Philippine PBA Trades, Releases, Sign-ups, Rumours (vol. III)

[IPC2]

lol

Blackwater made an attempt to acquire Wright, Tautuaa

By Rey Joble

Owners of three first round picks and two second round selections in the coming PBA Rookie Draft, Blackwater made a bold move in trying to acquire dead shot Matthew Wright and big man Mo Tautuaa.

But Phoenix Super LPG and San Miguel Beer, two solid contenders in the ongoing Governors' Cup, are in no mood to make changes as they try to turn things around in the import-laced tournament.

"We tried to do the right protocols by asking for a trade. We don't want to be accused of tampering," said Blackwater coach Ariel Vanguardia in jest.

Turning serious, Vanguardia and the Bossing are determined to change their fortunes as they are staring at a 24-game losing skid. They have not won a game since October 17, 2020 or a period of 455 days and counting.

Just recently, the Bossing tried to shake things up by acquiring Justin Melton, a member of the 2014 grand slam team San Mig Coffee and elevated John Ambulodto, a hard working big man, to the regular roster from being a practice player.

Blackwater also welcomed new import Shawn Derrick Glover, a solid scorer from the Icelandic League, as replacement of previous reinforcement Jaylen Bond.

Prior to the start of the conference, Blackwater also made significant changes in the team, bringing in veteran guards JVee Casio and Rashawn McCarthy, two players who have championship experience, as well as young big man Barkley Eboña.

The Bossing also added Jay Washington, who was part of the deal that sent Carl Bryan Cruz to TNT.

Blackwater tried to engage in a trade with Phoenix and San Miguel Beer, two teams which don't have a first round pick this year.

The Fuel Masters had already dealt their first round pick this year for the services of Vic Manuel, the star forward, who played for the team for only one conference.

Manuel was later on shipped to NorthPort for hardworking forward Sean Anthony, but the Batang Pier then traded 'The Muscleman' to the Beermen for Arwind Santos.

San Miguel, on the other hand, had already unloaded its first round pick in the 46th season and also next year's draft, as part of the deal involving two-time scoring champion CJ Perez, which the team acquired prior to the start of the season.

In this year's draft, San Miguel's first round pick now belongs to Blackwater, which also secured the first round choice of TNT as part of the Poy Erram trade.

The Bossing's own first round pick is also expected to be a quality one as they are expected to pick high in the draft being the first team to get eliminated last conference.

Sensing there's a need for these teams to retool their respective line ups via the rookie draft, Blackwater initiated a move to trade for Wright and Tautuaa, but both teams called it off.

Both Wright and Tautuaa played under Vanguardia on separate teams.

Wright and Tautuaa played when Vanguardia was with Westport Malaysia Dragons in the Asean Basketball League.

When Vanguardia coached Phoenix a few years ago, Wright became his team's star player.

Well, neither makes much sense, as both Wright and Mo are key pieces for their teams. However, with Vic Manuel in tow, I think Mo can be available for trade, especially with the latter's injury. But do Blackwater have the assets to get him?

 

[mathematicianrcg2]

Lol.

I hope it is not just blackwater's "Pakita/Palabas" in order for people to say "Oh blackwater is not a farm team now, yhey making moves". Lmao

 

[zairex2]

Well, neither makes much sense, as both Wright and Mo are key pieces for their teams. However, with Vic Manuel in tow, I think Mo can be available for trade, especially with the latter's injury. But do Blackwater have the assets to get him?

A first-round pick in the next draft is a great asset. Of course the issue does they want to compete for real or this is more moro. Tantuaa if I remember, was the one they give up for Larry Rodriguez and now they want him again. Full circle.

 

[IPC2]

A first-round pick in the next draft is a great asset. Of course the issue does they want to compete for real or this is more moro. Tantuaa if I remember, was the one they give up for Larry Rodriguez and now they want him again. Full circle.

That was Troy. They gave him up for Rodriguez and the pick that became Art dela Cruz.

 

[IPC2]

Sadly I haven't watch PBA games even during it's first few weeks of the Gov. Cup..the league is dying very slowly and that's a painful reality of our beloved league.

Because they are not listening to their fans:

- they don't want a single tournament season.
- they insist all-filipino cup.
- they are not allowing asian imports.
- they are keeping height limit for imports.
- they are not allowing douthit, blatche, and kouame to play as locals.
- they are still keeping the ban on draft dodgers.
- they can't stop lopsided trades.
- they are reluctant to fix their calendar to accommodate Gilas.

They are listening to the fans. All the fans want to request, PBA will do the opposite. After all of those bullsh*ts, they still have the guts to say that "nanonood pa rin naman kayo ng PBA". Is this how to treat fans?

There will always be inequality. You can't really take the stupid out of some teams when they make a move. Either stupid, or in dire financial straits. I think it's probably best if a transfer/loan system were implemented instead of drafts and trades.

But, what they can do is probably overhaul the calendar into a single-season format, allow imports of unlimited height for the full season, allow the NPs under the Fil-foreign limit, change the Fil-foreign limit to FIBA-ineligible (and this limit includes imports, NPs, and FIBA-ineligible blood Filipinos), and fix the calendar to accommodate Gilas.

 

[mathematicianrcg2]

Really hope Pba becomes better.

Pba will always be our best pro local league. And a collection of our best local players. ( Barring Overseas based talents like Kai, AJ, etc)

The Baltazars, Paras, Tamayos, Etc would probably be part of pba gilas special drafree. Technically, they will still be pba players.

And pretty sure Coach tab will also recruit some pba players when they are available.

 

[reamily2]

Really hope Pba becomes better.

Pba will always be our best pro local league. And a collection of our best local players. ( Barring Overseas based talents like Kai, AJ, etc)

The Baltazars, Paras, Tamayos, Etc would probably be part of pba gilas special drafree. Technically, they will still be pba players.

And pretty sure Coach tab will also recruit some pba players when they are available.

Unless youre kai sotto or aguy like matthew aquino who didnt get a break in Philippines you should play outside b league in any division..

 

[IPC2]

https://www.facebook.com/1757959694461767/posts/3141309996126723/

PBA makes room to include EASL in 2022 calendar

By Rey Joble

It’s green and go for PBA’s participation in the East Asia Super League.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed it on Tuesday during his guesting in the weekly PSA Forum.

"Nag-usap kami ni Mr. Matt Beyer (EASL CEO). Nagbigay na sila ng schedule. Home and away. October 12, away, then October 19, home. Ang alam ko ang kalaban natin either Japan or Korea. Tapos may November ulit,” said Marcial.

According to Marcial, he had already instructed deputy commissioner Eric Castro to work on the schedule and block off the participation of the teams which will represent the PBA in the fastest growing regional basketball league in Asia.

"Sinabi ko na rin sa board yan and OK naman kami. Kinausap ko na rin si deputy commissioner Eric Castro na i-adjust yung schedule. Kung tatama doon at kung sinong mga teams ang pupunta, ia-adjust natin yung schedule para doon sa mga teams na pupunta. Hindi na muna natin palalaruin ng isang Linggo. Yun yung mga pinag-usapan namin. It's green and go and EASL. Excited na rin kami na maglaro sa East Asia,” added Marcial.

Beyer and his fellow executive Henry Kirins, shared the benefits of partnering with the PBA and making Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league a big part in the EASL’s expansion.

"I think the economics is one part. Then, the level of competition is another part. We have a minimum revenue guaranteed to the PBA and that's on an annual basis, which is what we're going to give to any league,” said Beyer.

Outside of the revenue the PBA is set to receive just like the other leagues invited to field in their teams, the EASL is also offering a mouthwatering prize money to the winners.

“Then, we're also offering the first place team of those eight teams, the champion of the East Asia Super League, S1-million for the champion. The second place is $500,000 and third place is $250,000. For each game, there's going to be six games, three home and three away in the group stage, there's an appearance fee guaranteed to all teams. Road and travels are paid for,” added Beyer.

In handling the home and away competitions, the EASL is taking off the pressure from the PBA in terms of handling the TV production and coverage once the event takes place in the Philippines.

“We're also handling the broadcast production and even told the PBA we're going to handle the operations in the Philippines if it's not too much of a burden for the PBA to host the home games. We're taking all the risks completely off the table from any of the partners that we're working with. What we want to do and this is why like having a strong partnership with the leagues and the qualification system that we have is fair and transparent is so important to make sure that we build a wide base of fans in the countries. That's why it's an open system based on qualifications,” added Beyer.

Kirins, the chief finance officer of the EASL, sees the partnership with the PBA as a win-win situation as well as the other leagues involved.

"From my perspective with the other basketball leagues, it's the same thing how the PBA looks at this. It's a win-win for all the teams and all the leagues involved. Whether you look at the economics or you look at the exposure for the sponsors or you look at the Gilas national team, having a deeper international experience, meeting all types of players. I think that's something that is being taken into consideration. From my view, there's no downside here,” said Kirins.

Good news that the PBA is saying that they will adjust the calendar for the EASL. The second step would be to allow imports to play in the PBA for the entire season without a height limit and relegate the All-Filipino to the offseason. Another would be to classify naturalized Filipinos as locals under the Fil-foreigner limit. This should help our teams compete there, as a start.

This EASL tournament would provide a second playoffs for PBA teams and the PBA would get a cut. It's gonna be like a 3-conference format, but more suitable for international competition (either between clubs or national teams).

 

[zairex2]

Good news that the PBA is saying that they will adjust the calendar for the EASL. The second step would be to allow imports to play in the PBA for the entire season without a height limit and relegate the All-Filipino to the offseason. Another would be to classify naturalized Filipinos as locals under the Fil-foreigner limit. This should help our teams compete there, as a start.

This EASL tournament would provide a second playoff for PBA teams and the PBA would get a cut. It's gonna be like a 3-conference format, but more suitable for international competition (either between clubs or national teams).

As I always say, there is this dream situation and reality. The reality is funding the teams and PBA. 200 million a year is spent per team. Are they going to get any revenue in return and how much? How many people will go to a venue to watch PBA for regular games? Play-offs there is a guarantee and also Ginebra. But the rest of the league can't guarantee of 10K paying audience every regular games.

 

[IPC2]

As I always say, there is this dream situation and reality. The reality is funding the teams and PBA. 200 million a year is spent per team. Are they going to get any revenue in return and how much? How many people will go to a venue to watch PBA for regular games? Play-offs there is a guarantee and also Ginebra. But the rest of the league can't guarantee of 10K paying audience every regular games.

The EASL will provide another playoff tournament for the fans to watch, even if it's not a Ginebra game. I think the fans would want to watch one of our own take on international teams. And I assume the EASL might share TV and ad revenue among the qualified teams, which will help with the cash flow.

As for getting more fans to watch non-Ginebra PBA games live, the question is how do we make the PBA more attractive to fans? Gilas participation and commitment, better marketing for the other teams?

 

[zairex2]

The EASL will provide another playoff tournament for the fans to watch, even if it's not a Ginebra game. I think the fans would want to watch one of our own take on international teams. And I assume the EASL might share TV and ad revenue among the qualified teams, which will help with the cash flow.

As for getting more fans to watch non-Ginebra PBA games live, the question is how do we make the PBA more attractive to fans? Gilas participation and commitment, better marketing for the other teams?

I am talking about PBA only. Season-long, one conference is an issue. Better marketing is good. But what marketing, can you suggest a guarantee marketing strategy to bring fans back for what 60games x 12teams regular season.

 

[IPC2]

I am talking about PBA only. Season-long, one conference is an issue. Better marketing is good. But what marketing, can you suggest a guarantee marketing strategy to bring fans back for what 60games x 12teams regular season.

Admittedly, I cannot think of any marketing tactic. That's why I asked the question, because I honestly don't know the answer.

PBA participation in the FIBA Asia Cup this August, maybe that can drum up fan interest. As said by some IBNers here, the Gilas run in 2013 drummed up PBA interest. I was one of the new PBA fans that time. Maybe participation and full commitment (and success of course) in Gilas tournaments will help revive fan interest.

 

[IPC2]

The PBA's looking at a May draft: http://tbti.me/s20dw5

Well, might give collegiate prospects time to strut their stuff before they declare.

Welcome news. At least the PBA might get ready for a long offseason, and probably give the pros more room to participate in Gilas preparation sessions for the FIBA Asia Cup this July. Well, if they choose to.

This might work for a change in calendar planning and format as well.

 

[zairex2]

Admittedly, I cannot think of any marketing tactic. That's why I asked the question, because I honestly don't know the answer.

PBA participation in the FIBA Asia Cup this August, maybe that can drum up fan interest. As said by some IBNers here, the Gilas run in 2013 drummed up PBA interest. I was one of the new PBA fans that time. Maybe participation and full commitment (and success of course) in Gilas tournaments will help revive fan interest.

That Gilas can help but sustainability is needed. Again PBA teams are spending more than earning in PBA even before the pandemic. It might help that people miss live games once the pandemic has slowed down to fill up arenas. In the long run, PBA needs a better strategy to capture a young audience and Gen Z. Who has time to watch 4hrs of basketball in one seating in an arena?

 

[ja.he2]

As I always say, there is this dream situation and reality. The reality is funding the teams and PBA. 200 million a year is spent per team. Are they going to get any revenue in return and how much? How many people will go to a venue to watch PBA for regular games? Play-offs there is a guarantee and also Ginebra. But the rest of the league can't guarantee of 10K paying audience every regular games.

Because the very system of PBA is flawed. Almost games happen in Metro Manila or in Yñares. Teamnames are products of a company. PBA should encourage less popular teams like Phoenix, ROS, Alaska, NLEX and Meralco to adopt a province for purpose of creating their respective fanbases. Kasi naman, who really wants to support a team of powder-filled milk, a house paint, or gas station? Things will be different if they put names of provinces in their team.

Pampanga NLEX Road Warriors
Caloocan Meralco Bolts
Laguna Alaska Aces
Bulacan Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Batangas Phoenix Fuel Masters

No need for more popular teams like Ginebra, SMB, Magnolia and TNT to adapt a province since they have already big fanbases.

Per venue:

NLEX - Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex and Convention Center - 3,000 seats
Meralco - Caloocan Sports Complex - 3,000 seaters
Alaska - Alonte Sports Arena - 6,500 seaters
ROS - Baliuag Star Arena - 5,000 seaters
Phoenix - Batangas City Coliseum - 5,000 seaters

Even if you reach you don"t reach 10k in gate attendance, if you get these smaller arenas jampacked every game, you can generate good revenue. For me, hybrid regionalization will do.

 

[IPC2]

Because the very system of PBA is flawed. Almost games happen in Metro Manila or in Yñares. Teamnames are products of a company. PBA should encourage less popular teams like Phoenix, ROS, Alaska, NLEX and Meralco to adopt a province for purpose of creating their respective fanbases. Kasi naman, who really wants to support a team of powder-filled milk, a house paint, or gas station? Things will be different if they put names of provinces in their team.

Pampanga NLEX Road Warriors
Caloocan Meralco Bolts
Laguna Alaska Aces
Bulacan Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Batangas Phoenix Fuel Masters

No need for more popular teams like Ginebra, SMB, Magnolia and TNT to adapt a province since they have already big fanbases.

Per venue:

NLEX - Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex and Convention Center - 3,000 seats
Meralco - Caloocan Sports Complex - 3,000 seaters
Alaska - Alonte Sports Arena - 6,500 seaters
ROS - Baliuag Star Arena - 5,000 seaters
Phoenix - Batangas City Coliseum - 5,000 seaters

Even if you reach you don"t reach 10k in gate attendance, if you get these smaller arenas jampacked every game, you can generate good revenue. For me, hybrid regionalization will do.

I think we can give Ginebra and SMB and probably MERALCO home teams in Metro Manila, since they have the best connection.

There are plenty of big cities around the Philippines outside of Metro Manila, however. We have San Fernando, Batangas, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Iloilo, Antipolo, Zamboanga, Davao, Cagayan de Oro. Question is, what teams could settle here, though?

 

[zairex2]

I think we can give Ginebra and SMB and probably MERALCO home teams in Metro Manila, since they have the best connection.

There are plenty of big cities around the Philippines outside of Metro Manila, however. We have San Fernando, Batangas, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Iloilo, Antipolo, Zamboanga, Davao, Cagayan de Oro. Question is, what teams could settle here, though?

If you hate corporate politics bringing along LGU politics will be disaster. Politicians will be involved, one way or the other.

Again this will be more expensive, arena maintenance and quality can't be guaranteed. Even now, alot of slippery floors on provincial Arenas. Crowd control is an issue for home crowd because they are now regular playdates. Look at MPBL, force to use few arenas in GMA, can't do games in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

 

[IPC2]

Because the very system of PBA is flawed. Almost games happen in Metro Manila or in Yñares. Teamnames are products of a company. PBA should encourage less popular teams like Phoenix, ROS, Alaska, NLEX and Meralco to adopt a province for purpose of creating their respective fanbases. Kasi naman, who really wants to support a team of powder-filled milk, a house paint, or gas station? Things will be different if they put names of provinces in their team.

Pampanga NLEX Road Warriors
Caloocan Meralco Bolts
Laguna Alaska Aces
Bulacan Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Batangas Phoenix Fuel Masters

No need for more popular teams like Ginebra, SMB, Magnolia and TNT to adapt a province since they have already big fanbases.

Per venue:

NLEX - Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex and Convention Center - 3,000 seats
Meralco - Caloocan Sports Complex - 3,000 seaters
Alaska - Alonte Sports Arena - 6,500 seaters
ROS - Baliuag Star Arena - 5,000 seaters
Phoenix - Batangas City Coliseum - 5,000 seaters

Even if you reach you don"t reach 10k in gate attendance, if you get these smaller arenas jampacked every game, you can generate good revenue. For me, hybrid regionalization will do.

I think we can give Ginebra and SMB and probably MERALCO home teams in Metro Manila, since they have the best connection.

There are plenty of big cities around the Philippines outside of Metro Manila, however. We have San Fernando, Batangas, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Iloilo, Antipolo, Zamboanga, Davao, Cagayan de Oro. Question is, what teams could settle here, though?

Another pro of having games in multiple cities and provinces is that you can get more revenue per day. More games can be broadcast simultaneously, which will be a big help to the schedule and the revenue. More games can be scheduled while still keeping the season short. Plus, more networks can broadcast, which brings more ad revenue and views.

 

[IPC2]

If you hate corporate politics bringing along LGU politics will be disaster. Politicians will be involved, one way or the other.

Again this will be more expensive, arena maintenance and quality can't be guaranteed. Even now, alot of slippery floors on provincial Arenas. Crowd control is an issue for home crowd because they are now regular playdates. Look at MPBL, force to use few arenas in GMA, can't do games in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

I'll have to agree with the politician part. They'll do anything to keep their people and voters. Pero politics aside, yes it's more expensive, but there could potentially be bigger revenues. Potentially, a.

 

[ja.he2]

If you hate corporate politics bringing along LGU politics will be disaster. Politicians will be involved, one way or the other.

Again this will be more expensive, arena maintenance and quality can't be guaranteed. Even now, alot of slippery floors on provincial Arenas. Crowd control is an issue for home crowd because they are now regular playdates. Look at MPBL, force to use few arenas in GMA, can't do games in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Another pro of having games in multiple cities and provinces is that you can get more revenue per day. More games can be broadcast simultaneously, which will be a big help to the schedule and the revenue. More games can be scheduled while still keeping the season short. Plus, more networks can broadcast, which brings more ad revenue and views.

That's the problem here in our country, we have troubles creating a regional sports league because politicians cannot keep themselves away. Well, never heard that B.League, T1 League, NBL and NBA that the politicians are meddling every game. We don't even see them during games. We usually hear them when someone is either putting up a new team or a team is relocating in another city.

I still believe though that we can keep politicians away from a regionalized league.

Per venue, Alonte, Sports Arena, Caloocan Sports Complex, Bren Guiao, and Baliuag Star Arena are some of the better courts we have. These fully-furnish floorings and good air conditioning. These three arenas already hosted games of PBA, MBA, and PVL (and PSL).