Eagles Drop First Game; Tams Surge to Second Straight Win

by Migi

This just in!

Behind the heroics of Mark Barroca and Aldrich Ramos, the FEU Tamaraws, still waxing hot from their inspirational victory over Season 70 finalist UE last weekend, downed the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 72-66 at the Araneta Coliseum earlier this afternoon. Despite Rabeh Al Hussaini's 32 points and 20 rebounds (second 20 and 20 performance of the year, behind one from reigning MVP Jervy Cruz some weeks back), the Eagles dropped their first games thanks to timely shooting from FEU's wingmen, plus a 1-10 fg performance from star rookie Ryan Buenafe, and a so-so shooting night from captain Chris Tiu. The Eagles face Season 69 arch rival UST in the Big Dome Sunday afternoon.

More on this game as the facts roll in.

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Ateneo Goes 5-0, FEU wins one for Mac Mac, La Salle Beats UP Senseless.

by Migi

Under the bright lights of the Philsports Arena, hoops fans witnessed an outpouring of affection, the further extolling of those clad in Blue, and in Green.

Behind the solid exploits of Ben Fernandez, and Mark Barroca, the FEU Tamaraws won in a humdinger of a contest against the highly touted UE Red Warriors, 71-69, in the second game of the UAAP Season 71's recent Saturday showcase. Mental lapses towards the end game assisted in the Morayta boys' reaping some measure of inspiration just days removed from one of the more unfortunate incidents involving a top amaetur cager in recent history.

The UE Red Warriors' poor free throw shooting, coupled with a reputation for folding down the stretch, has buried deep within a 3-3 hole, good enough for only 4th place in an 8 horse race (a full game above 2-4 Adamson).

Earlier in the day, the De La Salle Green Archers dismantled hapless hosts the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 82-60. The Maroons were led by Woody Co's 22 points, 19 of which, he scored in the second period. The Archers were paced by James Mangahas' 16 markers, and Rico Maierhoffer's 14. La Salle's defense totally threw off the Maroons' shooters, who only shot 32% from behind the arc and 33% overall. UP lefty shooter Martin Reyes, who has averaged 10.2 points per game this season, managed only 4 points on 1-10 shooting. A bright spot for the Maroons was the play of Migs De Asis, who, entering the contest, had averaged only 6 minutes a game. De Asis scored 9 points and dished out 3 assists in 10 minutes of play, showing flashes of brilliance that had many a UP follower optimistic about the his and the squad's future. La Salle now holds solo 2nd place with a 5-1 record, while the Maroons have fallen to 7th place overall with a 1-5 clip.

In today's first game, the Ateneo Blue Eagles continued running roughshod over the UAAP competition with a 74-62 drubbing of the National University Bulldogs. Behind Nonoy Baclao's superb shotblocking, Chris Tiu's torrid shooting, and the slashing ways of Eric Salamat and Jai Reyes, the Eagles leapt to a 21-16 first quarter advantage after being down 11-6 early in the game. From there, Ateneo never looked back. Edwin Asoro and Jessey Garcia provided NU with an inside-outside punch, but ill-advised decisions and on offense and defense, coupled with a lack of poise against the 3-2 zone, inevitably led to the Bulldogs' downfall.

So what does this all mean?

-The Archers are riding a 5 game winning streak. In the 5 games they've won, it's seemed that La Salle has come at teams with an attack that has been anchored by exceptional spacing, solid perimeter play, and stifling defense. The Green side's wing players like Malabes, Barua, Chandumal, Bagatsing, and Casio have terrorized opponents with their zone busting shooting and run and gun exploits. Rico Maierhoffer's speed and athleticism has given defenders hell, especially in transition. If I know La Salle, Coach Franz hasn't dealt all his cards just yet, and that does not bode well for the rest of the league. Despite having won 5 in a row, the Archers still seem to be pacing themselves. The best seems to still be on the horizon for this team raring to defend its crown.

-It would be foolhardy to underestimate the FEU Tamaraws at this point. Despite having lost leading scorer Mac Baracael, FEU is still awash with talented wingmen in Ben Fernandez, JR Cawaling, and Marlon Adolfo. Sometimes, wounded beasts are those who fight the fiercest. Should FEU make the Final Four, whoever is slated to face them is in for a lot of headaches. FEU is long, and athletic, and outstanding on transition. FEU is the sort of defensive team that gives opponents fits because of their youth and end to end footspeed. And lo and behold, who knew that FEU had a little bit of Hans Thiele in them in the form of Robert Kave? Boom Gonzales said it best when said that the two were "mirror images" of one another. A block for a block, a layup for a layup. Kave's got more of a jump shot, though.

-The Ateneo Blue Eagles have proven, over the 5 games that they've won in Season 71, that they can take opponents down in a bevy of ways. 2-1-1 zone, say you? Try Chris Tiu or Kirk Long killing you with a long three. Is a high zone what you like to do? Look out for Rabeh or Jobe posting up on you for an easy layup or a jump hook. I never thought I'd say this, but, Ateneo seems to be the frontrunner as the team to dethrone the De La Salle Green Archers. Will they lose steam in Round 2? Will they sweep the elimination round, ala-UE circa 2007, and falter in the end? Only time will tell, yes, but based on what we've seen thus far, one would have to surmise that play for play, player for player, from top to bottom, the Ateneo Blue Eagles seem to be the squad to beat for UAAP 2008.

*Funny Nugget, Funny Nugget: During today's NU-Ateneo tiff, Eagles' guard Ryan Buenafe was caught staring for what seemed like an eternity at part of the ringside area in the Philsports arena. Maybe the rookie was just winded after a hard game, but whatever the reason, it did look funny, and did merit some thought as to what Buenafe had on his mind, or, why he was caught so deep in thought. Ateneo's 5-0, and consequently, the former San Beda Red Cub's been a huge part of his team's success thus far. Now there's something that someone who is less than a rocket scientist, or, a philosoph, can not only understand, but utterly appreciate.

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Baracael Shooting: An Exercise in Senselessness

by Migi

Outrage.

That's precisely what the Philippine Basketball community ought to be feeling as a result of the recent shooting of FEU cager Marnel Baracael.

As of earlier today, there have been a number of pundits who have speculated that Baracael, who had led the Tams in scoring this season, was targeted because of unfulfilled game-fixing obligations. UAAP commissioner Chito Narvasa encouraged the public to tone down speculation, as the incident, as he described, was already unfortunate as it stood at the time.

Game-fixing? Should that even be going on? Why do we even need to consider that as possible motivation for heartless members of society to wreck havoc on the otherwise innocent?

Friends, basketball is a "way of life", they say, but ultimately, it is just a game. So, for those who are in the business of using the game as a sabre in the name of greed, I have only one thing to say to you.

Shame on you.

While no one is certain that game-fixing was what was behind Baracael's shooting, the fact that it remains an option as an alibi is downright painful to bear witness to. Have people become so callous that even athletic endeavors become outlets of violence on levels that are life-threatening?

This isn't Munich 1972 in terms of magnitude, but then, the essence of it is the same. Why mix in politics, vices, and avarice with sports, which should be about enjoyment, clean competition, and discipline?

The Munich reference was one waiting to happen. It is an Olympic year, after all, and the violence that happened in Germany in the said year was appalling. But then, I digress.

Whether or not authorities nab the person responsibile for gunning down Marnel Baracael, one thing is for certain- Philippine Basketball has gotten yet another splashing of cold water. While freak accidents/incidents will be freak accidents/incidents, officials should put a premium on ensuring that participants in athletic competitions be kept safe from destructive elements. Being someone who watches UAAP games a lot, in particular, I can say that venue security, especially when games are played in smaller venues like Ninoy Aquino Memorial Coliseum or the Philsports Arena, could still be amped up. UAAP fans will be UAAP fans, but then, some lines still need to be drawn. Whenever fans can follow cagers like Chris Tiu to areas near the arena's locker room area, well, that's when you realize that security isn't quite at the top of the grocery lists of the UAAP's top brass.

Not that the UAAP or other sports outfits have security as bad as a pair of slacks with a buster garter, but then, like I mentioned, aiming for a higher standard rarely ever hurts.

Postscript: The FEU Tamaraws downed the UE Red Warriors in a tight one this afternoon. The Tams, who dedicated the game to the fallen Mac Baracael, coupled an inspired effort with sound execution down the stretch. UE on the other hand, who fell to 3-3 with today's defeat, crumbled under the pressure in the waining minutes of the game. Mark Barroca waltzed in for a layup in the final minute, and the game's final free throw, which was missed long, wasn't even chased down by the Warriors as time ticked down. Dindo Pumaren tongue lashing after the match? Most likely. Tears in the eyes of Ben Fernandez and the rest of the FEU players? Yes, it happened, and it was poignant, and utterly priceless.

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Why The PBA Needs Chris Tiu.

By Migi

I grew up during a time when the Philippine Basketball Association enjoyed its most fruitful years. Barangay Ginebra stood as the league's most popular team, as evidenced by its massive fanbase. Cagers like Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, Ronnie Magsanoc, and Benjie Paras dominated sports headlines. Imports like Tony Harris and Lamont Strothers wowed local audiences with their flashy brand of basketball.

And yes, Dodot Jaworski nabbed himself a "pity" contract when I was in my latter years in elementary school.

All in all, hoopsfans like me saw the PBA as a dynamic league which was all about action, drama, and passion.

Over the years, though, the PBA has seemingly taken a few steps back rather than marched forward. Ticket sales are down, and the general notoriety of the league's players and teams seem to be stuck in a constant mudslide towards an uncertain future. The games have gotten stale due to "cane and walker" paces, squads and players have become less and less identifiable due to the fact that the league's structure can be defined as more "commercial" rather than "affinity based" (ala the groupings in the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association), and the general hype has fallen off kilter because of an aged eliminations-semis-finals format that advocates predictability rather than the good sort of suspense. Old rivalries have all but died, and rather than cultivate an outstanding pool of players for potential recruitment for the National Team, the PBA, in recent time, has tended to favor showcasing international recruits and half breeds towards planting the seeds of a style of basketball better suited for taller Western ballers, a slate of methods rooted more in "showtime" exploits rather than in raw basketball fundamentals.

What can the PBA do, then, to help bolster its image and generate renewed interested Pinoy basketball fanatics?

One beneficial course of action, I think, would be to make sure that Ateneo standout Chris Tiu gets drafted next year instead of him making a byline for an office, clad in a coat and tie as opposed to sneakers and a baller uniform.

As odd as it might sound to, more or less, hinge a lot of a country's professional basketball league's hopes on an amateur cager, I honestly believe that the 23 year old sharpshooter from Loyola Heights could very well be what the PBA needs to get back on track. Firstly, there is no doubting Tiu's basketball skill. In 4 games in UAAP 71, Tiu has averages 15 points and 4.8 rebounds in 29.5 minutes of action. More importantly, he has acted as a stabilizing force for the Eagles during crunch time situations, either through shrewd playmaking decisions, or clutch shots, several of which, have now been indelibly stamped onto the pages of UAAP lore. Secondly, Tiu has an established fanbase composed not only of hardcore amateur cage fans (mostly girls), but also, of those who familiar with basketball's ins and outs. Like it or not, the former Xavier High School star and aspiring entrepreneur has become quite a celebrity on and off campus during his nearly 5 years in Ateneo De Manila. From astringent commercials to shampoo endorsement campaigns, Tiu's Boy-Next-Door looks and soft-spoken, non-threatening, demeanor has endeared himself to a society that has a tendency to glorify its celebrities, especially when such notable personalities are athletes, thespians, or politicians, and or when they are mestizos/mestizas, or Chinitos/Chinitas. In this case, however, it should be mentioned that Chris Tiu's popularity is well-founded, not only because of what he brings to the table as a basketballer, but also because of, and so they say, what he brings personality-wise, and in terms of intellect (he's been a consistent honor student during his tenure as an Ateneo pupil).

Back in the day, there was a similarly debonaire cager by the name of Alvin Patrimonio who took the league by storm not only because of his stellar on-court exploits, but also due to the persona he furthered, one which portrayed him as mabait, maamo, magalang, and unabashedly puno ng puso, one who never gave up no matter how bleak certain situations would seem for him and his team. "The Captain" was the PBA's poster boy for the late 80's and throughout most of the 1990's. He gave the league such good press that, naturally, while Ginebra was association's most popular team, Purefoods (the team Patrimonio played for until his late 30's), became the PBA's lightning rod for expanding its reach to untapped markets. Mothers, sisters, ates, manangs, and lolas who otherwise wouldn't give a hoot about Jaworski, Samboy Lim, or how tall EJ Feihl really was, now were glued onto IBC 13 or PTV 4 because of the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, and because of its babyface frontcourt tandem of former UP Fighting Maroon Jerry Codinera, and of course, Patrimonio. Chris Tiu has the opportunity to do something similarly significant for today's purportedly "astig" PBA. Tiu has an edge over players like Enrico Villanueva, James Yap, and Mark Cardona towards becoming the league's posterchild because of his unassuming demeanor, and his projected image which is pretty much built on solid effort coupled with humility, smarts, and a whole lot of pride sans an unfounded swagger. Cardona and Yap seem to be too controversial. Villanueva is a babyface, but then, his aggressive play (and well, size) is such that he's projected as hip, and kind, but still a little bit, "unapproachable".

There is always room in the PBA for shooters (guys like Ren Ren Ritualo and Larry Fonacier have made a living on the perimeter), and the fact that #17 is a clutch player only adds to his overall market value. Tiu's savvy on the outside, and his constantly improving defensive game, should make him a coveted player come draft time, and his already vast fanbase is something that PBA spin doctors wouldn't mind transplanting into their backyard. Today's PBA lacks a player most can associate with without feeling alienated, or intimidated. Today's PBA needs a shot in the arm, in the sense that it needs a player who is skilled enough to lead a team without dominating the ball, a player who can serve as a "role model" of sorts for aspiring cagers without "older folks" worrying about him poisoning the minds of the youth with an incriminating video, cussing, or on-court trash talking and other forms of unbridled aggression. Today's PBA needs someone who can, generally speaking, give the league good, intelligent press across all demographics. Today's PBA needs a sports entertainer, without compromising balance on either the "sports" or the "entertainment" variables in the equation.

Throw in funding for regional development, and an affinity-based team system and you're off.

Bring back Toyota-Crispa, sans the fighting. Bring back Alvin, Jerry, El Presidente, . Bring back the crowds. Bring back erudite sports marketing which touches every fan being a "hoops analyst" as opposed to a mere "hoops pundit". Bring back the "glory days" of Philippine professional basketball.

Take a step in the right direction. Bring in some holistic potential. Bring in someone who can not only fill seats, but fill seats for all the right reasons, and more.

Bring in a boon as opposed to reeling in a bane.

Bring in Chris Tiu.

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Welcome!

After stints on the Sports Talk and Sports and Beans webblogs, Migi now has new canvass for spilling his thoughts on a range of sports subjects on.

Welcome to Sports Talk: Reloaded!

In case you'd like to check out some of my old blogs, do check out the links below:

Http://sportstalkblog.net

and

Http://sportsandbeans.wordpress.com

(The latter is a blog I used to share with my best bud Milo)

Stay tuned for engaging sports pieces on this site really, really, soon!

Cheers,
Migi