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Top Performers
By Jonas Terrado (June 2, 2009)
5. Ronnie Matias (Pharex) - Recovered
from his lethargic Game 2 with 13 points and seven rebounds
despite shooting 5-of-16 from the field. Unfortunately,
he was one, if not, the only player who stepped up for
the Bidang Generix. >>read
more
Unity Cup's Game 2 Performers
By Jonas Terrado (May 31, 2009)
Top Performers
5. Jerwin Gaco (Oracle)
- The bruising big man led the way for the Titans with
18 points and 11 rebounds after a normal effort in the
series opener. He made his presence felt against the
Pharex frontline in a physical encounter but the lack
of support from Rico Maierhofer and Edwin Asoro put
Gaco's effort in vain. >>read
more
Unity Cup Finals Game 1 Performers
By Jonas Terrado (May 27, 2009)
Top Performers
5. Chris Timberlake (Oracle)
- He finished with just eight points, four rebounds
and four assists in 33 minutes as the team's starting
point guard but made key plays in the fourth quarter
that also saw him blocked a three-point shot by Francis
Allera with his team ahead by four with 25 seconds left.
>>read more
The Top 10 'Flex' Players of the Conference
By Jonas Terrado (February 7, 2009)
The 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup is nearing its conclusion
as Harbour Centre and Magnolia Purewater are in a tight
battle for the championship. >>read
more
The Top 10 Moments of the PBL PG Flex
Linoleum Cup
By Jonas Terrado (February 18, 2009)
The 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup showed once more why
Harbour Centre is one of the greatest dynasties that
the league has ever seen. But it wasn't all just about
the Batang Pier as several other intriguing stories
happened during the season-opening tournament. >>
read more
 Rollin’
With Roel
by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon (May
7, 2009)
He has proven his worth in the pro ranks,
but he claims his younger brother also has game. PBA
quality big man Reynel Hugnatan has proven himself worthy
of Philippine Basketball’s winningest coach Tim
Cone’s approval as one of the reliables on the
Alaska Aces fold. He’s a four-time PBA All-Star
and was the MBA MVP in 2003. >>
read more
A Grand Six-Pack and Exit for Harbour
Centre
By Jonas Terrado (February 11, 2009)
It was the end of an era for one of the greatest teams
in the history of the Philippine Basketball League.
Harbour Centre's 88-73 win over Magnolia
Purewater in the title-clinching Game 4 of the 2009
PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup finals capped off a four-year
run for the franchise that won its sixth-consecutive
crown. >>read
more
The Long Road back for Stephens
By Jonas Terrado (February 11, 2009)
Harbour Centre Fil-Am Nick Stephens became the surprise
hero in the series-clinching Game 4 of the 2009 PBL
PG Flex Linoleum Cup finals. >>read
more
Barroca Shines Once More
By Jonas Terrado (February 11, 2009)
Harbour Centre's Mark Barroca has stepped up to become
a big-time player in the Philippine Basketball League.
>>read more
Achtung Babies
by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon (April
17, 2009)
Maierhoffer and Knuttel. Family names that are about
as common as a solar eclipse, at least here in the Philippines.
But in the amateur basketball world, these names are
about as known or as common as a jeepney stopping in
the middle of the road to drop off and pick up passengers
right beside a no loading and unloading sign.
>> read more
“At a gLANCE”
 Words
and photos by Patricia Bermudez Hizon
(February 18, 2009)
Scottie Pippen once said “Pressure can burst a
pipe or pressure can make a diamond”. >>
read more
The Top 10 'Flex' Players of the Conference
By Jonas Terrado (February 7, 2009)
The 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup is nearing its conclusion
as Harbour Centre and Magnolia Purewater are in a tight
battle for the championship.
In a season filled with rookies (41 of
them to be exact), some blossomed in only their first
season in the league and a few of them even contented
for the coveted Best Player of the Conference award.
The veterans also proved that they can still perform
their best in the PBL.
>> read more
Magnolia embracing underdog status
By Jonas Terrado (February 3, 2009)
After a grueling semifinals series, Magnolia Purewater
head coach Koy Banal and his team is embracing the underdog
status when the 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup finals
begins tomorrow.
>> read more
HISTORY UNFOLDING: HARBOUR IN SIXTH
STRAIGHT FINALS
By Joseph W. Buduan
(January 28, 2009)
Harbour Centre head coach Jorge Gallent said it rather
flatly after they won Game 1, “No, we aren’t
expecting to sweep the series.” “Hapee is
a tough team and they are capable of bouncing back,”
he added. Three games later and the Batang Pier have
indeed completed the sweet sweep. In the process they
are in their sixth straight PBL Finals.
>> read more
HARBOUR DYNASTY ROLLING ON, MAGNOLIA
NAILS BACCHUS
(January 24, 2009)
Yesterday the PBL PG Flex Cup semifinals got underway,
and the Harbour Centre Batang Pier left no doubt that
they are well on their way to collecting their sixth
straight PBL title. It was a performance so dominating
from a team so deep and so loaded that it left little
doubt about the championship picture in this PG Flex
Cup. So why did they pick Hapee as their semis opponent?
This was a team after all that had come pertty close
to ending the Harbour Centre title reign. "We decided
na whoever came in fourth place, whether Hapee or Bacchus,
sila na kakalabanin namin," declared head coach
Jorge Gallent in the post-game interview. >>
read more
CRUNCHTIME: PBL SEMIFINALS ON
(January 23, 2009)
Harbour Centre, Hapee Toothpaste, Magnolia Pure Water,
Bacchus Energy Drink, one of them will become the 2008
– 2009 PBL PG Flex Cup champion. Among the four
teams only Bacchus has not won a PBL championship in
recent memory. Harbour Centre is of course the hands-down
favorite being champion in the last five PBL tournaments.
They may no longer have the star-studded lineup of tournaments
past but they are still the best team in the league.
>> read more
Warriors: From pretender to contender
By Jonas Terrado (January 22, 2009)
Over the past few years, Bacchus has been considered
as the doormat of the Philippine Basketball League.
>> read more
Pharex rose from the ashes
by Jonas Terrado (January 18, 2009)
On the brink of an early vacation, Pharex found a way
to make a late surge to become the unlikely quarterfinalist
of the ongoing 2009 PBL PG Flex Linoleum Cup.
>> read more
A solid PBL debut for Daroya
by Jonas Terrado (January 18, 2009)
Bacchus Energy Drink's Orlando Daroya has traveled different
roads before reaching the Philippine Basketball League.
>> read more
Superstars Working The Sidelines
By JP Abcede (December 13, 2008)
One was known for his hard-nosed defense inside the
paint, while the other was a high flyer that also had
an all-around game. In their heyday, Jerry Codiñera
and Vergel Meneses were at the center of the court regaling
the fans with their talent and skill. >>
read more
GANDANG PINAY, GANDANG SIMULA
By Joseph W Buduan
(November 29, 2008)
Ever Bilena Gandang Pinay, quite a name with quite a
heritage in the women’s game. For head coach Pat
Aquino, it has been some 10 years since he handled a
WPBL team, and the last time around he won the championship
behind an exciting young swingman named Julie Amos.
>> read more
Barroca Filling Big Shoes With Batang
Pier
By JP Abcede (November 27, 2008)
Mark Andy Barroca garners attention. But why would he
not, as he had splendidly quarterbacked Harbour Center
in the ongoing PBL 2008 PG Flex Linoleum Cup.
>>
read more
WOMAN ON TOP
Story and pictures by Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
(November 24, 2008)
Cassandra Tioseco. The 2003 UAAP Rookie of the Year.
The UAAP MVP in 2006 and 2007. Vital cog of the Ateneo
Lady Eagles’ historical first two championships.
>> read more
His Good Fortune
Story and pictures by Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
(November 19, 2008)
Many new faces are being paraded by the Bacchus Energy
drink team in this new PBL season. In fact only four
players are holdovers from Coach Lawrence Chongson’s
squad from last conference. The rebuilding of the franchise
has led them to pick up a Filipino-American multi-talented
big man by the name of Khalif Fortune in the 5th round,
the 36th overall choice.
>> read more
Beyond Reproach
Story and Pictures by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
(November 17, 2008)
Confucius said that the father who does not teach his
son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects
them. Koy Banal does not leave any stone unturned when
it comes to delineating his son’s duties, off
and especially on the hard court as his ace playmaker.
>> read more
In Synch with Chris Timberlake
by JP Abcede
(November 17, 2008)
His surname is familiar but not a lot of people know
his game.
He is Toyota Otis point guard Chris Timberlake.
It has been a running joke among his coaches who address
him as Justin, after that former 'N Sync member. >>
read more
“Her Two Worlds”
Story and Pictures by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
(November 11, 2008)
“I consider myself Muslim,” beamed Sunkist-De
La Salle Lady Archers guard Sittie Aminah Dimaporo.
Though she does not pray fastidiously five times daily,
and she grew up in a Christian community, she does not
eat pork, she follows Ramadan, and she has the highest
respects for her religion. But you won’t see her
wearing a Kumbung, or a veil when she’s on the
hard court where religion, race, gender, and other preferences
mean nothing and where hustle, talent and hard work
means everything! >>
read more
“Oh Brother!”
Story and Pictures by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
(November 8, 2008)
Eddie Mangahas was legendary in the baranggay basketball
leagues in his hometown of San Pedro, Laguna. People
around that town still remember the burly guard, who
was a quick and aggressive sharp shooting hard court
hero. He has long since abandoned the hopes to be a
professional player, and has taken the role of motivator
to his children who are now trying to pursue their own
basketball dreams. >>
read more
“I’m Spartacus”
Words and Pictures by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
(November 3, 2008)
Have you ever seen that Oscar-winning 1960s historical
classic film Spartacus directed by Stanley Kubrick,
starring Kirk Douglas, and Laurence Olivier? It was
a film that depicted the conquest and battles of Spartacus,
a gladiator who escaped and led a grand slave revolt
against Rome. Spartacus symbolizes the emancipation
of the poor, of the repressed. His figure and the rebellion
he led has inspired many, who have made the character
of Spartacus a hero of epic proportions.
>> read more
No Pain, No Profit for Top Pick
Words and Pictures by: Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
(October 21, 2008)
Christopher Ross took to heart the words of rapper Jay-Z
in his song “Blue Magic”, “No pain,
no profit.” Four words tattooed on Ross’
shoulder, words which this talented workhorse lives
by.
>> read more
Deep roster propels Harbour to a 'Five-Peat
By Jonas Terrado (June 5, 2008)
It's been a week since Harbour Centre captured an unprecendented
fifth consecutive championship with a 3-1 series conquest
of Hapee Toothpaste in the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino
Sports Cup. >>
read more
Less heralded players rise to the occasion
for Batang Pier
By Jonas Terrado (May 28, 2008)
TANAUAN CITY, BATANGAS – The day may have belonged
to the league's Most Valuable Player Jason Castro but
two of his less heralded teammates finished the job
late that pushed Harbour Centre to the brink of capturing
their fifth consecutive crown. >>
read more
Harbour rediscovers killer instinct
By Jonas Terrado (May 27, 2008)
This time, there was no collapse and the Harbour Centre
that we used to know came out as they were, not for
a stretch of five minutes, nor 10, but for most of the
game when needed.
>> read more
Hapee commits theft in Batangas City
By Jonas Terrado (May 23, 2008)
Hapee Toothpaste should have had a low-key 2-3 hour
bus ride back home reflecting on the what-ifs. >>
read more
Hapee hopes that third time's a charm
against Harbour
by Jonas Terrado (May 20, 2008)
Will Hapee Toothpaste finally beat Harbour Centre?
This is the question that is lingering
thus far for PBL fans after the Complete Protectors
booked yet another finals appearance by sending Burger
King packing with a 77-72 victory last Saturday in Trece
Martires, Cavite to wrap up the semis in a convincing
3-1 series triumph. >>
read more
Game of the Week: Pharex upsets Harbour;
gains QF berth
By Jonas Terrado
(May 9, 2008)
It was a game that Pharex needed more than any team.
And the Medics surprisingly succeeding, thus holding
the distinction of the first team to defeat Harbour
Centre in the PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup -- thanks
to an exciting 99-97 win at The Arena in San Juan. >>
read more
PBL Showcase: Dunk contest turned into
Gabe's playground
By Jonas Terrado
(May 9, 2008)
It wasn't even a competition nor was it a group
event, it was a one-man show.
Hapee Toothpaste star Gabe Norwood wound
up as the convincing winner of the Slam Dunk Contest
to highlight a three-event affair in Saturday's PBL
Showcase at The Arena in San Juan.
>> read more
Game of the Week: Pharex upsets Harbour;
gains QF berth
By Jonas Terrado
(May 3, 2008)
It was a game that Pharex needed more than any team
but they now hold the distinction of the first team
to defeat Harbour Centre in the PBL Lipovitan Amino
Sports Cup thanks to an exciting 99-97 cliffhanger at
the Arena in San Juan last April 26. >>
read more
Carlo Tan has Pharex as unlikely PBL
quarterfinalists
by Jonas Terrado
(May 2, 2008)
In an April 19 contest, Pharex secured a victory over
Bacchus Energy Drink to end a long losing streak and
afterwards, Medics head coach Carlo Tan was a given
a question about his customary practice of wearing long
polo sleeves during a game, which the youthful mentor
replied with a unique thought. >>
read more
Hell of a week for surging Burger King
by Jonas Terrado
(April 25, 2008)
The Burger King Whoppers sizzled like a cooked patty
and bun in a grueling stretch of three games in one
week to suddenly become one of the leaders in the 2008
PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup. >>
read more
Game of the Week: Harbour clinch semis
slot the hard way
by Jonas Terrado
(April 24, 2008)
Let's get to the chase, it was April 15, and not only
was it a day for many to pay taxes to the government,
a rare PBL gameday was held in the third floor of the
Emilio Aguinaldo College Sports Center in Manila. >>
read more
Saguindel 'Earns' vital role for Hapee
by Jonas Terrado
(April 9, 2008)
Hapee Toothpaste has been known for being led by the
likes of Gabe Norwood, Jervy Cruz, Mark Borboran, Reed
Juntilla, and Larry Rodriguez, but a 5-9 guard has quietly
entered to the scene as one of its reliables. >>
read more
Game of the Week: San Mig upsets Pharex
with dela Cuesta on board
(April 7, 2008)
Remember Eric Dela Cuesta? The former sniper for teams
like Blu Detergent, Montana Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier,
and recently with the RP-Harbour Centre squad?
>>
read more
|
Head
coach Ato Agustin was used to being underrated as a
player. At a time when players were either scorers or
shooters, Agustin was both scorer and shooter all in
one. He could nail shots from the parking lot with several
hands in his face, as easily as he could slash and run
the break. He is known as arguably the best second-round
draft prick in the history of the professional leagues,
cemented by his becoming a PBA Most Valuable Player
in 1992. This was no mean feat considering the star-studded
San Miguel roster of that season, and all the young
talents in the PBA in general. All of this made it easier
for Agustin to be named as one of the 25 greatest players
in PBA history. “He is easily the best player
never to have been picked in the first round of the
PBA draft, and he’s proven throughout his career
that he would have the last laugh,” explained
long-time basketball pundit Sam Miguel. 
Head
coach Leo Austria is returning to the PBL, and he is
also bringing in the team he currently handles in the
UAAP. Add-Mix, a construction materials firm, will be
carried by the core of Austria’s Adamson Falcons
in the upcoming PBL conference. The last time Austria,
a former PABL star himself, was in the PBL, he won the
2002 Challenge Cup for Welcoat Paints, with stars such
as Rommel Adducul, Eddie Laure and Ronald Tubid, all
of whom are now pro stars as well. He had won two other
PBL championships with Shark Energy Drink from 2000
– 20002, starring the likes of Roger Yap, Gilbert
Malabanan and Chester Tolomia. Ironically the titles
he won with Shark were at the expense of his last PBL
team in Welcoat. 
In
a first for them in the PBL, the Pascual Laboratories
Group will be supporting two teams for this conference.
Pharex will be carried in this conference by the Fighting
Maroons of State University. At the helm will be UP
head coach Aboy Castro, a long-time veteran of the international
and professional game. Castro has been steering the
UP ship the last couple of seasons in the UAAP, and
will now get a chance to prove his team and his own
mettle versus some of the toughest competition in amateur
basketball. 
Bal
David is a proven winner. He won in the UAAP under legendary
Coach Aric Del Rosario and that fabled 4-Peat Santo
Tomas championship dynasty. He won in the PBA with the
Gordon’s Gin Boars. He in fact became famous in
the PBA as a last-minute game-saver. In one career-making
play, he took a shot from around the midcourt line and
sank a Hail Mary shot to win the game for his side.
All told, his basketball career turned out pretty well,
not bad for a guy who started his PBA career as a free
agent and latched on with the crowd darling Ginebra
franchise. He got his big break with Ginebra, where
his own gung-ho playing style fit right in with the
most never-say-die franchise in PBA history. 
Josh
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