played on two Alaska championship teams and would’ve been on Talk ‘N’ Text’s Philippine Cup title squad last season if not for a late trade towards the end of the eliminations. He’s been a pro since 1999. A tested winner, Allado was with Purefoods when the Tender Juicy Giants bagged the Philippine Cup trophy last conference.

“Don’s contract with Purefoods expires in July,” said Allado who represents his son as agent. “I think he can play at a high level for at least three more years. We’re hoping to renew his contract.”

* * * *

Allado said Don, married to actress Maricar de Mesa, is looking into business opportunities to prepare for life after basketball.

“He has two billboard spaces which he manages along Katipunan Road,” said Allado. “In the long term, he’s thinking about a poultry business. He thought of that even before joining Purefoods. And now that his team is B-Meg, it’s like a sign of pushing through with his plans. He’s thinking of using a big property owned by Maricar’s family in San Pablo and turning it into a chicken farm. I think when the time comes, he’ll be ready to go full-time into it and stay in San Pablo.”

Allado, a former University of the Philippines varsity cager, is also the agent of Alaska’s Tony de la Cruz and Smart Gilas’ Marcio Lassiter.

“Marcio enjoys playing with the national team but eventually, he’ll go to the PBA,” said Allado. “He’s a legitimate Division I player from California at Fullerton. His body is right for the PBA. He’s tough and a solid all-around player. During a Smart exhibition in Cebu, Marcio had a triple double. He’s learning a lot from coach Rajko Toroman. Marcio got roughed up in Cebu and took a lot of hard fouls. He came back with bruises on his neck, arms and body. But he knows it’s all part of the game.”

As for De la Cruz, Allado said the 31-year-old guard-forward from the University of California at Irvine will finish his playing career with Alaska.

“Tony’s in great shape and I think he’s got several more years left in the PBA,” said Allado. “He’s in his fifth year with Alaska and he’s comfortable playing within coach Tim Cone’s system. He understands the triangle. He’s a perfect fit for Alaska and I see him retiring from that team.”

03.21.10 Barako Coffee vs Sta. Lucia

SMBeer survives hot Air21

Source: Philippine Star

Coke’s Chito Lanete squeezes in a baseline drive against Barako Bull’s import Sammy Monroe. JUN MENDOZA
MANILA, Philippines - Jay Washington nailed two free throws and blocked a three-point shot by Beau Belga in the last 16 seconds of play as San Miguel Beer bucked Gabe Freeman’s early exit on fouls to edge Air21, 92-87, in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Alex Cabagnot, a former Sta. Lucia Realtor, Coke Tiger and BK Whopper, made a decent debut in a San Miguel uniform, piling up 13 points and six assists to help the Beermen start their title-retention bid on a winning note.

Freeman had produced 23 points and 19 rebounds when he fouled out with still 2:22 left and San Miguel ahead by only five at 86-81.

Air21 threatened at 87-88 but San Miguel pulled through on key plays by Washington and Cabagnot in the closing seconds.

The Express put up a tough challenge with Keena Young delivering 23 points and 21 rebounds and local teammates Ronjay Buenafe and Belga adding double-digit outputs.

Earlier, James Penny marked another return stint in the local pro league with a near triple-double job, and Coca-Cola got off to rousing start with a 97-74 whipping of Barako Energy Coffee.

Penny led a vicious Coca-Cola attack in the fourth quarter giving the Tigers an auspicious debut in the tourney where they finished eighth the last time.

The former Texas Christian U star churned out 27 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to prove he’s as dependable as ever.

He’s in his fourth tour of duty in the PBA after leading Red Bull to the championship in 2006 then to a third-place finish the following year before moving over to Coca-Cola last season. He has PBA career averages of 24.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.7 blocks.

“I’m back and I intend to win. Our team is looking pretty good,” said Penny.

“We challenged James, and he responded well. I told him we need him to be a scorer,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

“I also told him that they (other teams and fans) are not talking about him. They are talking about the other imports but we believe that he’s the best,” Perasol added.

Penny had back-to-back slams touching off a decisive assault that opened an 84-64 bulge for the Tigers.

Gary David, Asi Taulava and Norman Gonzales put in tremendous help offensively while RJ Rizada had a big hand on the defensive end.

Sammy Monroe, who erupted for 39 points in a triumphant debut versus Sta. Lucia on opening day, was held down to 25 this time, going 0-of-6 in the field while guarded by Rizada.

David fired 17 points, Taulava tossed in 11 while Gonzales added nine, all coming in the payoff period.

The Tigers, seventh placers in the recent Philippine Cup, took command early, leading by 15 points, 42-27, at the half, but the Coffee Masters waged a fierce chase to come to within four in the third quarter.

Barako was still within striking distance at 60-67 before Penny, Gonzales, David and Taulava combined in a sizzling run to rip the game wide open, 82-63.

Coca-Cola took double-digit spreads right in the first quarter and enjoyed a lead as many as 17 in the second period.

The scores:

First Game

Coca-Cola 97 — Penny 27, David 17, Taulava 11, Gonzales 9, Lanete 6, Rizada 6, Espino 6, Macapagal 5, Bono 4, Allera 3, Cruz 2, Ross 1, Rodriguez 0.

Barako Coffee 74 — Monroe 25, Alonzo 10, Vergara 6, Aljamal 6, Dimaunahan 6, Wainwright 6, Najorda 5, Menor 4, Duncil 4, Reyes 2, Gaco 0, Faundo 0, Hubalde 0.

Quarterscores: 20-12, 42-27, 65-53, 97-74

Second Game

San Miguel 92 – Freeman 23, Washington 19, Cabagnot 13, Peña 12, Pennisi 9, Santos 4, Hontiveros 4, Yeo 3, Miranda 3, Villanueva 2, Ildefonso 0.

Air21 87 – Young 23, Buenafe 13, Belga 12, Matias 9, Ritualo 8, Kramer 4, Sharma 4, Alvarez 4, Gonzales 4, Williams 3, Cortez 3, Billones 0, Yee 0.

Quarterscores: 21-20, 44-39, 70-62, 92-87

James Yap, Pingris lead All-Star balloting

If the ongoing poll to determine the starters for the North and South teams for the 2010 PBA All-Star Weekend may be used as a gauge, then it may be safe to say that James Yap is currently the league’s biggest draw.

Named Best Player of Conference and Finals MVP of the recent Philippine Cup, Yap garnered 28,844 votes to lead all vote getters and appeared o n the way to securing his fifth straight start for the South dating back to his rookie year in 2004.

Interestingly, players of Barangay Ginebra and Derby Ace (formerly Purefoods) garnered the most number of votes after the early tally. The two teams have four players each as provisional starters.

Next to Yap, teammate Mark Pingris received the second highest votes with 20,540, making him the top candidate among the big men for the North.

Also taking the provisional starting spots for the North are reigning league MVP Jayjay Helterbrand (15,916), Paul Artadi (13,664), Kerby Raymundo (19,558) and JC Intal (15,792).

Fans still have a chance to cast their votes until April 4. Polling booths can be found at game venues either at the Araneta Coliseum or Cuneta Astrodome. Online voting is also available at main.pba.ph/votes.asp.

The rest of the players who will comprise the North and South teams will be chosen by the league’s 10 head coaches. A coach however, cannot cast his vote his own player.

Behind MVP Peter June Simon, the South edged out the North in overtime, 163-158, the last time the two teams met in the 2008 All-Star Game in Bacolod City. (DBC)

Barako shoots for early PBA lead, SMB debuts

Source: GMANEWS

Barako shoots for a second straight win on the day San Miguel Beer opens its title defense of the PBA Fiesta Cup.

Fresh from a 97-93 upset of Sta. Lucia in Sunday’s opener at the Araneta Coliseum, the Coffee Energy Masters try to make it two in a row and grab the solo lead in the import-laden tournament as they take on the debuting Coca-Cola Tigers in the 5 p.m. curtain raiser of a weekday twinbill also at the Big Dome.

In the 7:30 p.m. main game, the Beermen, powered anew by last year’s Best Import winner Gabe Freeman, battle the Air21 Express, whose reinvigorated roster has given coach Yeng Guiao the confidence to compete against the league’s powerhouse teams.

"I believe I have the materials to contend against teams like San Miguel, Talk ‘N Text, Alaska, Derby Ace and Ginebra," said Guiao.

The Express, reinforced by new face Keena Young, may have lost Alex Cabagnot, Mark Yee and JR Quinahan to off-season trades but acquired Mike Cortez from San Miguel and Ren-Ren Ritualo from Talk ‘N Text.

If the Express get lucky enough, they may even have Wynne Arboleda back in their line-up.

The stocky guard was suspended without pay for the entire season after attacking a court-side fan in the Philippine Cup, but is now awaiting clearance from the PBA board and league commissioner Sonny Barrios after appealing his case.

Arboleda’s comeback bid already took a big step after the burly playmaker obtained signatures from all the 10 team captains.

Like the Express, the Beermen will also parade new faces in guards Alex Cabagnot and Joseph Yeo, the former La Salle star acquired from Sta. Lucia Realty in exchange for Bonbon Custodio, two marquee players who make the team even more potent.

Meanwhile, Barako Coffee hopes to sustain its opening day win over the Realtors to send a strong message that indeed, the team truly belongs to the league.

"What we want to prove here is that we belong," said Junel Baculi, who is Guiao’s assistant at Burger King in the previous conference. "It’s still a long way."

Import Sammy Monroe poured in 39 points – 17 in the third quarter – and Al Vergara, the undrafted player in 2006, nailed back-to-back clutch jumpers in the homestretch to steer the Energy Coffee Masters to the win over the Realtors and veteran import Anthony Johnson.

Now, Barako will have to contend with James Penny, the team’s former import who guided the franchise to the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference crown against Purefoods, now known as the Derby Ace Llamados.

Penny is an altogether different breed compared to Johnson, yet both are equally effective.

But Penny isn’t the only problem the Harbour Centre-backed Barako Energy Coffee Masters will have to deal with. The Tigers have big men Asi Taulava and Dennis Espino, and have Gary David and Mark Macapagal as legitimate outside threats. – GMANews.TV

Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — Coca-Cola vs Barako Coffee
7:30 p.m. — San Miguel vs Air21

Beermen open title defense versus Express

Source: Philippine Star

The San Miguel Beermen and prolific import Gabe Freeman start their title defense in taking on the Air21 Express and debuting reinforcement Keena Young in the second play date of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Game time is at 7:30 p.m. pitting two teams, which made some changes in their lineups after falling short in their bids in the recent Philippine Cup.

San Miguel overhauled its backcourt by acquiring Alex Cabagnot from Air21 for Mike Cortez then getting Joseph Yeo from Sta. Lucia Realty for Bonbon Custodio.

Air21, meanwhile, has new recruits in Cortez, Rich Alvarez, Renren Ritualo and Doug Kramer as the Lina Group franchise rebuilt its team after a poor ninth-place finish in the all-Filipino tourney.

The team lost original import choice Leroy Hickerson to an injury he suffered in a car accident a few days before his scheduled flight to Manila. But the Express are hopeful they’ve got a dependable replacement in Keena Young.

“He may not be as spectacular as Hickerson but the important thing is he’s effective. If he blends well with the locals, then we can have a good run,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao.

Freeman needs no introduction. He’ll be a marked man, being a player that took the PBA by storm last year.

He warmed up for his return engagement with San Miguel in helping the Philippine Patriots rule the inaugural Asean Basketball League.

With their formidable lineup, the Beermen are again considered the team to beat in this Fiesta Conference.

Barako Energy Coffee and Coca-Cola play in the 5 p.m. curtain-raiser with the Coffee Masters looking for a follow-up on their triumphant opening game versus Sta. Lucia Realty Sunday.

Sammy Monroe had an impressive debut, leading the Harbour Centre-sponsored Barako team to a 97-93 win over the Realtors.

After holding his own against Anthony Johnson, Monroe will be next up against James Penny, veteran reinforcement of a Coca-Cola team raring to improve on its sixth-place finish in the Philippine Cup.

Coca-Cola made no changes in its lineup except the reactivation of William Antonio.

The Tigers had a scrambling start in the all-Filipino tourney with Asi Taulava suffering a foot injury right in their opening game.

Ginebra vs TnT 03.21.10 PBA Fiesta Conference 2010

Air21 oozes with optimism

A “NEW-LOOK” Air21 intends to create a dent in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference.

Beefed up by American Keena Young, the Express are dead set to make the finals of the import-laden tournament, a goal they intend to achieve with their new acquisitions. The Express made the conference finals only to lose to Barangay Ginebra in a classic seven-game duel two years ago.

Air21 head coach Yeng Guiao is upbeat with the talent he has available and the skills Young, a Brigham Young University product, can bring to the team.

“I think we have the necessary ingredient to again contend for the championship,” said Guiao on Monday, as members of the teams were formally introduced at the Burger King branch at Glorietta in Makati City.

“We have upgraded the talent from the last conference. The determination is now there and we have good chemistry. We are really looking forward to the tournament,” he added.

The team entered the PBA in 2002 as FedEx Express. After three seasons, it changed its brand name to Air21. In 2009 the team was called Burger King, the name it carried until the recent Philippine Cup.

Air21 chairman Bert Lina and wife Sylvia Lina, and team manager and current PBA board chairman Lito Alvarez were also present in the event

“There’s no other way but the championship,” Sylvia Lina addressed Guiao. “We have the cream of the crop and we’re very excited to have them in this team.”

The Express are parading returnees Renren Ritualo, Mike Cortez, Richard Alvarez and Doug Kramer, who all came in via separate deals with Talk ’N Text and Barangay Ginebra.

Wynnie Arboleda, who is serving a full-season ban for attacking a fan earlier in the season, was also introduced by the event’s host. Arboleda is all set to appeal his case to the Commissioner’s Office on Thursday.

“What was lacking last conference is our point guard spot na iniwan ni Wynnie, that’s why it necessitated us to get a top class point guard like Mike,” said Guiao.

“And the other weakness we had in the previous tournament was our outside shooting, but now with Renren, I think we will be fine,” he added.

The former national team mentor, however, said their campaign would also depend largely on how Young will be able to quickly adjust to the Express system, which includes his blending with the locals.

But the fiery coach admitted he is satisfied with what Young has been displaying so far.

“He’s not flashy but very effective, and shoots with a higher percentage,” said Guiao. “What I’ll be asking from him now is to work on both ends of the court. We don’t need him to score more than 30 points every night. He must be the steady factor for the team.”

The Express used to have Shawn Daniels as import but Guiao said Young is the kind of reinforcement the team needs to be able to run and defend well against the prolific imports of the other teams like Gabe Freeman of San Miguel Beer, which they will face on Wednesday. Daniels is now with Talk ’N Text.


Guiao is now on his second year with the Lina franchise and has become more optimistic than ever.

“I won my first title in my second year with Swift. With Red Bull, it was also in my second year when I won the title. Hopefully the trend will continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Arboleda has already secured the signatures of the team captains of the 10 PBA teams who expressed their support to the beleaguered player.

“Sana makalaro ulit ako this conference kaya sana mapagbigyan ni commissioner [Sonny Barrios] ang appeal ko,” the 32-year-old Arboleda said.

The appeal, which bears the signatures of the team captains, will be given to Barrios on Thursday. Barrios said will study Arboleda’s appeal once he receives the letter.

Slammin' Sammy in rousing PBA debut

Source: Philippine Star
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. That’s almost what Barako Coffee’s high-flying import Slammin’ Sammy Monroe, Jr. declared after scoring 39 points to power the Energy Masters to a 97-93 win over Sta. Lucia Realty in his PBA Fiesta Conference debut at the Araneta Coliseum last Sunday.

And if Monroe has a lot more to show, it’s a scary proposition for the other teams lined up to face owner George Chua’s newly-refurbished franchise.

Barako coach Junel Baculi said yesterday fans can expect more from Monroe in the coming games. “He’s adjusting to the calls and weather,” Baculi told The STAR. “He’s very coachable. He still has aces up his sleeves - (just watch) as soon as he gets into tip-top shape.”

Monroe and San Miguel Beer’s Gabe Freeman are the only imports in town without NCAA Division I credentials. But resumes apparently don’t count when the ball’s on the floor. After all, Freeman – a junior college standout at Costa Mesa in Arizona – led San Miguel to the Fiesta Conference crown last season. And Monroe was a fixture in the Rochester Razorbacks’ back-to-back title runs in the three-year-old, Chicago-based Premier Basketball League (PBL) after playing only a season at Newberry College, a Division II school in South Carolina .

Monroe, 25, has more to prove than the other imports because of his obscure background. The 6-5 1/16 forward played for two junior colleges before winding up at Newberry where he averaged 14.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in 2005-06. Low grades kicked him out of the roster the next season and Monroe drifted to the PBL where he hooked up with the Razorbacks.

It was in the PBL where Monroe began to catch attention. In 2007-08, he averaged 15.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocked shots for the Razorbacks. Monroe shot .481 from the field, .346 from three-point distance and .679 from the line in 20 games. But the icing on the cake was when he smashed a backboard on a breakaway dunk in Rochester ‘s 142-112 decision over the Arkansas Impact in the PBL title game. The game was delayed 45 minutes to clear the debris of shattered glass and teammate James Reaves had to be treated for cuts because of shrapnel.

Then, in a déjà vu encore, Monroe did it again as Rochester clinched its second straight PBL title last year. Monroe crushed another backboard in his best impersonation of Billy Ray Bates as the Razorbacks downed the Battle Creek Knights, 152-115, for the championship. The game was also delayed 45 minutes like the year before. Monroe wound up averaging 22.3 points, hitting .589 from the field and .810 from the stripe, in the playoffs and took co-MVP honors. For the season, he averaged 16.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 28.2 minutes, shooting .498 from the floor, .714 from the line and .338 from three-point range. Clearly, Monroe outdid himself in the playoffs, prompting fans to swear that “this kid can fly.”

Before moving to the PBA, Monroe took his sneakers to the Mexican league where he averaged 23.9 points and 5.4 rebounds for Potros Itson. He was second in league scoring and hit .538 from the field and .850 from the stripe.

The Walton Sports Management Group of Houston said Monroe “has a great first step and can finish through contact with dunks – he can shoot the ball from all three levels (meaning from two-point distance, three-point range and the foul line).”

In his first PBA appearance, Monroe was as impressive as he was spectacular. Wearing Michael Jordan’s No. 23, he buried two free throws to break an 88-all tie and added three more in the last 11.3 seconds to finish off Sta. Lucia. “Hopefully, it’s all the way to the top, that’s why I’m here,” said Monroe who scattered 17 of Barako’s 34 points in an explosive third period that turned a 44-46 halftime deficit into a 78-68 cushion entering the fourth quarter.

Barako coffee sponsor Mikee Romero and assistant Erick Arejola sat behind the Energy Masters’ bench as they cheered the team to victory. It was a special occasion for Romero who celebrated his birthday that night.

Arejola described Monroe as “very athletic and really a scorer.” As for the possibility of Philippine Patriots coach Louie Alas joining Baculi’s staff, Arejola said the decision is up to Chua. At the moment, Baculi’s assistants are Raymond Celis and Elmer Bola-bola.

In the last Philippine Cup, Barako ended up last with a 3-15 record and was the only team that didn’t advance to the playoffs. The team opened the conference with a 2-2 record then lost 13 of its next 14 assignments.

When Baculi took over from coach and now consultant Leo Isaac, he revamped the Barako cast, bringing in rookie free agent Jerwin Gaco and three other Asean Basketball League (ABL) mainstays Al Vergara, Christian Coronel and Rob Wainwright. He struck out Benedict Fernandez, Alex Crisano, Donbel Belano, Bruce Viray, Magnum Membrere, Adonis Sta. Maria and Jec Chia from the opening day roster while retaining Yousif Aljamal, Jojo Duncil, Aris Dimaunahan, Leo Najorda, Chad Alonzo, Gilbert Lao, Ogie Menor, Bryan Faundo, Paolo Hubalde and Rob Reyes.

New PBA imports outshine veterans

Source: Manila Bulletin

Jared Dillinger of Talk ’N text (right) loses the ball against the defense of Barangay Ginebra’s JC Intal (center) and Jayjay Helterbrand during their PBA Fiesta Cup game Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. The Gin Kings won, 97-90. (Photo by TONY PIONILLA)
Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — Coca-Cola vs Barako Coffee
7:30 p.m. — San Miguel vs Air21

New imports Awvee Storey of Barangay Ginebra and Sammy Monroe of Barako Bull Coffee outshone their veteran counterparts as they shared the opening day limelight at the start of the PBA Fiesta Cup Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Storey, who played three seasons with three different teams in the NBA, made things happen for the Kings in his first PBA stint as he helped his team beat Talk ‘N Text, 97-90.

Storey finished with 33 points, took down 16 rebounds, had two assists, a steal and a block in 38 minutes of action.

He also showed patience and self control from the rough tactics of Ranidel de Ocampo and Mark Yee.

After just one game, Ginebra coach Jong Uichico was full of praise for his new import.

“He’s really an all-around player. He’s not really spectacular, but he can provide a little of everything,” Uichico said. “We’re hoping that he could really complement our locals, that's what we really want. But he has to keep working hard.”

Monroe, on the other hand, showed more flash and appeared to fit the requirements of Barako.

Also making his first PBA stint, he scored 39 points on top of 11 boards and three assists as he helped the Coffee Masters score a surprising 97-93 win over the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

“He’s not really a flashy type of player, but he gets the job done. One good thing about him is that he’s a team player,” Barako’s newly appointed coach Junel Baculi said.

Sta. Lucia brought back Anthony Johnson while TNT tapped Shawn Daniels who had previous stints with Air21/Burger King.

Though both players are familiar with PBA’s brand of game, their efforts fell short.

Johnson exploded for 41 points aside from pulling down 13 rebounds but lack of local support did the Realtors in.

Uichico, however, believes that Storey can be deadlier in their next game.

“They don’t know the style, the weakness. In any first game of imports, that’s always the case,” Uichico said. “But once they get scouted, they have to really work harder. Like Awvee, he has to keep working hard.”

Three more imports will debut this week with Keena Young of Air21, Diamon Simpson of Alaska and Lorrenzo Wade of Philippine Cup champion Purefoods – now known as B-MEG Derby Ace – will show what kind of stuff they have.

Other returning imports are James Penny of Coca-Cola, Rain or Shine’s Jai Lewis, and last season’s Best Import Gabe Freeman of defending champion San Miguel Beer.

Things looking bright for ROS Elasto Painters

Source: Manila Bulletin

With the thrill and experience it gained in the previous all-Filipino conference and with import Jai Lewis back, things are looking bright for Rain or Shine in the season-ending PBA Fiesta Cup.

Lewis, a 6-foot-5 wide-bodied power forward, was tapped anew after he helped power the talented but young Elasto Painters to the semis of the same conference last year – the franchise’s best finish since it joined the PBA in 2007.

Lewis, 27, was the first among the imports to arrive early and had the opportunity to practice for a month with Rain or Shine players, including former George Mason University teammate Gabe Norwood, the Rookie of the Year last season, and sophomore playmakers Sol Mercado and TY Tang.

Though they failed to contend for the coveted championship in the previous Philippine Cup, the team owned by Raymund Yu and Terry Que was able to push eventual Philippine Cup champion Purefoods to the limit in their best-of-five quarterfinal series.

Actually, they had a chance to win the series but a blunder by Eddie Laure in Game 2 cost them a lot.

Yu and Que, however, were satisfied with what their boys achieved as they advanced to the quarters as wildcard survivors.

“We really gained something last conference. Add to that the experience we had in the Fiesta Cup last season. We’re very optimistic and we’re hoping that we can make it to the semis again. A finals stint would be a big bonus,” said Yu.

Que, on the other hand, said that though the team is relatively young, their athleticism and desire will their lethal weapon.

“If we could match our semifinals finish last year, we would be happy. But as long as they persevered just like our company’s motto, we’ll always welcome that,” said Que.

“But we have to play with lots of passion.”

Lewis put up solid numbers last season with 20.3 points, 15.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 shot blocks.

The Caloy Garcia-mentored team opens its campaign in the Fiesta Cup on Friday against Talk ’N Text at the Astrodome in Pasay City.