A final reaction to Mark Caguioa's MVP award. Promise. By Chuck Araneta.

By Chuck Araneta

It’s the middle of a typhoon with rain and wind all around me. All I can think about is how silly it was for me to believe that Gary David would be awarded the Most Valuable Player of this year’s PBA season.

Those that saw and believed what Gary David did tried to wave the blue and black striped flag for the past few weeks, even in the face of odds the size of Junmar Fajardo. It was just too much for the 1% to bear. When Mark Caguioa won the Best Player of the Conference last Friday, the writing was pretty much on the wall, and the dream season for David would end up falling short. Yet again.

This year, the storyline for majority of the PBA has been about the underdogs. We had a non-SMC vs MVP team in the All-Filipino Conference. Now, we have another underdog squad threatening to go all the way to win a crown that no one expected them to win.

We are a country of underdogs. We embrace going against the odds. That’s why we could identify with Pacquiao as he rose to the top. We even cheered for that Pinay “birit” kid who ended up 2nd on American Idol. We love to stand on the shoulders of giants and take them down.

Mark Caguioa’s sustained excellence was just brilliant to witness. But I still believe that Gary David was the story of the season. It seems so long since the All Filipino Conference, but during that stretch, he FORCED people to change the channel on their TVs to the PBA, check twitter and box scores so that they wouldn’t be left out of water cooler discussions at work. And that was the start of the streak, a scoring run that was unmatched for decades. That’s the storyline of the season. That’s what Gary David’s campaign this year meant to the PBA.

I believe that Mark Caguioa is an awesome player. I respect his body of work this season, and how one freak injury halted his run towards another championship in the Governors Cup. He makes a fine MVP, and that accolade is something that was due him, even during last season.

But it shouldn’t have been this way, not this year. Not the year that Gary David said a big “eff you” to the entire PBA system. While teams compete in an arms race that separates the have-nots from the have-everythings, Gary David decided that he would carry his team on his back and basically become the number 1 option, the import, the franchise player. The everything for the Powerade Tigers.

Yes, Gary fell short in making the semis 2 out of 3 conferences. But no one has been more electric, essential, elevative, and valuable to his team this whole season. I know that this MVP was a long time coming for Mark Caguioa. He’s no longer one of the best players in the PBA to have never won an MVP award. Now his name belongs to the true greats, where it rightfully belongs. But Gary David deserved to be there too. And now, we don’t know if he will get there again.

We got the MVP that people wanted, not the MVP that people needed. CA

Chuck Araneta, a life-long Alaska fan, writes for SLAM Philippines, expresses opinions on the From The Stands podcast and appears on FTW. Follow @chuck_araneta on Twitter.

Stop the discussion. Caguioa is my MVP. by Jutt Sulit

By Jutt Sulit

The Most Valuable Player. It has to be the most debated award in the history of basketball. There are just too many angles to consider. That’s why people get into insane arguments. Yet it’s not that complicated. Take it from the name. The award should go to that one player whose team won’t win if he doesn’t play. Kaya nga siya MVP eh. Kasi pag nawala siya, sa kangkungan pupulutin ‘yung team niya. And yes, winning is a requisite. If a team keeps on losing, it shouldn’t matter if one of their players scores all their points every single game. He’s not valuable. Last time I checked, the goal in basketball is to win. And that’s just what the MVP has to do.

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I don’t understand the discussion. Seriously, how can you ask “David or Caguioa?” For me, it’s pretty clear. It has to go Caguioa.

Allan Caidic said it himself, “Caguioa is the heart and soul of this team.”  He said it. Even though he didn’t have to.

Ginebra is no pushover. It’s actually quite solid. Up until the twelfth man, walang tapon. Offensively and defensively, the team should stand on its own. On paper, even if you erase Mark Caguioa from the list, you would still say it’s a pretty strong team. It’s true. But no one would dare do so.

As talented as their lineup is, when nothing goes the Gin Kings’ way, Caguioa remains to be their best bet for a sure two points. In late game situations, the faith of the Barangay rests on him. They want the ball in his hands. Because when it doesn’t end up with him, what they get is a desperation Kerby three that hits nothing.

Mark is the glue that keeps the Barangay together. As cliché as it is, it’s the truth. We saw this when he went out with his eye injury. After a decent run towards the semis, a Caguioa-less Ginebra fell in the hands of B-Meg. That tells the whole story.

Hindi naman sa walang kwenta ang Ginebra ‘pag wala si Mark. Pero, hmm, kulang ng kwenta ang Ginebra ‘pag wala siya eh.

At this point of his career, Mark understands that he’s not exactly the talk of the town anymore. Soon enough, it will be time to give way to the likes of Paul Lee and JV Casio. But he also recognizes the fact that he still is Ginebra’s superhero.

The retirement ceremonies of Jawo’s jersey featured one of the most goosebumps-inducing moments in Philippine basketball – a fist-bump between the Living Legend and the legend-in-the-making. In this generation’s Ginebra, ‘Never say die’ exists because Caguioa exists.

Mark Caguioa isn’t just The Spark. He’s the whole ignition of Ginebra. No one deserves the MVP trophy more than Caguioa. That’s why the debates have to stop. JS

Jutt Sulit writes for SLAM Magazine and is a writer for the NCAA on AKTV television production team. Follow @juttsulit on Twitter.

From The Stands Podcast - Episode 23

From The Stands: Episode 23

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What they said:

Chuck Araneta: To no one's surprise, Mark Caguioa won BPC.


Carlo Pamintuan: Compared to Cornley, I think Blakely is the better player.


Polo Bustamante: Kung may makakasilat kay Caguioa, it's Gary David.

The guys argue over the Mark Caguioa-Gary David-James Yap MVP Race, Jamelle Cornley winning Best Import over Marqus Blakely and the impact of Paul Lee's injury on the PBA Finals.

Listen to the podcast: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/18304659/FTS%20Ep%2023%207.26.12.mp3 

For Paul Lee, bawal ang iyakin. By Carlo Pamintuan.

By Carlo Pamintuan

Last Wednesday night, I was at the Araneta Coliseum to cheer for B-Meg. My team won but I left with a heavy heart. 

By @swooshkidjm

With a little over two minutes left in Game 2 ROS-B-Meg, PJ Simon collared a rebound of a Rain or Shine miss. The Llamados led by 5 points at that point. There was no need to panic, no need to rush anything for the Elasto Painters. There was ample time to get back into the game with a couple of stops. But you can’t tell Paul Lee that. You can’t tell him to give up on this possession and focus on the next one. That’s just not how he’s built. He wants it here and he wants it now. With the ball firmly in Simon’s grasp, Paul aimed to swat it away. He reached for the ball and apparently re-injured his shoulder in the process.

Paul collapsed to the floor; pain was plastered on his face. In hindsight, it was clearly a bad decision. A swipe at the ball caused him to miss the most crucial stretch of that game. It might even cause him to miss the rest of the series. Should you blame Paul for trying to steal the ball? Was it a cheap swat that could cost his team dearly?

After Paul appeared to re-injure his shoulder, I momentarily forgot which team I was rooting for. I remember cursing and feeling I was punched in the gut. A few seconds after, chants of “iyakin” filled the coliseum. I know this is the last thing Paul wants to be called. Sabihan mo nang mayabang. Sabihan mo nang feeling. ‘Wag mo lang siyang sasabihang duwag o iyakin.

In the tough streets of Raxabago, Tondo, in Paul Lee's home court, if you get hit, you hit them back. If you’re thrown to the floor, you pick yourself up and play again. You don’t cry. You don’t go home to tell Nanay. You continue playing or your get the hell off the court.

The guy in front of me shouted, "Acting lang yan!" A part of the crowd was jeering Paul. I was distraught. I wanted to get up and tell them that Paul is a good guy. I wanted them to understand that his “angas” does not spill off the basketball court. I wanted them to understand that Paul is not the kind of player who’d shy away from the crucial moments of the game by faking an injury. Someone asked so everyone could hear, “Sa balikat na-injure bakit di makalakad?” He’s down because it hurts. He’s not playing because he can’t.

Paul Lee dropped a great line when I visited him in Tondo for an interview a few months ago. I'll never forget it. “Dito sa amin bawal ang iyakin.” I went there not knowing what to expect. Media has given Tondo a bad rep for as long as I can remember. I’ve also known Paul Lee as a cocky player who plays with his heart on his sleeve. I thought Tondo was dangerous. I thought Paul was smug. I was glad to be proven wrong on both accounts.

Paul told me then that he wanted to win a championship so that the people of Raxabago, Tondo can look up to him and be proud that one of them made it. Now he needs to dig deep and re-learn all the lessons the tough life has taught him. He either forces himself to play or he forcibly abandons the only thing he wants to do. It will be a hard decision to make. Even for a tough guy like Paul Lee, it will be painful either way. CP

Carlo Pamintuan writes for SLAM Philippines, argues on the FROM THE STANDS podcast and appears on FTW. He is also a life-long Purefoods/BMEG fan. Follow @carlo_pamintuan on Twitter.

Paul Lee's injury is a robbery. by Polo Bustamante

By Polo Bustamante

I fear that for the rest of the series, Rain or Shine will be robbed of a playmaker. The Elastopainters relied heavily on Paul Lee to run their offense this entire season. And so far in this conference he’s delivered in spades.

By @swooshkidjm

If Paul Lee doesn’t make it back in the series, Rain or Shine will miss his aggressiveness, leadership and swagger. The open looks near the basket for Beau Belga; probably gone. Jamelle Cornley will likely see more double teams now that Paul Lee can’t attract defenders. Jeff Chan might miss the space he had beyond the arc.

Paul Lee was an extension of Yeng Guaio on the court. He brought the coach’s game plan to life. Beyond the playmaking though, he also embodied Guaio’s demeanor and toughness. Problems with X’s and O’s can be remedied. It’s the “angas” Paul Lee brings to the team, however, that’s truly irreplaceable.

PBA fans risk being robbed of a great Finals series.  We might miss out on Paul Lee showcasing his skills on the big stage against a big time opponent. We might miss out on his swashbuckling drives to the basket, 30-foot three-point bombs and that sweet killer crossover. Chances are, we can no longer watch Paul Lee break Josh Urbiztondo’s ankles or punish Mark Barroca in the post. We might miss out on a primetime match-up for the rest of the Finals: Paul Lee the rising star versus James Yap the superstar.  

“Small market” PBA Teams were probably robbed of an icon, for the time being. This was the season where “small market” teams like Powerade and Rain or Shine crashed the usual MVP vs. SMC Finals affair. The Governor’s Cup Finals was already an uphill battle for the Elastopainters to begin with. But they had a legitimate shot, especially after beating B-MEG in Game 1. This could have been the year that the small company finally overthrows the giant corporation, for at least one title series. But with Paul Lee probabaly done, we start waiting for next year.

Was Paul Lee robbed by fate? The moment he was rolled out of the Araneta Colliseum, his first real shot at a championship, perhaps rolled out with him. Lee missed out on a championship in the UAAP and the PBL. This was supposed to be his moment. It certainly won’t be his last, but it’s a shame that he might not be able to do it as a rookie with a team he transformed as soon as he joined them.

Paul Lee gave Rain or Shine an identity. It’s upsetting that this had to happen to him, that this had to happen to a genuinely nice guy who played the game all out, that it had to happen to a tough, fiery competitor who played games with an injured shoulder that eventually broke down, that it had to happen to such a transcendent talent playing with the right team at the right time.

We were all robbed the moment Paul Lee crumpled to the floor. Yeng Guiao believes otherwise. Guiao says Rain or Shine will win with or without his star rookie. Still, if Paul Lee doesn’t make it back, if the series continues without him, the basketball gods owe us a big one. PB

Polo Bustamante writes for SLAM Philippines, argues on the FROM THE STANDS podcast and  makes cameo appearances on FTW. Follow @polo_bustamante on Twitter.

PBA Finals Fan Art: Blakely & Big Game James.

BMEG Planet believes James will become PBA MVP. From @HaeLGRfX

BMEG Planet insists Blakely is the Best Import. From @HaelGRfX

NBA MVP na, PBA MVP pa...No contest!

For setting the league on fire, Gary David is my MVP. by Robi Raya.

by Robi Raya

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The PBA MVP may be the most misleading MVP award in all of Philippine basketball; mainly because there has never been an archetypal PBA MVP and really, the most valuable players from conference to conference are the imports. The award, as a concept, is impossible to put in a box. You will never find a consensus definition for it. Parang love lang.  We each have our own understanding.

It can be given to the leader of the best team that year (Alapag 2011), or to the best player on the best team (Johnny Abarrientos 1996), or to the season’s best player (e.g. Kelly Williams 2008), or to the second best (Willie Miller 2007), to the most popular (James Yap 2006), to the most dominant (Asi Taulava 2003, Danny Ildefonso 2000, 2001), or to the “There was really no one else” MVP (Willie Miller, who by the way averaged 9ppg in 2002).

The PBA Most Valuable Player is construed in a different manner every year. The award evolves. It changes. The only premise is that the winner has to be valuable in his own way. He has to belong to a winning team and be essential to the team’s success. His team ultimately has to win enough games.

How many is enough?

Well, every winner of the award has either brought his team to at least two playoff appearances or won a championship that year. Gary David failed to do either. That’s why I understand why he shouldn’t win the Dekada ’70-Mano Po-like race for MVP against Mark Caguioa. Gets ko. Ginebra won enough, Powerade didn’t (Powerade finished with a 14-18 W-L record in all of the eliminations this year). In fact, Mark “The Spark” had my vote a few days ago. I was even this close to writing an “It’s about damn time Mark Caguioa wins MVP” article.

But it felt like I was forcing the award on Mark. Kasi parang ibibigay mo lang sa kanya. Pimples popped all over my face every time I tried to unearth sound reasons why he should win. “Bakit ba dapat si Mark Caguioa ang MVP?” I asked myself.  

Ultimately, the overriding sentiment is that Powerade didn’t win enough; that’s why we’re giving the MVP to the second best player of the season whose team went to the playoffs in all three conferences. I want my MVP to take it --- to grab the award like The Worm grabs rebounds. I want to be gung-ho about my MVP. I want him to own the season. Despite a losing record, despite only making the playoffs once this season, Gary David flat out owned the season!

The 2011-2012 Powerade Tigers were built like a complicated Ducati Monster, with missing and compromising parts, and with features tailored for a specific type of driver. Gary David happened to be the only person who could drive that monster in a race against F1 racecars. Only Gary could have lifted the Tigers’ inept lineup this season. No one else’s self-belief could have fooled Will Antonio, Rudy Lingganay, Celino Cruz, Francis Allera and co. into believing they could win games. That’s Gary David’s amazing impact. 

Okay. David defended like Melo. He was neither a good passer nor a good playmaker. But he made his teammates play loose and confident because they knew they had a shot at beating anyone. Going into a game with Gary David on your side is like going into a 2-against-5 bar fight with an MMA fighter. Beyond the 25ppg average (Last time a local averaged at least 25 a game over a full season? Alvin Patrimonio back in 1992) and the way he stretches the floor and attracts attention, that’s Gary’s true value. These are the reasons why he’s head and shoulders above the second best player this year.

If anyone argues that Powerade didn’t win enough this year, I will agree. Pero dapat mas ma-appreciate natin ‘yung pagBUHAT na ginawa ni Gary this season. He has the edge over any local who played exceptional in an import-laden conference. Because he brought a used-to-be cellar-dwelling lineup to the Philippine Cup Finals. Shouldn’t we give more weight to that?

Ten years from now, I’m sure we will all remember the 2011-2012 season for Gary David’s Hands-on-Fire Game versus B-MEG, for the game-saving buckets he drained against Rain Or Shine, for the 19 straight games he scored 20 or more, for the “I’m gonna say Cinderella run because it simply was a Cinderella run” run by Powerade in the Philippine Cup. Everyone fed off of his energy --- including AKTV and the PBA’s television ratings. An afterthought turned iconic player produced iconic moments and a watershed year for the whole league.

Ten years from now, when we reminisce about the 2011-2012 season, the first player we will remember will be Gary David. I have no effin doubt about it. Ten years from now, I'll surely remember him as this season's MVP. RR




Robi Raya is the man behind the Bekshoot basketball blog. He is also writes for SLAM Philippines. 

Meet "Strong" the PBA super fan. He's just 3 years old!!!

Sometimes, after I read messages on Facebook, I shake my head. More often, however, I receive messages on my inbox that make my day. Rose Noble from Iloilo sent me an FB message which will make me smile the entire week. It's best I let Rose tell the story herself:

"Hi sir Mico! My son is 3 yrs old but very fanatic in basketball!! He recognizes almost all the superstars in PBA and mind you ha, he even knows their celeb gf...naku!! Sabi ko na nga ba, baka by the age of 4 kilala na nya na lahat ng PBA players."

"He really likes Talk N Text!! Hope we could watch the game live, Hopefully 1 of these days...la kasing game d2 sa Ilolo!! Thank U for AKTV's live coverage...tapos pag ikaw ing commentator sabi niya Mommy oh yung maliit...hehehe! Sorry for this term! By the way, his name is STRONG...hope you could greet him on TV." 

"I'll try sir Mico na makapanood siya ng live na game. Hopefully, when his Dad arrives galing barko. Mag give way na lang kami for Strong to watch Talk 'N Text. Kasi his Dad is a fan of B-MEG. I'm a Petron/SMB loyalist for almost 25 years."

Priceless. This FB message is just priceless. The mom is a Petron/SMB fan. The dad is a B-MEG fan. Yet they'll watch a TNT game if they get to watch one...for Strong. Panalo! Thanks Rose for making many of us smile this whole week. Thanks Strong for always supporting the PBA, even if you're just three years old. Galing! MH

Tim Cone did a Bobby Knight in Game 1.

With 7 minutes left in Game 1, B-MEG Head Coach Tim Cone threw a monobloc plastic chair on the court. It's the plastic chair he uses during timeouts. Out of frustration, he used it for something else.

During the broadcast, I mentioned that it reminded me of former Indiana Head Coach Bobby Knight. Bob Knight is famously known for his tempestuous coaching style. If you want to know what's it like to play for Bobby Knight, read "A Season on the Brink" by John Feinstein. Knight is also famously remembered for throwing a chair during a home game against Purdue in 1985:



Joe Lipa, as Ateneo Head Coach in 2001, also threw a chair on the court in a game against Adamson. It's no accident that Joe Lipa is sometimes regarded as the Bobby Knight of the Philippines. They're both passionate coaches. They're both champion coaches. And they're both insensitive to the feelings of chairs. MH

Should PBA teams rock retro unis?

It's a trivial thing. To bring out retro uniforms. To unearth memories. To unlock sentimental value. Sure, it's an additional expense for teams. Yet CP3 and Deron Williams got all giddy with their throwback jerseys today.

I believe PBA fans will appreciate the gesture too. Probably because it's an emotional move. To occasionally see BMEG in old-school Purefoods uniforms. To even see Rain or Shine play in throwback Welcoat threads.

 Shopinas.com Retro Jerseys

Shopinas.com Retro Jerseys

atletasports.com

Retro unis, oo nga, it's a trivial matter. It's not that big a deal really. But in preserving memories from past games, extending legacies of transcendent players, and promoting the rich history of a league, throwback jerseys are a sound investment. They can make the old feel new. They can make the new feel like they belong. It means little to those who don't get it. It means everything to those who do. MH

From The Stands Podcast! David-Caguioa MVP Debate / PBA Finals Preview / Chot Reyes Tribute.

I'm proud to have the "From The Stands" podcast on this blog for the first time. It's intelligent. It's mundane. It's sports. It's the core of our existence. It's whatever you want it to be. In the comeback episode of From The Stands, Chuck Araneta (now-suffering Bulls fan) and Polo Bustamante (life-long Alaska fan) jam about the whole Gary David vs Mark Caguioa MVP debate and the PBA Finals between BMEG and ROS. By the way, someone will say PJ Simon is very, very sneaky. They'll also discuss the teams no longer in the title hunt. Bonus content to end podcast: a tribute to TNT Coach Chot Reyes.

Some excerpts:

Chuck: "This is Gary David's year and he deserves to be MVP."
Polo: "I'm a Caguioa believer after watching him the past two conferences."

Chuck: "The PBA Finals is going to be nasty."
Polo: "In terms of clutch factor, you can't take away James Yap."

Chuck: "It seems that Coach Chot is more than just a coach to his players."
Polo: "When Coach Chot retires, one of his colorful polo shirts has to be retired."

Direct download of podcast: http://fromthestands.podbean.com/mf/web/c8frm/FTSEp2272112.mp3 (link on the site, simply right click- save link as)

Listen to FROM THE STANDS now:

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For Ginebra, a season ends, a new one begins. Not now. But soon.

What do you say to the most ardent Ginebra fans immediately after a two-point loss in a knockout game? Do you console? Do you explain? Do you justify?

I suppose the healing never starts immediately just as the hurting never stops instantly. It's part of the process...for believing in something so intensely. You join the ride. You take the risk. Pain is a partner of privilege. Happiness goes hand-in-hand with hopelessness. It's always a 50/50 proposition, no matter what team you root for.

When a tournament ends, it also means the next year begins. Not now. But soon. Don't worry Ginebra fans, the start of the 2012-2013 PBA campaign is just a three-on-one fast break away. Recharge. Relax. Pahinga muna kayo. Tapos kampihan ulit. The promise of a new season awaits. MH

Ginebra vs BMEG #ManilaClasico FanArt Museum - PBA fans are the best!

Get amped for the Ginebra vs BMEG KO Game tonight with these incredible memes. Winner of tonight's game will face ROS in the Finals. Are you ready??? All credit goes to the creative fans who come up with these. Dope. All Dope.

PBA FanArtists, you guys are awesome! MH

Knicks refuse to spend for Linsanity. They deserve the...

It makes sense. Jeremy Lin and the magic he created was an accident. He was never part of the grand Knickerbocker plan. Linsanity was such a positive rarity in the unwieldy universe of Knicks Basketball, it had to go. It didn't belong. Some believe they're better off with Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd. Others believe the Knicks are making yet another mistake. Either way, we all need to salute the Knicks with grandest of tributes. Slow Clap guys. Slow Clap. MH

Baser Amer miracle Baser-Beater - Whaaata shot that shot!!!

While waiting to start the Ginebra vs ROS semis game in Araneta last night, we watched the Perps vs San Beda game on our broadcast panel monitor. We thought it was over in regulation. It was over. Then, Baser "The Hammer" Amer launched a desperation backcourt three-pointer. The ball soared. It hit the glass. Bang! Overtime. Whoaaaa. Fans on twitter were shocked. Someone said, "Amer-acle Baser-beater!"Others were so stunned, they tweeted straight from the heart. Here's an incredible post-Baser-Beater-tweet -- a strong candidate for Sports Tweet of the Year:

Whaaata game this game!!!! Whaaata shot that shot!!!! MH

Black Sakuragi did it again.

When PBA players tweet @MMDA...

Was online when Jared Dillinger asked @MMDA for traffic advice. I saw the entire exchange on Twitter and I found it strangely amusing. Sort of like the stuff they do on CONAN. It can totally work. Segment Title: When celebrities tweet @MMDA. Or in this case, When PBA players tweet @MMDA.

Here's the actual exchange between Dillinger (@JDHawaii20) and @MMDA:

I give @MMDA points for their swift response. I give Jared bonus points for being gender-sensitive with the salamat mare/pare. But Jared gets a point-deduction for the haha after. 

It makes me wonder. 

Paano kung intense-hardcore-extremist Ginebra/Petron fan yung in-charge of the @MMDA account at that time? Will they be as helpful kung malaman nila na si Jared Dillinger pala si @JDHawaii20?

@JDHawaii20: how is traffic from edsa to white plains

@MMDA: saan po manggagaling?

@JDHawaii20: from makati going to white plains

@MMDA: is this Jared Dillinger?

@JDHawaii20: yes

@MMDA: naku sir tsk tsk tsk. Heavy.

@JDHawaii20: where?

@MMDA: everywhere.

@JDHawaii20: huh?

@MMDA: as of 1:20 PM, EDSA NB Guadalupe (H), Boni-Megamall (H), C5 NB Bagong Ilog (H), Greenmeadows to Eastwood (H), Lahat ng Posibleng Alternate Routes (H), Skyway (H), NLEX (H), The Street right in front of your House (H) #mmda