Chris Ellis for All Star Slum Dunk Champion

This week is all set up for the 2013 PBA All Star where the most exciting part of the All Star is the Slam Dunk competition. With KG Cañaleta not being part of the said competition who will be the next to grab his crown as the best slam dunk player in PBA History. Without Kelly Williams out of the league due to injury and Gabe Norwood being part of Gilas, it seems that three of the most high flying players in the league will miss this years slam dunk competition. Coach Chot Reyes of Smart Gilas does not want any Gilas players to be part of the Slam Dunk and Three point shoot out.

But nothing to worry about, if we think that this might be the most lousy All Star Slum Dunk competition, we better think twice. The most electrifying, high flyer and intense player in the PBA today is more favored to win today's Slam Dunk Competition. He has been doing a lot of fantastic dunks from the start he came in the league and basically the most finest dunk we ever saw in a local player in over a decade now.

The rookie from the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Chris Ellis will compete for the Slam Dunk Competition together with team mate Elmer Espiritu, Calvin Abueva of Alaska Aces and Cliff Hodge of the Meralco Bolts. It is very evident that among all the mentioned players Ellis has the highest jump. However, we cannot underestimate the power slams that Cliff Hodge can do. It will be a Ellis versus Hodge, beauty versus power come the All Star Slam Dunk Competition.

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The King of the Kings will be back!

The Hearth of the PBA and the King of the Kings is expected to play this coming May 8, Wednesday, Game 3 of the Semi-Finals game against TNT. Mark Caguioa, missed a lot of games from the eliminations and only expected to be out for a week, but made into a month and now it is more than a month that Caguioa is not able to play with his team. 

After the game 2 against TNT it is very evident that the team is missing a GO-TO-GUY when they badly need to have a basket. As Vernon Macklin being guarded so well, Kerby Raymundo looks so tired on the early games of the series, LA Tenorio is playing hurt that may cause him not to play not 100% it will go down to the fact that Ginebra really needs to have The Spark back.

Caguioa, still stays as the most productive local player in points per game averaging 22.78 PPG and missing 20 points per game is not that easy especially against a defensive team like TNT. Just imagine if Caguioa is playing at the last 30 seconds last night where they badly need to score, I believe if he is there he is the one shooting the ball and a much higher percentage that he will make the shot.

“I think Mark needs two more weeks, that’s the best scenario… a safe time frame, he’ll be good come semis,” this was the message given by medicine physician Dr. Raul Canlas said last April 22, 2013 in an interview. There are also rumors that the Spark will be back playing the Game 3 of the Semi Finals.

“I just don’t want Mark to force his return, I want him to do steady sure recovery… para walang long-term (ill) effects,” added by Dr. Canlas. 

Mark Caguioa also tweeted a big mystery on his twitter account that says "#GAME3". Is this an indication that he will be back? Taking note what his doctor said it is two weeks more last April 22, 2013 and their next game would be on May 8, That is more than two weeks, and seeing Mark in uniform and having his shooting drills before the game this semi-finals, it seems that May 8 is the comeback day that we are long waiting for.

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What is the missing link?

A lot of speculations are being done after the previous game of Ginebra and Talk n Text, where the Tropang Texters able to succeed and stole one game against the Kings. What was the real reason why TNT won Game 2? Here are the answers:

Defense

Talk n Text really played tremendous defense against Ginebra. They just limit the Kings with 79 points at the end of the game. We did good defense as well giving TNT an average of only 80 points per game, a Semi Final average for the tropang texters but still we came short. We cannot win not scoring more than 90 points against TNT.

Vmack's points is limited

Due to the TNT's defense Vernon Macklin only had 15 points where he is averaging 24.50 PPG. The lead of TNT is only six (6) points, imagine if Vernon scored upon his average we might won the game. But is is not that Vernon is not shoot

ing good. It is because TNT played a good night defending Vernon.

Free throws

We only shot 47.6% on the free throw line while TNT had 71.4%. We missed 11 out of 21 free throws given to us. The texters only missed six (6) points at the fifth teen foot line. Counting the ratio if we made all our free throws we might able to win the game. 

Cannot stop Jayson Castro

From the start of the semi-finals, Jayson Castro seems to be the problem for Ginebra. It seems that they never know how to stop his blazing speed driving the painted lane.

Ginebra really did a good game last night. They really just came short. TNT last night won the game but they never got it that easy. We just need to adjust the next game and take note of these missing links that we had.

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Ginebra came short against TNT

At the beginning, the Game 2 of Ginebra and TNT shows that the Tropang Texters are there to redeem themselves after the beating they had at the Game 1 of semi finals. TNT has a strong start at the first three minutes of the game having an early 2-10 lead. However, Ginebra players able to bounce back with Coach Al Francis Chua's 3 Guard Combo. This combination was used at the remaining two minutes of the first game against ROS last quarter finals and it seems to still be effective against TNT.

But, the much experienced team at the playoffs take good care of their lead up until the run made by Ginebra at the last minute of the 3rd quarter that gave the Kings a nine point lead at the start of the 4th quarter. TNT is more determine to win and able to pressure the Kings up until the last minute where De Ocampo buried a game finishing shot at the three points.

TALK N’ TEXT 85 – Castro 22, Alapag 17, De Ocampo 16, Jordan 14, Carey 6, Al-Hussaini 5, Reyes 4, Aban 1, Raymundo 0, Fonacier 0, Ferriols 0.

BARANGAY GINEBRA 79 – Raymundo 17, Macklin 15, Urbiztondo 15, Helterbrand 12, Tenorio 8, Ellis 6, Taha 2, Baracael 2, Maierhofer 2.

Quarterscores: 22-20, 47-44, 59-68, 85-79

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Put your hands up!

This is one most beautiful photo taken from Game 1 Semi Finals between  Ginebra and Talk n Text. Look at Jayjay Helterbrand, he might be thinking that he is not that old and he still has the gun to fire. Let us try to caption some person from this photo and let us try to get something from it.

Coach Al Francis Chua

Look how Coach Al hold his right fist pointing to the TNT's bench. Thus he telling the Tropang Texters that the basket Jayjay just made was a Knockout punch?

Samboy Lim

So lazy to get up maybe all those metal planted on his knees are too much weight. Kidding aside, it is been a long time I haven't seen him smiling.

Rob Labagala

He is yelling his throat out of his neck. Too much energy from that Gatorade he is holding. 

Dylan Ababou

He is holding his chest like he will just get a heart attack from that shot.

Chris Ellis

Maybe the most electrifying player from the roster today but look at how he scream. But owww, is he screaming or crying for joy.

Rico Maierhofer

Now correct me if I am wrong, is he the one holding the marking board? He maybe want to coach in the future. 

Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio

This is my favorite scene on this photo. I loved this photo and it is not how the way LA screams but how Mark carries LA like a kid. It feels like the spirit of Jawo was transferred to Mark and now the Spark will soon hand it over to Tenorio.

The Crowd

Of course, the most important subject of this photo. The Ginebra fans, the undying joy they have seeing their favorite team play this well. 

You, what do you think about each and every person in this photo. What do you think they are thinking that time?

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Vmack's Revenge!

The first meeting of Vernon Macklin and Jerome Jordan was a nightmare for the Ginebra's import, where it seems that Jordan was ready for the battle inside and made the paint as if it is his territory as limiting Vernon for only 12 points at the end of their game last eliminations.

Vernon is an effective player inside the paint and had been successful taking over that side of the court with different imports. But Jordan put the powerful import into shame. Many people said that it will be the same thing again for Macklin come Game 1. They assumed that Vernon already found his dilemma with Jerome Jordan. However, VMack proved all critics wrong. He managed to finish the game with 25 points, 9 rebounds and gathered 1 steal, block and assists. His stats is not far away from Jordan but the beating that the TNT's import received from Vmack is very evident.

Jordan has difficulty guarding Vernon especially the Ginebra's import is not posting up Jordan, he is facing Jordan with the ball and using his quickness he will drive into the basket which is very effective all night long. Vernon dominated the paint with his powerful and high flying dunks. Taking the fact that Jordan only scores a  lot of points at the end game using long jumpers with a much lousy defense because Ginebra is just hanging on with a big lead. With Dawson's and Dunigan's team already eliminated, it seems that it is only Vernon Macklin that is left for Robert Dozier's rival for the current conference Best Import Award. 

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No Signal! Ginebra shuts down TNT!

At the very start of the semi-finals opener between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel against superstar lineup   of the Talk n Text Tropang Texters, it is very clear that the game plan of the Texters is to start aggressive on attacking Ginebra's defense. After having the first 2 points of the game it seems that TNT forgotten how to shoot a ball. They were shocked with the way  Ginebra played defense with them and the rampage started.

Another game plan for the TNT is to limit Vernon Macklin of scoring form the inside, but it seems that Ginebra is ready for that, they let Vernon as a decoy and kick out the ball to all their shooters. It is a blazing hot first quarter for the team where they knock basket after basket not to mention all the long shots that Baracael made. The aggressive game of Chris Ellis is also fantastic where he draw defense and kick out or take it strong to the basket.

Everybody from the Ginebra roster is scoring while Jordan and the Texters are straggling  the whole game. People said that they are unlucky today that they are not making their baskets but they must give credit to the Ginebra defense that shuts down TNT's offense.

The main reason for Ginebra's win today is defense, outside shots, aggressiveness and kudos the chemistry of the team. Urbiztondo played like he was with the team for decades, Vernon crashes down Jordan and Kerby Raymundo played like he was still in his young age as he was awarded the best player of the game.

The scores:

BARANGAY GINEBRA 104 – Macklin 25, Raymundo 14, Ellis 13, Baracael 12, Urbiztondo 12, Tenorio 8, Helterbrand 8, Maierhofer 5, Labagala 2, Wilson 2, Hatfield 2, Taha 1, Espiritu 0.

TALK ‘N TEXT 81 – Jordan 21, Castro 18, De Ocampo 12, Al-Hussaini 6, Reyes 6, Ferriols 5, Fonacier 4, Alapag 3, Raymundo 2, Aban 2, Carey 2, Dillinger 0.

Quarterscores: 33-15, 59-36, 81-56, 104-81

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Poll : Ginebra Versus San Mig Coffee for Finals

As of today, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Mig Coffee Mixers are the teams that fans wanted to be at the Finals of the 2013 Commissioners Cup. Even though the Semi-Finals of the current conference have not started yet.

Currently, the match up between the Mixers and the Barangay leads the poll with 55% of votes followed by Alaska vs Ginebra with 26.4%, San Mig versus TNT at the third with 9.95% and Alaska versus TNT with 8:75%. 

We can never question the result of this poll since both teams have the most number of fans in the league. In this current conference both the Kings and the Mixers have a bad start at the eliminations but both won with heart and pride in the quarter finals battle they have against the Elasto Painters and the Bolts. In seems that PBA fans wanted to see a Manila Clasico this Finals and they missed to watch the old rivalry had before. Remember the classical games between Ginebra and Purefoods back in the 90's, which is unforgettable for both fans.

Considering the survey that being done by http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv, is shows as well that Ginebra is the most wanted team to be part of the Finals. Nevertheless, it is still too early to say and too early to predict if what team will succeed and win the series in the semifinals. But still everybody wants to have a Manila Clasico Finals this conference.

Poll is still being done at www.interaksyon.com; stats still may change. Vote now!

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Photo : Game 1 - Ginebra vs TNT Match up

Tell us your predictions and thoughts of today's Game 1 of Ginebra and Talk n Text. Put your comment on the comment box at the chat box for us to know what is on your mind about the game today.

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"Mayayabang yang mga fans na yan e" from another team's fan

 At First I don't know why a fan from another team don't like the fans of The barangay Ginebra to be happy. Why ?
Why ?

why other fans don't want to see ginebra fans enjoying the win?
why other fans always thinks that fans of ginebra are boastful every time the team wins a game?
why other fans always criticize us fans of ginebra ?

Since 2008, the team is hungry for a championship. It's been almost 5 long years of championship drought. 5 long years of suffering from every losses. For every time the team undergoes elimination.

It's been long hard 5 years for us fans. Don't you understand that. That fans have been through many unfortunate events in that 5 years. Let me enumerate some of them.

Fans witnessed numbers of trade. some of the are unfair trades. Seeing your favorite player transferring to another team is hard but that is basketball the only constant thing is change.

Having the opportunity to win a championship but not making it.

Import drama.. Import not shooting free throws and complaining every time that cost the team early conference exit

Win-loss-Win-loss conference..

The 5 game losing streak.

The coach changing dramas.

All those injuries of our favorite players

Ageing problem of my Idols.

The 0-4 start..

As a fan all those things are the reasons why the fans are happy every time the wins a game. Every shot are blessing for them. Every missed shots are blessings in disguise. every shot of rudy hatfield while laying on the floor is a miracle.

every time that coach al taps a player , that player might be the key,
every dunks and blocks of players like macklin, ellis, and kerby. are chant starters.

that's what's going to our minds every game of ginebra..

"Ginebra is battered, bruised, and beat-up. But they’re not broken. They’ve taken the power of belief and they used it as a shield against all of their doubters, both internally and from outside forces. Together with the millions of fans, they will continue to believe, even against the gauntlet that they face in Talk N’ Text." - (Polo Bustamante GMA NETWORK)

for the sake of other fans..

We fans of barangay ginebra san miguel cherish every single game like a CHAMPIONSHIP game.
LAHING GINEBRA ata kami.

Maybe we don't have RECENT CHAMPIONSHIP to have our bragging rights but we fans of barangay ginebra san miguel will always be there win or lose. We will not stop.. Call us uneducated .Invent funny names . But we barangay ginebra fans are not bandwagoners. WE are the fans who always endure the long waiting lines to the ticket booth. We are the fans with lots of gimmicks , Banners to prove how much we love our team.

IT'S BETTER TO DIE THAN TO SEE THE GINEBRA LOSE.
MARRY ME VEVE KO VMACK.
MARRY ME ELLIS.

those banners are the most memorable why?

ELLIS AND VMACK are new comers. ELLIS a rookie, and Vmack the reinforcement.
every time a new player lands to the barangay. EXPECT 100% trust and admiration from us fans.

Every time another player accidentally hurt the players of barangay ginebra expect the BOO from the crowd.
Every time we lose. expect fans who will post something on social networking sites.

CAUSE WE ARE THE FANS OF THE BARANGAY GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL. THE NEVER SAY DIE FANS. THE FANS OF THE TEAM. FROM THE START OF THE VERY FIRST GAME UP TO THE TIME THE TEAM EXITS. EXPECT DRAMA! EXPECT EMOTIONS! EXPECT EVERYTHING FROM US. EXPECT EVERYTHING FROM THE GREATEST FANS OF BASKETBALL!

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Kings vs Champs : The Battle of Heart versus Skills!

Tomorrow would be the start of the much awaited battle between the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel versus the Talk n Text Tropang Texters. Both teams came from a crazy elimination run but both showed domination on their opponents the last quarter finals. However, come to think of it it will be again a huge series for the kings as they try to win against the proven championship team like TNT.

It seems that between this two teams Ginebra again is the under dog, the David against Goliath and the peoples champ versus the champs. Compare it to whatever high and low, poor and rich, strong and weak still whatever the expert opinion is, the media's article that TNT has an advantage and what ever the haters prediction is, still you can never say that the team of Coach Norman will dominate the Kings.

If you will compare the skills of both teams well they seems not to be far enough to each other. If they have Castro we have Urbiztondo, if they have a clutch player in Alapag we have LA, if they have Fonacier shooting on the outside well we have Helterbrand. Well in defense, can their best defender in a flesh of Reyes can guard Vmack like what Hatfield can do to the TNT's import.

Roster wise they seems to be match, they said that it is the experience that will prevail, what are they talking about? Have'nt they forgotten? This is Ginebra they are against with. The team who started 0-4 and won 6 games in a row and defeated a tough team in the quarter finals of this conference. Have they forgotten that the leading scorer for all locals will be back this series. Can those championships that TNT recently had can be converted in points come the semi-finals.

We eat the same food, we are standing the same ground, we live the same place, we play the same ball and we shoot the same ring. It seems that we are all the same. TNT and the GIN's are all equal. Go ahead haters, media and experts predict whatever you want to predict but do not be a prophet of basketball; if you wish then write your own Bible and preach them to all your fellow haters. We Ginebra fans have breeding not like what you think against us. We do not predict that our team will win. We do not have your team because they are winning. In all the games that our team is playing we only trust our players that they will give it all because that it what we are made of, a fighter. 

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GINEBRA MAGIC

It's Not How You Start but How You Finish

From 0-4, Barangay Ginebra will enter the semi finals against Talk-and-Text. After the slow start of the conference barangay ginebra goes 7-7 including 6 game winning steak. With things not going into their way the team never break apart but instead they ties up with everyone and put their faith and trust to each other. That's the formula of coach Al Francis Chua.

Timely Trade

Everyone was shocked with the last trade happened before the trade deadline last Thursday March 18, 2013. Ginebra acquired streak shooting point guard Josh Urbiztondo from the Barako Bull Energy Cola for Keith Jensen a seldom used forward and a 2nd round draft pick. Another Guard? With the Mark Caguioa out of the game because of his injury.

In-And-Out Game

With Vernon Macklin being doubled inside the shaded area. The team changed their game plan. The In-and-Out game. Giving the opportunity to Kerby Raymundo and JJ Helterbrand to  once again showcase their talents. Vernon Macklin is willing to give to ball to anyone who is free to shoot the ball and he is not forcing to take diffucult shots. Another key for this style is the newcomer Josh Urbiztondo who can attack the basket and pass the ball to open players.

FAITH OVER PRESSURE

Coach Al Francis Chua giving all out trust to his Import Vernon Macklin. I told Vernon na "I'll Stick with you If you miss freethrows, you miss freethrows but I trust you." VMACK,a 47 percent free throw shooter, hits two important free throws of the game. His weakness became the offensive last weapon of the team.

"Sabi ko sa kanila sa dugout before this game (against rain or shine), Manalo, Matalo may practice pa rin tayo bukas." said chua. Giving all his trust to ever single player of the team. 

READY FOR THE DEJAVU

Whoa.. It seems like will be witnessing a dejavu of the what happen last 2008. 5 years ago, Barangay Ginebra was on the same place right now. Having a slow start of 0-5 (2008) but the team still managed to go up to the finals and crowned as the Fiesta Conference champions. I can still remember how a man came and brought a difference. (Chris Alexander) and now it's Vernon Macklin time. 

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Game Plan : Game 1 vs TNT

After an exciting series with the Elasto Painters, another rival team will try to beat the most electrifying team in the PBA. The Tropang Texters are set to play with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel this Friday, April 25 at exactly 6:45 PM at the big dome. The Kings had proven that they can win without the Spark playing on the hard court. But can they really battle against a Championship Team like TNT without the reigning MVP. Mark is still doubt to play on Game 1 but he himself said in an interview that the team can win even without him.

The new import of TNT made Vernon like out of the blue when they first met where the Kings where beaten badly and Macklin had a bad game. Here are some points we need to consider as game plan to defeat the team of Coach Norman Black:

Control the Paint

Ginerba's import was tested over Bruno Sundov, but Jordan is different from Sundov. They must protect the paint from rebounds. They can let Jordan shoot those outside shots but not those under the basket. Let different local players guard the TNT import for the first three quarters and let Vernon take charge at the fourth.

Limit the Shooters

TNT has many shooters and we need to sustain them. If they will shoot three point shots with ease, Ginebra will not able to fight back. The Kings has a very low three point shot percentage.

Strong Start

All the games that Ginebra won started with a strong start. So they must start strong so they can have early momentum.

Defense versus Defense

This must be the main game plan for the team to beat TNT. Our opponent is known to be a good defensive team. To beat them we must play good defense as well. This is how we beat ROS and this will also be effective against them. We have to limit them not over 80 points to win.

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Coach Jawo 2.0, Light the Spark Up

For a long time now many Ginebra Fans miss the presence of the legendary playing Coach Robert "Sonny" Jowarski on the venue of a PBA games every time their team is on the court. As we all know Big J is the father of the never say die attitude that Ginebra Lives on today. But right after he left the team for his political dreams it was a big nightmare for the Barangay.

For one decade of being not part of the team, Ginebra strangles starting with loosing key players through trade and players being forced to retire due to lack of playing time. Those players where actually the one who really knows what is the real meaning of the Never Say Die attitude. Many star players came to play in the Kings uniform, remember Jun Limpot, Vergel Meneses and Allan Caidic. All of them are franchise players of their respective team but they never understood what it is the real meaning of "Never say die".

Years later, the era for those superstars is over as the Mark Caguioa Era comes their way. Obviously, the Spark is a player of intensity and never gives up to a game. But does he has the spirit to regain the never say die attitude of the team. Do not get me wrong, Ginebra the whole decade is not worst even the Never Say Die attitude is fading. They even won a lot of Championships even Jawo is not with them. But still Ginebra is not Ginebra without that spirit.

This past few years is a disaster for the team, after winning the Fiesta Conference Championship with Coach Jong Uichico against Air 21 in the 2007-2008 season the team never had a great record at all. Injuries let the Fast and the Furious sit down on the bench. Put all the blame to Coach Siot, but he is not the problem of the Kings. The question is who/what is missing for the Kings?

Retirement of the Jersey of the Living Legend was done and there is like a spirit coming from  him is being transferred to Mark Caguioa when stood near to each other. Ginebra won that game even they straggled the whole first half and the never say die spirit was alive. But it was just for that game, the next games of the Barangay Ginebra was just the same games they have. No Spark, No Light, No Spirit.

Recently, major changes made to the roster, a huge change of coach from Siot to Al Francis, a monster trade that let as acquire LA Tenorio, a blockbuster trade for Kerby Raymundo and a shocking trade of Mac Baracael for the team. The team is getting stronger and stronger as more high hopes to win games. But still it is all the same way as before. We are being beaten, beaten badly by opponents. What make it worsts for this conference is that the best player for the team is injured. 

Mark Caguioa is the only player in Ginebra uniform with the spirit of Never Say Die attitude  and the rest ,they seems not to understand the spirit that Mark is wanted to input back to the team. But after having a record of 0-4 in the start of the conference the team came back huge and in the last two games of the team they all showed a REAL NEVER SAY DIE ATTITUDE. Who brought this spirit to the team? Jawo is not at the court, neither Noli Locsin, Vince Hizon, Marlou Aquino, Bal David, Jayvee Gayoso, Pido Jarencio, Wilmer Ong, Benny Cheng, Dodot Jowarski, Terry Saldaña, and EJ Feihl, so who? Is it the Spark? Well he have his part but it seems he did not make it alone.

The person who fought for the team, the person who motivate the team, the person who bring energy standing on the bench the whole game, the person who ate all the criticisms the fans threw to him and the man who never doubt that this team is made to succeed. It is Coach Al Francis Chua who brought back the never say die spirit of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Letting the players believe in their skills is the formula Jawo used to have the never say die spirit they started. They are not even as flashy as our players today but with their spirit they were loved by the fans. This is what the fans want; they never stop believing that Jawo will be back on the bench with the Barangay. He is not with the team now but we have Jawo 2.0 with Coach Al Francis Chua. Thank God the spirit is back for the team. Thanks to Coach Al that serves as the Gasoline for Mark Caguioa that serves as the Spark on light up the NEVER SAY DIE SPIRIT that was sleeping for a decade now.

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Best Player of the Conference : The Spark is out of the race

On the current Statistical Points Standings on 2013 Commissioner's Cup as of End of Eliminations, April 17, 2013 on the Battle for Best Player of the Conference the name of Mark Caguioa is out of the lists. PBA on their Official Website at www.pba.inquirer.net shows the Top 25 leading players for Best Player of the Conference. The top 5 on the list are 1st, LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra, 2nd is Calvin Abueva of Alaska Aces, Gary David of Globarport is 3rd, followed by Nino Canaleta and Paul Lee on the 4th and 5th spot. 

With Globalport, Air21 and Rain or Shine out of the conference it might be a battle between Tenorio and Abueva for the BPC award. If Barangay Ginebra push through up to the Finals given that it might be Alaska whom they will face in case they will be able to survive the semi-finals against Talk n Text and if the Aces surpass either the Bolts or the Mixers the battle will still be between The Beast and the Gineral. 

The Spark is leading the Best Player of the Conference the whole half of Eliminations but badly for him, he missed to play games up until the quarter-finals. The superstar from San Juan will be expected to come back Game 1 or 2 of their semi-finals against TNT but is that enough for the reigning MVP to top the race for BPC. There is no doubt if MC47 will be able to come back and play the same game as he play before he hit a knee injury and he will score more than 20 points per game. He will be assured of a spot for Best Player of the Conference. For the conference stat leaders for Points per Game still Mark Caguioa is at the top for all locals.

Nevertheless, having LA Tenorio at the top spot for the award the Ginebra Fans will take advantage of the fact that the Best Player of the Conference will be on their team.

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LA is hurt

Another main man for the team will now be forced to play hurt by the start of the semi-finals of the PBA Commissioners Cup. “Going into this game, bumalik yung elbow injury ko. Tinamaan ako last game. Hindi ko na sinabi pero masakit talaga. I can’t overextend my elbow,” LA Tenorio said in an interview after the thrilling game last night. 

This might be the reason why Tenorio just had 2 points at the end of the Do or Die game with the Elasto Painters. 

“Ah oo, groin lang yun. Tomorrow’s my checkup so hopefully ok naman,” stated Tenorio. He also added that Gabe Norwood really did a good job on defensing him that game.

Tenorio assured that he will play on Friday against the Tropang Texters as he will be given at least three (3) days to rest. 

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Be part of the team and be a writer!

Qualifications:

• Solid Ginebra Fan
• Knows how to write in tagalog/english
• Updates with the latest about the team
• Willing to be a moderator of this website and the official facebook fan page of the site
• No need to work in all day just contribute if you have wrote something about the team
• Male of Female
• Not below 16 years of age

How to Join?

1. Like the Barangay Ginebra Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/brgyneversaydie
2. Send a private message and give the basic information such as:
1. Name
2. School
3. Year Level
4. Occupation (if necessary)
3. The admin will send a private message for those people who will qualify.

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Game Replay : Do or Die Monday!

Watch the replay of the breath taking game of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel versus Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Part 1



Part 2

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Just got Lucky? I do not think so!

No one expected that Barangay Ginebra will be in this position today after a devastating start in the current conference of the PBA. They started being beaten badly by their opponents even they have Mark "The Spark" Caguioa scoring more than 20 points per game. Injuries of their key players just keep it worst for the rally of the team. 

Media and fans from different team knows the story, they said we will never pass eliminations or even the quarter finals. We are the under dog of this conference, in fact we do not know how to win ball games even we have a strong lineup. If we won it is "Chamba", "Awa, kasi sister team", "Nabayaran yug referee", "They won't beat ROS without Caguioa" and "Lucky". Come to think of it, is that how bad Ginebra is?

A bad start at the beginning of the conference and a 0-4 record is really to be ashamed of; however, the first win was grabbed and they said it is "Chamba" and come the second the third now the word "Chamba" is difficult to use to describe the win then they said it is "Awa, kasi sister team", there goes the fourth, the fifth and the sixth win they said "Nabayaran yung referee". Admittedly it was a bad call from the referees especially some of the calls from the import of Air21. But we really understand basketball that is what we call breaks of the game. Ginebra are also in fact victim of bad calls by the referees but no Ginebra player or Coach put the blame to the referees when they are loosing the game not like Alaska and Rain or Shine is doing. 

So here we go to the next line of the story, the team is in danger of having twice to beat disadvantage against their rival Rain or Shine. The Kings never beaten ROS in a quarter final battle, to beat Coach Yeng's team just make it worsts. ROS was beaten by Meralco, now it goes the rumors, ROS wanted to play against Ginebra so they can beat them. Magoo Marjon predicted and said "They won't beat ROS without Caguioa", when they won the first game other PBA fans said "Chamba". Here come the second game, a close game it is but we still won the game with a heart pounding ending. Then an article written by Gerry Ramos of spin.ph caught my attention. The headline of his story is 'Lucky' Ginebra cuts Rain or Shine down to size to advance to semifinals. So Mr. Gerry Ramos think that we are just lucky to win against Rain or Shine. Once is lucky but beating them twice consecutively is not just "Lucky". 

Why thus other fans and players do not know the feeling of being a Ginebra Fan or being part of the Ginebra Roster, we may have the most lousy lineup in the PBA, we might not have our superstars in the most crucial part of the game, indeed we are the most favorite team in the PBA but the most hated team as well imagine all the team from different teams stay together just to let us down. But never question the HEART and never underestimate the SPIRIT. The will to win by this team put them where they are today right now. It is a long way to go but they are here at the semi-finals not because of "Chamba", "Awa", "Dahil sa referee", "Dahil injured sila" and/or they are just "Lucky". We are here because of their HARD WORK, difficult to understand from others but you do not have the HEART of the PBA, and that is the BOTTOM LINE.

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Ginebra Survives : It taste like winning a Championship!

From the beginning of the game it feels like there is really no tomorrow for both teams as they fight to survive the quarter finals of the PBA Commissioners Cup. It was up and down the whole game but the team with the big heart and has the never die spirit survives the battle.

There are many speculations that the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters really wanted to face Barangay Ginebra

San Miguel into the quarter finals knowing that the Star player for the Kings Mark "The Spark" Caguioa is out due to injury, not to mention the broken finger of Billy Mamaril. Coach Yeng is ready for the do-or-die game as his team looks focus to beat their opponent. But it was a strong start for Barangay Ginebra in the 1st Quarter that gave them a good start on the game. 

At the later end of the 2nd Quarter, ROS fought back with good defense but the Kings still managed to end the 1st half with a three point lead.

The game plan of ROS is very clear, they wanted to shut down the scoring guard of the Barangay, LA Tenorio who just scored 2 points the whole game. But other players step up for the team, Chris Ellis has a silent 13 points, Kerby Raymundo played a nice game having 13 points as well and Mac Baracael was a big help with his 10 points at the later part of the game. 

At the last 2 minutes of the game, the Rain or Shine leads by two where in that time it looks like they will have the win against the Barangay but the never say die team managed to tie the game and eventually have a 2 points advantage with Vernon Macklin's free throw shots. 

It is only 11 seconds remaining in the ball game when ROS has the ball. A drive by Jeff Chan was blocked by Vernon that gave ROS 6 seconds to tie or win the game. But the defense of the Barangay Ginebra is focus not to let ROS score in the last seconds where Jeff Chan misses a short blank range shot that let the players strangle for the ball until the buzzer sounds. 

Thousands of Ginebra Fans at the Araneta felt it was a championship win. As well for the Ginebra Team, they are jumping, yelling, hugging each other at the center of the court like they won the championship. They had a Twice to beat disadvantage but the Kings showed what they are made of. They woke up today to WIN the game.

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is the 9th team in PBA History to win a Twice to beat disadvantage. 

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BARANGAY NEVER SAY DIE!

BARANGAY GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL

As expected by huge number of ka-barangay, Ginebra is the team that can overcome a twice-to-beat disadvantage. Making BGSM team the 9th team to overcome a twice-to-beat disadvantage. The victim this time no other than the 2nd seeded team Rain or shine elasto painters.

Fans witnessed a back-and-forth game. The Do-or-Die situation  intensified the game.  Both teams not each other a chance to go for a blowout. The game is a bit physical ,  to get a rebound or to get a good look to the basket everyone from each team is willing to sacrifice his body. Starting from the center down to the point guard.

But after 4 quarters of physical and heart breaking game. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel prevails and advance to the semis. No wonder why the team was called Never say die team. But who's the hero of the game? Everyone is a hero.

 Vmack is the best player of the game but he will can't do it without his teammates like Kerby Raymundo who played quality minutes giving his energy to score tough shots and get rebounds. JJ Helterbrand who showcased his three point daggers. Chris Ellis scoring some crucial baskets and getting some rebounds. LA Tenorio who struggled scoring the basket but he is the one in-charged to organize the team plays.

With the Win. Team moving on to the semis against another strong team the talk and text tropang texters. Fans expects the return of the Heart of the Pba No other than the reigning MVP Mark Caguioa.

The scores:

GINEBRA 81 - Macklin 24, Ellis 13, Raymundo 13, Baracael 10, Helterbrand 9, Hatfield 6, Urbiztondo 3, Tenorio 2, Taha 1.

RAIN OR SHINE 79 - Tiu 15, Lee 14, Sundov 12, Cruz 10, Chan 9, Belga 5, Norwood 4, Matias 3, Arana 3, Rodriguez 2, Quinahan 2, Ibanes 0.

Quarters: 22-23, 44-41, 63-61, 81-79

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Game Plan : Do or Die Monday!

We got one win against Rain or Shine last Saturday but what do we have to do to beat them again today!? It was a shocking for the ROS after leading 15 points in the middle part of the 3rd quarter and still being beaten by the under dog team.

Knowing Coach Yeng, he will do another huge and unpredictable adjustment to beat Ginebra today at Smart Araneta - Coliseum.

Here are some of the things we need to do to win:

Stop the Giant
We must limit Bruno Sundov on making easy shots inside the paint. Give him the outside shots. Yes he can shoot from the outside but if we will let him comfortable playing outside these are the advantages.

• We can let other team mate guard Sundov like, Hatfield and Raymundo.
• Vernon can focus guarding the paint and grabbing the rebounds.
• Sundov will not be a treat in the paint.

1 on 1 play for the Kid

Belga and Quiñahan are the once guarding Kerby Raymundo. He has a perimeter shot and he can drive the lane. With his speed and outside shooting, the extra rice incorporated of ROS will have a hard time guarding him. Not to mention, keeping the two giants of ROS outside the paint for possible rebound. 

Drive and Kick

For the Ginebra's point guards, they must drive strong and kick the ball out of needed. This is effective against ROS last saturday. 

Stop the Run

Do not let Rain or Shine run and attack. No easy points.

Treys

Three-point shots for the Kings must come in to gain advantage. More screen for shooters. 

With MC47 doubt to play today, the guards of Barangay Ginebra must sustain their scoring attitude to win.

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Do or Die : Is the Reigning MVP will play against ROS?

All the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Fans are waiting if when will Mark Caguioa play to help their team pass a team like Rain or Shine. Dr. Raul Canlas, a well known medicine physician said that “I think Mark needs two more weeks, that’s the best scenario… a safe time frame, he’ll be good come semis,”. 

“I just don’t want Mark to force his return, I want him to do steady sure recovery… para walang long-term (ill) effects,” added by Dr. Canlas. 

In addition, the doctor said that “He’s been religiously doing the strengthening and other tasks we give him, hintayin lang natin lumakas ulit yung ligament niya, di pweeng madaliin,”.

It is bad news for the fans of BGSM but they have to hang on. So that Mark can still play this conference. 

Interview done by: 

Solar Sports Desk

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3 Guards Combo, Game Plan or Incidental?

In the last 2:02 minutes of the fourth quarter against Rain or Shine last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, a crazy combination was used by Coach Al Francis Chua. He used three (3) guards all at the same time in the game. They were LA Tenoria, Jayjay Helterbrand and Josh Urbiztondo. The question is that a part of the game plan or completely just incidental situation.

Jayjay Helterbrand entered later part of the 2nd Half of the game. His 1st half is not good at but he was able to redeem himself gathering 13 points at the last quarter of the game. LA Tenorio was on the bench while Jayjay Helterbrand was in a Time Machine with Kerby Raymundo and Rudy Hatfield. It is understandable if

The Fast is on the court to give LA Tenorio a small breather. But what supposed to be a small breather for LA was a long time for him sitting on the bench. With Helterbrand playing tremendous and the newly acquired point guard of Barangay Ginebra Josh Urbiztondo's game is clicking for the lineup, the question is when is the right time to put LA Tenorio to get back on the playing court? Who will he substitute if he will come back in the game? Is it Jayjay Helterbrand or Josh Urbiztondo? 

In the last 4 minutes of the game, then "The Dean" Quinito Henson said that "It is time to bring back LA, it is about time". But Coach Al sticks with his lineup until the last 2:02 minutes of the game. Finally, LA is on the scorers table but who will sit down for him. Amazingly it was Chris Ellis who will sat down for the team where they will have a very small lineup with three (3) guards all at the same time on the floor. 

These three guards we're not known to be combo guards or not even one of them played as a small forward  position ever in their career  but they look so effective together. With their RUN and GUN play and with their small lineup they were able to make the life of ROS miserable. Then was the time ROS commit lots of turnovers to give the momentum to the BGSM. Run, Steal, Assist, 3 point shots = WIN. That is the result of that 3 guard combo that they used. 

It might be incidental that those three great point guards played together because they are all playing good that game or who can say, it might be part of the game plan to rattle ROS with the COMBO unit. Are we going to see it again today? We'll see.

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Maybe Under Rated Player for the Kings

Posted by : Blog Administrator

The current roster of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is the most blockbuster lineup the team ever had. Ginebra was known to have under rated players such as Wilmer Ong, Benny Cheng, Terry Saldaña and many more. In today's tight competition in the PBA you must have a team roster with star caliber of players that can contribute anytime they are needed. 

Individually all the players of the Barangay are super stars in their own ways and generations. Once an MVP, first round picks, super star from other teams, national team members, mythical team members and super stars from college basketball.However, one player for the Kings does not have flashy individual titles as other team members but truly have the heart to be part of the never say die team.

Even before Mark Caguioa was sidelined for his knee injury it is all about him. He (MC47) is scoring an average of more than 20 point per game. Vernan Macklin, with those high flying dunks. LA Tenorio, with his great leadership. Kerby Raymundo and Jayjay Helterbrand, for just currently playing good for Ginebra against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Cris Ellis, for his fancy slam dunks. Billy Mamaril, doing a great job on guarding opponents import and making the perimeter shots. 

Those are just some of the team best players but who really is the most under rated player for the current roster of the Kings? He is Rob Labagal, the most under rated player for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel but he is one of the most hard working player for the team. Every time he is given a chance to play he is always showing how much he love the game.

Rob was a big help for Ginebra's 6 winning streak this conference. He serves as 2nd unit for the team and setting up the play for his team mates every time LA Tenorio needs a breather. He is being left by opponents alone to double team other Ginebra players but he is able to make it as an advantage for the team when he is open because he is able to make shots. He also has the courage to sacrifice his body to guard the main point guard if the opponent during his time on the court.

No appreciation and Less credit is being given to Rob Labagala, unfair? Maybe not. A chance to play in the PBA is a big thing plus the factor that he is part of the most famous team in the league. But thus he needs fan appreciation and media credits? Definitely he do not need all of that. He just need the fans and media's RESPECT as a professional player. In addition, as a point guard for Ginebra, HE HAS the HEART and the SPIRIT of being a Barangay Ginebra Player that no any other point guard in the league has.

P.S. It is my decision to write this article to make other Ginebra Fans think about their thoughts about this player. Some are just not happy with Rob Labagala being part of the team. But as a Ginebra Fan, we must study the history of the team. We won championships not having a blockbuster players but under rated players like Rob.

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Josh Urbiztondo : Timely Additional

Posted by: Blog Administrator

Before the end of the trading block, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (BGSM) acquired the point guard from Barako Bull Josh Urbiztondo in exchange to rookie Keith Jensen. The said trade was a shocker where the Ginebra fans had a lot of hopes that Keith Jensen will soon be the future star player for the Barangay.

Having only two (2) days of practice with his new team, Josh Urbiztondo had a great game against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last saturday. The newly acquired guard played 37 minutes 4 points together with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. The said stats for Josh are not as hot as what LA Tenorio and Vernon Macklin contribution for the team to win the game but his presence on the court is amazing. 

He had couple of crucial assists to Rudy Hatfield and Jayjay Helterbrand that let them lead the game. He also made the life of LA Tenorio easy and made "Gineral" fresh until the last stretch of the game. As the number 3 jersey for the Ginebra is the one bringing the ball and setting up his team mates, LA now can concentrate being a scorer for the Kings in the absence of the Heart of the PBA Mark "The Spark" Caguioa.

Coach Al Francis proved the critics wrong of having another guard in his lineup wherein the team is known to be missing "Big Guys" to help their import VMACK in the paint for inside presence and to guard opponents import and to preserve the energy of Vernon. It might be a gamble for Coach Al to get another guard but it was effective for the team at least for that game. 

Josh Urbiztondo, did not made any three-point shots all through out the game but knowing the fireball there will be a game that all his 3 point shots are going in. Ginebra fans are hoping that he will be able to do the things he did on his Ginebra Debut this Monday against Rain or Shine and maybe make those treys as points.

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