PBA PREVIEW PART 2

Last Thursday, We discussed 5 teams (Aces, Bulls, Bolts, Clickers and Texters) chances in this All Filipino Cup which will start tomorrow(Oct.2,2011). Today we will discuss the other 5 teams. Let us start

• BMEG LLAMADOS
• Key Returnees: James Yap, Joe Devance, Marc Pingris, Kerby Raymundo ( The team to watch. Expect the team to struggle in the start of the conference after being new to their New offense, but IF they get the Triangle Offense in time during play offs, then definitely they are best team that can challenge the defending ALL FILIPINO Champion.)
• Key Loss: NA ( What a preseason movements from this team. )
• Key Acquisitions: Tim Cone, Mark Barroca, Johnny Abbarientos  ( The renaissance of the Grandslam Aces? It was a great acquisition for the Llamados, Having Tim Cone as their new coach will really give James Yap more chances in Scoring. Andy Barroca as their new PG? and with Johnny A as Andy's new mentor? Man, the triangle offense of the Llamados is in good hands.)
• Big Question: How will the Llamados reacts to the TRIANGLE?
• Prediction: If the Triangle will work, the team is a shoo-in for the Final 4.

• BARANGAY GINEBRA GIN KINGS
• Key Returnees: Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Wilson "Brothers", Enrico Villanueva CHEMISTRY ( With The Spark BACK in his full form once again, with Jayjay's retiremenrt conference, with the return of the Raging Bull, with the confidence gained by the Wilsons, and with the team finishing in all Semis of the 36th season, this team is definitely on a MISSION.  )
• Key Losses: Rudy Hatfield, LOVE from Management ( Hbomb's loss is a really big problem from the dying big men line up of the team. But the biggest loss of the Gin Kings is the way the management handling the team.)
• Key Acquisition: Reil Cervantes ( An underrated big man, he may not be be a go to guy in the post, but he can gets the job done especially in the defensive side.)
• Big Question: Is this their time ?
• Prediction: The Gin Kings is the most intact team this season. That;s why I can see the team in the Final 4 once again.

• PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS
• Key Returnees: Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot ( Still without Jwash and Rabeh, I expect this two players to lead the team once again.)
• Key Losses: Mick Pennisi, Sunday Salvacion, The 2 Clickers(Duncil and Hubalde) ( Losing Valuable ROLE PLAYERS will definitely hurt. This team is a proof that a team with role players can win the championship. )
• Key Acquisitions: Dondon Hontiveros, Chris Lutz  ( What can we say? The Cebuano Hot shot is Back! It is too obvious that after two conferences without this guy, The Blazers struggled in the wings. Lutz was a good pick for the Blazers. A good defensive player with a touch outside the ark, this guy will definitely make a difference if they want to get the championship.)
• Big Question: Will Petron maintain its Momentum?
• Prediction: I'm not high with the chances of the team, lacks of big man will be a problem, may finish 5th or 6th in the elimination, but definitely has a big chance for the Semis slot.

• POWERADE TIGERS
• Key Returnee: Gary David ( Definitely, the heart and soul of the tigers.)
• Key Losses: Rob Reyes, NO NEW COACH ( No more center for the team(Adducul and Crisano are aging), how can they win without a legitimate center? and BY THE WAY, Where's the new coach? PERIOD. )
• Key Acquisitions: Jvee Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Doug Kramer ( Jvee and Cio will finally give the Tigers the scoring option they need. Gary David must be happy with the acquisition of this to Gilas Boys. Kramer will give physicality in this "small team" They badly needed Doug to step up BIG TIME. )
• Big Question: Can their NUMBER of big man enough?
• Prediction: 7-9 will be their placing.  

• RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS
• Key Returnees: Gabe Norwood, Ronjay Buenafe, Beau Belga ( One of the most complete team in the league. But I'm still waiting for Gabe to be THE MAN.)
• Key Loss: NA( Yes, Kramer is gone but with Quinahan as the replacement, it is definitely an UPGRADE. )
• Key Acquisitions: Paul Lee, JR Quinahan ( Good choice of the Painters to get Paul, he is the big thing in this League. I am also happy that the Extra Rice Inc. is back!!)
• Big Question: Is this team mature enough?
• Prediction: This team can definitely have a chance of getting the final four this season. The only problem I see is "as usual" MATURITY.

LET THE BATTLE BEGINS!!!!!

" Philip Zuñiga is a graduate of Philippine Normal University. He is a certified sports fan since 1996. "