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

[Jay P. Mercado]

My opinion here, and I may be wrong, is that any PBA team which would want to sell its PBA franchise, is allowed to look for its own buyer even prior to the approval of the Board. There have been a couple of precedents of such in the past - Toyota's Jack Rodriguez having sold the Silverio franchise to Basic Holdings, Inc. of Lucio Tan in 1984, Sta. Lucia buying the Presto franchise in 1993, and yes, Meralco taking over Sta. Lucia in 2010. This is not uncommon, but any franchise sale would need approval by at least a 2/3 vote of the PBA Board. Hence, even if a sale was made between Powerade and the San Miguel Group but this was denied by the PBA Board, then SMC has no choice but to return the payment to Powerade who then would continue looking for potential buyers of its franchise. They can sought the help of the PBA in this regard, but then, the franchise value would be diminished significantly.

One reason why the PBA allows the disbanding team to look for its own buyer is to ensure that they get more value from the sale. If they sell the team on their own, and assuming they still have talented players in their lineup, then the stock value of the franchise would be much higher. Toyota disbanded after the 1983 season and they were able to get so much out of the sale because the superstars were still around. Unfortunately for Basic Holdings, Inc, Jaworski and Arnaiz balked at the sale and they didn't join Beer Hausen, instead, going to Ginebra. Arnie Tuadles and Chito Loyzaga both went to Great Taste, only to rejoin Jaworski and Arnaiz in Ginebra in 1985, while Abe King became the first "franchise" player in the PBA when he was collared by Gold Eagle Beer a few days before the announced disbandment. Those that Beer Hausen got from the sale was Fernandez (the main target) and role players Emer Legaspi, Tim Coloso, Ed Cordero, Pol Herrera, among others.

Probably the best deal that any PBA team got was the Purefoods Hotdogs. When they joined the PBA, the league was in a tight fix. They only had 6 teams and with Tanduay disbanding after the 1987 season, having 5 active teams would mean practical closure of the league. Enter the Ayala Group. Because the PBA was at a terrible situation to negotiate, Purefoods was able to maximize since Tanduay had to disband without offering the team to any potential buyer. Hence, it was the PBA that had to look for a buyer. Purefoods inquired, and got what they wanted. They only paid the franchise application fee to the PBA, which is actually cheaper compared to buying an existing team. Example - if SMC wanted to buy a new franchise, they would have to cough up P60M for franchise fee application. However, they won't get much concession from the league - probably get to directly hire 3 to 5 rookies without them going through the draft, and taking players from a blind dispersal draft taken from players that were brought into a pool by the 10 other teams. This was what happened to Red Bull and Rain Or Shine when they joined the league. They were allowed to elevate players from the amateur ranks but got crumbs from the dispersal draft as they were not allowed to know who these players were. Purefoods, on the other hand, was lucky in 1988. They only paid the franchise fee, but got concessions by absorbing the Tanduay team that was a championship team made up of then 3-time MVP winner Ramon Fernandez (who eventually would win the 1988 MVP plum), Freddie Hubalde, Padim Israel, Willie Generalao, Onchie Dela Cruz, JV Yango, Joshua Villapando, three amateur direct hires (turned out to be 4-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, 1988 ROY Jojo Lastimosa, and Defensive Team of the Year mainstay Jerry Codinera) and the top draft pick for that season (turned out to be Jack Tanuan). From the getgo, Purefoods became a championship team after acquiring all these players. Simple reason was that the league was in a poor position to negotiate as they needed Purefoods more than Purefoods needed the PBA back then.

[nardy]

Top exec Baylon out as Powerade governor

Reynaldo Belen, InterAKTV · Friday, February 17, 2012 · 7:39 pm


Photo courtesy of JB Baylon



Amid issues surrounding the Powerade Tigers franchise, a top team executive has left from his post.


JB Baylon, the team’s representative to the PBA Board of Governors where he serves as vice-chairman, resigned from his position with Coca-Cola Export Philippines, the local arm of the Coca-Cola Company.



Cat Avelino, communications director of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. which owns the PBA franchise, confirmed the news to InterAKTV.


“He wasn’t replaced as governor, but he has resigned from the company, meaning that he’s also no longer board governor of the squad,” said Avelino in a telephone interview.


Last Monday, CCBPI wrote the PBA advise the appointment of Ronald Asuncion as alternate governor. With Baylon’s departure, Asuncion will represent the team in the PBA board in an acting capacity.


A Powerade team insider said he was taken by surprise by the swiftness of Baylon’s decision.


“We were expecting him to be with us until end of February, but we were surprised that it happened so fast,” he said.


Last Tuesday, Baylon posted a cryptic message on his Twitter account: “A heavy load is off my chest: love the TRUTH and be FREE! Happy Valentine’s Day to all!”


The Tigers have been in the news with issues concerning the team’s ownership. Last Monday, CCBPI reiterated that it still owns the squad but admitted that it has had talks to sell the franchise to San Miguel Corporation.


In light of the ownership saga, PBA officials have questioned a proposed trade that would send one of the Petron’s star players, Marcio Lassiter, to Petron in exchange for Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra. The timing for the trade is curious because the Tigers are coming off a Cinderella run to the Philippine Cup finals, with Lassiter playing a major role. Petron is owned by SMC.


The trade remains on hold until the PBA board meets on February 20 to discuss the Powerade situation.


As the top executive in charge of basketball decisions, Baylon was instrumental in the Tigers’ rebuilding prior to the season, green-lighting decisions to draft Lassiter and top overall pick JVee Casio.


In a podcast with InterAKTV last month, Baylon said that the success of the team in the Philippine Cup has had a great effect on the morale of Coca-Cola employees, apart from boosting the image of the Powerade brand.


Baylon is also an ardent supporter of the national cause in basketball. He was responsible for Coca-Cola’s involvement with the Philippine team program, getting Powerade to bankroll the squad that represented the country in the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship.


Prior to the season, Baylon also committed to make Powerade players available for the national team should they be called to service once more. Prior to joining the Tigers, Casio and Lassiter were part of the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national program.


“Flag should come first, especially for us, a multinational [corporation] doing business in the Philippines,” said Baylon. “It is our way of paying respect to the country which has so generously hosted us.”

[reamily]

So boss JB returning to SMC?

[ariel_muhlach]

“He wasn’t replaced as governor, but he has resigned from the company, meaning that he’s also no longer board governor of the squad,” said Avelino in a telephone interview.


A Powerade team insider said he was taken by surprise by the swiftness of Baylon’s decision.


“We were expecting him to be with us until end of February, but we were surprised that it happened so fast,” he said.


Last Tuesday, Baylon posted a cryptic message on his Twitter account: “A heavy load is off my chest: love the TRUTH and be FREE! Happy Valentine’s Day to all!”


“Flag should come first, especially for us, a multinational [corporation] doing business in the Philippines,” said Baylon. “It is our way of paying respect to the country which has so generously hosted us.”

It seems Baylon is conveying a strong message ...... despite attempts to silence him.

In the end lets hope "Truth shall prevail"

[lovejones]

It seems Baylon is conveying a strong message ...... despite attempts to silence him.

In the end lets hope "Truth shall prevail"

And that "truth" is that the Powerade Team has already been sold to SMC.

[durden_tyler]

And that "truth" is that the Powerade Team has already been sold to SMC.

Again, do we have proof of this?

(Don't worry i believe Powerade will EVENTUALLY be sold to SMC, one way or the other)

[yogaflame]

SMC is really deceiving PBA fans. What a big joke Powerade said they need a tall player then why go for an untested and one dimensional Baclao who is just 6'4 not even reaching 6'5 http://www.pba.ph/players/stats/256. Just a small difference from Lassiter who is almost 6'3. If they really need a tall player they should have traded him for a Jr reyes, or a thoss, or a devance or a ranidel or Eman.

It is so obvious it is deviously planned by SMC , they already talked to Powerade under the table, and convince them to go for the trade. And Baclao is one dimensional not even a consistent defender, or rebounder and not a scorer, and Guevarra who? I remember he is one of the players dump by Gilas.

They say that Baclao is number one pick and Guevarra is third pick and UAAP and NCAA star, hello? This is PBA its different style and opponents. Example if Powerade ask for Lutz trade for allera and martinez then they will also say this guys are college standouts but they are not given playing time. Same logic with lassiter trade. National team star, defender and upcoming pba star versus 2 mediocre player?

Haha, if they want it to be fair then trade Washington or si Rabeh, any of this two are really tall at 6'8 and include there 1st round pick nxt year for Lassiter.

[Lebron23]

SMC is really deceiving PBA fans. What a big joke Powerade said they need a tall player then why go for an untested and one dimensional Baclao who is just 6'4 not even reaching 6'5 http://www.pba.ph/players/stats/256. Just a small difference from Lassiter who is almost 6'3. If they really need a tall player they should have traded him for a Jr reyes, or a thoss, or a devance or a ranidel or Eman.

It is so obvious it is deviously planned by SMC , they already talked to Powerade under the table, and convince them to go for the trade. And Baclao is one dimensional not even a consistent defender, or rebounder and not a scorer, and Guevarra who? I remember he is one of the players dump by Gilas.

They say that Baclao is number one pick and Guevarra is third pick and UAAP and NCAA star, hello? This is PBA its different style and opponents. Example if Powerade ask for Lutz trade for allera and martinez then they will also say this guys are college standouts but they are not given playing time. Same logic with lassiter trade. National team star, defender and upcoming pba star versus 2 mediocre player?

Haha, if they want it to be fair then trade Washington or si Rabeh, any of this two are really tall at 6'8 and include there 1st round pick nxt year for Lassiter.

Marcio Lassiter was measured at 6'1 1/2" without shoes (6'2.75" in shoes) while Baclao was measured at 6'4 3/4" without shoes (6'6" in shoes). I don't understand why the PBA listed Lassiter's height while wearing his sneakers. The PBA are now listing their players height without shoes. Legit 6'3" Jervy Cruz towered over Lassiter last night.

http://www.philstar.com/thedeanscorner/columnscontent.aspx?articleid=721289&publicationsubcategoryid=69

2011 PBA Pre Draft Measurement. Just Click on the Link.

[neo]

Marcio Lassiter was measured at 6'1 1/2" without shoes (6'2.75" in shoes) while Baclao was measured at 6'4 3/4" without shoes (6'6" in shoes). I don't understand why the PBA listed Lassiter's height while wearing his sneakers. The PBA are now listing their players height without shoes. Legit 6'3" Jervy Cruz towered over Lassiter last night.

http://www.philstar.com/thedeanscorner/columnscontent.aspx?articleid=721289&publicationsubcategoryid=69

2011 PBA Pre Draft Measurement. Just Click on the Link.

yap. lassiter is 6'1 as tubid.

lutz is slightly taller than lassiter. lutz is a legit 6'2.

and baclao has always been 6'4 since his ateneo days.

[neo]

Baylon: I am still Powerade governor By Bill Velasco (The Philippine Star) Updated February 19, 2012 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - JB Baylon insists he has not been fired by Coca-Cola, and is therefore still the board governor for the Powerade Tigers and PBA vice-chairman.

Baylon made the statements in reaction to his swift replacement by Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) as its PBA representative immediately upon filing his two weeks’ notice. The amiable team executive said the news of immediate effectivity of his resignation was an “un-truth”.

“To be clear: my resignation is effective Feb. 29. I remain an employee of Coca-Cola till that day,” Baylon said in a text message to The STAR late Friday. “Following the logic that I have not been removed by CCBPI, I remain governor of the Powerade franchise and (PBA) vice-chairman.”

Baylon’s resignation, announced before Powerade’s Friday night PBA game, was in connection with the impending sale of the Tigers back to the San Miguel group, which was also escalated by the proposed trade of Powerade rookie Marcio Lassiter for Petron Blaze bench players Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra. Baclao and Guevarra were drafted number one and three, respectively, in the 2010 PBA rookie draft, but have seen limited playing time with Petron. The trade and sale of the team have not been ruled on by the PBA board. Baylon said that the sale of the team had been proposed much earlier, even before the start of the last All-Filipino conference, which made their startling finals run even more bittersweet.

Friday afternoon, Baylon sent The STAR a text revealing that he had resigned, and added CCBPI management’s response.

“I resigned from Coke effective Feb. 29. (CCBPI president William) Schultz then wrote PBA today immediately replacing me as governor.”

On his Twitter and Facebook accounts, Baylon has also been trying to correct erroneous reports that he had been replaced as PBA governor because his resignation was effective immediately.

“Please let every mediaman know that my resignation is effective Feb. 29,” he stressed. “So strictly speaking, I remain an employee of Coca-Cola until that day.”

[neo]

Black on his last season at Ateneo By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star) Updated February 19, 2012 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled coach Norman Black, who has steered Ateneo to the UAAP championship the last four years, will only be back on the saddle for one more season, making the Blue Eagles’ “drive for five” beginning July his swan song.

Black, according to Ateneo president Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ, will step down as Eagles coach at the end of Season 75 to “return to the PBA” but will serve as consultant of the university’s basketball program for two years thereafter.

“It is with regret that I inform the community that coach Norman Black, who we all know has been such an outstanding coach for the Ateneo Blue Eagles these last seven years, has indicated his desire to return to the PBA where he hopes to replicate his successful system. Having been at the PBA before, he is in a way coming full circle with this move,” Villarin announced via Ateneo’s official website yesterday.

“I am pleased, however, to tell you that coach Norman has agreed to Ateneo’s request that he coach the Blue Eagles for the 2012 season, and that he remain as consultant to the men’s basketball program for two years thereafter. Norman will be with us, therefore, for three more years, coaching the team for one more year and helping out as consultant in the two years after that,” the AdMU president added.

A grandslam champion coach in the PBA, Black joined Ateneo in 2004 as consultant and took over as head strategist the following year, piloting the team to a “four-peat” last season. He has compiled a 95-24 win-loss record since 2005 and will likely breach the 100-win mark in 2012 while aiming to finish his stint with a fifth straight diadem.

Ateneo’s announcement added fire to swirling talks that a rigodon of coaches among teams supported by Manny Pangilinan is in the offing. Black will reportedly be offered coaching chores for PBA team Talk n Text, of which he is a consultant, while current Tropang Texters tactician Chot Reyes will supposedly handle the Gilas 2 national team.
Both Black and Reyes are also in the shortlist of candidates for the Gilas program, along with Jong Uichico and Ryan Gregorio.

In line with Black’s impending exit, Villarin has formed a search committee headed by Edward Go and composed of Fr Nemesio Que, SJ, Ricky Vargas, Jack Huang, and Joey Campos to help him “discern and decide who the next head coach will be.” AdMU athletics director Ricky Palou will serve as adviser while Debbie Tan will be the secretary.

Among the possible candidates for the post that will be vacated by Black are alumnus Olsen Racela, and his current assistants Jamike Jarin and Sandy Arespacochaga.

In the meantime, Villarin said the Eagles remain focused on extending their reign under Black.

“We will not let our guard down and we will even work harder for that historic 5-peat,” Villarin said.

[Coke_Hero]

I really feel that the "committee" formed by dee Areneyow is very superficial and is uttermost BS. I mean, c'mon, MVP will always have the last say on this thing. He's bankrolling them anyways.

[Jordan Bruiseter]

Next coach for ADMU - Racela? Tiu? Arespacochaga?

So...in tomorrow's board meeting, does JB attend for Powerade?

[killmebusy]

Next coach for ADMU - Racela? Tiu? Arespacochaga?

So...in tomorrow's board meeting, does JB attend for Powerade?

Unless olsen parts ways with smc, he will not be the next coach of admu..tiu said he isn't interested in coaching and sandy will probably be just a filler again. I'm expecting a new guy...probably an eric reyes or alike.

[SG 3000]

Unless olsen parts ways with smc, he will not be the next coach of admu..tiu said he isn't interested in coaching and sandy will probably be just a filler again. I'm expecting a new guy...probably an eric reyes or alike.

then by all means he should part ways.