HARDCOURT: OFFICIAL PBA ANNUAL (2009-10)

I just got the chance to run over my copy of HARCOURT, the official Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) annual yearbook, 2009-10 edition. My good friend, popular sportswriter and PBA TV analyst Quinito “The Dean” Henson gave me the copy a few months back and I find it a great read. B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados hotshot James Yap, who was last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), graced the cover of said yearbook, which features interesting articles of Henson, who is a regular columnist for The Philippine Star,  (09-10 season review and Import Report: Vindication for Ace of Diamon (Simpson), and other great PBA writers like Riera Mallari of Standard Today (on former PBA Chairman Lito Alvarez), Gerry Ramos of People’s Journal (2010 PBA Draft), Barry Pascua of Bandera (cover story on Yap), Zean Macamay of People’s Journal (2010 PBA All-Star Festivities), Noli Cortez of Malaya (2010-11 Season Outlook and  PBA Press Corps Awards), Nelson Beltran of The Philippine Star (Alaska Through The Years and Tributes to former commissioner Sonny Barrios and Sta. Lucia Realtors team manager Buddy Encarnado and Player Profiles), and Rickie Santos of Weekly Sports Digest (Team Profiles). A special section in the yearbook is the career achievers and statistical leaders (from 1975-2010). Over-all, the yearbook is truly a must-have for every serious hoops fanatic.

THE GREATEST NBA TEAM EVER

Before the 1995-96 season, the incredible 69-13 win-loss mark of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1971-72 regular season, seems pretty safe in its lofty place as the best all-time NBA winning record in a single season. Until the Chicago Bulls did the unthinkable. The Bulls, led by the G.O.A.T. himself, Michael Jordan and his co-hall-of-famer and favorite sidekick Scottie Pippen, put on an amazing show in the 1995-96 season as the Windy City outfit posted a 72-10 record. The Bulls pulled off the trick with incredible winning streaks of five (November 3-11/95), five (November 15-24/95), thirteen (November 27-December 23/95), eighteen (December 29/95-February 2/96), seven (February 7-22/96), six (February 25-March 7/96), six (March 13-21/96), six (March 28-April 7/96) and five (April 11-18/96). They finally nailed down win number 72 with a 103-93 win over the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) on April 21, 1996. Coach Phil Jackson’s charges lost only one back-to-back games throughout that season and that was on February 4 and 6, 1996, when the Bulls went down against the Denver Nuggets (99-105) and Phoenix Suns (96-106), respectively. The Bulls went on to win their fourth NBA championship that year, whipping the Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) in six games. Jordan says mental toughness was the key as they have to endure the pressure to win night in and night out during that magical season, as quoted in the book, “Raging Bulls, NBA Champs (Commemorative Edition).”

“You don’t know about the pressure we have to deal with every night to play the game of basketball. As much as you might say we have too many expansion teams and the league is diluted, you can say there’s a lot of distractions around now. The way we look at it is that we went out and put forth the effort and got 70 wins.”

And that is plus two more.

NBA MANILA GAMES IN 2012?

Don’t look now, but the Philippines is bidding to become just the fifth Asian nation to host NBA pre-season games in 2012. Only Japan, China, Taiwan and Macau have hosted NBA exhibition games in the past. The gigantic, state-of-the-art new SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City is set to open on April 2012 and plans of bringing in NBA pre-season games is in the offing next year. The MOA arena will have a 20,000 seat capacity and is expected to rival the Araneta Coliseum as the number one sports/entertainment site in the country. Aside from the planned NBA games, SM owner Henry Sy is said to be targeting big events next year for the New MOA Arena, according to The Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“The state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena at the SM MOA Complex in Pasay City is hoping to host a preseason game of the National Basketball Association when it opens its doors next year.

"Edgar Tejerero, senior vice president of West Avenue Theaters Corp., said SM, owned by business magnate Henry Sy, has grand plans on the first year of the MOA Arena and one of them is bringing in an NBA preseason game here."

AL HORFORD: THE ULTIMATE TEAM PLAYER

Atlanta Hawks big man Al Horford is one player who believes in team play. For him, the over-all welfare of the team comes first before any individual accolades gets in. Horford, son of former NBA center Tito Horford, started all 77 games for the Hawks last season, posting career-high in points per game, 15.3 and decent numbers of 9.3 rpg and 1.0 bpg. The 6-10 Puerto Plata (Domincan Republic) native was the third pick over-all by the Hawks in the 2007 NBA draft out of the University of Florida. Horford says he is always a team-oriented type of player, who is ready to perform whatever Hawks coach Larry Drew instructs him to do, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“It will be interesting because I've always been very team-oriented, If coach [Larry Drew] comes and tells me, ‘Listen, I want you to develop more [in isolation] and I want you to create plays,' I could adjust my game to that. 

“My game is predicated on how my team is doing as a whole and how we are playing together. When we play together and we have high assists you see my production go up usually. We had a couple games where we started to play the right way and we got away from it and it affected the way that I play.”

BENCH ROTATION COST DANTLEY HIS JOB?

Basketball hall-of-famer Adrian Dantley has finally spoken about being booted out as head assistant coach of the Denver Nuggets. According to the former NBA scoring champion and ex-University of Notre Dame stalwart, bench rotation among the assistant coaches was the primary reason why the Nuggets fired him. Dantley, who took over as temporary head coach when George Karl had to take an emergency leave of absence during the latter part of the 2009-10 season, says his inability to rotate his usual spot at the back of the team’s bench during actual games did him in, according to the Denver Stiffs.

“Oh, yeah, I’m done. (Nuggets coach George Karl) fired me Friday. I got fired because I didn’t rotate on the bench. I didn’t rotate. I wasn’t going to rotate. If they (other assistants) want the publicity to sit up front, I don’t need the publicity… I got no problem not being seen on TV and sitting at the back of the bench.”

WARRIORS TO EMBRACE NEW DEFENSIVE GAME

For the past several seasons, the Golden State Warriors are always fun to watch with their high scoring games. Led by the high-scoring duo of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, the Warriors simply live and die with their offensive game. But with the entry of new head coach Mark (Action) Jackson, things are abound to change dramatically in the Bay Area. First and foremost is making the Warriors play serious team defense. Last season, Golden State scored on a high pace of 103.4 points per game, but at the same time, gave up 105.7 points a game to the opposition. With the infusion of young talents in the team next season like Klay Thompson, Jeremy Tyler and Charles Jenkins, the Warriors are expected to be an improved team in both ends. Assistant coach Mike Malone says a transformation in the game of the Warriors is the offing, adding that the team will now live and die with its defense, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

“We're not just going to talk about defense. We're going to live it. I don't think defense has been taught there, because of the way they played - trying to outscore opponents. We're going to teach it, and, as we teach it, we're going to hold guys accountable.”

CASSPI TO LEAD ISRAELI TEAM IN EUROBASKET 2011

Sacramento Kings hardworking forward Omri Casspi is keeping himself busy these days as he prepares his body and game for the Israeli national squad seeing action in the forthcoming FIBA-EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania in August. Israel will play the eliminations in the tough group B together with Italy, France, Latvia, Germany and Serbia, who are all expected to be led by top NBA players. Israel’s best ever finish in EuroBasket was a silver medal won in 1979. During the last EuroBasket competitions in 2009, the Israelis ended up a dismal 15th place. The team will pin its hopes for a better finish this year in starters 6-9 small forward Casspi, 6-9 center Yaniv Green (Maccabi Tel Aviv), 6-9 power Lior Eliyahu (Maccabi Tel Aviv), 6-5 shooting guard Yotam Halperi (Olympiacos B.C.) and 6-2 point guard Yogev Ohayon (Hapoel Jerusalem). Israel, which is currently ranked number 27 by FIBA, will be coached by veteran mentor Arik Shivek, who replaces longtime national coach Zvi Sherf. Casspi says he is presently preparing for the grind with personal training and is looking forward to a successful EuroBasket stint, according to Israeli News.

“Now I'm preparing for the team, a month of personal training and weight room. I'm planning to join the national team in top form. I hope to success with the team in the European championship and with Sacramento in the next season.”

B-MEG DERBDY ACE LLAMADOS: DARNELL HINSON TO THE RESCUE

A Mike Tyson look-alike is all set to play in the PBA Governor’s Cup. If Darnell Hinson is as fierce a competitor like the former world heavyweight champion, still remains to be seen. Hinson will take over the spot of the ineffective Stefhon Hannah with the hopes of bolstering the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados’ campaign in the season-ending conference. He will have his baptism of fire when the Llamados play the Talk N Text Tropang Texters in Dubai on Thursday. Hinson is a 6-2, 200 lbs. pointguard and a native of Oklahoma. He played four years of college ball for the Northeastern State University Redmen, wherein he averaged 23.6 points during his senior year in Division II play. Hinson, 31, is a well-travelled player and had seen action in Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, France, Puerto Rico and Poland. During the 2008-09 campaign, Hinson played 17 games for Limoges CSP Elite in the French league and submitted norms of 15.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The next season, he strutted his wares for Gallitos de Isabela in the tough Puerto Rican league, wherein he averaged 11.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg and 2.0 apg in 32 outings. This past season, the former Muskogee High School sensation played 22 games for Polonia Azbud Warzawa in the Polish league and posted norms of 16.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 2.9 apg. He later returned to Puerto Rico to play 26 games for Isabela, wherein he averaged 11.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 3.7 apg, with a single game-high of 25 points against Arecibo last May 20. Scouting report on Hinson says he is a very strong player and a decent ballhandler, according to the Australian NBL website.

“Enjoyed excellent college campaign at D2 Northeastern State ... decent ballhandler ... muscular build and looks very strong.”

EUROBASKET LITHUANIA 2011

With the cancellation of the NBA summer leagues this year, fans can fill their hoops appetite with top class international play in the coming 2011 FIBA European Championships or more popularly known as EuroBasket. The biennial conclave of European powerhouse teams will be held on August 31 to September 18, 2011 in Lithuania. Spain, which features numerous NBA stars led by the Gasol brothers (Pau and Marc), are the defending champions. With the looming NBA lockout, European NBA players, for sure, will try to re-sharpen their game in the tournament to be participated in by 24 countries. The cast of this year’s edition of EuroBasket are as follows: Group A – Poland, Great Britain, Turkey, Lithuania and Spain.  Group B – Italy, Israel, France, Latvia, Germany and Serbia. Group C – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Croatia, Montenegro and Greece. Group D – Bulgaria, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium and Slovenia. Three countries namely Portugal, Hungary and Finland will play in a single round-robin tourney starting August 12 to determine the last two qualifiers for Groups A and C, respectively. The EuroBasket will also serve as the qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics, wherein the top two finishers will be seeded into the quadrennial event. Great Britain as host of the Summer games automatically qualifies.

ACID TEST AWAITS TNT IN DUBAI

The grand-slam seeking Talk N Text Tropang Texters are putting their unbeaten run in the PBA Governor’s Cup on the line as they go for back-to-back games in Dubai on Thursday and Friday. With a league-leading 3-0 card, the Texters gun for their fourth and fifth straight wins against B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados and Barangay Ginebra Kings, respectively. Coach Chot Reyes’ charges are coming off from a hard-earned 89-85 win over the Powerade Tigers in Digos, Davao Del Sur last Saturday. Reyes says the coming Dubai stint maybe considered as a “a trip filled with unknowns”, according to The Philippine Star.

“Many questions. Can Jimmy Alapag play? Who will be B-Meg’s import? How do you play back-to-back? How to stop a super import like Curtis Stinson? It’s an unbelievably tough schedule for us coming off a tough out-of-town game in Digos (Davao del Sur Saturday). But it is what it is, we should find out a lot about ourselves in this trip.”

JIMMER FREDETTE: A TRUE POINT-GUARD AT HEART

Believe it or not, celebrated rookie Jimmer Fredette is a natural point-guard. The 6-2 shooting dynamo, who was drafted tenth pick over-all by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2011 NBA draft but later was traded to the Sacramento Kings, is a self-proclaimed big fan of hall-of-famer and legendary point guard John Stockton of the Utah Jazz. The Glens Falls (NY) native led the college circuit last season with a whopping 28.9 points average (including a .396 clip from the three-point distance) in 37 games with the Brigham Young University Cougars. Fredette exploded for a season-high 47 points in BYU’s win over Utah last January 11. Fredette swears he played point guard throughout his career at BYU and is looking forward of playing the same spot in the pros, according to The Boston Globe.

“I know that I will have a target on my back going in, with all the speculation. Those guys are competitive guys and want to show they’re the best, and same here. I never really played shooting guard at college or high school or anything, but I’ve always handled the ball, if they watched the games at BYU. I played point guard. I think the teams have seen me and want me to play point guard.”

JAJUAN JOHNSON: BOSTON’S NEXT IMPORTANT BIG MAN?

With the trade of erstwhile starting center Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder last February, the retirement of the legendary Shaquille O’Neal and the recent signing of Nenad Krstic with CSKA Moscow, the Boston Celtics suddenly found themselves severely lacking in the number five position. With an urgent need of a big man in the middle, the Celtics went for JaJuan Johnson, who was drafted 27th pick over-all by the New Jersey Nets in the 2011 NBA draft, in exchange for number 25 pick, guard Marshon Brooks. The 6-10 Johnson played four years for the Purdue University Boilermakers. He had impressive norms of 20.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 34 outings with Purdue last season. The Indianapolis native was named the recipient of the Pete Newell Big Man award during his senior year and led the Boilermakers to a 26-8 win-loss record in the 2010-11 season, which was good for second place in conference play. A noted NBA scout says the Celtics did a great job in landing Johnson, who said to have a great mid-post game, is very athletic for his height and have a 39-inch vertical leap, according to the Boston Herald.

“The Celtics did a great job. This guy should have gone before. Danny (Ainge) did a really good job when he identified this kid. He can play. People up there might think I’m crazy, but JaJuan Johnson is a great replacement for Kendrick Perkins.

“I’m not saying he’s going to step in and be a star, but this kid can help that team. And he’s going to get better. He has real skills. You’re going to love his mid-post game. He knows how to get the ball in good position, and he can turn over both shoulders. And he runs like a deer. We tested him, and he’s an unbelievable athlete. He has a 39-inch vertical leap and he was beating guards up and down the floor. (Rajon) Rondo and Delonte West are going to love playing with this kid.”

NBA LOCKOUT: ZERO HOUR IS FAST APPROACHING

With a few days left before the expiration of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NBA team owners and the players on June 30, tensions are being felt everywhere and these next few days are considered as the 11th hour. From the look of things, the lockout seems inevitable with both sides not giving an inch to the negotiations. The lockout will automatically takes effect on the first of July if no agreement is forge by both parties. It means the owners shall lock the players out of their team facilities and to the extent of cancelling the 2011-12 season. Two matters has remained the hottest issues in the negotiating table namely, the hard salary cap (which the owners want to eliminate all exceptions) and Basketball Related Income (BRI). The current CBA stipulates a 57-43 distribution of BRI in favor of the players but this time, the owners wanted a split of 50-50, which the players union of course will not agree. The time between now and June 30 is very tight to avoid the lockout but still, both parties can reach a certain compromise like extending the current CBA for another year to save the coming season. Both parties must realize that it is not only players who will suffer but the biggest victims will be the worldwide followers of the league. The NBA commands the largest network of global followers than any of the other major league sports in the US like the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL) and Major League Soccer (MLS). These two groups must also realize that it is the fans, which gives life to the league. But with the billions of dollars involved, everyone connected with the league wants a big share of the pie. It’s a pity that money is killing the sport that we all love.

GSW PIN HOPES ON KLAY THOMPSON

Klay Thompson is no ordinary basketball player. Actually, he came from a basketball-playing family. He is the son of the 1978 NBA number one draft pick over-all in Mycal Thompson and nephew of former Tanduay import in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Andy Thompson. Now, it’s the younger Thompson’s turn to shine in the big league as the 11th pick over-all of the Golden State Warriors in the 2011 NBA draft. Together with big man and No 39 pick Jeremy Tyler, who was acquired by the Warriors in a trade with the Charlotte Bobcats, they are considered the foundations of the Bay City outfit for the future. The 6-7 Thompson played three years of college ball for the Washington State Cougars after a stellar prep career with Santa Margarita Catholic High School (CA), wherein he averaged 21.0 points and led the school to the Division III State finals. The 21 year-old, Los Angeles native submitted norms of 21.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 dimes in 34 total games with the Cougars last season. Thompson, who is penciled to play the number 2 and 3 positions in the pros, is described as a player who has good offensive arsenal and someone who can score in a variety of ways, according to Draft Express.

“A versatile offensive weapon who can score in a variety of ways within a team's offense, Thompson sees a good chunk of his possessions in various different ways, with 10.8% coming from pick-and-rolls, 22% from spot-ups, 23.5% from isolations, and 11.9% coming off screens.

“Thompson's 1.103 PPP on pick-and-rolls easily ranks first in the class (no one else breaks the 1.0 threshold), while his 1.15 PPP on spot-ups and 1.0 PPP on screens are both above average.”

DIME MAGAZINE NO. 64

My good friend, the hardworking Philpost HR Officer, Ms. Luz Valdez, who just got home fresh from a week of official business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bought me a copy of the latest edition of DIME Magazine No. 64 (May/June 2011 issue). In case you do not know, DIME, along with SLAM, are the two most-highly respected monthly hoop publications. For the May/June issue, the Oklahoma City Thunder's dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are the coverboys with special coverage on NBA draft 2011 hopefuls such as Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, Brandon Knight, Derrick Williams, Tristan Thompson and the sweet-shooting Jimmer Fredette. Also featured is high school sensation Austin Rivers, who was named as DIME/2K SPORTS prep player of the year. DIME Magazine Managing Editor Aaron Phillips says the NBA lockout maybe be a big issue in the coming months, but lockout or no lockout, the Thunder duo of Durant and Westbrook remains the best one-two punch in the league. 

“To be honest, we don’t know what the NBA will look like by the time the issue following this one hits newstands. For all we know, the lockout will be in full effect and half the league will be headed overseas to join Alen Iverson, Stephon Marbury and Ricky Davis. But what we do know is that when play resumes – whether that’s October, November, December, or beyond – the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will be leading the pack.”

KYRIE IRVING TO LEAD CAVALIERS FUTURE

(Getty Images)

One thing that Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is making sure is that they are picking a top-notch player in the 2011 NBA draft, who will not leave or abandon them unlike a guy nicknamed “The King” had done a year ago. The Cavaliers did not waste time in making the 6-2 guard Kyrie Irving of Duke University the number pick over-all in this year’s rookie draft. Despite playing only eleven games of college ball with the Blue Devils, the Cavs went for a player, who is widely considered the most talented in this year’s draft hopefuls. For the second pick over-all, the Minnesota Timberwolves went for the most athletic guy in the draft in 6-8 small forward Derrick Williams of the University of Arizona. The Utah Jazz had just made their frontline fortified with 6-11 Turkish native Enes Kanter of the University of Kentucky as the third pick over-all. A big surprise was the late selection of Duke University hotshot Kyle Singler, who dropped to number 33 pick in the second round by the Detroit Pistons. The 6-8 Singler is a much-heralded senior, who was the Most Outstanding Player (MOP) of the 2010 Final Four after leading the Blue Devils to the National Championship. 6-11 big man and Japanese pro league veteran Jeremy Tyler, who went directly from high school to pro ball overseas, was tabbed by the Charlotte Bobcats in the second round as the 39^th pick over-all. Yahoo! Sports breaks down the top three picks:

Kyrie Irving: “Odd as it may seem for a kid who played only 11 games worth of college basketball, Kyrie Irving is probably the most sure-fire pick in this draft. The former Duke star may not have the athleticism of a Derrick Rose or a Russell Westbrook, but his impeccable character, consistent outside shot and quick first step to the rim make him a potential top 10 NBA point guard within the next few years. In a historically weak draft at the top, that was enough to make him a no-brainer for rebuilding Cleveland at No. 1.”

Derrick Williams: “A long-awaited handshake with NBA commissioner David Stern culminates Derrick Williams’ stunning two-year rise from little-known recruit to all-conference standout to NBA lottery pick. The Arizona standout is a high-character player with a good blend of skill and athleticism, and the chance to make an impact with the Timberwolves as soon as next season. The only question is whether his niche will be on the perimeter or in the paint. Williams has long insisted he'll play small forward in the NBA, but his lack of lateral quickness might make him ill-suited to defend pro wings.”

Enes Kanter: “Even though Enes Kanter's game remains a mystery as a result of the NCAA ruling him ineligible to play college basketball, we do know this much about the chiseled 6-foot-11 Turkish big man: He's not lacking for confidence. Kanter told reporters Wednesday he's the best player in this draft and Kentucky would have easily won the national title had he been able to play. Utah can only hope Kanter can back up his bravado since the Jazz passed on selecting a much-needed point guard to take him.”

THE MAN BEHIND IT ALL

Tons of stories had already been told about the incredible run of the Dallas Mavericks towards the 2011 NBA championship. From finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki to Jason Kidd to Jason Terry to Tyson Chandler and even J.J. Barea. But it is seldom you hear or read a story about the man behind it all, the architect of the first-ever NBA title of the Mark Cuban-owned franchise, head coach Rick Carlisle. His ascension to the upper echelon of NBA champion coaches is an inspiring story itself. The road to success took a bumpy ride of nine years before finally hitting pay dirt. Before hooking up with the Mavs as head coach in 2008-09 season, Carlisle had tour of duties with the Detroit Pistons (2001-03) and Indiana Pacers (2003-07). He had a career coaching record of 443-295 win-loss slate or a winning clip of .600. The 51 year-old native of Ogdensburg, New York played prep ball at Lisbon Central HS (NY) and later starred at the University of Virginia. Carlisle was drafted in the 3^rd round (70^th pick over-all) by the Boston Celtics in the 1984 draft and was a member of the Celtics champion squad in 1986. He played five years in the pro league and averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.1 apg in 188 total games with the Celtics and the New York Knicks. Carlisle loves every moment of being an NBA champion coach and he call his charges a very special group of men that is great to be around with, according to the Indy Star.

“This is a special team. This is the most special team that I've ever been around, because it's not about what you can't do, it's about what you can do. It's not about what your potential shortcomings are, it's what we could accomplish as a group together. And it was just phenomenal to be around them.”

REMEMBERING PERVIS ELLISON

With a day to go before the much-awaited 2011 NBA draft, let us take a look back at those former top picks over-all, who ended up as big busts. We all know about the plights of Michael Olowokandi and Kwame Brown, both former number one picks over-all. The seven-foot Olowokand was snatched by the Los Angeles Clippers out of the University of Pacific in the 1998 draft while the 6-11 Brown, fresh from Glynn Academy High School, was tabbed by then front office man Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards during the 2001 draft. But there is one more, a player nicknamed “Never Nervous” in 6-9 forward Pervis Ellison. Ellison was the top pick of the Sacramento Kings in the entire 1989 draft out of the University of Louisville. Like Olowokandi and Brown, Ellison had a checkered NBA career and did not made a single appearance as an all-star. Ellison played 11 years in the NBA (1989-2001) and submitted norms of 9.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.5 apg in 474 total games with the Kings, Washington Bullets, Boston Celtics and the Seattle Supersonics. He has a pitiful final season with the Sonics when he saw action for only nine games during the 2000-01 season with averages of 0.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg and just 4.4 minutes per outing. Clearly, Ellison clearly did not live up to his billing in his pro career.

JEFF CHAN: THE PBA’S NEW TRIGGERMAN

It is not hard to notice the similarity of Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters hotshot Jeff Chan’s game to the legendary triggerman, Allan Caidic. Both are lefties and accurately shoot high arching howitzers from downtown. Chan is one of the few remaining local pro players from the dying breed of pure outside gunners. As the game today evolves more on the above the rim acts, Chan on the other hand has consistently played the wings effectively for the Elasto Painters. The 6-2, Bacolod native, played college ball in his hometown at University of St. La Salle and later suited up for the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in the UAAP. Chan scored at an 18.6 clip, grabbed 4.8 caroms and dished out 3.0 dimes during his senior year with the Tams. He was drafted 17^th over-all by the now-defunct Barako Bull franchise in the 2008 PBA rookie draft. He played 15 games for Barako during his rookie year and submitted norms of 8.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.1 apg. He later transferred to Rain Or Shine before the start of the 2009-10 season. He played 26 games as a sophomore and averaged 7.5 points for the Elasto Painters including a .330 clip from the rainbow territory. This season, the sweet-shooting Chan is contributing 7.9 ppg in 15 total outings so far with the Elasto Painters. The future certainly looks bright for Chan as he continuous to burn the hoops for the Elasto Painters.

ALASKA ACES FINALLY HIT THE CENTURY MARK WITH A BIG WIN

After anemic games of 75 and 78 points, respectively, to open their campaign in the PBA Governor’s Cup, the Alaska Aces finally hit pay dirt in their offensive game as they scored more than a hundred points for the first time in a 107-102 victory over the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados last night at the Big Dome. It was the Aces first win in three games in the season-ending conference. A quick start has been the perennial problem for Alaska this conference and it seems like they are on their way for another rough night when the Aces fell behind early to the Llamados, 8-0. But a 13-2 blast by the Aces put them into the groove of things as they grabbed the upper hand at 13-10. Alaska import Jason Forte played a monster game with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Aces head coach Tim Cone was all-praised to his prize import’s over-all performance, which he says is comparable to the game of the franchise legendary import Sean Chambers, according to the Aces official website.

“Jason did a tremendous for us tonight. He made things difficult for Joe on defense and contributed in other aspects of the game. Jason is so big, so quick and so strong that he helps us in so many other ways than just score. He defends the other team`s best post scorer. He rebounds. He gets everyone involved in offense. He`s a lot like Sean Chambers because he does so many things well for the teamt like Sean Chambers because he does so many things well for the team.

“Obviously we made a lot of adjustments. We decided to go small starting Jason at the four rather than going big. He (Forte) has the advantage at that position because he`s so quick. This allowed us to play three small guards in LA (Tenorio), Cyrus (Baguio) and Bonbon (Custodio) a lot of times.”

TNT’S JASON CASTRO IS ON SLAM PHL 150

A Jason from a champion team is featured in the second issue of SLAM PHILIPPINES. Nope, it is not Jason Kidd nor Jason Terry of the 2011 NBA champions Dallas Mavericks but this season’s two-time PBA finals co-MVP (along with teammate Jimmy Alapag), Jason Castro of the Talk N Text Tropang Texters. The diminutive guard from the Philippine Christian University (PCU), who once played as an import for the Singapore Slingers, was instrumental in the Tropang Texters’ title runs in the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup, respectively. Castro coupled with previews of the 2011 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) seasons are the local articles in SLAM PHL No. 150 issue (August 2011). The said issue is a special collectors edition which features the ultimate look back at the greatest players, moments, pics and more of the SLAM era. The cover boy is no other Allen Iverson, who had an interesting exclusive interview story. Of course, there is the G.O.A.T. himself, Michael Jordan. I just got my copy today at the Fully Booked branch in Mall of Asia (MOA) and I swear, it is worth the price.

IS JEREMY TYLER READY FOR THE NBA?

He is considered by many as the “sleeper” in the 2011 NBA draft. Meet Jeremy Tyler, a 6-11, 260 pounds slotman, who had a storybook career, and is coming out of the Tokyo Apache squad in the Japanese pro league. The 20 year-old San Diego (Ca.) native went directly from being a prep star at San Diego HS in 2008-09 to playing pro ball overseas. During the 2009-10 season, Tyler saw action for Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli pro league and averaged paltry numbers of 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 10 games. Tyler, who averaged a whopping 28.7 ppg as a junior at San Diego HS, later made his mark in the Japanese pro circuit during the past season. He submitted norms of 9.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg in 33 outings with the Apache. He scored a career-high 27 points as the Apache defeated Saitama Bron, 91-83 last November 7. He also grabbed 13 caroms in the Apache’s 97-72 thrashing of Fukuoka Rizing last January 27. According to scouting reports, Tyler, who is likely to be a late first round or early second round choice in the coming draft, shows fluidity in his game despite his size and likewise has a strong post game, according to NBA Draft.net.

“Moves well and shows good coordination and fluidity for a guy his size … Possesses a monster 7’5 wingspan and big hands, so he’ll be able to play larger than his height … Shows a potentially solid post game with a raw, albeit, interesting amount of moves and counters, that he definitely flashes with the ball at times … Shows good footwork for his size … Has the raw ability to score some with both hands already … Possesses a feathery soft touch, and it allows him to face-up with consistent range out to 18 feet … Generally looks to finish emphatically when in point blank range … Can operate in the high or low post … Provides pretty good rebounding ability and has the size for that to translate ...”

JOSH SELBY – ONE BUSY DRAFT PROSPECT

Among the prospective draftees this year, the busiest fellow could be Josh Selby of Kansas University. The 6-3 shooting guard have attended pre-draft workouts with at least 13 NBA teams and is scheduled for three more in the coming days leading off to the 2011 NBA rookie draft on Friday morning (Manila time). Selby posted averages of 7.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg and 2.2 apg in 26 outing with the Jayhawks last season. He had a .362 clip from the three-point area. The Hyattsville, Maryland native, who starred for DeMatha Catholic HS,  says the important thing is to make it to the NBA and he will not be disappointed if he will not be a top-ten pick in the draft, according to The Sacramento Bee.

“Thirteen, 14, I have no idea, to be honest (number of pre-draft workouts). I forget days sometimes. I have three more. I go to New York, Milwaukee and Detroit. … I'm grinding. I'm not disappointed that I'm not a top-10 pick.”

ARENAS WILL BE BETTER – DWIGHT HOWARD

If there is one player Dwight Howard is looking forward to of having a great year next season with the Orlando Magic, it will be guard Gilbert Arenas. Since acquiring Arenas in a trade with the Washington Wizards last December, the Magic had utilized the 10-year veteran sporadically. In 49 games with the Magic last season, the 6-3, ex-University of Arizona Wildcat posted career-low norms of 8.0 ppg, 3.2 apg and 2.4 rpg. He started only two games for Stan Van Gundy’s charges. Things did not changed in the playoffs as Arenas saw action in only five (of six) games for the Magic with post-season low averages of 8.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.4 apg. Howard says the reason why Arenas did not have a good first year in Orlando was because he was not used properly by Van Gundy last season, according to Hoops Hype.

“I don’t think our coach used him the right way, but I think he can do a lot of great things for our team. He promised me this summer he was going to get better, physically and mentally, so he can come back and have an awesome year. I’m looking forward to that.

“I just felt like he didn’t get the opportunity to play his style but also play with me. I think he needed to. I think he got a couple of opportunities to do it in the playoffs, but it was kind of too late. So I think he will be great for us.”

TOP NBA PROPSECT KYRIE IRVING WANTS TO PLAY FOR AUSTRALIA

Don’t look now but Team Australia may soon be a world power in international hoops, that is if the dream of potential NBA top pick Kyrie Irving of Duke University comes into reality. Irving, who is a 6-2 guard and a native of New Jersey, is being groomed as the number one pick over-all of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the coming 2011 NBA rookie draft on Friday morning (Manila time). Irving could become the second over-all top pick of the Cavaliers in the last eight years and their first since the Dan Gilbert-owned franchise drafted a homestate kid named LeBron James. Irving played a year with the Blue Devils and posted norms of 17.5 ppg, 4.3 apg and 3.4 rpg in 11 total games. The former St. Patrick (NJ) HS star, who was born in the “Land Down Under”, says he wants to play for Australia in the near future, according to Fox Sports.

“You know, it would be great to play for my country, which is primarily Australia, so, I was born there and I want to represent Australia. I have dual citizenship with Australia and America. I want to be claimed by Australia.”

A WISE DECISION FOR THE PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS

It was truly a WISE decision for the Petron Blaze Boosters (formerly San Miguel Beermen). After losing their PBA Governor’s Cup opener against the Meralco Bolts, the Boosters tapped the services of NBA D-League veteran and former University of Southern Mississippi standout Jeremy Wise as import reinforcement to replace the injured Ricky Harris. Arriving on the day of their game against the Air21 Express, Wise exploded for 33 points to lead the Blazers to a 115-106 victory. The 6-2 Mississippi native followed up his sizzling debut with 21 points as Petron made it two in a row with a 100-89 thrashing of Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. Wise played two seasons for the Golden Eagles and posted an average of 18.1 points in 64 total games. He then saw action in the NBA D-League with the Los Angeles Defenders during the 2009-10 season before hooking up with the Bakersfield Jam this past season. Wise, whose style of game resembles that of Boston Celtics starting guard Rajon Rondo, posted norms of 23.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3.3 apg in three outings with the Jam. He also had stint with the Sigma Barcellona club in the Italian League during the 2010-11 campaign. Scouting reports says Wise is an athletic type of player with extreme quickness and agility, according to the Draft Express.

“Measuring 6-0 ½ without shoes, with a 6-5 ½ wingspan and weighing 181 pounds (at his latest NBA workout), Wise is not the biggest combo guard you’ll find. His size is just average and his frame still needs work -- something he’s already begun to address, having added 16 pounds since he entered the D-League. He is a good athlete, however, dynamic in the open court with excellent quickness and agility in the lane, and he has little trouble beating his man off the dribble. He is quick off his feet around the basket, making him extremely dangerous in transition, on the pick-and-roll and in isolation sets.”