Archive for November, 2008

What’s With Red Bull? (The Red Bull Curse)

INSIDE THE COURT
by Jose Antonio A. Conde

Today, the Red Bull Barako team seems to be very weak. For the record, they are 3-9 in the standings placing last. Most Red Bull fans were very sad about the team’s status now especially they’re on a horrible path and I was very sad about this as a sportswriter. I think this is a curse.

Now, RB fans, do you want to know why are your favorite team is slumping down. Now, here’s why, prior to this conference, Red Bull was a strong team in the PBA, it even had 7 consecutive semifinals apparences (which is likely going to end this conference) from 2005 Fiesta Conference to last year’s Fiesta Conference because of the arrival of new assistant coaches of Yeng Guiao: Gelacio Abanilla and Rudolph Hines (although he assisted Guiao from 2001 to 2003). Before getting Abanilla, who was the Pumaren’s right hand then, RB was also at this situation. To overcome, Antonio Chua fired Pong Amador and Jojo Villapando.

Back to topic, during their run, they had excellent players such as Lordy Tugade, Enrico Villanueva, Larry Fonacier, Mick Pennisi, Junthy Valenzuela, and Cyrus Baguio. Also, they won a championship during the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference during that run. They also had excellent imports such as Earl Barron, Quemont Greer, James Penny, Adam Parada, and Darlon Johnson.

After the 2007-08 season, RB traded their only original player Mick Pennisi to SMB which made Michael Hrabak very happy. Losing Mick made them NR as they got a smaller forward by the name of Gabriel Espinas from PCU (2004 NCAA MVP).

But the trade made RB very horrible, first, they are losing. Now I want RB to win games. I wish them to go back to the semis. I’m very concerned to them. RB, please get back Pennissi. Or please, adopt a new system don’t rely more on Sharma, Espinas, Baguio, and Rodriguez. Give others chance. I thought this a balanced team. So please prove it.

Another reason of the Curse, maybe Yeng Guiao was busy with the RP5. We all know that Guiao is the newest RP5 coach and maybe he relies more on the RP5 rather than his RB boys. See, I oftentimes see Gee Abanilla mentoring them.

Negative prediction: I see Abanilla and Hines losing their jobs just like what happened to Amador and Villapando. Expect another new set of assistant. Sorry RB fans for being biased.

So good luck to them and win!

2008
11/29
CATEGORY
PBA
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What happened to TnT Tropang Texters??? (The TnT Curse)

INSIDE THE COURT

by Jose Antonio A. Conde

Now the Talk n’ Text Tropang Texters are having problems on their team aside from troubles on their stars and their rookies and unexpectedly, the management.

Big, big problem is now on the team. First, they started to slow down as they show their weaknesses and losing ways today.

But, a few months ago, TnT was a way, way, very powerful and dominant. To prove, they have drafted some perennial rookies like Rob Reyes (who was one of the top prospects), Jared Dillinger (same as Rob Reyes), and 2008 PBL MVP Jason Castro. Due to this, they were ranked by some PBA analysts #1. As they start the season, new season, new luck was there by upsetting the Coca-Cola Tigers and Air21 Express to show their dominance.

An upset by Sta. Lucia and San Miguel started to slow down. But they came back by blowing the top-team Alaska Aces with the arrival of Ali Peek who was injured during their first few games. Now they were expected to come back. But they were stilll going down as they were slumped by the teams such as Rain or Shine, Red Bull, and recently, the Purefoods. Some of them are close games.

The problem with them is that they score too much and do have foul troubles. They more rely on Mark Cardona who scores about 30-40 points every game, win or lose. I think their system is inbalanced. Also, Rob Reyes is also having troubles with the team.

This curse is actually started by Derrick Pumaren. First, he traded Asi Taulava to Coca-Cola for Ali Peek. Now, TnT, without Asi, started to struggle.

Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters Logo

I am a big fan of this since this early October but their losses paved my way out of the team. I’d now pick San Miguel rather than that slumped team. I t

hink they are the most overrated and overachieved team in the PBA today. No offense to MVP, Ricky Vargas, Frankie Lim, the team, and the fans.

I suggest to get back Asi Taulava for Rob Reyes , get back J-wash for Yancy de Ocampo, fire Chot Reyes and look for a new coach. My only possible replacement for the team is Joel Banal.
Now this team is not the team most PBA teams are looking for.

Just a footnote: I saw Virgil Villavicencio in the TnT coaching sta

ff.

2008
11/08
CATEGORY
PBA
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