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That's because B-Meg Derby Ace will have a depleted lineup at the start of the league's 36th season on October 3.

Defending Philippine Cup champion Derby Ace's title retention bid is in peril as the Llamados will miss the services of main frontliners Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris, who will undergo surgeries in the United States anytime soon.

"I told Mr. (Rene) Pardo that it will be really difficult for us if we will allow James to play for Smart-Gilas in the Asian Games. We will already miss our two frontliners, so it will be a tough task for us to defend the crown," said Llamados coach Jorge Gallent.

"Right now, we only have two big men in our team, Raffi Reavis and Jondan Salvador as Don Allado has yet to sign a contract because he’s in the United States while Romel Adducul's status remains up in the air because the team wants to have younger guys," he added.

Yap is also vacationing in the United States and will most likely join the team's first full practice session two weeks from now.

The 6-foot-2, reigning MVP, is one of those being requested by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to join the national developmental team to the Guangzhou Asian Games along with two other former PBA MVPs, Asi Taulava and Kelly Williams.

Taulava was already given the green light by his mother team, Powerade, while Williams, whose team Talk 'N Text is a sister company of Smart Communications, will most likely be allowed by his PBA ball club as well.

Still, SBP's plan to reinforce the Rajko Toroman-mentored all-amateur national developmental squad with three professional players will need the PBA board's approval.

Aside from being hard pressed to help his decimated squad, Yap is not keen on joining the national team aspirants as he will also attend to some personal issues.

A close associate of Yap, who requested anonymity, said the cager is mandated to attend hearings on his marital problems with estranged wife, popular movie and television personality Kris Aquino, who is the youngest sister of President Noynoy Aquino.

Gallent also said that Jonas Villanueva will join the squad next week and attend the September 9 practice.

"We've talked on the phone," said Gallent. "He's still in the United States and he will arrive on September 8."

Villanueva joins Derby Ace via a three-way trade involving San Miguel Beer and Air21. The Beermen will get Paul Artadi while the Express will secure a future second-round pick from the Llamados.

The Express have yet to decide who to unload from a roster with excessive players. Among those players being considered include former Rookie of the Year winner Rich Alvarez and Wesley Gonzales, who are being used as trade baits, but might also be cut from the squad.

"We have yet to finalize the player who will be involved in that trade," said Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio. "We have yet to discuss that." - JVP, GMANews.TV ]]> 1283481984 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:46:24 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1283397902
"Knowing coach Ryan, this team we'll be a defensive team. Although I'm still adjusting, I'm excited to start this new chapter in my career," Cardona said.

The 28-year-old Cardona left powerhouse Talk 'N Text to assume a new role as main man of the Meralco Bolts who bought the Sta. Lucia franchise.

"There's always pressure, 'di naman mawawala 'yun. But this is our job, to win games. So for me, I just have to work hard every practice, every game," said the six-foot-one off guard during a break in practice on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Gregorio, who has two PBA titles under his belt, stressed the value of hard work on the first day of the Bolts' practice.

"We might not have the same talent level as the other teams," Gregorio said. "But from what I saw in the first few days of practice, we have a group of people who work hard. That for me is a big, big plus, knowing that hard work will always prevail over talent."

Defense remains Gregorio's calling card.

"We emphasize defense in our first couple of practice. They may be tired and exhausted. But this is part of the process," he added.

Known for his trademark tear-drop shot, Cardona averaged 16 points a game last year, an impressive number considering TNT's depth in talent.

A four-time All-Star, Cardona won the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) in the 2007 Fiesta Cup, and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Finals when he powered the Tropang Texters to the Philippine Cup title last year.

Cardona reunited with former TNT teammates Pong Escobal and Yousif Aljamal, while joining former SLR players like veteran center Marlou Aquino, Nelbert Omolon, Ogie Menor, Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana and Dennis Daa.

The team's other newcomers are Beau Belga (from Air21) and Chris Ross (from Coca-Cola), as well as rookies, Fil-Am Shawn Weinstein, Bam-Bam Gamalinda, Khazim Mirza and Claiford Arao. Gregorio said he was impressed with the rookies, as well as with the 6-foot-9 Marlou Aquino, who at 37 is the team's most senior member.

"I'm very happy with the rookies we got. The tag as rookies is only because this is their fi rst year, but they should not play like rookies," Gregorio said.

"As for Marlou, he's just pushing himself. I want to squeeze out whatever is left of him," Gregorio said of his 15-year veteran. - www.mb.com.ph
]]> 1283397902 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:25:02 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1283397613
But fellow newcomer players Elmer Espiritu of Alaska and Fil-foreign Josh Vanlandingham of Rain or Shine will be given the same maximum contract just like the two highly-touted rookies from Air21.

Espiritu, the No.4 overall pick, and Vanlandingham, the No.5 choice, will each receive P8.7-million for three years from their respective mother teams.

This was revealed by Charlie Dy, who manages both players, to GMANews.TV.

The 6-foot-4 Espiritu will join the newly-crowned Aces and fill the void left by Larry Fonacier, who was unloaded due to salary cap issues.

Fonacier was traded to the Talk N Text Tropang Texters for the rights on the No.4 pick overall.

The Aces used that pick to get Espiritu, a high-flying, former slam dunk champion in the UAAP.

Vanlandingham, on the other hand, made a good impression in his first two days in practice with the Elasto Painters.

Vanlandingham was signed up by the Elasto Painters along with Ryan Arana, Jeff Chan and Eddie Laure.

Arana and Chan were signed up for another three years while Laure was given a one-year extension.

Over at the Barangay Ginebra camp, Ronald Tubid was given a fresh one-year contract so as Paul Artadi and Jonathan Fernandez with B-Meg Derby Ace.

Meanwhile, Barako Bull has acquired the services of Marvin Cruz, who was released by Powerade. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV ]]> 1283397613 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:20:13 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1283315157


The Express signed top pick Nonoy Baclao and No. 2 choice Rabeh Al-Hussaini to maximum three-year deals worth P8.5 million each and third selection Rey Guevarra to a three-year contract worth P6 million Tuesday as they began rebuilding a franchise that won just 10 of its 36 games last season.

Cornerstones of the Ateneo squad that won back-to-back titles in the 2008 and 2009, the 6-foot-5 Baclao and 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini will receive the rookie maximum of P150,000 on their first year, P225,000 on their sophomore season and P337,000 on the final year of the deal.

Guevarra, a former Letran standout, will get P120,000 on his first year, P150,000 on his sophomore season and P200,000 in the third year.

The three rookies joined the Express in practice at the Reyes Gym yesterday and Express skipper Wynne Arboleda liked what he saw.

"I think they will immediately make an impact in our team," said Arboleda.

Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio said the Express also plan to sign center Carlo Sharma, who is Al-Hussaini's half brother, to a one-year extension.

"Basically, we have the players we need to be competitive in the All-Filipino Cup," said Gregorio.

"We received offers for trades to our rookies but our chair, Bert Lina, is firm on the decision that we are not trading our top three picks. We need a new image. We need to prove Air 21 is here to stay. And make it the most competitive as we can be"

Gregorio sees the entry of Baclao, Al-Hussaini and Guevarra as a "second coming" to the time when the Express still had marquee players Ranidel and Yancy De Ocampo, Arwind Santos and KG Canaleta in 2005.

Baclao was picked ahead of Al-Hussaini, the consensus top pick, lighting the wick of a controversy that stole the spotlight during draft day.

Al-Hussaini called his selection behind Baclao "an insult."

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine signed up fifth pick Joshua Vanlandingham to the maximum three-year for rookies.

Unable to get a new deal with Powerade, Marvin Cruz was snapped up by Barako Bull, which offered him a one-year deal. Paolo Hubalde and Mark Isip were also given fresh one-year deals by Barako Bull. - www.inquirer.net
]]> 1283315157 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:25:57 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1283314889
Not only one, but two key players of the Llamados are likely to sit out the season-opening conference that kicks off Oct. 3, putting the franchise's ambitious bid to become the first back-to-back All-Filipino champions in 25 years in total jeopardy.

Big men Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris are set to undergo surgeries in the U.S. by next month, a scenario that could possibly kept them out in the early part – if not most – of the coveted conference in Asia's first ever play for pay league.

New head coach Jorge Gallent admitted it's going to be a tough task repeating as champions, but vows to give the rest of the field a very good fight.

"We will defend it the best possible way. Other guys just have to fill their spots and step up," said Gallent, who took over the chores vacated by Ryan Gregorio, now the head coach of the Meralco Bolts.

Both Raymundo and Pingris are suffering tears in their right leg muscles that require surgery the soonest possible time.

Although the Llamados were able to win the Philippine Cup last season despite Raymundo sitting on the bench owing to a knee injury, Gallent believes the added absence of Pingris would definitely takes its toll on the team once the new season begins.

Pingris, a one-time Finals MVP and considered the Llamados' best interior defender, will be out for at least five months.

Ditto for Raymundo, the other half of Derby Ace's famed 1-2 punch together with two-time MVP James Yap.

"Perhaps, it will last a minimum of five months," said Gallent about the length of time the two big men needed to recover from surgeries.

Anticipating the absence of Pingris and Raymundo, Gallent opted to acquire power forward Pari Llagas of the University of the East as the team's first round pick (no. 9) in last Sunday's annual Rookie Draft at the Market! Market! Place in Taguig.

The Llamados are left to do with only Rafi Reavies as their legitimate center, and while they also have in their rosters Nino Canaleta and Don Allado, both are more known for shooting mid-range jumpers than posting up and banging bodies inside. - RCJ, GMANews.TV]]> 1283314889 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:21:29 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1283210149
Rain or Shine co-team owner Raymond Yu confirmed the news to GMANews.TV through a text message.

"We just added Ferriols and Bugia to our team," said Yu. "At least we've added few more frontliners who can help out Jay-R Reyes, Jervy Cruz and Doug Kramer.

Kramer, a 6-foot-4 banger, was picked up by the Elasto Painters in a trade with Air21 for Marcy Arellano during the latter stretch of the PBA Fiesta Conference won by Alaska.

Just as expected, Air21 is active in the wheeling dealing of players.

The Express is reportedly acting as conduit to the trade between sister teams B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados and the San Miguel Beermen. The Llamados will acquire the services of promising guard Jonas Villanueva while the Beermen will get Paul Artadi. The Express will get a future second-round pick.

With three new players joining the squad – top rookie picks Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra – the Express will be forced to unload two more players.

The team is reportedly putting former Rookie of the Year awardee Rich Alvarez and Wesley Gonzales on trading block.

Meanwhile, Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes expressed satisfaction in getting the services of Larry Fonacier, who was plucked by the Tropang Texters from the Alaska Aces during Draft Day.

The Tropang Texters were forced to unload their No.4 overall pick for the rights on Fonacier, who will play an integral part on the team's offensive scheme.

"Before the draft started, we were looking at a big man and a shooter. We were able to get Ali Peek, but lost Mac-Mac Cardona to Meralco. And then we found Larry (Fonacier) being offered to us by Alaska so we grabbed the opportunity. Last year, we were only seventh in three-point shooting. With Larry around, I believe we can improve more," said Reyes. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV]]> 1283210149 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:15:49 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1283073980 2. Rabeh Al-Hussaini (Air21)
3. Rey Guevarra (Air21)
4. Elmer Espiritu (Alaska) *acquired from TNT in exchange for Larry Fonacier
5. Josh Vanlandingham (Rain or Shine)
6. Sean Anthony (Air21)
7. John Wilson (Brgy. Ginebra)
8. Jimbo Aquino (Brgy. Ginebra)
9. Pari Llagas (Derby Ace)
10. Shawn Weinstein (Meralco) * acquired from Alaska in exchange for Bonbon Custodio
11. Riego Gamalinda (Meralco)
12. Robert Lagabala (Brgy. Ginebra)
13. Val Acuna (Derby Ace)
14. Claiford Arao (Meralco)
15. RJ Jazul (ROS) * acquired from Alaska in exchange for ROS' 2011 2nd Round pick
16. Khazim Mirza (Meralco)
17. John Carlos Hermida (Barako Bull)
18. Jai Reyes (Powerade) * acquired from Air21in exchange for Powerade's 2011 2nd Round pick
19. Pass (Powerade)
20. Pass (Air21)
21. Marvin Hayes (Alaska)

Renren Ritualo and Sean Anthony (#6 Overall Pick) has been traded to the Powerade Tigers for future pciks.
..]]> 1283073980 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:26:20 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1283048811
Air21, No. 1, RABEH AL-HUSSAINI
At 6-foot-7, Al-Hussaini is without a doubt the best post player among the 66 applicants. He has proved his worth with back-to-back titles with Ateneo in the UAAP (2008 and 2009), season MVP plum ('08) and Finals MVP trophy ('09).

Air21, No. 2, NOY BACLAO
This position is crucial for the Express after Doug Kramer was dealt to Rain or Shine last month. The lanky 6-foot 6 Baclao is no doubt the best complement for Al-Hussaini. Though he is more of a defensive player specializing in blocking shots and rebounding, he showed during his stint with the Blue Eagles that he can also score, inside and outside.

Air21, No. 3, ELMER ESPIRITU
Here's now the tricky part for Air21. While they are sold on selecting Al-Hussaini and Baclao with the first two picks in the Draft, management and even the coaching staff is contemplating on the third overall pick.

However, reading between the lines, coach Yeng Guiao said that they are hoping to use the pick with the player who is athletic and can help the team in rebounding.

Talk 'N Text, No. 4, JIMBO AQUINO
The team is actually looking for a legitimate center. Although Ali Peek has rejoined the team, TNT coach Chot Reyes said they still need another legitimate center. Well, nobody fits the description than 6-foot-1 Jimbo Aquino.

A shooting guard who helped San Sebastian in its title run in the NCAA last year, Aquino will be a good addition to TNT's backcourt with the absence of Mac Cardona, who was dealt to Meralco.

Rain or Shine, No. 5, SEAN MICHAEL ANTHONY
Rain or Shine is another team looking for help in the middle, but sans high-quality center in the Draft, the team might settle for its next concern, a back-up for resident wingman Gabe Norwood.

Rain or Shine may opt for Sean Michael Anthony, a 6-foot-4 200-pound wingman who played college ball at the McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Air21, No. 6, REY GUEVARRA
After filling the spots at center, power forward and small forward, Air21 hopes to add another shooter on its roster. A wingman during his college days with the Letran Knights, the 6-foot-2 Rey Guevarra has developed an outside shot during his brief stint with the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas.

Barangay Ginebra, No. 7, JOHN WILSON
Like TNT and Rain or Shine, Barangay Ginebra is also looking for a bigman. John Wilson could be the best talent available, having won the NCAA MVP in 2008 after helping the Jose Rizal University Bombers to a Finals stint.

Barangay Ginebra, No. 8, SHAWN GABRIEL WEINSTEIN
While the Kings is loaded at the guard spot, adding another point guard could benefit the team in the long run, particularly with the nagging injuries of 2009 MVP Jayjey Helterbrand, Celino Cruz and Mike Cortez.

At 5-foot-11, it's actually hard to pass up on the talent of Weinstein, having played in the tough Israel Super League as teammate of former B-Meg import Tony Washam.

B-Meg Derby Ace, No. 9, CLAIFORD ARAO
With a new coach in Jorge Gallent, the team hopes to add ceiling and the 6-foot-6 Claiford Arao might help the team in rebounding. A former Ateneo player, Arao can bang bodies inside the shaded with the big guys.

However, he can also contribute on offense with his perimeter shooting. He's a good reliever for mainstays Rafi Reavis.

Alaska, No. 10, JAI REYES
Alaska has survived the previous season capped with a Fiesta Cup championship with one legitimate point guard in LA Tenorio. It's time to bring a back-up for the wily point guard, and Jai Reyes can easily fill that spot for Tim Cone.

A smart playmaker with the penchant for knocking down big shots, he was the chief point guard for Ateneo in '08 and in '09. - www.mb.com.ph]]> 1283048811 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:26:51 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1283048720
Then again, a few shockers may still spring out of the hour-long proceedings at the Market! Market! Place in Taguig.

"Expect a lot of trades on Draft Day," said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

Unlike the Express, who own four picks in the first round alone including the first three selections, the Bolts won't have their chance until the end of the round at No. 11, triggering speculations the league’s newest member would try to make a deal to fill up positions the team are still lacking.

Express coach Yeng Guiao said Al-Hussaini and Baclao will go down as the franchise's top two picks in the proceedings that start at 4 p.m.

The team's choices after that remains its biggest dilemma.

"We have no problems for the Nos. 1 and 2," said Guiao "But we are still undecided when it comes to the No. 3 pick."

The third pick was acquired by the Express in the Mac-Mac Cardona trade that also involved Meralco and Talk 'N Text.

After that, Air21 will have another first round pick at No. 6, before choosing 18th and 20th in the second round.

The Tropang Texters are the first team to select in the first round after the Express at No. 4, followed by Rain or Shine at No. 5.

Ginebra will have back-to-back picks at nos. 7th and 8th, respectively, followed by reigning Philippine cup champion Derby Ace at 9th and recently-crowned Fiesta Cup titlist Alaska at 10th.

Rounding up the second round in order are Ginebra, Derby Ace, Meralco, Alaska, Meralco, Barako Bull, Air21, Coca-Cola, Air21 and Alaska.

For this year's Draft, a total of 66 aspirants applied in the league's first official activity ushering the 2010-2011 season.

Outside of Al-Hussaini and Baclao, other potential talent who made quite an impression in the week-long Rookie camp are former slam dunk champion Elmer Espiritu, one-time national team stalwarts Rey Guevarra and RJ Jazul, Hans Thiele, Pari Llagas, NCAA Finals MVP Jimbo Aquino, and Fil-Canadian Sean Michael Anthony.

Incoming commissioner Atty. Chito Salud is already expected to share center stage with predecessor Sonny Barrios in Sunday’s proceedings. - JVP, GMANews.TV]]> 1283048720 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:25:20 -0500 http://www.pba-online.net/rss.php?subaction=showfull&id=1282958437
But for its third choice, the Express are torn between former collegiate slam dunk champions, Elmer Espiritu and Rey Guevara.

"Honestly, it's either Elmer or Rey. But the final recommendation will come from the coaching staff," Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio said.

The 6-foot-4 Espiritu, who played for the University of the East Red Warriors, won a slam dunk title in the NCAA-UAAP game in 2007, while the 6-foot-1 Guevara, a former Letran Knight, also won the event in 2006.

"If you need role player who can get rebound and contribute on offense, it's Espiritu. But if you need offense right away, it's Guevara. So it all depends on what we really need. Management and coaching staff will deliberate on this," Gregorio added.

What is certain, according to Gregorio, is that the third overall pick won't be traded.

"That's the instruction of (team owner) Mr. Bert Lina," he said.

"Our boss wants to have a have young, talented, and marketable team. Our option right now is to keep all these (picks)," Gregorio added.

Aside from the first three picks, the Express also own the sixth, 18th and 19th overall picks in the annual Draft.

Air21 won the No. 1 lottery pick of the Draft, and took the No. 2 from Talk 'N Text and secured the No. 3 pick from Meralco following separate trade deals.

Talk 'N Text has the No. 4 pick, which was acquired from Air21 in a previous deal with Coca-Cola involving Chris Ross, while at No. 5 is Rain or Shine. The Express have the sixth pick obtained in a trade with the Barangay Ginebra Kings (Yancy de Ocampo).

Ginebra will be picking No. 7 (acquired in a trade with Red Bull involving San Miguel Beer and Mike Holper) and No. 8, while picking No. 9 is Philippine Cup champion B-Meg Derby Ace, No. 10 is Fiesta Cup champion Alaska and No. 11 is Meralco. - www.mb.com.ph]]> 1282958437 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:20:37 -0500