Friday, August 31, 2012

Is Coach Siot The Right Man For The Job?

when is the last time SIOT's victory ride?
After LA 'tenyente' Tenorio has landed in Ginebra, some questions that still lingers in most fans minds are the following: what is the team's next move?, Will the team look for their center? Are there trades to come in the following days? Will Menk be granted on his desire to play once more and not to be an assistant coach? Will LA be used as a trade bait to get a dominant center?

As you see, there are lots of questions that until now are bothering the minds of the Ginebra fans. In fact, even the fans of the other teams are interested in the crowd darling team, since they are aware of the strength of the Gin Kings this coming season.

Oh, by the way, one more question that most fans will surely want to know the answer, "Is coach Siot capable of giving the  millions of fans of championship after 4 eternity years? Without a doubt, this is one question that every fan has something to say. By basing in the comments and opinions in Facebook, twitter and Ginebra fan pages, you will see the clamor of the fans who want Siot to be replaced.

Can SIOT brings the team in the promise land?
But wait...

Siot has given the team two back-to-back championships. It is also under his tutelage that JJ13 has blossomed, since he use it often over Bal David. However, this is also when the back court of the fast and the furious are unstoppable, plus the dominant play of the major pain 'Eric Menk.

Today, JJ13 and MC 47 are still in the team, and so is Siot. After their last championship in 2008, the team has not yet tasted another championship. Is this enough to demand Siot to be replaced?

Yes, in fact there are many reasons that made the fans frustrated with Siot...

Is that smile a sign that SIOT job is secured?
Here are some of them:

--Players rotation
--last and crucial minutes designed plays
--not using other players
--do not possess the never say die attitude
--poor decision making especially during crunch time
--etc etc etc

As you can see, there is really the clamor to make coach changes..but only to the millions of fans of the Gin Kings. The SMC management is not giving any hint whether Siot will be replaced or not. Maybe, they will still give him the chance to make things happen this season or maybe, there are no one capable to call the shots for the Gin Kings? Al Chua? This one is feasible, but something tells me that it is a long shot..

So to the Ginebra fans, maybe we should also give Siot a chance to prove us wrong...Maybe, we are being to harsh with him....Don't you think so?




Thursday, August 30, 2012

Is The 'Tenyente' Coming To Kings Or Not?


where are you going tenyente?
Is The 'Teniente' Coming To Kings Or Not?  Most Ginebra fans are awaiting the answer to this question. Some wish it can be done while others frown and curse the management for trying to pull this trade. There are the different version of this trade that even makes it very interesting and confusing at the same time. There are talks that L.A could land to San Mig Mixers in exchange for Barroca, while there is also this version that W. Miller is involved. Nevertheless, the version that Ginebra fans want to focus is the one that will eventually land LA in their team's roster. However, since trade is a two way, someone in the Gin Kings will have to say goodbye and wear new jerseys come Sept. 30.

However, the question is not only whether the Teniente will land in Ginebra or not, there are others that must be answered. "Do the team really need LA? "Will LA fits the Ginkings style of play?" Who will say goodbye to the team? Is it the cool cat Cortez and the Raging Bull E.Villanueva? What will be the impact of these changes? Will the SMC management allow LA to play for the national team?

Will LA brand of play suits the Ginkings?

So many questions that are until now are hanging up in the air. We just hope that this one will be decided within 24 hours so everyone could stop from speculating. For Ginebra fans, every change that involves their team is something  that they will scrutinize and spend their time discussing online. This is how devoted and attached the legions of Gin Kings fans to their team.

LA Tenorio, whether you will be a Gin Kings this 38th PBA season or not, life on hard court will still continue for the team. Although I, as a fan of Ginebra would like to have LA in the team all I can do is to wait for the final announcement until this trade to become 'official.'



Monday, August 27, 2012


Bold prediction for the upcoming 38th season of PBA (For the Top 4 Teams)

Petron – Tough team to beat
impressive line up is not enough

This team is fully loaded of great players in every position. Fajardo, Pena, Idelfonso manning the middle, Jwash, Arwind Santos, Lassiter, Lutz on the wings, Miranda, Cabagnot, Yeo, Hontiveros, Mallari for 1 and 2 positions. How can you beat this team when each player can explode anytime and burn the hoop? Yes, they are tough and full of talent, but that does not mean that they are unbeatable. Why? Ego and chemistry factors will be crucial for this team, in order to go all the way in the Finals.

Prediction: Semifinalist but will fall short


San Miguel Coffee Makers – Always a contender

TOUGH team but not invincible
Great coach in Tim Cone, great players Yap, Simon, Pingris, Barroca, Villanueva, Reavis, Devance, Intal will always make this team a contender no matter how many changes it made to their name. Cone is known for his great coaching ability and making the right adjustments, while his player always gives their best on the hard court.

This team is hard to beat especially if the shooting of Yap, Simon, Uzbiztondo will click. They also have big men who can score inside like De Ocampo, Reavis and the pinoy Sakuragi, Pingris. However, beating them is not out of equation since this team is poor on defending the 3 point area. Yes, while Bmeg last season is the number 1 defensive team, they also rank lowest in defending the rainbow territory. So, in order to make the fans of this team cry their hearts out in social network sites, opponents must explode in 3 point area.

Prediction: Semis/ Final’s Berth

No longer dominant

Talk N Text – Contender but no longer dominant

This could be true since there is some doubt that Norman Black can immediately make an impact as a PBA coach in his first season. Although the Talk N text players are all championship caliber such as Alapag, Castro, Peek, Williams, De Ocampo, Fonacier, Carey and others, the new system that will be implemented in them will also be their weakness.

Prediction: Semis but will fall short


Barangay Ginebra San Miguel -- Time to get back on top

This team will always remain a top contender as long as there is MC47 playing at the top level. With their newest addition who are both Fil-Am and high flying rookies Jensen and Ellis, expect the run and gun system of the Gin kings in full display. This season could also be the breakout of players like Maliksi, Ababou and Majeihofer (Hopefully with fingers crossed). Cortez will be consistent while JJ13 will flash his old form that makes him a onetime MVP. There is also the hard working Hatfield who even in his prime age is still playing at the top level. Before I forget, this team still has Kerby Raymundo who will dominate his position this All Filipino Cup.

Just what I said, this team is always a top team, especially with their new fond in defense. This team does not have the ceiling but somehow, they manage to get the job done in stopping their opponents to score.

The only problem in this team is the coaching staff. Most will surely agree that Siot fails to utilize the skills of his players. The rotation of players baffles the millions of fans of the Ginkings, which most of the times also causes the downfall of their beloved team.
Is it time for the Kings to reign once again?

Prediction: Semis and will have a crack for championship









There you are, my bold prediction for the top 4 team this coming 38th PBA season. Remember, this is my own opinion and I welcome those who will question my analysis and why did I exclude their teams in my blog. Whether you agree or disagree with me, what I have said will remain that way.







Saturday, August 25, 2012

The Curious Case Of Eric Menk

MVP once, now gone??
Eric Menk -- Major Pain...Where are you now? Ever since he has been traded to Ginebra, year 2001 in exchange for Elmer Lago plus future pick, many things have transpired to the team. Most PBA pundits are aware on the damage that Menk can do in hard court, which has earned him the moniker 'Major Pain' during his Tanduay years together with another Fil-Am Sonny Alvarado.

It was during the PBA season 2003-04 that is considered as Menk banner year. He led Ginebra in 2, yes not one consecutive titles together with the fast and the furious, JJ13 and MC47 respectively. He captured his first MVP award in the same year although he is suspended indefinitely because of the Fil-shams issue.

Fast forward today, Ginebra die hard fans are searching for Eric Menk. While he can be seen in the bench of the team every game, fans are expecting to see him play. Yes, he is often injured and already past of his prime, but at the age of 38, this guy can still play. He can still grab those rebounds, defend the low post and shoot the ball. Although he is not that explosive like the way he used to, but he can still get the job done, if only given the chance.

So, what is the problem here? Maybe, coach Siot does not trust him in crucial games. I do not buy his alibi that he is afraid that Menk will be injured again once allowed to play. Common, Menk is being paid to play as long as he is fit and capable. Give Menk the chance to play and prove himself..I hate to say this, 'Coach, what the hell are you doing with your former MVP?'

menk low post play
For those fans who want Eric Menk to retire, then prepare to be disappointed since he has no plan to give in to your request. Ginebra management will still sign him, although he might suit for the SMC team in ABL. This could be the perfect stop over for Menk to condition himself and get back to PBA action.



Where is Menk now? I have been yearning to see him play and bangs body with others. I firmly believe that this guy can still play and really, really want to see him flex his muscle in the hard court.

Eric Menk, Major Pain..We will wait for your return, even if it will take eternity....

Menk power play




Thursday, August 23, 2012

Gin Kings -- Is There A Need For Revamp?

What can you say in the current line-up of Ginebra San Miguel including its recent drafts? MC47, JJ13. Cortz, Maliksi, Ababou, Hatfield, Kerby, EVill Mamaril, Rico M. Wilson, Labagal, plus its rookies and Espirity (from air21) -- Are you impressed or not? Kaya na ba magchampion Ulit?

At first glance, the team is great especially with the additional of high flying rookies. For sure, every Ginebra fan (including me, of course) will imagine their team to be the champion this coming season. Why not? This team is fully loaded of talent!! 2 MVP  in the roster, (Menk is still in limbo as of today), and bunches of great scorers. PBB, San Mig Coffee, Talk n Text? Common, These teams will have a hard time beating our team. Of course this is my personal view as a die hard fan of BGSM, and I do not care on how other fans will react on my claims. Why worry? E mas madami naman tayo sa kanila, di ba?

However, there are several problems that must be addressed before Sept. 30 come -- we need legitimate center and there are too much players with the same position. Yes, we do not have dominant center who can defend the middle against Fajardo, Yancy Ocampo, Reavis, Thoss and others. Panu ito? Anyare?






Redundancies of position means someone will spend more time in the bench than in the playing court? Si Maliksi kaya? Si Ababou, Hatfield o yun mga rookies? KG and J. Wilson will no longer be called bench warmers of the team, unless Air 21 will utilize them.



So, what is the verdict here? In my humble opinion, we need center and trade some of our wings, unless Coach Siot have devised a plan that everyone will be utilized and satisfied. Kaya lng.....

Wait, another problem I want to add...Coaching staff! Yes, there must also be some changes in the coaching staff since it is very obvious that they are not that competitive against the other coaching crews. Replace Siot? Maybe, pero sino kapalit?

Again, I will post a question that needs to be answered, Is there a need for a revamp? Kaya na ba magchampion?

For me, Of course, as long as MC47 is on our side, we always have the chance to compete in finals. However, we  must accept the reality that it takes a team to win a championship.

Kaya na bang magchampion? Ikaw, anu sa tingin mo?