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.
11/08/2013
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.
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.
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