Wednesday, July 12, 2006
2005-2006 PBA Leo Awards Predictions
The 31st season of the PBA is coming to a close. Funny how the celebrated league opened with a Red Bull-Purefoods game back in October 2, 2005, and will close with the two teams disputing once more for the coveted championship. The Leo Awards (named after Leo Prieto, 1st Commissioner of the PBA) will be held before Game 4 of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup Championship. Once again I, the PBA follower and the Ginebra fanatic, will give my bold predictions on the awardees as unbiased as I can.
Go Ginebra!
Rookie of the Year
Darnit, I didn't finish part 2 of the evaluation of the PBA rookies. Anyway, it's no brainer that Larry Fonacier will win the award. How he got back at his playing form after suffering an ACL injury back in July of 2004 and reoperated again last year and not able to participate in the Rookie Camp is something wonderful and remarkable. He has become an integral part of the Red Bull offense, and was a key player in Red Bull's semifinals campaign against Ginebra early this year (which I still can't get over). He's one of three rookies (the others being Jondan Salvador and Mark Macapagal) who was awarded best player of the week award, and he did it twice. Amazing. Also, he's one of only few players who was drafted in the second round but emerged as the Rookie of the Year (the other being Gerry Esplana).
runner-ups include: Mike Holper and Mark Macapagal of Ginebra, Paolo Bugia and Leo Najora of Red Bull, and KG Canaleta of Air21.
Most Improved Player
I have four candidates for this one: James Yap, Marc Pingris, Roger Yap, and Lordy Tugade. For me, Marc Pingris showed his vast improvement after being traded to Purefoods from Air21. He gained his minutes, blocks shots, grabs rebounds emphatically, and also scores. Roger Yap, meanwhile, has become an integral part of the Purefoods offense as well. He was the solution to the point-guard woes of Purefoods in the past two years. Lordy Tugade, meanwhile is the most underrated player and most overlooked for this award, I believe. The "Alaminos Assassin" has reached his peak, as he has led Red Bull in scoring most of the time. Norman Black even commented that Lordy Tugade should really be considered in the Pilipinas National Team for his outside shooting.
However, I'm betting that it is James Yap who'll win the award. It's not just because he is the darling of the media, but also he has a game to back it up. Unbelievably, this former PBA rookie of the year runner-up is leading the MVP race in statistical points (whatever happened to you Rich Alvarez!). Kris Aquino must have done something to him.
Defensive Team
I can only think of three names at the moment: Wynnie "the snatcher!" Arboleda for his steals, Dorian "the Junkyard Dawg" Pena for his rebounds, and Marc Pingris.
Mythical Team
The following players will compose the mythical team selection: Mark Caguioa (for leading the league in points scored, and kasi Ginebra sya hahaha), Danny Seigle (for winning the Best Player of the PBA Philippine Cup), Nic Belasco (for leading the Alaska Aces to a final four finish in the PBA Philippine Cup), Marc Pingris (who disloged Mark Caguioa from the MVP race and is currently ranked 5th in statistical points), Kerby Raymundo, Enrico Villanueva, Lordy Tugade, and James Yap. So far, I'm missing two point-guards, and I bet they will turn out to be Roger Yap and Jayjay Helterbrand.
The first team will be composed of the following: Roger Yap (G), James Yap (G), Lordy Tugade (F), Kerby Raymundo (F), and Enrico Villanueva (C). They are there not only because of statistical points, but also for leading their respective teams to two finals appearances.
The second team will be composed of the back-court tandem of Jayjay Helterbrand (G) and Mark Caguioa (G; who's again disloged from the mythical five because of another player whom he plays the same position with and in this case it is James Yap), Danny Seigle (F), Marc Pingris (F; disloged by Enrico Villanueva), and Nic Belasco (C).
Most Valuable Player
Perhaps this is the most difficult award to predict, but we have five candidates based on the statistical points at the end of the semi-finals match of the PBA Philippine Cup in this order: James Yap, Enrico Villanueva, Kerby Raymundo, Lordy Tugade, and Marc Pingris. The top three candidates Yap, Raymundo, and Villanueva, are too close to call. Yap's lead in the statistical points is no guarantee of an MVP (which happened to Mark Caguioa last year) award. Before I give my verdict, I'll narrow down my choice into two first: Enrico Villanueva and Kerby Raymundo.
Enrico Villanueva may have an advantage for winning the PBA Fiesta Conference Best Player award, but has dipped his presence in the Philippine Cup. While there are a lot of players in the Red Bull camp who can provide good offense, there's no doubt about Enrico's role as Red Bull's top and franchise player. Same with Kerby Raymundo (who ironically came from Red Bull). Kerby has led the Giants on a consistent basis. Kerby is Purefoods main man. As I have said, Enrico's team has a lot of good players who can shine on any given time. Enrico plays with power, Kerby plays with smooth style.
Enrico may be a favorite because of his Best Player of the Fiesta Conference award and for leading Red Bull to the Fiesta Conference crown, but I'm rooting for Kerby Raymundo if the basis would be a player's worth to a given team. Purefoods go where Kerby leads them.
It's worth noting that back in the PBL when Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao was the commissioner of the amateur league, Guiao started the "Raymundo-Villanueva" rivalry, and he showcased the league between these two players. Meanwhile, another thing to note is that in between James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, this year's MVP votation is one of the closest between teammmates. Back in 1993, Jerry Codinera led the MVP race behind and Alvin Patrimonio, but the latter won the award. A teary-eyed Patrimonio hugged (awwh) Jerry Codinera as a sign of respect. Cool.
Another thing I'm betting on is Kris Aquino will rant on James Yap's loss to the MVP race in her show The Buzz!
Finally
The ongoing Philippine Cup finals between Red Bull and Purefoods is also too close to call, and I'm betting that it might reach a game 7. Purefoods may emerge as the victor, not only because I'm rooting for them and I don't like Red Bull, but because of their two-game advantage over Red Bull. But anything can go. Purefoods was down 0-2 and 1-3 in their semifinals assignment against Alaska but still won in the end. Same goes with the Miami Heat (ugh!!!). Besides, Purefoods has a point to prove.
And I'm watching the games tonight live. woohoo!
Floor is open for comments, deliberation, and tomatoes.
Go Ginebra!
Rookie of the Year
Darnit, I didn't finish part 2 of the evaluation of the PBA rookies. Anyway, it's no brainer that Larry Fonacier will win the award. How he got back at his playing form after suffering an ACL injury back in July of 2004 and reoperated again last year and not able to participate in the Rookie Camp is something wonderful and remarkable. He has become an integral part of the Red Bull offense, and was a key player in Red Bull's semifinals campaign against Ginebra early this year (which I still can't get over). He's one of three rookies (the others being Jondan Salvador and Mark Macapagal) who was awarded best player of the week award, and he did it twice. Amazing. Also, he's one of only few players who was drafted in the second round but emerged as the Rookie of the Year (the other being Gerry Esplana).
runner-ups include: Mike Holper and Mark Macapagal of Ginebra, Paolo Bugia and Leo Najora of Red Bull, and KG Canaleta of Air21.
Most Improved Player
I have four candidates for this one: James Yap, Marc Pingris, Roger Yap, and Lordy Tugade. For me, Marc Pingris showed his vast improvement after being traded to Purefoods from Air21. He gained his minutes, blocks shots, grabs rebounds emphatically, and also scores. Roger Yap, meanwhile, has become an integral part of the Purefoods offense as well. He was the solution to the point-guard woes of Purefoods in the past two years. Lordy Tugade, meanwhile is the most underrated player and most overlooked for this award, I believe. The "Alaminos Assassin" has reached his peak, as he has led Red Bull in scoring most of the time. Norman Black even commented that Lordy Tugade should really be considered in the Pilipinas National Team for his outside shooting.
However, I'm betting that it is James Yap who'll win the award. It's not just because he is the darling of the media, but also he has a game to back it up. Unbelievably, this former PBA rookie of the year runner-up is leading the MVP race in statistical points (whatever happened to you Rich Alvarez!). Kris Aquino must have done something to him.
Defensive Team
I can only think of three names at the moment: Wynnie "the snatcher!" Arboleda for his steals, Dorian "the Junkyard Dawg" Pena for his rebounds, and Marc Pingris.
Mythical Team
The following players will compose the mythical team selection: Mark Caguioa (for leading the league in points scored, and kasi Ginebra sya hahaha), Danny Seigle (for winning the Best Player of the PBA Philippine Cup), Nic Belasco (for leading the Alaska Aces to a final four finish in the PBA Philippine Cup), Marc Pingris (who disloged Mark Caguioa from the MVP race and is currently ranked 5th in statistical points), Kerby Raymundo, Enrico Villanueva, Lordy Tugade, and James Yap. So far, I'm missing two point-guards, and I bet they will turn out to be Roger Yap and Jayjay Helterbrand.
The first team will be composed of the following: Roger Yap (G), James Yap (G), Lordy Tugade (F), Kerby Raymundo (F), and Enrico Villanueva (C). They are there not only because of statistical points, but also for leading their respective teams to two finals appearances.
The second team will be composed of the back-court tandem of Jayjay Helterbrand (G) and Mark Caguioa (G; who's again disloged from the mythical five because of another player whom he plays the same position with and in this case it is James Yap), Danny Seigle (F), Marc Pingris (F; disloged by Enrico Villanueva), and Nic Belasco (C).
Most Valuable Player
Perhaps this is the most difficult award to predict, but we have five candidates based on the statistical points at the end of the semi-finals match of the PBA Philippine Cup in this order: James Yap, Enrico Villanueva, Kerby Raymundo, Lordy Tugade, and Marc Pingris. The top three candidates Yap, Raymundo, and Villanueva, are too close to call. Yap's lead in the statistical points is no guarantee of an MVP (which happened to Mark Caguioa last year) award. Before I give my verdict, I'll narrow down my choice into two first: Enrico Villanueva and Kerby Raymundo.
Enrico Villanueva may have an advantage for winning the PBA Fiesta Conference Best Player award, but has dipped his presence in the Philippine Cup. While there are a lot of players in the Red Bull camp who can provide good offense, there's no doubt about Enrico's role as Red Bull's top and franchise player. Same with Kerby Raymundo (who ironically came from Red Bull). Kerby has led the Giants on a consistent basis. Kerby is Purefoods main man. As I have said, Enrico's team has a lot of good players who can shine on any given time. Enrico plays with power, Kerby plays with smooth style.
Enrico may be a favorite because of his Best Player of the Fiesta Conference award and for leading Red Bull to the Fiesta Conference crown, but I'm rooting for Kerby Raymundo if the basis would be a player's worth to a given team. Purefoods go where Kerby leads them.
It's worth noting that back in the PBL when Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao was the commissioner of the amateur league, Guiao started the "Raymundo-Villanueva" rivalry, and he showcased the league between these two players. Meanwhile, another thing to note is that in between James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, this year's MVP votation is one of the closest between teammmates. Back in 1993, Jerry Codinera led the MVP race behind and Alvin Patrimonio, but the latter won the award. A teary-eyed Patrimonio hugged (awwh) Jerry Codinera as a sign of respect. Cool.
Another thing I'm betting on is Kris Aquino will rant on James Yap's loss to the MVP race in her show The Buzz!
Finally
The ongoing Philippine Cup finals between Red Bull and Purefoods is also too close to call, and I'm betting that it might reach a game 7. Purefoods may emerge as the victor, not only because I'm rooting for them and I don't like Red Bull, but because of their two-game advantage over Red Bull. But anything can go. Purefoods was down 0-2 and 1-3 in their semifinals assignment against Alaska but still won in the end. Same goes with the Miami Heat (ugh!!!). Besides, Purefoods has a point to prove.
And I'm watching the games tonight live. woohoo!
Floor is open for comments, deliberation, and tomatoes.
Comments
My only tomato is aimed at the name "Leo Awards". Teehee.
Sorry, just a little too showbiz-y for my basketball tastes--which is basically what the PBA became since Atty. Noli Eala's commissionershipness (part of why I don't watch much of the PBA anymore)... Oh, well. This is a probably just function of Pinoy culture. I really gotta learn to embrace it. Haha.
Congrats to Larry, by the way.
GO PURPLE BEAGLES! Hehehe
Sorry, just a little too showbiz-y for my basketball tastes--which is basically what the PBA became since Atty. Noli Eala's commissionershipness (part of why I don't watch much of the PBA anymore)... Oh, well. This is a probably just function of Pinoy culture. I really gotta learn to embrace it. Haha.
Congrats to Larry, by the way.
GO PURPLE BEAGLES! Hehehe
james yap developed some defense under purefoods. but d pa rin sya solid pag crunch time. though there were times.
is pingris really good in defense? never noticed his defensive game =P
bat nga ba leo awards? just wondering
is pingris really good in defense? never noticed his defensive game =P
bat nga ba leo awards? just wondering
# posted by 
: 8:08 PM
: 8:08 PM
G: you didn't watch the game yesterday? Pingris had 6 swats, dalawa dun fastbreak ng Red Bull (and one against Fonacier) and may 1-2 dunks ata sya. haha. 18pts, 14 rebs (9 offensive), 3 assists, 6 blocks. diba?
jase: yeah, I think PBA got showbiz-y, kaya may bias sa pagkapanalo ni James Yap. Oh well, Kerby Raymundo only had 8 pts, but he had 14 rebs and 6 assists. James Yap meanwhile had 23 pts on 5/7 3pt shooting. haha.
nga pala, maniwala kayong si topex merong 8 rebs, 6 offensive? and he's 5'6.
jase: yeah, I think PBA got showbiz-y, kaya may bias sa pagkapanalo ni James Yap. Oh well, Kerby Raymundo only had 8 pts, but he had 14 rebs and 6 assists. James Yap meanwhile had 23 pts on 5/7 3pt shooting. haha.
nga pala, maniwala kayong si topex merong 8 rebs, 6 offensive? and he's 5'6.
Active naman kasi si Topex. Mahilig din makihalubilo sa mga malalaki sa "land of the (Chunkee?) giants", 'ika nga.
Si Pingris naman, sa PBL pa lang, gusto ko na ang laro. Ung mga athletic, highflying, hussle-player type: mga tipong player na gusto kong napapanood (think Marion, Josh Smith, Rich Alvarez--back in his UAAP days, et al). It's good to see Pingris finally get his legs back under him, now that he's in the Big League. (Hindi nga lang ako sang-ayon sa taste niya... *ubo*Danica*ubo*)
Speaking of a showbiz-y PBA, naaalala nyo ung panahon na ginawang courtside reporters sina Maverick at Ariel?
Tsaka oo, dahil nga kay Leo Prieto ung "Leo Awards". Sinulat ni Carlo sa article na to mismo. Hehe.
Si Pingris naman, sa PBL pa lang, gusto ko na ang laro. Ung mga athletic, highflying, hussle-player type: mga tipong player na gusto kong napapanood (think Marion, Josh Smith, Rich Alvarez--back in his UAAP days, et al). It's good to see Pingris finally get his legs back under him, now that he's in the Big League. (Hindi nga lang ako sang-ayon sa taste niya... *ubo*Danica*ubo*)
Speaking of a showbiz-y PBA, naaalala nyo ung panahon na ginawang courtside reporters sina Maverick at Ariel?
Tsaka oo, dahil nga kay Leo Prieto ung "Leo Awards". Sinulat ni Carlo sa article na to mismo. Hehe.
jase/ all:
The selection for MVP has four components:
1. statistical points (gathered from October 1, 2005 till the end of the semifinals of the PBA Philippine cup)
2. Media votes
3. Player votes
4. Special 4 man PBA committee.
James Yap led in the statistical points, followed by Kerby and Rico. Kerby got the player votes share, but James Yap got most, if not all the votes from media. Kaya ang laki ng lamang nya sa MVP points.
So there. My conclusion: kasalanan ni Kris Aquino to. Tama ka jase, it became a lil bit showbiz-y.
But then, James Yap proved to everyone that he deserved the MVP award by playing big in Purefoods-Red Bull's game 4.
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The selection for MVP has four components:
1. statistical points (gathered from October 1, 2005 till the end of the semifinals of the PBA Philippine cup)
2. Media votes
3. Player votes
4. Special 4 man PBA committee.
James Yap led in the statistical points, followed by Kerby and Rico. Kerby got the player votes share, but James Yap got most, if not all the votes from media. Kaya ang laki ng lamang nya sa MVP points.
So there. My conclusion: kasalanan ni Kris Aquino to. Tama ka jase, it became a lil bit showbiz-y.
But then, James Yap proved to everyone that he deserved the MVP award by playing big in Purefoods-Red Bull's game 4.
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