Santiago, Maraño, Yongco top three picks of first PSL draft

As expected, Aleona Denise “Dindin” Santiago of National University gets selected first overall by Petron at the 2014 Philippine SuperLiga draft held on April 2 at the NBA Café at SM Aura in Taguig City. Following Santiago are De La Salle-Manila team captain Abigail Maraño, who went to Air Asia, and Iari Yongco of De La Salle-Dasmarinas, who was picked by RC Cola.

The 6-2 Santiago led NU to two straight UAAP women’s volleyball semifinals appearances. Now, she will take her skills to the Blaze Spikers, a team that finished third at the Invitational and fifth at the Grand Prix.

“Thankful (ako) na maraming naniniwala sa akin,” said the elder of two Santiago siblings who played for the Sampaloc-based university.

Marano reunites in Air Asia with De La Salle Lady Spikers coach Ramil de Jesus and the core of the squad that won three straight UAAP championships from 2011-2013. They form the newest squad in the women’s division of the league.

“Masaya kasi first (round) pick ka, so feeling ko yung worth ko, ‘Wow, coach, thank you,’” the AB Philippine Mass Media graduate shared. “Ito yung chance ko na makalaro with former Lady Spikers. Yung family and bonding relationship, ico-continue lang namin.”

Yongco, meanwhile, is a product of De La Salle-Dasmarinas’ successful volleyball program. She has played for the national team, competing in the qualifiers of the FIVB Women’s World Championship.

“Nagulat nga ako kasi ang dami-daming magagaling na spikers tapos napunta ako sa RC Cola (in the first round),” the unassuming Patriot shared. “Noong nalaman kong may SuperLiga, nagpa-kondisyon ako kasi gustong-gusto ko maglaro. Etong sa first time ko, gusto ko sana maganda maipakita ko, na deserved ako sa RC Cola mapunta.”

Rounding out the first round are Janine Marciano of San Beda, which was taken by Cagayan Valley; Jamanea Ferrer of Ateneo, chosen by PLDT MyDSL; Norie Jane Diaz of Perpetual Help, who was nabbed by Cignal HD; and Christine Agno, who went to two-time PSL champion Generika-Army.

In the second round, Petron grabbed Bulldog Carmina Aganon, Air Asia plucked Jeushl Wensh Tiu, the Raiders went for Jill Gustillo, the Rising Suns picked Charlene Gillego, PLDT selected Rysabelle Devandera, Cignal chose Michiko Castaneda, and Generika-Army took Joyce Antonette Palad.

The rest of the picks are the following: Mayette Zapanta (Petron), May Macatuno (Air Asia), and Toni Faye Tan (RC Cola) in the third round; Arianna Angustia (Air Asia) and Southlyn Ramos (RC Cola) in the fourth round. (JP ABCEDE)

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Archers surrender two late goals, draw third match

Green Archers United cannot seem to get over the hump as the club leaked two goals in the final five minutes of regulation for a 2-2 scoreline against Philippine Army-General Trias International on January 23 at the Emperador Stadium in Taguig. This is the Archers' third draw in as many matches they have played at the 2014 United Football League.

Leading two goals to nil after Jovanie Simpron scored in the third minute and Robert Lopez Mendy in the 65th minute, Green Archers let Army bounce back into the match as John Cain notched a goal in the 86th minute, followed by a rebound off a scramble by Kang Dae Han from a corner kick in the 89th minute.

"It’s a sad day for us. We should have won this handily. I think we let our guard down slightly in the last ten minutes," manager Monchu Garcia said.

GAU executed crisp short passes that led to several chances in the first half, foremost being Simpron’s strike, which came from a through ball that the Far Eastern alum took advantage of with a one-on-one situation against Army keeper Ed Sacapano. The lead could have been padded further as shots on goal by Chieffy Caligdong, Park Jun Soo, and Arnie Pasinabo were either off target or went straight to Sacapano. Army-GTI relied on counterattacks in the first 45 minutes of the fixture, but was unable to make a dent in the scoreboard.

In the second half, the pace became more deliberate with several stoppages because of physical play. The Archers were the more dominant side in the first 20 minutes as they pressed from way back and tested Sacapano with one attempt after another.

From a nifty short corner kick by substitute Tating Pasilan at the right wing, Chieffy Caligdong deftly dribbled beside the baseline, attracting the attention of the defenders. His short groundball cross went to an unmarked Lopez Mendy at the middle of the six-yard box, who then tapped it in for a two-goal advantage.

With the Archers tasting their largest cushion so far in the season, they fell back a bit to concentrate on defense. However, this gave the striped shirts the impetus to attack. Cain’s left boot from the right flank trimmed the gap to within one.

A few ticks later, a corner kick sent into Green Archers’ box was headed by Jeon Shin Seok towards goal but was deflected out. In the ensuing scramble, Kang flicked the ball with his left foot.

Deyto, who was behind the goal line, protected the ball with his body. When he proceeded to continue play, Army players stopped and pointed towards his direction. During the slight confusion, referee Ariel Montana whistled for a goal as Green Archers players surrounded the linesman to protest the call and state their case.

"It’s not a goal, I swear, man. The linesman just called that. He was miles away and people were blocking his view, so how can he possibly call that," Deyto said after the match.

GAU is still at the bottom half of the table with three points. Army-GTI is just a single point above, so far amassing a win, a defeat, and a draw to start the season.

Green Archers United draws yet again

After fighting tooth and nail against the defending United Football League champions on opening day, Green Archers United found themselves in the worst of starts and almost gave Pasargad and debuting coach Nii Aryee Ayi their first win of the season. Good thing the Archers held on as a Dodong Villareal goal in the 70th minute to notch a 1-1 draw on January 16 at the Emperador Stadium, McKinley Hill, Taguig.

Coach Rodolfo Alicante was displeased with his squad's start as Simon Pierre Bayemeg scored in the 21st minute to hand his team the lead. With Pasargad playing at a deliberate pace, GAU picked up the tempo in the second half and started pressuring from way back.

Green Archers' resilience paid off as Villareal slotted one in front of the mouth of the goal, the assist courtesy of Chieffy Caligdong off a corner kick. They had several more chances to break the tie, but the ball does not just want to go beyond the goal line. Russel Anthony Pierson was a stonewall of a keeper, frustrating GAU's forays from inside the box as well as Jessie Martindale's booming attempts from beyond.

"Yung first half namin yung pinaka-worst na start. Yung mga players namin medyo off, maraming bad pass kaya naka-goal ang Pasargad," Alicante assessed. "But in the second half, nag-adjust ako. Nag-start ako sa loob muna, pinaikot ko muna yung mga players."

Alicante made changes in front to give his attacking line more teeth with Jovanie Simpron coming in for Tating Pasilan barely five minutes into the second half and Villareal and earlier substitute Park Jun Soo switching positions. This proved to be fruitful as the passes became more accurate, and coupled with fleet footspeed, was able to net a goal but not enough to take the full three points.

Jr. NBA Philippines introduces Jr. WNBA program

Members of the 2013 Jr. NBA Philippines All-Star Team pose with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Photo courtesy of: Jr. NBA Philippines

Jr. NBA Philippines is back for its seventh year to introduce kids to sports and help them develop their skills in basketball. Presented by Alaska, the program introduces Jr. WNBA for the benefit of young girls who want to learn to ball.

The program kicks off with a coaches’ clinic on January 18 at the British School in Bonifacio Global City with a school clinic to be held the following day starting at 10am. Jr. NBA then goes to Cebu with a school clinic on January 25 and a coaches’ clinic on January 26 at the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu. There will be more clinics lined up for the rest of the year, which include stops in Puerto Princesa, Dagupan City, Surigao, and Iloilo City.

Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA is free and open to players from 10-14 years old. Aside from basketball clinics, other activities include camps, NBA Cares outreach activities, and more. The program also espouses the S.T.A.R. values of sportsmanship, teamwork, positive attitude, and respect on players, coaches, and parents.

For the second straight year, NBA Asia Senior Director of Basketball Operations Sefu Bernard will serve as camp director. He will be assisted by coaches of the Alaska Power Camp, headed by Jojo Lastimosa. Last year, former NBA player Muggsy Bogues appeared during the national training camp to impart knowledge and provide inspiration to the participants.

For coaches, the clinic will impart to them new techniques, approaches, and methodologies. Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA is also searching for its Coach of the Year, which will be awarded to the coach who best helped grow the sport of basketball and promote the S.T.A.R. values.

Jr. NBA was introduced to the country in 2007 with clinics held in 16 schools around Metro Manila. In the following years, the program expanded to cover more locations. In 2013, it was conducted in more than 500 schools and communities, reaching more than 60,000 students, parents and coaches.

The program is composed of four stages, namely, the touring clinics, the regional selection camps, the national training camp, and the NBA Experience. The ten best participants from the national training camp will be selected to be part of the Jr. NBA Philippine All-Star Team, who will then travel to the USA for a chance to play against other youth players and get to go through an NBA Experience.

Some of the alumni of the Jr. NBA program include Kiefer Ravena of the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles, Mark Tallo of the Southwestern University Cobras, and Kib Montalbo of the De La Salle Green Archers.

Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix kicks off

The Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix, the second staging of the PSL this year, will begin with a doubleheader on November 10 at the FilOil-Flying V Arena with the opening ceremonies at 1pm. The tournament begins with a match pitting PLDT MyDSL and Maybank in the men's division at 2pm, followed by recent V-League champion Cagayan Valley going up against Petron at 4pm.

TMS-Philippine Army won the inagural tournament by beating Cignal HD in four sets, 25-15, 25-18, 14-25, 25-16. Petron, meanwhile, copped third place after defeating the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns, 25-18, 22-25, 26-24, 25-16.

Army is bannered by an all-star cast that includes Jacq Alarca, Mary Jean Balse, Tina Salak, and Rachel Anne Daquis, who will be playing in the PSL for the first time. Coach Enrico de Guzman will also rely on reinforcements Wanitchaya Luangtonglang of Thailand and Yuki Murakoshi of Japan.

Cignal welcomes the veteran presence of Maureen Penetrante-Ouano, who joins fellow De La Salle University-Manila alumni Michelle Datuin and Chie Saet. Another new face in the squad is Jheck Dionela, who previously played for Cagayan in the Invitational conference. They will be backstopped by two Chinese imports in Li Zhan Zhan and Xie Lei.

Petron Blaze parades a mix of former Ateneo and De La Salle spikers namely, Kara Acevedo, Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, Melissa Gohing, and Stephanie Mercado. Coach Vilet Ponce-de Leon took the services of Misao Tanyama and Shinako Tanaka of Japan.

Cagayan Valley has a veteran-laden lineup that includes Angge Tabaquero, Aiza Maizo, Pau Soriano, Joy Benito, Sandra delos Santos, and Jen Reyes. Thai spikers Jeng Koturang and Patcharee Sangmuang further bolsters Nestor Pamilar's formidable squad.

The PLDT MyDSL Speed Boosters are raring to improve from their fifth place finish in the first edition of the PSL. The ever animated Roger Gorayeb has a roster that sports Angelina Benting, Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone, Lou Ann Latigay, Suzanne Roces, Cha Soriano, and Maru Banaticla. They are joined by American spikers Kaylee Manns and Savannah Noyes.

Finally, RC Cola, which replaced Bingo Filipino, sports a combination of youth and experience as mentor Ronald Dulay will filed in Jed Montero, Southlyn Ramos, Ivy Remulla, and Giza Yumang. In addition, they will be boosted by Sontaya Keawbundit and Zhang Minghua.

For the first time, there will be a men's division, which comprises of four teams. Aside from PLDT and Maybank, the other teams are Systema and Giligan's. Multi-talented actor and athlete Richard Gomez is in the lineup of PLDT MyDSL.

PBA 2013 draft rundown

A week is about to pass since the 2013 PBA rookie draft was held on November 3 at Robinson's Place in Ermita, Manila, but we are still feeling the aftershocks as teams continue to shuffle their roster to find the best combination that will get them far for the coming 2013-14 season.

Here are my comments on how each team did on Sunday with updated analysis that reflects the transactions that has occurred since. Here they are in order from most players drafted with the ones who selected earliest going first.

Globalport Batang Pier - Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Isaac Holstein, Nico Salva, Jopher Custodio, LA Revilla

Team owner Mikee Romero made the most of having three picks in the first round by selecting Romeo, Garcia, and Holstein. He then scored Salva in the second round, as well as Custodio and Revilla in the third round before passing in the fourth round, the first team to do so. Since then, Holstein was dealt away to San Mig Coffee for first round draft pick Justin Chua and Leo Najorda. 

One thing that is apparent with Globalport is that they just got bigger. Batang Pier were able to acquire Enrico Villanueva in a separate transaction, while that two-for-one switch for Holstein and Erik Menk signing for one year means their average height just went up. Romeo and Garcia will essentially fill Gary David's scoring by committee, although I am not sure how coach Junel Baculi will utilize LA Revilla in a guard-heavy rotation. But we'll never know as he might end up this season's Emman Monfort.

Rain or Shine Elastopainters - Raymond Almazan, Alex Nuyles, Jeric Teng, Gayford Rodriguez, Ervic Vijandre

Almazan, Nuyles, and Teng will most likely be tendered with contracts. Gayford Rodriguez, at the ripe age of 28, does not have time on his side, which means he has to deliver during this short preseason to merit a slot. Drafting Vijandre might just be for shits and giggles, but I can see him becoming a Rain or Shine spokesperson or a PBA ambassador at the very least. If he gets cut, he can haggle a contract to become a TV5 talent instead.

Barako Bull Energy Cola - Jeric Fortuna, Carlo Lastimosa, Darwin Cordero, Jett Vidal, Mike Silungan

Despite trading away their three first round draft picks, Barako Bull made up for it by drafting late. Fortuna is the only one I see with a realistic chance of getting signed as Lastimosa, Vidal, and Silungan are virtually a carbon copy of each other. The verdict is still out with Cordero. Besides, they still have a 20-odd pool to choose from outside of Danny Seigle refusing to sign with the PBA's trade fodder.

Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters - John Paul Erram, Robby Celiz, Eliud Poligrates, Omping Sumalinog, Byron Villiarias

One thing that I realized with the current draft system is that not all those whose names got called are assured of seeing action in the PBA, while those who got undrafted stay that way forever. The reason I am saying this is that I don't see anyone from those that Talk 'N Text selected generating an impact immediately.

The Tropang Texters are so stacked right now, they'll be lucky if they get a token contract. Erram will probably be the next Rob Reyes at the least, and if the other four can be converted to a complimentary wing player, then that's the best that I can see them as for the time being.

Air21 Express - Eric Camson, Joshua Webb, Angelo Ingco, Randolf Chua, Jens Knuttel

Since coach Franz Pumaren opted to go for Camson and Webb, another Lasallian alumnus in Romero was able to nab Revilla after dealing for Ginebra's third round pick. I'm not sure if that counts as a troll move or if Globalport sincerely wanted to get the former San Beda Red Cub since the Express are in need of a dependable point guads. This is where Knuttel comes in despite the fact he was picked way, way late in the draft.

Meralco Bolts - Anjo Caram, Mike Parala, Mark Lopez, Ronoel Guevarra, Mark Bringas

A team that did not get TV time on Sunday as they only started drafting in the third round, they got busy and took five players. Caram and Lopez are serviceable at the least, Parala is a project, and Guevarra and Bringas are bubble players.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings - Greg Slaughter, James Forrester, John Usita, Alvin Padilla

This is, to my opinion, the next best set of players that was taken in the first round after Globalport's windfall. You've got high potential players Slaughter and Forrester and they are able to fill Ginebra's immediate need. Padilla is pretty much lucky if he becomes the Kings' 13th player as Usita already got cut. Also, they were able to acquire Globalport's first round draft pick next year.

San Mig Coffee Mixers - Ian Sangalang, Justin Chua, Justin Melton, JR Cawaling

If Barangay Ginebra were able to get the best talent in the first round, the Coffee Mixers got the best picks overall. Sanglanag is a shoo-in, Chua has been converted to Holstein since then, Melton was a steal in the second round, and JR Cawaling, despite falling to the third round, should get a contract at the very least.

Alaska Aces - Ryan Buenafe, Chris Excimiano, Raymond Ilagan

For someone who did not attend the rookie camp, it is a surprise that Ryan Buenafe was picked high, although he is a dependable talent and proven winner. Excimiano is seen as a smaller version of Calvin Abueva, and it remains to be seen how he will fit in the backcourt rotation of head coach Luigi Trillo.

Petron Blaze Boosters - Sam Marata, Nate Matute

Players with duplicate skills, it will be a miracle if Marata and Matute gets to step onto a PBA hardcourt considering how stacked the Blaze Boosters are. And they were able to get Yousef Taha as collateral damage in that Barako Bull rigodon in the first round. So, that's that.

Draft day winners - Globalport and San Mig Coffee

It is hard to lose if you have three first round draft picks. Batang Pier essentially went for the best talent, went tall, and were able to get what they needed. Not bad.

The Coffee Mixers, on the other hand, was quality from top to bottom. Head coach Tim Cone gets an instant impact big man in Sangalang, a token project in Holstein, a reliable point guard in Melton, and a very malleable Cawaling. In local parlance, it is what you call 'walang tapon'.

Draft day loser - Barako Bull

It is easy to lose if you have three first round draft picks and give all of them away just as that. With that statement, I think I just contradicted myself with what I said about Globalport's position. But just think about it for a moment. You give away three quality picks for scrubs and then draft more scrubs. Now, they are surprised they have a 20+-player lineup.

Schools with multiple players who got drafted

Ateneo de Manila University (6) - Greg Slaughter, Ryan Buenafe, Justin Chua, Nico Salva, John Paul Erram, Omping Sumalinog

All six is part of the Blue Eagles' five-peat, so it's no surprise they were all called up, with five of them getting picked in the first two rounds.

Far Eastern University (6) - Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Chris Exciminiano, JR Cawaling, Jens Knuttel, Ryan Bringas

Another school that produces caliber talent, FEU ties with fellow UAAP member school with six draft picks.

University of the Philippines (4) - Sam Marata, Mike Silungan, Alvin Padilla, Mark Lopez

With four guards getting picked, it just shows where the relative strength of the Fighting Maroons' roster is.

De La Salle University-Manila (3) - Joshua Webb, LA Revilla, Ervic Vijandre

Not a lot to see in this batch of Green Archers.

Adamson University (2) - Alexander Nuyles, Eric Camson

Nuyles was able to defy projections by getting drafted late in the first round, while Camson will be able to find a role in a thin Air21 backcourt.

University of Santo Tomas (2) - Jeric Teng, Jeric Fortuna

The two Jerics, in my opinion, are the two best picks in the second round, and they can be considered as steals.

College of Saint Benilde (2) - Carlo Lastimosa, Randolf Chua

These two should thank their lucky stars if they don't get cut. Lastimosa has an edge because of his last name.

Saint Francis of Assisi College System (2) - Raymond Ilagan, Ronoel Guevarra

They are in the same position as the CSB players above.

Jose Rizal University (2) - Nate Matute, Byron Villarias

They are in the same boat as with the previous two as well.

Throwback Thursday: Red Lions make it look easy

San Beda beats Jose Rizal for 3rd straight NCAA title

By JP ABCEDE
Manila Bulletin

San Beda College turned yesterday's deciding Game 3 into a virtual scrimmage, plastering Jose Rizal University, 85-69, to win its third straight NCAA seniors basketball championship at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum.

The Bombers were never in the match after the Lions extended a 35-18 halftime lead to 59-40, with 4:12 left in the third quarter. Ogie Menor led a 14-5 tear in the third, scoring seven of his 18 points. He also had eight rebounds and shot 7-of-9 from the two-point area.

"It boiled down on proper execution defensively and offensively," said San Beda coach Frankie Lim. "My guys played well."

After two matches that went down the wire, Game 3 was devoid of drama and excitement as the Lions stamped their class early before 20,360 fans.

"We will bring the war to them. Sila naman guluhin natin," Lim told his players in the locker room prior to the game. "Start aggressive, start strong, and control the game."

It marked the second time the Lions completed a hat-trick of victories. The first came from 1934 to 1936. The title was the Lions' 14th, just two short of Letran's 16 championships.

Finals MVP Sam Ekwe led the champs with 20 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks in 36 minutes.

"He (Ekwe) did a great job on (James) Sena. He stopped (Jayson) Nocom from hitting those outside shots," Lim said. "He is the MVP of the finals and of the season. He deserved it."

Ekwe and Pong Escobal went three-for-three in their NCAA career. The Talk 'N Text draftee finished his last game with 11 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists.

Other Lions who scored in double figures were Jake Pascual with 13 points, who also had seven rebounds, three blocks, and three assists, and Borgie Hermida with 11 points.

"It looked easy but it was not very easy," Lim remarked.

The Lions dominated in a number of statistical departments. They shot 45 percent from the field, and limited the Heavy Bombers to 35 percent shooting. SBC also outrebounded JRU, 53-32, 19 of those coming from the offensive end, which led to 17 second chance points. Jose Rizal only had 11 offensive boards for nine second chance points.

The Lions also had its running game humming with 14 fastbreak points, compared to seven by JRU.

The scores:

SBC 85 - Ekwe 20, Menor 18, Pascual 13, Escobal 11, Hermida 11, Tecson 6, Taganas 4, Gamalinda 2, Marcelo 0.

JRU 69 - Sena 24, Cagoco 16, Njei 8, Nocom 7, Bulangis 3, Wilson 3, Pradas 3, Kabigting 2, Hayes 2, Agas 1.

Quarters: 24-12, 38-29, 64-48, 85-69.

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Note: This originally appeared in The Manila Bulletin.

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