PBA back with a bang

It’s all systems go as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opens its 27th campaign with a bang at the Araneta Coliseum this Sunday.

Coming off a reverberating season punctuated by new records in attendance and gate receipts, the PBA promises even bigger things to come. The influx of blue-chip rookies and the dizzying pace of player transfers make for an unpredictable season. The 10-team league has now come closest to its objective of parity. Balanced competition will be a highlight as no team is ever sure of victory in any game.

As usual, the All-Filipino Cup will kick off the PBA’s season as the First Conference.

Here’s a profile of the PBA’s 10 teams.

ALASKA: Aces up Cone’s sleeve

The Aces underwent a major facelift in the offseason. Gone are long-time quarterback Johnny (The Flying A) Abarrientos, forward Bong Hawkins and center Poch Juinio. Moving in are Ali Peek, Jon Ordonio, John Arigo and Kenny Evans — four Fil-Ams who’re expected to play big minutes this year. Kenneth Duremdes is back after nearly switching to Mobiline. Coach Tim Cone has anointed Duremdes as the Aces’ undisputed leader. Alaska matched Mobiline’s offer of an P80 million, eight-year contract to retain Captain Marbel’s services.

Free agents who clinched spots in tryouts were Eric Reyes and Richie Ticzon. Holdovers include Don Allado, Rodney Santos, Bryan Gahol, and James Wallkvist. Reyes takes over Hawkins’ role in defense while Ticzon claimed Dino Aldeguer’s spot as the back-up point guard.

Cone’s possible starting lineup is powerhouse — Peek at center, Wallkvist at power forward, Duremdes at small forward, Arigo at offguard, and Santos at the point. Cone has assembled a unit that could reestablish the Alaska dynasty that reigned in the 90s. The Aces are young, athletic, and deep at nearly every spot.

Last year, Alaska captured the All-Filipino title — its 10th crown under Cone, took third place in the Second Conference, and failed to qualify for the semis in the Governors Cup. The Aces posted an overall record of 30-18 and a winning clip of 62.5 percent, the league’s third best. But Alaska’s 30 wins were the least since 1993. That fact, plus its failure to make the Third Conference semis, must have triggered the personnel revamp.

POP COLA: Bold bid after bold revamp

After a woeful season that saw the Panthers failing to enter the semifinals of each conference, coach Chot Reyes decided it was time to make drastic changes. It’s almost like Reyes, who was once Tim Cone’s assistant, has assembled Alaska Part II as he traded for Johnny Abarrientos and Poch Juinio to reunite with Jojo Lastimosa. He also yanked hard-working Rudy Hatfield and Pido Jarencio from Tanduay. From the draft, Reyes tapped Jovy Sese, Ato Morano, and Mon Jose. Holdovers include gunner Nelson Asaytono, Estong Ballesteros, Allan Gamboa and the much-improved William Antonio. Gone are Noli Locsin, Jon Ordonio, and Henry Fernandez.

Pop Cola registered a lowly 12-22 mark last season and finished the Governors Cup losing six straight.

"We’re hoping for the best," said Reyes. "We’re thinking positive. We’re not dwelling on the past — we’re looking forward. People tend to forget our gains last year. In the Third Conference, we started at 2-1 then (Sean) Green got hurt, we lost two in a row, then Harold (Ellis) sent word he was ready to come back but never came.

We also lost Nelson to injuries. Because of our changes, we’ve become a more balanced team – now, we’ve got horses. Personally, I can’t wait for the season to start."

MOBILINE: MBA vets in the fold

It’s not true that coach Louie Alas is rebuilding an MBA franchise in the PBA. It just looks that way. Alas has brought in MBA veterans Gherome Ejercito, Don Camaso, Bong Ravena, Gido Babilonia, and Gabby Cui and in the recent draft, recruited Gilbert Demape, Jun Longalong, and Norman Gonzales.

Team manager Frankie Lim said Alas, who won an MBA title with the Manila Metrostars, knows what he’s doing. "He’s getting players whom he knows will play hard and die for him on the court — I’d do the same thing."

Alas’ probable starting cast lists Codiñera at center, Gonzales at power forward, Pablo at small forward, Ravena at offguard, and Ejercito at the point. Ejercito, however, hasn’t practiced for a week because of a pulled muscle in his back so Demape may be elevated to his spot in the interim. Camaso who plays multiple positions is Alas’ wildcard.He can take over from Ravena at No. 2 or Pablo at No. 3 or even Gonzales at No. 4. Mobiline didn’t make it to the semis in the All-Filipino and Commissioner’s Cups last season but took fourth place in the Governors Cup to finish at 18-23 overall. Alas replaced Eric Altamirano after the Phone Pals sputtered to a 3-5 start in the First Conference and promptly signed a contract up to the year 2003.

BARANGAY GINEBRA:Looking forward to big year.

Coach Allan Caidic made sure of one thing last season — that the Kings would advance beyond the eliminations in each conference. And so they did. Ginebra reached the quarterfinals in the All-Filipino, Commissioner’s and Governors Cup en route to compiling a 15-22 record, a slight improvement over the previous year’s mark of 14-27.

Caidic didn’t turn to free agents and trades to beef up his lineup. Instead, he went deep into the draft and plucked surprise first round pick Mark Caguioa of Glendale Community College, 6-7 Basco, and 6-5 Marlon Piodo.

Caguioa has been outstanding in training camp. He’s aggressive and daring. Caguioa has earned the nickname "No Fear" for his derring-do on the floor. In a recent practice game against Red Bull, Caguioa drove up the middle then bent his body sideways, reminiscent of Danny Florencio, to avoid Mick Pennisi’s defense and sank a layup off the glass.

Ginebra’s diehard fans are looking forward to a big year.

PUREFOODS: Leaning on team chemistry

Eric Altamirano is back on the Tender Juicy Hot Dogs bench after coach Derick Pumaren left to join Tanduay. He made his coaching debut at Purefoods in 1997 and steered the Hot Dogs to the All-Filipino title in his first-ever conference. "I’m a little wiser now than when I started," said Altamirano. "I’ve grown in knowledge. I was naive in the beginning — I didn’t know what to expect. Now, things are different. I’m building from my past experiences. It’s a tall order for Purefoods to continue winning. The PBA is a lot more competitive today. Our advantage is our chemistry — we know each other, we’re comfortable with each other, we’re intact, we’re solid. I hope to take the team to the next level and continue the team’s success. Our goal is to win championships."

Last season, Purefoods broke into the Finals twice and wound up a bridesmaid in both the First and Second Conferences. The Hot Dogs didn’t qualify for the semis in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Purefoods’ overall record was 27-28.

Back in the fold are Alvin Patrimonio, Andy Seigle, Noy Castillo, Rey Evangelista, E. J. Feihl, Dindo Pumaren, Boyet Fernandez, Rommel Daep and Richard Yee. Rookies Roger Yap and Paul Guerrero came in from the draft, displacing Braulio Lim and Jesse Cabanayan. Before leaving for Tanduay, Pumaren picked up Marc Victoria from Pop Cola.

RED BULL: Ready to steal thunder

Things are looking up for Red Bull this season. Kerby Raymundo, who averaged 12 points in six games before he was declared ineligible last season, is back. Coach Yeng Guiao’s top draft pick Willie Miller is touted to become the PBA’s next crowd darling. "Baby Harp," Miller’s nickname in reference to center DaVonn Harp, is a blur on the court and an explosive fireball. MBA refugee Lowell Briones is determined to stick in the PBA and so far, has been a terror at practice. Then there’s 6-9 Mick Pennisi who’s slowly coming into his own as a post player.

Jimwell Torion recently underwent surgery to repair a dislocated right shoulder and will be sidelined for about four months. In his absence, Miller will run the show for Guiao on the court.

The Thunder hopes to build on its sensational showing in the Third Conference last season. After failing to make it to the quarterfinals in the All-Filipino and Commissioner’s Cups, Red Bull broke out of the doldrums and snatched third place in the Governors Cup.

There’s an air of optimism at the Thunder camp and Guiao is hoping to make waves this season.

STA. LUCIA: Long Title Drought May End This Year

Since breaking into the pros in 1993, Sta. Lucia hasn’t tasted a championship. Last year, the Realtors compiled a 21-23 record and made it to their first-ever Finals–an accomplishment that coach Norman Black hopes will eventually inspire the team to the top.

Black made a conscious effort of fortifying Sta. Lucia’s lineup in the offseason. His goal was to shore up on all fronts. He’s upgraded the roster to the extent of being two deep at every spot. His problem is the limited period within which to blend his players.

Sta. Lucia’s newcomers are Francis Adriano, Marvin Ortiguerra, Jojo Tangkay and Felix Belano. Released were Ronnie Magsanoc, Rob Wainwright, Benny Cheng, and Robin Mendoza. In the injured list are Jack Santiago and Noynoy Falcasantos. Returning are Chris Tan, Richard del Rosario, Paolo Mendoza, Marlou Aquino, Gerard Francisco, Dennis Espino, Mike Orquillas, and Long David.

Black said the Realtors will continue to lean on defense to get ahead. Expected to play major minutes are rookies Adriano, Ortiguera and Belano.

Sta. Lucia’s possible starting lineup lists Aquino at center, Espino at power forward, Francisco at small forward, Adriano at offguard, and Mendoza at the point. Ortiguera will come off the bench as reliever for either No. 3 or No. 4 spot while Belano will spell Mendoza.

Black said Aquino’s decision to stay at Sta. Lucia was a big morale boost to the team. Aquino spurned a rumored megabuck deal from Tanduay to sign a fresh five-year contract with the Realtors. He said Belano’s decision to play for Sta. Lucia was influenced by the presence of the Realtors’ Twin Towers.

SMB: Target of other teams

Joseph Uichico has led San Miguel to four titles in the last five conferences–that’s quite a feat. And for his efforts, Uichico was finally named Coach of the Year–an award he richly deserves.

San Miguel posted a 40-18 mark, a 68.9 winning clip, last year. That’s the team’s second best mark in six years. And it was a marked improvement over the previous season’s 35-20. San Miguel was the only team in the PBA to qualify for all three semifinals last season–taking fourth in the All-Filipino and topping the Second and Third Conferences with a flourish.

Uichico would rather downplay San Miguel’s tag as the team to beat. But the fact is San Miguel is every other team’s target. The Beermen are intact and their championship experience is a valuable asset.

Back in uniform are MVP Danny Ildefonso, although he had been offered a P96-M deal by Tanduay only yesterday, Danny Seigle, Olsen Racela, Freddie Abuda, Nick Belasco, Dwight Lago, Boybits Victoria, Mike Mustre, and Robert Duat. Free agents Arnold Gamboa and Henry Fernandez survived the tryouts as did first round pick Joey Mente, a feisty 5-11 point guard. Gamboa played for San Miguel in 1997 before moving to Sta. Lucia and the MBA.

SHELL: Mystery man a prized find

Michael Hraback was the mystery man in this year’s draft. Coach Perry Ronquillo hadn’t seen him play but because you can’t teach height, picked the 6-7 forward anyway in the first round. As it turned out, the gamble paid off, Hraback has been a dominant force for Shell in the preseason – he shot 26 in a win over Sta. Lucia and 18 in another win over Pop Cola. No wonder Ronquillo’s been grinning from ear to ear lately.

With Hrabak in harness and Benjie Paras back in form, Shell appears ready to bounce back into title contention after an atrocious showing last season. The Turbo Chargers fell to 9-24, the club’s poorest record since 1985. Paras sat out 22 games because of injuries. Aside from Paras, returning to resuscitate Shell are Chris Jackson, Jun Marzan, Mark Telan, Gerry Esplana, Art del Rosario, Dale Singson, Tony de la Cruz, and Joel Dualan. Cut were Jay Mendoza, Rommel Santos, and Brix Encarnacion. Ronquillo took in Rob Wainwright and Jojo Lim, both MBA veterans, to augment his cast.

If MBA Fil-Am Matt Mitchell’s citizenship is confirmed by the Department of Justice, Ronquillo gets the added luxury of another wide body to beef up Shell’s frontline.

TANDUAY: New challenge for new coach

Coach Derick Pumaren said moving to his seventh PBA team (including San Miguel Beer where he was an assistant coach) was the biggest decision he’s ever made in his career. He also said it’s a big challenge to take over the Gold Rhum Masters reins from Alfrancis Chua who piloted the team to a 28-16 mark and the league’s second highest winning clip, 63.6 percent last year.

"We’re rebuilding our team," he said. "My goal is to take the team as far as I can. We just want to survive the quarterfinals in every conference. If we make the semis, it’ll be like playing for the title."

Pumaren said this campaign marks a fresh start for Tanduay which was chastised last season for taking the PBA to court and fined for playing ineligible players. He’s out to create a positive image for the team and he’s got three years to do it.

Pumaren said it’s difficult to predict how Tanduay will fare this season – it depends on how quickly his players adjust to each other.

Holdovers are Jason Webb, Allan Yu, Dondon Hontiveros, Jeffery Cariaso, and Zaldy Realubit. Through trades, Pumaren got Bong Hawkins from Alaska and Noli Locsin from Pop Cola. He’s still trying to sign up Bonel Balingit who’s been released by his MBA club San Juan.

From the draft, Pumaren inked Oliver Agapito and Ricky Calimag, a pair of big boys. Trying out for spots are guard Rommel Santos and veteran Terry Saldaña. Pumaren has kept a slot open for Eric Menk whose DOJ confirmation remains pending.