Coffee Planet

Tim Cone is ‘world’s foremost apostle’ of triangle offense, says US sports website

2014-10-24T17:51:00.001-07:00

Tim Cone is ‘world’s foremost apostle’ of triangle offense, says US sports website

It is no secret that Tim Cone has been preaching the triangle offense for years, and its success has been proven by the numerous championships that made him the winningest coach in PBA history.

And Cone’s mastery of the offense hasn’t gone unnoticed as the international media recognized his coaching. In a special feature about the triangle offense, SBNation’s Mike Prada and Doug Eberhardt named the two-time Grand Slam coach as the “world’s foremost apostle” of the system.

“The world’s foremost apostle for the Triangle offense does not coach in the NBA. He doesn’t coach in college or American high school, either. He doesn’t coach in the United States at all,” Prada and Eberhardt wrote to start their piece. “His name is Tim Cone.”

In the article, Cone also recalled how as a young PBA coach in the early 1990s learned the Triangle through recording every Chicago Bulls game while he was living near the US military bases.

“I went full bore on the offense in 1993, but unfortunately, I was teaching it at the same time I was learning it,” Cone said according to the SBNation piece. “It was our worst year ever. But the next year, 1994, was our best year ever. I’ve been running the triangle ever since.”

Prada and Eberhardt went on to discuss the intricacies of the triangle and why, despite legendary coach Phil Jackson’s success with it, the offense hasn’t become popular in the NBA.

Read the full piece here

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/tim-cone-is-worlds-foremost-apostle-of-triangle-offense-says-us-sports-website

10 Things We Should Know About Alvin Patrimonio

2014-09-16T22:26:00.001-07:00

10 Things We Should Know About Alvin Patrimonio

1. He actually did not make the cut for De La Salle University and San Beda College basketball teams, and at one point did not pass the tryouts for RP youth under-18 team.
2. His number 16 was his father's number who played college ball in JRC.

3. Some of his loyal fans kiss(smack) him on the lips.

4. On what made his wife Cindy stand out among all the girls he met when he was single: ''Nakita ko sa kanya that she would be my life-long partner at nag-decide ako na siya na.''

5. On James Yap being this generation's face of Purefoods: ''Natutuwa ako na meron ng 'following in your footsteps,' yun bang pwede mo nang ipasa yung baton to him.''

6. During the much-talked-about P25 million contract offered by Pepsi, he actually signed the offer. However, Purefoods matched the offer.

7. His movie last 2 Minutes, in which he starred alongside Paul Alvarez, Jerry Codinera and Roderick Paulate, was a top grosser in the 1989 MMFF.

8. Alvin by the numbers:
191 centimetes in height
17.6 points per game his entire career.
30,478 minutes played in 17 seasons

9. Despite his busy schedules, he always makes time for his family and even takes his daughters on one-on-one dates.

10. Beyond enjoying a successful career and family life, there's one thing he is possibly looking forward to: the world of politics.

(from Phil Star, compiled collections of Bianca Gonzalez's 10 things column, Nov. 18, 2012)

TEAM PAASA version 2.0

2014-07-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

TEAM PAASA version 2.0

By:
Rosell DY Mallari

Lakas trip nanaman ng San Mig noh? pinapaasa nanaman nila kalaban...tapos ilalampaso din naman sa huli...nakakaawa naman yung kalaban...umaasa sa wala.... Yan sila eh! At tayong mga fans sanay na sanay na dyan!

Ok isa-isahin ulit natin ang mga rason kung bakit mananalo ang San Mig bukas...

#1 COACH TIM CONE - need pa ba iexplain? o sabihin ko na lang yung number ----> 17 ‪#‎AlamNa‬

#2 JAMES YAP - BIG GAME nga eh! eh ano ba ang Do or Die? diba BIG GAME yun? ‪#‎ilistaNa‬

#3 MARC PINGRIS - in short --> ‪#‎PUSO‬! dami nag-aabang ng promise nito...pero naka-ilang promise na ba si Ping sa atin? ni minsan naman di nya tayo binigo dba? kaya ngayon wala man syang sabihing salita, dapat magtiwala parin tayo sa kanya!Sya si SAKURAGI ang HARI NG REBOUND!

#4 MARK BARROCA - ‪#‎CoffeeKing‬ ‪#‎Mr4thQuarter‬ mapapangiti nanaman si Coach Tim bukas...dahil BARROCA TIME NA!

#5 MARQUS BLAKELY - ay mali ulit....

#5 80% MARQUS BLAKELY - yes..80%.. di ko sinasabi toh para gawing dahilan kung bakit tayo natalo...sinasabi ko toh kasi proud ako kay Blakely at sa buong team! Yes, di natin nakikita yung Blakely na nakita natin last year..pero sya parin si ‪#‎MREVERYTHING‬ who's getting a lot of help from the locals!

#6 PJ SIMON - Kahit ilang beses sya mag-struggle SOBRANG DAMI parin ang umaasa na bukas mag-dedeliver sya ng mga ‪#‎PerfectJumper‬ nya!

#7 JOE DEVANCE - His unpredictable passing...his consistent shooting...The ‪#‎WalkingMismatch‬ of the PBA! Baka nakakalimutan nyo nag-ala IMPORT na yan!

#8 IAN SANGALANG - Disqualified daw sa ROY yan...di naman kasi sya rookie... BETERANO NA SYA! Ilang finals na ba naman na-experience nya since college...pag pasok ng PBA 3 straight finals pa...wala na talaga binatbat lahat ng rookies sa kanya! Bukas change surname nanaman sya‪#‎SangaLing‬!

#9 DEEPER BENCH ----> Rafi Reavis, Justin Melton, Allein Maliksi, Yousef Taha and opkors my ALEX MALLARI! Sila yung nagbibigay ng extra‪#‎ENERGY‬ ... dahil sa kanila kaya nakakapahinga ang starters para fresh sa 4th quarter

#10 POISE
#11 TEAM CHEMISTRY
#12 EXPERIENCE
#13 GreatEST Coaching Staff
#14 Incomparable Management Support
#15 PERFECT TRIANGLE OFFENSE
#16 Sticky DEFENSE ‪#‎DepensangSanMig‬ ‪#‎DepensangDikya‬

at ang pinaka-importante sa lahat......

WALANG MAYABANG NA SAN MIG PLAYER! yan ang kaibahan nila sa ROS o sa ibang team sa PBA! At yan ang dahilan kaya sila pinag-papala at pinapanigan ng nasa ITAAS!

Kaya mga Ka-PLANETA...gawin natin ang part natin... Sama sama natin sila ipagdasal! Grabe na yung hirap na dinaanan nila...ngayon pa ba natin sila iiwan? SYEMPRE HINDI! Hanggang sa huling segundo ng laro bukas ipakita natin ang suporta! LABAN SAN MIG! PUSO!

Open Letter to San Mig Super Coffee Mixers

2014-02-10T17:21:00.000-08:00

Tatak San Mig - Puso

Dear San Mig,
Una sa lahat higop muna ako ng Mainit na Kape (San Mig Coffee Siyempre).

Fans ako ng Franchise nyo (Purefoods) mula magkaisip ako matutung manood ng Basketball. Mula kay Kap , Jolas, Asaytono, Jerry Codiñera, Pumaren at Evangelista. Kahit mg iba iba man ng Team Name Solid fans pa Rin Ako. At Ngayong Era na Nila James Yap, Pj Simon , Marc Pingris at Mark Barroca ay lalo akong humanga sa inyo.

Ipapakilala ko Rin Sarili ko. They Call me Admin Redgh / Kuya Redgh, I owned and administer @Sanmigkamixers https://twitter.com/SanMigKaMixers and @flyingbnatics https://twitter.com/FlyingBNatics Twitter Accounts And Many Facebook fan pages. No. 1 fan din ako ni Mark Barroca and rest of the Team and Coaching Staff.

Naniniwala kaming kakakayanin ng Team natin n makabawi at manalo ng Game 7 when the matters most. Ilang beses nyo n rin kaming pinakaba at hindi binigo.
Sa pagkakataong ito kaming mga fans ang Hindi susuko at walang sawang sumusuporta. Walang Iwanan. Keep the Faith Ka-Mixers.

Para san nga ba ang Open letter na to?

Ito ay hindi para humingi ng attention ng Media. Ito ay para sa Team.

Gusto ko sanang ipabatid na ipagpatuloy lang natin ang ating nasimulan sa Conference na to. When we are down 1-3 and 3-7 at magtapos ng pang lima sa Eliminations ng 2013-2014 AFC Cup . At Ginupo natin ang Defending Champ na TNT sa Quarter Finals. At ngayon ng Makarating sa Semis Ipinakita natin Sa BGSM kung ano ang Character ng ating team ang Championship poise, Composure and Experience. Hindi man natin nakuha na manalo sa Game 6, pasamat sila kay Jawo, Edward Aquino at Magoo. No More Game 7 pero hindi tayo pinalad.

Tinitiyak ko na mas may matinding motibasyon at pagnanais na Manalo ang ating team sa Game 7. Dehado man tayo sa Dami ng Fans at Media exposure pero s Laki ng Ating Puso ay hindi papadaig.

Nandyan si Pinoy Sakuragi Marc Pingris na ating Sasandalan.
Ang Laging buwis Buhay at Always Hustle Plays ni Mark " Coffee King" Barroca.
Ang mga swabeng Jumper ni Perfect Jumper Pj Simon.
Ang pagselyo ni James Yap bilang isang Legends ng Phil Basketball , That's why you called Him Big Game.
Ang Bilis at Liksi ni Quickmelt Justin Melton.
Ang haba ng Galamay at Experience ni Rafi Reavis.
Ang Swag at Angas ni JDV .
Ang Angas ng Batang si Ian Sanggalang.
Ang mga Super Lay-up ni Alex Mallari.
Ang Jumper at depensa ni Kuya Yancy.
Mga Back up na Sina Isaac, Val, Gaco, Lester and Allein Maliksi.
And Coach Tim Cone's Know Best and Better.

Kaya natin yan ka Mix.

To Rain or Shine wait lang po na delay lang ng unti.

Pero may isa pa rin tayong sasandalan ang Diyos s itaas na sa atin ay Gumagabay.

Kaya nananawagan ako sa lahat na San Mig Fans. Sugod sa Araneta this Coming Wednesday.

Laban San Mig

Puso.

Buong Pusong Sumusuporta,

Regginald Hagihara

Mark Barroca's Fan Art

2014-01-23T00:35:00.001-08:00

Here's some wonderful Artworks by San Mig Super Coffee Mixers Fan Artist for Mark "Coffee Prince Barroca.

One Subject 4 Different Approach

Credits: Hael Pinat, Aivzthegreat Graphics, Mark Duke Bernal and REDGH Grfx

Credit to Owner : Paul Ryan Tan

2013 PBA Mock Draft, Version 1.0

2013-10-27T17:58:00.003-07:00

2013 PBA Mock Draft, Version 1.0

Jaemark Tordecilla and Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Monday, October 28, 2013 · 5:01 am

Last year, some 71 players filed their applications for the rookie draft. This year’s class topped that easily, with 85 players filing their paperwork to join the PBA.
With less than a week before the draft, InterAKTV is back with its series of mock drafts to try to make sense of what’s happening. Every day, we will release a new mock draft after talking to coaches, team officials, and agents about their prospects for Sunday’s event.

1. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – Greg Slaughter

(originally from Air 21)

In a way, picking Greg Slaughter would be a reaction to the dominance shown by June Mar Fajardo during the recently-concluded Governors’ Cup finals; at this point, Ginebra fans would probably revolt if their team didn’t select their own giant.
It’s unfair to compare Slaughter to Fajardo, given that the Petron big man already has a year in the PBA under his belt. It’s hard to get a handle on how good Slaughter is going to be coming out of the gate. He was solid for Ateneo, but he did it against inferior competition in the UAAP; he wasn’t nearly as effective in the PBA D-League, coming up against better players.
Interestingly, the last time the Gin Kings had the No. 1 overall pick, they selected another giant, Marlou Aquino. That was a great pick, as Aquino emerged as a Most Valuable Player candidate right in his first year, before leading Ginebra to a title in his second year.
Of course, the season before Ginebra drafted Aquino, they selected EJ Feihl with the No. 2 pick, ahead of more talented prospects such as Kenneth Duremdes and Jeffrey Cariaso. Ginebra fans would hope that Slaughter’s impact would be closer to Aquino’s rather than Feihl’s.
Best case scenario: A young Marlou Aquino
Worst case scenario: A young EJ Feihl

2. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Ian Sangalang

(originally from GlobalPort)

InterAKTV file/Justin Gener

Ian Sangalang has everything a coach would want in a big man — size and length, footwork, timing, passing skills, a mid-range jumper, and an ability to run the floor. He’s also three years younger than Slaughter, even though he’s shorter by a few inches.
But the best thing about Sangalang is that even though he has great finesse skills, he’s not afraid of mixing it up down low. He has also shown the ability to shine despite playing with other talented teammates — he routinely put up monster rebounding numbers while playing alongside Calvin Abueva at San Sebastian and won MVP honors in the PBA D-League while splitting center duties with Greg Slaughter.
His skillset is perfect for Tim Cone’s triangle offense, although it remains to be seen how much playing time he’ll get right off the bat given the Mixers’ crowded frontcourt. But if he ends up with the Mixers, he’d easily be the most talented big man Cone has drafted since Sonny Thoss, and we all know how well that turned out.
Best case scenario: A left-handed Danny Ildefonso
Worst case scenario: A left-handed Chris Cantonjos

3. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Raymond Almazan

(originally from Barako Bull)

Sports5/Paul Mata

Raymond Almazan has emerged as the best big man in Philippine college basketball this season after showing great form on both ends of the floor for the Letran Knights. While he has always been a dominant defender, he has really come on strong this year on the offensive end.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Almazan is his motor; he’s relentless off the boards despite his thin frame. That has allowed him to be a devastating offensive rebounder, even as he has begun to show an improved offensive arsenal, including the occasional three-point shot.
At Letran, he plays under coach Caloy Garcia, who also happens to be Yeng Guiao’s top assistant at Rain or Shine. He’ll still get pushed around in the PBA until he bulks up, but he’ll get plenty of practice with that when joins the Elasto Painters frontline that already features Extra Rice, Inc.
Best case scenario: A nastier Rafi Reavis
Worst case scenario: A nastier Omanzie Rodriguez

4. Barako Bull Energy – Terrence Romeo

(originally from Ginebra)

InterAKTV/Justin Gener

First, a note about Barako Bull: the past two years, the team has pulled off a draft-day deal to trade their first round pick. In 2011, Barako Bull’s third overall pick (Chris Lutz) ended up with Petron. In 2012, the team’s fifth overall pick (Aldrech Ramos) was sent to San Mig Coffee. With three first round picks this year, it’s almost a sure bet that Barako Bull will be involved in a trade.
That said, Romeo is the best talent at this spot. And this isn’t just a product of his stellar numbers in the UAAP, where he won Most Valuable Player honors; even before that, he was killing it against superior competition in the PBA D-League.
There remain questions about Romeo’s maturity. But consider the fact that, at 21 years old, he’s the youngest player in the draft, so he’s got plenty of time to get it together. Right now, he’s a rare talent who can put up big numbers right from Day One.
Best case scenario: Peter June Simon
Worst case scenario: Joseph Yeo

5. Barako Bull Energy – RR Garcia

(originally from Petron)

PBA/Nuki Sabio

It’s hard to project exactly how well RR Garcia’s game will translate to the PBA. He isn’t a deadeye three-point shooter like Jimmy Alapag or JVee Casio. Neither does he have the athleticism of guys like Jayson Castro or Mark Barroca.
But instead of having just one elite skill, he does everything pretty well. He has good size, has experience playing both guard positions, and plays defense well when he’s interested. He’s seasoned enough to step in and be part of the rotation of any PBA team.
Best case scenario: Mike Cortez
Worst case scenario: Bonbon Custodio

6. Barako Bull Energy – Jeric Teng

(originally from Meralco)

InterAKTV/Justin Gener

You know what would be hilarious? If Barako Bull drafted Romeo, Garcia, and Nico Salva and kept all of them. That would instantly be the most bro-tastic trio in the league, given the history among those three men.
But it’d be hard to pass up on Jeric Teng at this spot, especially with his stock at a high after his great performance in the UAAP finals. Teng could put up points with the best of them — he was also one of the best scorers in the D-League — but there remain questions about his size to play shooting guard at the next level, which could hamper him on the defensive end.
Best case scenario: Gary David
Worst case scenario: Ren-Ren Ritualo, post-prime

7. Globalport Batang Pier – James Forrester

(originally from Talk ‘N Text)

Arellano star James Forrester has PBA-level size and athleticism, and he might be higher up on this list if he had played for a more popular school. As it is, we wouldn’t be surprised if he moves up.
He was hampered by an injury during this past NCAA campaign, which might hurt his stock. But coaches probably remember his performance in the D-League, where he showcased his handles and his outside shooting against better competition.
Best case scenario: Marcio Lassiter
Worst case scenario: A taller Chris Timberlake

8. Alaska Aces – Nico Salva

PBA/Nuki Sabio

In college and the D-League, Salva proved that he can put the ball in the hoop. But the biggest concerns about the former Ateneo star will be his ability to defend at the next level.
In the amateurs, he played the power forward position, where he defended smaller post players. In the PBA, he will have to move to the wings, and the big question about Salva is whether he has the lateral quickness to stay with faster players on the perimeter.
If he couldn’t convince coaches that he could do that, then we wouldn’t be surprised if he somehow drops on the list.
Best case scenario: Tony Dela Cruz
Worst case scenario: Rich Alvarez, post-knee injury

9. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Alex Nuyles

PBA/Nuki Sabio

We were cool on Alex Nuyles a couple of days before we started writing this list, but a couple of coaches we spoke to rated the former Adamson wingman highly. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters coach Caloy Garcia, in fact, went out on a limb and said that Nuyles could be a potential first-rounder.
An athletic, rugged guard who could get hot from the outside and isn’t afraid of getting physical, Nuyles would be a great fit for a Rain or Shine squad full of rugged players.
Best case scenario: Ronald Tubid, without the flopping
Worst case scenario: Jimbo Aquino

10. San Mig Coffee – Justin Chua

PBA D-League/Nuki Sabio

Justin Chua played himself into first round contention with his performance in the D-League finals, where he helped Blackwater end NLEX’s title reign. He has PBA size along with a nice midrange jumper, and he has a nice enough stroke that it’s not hard to imagine him developing a three-point shot later on.
It’s not hard to imagine him ending up at San Mig Coffee at this spot, because Tim Cone loves picking big men — last year, he took Aldrech Ramos and Jewel Ponferrada in the draft. We also remember that one year when Cone drafted Ken Bono and JR Quinahan with back-to-back first round picks for Alaska.
Best case scenario: A left-handed JR Quinahan
Worst case scenario: A left-handed Ken Bono

11. Globalport Batang Pier – Robby Celiz

PBA D-League Images/Nuki Sabio

Robby Celiz is one of those handful of guys who had a quiet UAAP career before blossoming in the commercial leagues. Along with Chua, he was one of Blackwater’s heroes in the finals, outplaying some of the bigger names from the NLEX side.
A versatile forward who can score inside and out, we wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up in the first round when all is said and done.
Best case scenario: Ronnie Matias
Worst case scenario: Chito Jaime

12. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Isaac Holstein

(originally from Air 21)

PBA D-League/Nuki Sabio

Isaac Holstein attended Rain or Shine practice last week, and coach Yeng Guiao saw him as a project player. The coach added that the team could pick Holstein if he were the best talent available at No. 9.
That won’t be the case in this draft, but Holstein could end up being the best prospect available at No. 12. A beanpole who can block shots and hit midrange jumpers, he’s not nearly ready to play in the PBA, but he’ll get a team to take a flyer on him just based on potential.
Best case scenario: A skinnier, right-handed Yancy De Ocampo
Worst case scenario: A skinnier, right-handed Magi Sison

13. San Mig Coffee – Carlo Lastimosa

(originally from Barako Bull)

PBA D-League Images/Nuki Sabio

Taking Carlo Lastimosa here could be a reach, but coach Tim Cone has already indicated that San Mig Coffee might not even make a second round pick.
Two things could work for Lastimosa at this spot. The first is that his college coach, Richard del Rosario, is an assistant for the Mixers. The second is that the last Cone coached a team with a Lastimosa in the lineup, he ended up winning a lot of championships.
Best case scenario: Ronjay Buenafe
Worst case scenario: Reed Juntilla

14. Barako Bull Energy – Jeric Fortuna

(originally from Ginebra)

PBA D-League Images/Nuki Sabio

We’ve spoken to a couple of coaches who think Fortuna is a candidate to go in the first round, but the teams that need a point guard either have high enough picks to select better prospects (i.e. Barako Bull) or does not have a first round pick (i.e. Air 21).
Then again, there could be a shakeup in the draft order, and Fortuna could end up higher. If he ends up in the middle of the second round, he could be this year’s Emman Monfort.
Best case scenario: A poor man’s LA Tenorio
Worst case scenario: TY Tang

15. Alaska Aces – Eric Camson

(originally from Petron)

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Despite his reed-thin frame, Eric Camson battled bigger men in the UAAP and the D-League on a nightly basis and held his own. He has a nice jumper that extends to the three-point line and he knows how to play a role, having played for the star-studded NLEX Road Warriors in the D-League.
Best case scenario: A poor man’s Mac Baracael
Worst case scenario: A poor man’s Elmer Espiritu

16. Air 21 Express – Justin Melton

(originally from Meralco)

A Filipino-American born in Angeles City, Melton spent the past season with the Westports Malaysia Dragons in the ASEAN Basketball League. He displayed great flashes of athleticism and could move up in the board if he impresses teams during workouts. He could be an option for the Express, a team in great need of point guard help after trading Mike Cortez last conference.
Best case scenario: A poor man’s Jayson Castro
Worst case scenario: Joey Mente

17. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters – Ryan Buenafe

PBA D-League Images/Nuki Sabio

Ryan Buenafe is one of the most intriguing prospects on the list. He has the skills and the basketball IQ, but there will always be questions about his shape after battling weight issues in college. Talk ‘N Text, where he could reunite with his college coach Norman Black, could be the perfect landing spot for Buenafe.
Best case scenario: A much bulkier Larry Fonacier
Worst case scenario: A much shorter Beau Belga

18. Alaska Aces – Nate Matute

Alaska assistant coach Alex Compton compared Matute to Josh Urbiztondo, although the former Jose Rizal University hotshot does not have the jets or the handles of the Ginebra guard. He’s a little bigger though, and his ability to put the ball in the hoop could end up being a real asset on the right team.
Best case scenario: A taller, slower Josh Urbiztondo
Worst case scenario: Benedict Fernandez

19. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Eloy Poligrates

Cebuano playground legend Eloy Poligrates is finally entering the draft after a couple of conferences in the PBA D-League. He has a bit of a cult following from his hometown, drawing favorable comparisons to another mercurial Cebuano point guard, Jimwell Torion.
It’d be apt if he ended up on a team with Torion’s old PBA coach, Yeng Guiao.
Best case scenario: A taller Jimwell Torion
Worst case scenario: A taller Michael Manigo

20. Barako Bull Energy – JR Cawaling

(originally from San Mig Coffee)

ASEAN Basketball League photo

An original member of the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team, JR Cawaling’s stock has dropped steadily through the years. Last year, he pulled out of the draft to sign with the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League, where he barely made an impact. But there have been former UAAP star wingmen — Jeff Chan and Larry Fonacier come to mind — who dropped all the way to the second round only to end up blossoming in the PBA.
Best case scenario: A right-handed Jeff Chan
Worst case scenario: A right-handed RJ Rizada

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/2013-pba-mock-draft-version-1-0

Fit-again James Yap ready to take on nemesis Ybanes, Painters

2013-08-13T00:47:00.004-07:00

James Yap hopes to boost the numbers after registering career-low averages of 12 points and 3.2 rebounds a game while struggling with injuries in the last Commissioner’s Cup. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee superstar James Yap hopes the PBA Governors Cup would signal a new beginning for his career after being slowed down the past summer by a nagging back injury.
Yap has spent the past month practicing with the team and rehabilitating his problematic back, and the 6-foot-1 shooting guard said he is eager to play once again as the Mixers face last year’s Finals tormentor Rain or Shine Elasto Painters right on opening day.
The Governors Cup unreels on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Para sa akin, kailangan lang naman from the start banat na agad dahil every game counts. Maiksi lang kasi ang conference,” Yap told Spin.ph before joining the team’s practice on Tuesday.
“Ang approach ko naman ngayon, every game, para siyang semifinals. Wala nang time para mag-relax. Kasi pag natalo ka dito (elimination round), wala ka nang chance makabawi, puwera na lang kung magkita uli kayo sa semis or quarterfinals,” he added.
The pride of Escalante, Negros Occidental said he’s ready to bang bodies with Rain or Shine’s chief defensive stopper Jireh Ibanes, whom he has battled in several highly physical encounters in the past.
Yap said his back is feeling really good and hasn’t bothered him since joining the team’s practice in early July. He credits the series of therapy sessions he had with an Italian Olympic therapist as one of the reasons why his back is back to normal.
“Malaking tulong talaga yung therapy ko dun (sa Italy). Ngayon, nakakapag-plyometrics na ako,” he said. “Last conference kasi, iba. Gusto ng utak ko maglaro, pero yung katawan ko naman ang ayaw.”
The 31-year-old San Mig stalwart is coming off career-low averages of 12 points and 3.2 rebounds in the Commissioner’s Cup, which saw the Mixers yield their crown to eventual champion Alaska Aces.
Yap shot an abysmal 18.9 percent from the field during the best-of-five semifinal series against the Aces as his injured back limited his mobility.
He later decided to sit out Game Four of the series, which San Mig lost, 78-83, to bow out of the title race.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

Source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/fit-again-james-yap-ready-to-take-on-nemesis-ybanes-painters

Desperate Cone lists Yap a 'game-time decision' By Richard Dy

2013-05-10T19:53:00.001-07:00

“I have no definitive answer at this point,” says San Mig coach Cone when asked about James Yap's availability for Game Four against Alaska Milk. Jerome Ascano

FACED with a must-win game as well as the prospect of his best player not suiting up, San Mig coach Tim Cone knows only one way to approach Game Four on Saturday night.
“We’ll do whatever it takes,” the multi-titled American mentor said. “We’ve got to be better. I’ve got to be better going into Game Four. Our only concern right now is getting this series to a Game Five.”
Cone's Mixers are down 1-2 in their PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinal playoff with Alaska and needing a win to prevent the Aces from marching to their first league finals since Cone left the team two years ago.
Worse, Cone isn't even certain if he can count on James Yap, who has been slowed down by a stiff back the entire playoffs and has been listed as a 'game-time decision' for Saturday's match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I have no definitive answer at this point,” Cone told Spin.ph when asked about Yap's availability for Game Four.
Alaska, on the other hand, can smell blood after winning Games Two and Three of the best-of-five series - a major feat for a team that before that had lost nine games in a row to San Mig and its former coach.
“We’re getting better as a team and we have lessons learned," said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo, a longtime Cone deputy now on the cusp of his first finals appearance as a full-pledged head coach.
"Again both teams are well rested, but with that being said, we can’t celebrate and we can’t be happy (with the series lead). We’ve got to take care of business on Saturday,” Trillo added.
Aces import Robert Dozier is expected to play despite suffering a swollen left ankle which he twisted badly midway through the fourth quarter of Game Three.
The Best Import candidate had 11 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks on Wednesday, but Calvin Abueva more than filled the gap with a game-high 24 points.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

Source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/desperate-cone-lists-yap-a-game-time-decision#.UY2xf6QsGwU.twitter

Anti-Abueva rule? San Mig Coffee official bats for fines against players for excessive flopping

2013-05-10T18:26:00.004-07:00

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

San Mig Coffee team executive Rene Pardo is batting for a rule that imposes fines on PBA players for excessive flopping.
Pardo, who represents the Mixers in the league’s Board of Governors, made the suggestion after news broke that the NBA fined veteran guard Derek Fisher of the Oklahoma City Thunder for flopping during the American league’s playoffs.
“Dapat ganun ang gawin kapares sa NBA malaki yung fine na binibigay nila sa players who flop during the game,” said Pardo, who already had a culprit in mind locally: Alaska forward Calvin Abueva.
The Aces and the Mixers are in the middle of a heated Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series, with Abueva getting the goat of San Mig Coffee stars James Yap and Marc Pingris, who accused the Alaska rookie of flopping too much.
“Parang ang nangyayari nagiging utakan yung laban aartehan lang tapos tatawagan na. Doon naiinis sina James and Marc kasi tinatawagan ng referee yung flop na ginagawa,” said Pardo.
The PBA previously instituted a rule that allowed referees to call technical fouls on players who flop, but has since repealed it. Pardo said imposing fines would be a better solution.

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/anti-abueva-rule-san-mig-coffee-official-bats-for-fines-against-players-for-excessive-flopping

Alaska looks to book Commissioner’s Cup finals seat in Game Four against San Mig Coffee

2013-05-10T18:24:00.004-07:00

InterAKTV · Friday, May 10, 2013 · 11:47 pm

AKTV/Pranz Kaeno Billones

Alaska looks to dethrone San Mig Coffee and claim a Commissioner’s Cup finals seat with a win in Game Four of their best-of-five semis series Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces and the Coffee Mixers face off at 6:15 p.m. with the former holding a 2-1 lead in their duel.
“We will go all out for it in Game Four,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo as his wards took the series lead with an 89-82 overtime win in Game Three.
Despite the victory, Trillo said the Aces need to get better on the defensive end.
“Still not satisfied with our energy to start the game. We also allowed them to score 45 points the first half,” he said.
San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone admitted his team was totally outclassed by Alaska in the extra period.
“Bottom line is, we were outplayed, and more importantly, outcoached in the last five minutes of the last game,” said Cone.
“We’ve got to be better. I’ve got to be better going into Game Four. Our only concern right now is getting this series to a Game Five whatever it takes.”
James Yap is a doubtful starter for the Coffee Mixers due to a nagging back injury and Cone needs Peter June Simon to be more active on offense.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/alaska-looks-to-book-commissioners-cup-finals-seat-in-game-four-against-san-mig-coffee

ACES, MIXERS START ‘BEST-OF-THREE’

2013-05-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

3:14 pm | Tuesday, May 7th, 2013

0New 0

A LONG break is precisely what the doctor ordered for San Mig Coffee and Alaska.

How they translate the respite into their most desired fruits will be known Wednesday when they resume their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals duel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Especially for the Mixers, who have played almost every other day from the eliminations, quarterfinals and the first two games of the best-of-five series, currently tied at one game apiece.

No wonder San Mig coach Tim Cone can’t help but be thankful and at the same time feel rejuvenated for his team for the lull between their last game April 29 due to the All-Star Weekend held May 1 to 6 in Digos City.

“After such a long break, it truly does feel like a best-of-three. It’s almost like a completely different series,” said Cone. “But like any best-of-three, that first game is always crucial.”

Alaska coach Luigi Trillo is hoping his team can pick up from where it left off, an 86-67 blowout that neutralized San Mig’s 71-69 escape in the series opener, but must do so in the face of an expected charge by the defending champion.

“We have to match their energy. We have to be ready. Both teams will be raring to go,” said Trillo.

In their last game, the Aces managed to completely stymie the Mixers’ offense with a defense founded on stopping Denzel Bowles. The ploy worked as Bowles was held to a PBA career-low eight points.

In the intervening time, a solution must surely have been found by Bowles and the rest of San Mig and that gnaws at Trillo, prompting him to issue a directive to his charges.

“I am demanding a sense of urgency from my guys. That’s the most important thing coming into tomorrow’s (Wednesday’s) game,” stated Trillo.

Most of the protagonists’ main players, like San Mig’s James Yap, Marc Pingris, Mark Barroca, Joe Devance and PJ Simon and Alaska’s Jayvee Casio, Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva and Cyrus Baguio, took part in the All-Stars but saw little playing time and got enough rest.

“Now that is over both teams can settle down and just focus on winning the series,” noted Cone.

That should parlay into what could either be another blowout, as in Game 2, or a highly-defensive game as in the opener.

Main concern for San Mig is how to defy at least one defender zoning up on Bowles at the post with Alaska import Rob Dozier also always lurking to give help.

Some answers should be the Mixers’ snipers, like PJ Simon and James Yap, connecting from the outside to stretch the defense and Bowles willing to give up the ball more and opting for less harried shots.

For Alaska, it’s a matter of its defense holding up and its offense humming, like when it made made 36 of 84 field attempts in Game 2. (NC)

Source: http://pba.inquirer.net/24957/aces-mixers-start-best-of-three

PBA Allstar Game 2013: Stalwarts vs Greats - 03 May 2013 Replay LINKS

2013-05-03T22:25:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQOSp6CxnYQ&feature=player_embedded&list=PL4eOAwAD9pvsPLM53jTqiXbTeFctWiAnF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ERvKNgHiQ&list=PL4eOAwAD9pvsPLM53jTqiXbTeFctWiAnF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ERvKNgHiQ&list=PL4eOAwAD9pvsPLM53jTqiXbTeFctWiAnF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgEGk8xKcUQ&list=PL4eOAwAD9pvsPLM53jTqiXbTeFctWiAnF

PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: ALASKA VS SAN MIG COFFEE

2013-04-25T20:46:00.003-07:00

There were only three blemishes on the Alaska Aces' win-loss record after the end of the elimination round of this year's Commissioner's Cup. Two of which were incurred by the San Mig Coffee Mixers. From which, one turned out to be a controversial victory.

Trillo vs Cone. The Beast vs Sakuragi. Dozier vs Bowles. Casio vs Barroca. Alaska vs San Mig Coffee.

Will the Aces finally score one (at best, three) against the Mixers? Or will Tim Cone's dominance over his former team continue? Are we looking at the possibility of a James Yap-less series? Should we expect Calvin Abueva and Mark Pingris to guard each other? Will this be the start of the JVee Casio-Mark Barroca rivalry or does Alex Mallari have other things in mind? Plus, who is really the better import: Robert or Denzel?

The multifarious subplots and questions that surround the Aces vs Mixers best-of-five semifinals showdown have ultimately led us to decipher this one important truth: it is going to be one heckuva series.

How They Got Here

Different routes. That’s basically the long and short of it.

Alaska made good use of their win-once advantage over Air 21 to book the first ticket to the Final Four. Their 87-81 decision against the Express – the only other team outside of San Mig Coffee that beat them in the eliminations – was spearheaded by JVee Casio who had 19 points and five assists. Alaska needed only to beat Air 21 by just a single game after topping the elimination round with a league-best 11-3 record. Quantitatively, the outstanding record came from the win streaks that they were able to string both in the beginning and towards the latter half of the conference. Qualitatively, it’s for the not-so-simple reason that involves something about Luigi Trillo altering the mindset of this team.

Meanwhile, the defending champions started the season on a low-note dropping their first three games; the arrival of Denzel Bowles though changed their fortunes as the returning import stirred the Mixers to three straight victories. After eliminations’ end they held an 8-6 record. During the quarterfinals, the fourth-ranked team dropped their first game against Meralco. But they were able to salvage two consecutive triumphs that allowed them to enter the next phase of the tourney. San Mig Coffee was able to book the last ticket to the semis bus via a series-clinching win over the Meralco Bolts just this Wednesday.

Robert Dozier vs. Denzel Bowles

Who’s better?

The mere fact that they were able to carry their respective teams to the semis is a clear manifestation that these two are both effective.

Of the remaining four reinforcements, only Dozier is the first-choice import left. After 14 elimination games, the NCAA I Division school product was able to norm 21.71 points, 16.21 rebounds and 2.71 blocks. But ask coach Trillo and he’ll tell you that his import provides his team more than that.

If not for prior commitments from another club, Denzel Bowles could have played all of the Mixers’ elimination games as well. Instead he was able to log 12 contests, while registering 22.92 points, 15.08 rebounds and 2.08 blocks. Clearly, the reigning Best Import of the Commissioner’s Cup is producing equally impressive numbers as his counterpart.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the two will face each other when the series starts this Saturday. They’ve already met two times in the eliminations. While Dozier (23.5 ppg, 19.0 rpg, 3.5 bpg) got the better of Bowles (23.0 bpg, 17.0 rpg, 3.0 bpg) stats-wise, the latter’s advantage clings on the more important category: team wins. Again, San Mig has beaten Alaska. Twice. Bowles has a 2-0 edge under that department.

Infographic by Ralph Lee

Key factors for Alaska

Get Game One: With a short series like this, Alaska has to get the headstart. Getting the W on Saturday will be crucial for the Aces. It would make them realize that well, San Mig’s beatable. They haven’t beaten the Mixers – not only this conference – but running two seasons now. That’s eight games in total. It is important for Trillo’s team to score a Game One victory. It all starts from there. Really.

Casio’s Time: During the team’s first meeting, JVee struggled with a poor statline of 3-4-3. You can’t afford to have a line like that from your team’s primary point guard. He’s got to get himself involved, or perhaps more importantly, he’s got to get his teammates more involved. We could possibly see the start of the Casio-Barroca rivalry in this series – two former Gilas players. Alaska-great-now-Mixers-assistant-coach Johnny Abarrientos will surely be delighted with that.

Milk the Bench: During the teams’ second meeting, Calvin Abueva and RJ Jazul stepped-up big time for the Aces. The Beast unleashed 27 points and collared 11 boards. While Jazul, produced 19 points highlighted by five three-pointers as Casio sat out the contest with an injury. Along with Abueva and Jazul, they’ve got to get production from Gabby Espinas and Dondon Hontiveros.

Key factors for San Mig Coffee

A Healthy James Yap: As of this writing, James Yap’s status for the series is ’50-50’. Yap said that himself during San Mig’s series-clinching win over Meralco. He is a key component for the Mixers’ title-retention bid. Not having Yap on a San Mig jersey will definitely be welcome news for the Aces. Therapy. Rehab. Chiro. Whatever works. James Yap will need to suit up in this series.

Ping Ping Ping: We’ve all heard the story. How he defied an order from his coach, and why he insisted on taking on Meralco’s import. This defiant ward slash playing coach slash workhorse is the reason why the Mixers are in the semifinals. Pingris guarded Cardona, he took on Hugnatan, and he put the handcuffs on Dawson. That basically tells you that he can handle Baguio, he can make Espinas a non-factor, and he will also take a crack on Dozier. But I really wouldn’t be surprised if his sight is set on stopping Abueva.

Total Shutout: These two teams have played against each other for a total of eight quarters. And six out of eight, Tim Cone’s team has limited Alaska to no more than 20 points per twelve minutes. That’s defense for you right there. In order for San Mig to continue its conquest of the Aces, they need to shutout Trillo’s troops in this best-of-five affair. They do that and they prime themselves up for another crack at the championship.

Prediction

As I’ve written before, I think Alaska has given the entire Gatas Republik enough reasons to believe that they are legit title contenders. I could not stress more the work that Trillo has put in to the Uytengsu-owned franchise. In fact, no less than Tim Cone has seconded that thought during the Mixers’ most recent win.

“They are playing great basketball and they are really, really tough to beat,” were his exact words.

But given the fact that San Mig Coffee has got the number of Alaska for seasons now, I am led into thinking that Cone is still hiding something under his sleeve.

All things considered, I really think that much like James Yap’s status in this series -- this five-game affair could also go either way. It’s ‘50-50.’

San Mig Coffee in 5.

(See I really wouldn’t be ashamed if Alaska proves this prediction wrong.)

Mixers Do's and Don't For Game 2 QFinals Showdown vs Meralco Bolts on Sunday

2013-04-19T20:51:00.002-07:00

Mixers Things to Do's and Don'ts for Game 2:

1. Dont Look for Mis-Matches on Offense, Execute Triangle Offense instead and Look for the Open Man.
2. Coach Chard Must Review FT Shooting Curriculum.
3. Closed-Out Defense on Meralco Shooters.
4. More Pressure on Cris Ross
5. Limit Your Fouls because it will Limit your your hustle D
6. More Touches for DB21
7. Control the Ball Rotation not Dribble
8. Limit Turn-Overs it will give extra possessions to Opposing Team
9. Repeat Mallari's Performance
10. Let be James Yap as James Yap

Graphics Courtesy of Hael Pinat

From : Avid San Mig Coffee Fans By: Abigail Yabb Regala Buenaventura

2013-04-12T01:53:00.002-07:00

100% James Yap Supporters

Abigail Yabb Regala Buenaventura

Hindi po ginawa ang PBA para magaway away ang mga fans ng bawat team. Ginawa po Ito para maging inspirasyon sa lahat ng nanunuod Hindi po para magsimula ng away. May Kanya Kanya po tayong pananaw at kalayaan na pumili ng team na susuportahan pero wala po sa kalayaang yun ang magsabi ng masasama tungkol sa ibang teams. Kung ung mga players nga po na syang kinakalaban ang isat Isa Hindi po nagkakaaway at magkakaibigan, Alam po kasi ng bawat player na iyon ay isang laro at magkakalaban man in court lang pero magkaibigan in real life.

Isa pa po, wala po tayong karapatang magsabi ng kung ano ano tungkol sa isang player o sa team. Hindi po porket Hindi maganda ang laro eh laos na, tao lang din po kasi sila, Hindi isang super human. At Hindi po natin sila ganun kakilala para husgahan. Sapat na po ang makitang ginagawa nila ang best nila para makalaban. Nanunuod lang po tayo, sila ung nagpapawis at nahihirapan. Lahat po ng tao dumadaan sa panahong down sila, normal lang po un. Halimbawa po si JAMES YAP, Isa po syang star player at sanay po tayong magandang maganda ung laro nya. Mahirap din po ung maging isang JAMES YAP kasi po nakakalimutan ng mga tao na he is still a human. Isa pa, madami na rin pong times na iniangat nya ang team, wag naman po sana natin ung kalimutan. At bakit po ganun, kapag naipanalo ni james ung laro, umaapaw po ang praises at lumalabas ung mga go james!, you are the hero!, we are solid mixers!, pero pag natalo, sa kanya lahat ng sisi. Parang unfair naman po ata un sa kanya. Isa pa ung teammates nga po nya, naiintindihan sya eh at never syang sinisi sa pagkatalo kasi alam nila na malaki na rin ung naitulong ni james sa mga tagumpay nila. And they are called as a team to support and help each other, pamilya sila. Konteng respeto naman po sa bawat Isa.

Godbless po!

Ang dami po kasing nanghuhusga sa San Mig at kay James.

San Mig Coffee vs Talk 'N Text (4/3/2013)

2013-04-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

GUIDE

1/5

San Mig Coffee vs Talk 'N Text (4/3/2013) by MrJayzpark

San Mig Coffee vs Talk 'N Text (4/3/2013) P1

Texters bring out best in San Mig, says Bowles By Richard Dy

2013-04-03T19:13:00.004-07:00

Denzel Bowles finished with just 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting, but his key 20-foot jumper keyed San Mig's fightback from a 10-point deficit in the final quarter. Jerome Ascano

DESPITE San Mig's struggles in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Denzel Bowles said the team always finds a way to win, more so when it's against Talk ‘N Text.
“This is a game we really needed. The last game (against Barako Bull) was supposed to be a gimme game for us, but we always get up when it’s Talk ‘N Text,” Bowles said after San Mig's come-from-behind 83-82 win over the Texters on Wednesday night.
Bowles had a bad shooting night, finishing with just 18 points on 5-of-15 shooting, but his key 20-foot jump shot off Ali Peek sparked the Mixers’ endgame rally.
San Mig now holds a 2-0 edge of Talk ‘N Text in the two team’s head-to-head matchup this conference, having also scored a 90-82 win during their first meeting.
It was also the Texters who San Mig beat in last year's Finals, which went the full seven games.
Bowles, last season’s best import, said he hopes this victory would spark a revival of sorts for a team that has been anything but inconsistent in the mid-season tournament.
“We just wanted to get a win and try to stay out of the last spot (in the standings) or we’ll need to have to win twice (in the playoffs),” he added.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/texters-bring-out-best-in-san-mig-says-bowles

San Mig Coffee rallies late to complete come-from-behind win over Talk ‘N Text

2013-04-03T17:25:00.003-07:00

Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Wednesday, April 3, 2013 · 9:57 pm Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/san-mig-coffee-rallies-late-to-complete-come-from-behind-win-over-talk-n-text

PBA Images/Nuki Sabio

Outworked and outhustled all game long, San Mig Coffee saved its best defensive effort for the last six minutes of the game, holding Talk ‘N Text to just a single field goal in completing a come-from-behind 83-82 win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.
The Mixers were trailing most of the way and needed one late push to get back on winning track.
They got exactly that in the last six minutes, shutting down the Tropang Texters while unloading a 14-2 run capped by PJ Simon’s short jumper for the final tally.
“We’ve been outworked every game this conference,” San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone said during the post game interview. “It’s been an inconsistent conference for us and the frustrating thing is we all know we have capabilities of reaching great heights, but we’re not doing it, and that frustrates us more.”
San Mig Coffee won its sixth game in 12 games despite not getting much production from James Yap, who only had three points in 26 minutes of play.
Cone explained the reason for his superstar’s struggle.
“He’s been sick the past two days. We also had Rafi Reavis who didn’t practice for 10 days while Alex Mallari didn’t return as his knee was bothering him the past few games until he couldn’t play it through when he went out in the first half. We’re not making excuses, but it’s hard to be consistent when you don’t have a healthy line up,” said Cone.
“But this one is crucial for us not just for the standings, but to get our confidence back.”
In pulling off a comeback win, the Mixers needed a big effort down the stretch, turning what looked like another disappointing loss into a dramatic victory.
“It’s a tough win. We jumped on each other. I don’t know what happened in the last two or three minutes, but we stuck on each other. We don’t expect a pretty win. We have to come out and struggle. When we won the championship last year, everything was a struggle,” added Cone.
The scores:
SAN MIG COFFEE (83) – Bowles 18, Simon 15, Devance 15, Pingris 11, Barroca 7, De Ocampo 7, Yap 3, Reavis 3, Mallari 2, Gaco 2, Alvarez 0, Najorda 0.
TALK ‘N TEXT (82) – Harvey 19, Castro 17, De Ocampo 13, Reyes 12, Al-Hussaini 8, Fonacier 5, Alapag 4, Aban 2, Carey 2, Gamalinda 0, Peek 0.
Quarters: 23-20, 40-49, 66-65, 83-82.

NBA LIVE STREAMING

2013-03-26T18:38:00.002-07:00

http://nbaliveonline.tv/streaming/

1/5 ▶ SanMig Coffee vs Alaska (3/23/2013) P1 by pbareplaytv 2 SanMig Coffee vs Alaska (3/23/2013) P2 by pbareplaytv 3 SanMig Coffee vs Alaska (3/23/2013) P3 by pbareplaytv 4 SanMig Coffee vs Alaska (3/23/2013) P4 by pbareplaytv 5 Denzel Bowles Best Player of the game interview... by pbareplaytv SanMig Coffee vs Alaska (3/23/2013) by MrJayzpark SanMig Coffee vs Alaska (3/23/2013) P1 REPLAY

2013-03-24T19:54:00.002-07:00

1/5

SanMig Coffee vs Alaska (3/23/2013) by MrJayzpark

SanMig Coffee vs Alaska (3/23/2013) P1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL4eOAwAD9pvtwYjEaM4YfivxwlhOlld-Q&v=KWipWQpqiJw&feature=player_embedded

Tim Cone seeks bounce-back win for San Mig Coffee versus Alaska

2013-03-22T20:55:00.002-07:00

AKTV/Paolo Papa

San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone said the best way to get back in the thick of things is to beat the league leader.

The Mixers try to get an even slate against the No. 1 Alaska team as they clash in the main game of the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

They square off at 8 p.m. right after the opening game meet up of Air 21 and GlobalPort at 4:45 p.m.

“We’re going through a bit of a struggle at this point and not playing the basketball we expect from ourselves,” said Cone, as his team is just at the middle of the team standings with 4-5 win-loss mark.

“But we also expect push through and get ourselves going. We’ve got the first place team right ahead of us, so we’ve got our work cut out of us if we want to get back on track.”

The defending champions are coming off a tough 87-82 loss to the Express last Wednesday.

Alaska, on the other hand, has gotten back to its feet after a loss with a 93-85 victory over the hapless Batang Pier last Sunday.

Despite the win, Aces coach Luigi Trillo was not satisfied with their performance against GlobalPort.

“We need to keep our focus for a full 48 minutes. Last game we won the first and fourth quarters. We lost the second and third quarters,” said Trillo, whose team is holding a league-leading 7-2 win-loss mark.

“50-50 chance for both teams to win this upcoming game.”

For the record, Alaska has yet to beat its former head coach in six games since Cone left the Uytengsu franchise before last season.

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/tim-cone-seeks-bounce-back-win-for-san-mig-coffee-versus-alaska

'Professional' Yap assures spat with ex-wife won't get in the way of his game By Snow Badua

2013-03-21T19:09:00.003-07:00

EMBROILED in another public dispute with ex-wife Kris Aquino, San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap on Thursday assured his team and its fans that personal problems will never affect his performance on the court.
A day after crying in front of television cameras trying to defend himself from fresh allegations made by his estranged wife, the two-time PBA MVP insisted he won't let the issue get in the way of his game.
“Huwag silang mag-aalala sa akin. Kaya nga PBA player ako, professional akong player,” Yap, sounding more upbeat when he granted Spin.ph an interview on Thursday.
On the day reports of the court case first came out, Yap struggled with 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting in San Mig's 82-87 loss to Air21, raising fears from fans that he was distracted by events in his personal life.
Yap, though, was quick to ease those fears.
“Basta’t may problema ako, iniiwan ko lang yun sa bahay. Hinding hindi ko iyon dinadala sa laro, practice man o actual game,” said Yap a few minutes after San Mig's practice at the Ronac gym in Greenhills.
The soft-spoken Escalante, Negros Occidental native said he is used to dealing with such problems, pointing out that he even won a league MVP award at the height of his marital problems with Aquino.
“Sanay na ako sa ganito. Talagang tinatatagan ko na lang ang loob ko,” the 6-3 guard said.
“Saka tinitignan ko na lang na sa tuwing may problema, mas lumalakas ako. Yung last time nga nag second MVP pa ako, di ba?” he added.
The San Mig star also said he is grateful for the support he is getting from fans on social media sites. A hashtag #StayStrongJamesYap has already accumulated countless numbers of tweets and retweets from fans and fellow players.
“Kahit mabigat ang loob ko sa mga nangyayari everytime may pagsubok sa buhay ko, talagang sinisikap ko na magpakatatag," he said. "Wala naman akong ibang pwedeng gawin, kaya natutuwa ako sa mga message ng fans."

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/professional-yap-assures-spat-with-ex-wife-wont-get-in-the-way-of-his-game

San Mig Coffee Mixers promise to step up, help troubled James Yap on the court

2013-03-21T18:54:00.001-07:00

AKTV file/Pranz Kaeno Billones

San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap is in the headlines again, and not because of his exploits on the court.
The two-time Most Valuable Player is once again embroiled in an issue involving ex-wife Kris Aquino. She filed for a temporary protection order against Yap this week, forcing him to break down as he responded to allegations last Wednesday.
Despite his off-court issues, Yap still scored 17 points in the Mixers’ loss to the Air 21 Express that evening.
Still, San Mig Coffee officials know that Yap has been affected by his off-court troubles.
“Although he had a good game last night, makikita mo rin na naapektuhan rin yung laro niya dahil tao lang yan eh,” said San Mig Coffee team executive Rene Pardo, who added that he had been assured by Yap that he will remain focused on the team’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign.
“Wala naman kaming maibibigay sa kanya kung hindi moral support kasi nasa korte na yung kaso.”
San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone said the rest of the squad is willing to carry the load for their troubled teammate on the court.
“We’re just going to help James through this the best way we can,” wrote Cone in a text message to InterAKTV.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/san-mig-coffee-mixers-promise-to-step-up-help-troubled-james-yap-on-the-court

PBA: San Mig Coffee vs. Meralco - 15 March 2013 - REPLAY

2013-03-15T19:22:00.001-07:00

PBA: San Mig Coffee vs. Meralco - 15 March 2013

source: http://www.trupinoy-tv.com/2013/03/pba-san-mig-coffee-vs-meralco-15-march.html

PBA chief Salud praises 'unshakable' SMC reputation but silent on pullout fears By Richard Dy

2013-03-12T00:33:00.002-07:00

"Petron/SMC franchise's reputation is solid and unshakable. I respectfully disagree with anyone who will say otherwise, much more on the basis of an import's individual and singular act," says Commissioner Chito Salud.Jerome Ascano

PBA commissioner Chito Salud insisted an import's wrongdoing won't be enough to ruin San Miguel Corp.'s "solid and unshakable" reputation but remained mum on the company's move to "re-evaluate" its participation in the pro league in the wake of the Renaldo Balkman controversy.
Just hours after Salud handed a life ban on Balkman for his attack on game officials and teammates, San Miguel released a statement saying it is re-evaluating its participation in the league due to "the possible long-term effect of the (Balkman) incident to the San Miguel organization's image."
Salud, however, said in a separate statement he doesn't believe the "individual and singular act" of an import can dent the SMC organization's "solid and unshakable" reputation.
"Petron/SMC franchise's reputation is solid and unshakable. I respectfully disagree with anyone who will say otherwise, much more on the basis of an import's individual and singular act," said Salud. "It just isn't the case."
The PBA chief, however, declined to comment on fears the "re-evaluation" was a threat to pull out the three teams under the SMC umbrella - San Mig, Barangay Ginebra, and Petron - from Asia's pioneering pro league.
He instead paid tribute to the SMC group and the people running it, most of whom were close to his late father - former PBA commissioner Rudy Salud.
"The SMC group is a great franchise run by great leaders. I know many of them personally and I only have great respect for them. Mr. (Danding) Cojuangco and Mr. (Ramon) Ang are pillars of Philippine society who I have followed and admired ever since," he said.
"The PBA and (SMC's) franchise have been together for a long, long time and that's valuable in every respect."

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pba-chief-salud-praises-unshakable-smc-reputation-but-silent-on-pullout-fears-v02#.UT7TWX57BRU.facebook

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