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Ranking the PBA teams
By WAYLON GALVEZ, Manila Bulletin
It's always a risky business trying to predict a winner. For one, there will always be someone who will disagree. But that's what
we are here for, which is to provide a healthy debate as we give readers our honest-to-goodness assessment of each team's
chances.
After analyzing lineups and coaching staffs, here's how we ranked the 10 PBA teams in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
No. 1 TALK 'N TEXT
After training in Serbia and Australia and having an intact unit, the Tropang Texters of coach Chot Reyes are the top choice to
win the title for the second straight year. Their job is cut out for them as they aim to become the first team in 25 years to win
back-to-back All-Filipino championships. The team does not have a pick from this year’s draft, but it acquired 14-year forward
Nick Belasco to help collar those rebounds.
The same frontline that won last year's title are back such as Mark Cardona, Jimmy Alapag, Ren-Ren Ritualo, brothers Yancy
and Ranidel de Ocampo, Ali Peek, Harvey Carey, and sophomores Jared Dillinger and Jason Castro and they make TNT
formidable.
No. 2 SAN MIGUEL BEER
Fresh from its successful campaign in the Fiesta Cup, the Beermen are hoping to win a second straight title, and their first all-
Filipino conference since 2001. Already loaded with talent, the team of coach Siot Tanquingcen is even stronger with the off-
season acquisitions of versatile wingman Arwind Santos from Burger King and guard Dennis Miranda from Sta. Lucia Realty.
The addition of Santos and Miranda, two former Far Eastern University stalwarts, solidifies the forward and the guard rotation of
SMB, which already has Mike Cortez, Jonas Villanueva, Dondon Hontiveros, Jay Washington, Dorian Pena, Mick Pennisi, Danny
Ildefonso and Olsen Racela.
No. 3 BARANGAY GINEBRA
With Mark Caguioa's possible return this season after missing the previous one, plus the addition of Rico Villanueva, Rich
Alvarez, Paolo Bugia, and Celino Cruz, the Kings have become a serious threat for TNT and San Miguel. Also in Ginebra's
equation are regulars Jayjay Helterbrand, the reigning PBA MVP, Cyrus Baguio, Ronald Tubid, Eric Menk, Billy Mamaril, Sunday
Salvacion, Willie Wilson, and JC Intal.
Forward Junthy Valenzuela is also expected to return after a knee injury sidelined him last season. The only worry of coach
Jong Uichico is the chemistry of the team and the players' physical condition.
No. 4 PUREFOODS
The Giants have retooled their line-up this off-season with Paul Artadi and Marc Pingris rejoining the team after helping
Purefoods win the Philippine Cup in 2006.
Purefoods also acquired the services of veteran forward Rafi Reavis, rookie Fil-Am playmaker Chris Timberlake and rookie
forward Rico Maierhofer, the former La Salle stalwart who was the second overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft. How they
blend with coach Ryan Gregorio’s 1-2 punch of James Yap and Kerby Raymundo remains to be seen.
No. 5 RAIN OR SHINE
A season of playing together has given Rain or Shine valuable experience.
Now on their second year as pros, wingman Gabe Norwood, combo guard Sol Mercado and point guard TY Tang are expected
to lead the Elasto Painters to new heights after making it to the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup and semis of the Fiesta Cup
last season.
Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia has also added rookies Jervy Cruz and Marcy Arellano, sophomore forward Jeff Chan, as
well as veterans Mark Telan and Mike Hrabak, hoping that they can blend in with Norwood, Mercado, Tang, Jay-R Reyes, Ryan
Araña, and Jireh Ibanes.
No. 6 BURGER KING
With Japeth Aguilar finally joining Burger King, the addition of the top overall pick in the draft have made the Whopper a
dangerous team. There will be early struggles for the team since Aguilar has yet to get acclimatized with coach Yeng Guiao’s
patterns.
It will be Guiao’s main concern, but knowing how well Guiao motivates players, Burger King will go into the Philippine Cup
armed with the confidence that helped them reach the semis in the last Fiesta Cup. With the benefit of that off-season training
under the revered mentor, the Whopper can pull some surprises against the other top ranked teams despite the departure of
versatile Arwind Santos.
No. 7 ALASKA
Except for the addition of a few rookies, the Aces have opted to keep their line-up intact for the season-opening conference. But
the same team that struggled in the last conference may have the same problems in this conference. Willie Miller will be the
anchor of the Alaska team, and he may also be its liability at crunch time.
Hopefully, mainstays like LA Tenorio, Tony dela Cruz, Sonny Thoss, Larry Fonacier, Reynel Hugnatan, and John Ferriols will
deliver. Cone, a proponent of "triangle offense", hopes that playing together as a team the past two years will give them the
advantage of not adjusting too much compared to other teams.
No. 8 COCA-COLA
This time, the Tigers will be made up of a mixture of veterans and youthful players, and coach Kenneth Duremdes hopes that
the combination can help the franchise turn its fortunes around. Since his arrival at Coke, Asi Taulava has been the focal point
of the Tigers offensively and defensively, but with the addition of veteran power forward Dennis Espino, Taulava will have
somebody to back him up.
Coke has also acquired youthful players in Ken Bono, Marvin Cruz, Larry Rodriguez and rookies Chris Ross, the third overall
pick in the draft, and Francis Allera.
No. 9 STA. LUCIA REALTY
After missing the second half of the season-ending Fiesta Cup due to a blood disorder, former MVP Kelly Williams will make
his return this season. But his long-term health remains a big question. And that holds true for Ryan Reyes who failed to make
the national team because of a hamstring injury. The team also lost Dennis Espino and Dennis Miranda via trades. The two
played key roles in the team's championship run in the Philippine Cup in 2008.
Without the two, coach Boyet Fernandez will rely more on mainstays like Nelbert Omolon, Joseph Yeo, Marlou Aquino, as well
as newcomers Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana, rookies Josh Urbiztondo and Charles Waters to back-up Reyes and Williams.
No. 10 BARAKO BULL
With only six holdovers, it would be tough for the Energy Boosters to compete against the other teams in the PBA. Every game
will definitely be a tough one for the rebuilding franchise which also lost their affable team manager Tony Chua at the height of
typhoon Ondoy.
But for head coach Leo Isaac, in his second conference with the team, he's still hopeful that they can pull some surprises only
if they play under the system, play as a team and focus every game. Among the six holdovers, expected to rise to the challenge
is one-time NCAA MVP Leo Najorda, while Isaac is optimistic that former San Beda Red Lion Rogermar Menor can contribute
to the team this conference with his shooting and playmaking ability.
No. 11 SMART-GILAS
The Nationals hope to use the opportunity of playing against the pro teams to prepare them for the international tournaments
ahead like the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China and the 2011 FIBA-Asia, the qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.
However, with a composed of collegians, it's going to be tough every single game for the team handled by Serbian mentor
Rajko Toroman. Although, it won't be a shocker if Gilas, with Chris Tiu, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Mark Barroca, and JV Casio, beats
several PBA teams.
By WAYLON GALVEZ, Manila Bulletin
It's always a risky business trying to predict a winner. For one, there will always be someone who will disagree. But that's what
we are here for, which is to provide a healthy debate as we give readers our honest-to-goodness assessment of each team's
chances.
After analyzing lineups and coaching staffs, here's how we ranked the 10 PBA teams in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
No. 1 TALK 'N TEXT
After training in Serbia and Australia and having an intact unit, the Tropang Texters of coach Chot Reyes are the top choice to
win the title for the second straight year. Their job is cut out for them as they aim to become the first team in 25 years to win
back-to-back All-Filipino championships. The team does not have a pick from this year’s draft, but it acquired 14-year forward
Nick Belasco to help collar those rebounds.
The same frontline that won last year's title are back such as Mark Cardona, Jimmy Alapag, Ren-Ren Ritualo, brothers Yancy
and Ranidel de Ocampo, Ali Peek, Harvey Carey, and sophomores Jared Dillinger and Jason Castro and they make TNT
formidable.
No. 2 SAN MIGUEL BEER
Fresh from its successful campaign in the Fiesta Cup, the Beermen are hoping to win a second straight title, and their first all-
Filipino conference since 2001. Already loaded with talent, the team of coach Siot Tanquingcen is even stronger with the off-
season acquisitions of versatile wingman Arwind Santos from Burger King and guard Dennis Miranda from Sta. Lucia Realty.
The addition of Santos and Miranda, two former Far Eastern University stalwarts, solidifies the forward and the guard rotation of
SMB, which already has Mike Cortez, Jonas Villanueva, Dondon Hontiveros, Jay Washington, Dorian Pena, Mick Pennisi, Danny
Ildefonso and Olsen Racela.
No. 3 BARANGAY GINEBRA
With Mark Caguioa's possible return this season after missing the previous one, plus the addition of Rico Villanueva, Rich
Alvarez, Paolo Bugia, and Celino Cruz, the Kings have become a serious threat for TNT and San Miguel. Also in Ginebra's
equation are regulars Jayjay Helterbrand, the reigning PBA MVP, Cyrus Baguio, Ronald Tubid, Eric Menk, Billy Mamaril, Sunday
Salvacion, Willie Wilson, and JC Intal.
Forward Junthy Valenzuela is also expected to return after a knee injury sidelined him last season. The only worry of coach
Jong Uichico is the chemistry of the team and the players' physical condition.
No. 4 PUREFOODS
The Giants have retooled their line-up this off-season with Paul Artadi and Marc Pingris rejoining the team after helping
Purefoods win the Philippine Cup in 2006.
Purefoods also acquired the services of veteran forward Rafi Reavis, rookie Fil-Am playmaker Chris Timberlake and rookie
forward Rico Maierhofer, the former La Salle stalwart who was the second overall pick in the recent PBA Rookie Draft. How they
blend with coach Ryan Gregorio’s 1-2 punch of James Yap and Kerby Raymundo remains to be seen.
No. 5 RAIN OR SHINE
A season of playing together has given Rain or Shine valuable experience.
Now on their second year as pros, wingman Gabe Norwood, combo guard Sol Mercado and point guard TY Tang are expected
to lead the Elasto Painters to new heights after making it to the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup and semis of the Fiesta Cup
last season.
Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia has also added rookies Jervy Cruz and Marcy Arellano, sophomore forward Jeff Chan, as
well as veterans Mark Telan and Mike Hrabak, hoping that they can blend in with Norwood, Mercado, Tang, Jay-R Reyes, Ryan
Araña, and Jireh Ibanes.
No. 6 BURGER KING
With Japeth Aguilar finally joining Burger King, the addition of the top overall pick in the draft have made the Whopper a
dangerous team. There will be early struggles for the team since Aguilar has yet to get acclimatized with coach Yeng Guiao’s
patterns.
It will be Guiao’s main concern, but knowing how well Guiao motivates players, Burger King will go into the Philippine Cup
armed with the confidence that helped them reach the semis in the last Fiesta Cup. With the benefit of that off-season training
under the revered mentor, the Whopper can pull some surprises against the other top ranked teams despite the departure of
versatile Arwind Santos.
No. 7 ALASKA
Except for the addition of a few rookies, the Aces have opted to keep their line-up intact for the season-opening conference. But
the same team that struggled in the last conference may have the same problems in this conference. Willie Miller will be the
anchor of the Alaska team, and he may also be its liability at crunch time.
Hopefully, mainstays like LA Tenorio, Tony dela Cruz, Sonny Thoss, Larry Fonacier, Reynel Hugnatan, and John Ferriols will
deliver. Cone, a proponent of "triangle offense", hopes that playing together as a team the past two years will give them the
advantage of not adjusting too much compared to other teams.
No. 8 COCA-COLA
This time, the Tigers will be made up of a mixture of veterans and youthful players, and coach Kenneth Duremdes hopes that
the combination can help the franchise turn its fortunes around. Since his arrival at Coke, Asi Taulava has been the focal point
of the Tigers offensively and defensively, but with the addition of veteran power forward Dennis Espino, Taulava will have
somebody to back him up.
Coke has also acquired youthful players in Ken Bono, Marvin Cruz, Larry Rodriguez and rookies Chris Ross, the third overall
pick in the draft, and Francis Allera.
No. 9 STA. LUCIA REALTY
After missing the second half of the season-ending Fiesta Cup due to a blood disorder, former MVP Kelly Williams will make
his return this season. But his long-term health remains a big question. And that holds true for Ryan Reyes who failed to make
the national team because of a hamstring injury. The team also lost Dennis Espino and Dennis Miranda via trades. The two
played key roles in the team's championship run in the Philippine Cup in 2008.
Without the two, coach Boyet Fernandez will rely more on mainstays like Nelbert Omolon, Joseph Yeo, Marlou Aquino, as well
as newcomers Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana, rookies Josh Urbiztondo and Charles Waters to back-up Reyes and Williams.
No. 10 BARAKO BULL
With only six holdovers, it would be tough for the Energy Boosters to compete against the other teams in the PBA. Every game
will definitely be a tough one for the rebuilding franchise which also lost their affable team manager Tony Chua at the height of
typhoon Ondoy.
But for head coach Leo Isaac, in his second conference with the team, he's still hopeful that they can pull some surprises only
if they play under the system, play as a team and focus every game. Among the six holdovers, expected to rise to the challenge
is one-time NCAA MVP Leo Najorda, while Isaac is optimistic that former San Beda Red Lion Rogermar Menor can contribute
to the team this conference with his shooting and playmaking ability.
No. 11 SMART-GILAS
The Nationals hope to use the opportunity of playing against the pro teams to prepare them for the international tournaments
ahead like the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China and the 2011 FIBA-Asia, the qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.
However, with a composed of collegians, it's going to be tough every single game for the team handled by Serbian mentor
Rajko Toroman. Although, it won't be a shocker if Gilas, with Chris Tiu, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Mark Barroca, and JV Casio, beats
several PBA teams.