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

[IPC]

Sir IPC,

I totally agree.

actually I've already mentioned that logistical/cost thing way before(several times) I dunno if these is from this thread or to other(s).

realistically and financially speaking, having a 2 import format will certainly had some impact on each team's budget, that's the challenge.

but we all know the other challenge was that the league was also a signing/active member of EASL were we all know has this 2 import format.

I don't need to elaborate on this because we all know we hardly make any dent everytime we send a team on that tourney because of some chemistry issue once those import come aboard for just a short notice and the result..a very shameful defeat

that is why to balance those things and we all know since time immemorial those Grandpa are very much fond on a 3 conference format on a yearlong tourney.

we cannot argue with those old folks because that's part of their upbringing since the league started in 75.

many people are suggesting including me that introducing an In-Season tournament with 2 imports are a good innovation moving forward and scrap either the Gov Cup or the Comm Cup.

and why not invite another foreign squad in the same breath as BAD because whether they like it or not, we Filipinos nowadays loves the narrative of the Philippines vs. the World storyline.

the bottomline here is this,

lif they scrap one of those 3 conference(s) I think they could somehow save some serious money along the way and at the same time having a 2 import in an In-Season tourney may somehow solve those chemistry thing that we've seen everytime our PBA team(s) plays in an EASL tourney.

lastly allow AK34 to apply for the next PBA draft to somehow bring parity to the league.

all those things that I've mentioned.

it does makes sense really.

Actually, Gabe mentioned in the Let It Fly podcast about the possibility of the All-Filipino being an in-season tournament. All-Filipino on Wednesdays, then imports on weekends.

[zairex]

Actually, Gabe mentioned in the Let It Fly podcast about the possibility of the All-Filipino being an in-season tournament. All-Filipino on Wednesdays, then imports on weekends.

I agree we can try it as it mean something hence fans might want to watch. But without the playoffs every conference or longer elimination rounds, people will not come to the games. As appetite for PBA hasn't grown that much, similarly NBA has the same issue as their ratings are going down. Maybe fatigue and lack of viable stars.

[zairex]

Cost reasoning could be alleviated by allowing FSAs in ph colleges, as for taking jobs from filipinos, i personally welcome this change this is supposed to be competition how are we be able to breed excellence when we pander to bums that barely make it to the PBA.

Players gad said it time and time again, how they appreciate Coach Guiao for giving them playing time. We saw how players can bloosom in that system like Clarito. Both CBA and Korean only have one import at a time and are stricter in allowing Fil Fors to play than us.

[IPC]

Players gad said it time and time again, how they appreciate Coach Guiao for giving them playing time. We saw how players can bloosom in that system like Clarito. Both CBA and Korean only have one import at a time and are stricter in allowing Fil Fors to play than us.

That's why I think in a two import system, in this current context, a main guy (in any position) and role playing big is better for the moment. The the role playing big is just there for depth, and plugs teams' holes at center (a hole that most PBA teams have), while the main guy plugs the role of the go-to guy and any positional hole in the team. It will further justify teams staggering their imports' minutes.

Otherwise, just wait for expansion and just have 1 permanent import, most likely at the center spot. I said that while few PBA teams have starter-quality players at 5, there are too many starter-quality players at 3 and 4 to just put on the bench. I didn't phrase it that way when I said it a few posts ago, but point stands.

Also, in an 11-game elimination system + playoffs, teams will overplay their imports (and other key players) because we need to win. Yeng's the exception. Last conference nga, 7 imports averaged 40+ minutes. RHJ, Johnathan Williams, Bennie Boatwright, Tony Bishop, Christopher Ortiz, Tyler Bey, and Venky Jois.

[IPC]

Panathinaikos have a pretty good defense.

They have a pretty good defensive roster as well. 191cm (6'3") Nunn, 193cm (6'4") Jerian Grant, 206cm (6'9") Juancho Hernangomez, and 6'9" Mathias Lessort can switch and are energetic. 200cm (6'7") Panagiotis Kalaitzakis is a very aggressive defender too, so is 191cm (6'3") Luca Vildoza.

Which PBA teams (with or without an import) could have the tools and mentality to execute this kind of defense? Blitzing, periods of relentless pressure, timely rotations, and switching.

[BJ_Reloaded]

Actually, Gabe mentioned in the Let It Fly podcast about the possibility of the All-Filipino being an in-season tournament. All-Filipino on Wednesdays, then imports on weekends.

Sir IPC,

for now it's all about the "wait and see" scenario.

sorry don't get me wrong on this...it's all blah! blah! for the moment.

several years ago the league already implemented that "No Height Policy" during import flavored conferences but to my surprise they revert again to that restrictions.

you can't blame me if I keep on posting that "we can't argue more with the Grandpas because they will always go back on their respective comfort zone whatever happens".

that is why upon reading that article that they will study that thing, it means they are not totally sold on removing that restrictions for good because as I said

the mantra was "Ang di lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.(trans. the core spirit of '75 should not be compromise).

[zairex]

That's why I think in a two import system, in this current context, a main guy (in any position) and role playing big is better for the moment. The the role playing big is just there for depth, and plugs teams' holes at center (a hole that most PBA teams have), while the main guy plugs the role of the go-to guy and any positional hole in the team. It will further justify teams staggering their imports' minutes.

Otherwise, just wait for expansion and just have 1 permanent import, most likely at the center spot. I said that while few PBA teams have starter-quality players at 5, there are too many starter-quality players at 3 and 4 to just put on the bench. I didn't phrase it that way when I said it a few posts ago, but point stands.

Also, in an 11-game elimination system + playoffs, teams will overplay their imports (and other key players) because we need to win. Yeng's the exception. Last conference nga, 7 imports averaged 40+ minutes. RHJ, Johnathan Williams, Bennie Boatwright, Tony Bishop, Christopher Ortiz, Tyler Bey, and Venky Jois.

Bleague Imports are also overplayed. Just like B.League, they will put their best players ahead which are imports, most of the top teams do this to maximize the chance to win. Like only 5 locals in the top 30 most minutes played.

[IPC]

Bleague Imports are also overplayed. Just like B.League, they will put their best players ahead which are imports, most of the top teams do this to maximize the chance to win. Like only 5 locals in the top 30 most minutes played.

Fair enough. Most B.League imports are 4's and 5's, though, something which the Japanese locals have in short supply, so there's a need to overplay. There are some guards, though. Still, 31 minutes in other leagues is equivalent to only what, 38 minutes in the PBA? Not many equivalent to the 40+ minutes we play some imports. The thing is, B.League imports have someone to sub for them in that position. Plus, load is shared among the imports, kasi nga, multiple imports.

As for KBL, they, have numerous fours, which is why the 1 import on the floor rule is also good for their locals. Kim Jong-kyu, Ha Yungi, and Lee Won-seok are the centers I know of, but they can switch to 4.

[zairex]

Fair enough. Most B.League imports are 4's and 5's, though, something which the Japanese locals have in short supply, so there's a need to overplay. There are some guards, though. Still, 31 minutes in other leagues is equivalent to only what, 38 minutes in the PBA? Not many equivalent to the 40+ minutes we play some imports. The thing is, B.League imports have someone to sub for them in that position. Plus, load is shared among the imports, kasi nga, multiple imports.

As for KBL, they, have numerous fours, which is why the 1 import on the floor rule is also good for their locals. Kim Jong-kyu, Ha Yungi, and Lee Won-seok are the centers I know of, but they can switch to 4.

That could be an issue for Japan as they have few players they can use to play 5 and 4 spot. Unlike us we can play JC as we have 5 and 4. I mean Japan did great in their NT stint last year, I just don't know going forward if they can sustain it with limited choices on 4 and 5 spot. That why there is an advantage for us that we have only one import as other players can be used and similar situation as for CBA and KBL. And having a smaller import also help us on how to defend Small guards and forwards internationally

[JOI2dWorld]

People clamor for unlimited height, but PBA teams don't even maximize it, the past few conferences that they implemented an unlimited height for imports maybe only 2 or 3 teams hired a 7-footer, though i think now there are more 7 footers that are more versatile

[IPC]

The talk that SMB is too deep is actually not that true. Yes they are deep, but you can't really say that they are 15 man deep of all stars. Actually it is only now that they are winning consistently again. But still far from their dominance in the peak of the death 5. Let's analyze their roster.

First 5:
1. Abai - He is having his best play since breaking his leg. His dominance and decent defense is actually the main reason why they are winning consistently again.
2. Brondial - He is good. But to say he is a starter level for a contender is a bit of an exaggeration. He is a good rebounder but that's it. Doesn't have range. Doesn't have mobility nor rim protection.
3. Lassiter - His career is having a mini-resurgence. But let's not fool ourselves that he is at his level several years ago. He can't play as many minutes. His defense is not as good.
4. CJ - He is a good PBA player and probably SMB's 2nd best player but he's not Fiba level. He is not an efficient shooter. Sometimes unthinking in drives. He is decent on defense but not really a stopper.
5. Ross - He is also aged and can't play many minutes. His defense is not as good. But it seems his shooting is a bit better.

2nd 5:
6. Trollano - He is probably the 2nd main reason why they are winning. But at 6'2 he is too small as PF. His handles are also a bit iffy when driving. He may be the 2nd most valuable SMB player but make no mistake he is no go to guy.
7. Tautuaa - He still has some flashes but you could see he can be scored upon by good postup players like Arana or Sanggalang.
8 Romeo - Has calmed down a bit but still has tapa-ojo sometimes. What I dont like about Romeo is he forces one on ones when he is challenged by his man even if it is obvious he cant lose or score on the guy. His defense has improved but is still iffy. At this point he plays more minutes than Ross. But his defense can be exploited and when he gets hung up on one on ones that don't go anywhere.
9. Cruz - This guy is good. I agree if your 9th man is Cruz your deep. But then again some other teams would prefer playing him over guys like Ross or Trollano. It's not that he is worse than these guys it's just he plays the same role as CJ.
10. Enciso - The talent begins to drop here. There's a reason why Alaska let go of him. He is a streak shooter but not much else.

3rd 5:
11. Teng - SMB picked him because of his last name and not because of his talent. I guarantee you no other team would have picked his big salary. He will probably go if SMB gets a good tall SF.
12. Manuel - Manuel is far from the walking bucket he was before. He is just an undersized PF who cannot shoot, face-up or defend. SMB should have picked Malonzo and not him from NP. The only reason he was picked was 1) Malonzo was probably ear-marked from GSM 2) To help JMF in the post while he was recovering. With JMF almost to his pre-injury health, Manuel is useless.
13. Malilin - NA
14. That guard from MPBL - NA

Will SMB get an incentive to get a starting quality 4 and a tall SF, though, given how they're winning in this All-Filipino? Fans have been clamoring for a big PF this conference, though.

[Rds]

Will SMB get an incentive to get a starting quality 4 and a tall SF, though, given how they're winning in this All-Filipino? Fans have been clamoring for a big PF this conference, though.

It depends I guess if any 4 is able to neutralize Trollano. Santillan and Datu couldnt. There were games he didnt play well in the regular season but he has been ballin since the quarters.

[IPC]

It depends I guess if any 4 is able to neutralize Trollano. Santillan and Datu couldnt. There were games he didnt play well in the regular season but he has been ballin since the quarters.

Only a big 4 can punish Trollano. And even then, he'll have to guard Trollano in the perimeter.

[IPC]

The talk that SMB is too deep is actually not that true. Yes they are deep, but you can't really say that they are 15 man deep of all stars. Actually it is only now that they are winning consistently again. But still far from their dominance in the peak of the death 5. Let's analyze their roster.

First 5:
1. Abai - He is having his best play since breaking his leg. His dominance and decent defense is actually the main reason why they are winning consistently again.
2. Brondial - He is good. But to say he is a starter level for a contender is a bit of an exaggeration. He is a good rebounder but that's it. Doesn't have range. Doesn't have mobility nor rim protection.
3. Lassiter - His career is having a mini-resurgence. But let's not fool ourselves that he is at his level several years ago. He can't play as many minutes. His defense is not as good.
4. CJ - He is a good PBA player and probably SMB's 2nd best player but he's not Fiba level. He is not an efficient shooter. Sometimes unthinking in drives. He is decent on defense but not really a stopper.
5. Ross - He is also aged and can't play many minutes. His defense is not as good. But it seems his shooting is a bit better.

2nd 5:
6. Trollano - He is probably the 2nd main reason why they are winning. But at 6'2 he is too small as PF. His handles are also a bit iffy when driving. He may be the 2nd most valuable SMB player but make no mistake he is no go to guy.
7. Tautuaa - He still has some flashes but you could see he can be scored upon by good postup players like Arana or Sanggalang.
8 Romeo - Has calmed down a bit but still has tapa-ojo sometimes. What I dont like about Romeo is he forces one on ones when he is challenged by his man even if it is obvious he cant lose or score on the guy. His defense has improved but is still iffy. At this point he plays more minutes than Ross. But his defense can be exploited and when he gets hung up on one on ones that don't go anywhere.
9. Cruz - This guy is good. I agree if your 9th man is Cruz your deep. But then again some other teams would prefer playing him over guys like Ross or Trollano. It's not that he is worse than these guys it's just he plays the same role as CJ.
10. Enciso - The talent begins to drop here. There's a reason why Alaska let go of him. He is a streak shooter but not much else.

3rd 5:
11. Teng - SMB picked him because of his last name and not because of his talent. I guarantee you no other team would have picked his big salary. He will probably go if SMB gets a good tall SF.
12. Manuel - Manuel is far from the walking bucket he was before. He is just an undersized PF who cannot shoot, face-up or defend. SMB should have picked Malonzo and not him from NP. The only reason he was picked was 1) Malonzo was probably ear-marked from GSM 2) To help JMF in the post while he was recovering. With JMF almost to his pre-injury health, Manuel is useless.
13. Malilin - NA
14. That guard from MPBL - NA

SMB maybe loaded, but they have a lot of pieces that dont fit

SMB lack a starting caliber defensive 4 (a role that Arwind filled for them in the Death 5 era). Plus, Ross, June Mar, Marcio, and Trollano are their only competent defenders in the PBA.

It's just that, the bench depth and firepower can be too much to overcome.

SMB will be content with their lineup construction if someone can punish it enough in the All-Filipino. You punish that by taking advantage of Trollano, Mo, Brondial, and June Mar on defense, and on the glass (when Trollano is there), while at the same time, you match their firepower.

RoS had the ability to keep in step with SMB, but they got swept. So, who else can take advantage of SMB's holes? The only team that can consistently beat SMB was Ginebra, and that was always with Brownlee.

[Giannis34GOD]

SMB will be content with their lineup construction if someone can punish it enough in the All-Filipino. You punish that by taking advantage of Trollano, Mo, Brondial, and June Mar on defense, and on the glass (when Trollano is there), while at the same time, you match their firepower.

RoS had the ability to keep in step with SMB, but they got swept. So, who else can take advantage of SMB's holes? The only team that can consistently beat SMB was Ginebra, and that was always with Brownlee.

Meralco have Hodge to expose SMB's hole at 4 spot... Meralco is only team that beat SMB in the elims, although i know elims and finals are very different... But still Meralco have tools to compete vs SMB... If Malonzo and Gray were not injured, Ginebra vs SMB is a good finals match... But not w/ current Ginebra w/o two key players... The only team who beat SMB in Fajardo era since 2015 in a playoff series match in AFC was TNT in 2021 semis... They explore Rosario is their key mismatch against old Arwind while Mikey finish the deal to give Fajardo era SMB their 1st loss in a playoff series match...