(From Business World)
After a two-week break the Philippine Basketball Association swings back into action with the opening of the Fiesta Conference (FC) on Sunday, March 21. An import-laden tournament, with height limit for reinforcements pegged at 6 feet, 6 inches, the "souped-up" FC finishes off what has been an eventful season for the local pro league so far.
Below is a preview of the 10-team PBA field competing in the Fiesta Conference.
Barako Coffee Energy Masters. Formerly the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, the Energy Masters enter the Fiesta tournament "reinvigorated." Hooking up with port handler Harbour Centre for a co-sponsor deal, the financial woes that have hounded the team in the last couple of years have been somehow eased, allowing it more flexibility to form a competitive squad. Along with the change in name, Barako Coffee has a new coach in Junel Baculi, replacing Leo Isaac who was named team consultant. Baculi will be ably supported on the sidelines by Philippine Patriots and one-time PBA coach Louie Alas. The team has hired first-time import Sam Monroe to reinforce its local crew shored up by some players from ASEAN Basketball League champs Patriots.
Sta. Lucia Realtors. Following a disappointing eighth-place finish in the previous Philippine Cup, the Realtors are out to redeem themselves in the FC. To help them in their cause they have tapped the services anew of the athletic Anthony Johnson. Posting stud-like numbers of 28.7 points and 17.7 rebounds in last year’s Fiesta, where they ended fifth overall, "AJ" is expected to provide immediate seamless execution of plays being familiar and all with the Sta. Lucia system. Vital cogs Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes are now healthy to lead the locals, which now include exciting guard Bonbon Custodio from San Miguel.
Barangay Ginebra Kings. While injury-plagued, the Kings still made a good account of themselves with a fighting-fourth finish in the previous tournament. Now, with their main men, notably Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, healthy, the Kings are expected to compete even more with the best of them in the tourney they ruled two years back. Veteran slot man Yancy De Ocampo and banger John Ferriols are now with the team to add ceiling and heft to Ginebra’s frontline. Former National Basketball Association campaigner Awvee Storey is in tow to help the Kings. A hardworking and physical player, Storey brings muscle and toughness down low for the team.
Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters. Angling for balance in their lineup, the Texters kept themselves busy in the in-between conference break to fortify their roster. TNT traded away veterans Yancy De Ocampo and Ren-Ren Ritualo to Air21 Express in exchange for JR Quiñahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban. For good measure, TNT decided to bring in do-it-all import Shawn Daniels, also formerly of Air21. While not the most athletic and flashy of imports, Daniels however has shown great adaptability in his previous tours of duty here, making his teammates look better; something a cinch for a talent-laden team like TNT.
Alaska Aces. Fell short in their title quest in the Philippine Cup, the Aces remain undaunted and all poised to make another run for the crown in the about-to-begin tournament. National Basketball Development League defensive gem Diamon Simpson will backstop the Aces who also boosted their frontcourt, to complement an already-heady backcourt, by getting hold of 6-9 center Samigue Eman from San Miguel.
(Next time, previews of Derby Ace Llamados [formerly Purefoods TJ Giants], Air21 Express, San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine Elastopainters and Coca-Cola Tigers)
After a two-week break the Philippine Basketball Association swings back into action with the opening of the Fiesta Conference (FC) on Sunday, March 21. An import-laden tournament, with height limit for reinforcements pegged at 6 feet, 6 inches, the "souped-up" FC finishes off what has been an eventful season for the local pro league so far.
Below is a preview of the 10-team PBA field competing in the Fiesta Conference.
Barako Coffee Energy Masters. Formerly the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, the Energy Masters enter the Fiesta tournament "reinvigorated." Hooking up with port handler Harbour Centre for a co-sponsor deal, the financial woes that have hounded the team in the last couple of years have been somehow eased, allowing it more flexibility to form a competitive squad. Along with the change in name, Barako Coffee has a new coach in Junel Baculi, replacing Leo Isaac who was named team consultant. Baculi will be ably supported on the sidelines by Philippine Patriots and one-time PBA coach Louie Alas. The team has hired first-time import Sam Monroe to reinforce its local crew shored up by some players from ASEAN Basketball League champs Patriots.
Sta. Lucia Realtors. Following a disappointing eighth-place finish in the previous Philippine Cup, the Realtors are out to redeem themselves in the FC. To help them in their cause they have tapped the services anew of the athletic Anthony Johnson. Posting stud-like numbers of 28.7 points and 17.7 rebounds in last year’s Fiesta, where they ended fifth overall, "AJ" is expected to provide immediate seamless execution of plays being familiar and all with the Sta. Lucia system. Vital cogs Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes are now healthy to lead the locals, which now include exciting guard Bonbon Custodio from San Miguel.
Barangay Ginebra Kings. While injury-plagued, the Kings still made a good account of themselves with a fighting-fourth finish in the previous tournament. Now, with their main men, notably Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, healthy, the Kings are expected to compete even more with the best of them in the tourney they ruled two years back. Veteran slot man Yancy De Ocampo and banger John Ferriols are now with the team to add ceiling and heft to Ginebra’s frontline. Former National Basketball Association campaigner Awvee Storey is in tow to help the Kings. A hardworking and physical player, Storey brings muscle and toughness down low for the team.
Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters. Angling for balance in their lineup, the Texters kept themselves busy in the in-between conference break to fortify their roster. TNT traded away veterans Yancy De Ocampo and Ren-Ren Ritualo to Air21 Express in exchange for JR Quiñahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban. For good measure, TNT decided to bring in do-it-all import Shawn Daniels, also formerly of Air21. While not the most athletic and flashy of imports, Daniels however has shown great adaptability in his previous tours of duty here, making his teammates look better; something a cinch for a talent-laden team like TNT.
Alaska Aces. Fell short in their title quest in the Philippine Cup, the Aces remain undaunted and all poised to make another run for the crown in the about-to-begin tournament. National Basketball Development League defensive gem Diamon Simpson will backstop the Aces who also boosted their frontcourt, to complement an already-heady backcourt, by getting hold of 6-9 center Samigue Eman from San Miguel.
(Next time, previews of Derby Ace Llamados [formerly Purefoods TJ Giants], Air21 Express, San Miguel Beermen, Rain or Shine Elastopainters and Coca-Cola Tigers)
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