MOA Arena Management to Replace Meralco Items as they Promise

Management of the SM Mall of Asia Arena has promised to replace the items stolen from members of the Meralco Bolts after a locker room theft last Wednesday, according to a PBA official.

“Officers of the MOA Arena want to keep their strong relationship with the Meralco Bolts, who have a corporate box in the venue, and the PBA,” Rhose Montreal, the league’s licensing manager, told InterAKTV. “That’s why they committed to replace all the losses of the victims which include cash, iPads, credit cards, and other valuable belongings.”

Montreal added that MOA Arena management will meet with the league to ensure that the incident will not be repeated. Arena management, according to Montreal, has decided to increase security at the venue by about 40 percent.

“This is to ensure tighter security and to make sure that everything will be under control in the remaining two play dates the PBA will have in this arena in the elimination round. If you will notice, there are exit doors for specific teams while previous doors were bolted down already while 30 to 40 percent additional securities were deployed,”

Despite the unfortunate incident, the PBA doubleheader at the MOA Arena venue drew a standing-room-only crowd in the lower box and general admission sections.

“There will have a series of meetings between the PBA and MOA Arena regarding the possibility of holding semis and finals games here,” said Montreal.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Meralco Bolts , PBA , SM MOA Arena

'Problema namin yung third quarter', LA Tenorio Reason for Ginebra’s losing streak

LA Tenorio is the newest member of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, but he isn’t afraid to point out problems with the team this early in his tenure.

The spitfire guard, acquired in the offseason in a five-team blockbuster trade, said the team’s sluggish performances after the halftime break is the reason behind the Gin Kings’ three-game slide.

“Problema namin yung third quarter. Doon kami nagiging matamlay. Doon kami napag-iiwanan. Kailangan maglaro kami ng strong third quarter para hindi kami laging naghahabol,” said Tenorio.

Ginebra was outscored by Petron, 26-19, in the third period of the Gin Kings loss last Sunday. In its first defeat at the hands of Meralco, the Bolts outscored Ginebra, 32-21, in the third period.

Curiously, Ginebra edged Barako Bull, 25-20, in the third quarter of their game, although the Energy Colas won the fourth quarter of that game, 24-13, to notch the victory.

But veteran guard Jayjay Helterbrand is not yet ready to push the panic button.

“It’s not about whether there’s something wrong with the team. It’s about the adjustment period. This team is an entirely different team from the previous ones that we have,” Helterbrand told InterAKTV.

“There were a lot of new players, a lot of key additions. We’re all adjusting to one another. We’re still learning one another. But we take this setbacks as valuable lessons and move forward.”

Helterbrand thinks the team hasn’t peaked yet, and he feels comfortable with the present setup of the team despite the consecutive losses.

“I would prefer losing games this early rather than losing games in the latter stretch of the tournament,” said Helterbrand. “Last season, we were winning games in the early stage, but we fell short and failed to make it to the finals of all three conferences.”

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Jayjay Helterbrand , LA Tenorio , PBA

Benjie Paras interviewed a "Ginebra fan"

Prior to the PBA 2013 Season opening ceremonies, Benjie Paras interviewed a girl who identified herself as a Ginebra fan. We have our doubts.

-Jaemark Tordecilla

Aktv Center , Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Benjie Paras , PBA

PBA New Commercial for 2013 Season

Here’s the new full-length commercial for the PBA 2013 season, which debuted during the league’s opening ceremonies on Sunday.

The video features PBA players in the Ube Republic, Gatas Republik, Barako Brigade, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Batang Pier, Bansang Meralco, Petroniverse, Bayan ng Rain or Shine, San Mig Coffee Planet, and TNT Nation.

Sa’n Ka?! Kampihan Na!

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Air 21 Express , Alaska Aces , Barako Bull , Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Globalport , Meralco Bolts , PBA , Petron Blaze Boosters , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , San Mig Coffee Mixers , Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters

Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen Eye title for Ginebra

Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen promised energy and athleticism when they were picked in the first round by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA draft.

On Sunday, the two newcomers put those on display, as they combined for 25 points and provided the effort that was appreciated by the Gin Kings veterans.

“They’re the energy guys,” said new Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio.

Jensen couldn’t believe the reception he got from the sellout crowd of 18,901, most of which was pro-Ginebra.

“The feeling was amazing. It’s incredible and it’s become more special because my loved ones were watching from the sidelines while some of our relatives and friends were watching in the United States,” Jensen told AKTV’s Erika Padilla.

Agent Charlie Dy, who represents both players, said Jensen’s mother, grandfather, and aunt flew in from the United States just to catch the players’ PBA debut.

Ellis said he was energized by the Ginebra crowd.

“When you have fans as big as the Ginebra fans, it will keep your energy going,” said Ellis. “But we have a great group of talented guys and as long as we’re playing together, we’ll be OK.”

Ellis and Jensen said they want to reward Ginebra’s legions of fans with the best gift a player can give.

“Nothing but a championship,” said the two players.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Chris Ellis , Keith Jensen , PBA

Coach Yeng Guiao Political Plans

A crown in an all-Filipino conference is the only missing piece from the championship collection of Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

This season, the fiery mentor will resume his quest for the elusive title in a season that he hints may be his last.

“I am totally committed and motivated to give my best shot this coming conference because this might be my last chance to win an all-Filipino title,” Guiao wrote in a text message to InterAKTV.

Guiao recently won his sixth league championship, piloting the Elasto Painters to their first PBA crown in the Governors’ Cup. But with his Rain or Shine contract set to end, Guiao, who currently serves as vice-governor of Pampanga, might seek to leave coaching to pursue higher political office.

Rain or Shine co-owner Raymond Yu said the Elasto Painters coaching job is Guiao’s as long as he wants it.

“We want him to coach our team as long as we’re still competing in the PBA,” Yu said in a telephone interview. “But we don’t know what his plans are. I don’t know if he’s running for public office.”

Guiao joined the Elasto Painters a year and a half ago, turning what was once a doormat squad into a perennial contenders in less than two seasons.

Multiple sources told InterAKTV that Guiao, the son of late former Pampanga governor Bren, may seek a congressional seat in one of the districts in Pampanga.

But whether his political plans will force him to leave coaching, Guiao is upbeat about his team’s chances of winning a second straight title.

“The last championship was an excellent dress rehearsal to winning an all-Filipino crown,” said Guiao. “I am convinced the team is ready and capable of bagging the title.”

The Elasto Painters’ capped a breakout season by winning the Governors’ Cup over the highly-favored B-MEG Llamados in seven games, despite losing the services of star rookie Paul Lee early in the series.

But prior to that, Rain or Shine already displayed impressive form in last season’s Philippine Cup, crashing the semifinals and falling just a game short of making the championship round.



-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

PBA , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , Yeng Guiao

PBA implements a New Rule

The PBA is tweaking its rules to reward players who show hustle on the court, giving leeway for those who get on the floor for loose balls.

“It takes away the excitement when a player who hustles and dives for the loose ball will be called for a traveling, so we’re implementing a new rule to cover this,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

PBA operations manager Rickie Santos went into further detail about the change.

“Before kasi kapag yung player nag-dive for the loose ball and nag-slide siya, he will be called for a traveling. This time, he won’t be called for a traveling anymore because when a player slides, wala pa naming may clear possession noon sa bola,” Santos told InterAKTV.

“But of course, when the said player stands up, he needs to dribble the ball first to avoid being called for a travelling violation,” added Santos.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Chito Salud , PBA

PBA official line up of the 38th Season Opening

Here are the official team lineups for the opening day of the PBA.

Air 21 Express

PBA Governor:
Angelito Alvarez
Alternate Governor:
Jerry R. Jara
Head Coach:
Franz Pumaren
Assistant Coaches:
Tonichi Yturri, Jack Santiago, Pocholo Villanueva, Daniel Rose, Joshua Villapando

No.	Player
2	John Wilson
3	Nelbert Omolon
4	Yousif Taha
5	Eric Salamat
7	Nonoy Baclao
9	KG Canaleta
10	Simon Atkins
11	Rogemar Menor
12	Mark Isip
14	Florendo Ritualo
19	Wynne Arboleda
24	Rob Reyes
31	James Ryan Sena

Alaska Aces

PBA Governor:
Joaquin L. Trillo
Head Coach:
Luigi Trillo
Assistant Coaches:
Richard Bachmann, Topex Robinson, Monch Gavieres, Franco Atienza, Louie Alas, Alex Compton

No.	Player
0	Nicholas Belasco
1	Samigue Eman
3	Cyrus Baguio
4	Raphael Reyes
7	Joachim Thoss
10	Marnel Baracael
21	Paolo Bugia
24	Brandon Cablay
25	Dondon Hontiveros
27	Gabby Espinas
31	Rafael Joey Jazul
35	Tony dela Cruz
42	Joseph Evans Casio
65	Eddie Laure
Injured/Reserve
9	Nino Gelig

Barako Bull Energy Colas

PBA Governor:
Manuel Alvarez
Basketball Operations Head:
Michael Chua
Asst. to Basketball Operations Head:
Paul Chua, Jr.
Team Manager:
Raffy Casyao
Asst. Team Manager:
Jay Llanos Dee
Head Coach:
Edmundo Baculi Jr.
Assistant Coaches:
Geraldo Ramos, Leo Angelo Pujante, Jonas Jaime Mendoza

No.	Player
1	Celino Cruz
2	Joshua Urbiztondo
5	Lester Alvarez
10	Reil Cervantes
12	David Marcelo
13	Roger Yap
14	Leomar Najorda
17	Jason Ballesteros
18	Douglas Kramer
21	Sean Anthony
23	Rico Villanueva
42	Danny Seigle
71	Ronald Tubid
88	Mick Pennisi
Injured/Reserve
6	Eman Monfort
3	Woody Co

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

PBA Chairman:
Robert M. Non
Team Manager:
Samboy Lim
Head Coach:
Siot Tanquingcen
Coaching Consultant:
Alfrancis Chua
Assistant Coaches:
Allan Caidic, Arturo dela Cruz, Marco Januz Sauler, Freddie Abuda

No.	Player
2	Billy Mamaril
5	LA Tenorio
10	Paul Rico Maierhofer
11	Mike Cortez
13	Anthony Helterbrand
18	Allein Maliksi
21	Kerby Raymundo
23	Elmer Espiritu
27	Willy Wilson
32	Keith Jensen
33	Dylan Ababou
34	Chris Ellis
47	Mark Caguioa
99	Rudy Hatfield

GlobalPort Batang Pier

PBA Governor:
Mikee Romero
Alternate Governors:
Hilario Paredes, Edwin Jeremillo
Head of Basketball Operations:
Eric Arejola
Team Manager:
Benedict Manalo
Asst. Team Manager:
Benjo Flores
Head Coach:
Glenn Capacio
Assistant Coaches:
Ricky Dandan, John Cardel, Louie Gonzales, Charles Tiu

No.	Player
0	Alfred Mandani
1	Jason Deutchman
2	Rabeh Al-Hussaini
4	Rudy Lingganay
5	Jondan Salvador
7	Rey Francis Guevarra
9	Marvin Cruz
10	Rommel Adducul
11	Willie Miller
14	Mark Yee
20	Gary David
22	Joshua Vanlandingham
24	Vic Manuel
33	Angelus Raymundo
Injured/Reserve
34	William Antonio
43	Alex Crisano

Meralco Bolts

PBA Vice-Chairman:
Ramon Segismundo
Alternate Governor:
Betty Siy-Yap
Team Manager:
Butch Antonio
Head Coach:
Paul Ryan Gregorio
Assistant Coaches:
Joseph Uichico, Ronnie Magsanoc, Boyet Fernandez, Patrick Roy Fran, Xavier Nunag

No.	Player
1	Clifford Hodge
3	Solomon Mercado
4	Jay-R Reyes
6	Chris Ross
8	Ronjay Buenafe
11	Paul Artadi
14	Mark Cardona
15	Gilbert Bulawan
16	Mark Anthony Borboran
21	Reynel Hugnatan
23	Kelly Nabong
34	Ram Carlo Sharma
80	Sunday Salvacion
Injured/Reserve
9	Yousif Aljamal
13	Christopher Timberlake

Petron Blaze Boosters

PBA Governor:
Roberto N. Huang
PBA Treasurer:
Eliezer O. Capacio
Team Manager:
Hector Calma
Head Coach:
Rodericko Racela
Coaching Consultant:
Rajko Toroman
Assistant Coaches:
Gelacio Abanilla, Biboy Ravanes, Pido Jarencio, Bobby Parks Sr., Jorge Gallent

No.	Player
2	Dennis Miranda
3	Chris Lutz
4	Dorian Pena
5	Alex Cabagnot
10	Danny Ildefonso
11	Jojo Duncil
13	Marcio Lassiter
24	Magi Sison
18	Joseph Yeo
20	Alex Mallari
22	June Mar Fajardo
23	Jay Washington
26	Chico Lanete
29	Arwind Santos
Injured/Reserve
	Hans Thiele
	Paolo Hubalde

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

PBA Governor:
Mamerto Z. Mondragon
Alternate Governor:
Andrew Jao
Business Development Head:
Edison Oribiana
Asst. Team Manager:
Boy Lapid
Head Coach:
Joseller Guiao
Assistant Coaches:
Caloy Garcia, Roehl Nadurata, Mike Buendia, Jay Legacion, Matthew Makalintal, Ricky Umayam

No.	Player
1	Jonathan Uyloan
3	Paul Lee
5	Larry Rodriguez
6	Jireh Ibanes
10	Gabe Norwood
11	Tyrone Tang
16	Jeffrei Chan
17	ChrisTiu
18	Ryan Arana
20	Jervy Cruz
21	Chito Jaime
30	Beau Belga
33	Ronnie Matias
48	Joseph Ronald Quinahan

San Mig Coffee Mixers

PBA Governor:
Rene A. Pardo
Team Manager:
Alvin Patrimonio
Head Coach:
Earl Timothy Cone
Assistant Coaches:
Enrico Banal, Richard del Rosario, Jeffrey Cariaso, Johnny Abarrientos

No.	Player
2	Wesley Gonzales
3	Jonas Villanueva
4	Rafi Reavis
8	Peter June Simon
9	JC Intal
10	Jewel Ponferada
14	Andy Mark Barroca
15	Marc Pingris
17	John Aldrech Ramos
18	James Yap
19	Jerwin Gaco
22	Chris Pacana
38	Joe Devance
95	Yancy de Ocampo

Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

PBA Governor:
Manuel V. Pangilinan
Alternate Governor:
Victorico P. Vargas
Team Mngt. Consultant:
Ramoncito S. Fernandez
Owner’s Representative to the Board:
Patrick Gregorio
Team Consultant: Norman Black
Team Manager: Aboy Castro
Asst. Team Manager: Ferdinand Ravena
Head Coach: Raoul Cesar Racela
Assistant Coaches:
Alexander Arespacochaga, Gene Afable, Michael Villapan Jarin, Joshua Reyes

No.	Player
3	Jimmy Alapag
6	Riego Gamalinda
10	Ryan Reyes
12	Larry Fonacier
16	John Murphy Raymundo
17	William Jayson Castro
18	Gilbert Lao
4	Harvey Carey
21	Kelly Williams
33	Ranidel de Ocampo
34	Ali Peek
20	Jared Dillinger
40	Richard Alvarez
51	Aaron Aban

-InterAKTV

Air 21 Express , Alaska Aces , BarakoBull , Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Globalport , Meralco Bolts , PBA , Petron Blaze Boosters , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , San Mig Coffee Mixers , Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters

Alice Dixson returns as PBA Muse for Talk ‘N Text

Alice Dixson will be back as a muse in the PBA 25 years after she first graced the league’s opening rites.

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters have tapped the 43-year-old Dixson, who made a strong television comeback last year to star in TV5′s “Babaeng Hampaslupa,” to be their muse for next Sunday’s opening ceremonies.

Dixson, who represented the Philippines in the Miss International pageant in 1986, was the muse of Great Taste Coffee for the PBA’s opening ceremonies in 1987. She figured in a memorable incident after refusing a kiss from late broadcaster Joe Cantada, which the latter played for laughs.

She since became a familiar fixture on Philippine television with a hit soap commercial and a stint as the original Faye Kabisote in “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko,” before starring in several movies, most notably a remake of “Dyesebel” in 1990.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Alice Dixson , PBA , PBA Muses , Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters

Georgina Wilson and Isabelle Daza as PBA muses of Ginebra and Petron

Two “It Girls” will help lend a touch of glamour for next Sunday’s PBA opening ceremonies.

Georgina Wilson and Isabelle Daza have been tapped as muses by teams from San Miguel Corporation.

Wilson will serve as muse for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, for which she is also an endorser and calendar girl. Apart from modeling, she is also a VJ and a television host.

Daza, the daughter of former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, will parade for the Petron Blaze Boosters. The 24-year-old began her career as a model before transitioning into television hosting and acting.

Another “It Girl”, Anne Curtis, will serve as muse for another SMC team, the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Georgina Wilson , Isabelle Daza , PBA , PBA Muses , Petron Blaze Boosters

Air 21 and Rain Or Shine Muses in PBA Opening

Two beauty queens will take center stage to add a dash of glamour to the opening ceremonies of the PBA on September 30.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 Camille Guevara and Miss Earth 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz will be the muses of Rain or Shine and Air 21, respectively.

A native of Pampanga, the 5-foot-7, 19-year-old Guevarra will be the country’s representative for the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Spain in December.

Stefanowitz, a 22-year-old Filipino-German, will represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth contest in Manila in November.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Air 21 Express , Camille Guevarra , PBA , PBA Muses , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , Stephany Stefanowitz

San Mig Coffee Mixers sent Josh Urbiztondo to Barako Bull for a First Round Pick

With an eye toward the future, the San Mig Coffee Mixers sent starting point guard Josh Urbiztondo to Barako Bull in exchange for a first round pick next year.

San Mig Coffee team executive Rene Pardo confirmed the news to InterAKTV in a telephone interview.

“We don’t have a first and second round picks next year, so we have to give something to gain something,” said Pardo, who added that it was Barako Bull which initiated the trade.

Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi confirmed that the team asked for Urbiztondo’s services because rookie guard Eman Monfort was injured.

“He dislocated his finger and he will be sidelined for the next three months,” said Baculi.

At Barako Bull, Urbiztondo joins a guard corps that includes veteran Celino Cruz and rookie Lester Alvarez.

Roger Yap, another former guard from the Purefoods franchise, has also been signed by Barako Bull.

The Energy Colas own four first round picks next year, owing to trades the franchise undertook when it was still known as the old Air 21 Express. To sweeten the pot, Barako Bull will give San Mig Coffee the option to pick which of its four first rounders to give in exchange for Urbiztondo.

“We have the option of picking which among the four picks will be given to us,” said Pardo.

With Urbiztondo’s departure, the ballhandling duties for the Mixers will fall on Mark Barroca, Jonas Villanueva, and newly-signed Chris Pacana.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barako Bull , Josh Urbiztondo , PBA , San Mig Coffee Mixers

Meralco new Jerseys in upcoming PBA 38th Season

As the Meralco Bolts look to a brighter future, they pay tribute to a glorious basketball past.

The team will be wearing the colors of the 1971 Meralco Reddy Kilowatts, a legendary team from the old MICAA, the precursor of the PBA. Team executive Mon Segismundo revealed the plans to InterAKTV in a text message.

The Reddies, bannered by Robert Jaworski, Francis Arnaiz, Orly Bauzon, Jimmy Mariano and the late Big Boy Reynoso among others, were a powerhouse team in the MICAA, forging a feverish rivalry with another fabled squad, the Crispa Redmanizers.

The Meralco-Crispa rivalry was the precursor of the Toyota-Crispa rivalry that spilled over in the PBA.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Meralco Bolts , PBA

Anne Curtis will be the Muse of the San Mig Coffee Mixers

Popular television and movie actress Anne Curtis will be the muse of the San Mig Coffee Mixers for the opening of the new season of the PBA on September 30.

San Mig Coffee team executive Rene Pardo confirmed the news to InterAKTV.

The 27-year-old Curtis, one of the most sought-after celebrities in the country, is no stranger to the PBA, having served as muse for Ginebra in 2010. She stars in the newest commercial for San Mig Coffee, making her an easy choice for the basketball team.

Apart from film and television projects, Curtis was recently named an ambassador for peace by the Philippine government along with apl.de.ap, Gerald Anderson, and members of the Philippine national men’s football team.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Anne Curtis , PBA , San Mig Coffee Mixers

James Yap Takes Time to Help Flood Victims

Fans of San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap organized a successful outreach event for victims of flood in the Cainta area last Sunday highlighted by the presence of the two-time Most Valuable Player.

Members of the King James Group of James Yap, a fan club formally organized just last June, came up with the idea of holding relief efforts for evacuees from flooding brought about by torrential rains in Luzon last month. The outreach event served as the formal launch for the King James Group.

For the event, the fans sought the help of Reena del Mundo, who handled marketing duties for the squad. She suggested the group hold a Soup Kitchen event, which is the feeding program of San Miguel Pure Foods Company that owns the PBA franchise.

With ingredients donated by the team as well as members of the fan club, the group brought seven calderos of arroz caldo to serve evacuees who were still living in covered basketball courts and unable to return to their homes. A total of 1,500 evacuees were from Barangay San Juan (Teacher’s Village District) and Barangay San Andres (Anak-Pawis District and Planters District) were served.

Yap himself led the serving of the arroz caldo, and gamely posed for pictures and signed autographs for everyone in the evacuation area.

Members of the King James Group also donated P5,000 worth of medicine, as well as three sacks of clothes.

After the event, Yap thanked members of his fan club for the opportunity to be part of the outreach program before saying goodbye. “5 a.m. gising ko. Dapat mag-practice nang husto. Mag-papa-condition kasi tumaba ako!”

-InterAKTV

James Yap , PBA , San Mig Coffee Mixers

Barako Bull Acquires Ballesteros from Meralco

Barako Bull beefed up its frontline Tuesday by acquiring 6-foot-7 center Jason Ballesteros from Meralco in exchange for veterans Carlo Sharma and Sunday Salvacion.

Ballesteros, a former member of the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national program, spent most of his rookie season on the bench for the Bolts, but Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi believes he can develop into a key contributor.

“I still believe in the saying, you can’t teach height, so it’s hard to pass up a 6-foot-7 player like Ballesteros,” Baculi told InterAKTV. “He’s a project player. We will see if our coaching skills will be able to turn him into an effective player.”

Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio said the deal gives the Bolts two players who can step in and contribute right away. Sharma, he said, will help fill the void created by the departure of Asi Taulava, who has signed with the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League.

“We need someone who can be an efficient defender at the post and give Jay-R Reyes some quality minutes, that’s why we got Sharma,” Gregorio said in a telephone interview.

“We have to remember to that June Mar Fajardo will be playing this season so we need someone who can defend him at the post. As for Salvacion, he will shore up our small forward spot because Mark Borboran always gets hurt lately. He will open up the floor for us.”

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barako Bull , Carlo Sharma , Jason Ballesteros , Meralco Bolts , PBA , Sunday Salvacion

Tim Cone Apologizes to Alaska for San Mig Coffee Walkout

San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone took to Twitter to apologize to the Alaska Aces and coach Luigi Trillo for his team’s walkout in their tuneup game on Tuesday.

“No big deal. We asked to halt the practice game. We weren’t ready to play. My fault in scheduling it,” wrote Cone on his Twitter account.

He added that the ejection of Jerwin Gaco was not the reason for his decision to have the game halted.

“It was more about the fear of injury to our key guys than the call. We’re not in shape yet and guys were cramping. Again, my fault,” added Cone.

Cone asked the tuneup to be stopped in the third quarter shortly after Gaco was called for a flagrant foul for elbowing Eddie Laure. Trillo told InterAKTV that the call was justified.

San Miguel Corporation official Noli Eala earlier claimed that the call was the reason for the stoppage.

“Alaska-San Mig Coffee game stopped because of another bad call by refs,” wrote Eala on his Twitter account.

-InterAKTV

Alaska Aces , Jerwin Gaco , PBA , San Mig Coffee Mixers , Tim Cone

Caguioa in Smart Gilas “I don’t want to disrupt the team’s chemistry”

Shortly after Mark Caguioa won Most Valuable Player honors, SMART-Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes sent out a Twitter message congratulating him and throwing out the possibility of the Ginebra hotshot returning to the national team.

Caguioa, who was awarded the PBA Press Corps Comeback Player of the Year on Monday night, is flattered by the idea, but said the team is doing very well without him.

“I don’t want to disrupt the team’s chemistry,” Caguioa told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview. “Man, the team won the Jones Cup and I don’t think they will still need me there. They don’t have to make any changes, except only when one of the players get injured.”

Caguioa said the team has enough firepower even without him.

“I don’t want to take away some minutes from Gary (David) and Jeff (Chan). They’ve been playing so well. Isa pa, maganda na yung samahan nila on and off the court. Guys have developed a special bonding among themselves,” said Caguioa, who played for Reyes in the national team in 2007.

“Who doesn’t want to play for Coach Chot? It’s an opportunity that hardly comes. But I have so much respect for the players who were selected there, players who have worked so hard and sacrificed a lot. To me, it would be unfair if I will be included there. They deserved their spots more,” he said.

SMART-Gilas leaves for the FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo this week, with the Philippine team facing a tough China training squad in its opening assignment. Caguioa believes it would be tough, but anything is possible.

“You just have to believe and I’m sure the players themselves have belief in their selves and their level of confidence is higher now,” Caguioa said.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Mark Caguioa , PBA , Smart Gilas

Kerby Raymundo and a member of the Middle Eastern squad got into a scuffle, Tune Up Game

The tuneup game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Qatar national team was halted after Kerby Raymundo and a member of the Middle Eastern squad got into a scuffle.

Referees decided to stop the game at the 4:57 mark of the third period.

Game over refs stop da game! Very physical game.
— DA ROCK (@AsiTaulava5) September 10, 2012

Due to basketball brawl bet Kerby and #13 of qatar the game is forced to end..final score: 53-52 qatar 4:57 in the 3rd
— Skyscraper13 (@Skyscrapper13) September 10, 2012

San Miguel Corporation executive Noli Eala posted more details on Twitter: “Game got a bit physical. Hard foul by Kerby on Qatari center. He retaliated and that’s where it got out of hand. No punches but better to stop.”

The Qatar squad is in the Philippines to play a series of tuneups against various teams, including SMART-Gilas Pilipinas last Saturday.

-InterAKTV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Kerby Raymundo , PBA , Qatar Basketball

PBA Support Fiba Asia next year

Top officials of the PBA are part of the Philippine delegation to the FIBA Asia Congress in Tokyo, Japan that will push for the country’s bid to host the Asian cage championship next year.

PBA Board of Governors chairman Robert Non, vice-chairman Mon Segismundo, and treasurer Ely Capacio will join league commissioner Chito Salud along with officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas led by president Manuel V. Pangilinan, vice-chairman Ricky Vargas, and executive director Sonny Barrios. Also part of the group is former FIBA Asia secretary-general Moying Martelino.

“I intend to impress upon our leaders in FIBA Asia that the PBA is one with the SBP in its quest to regain basketball supremacy here in Asia,” said Salud. “Unequivocal is our support of SBP’s quest to host the FIBA-Asia qualifying tournament here in 2013 and we want to make sure [FIBA Asia] secretary-general Hagop Khajirian of Lebanon gets that message.”

Under Salud, the PBA earlier committed its support to the national team by providing a pool of 16 players for the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national program. It paid immediate dividends as the latest incarnation of the Philippine team won its first international tournament, the 34th William Jones Cup, in Taiwan.

The FIBA Asia Congress coincides with the FIBA Asia Cup, where SMART-Gilas will also see action beginning Friday.

Apart from the Philippines, Iran and Japan are also reportedly bidding for the rights to host the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, which serves as qualifier to the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Earlier, the SBP hosted Khajirian on a tour of the country’s basketball facilities. He reportedly came away impressed with the new SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“I think we were the only ones who invited him to personally inspect the venue,” said Barrios. “Seeing Hagop impressed with the venue is good news for us, but we still have to make a formal presentation.”

The last time the country hosted the FIBA Asia Championship was nearly 40 years ago. Then known as the Asian Basketball Confederation Championship, the Philippines won the gold medal in the 1973 event when the team bannered by Robert Jaworski, Mon Fernandez, Bogs Adornado among others, defeated a South Korean squad led by Shin Dong-Pa in the finals.

-InterAKTV

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