get that ball!: Purefoods Chunkie Giants

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James Yap, Kelly Williams share weekly PBA honors

December 31 - January 06

James Yap of Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs has continued to stand tallest among the Giants while "Machine Gun" Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty remains rock solid for the Sta. Lucia Realtors. Both shared the weekly PBA recognition for the period December 31 to January 6.

"Big Game James" scored a conference high-tying 29 points last Sunday, lifting Purefoods to a 101-87 win over Coca-Cola and into the first automatic semifinals berths with a 12-4 win-loss record.

"James hit a lot of big-time shots in the second half (20 of his 25 points). And then his timely treys (5-of-11) doused cold water on the rally aspirations of Coca-Cola ," noted Giants coach Ryan Gregorio.

That's only part of the truth, however, as Yap's first five points of the game – a twinner and triple – in the final minute of the opening quarter led a 9-0 spurt that turned out to be the telling run of the match.

Gregorio acknowledges this.

"He has bailed us out of trouble so many times in the past and he continues to amaze me with his vast repertoire of offensive brilliance," the mentor added.

Some two hours later, at the same Big Dome venue, Williams churned up - points and a career-high 18 rebounds as SLR gave Magnolia a 97-77 drubbing that kept alive the Realtors' bid of also making the semis outright.

Should the Realtors win their last eliminations game against Air21 on January 13, they will then stretch their franchise record of won eliminations games while clinching the other automatic semis slot.

Sunday's win was SLR's 11th in 17 games overall and coach Boyet Fernandez can't help but point out Williams, who shone the most when

rookie Ryan Reyes left the game early in the fourth period due to a hit on the jaw.

"Kelly was a terror off the boards and he's improving everyday on his offensive moves. But one thing little noticed is his defense," said Fernandez. "Kelly is now an all-around player and I'm happy and proud of him."

The said teams' prospects are also looking positively brilliant. In the 2006 Philippine Cup, Purefoods also clinched an outright semifinal berth and the No. 1 seeding in the playoffs and went on to win the championship.

Since the format was instituted in the 2004-05 season, this is the first time SLR has earned at least an automatic quarterfinals berth. But its seven straight win has already tied the franchise record set when the Realtors won their first and only title, in the 2001 Governors Cup.

"We've achieved our original goal which was just the Magic Five. If ever we make it to the semis outright, it's just the icing on the cake," said Fernandez.

7-0 for Purefoods

PUREFOODS REMAINS UNSCATHED
Simon-led Giants outlast Air21 for 7th straight win
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

The Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants found themselves trailing Air 21 Express,17-13, after rookie Doug Kramer hit an eight-footer and Ranidel de Ocampo made two free throws with a little over three minutes left in the first quarter.

Apparently that turned out the be the best challenge the Express could offer as the unbeaten Giants woke up right after, got terrific performances from their second unit led by Peter Jun Simon and plastered the Express, 100-81, Wednesday night for their seventh consecutive victory in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

"My second unit gave us a huge lift tonight. I was waiting for this situation to happen where Simon, (Jondan) Salvador, (Brandon) Cablay and (Chico) Lanete taking over the game from James (Yap) and Kerby (Raymundo)," said a visibly pleased Ryan Gregorio, the Purefoods coach.

Gregorio has every reason to rejoice. His troops have been playing so well each game and look every inch the like the champions of this tournament two season ago.

"I am so proud with the way my team has improved in terms of character and their desire. But I always caution them that what we have achieve this early doesn't mean anything so we have to stay focused,” Gregorio said.

Simon, a quick, pesky guard with a great shooting touch, tallied 22 points on an 8-of-13 shooting and was 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

Roger Yap contributed 15 points and five assists, James Yap had 14 and Raymundo added 13 for the Giants, who are in their best start in any conference in more than a decade and a half. Laneta, a rookie who was netted by Gregorio in the free agency market, had nine points and was unselfish with six assists as Purefoods enjoyed a 21-14 edge in that department.

"Air21 did a good job defending James (Yap) and myself. They really made us struggle for our shots. But it's nice to have a second unit that's always ready pick up the slack. Their ability to contribute enabled James and me to rest and come out fresh in the fourth quarter," said Raymundo, the team's skipper.

Simon, who came off the bench with three minutes left in the opening quarter, immediately made an impact by knocking successive 3-pointers then scored on a fastbreak lay-up before Lanete hit another trey as the Giants closed the period with an 11-0 run to storm ahead, 24-17.

The Express, who picked up their second straight loss – their first time to lose back-to-back games in the conference -- and third overall in six games, tried to stay in the game and managed to pull even at 44-44 on two free throws by Arwind Santos with 10:25 left in the third quarter.

But the Express were not able to sustain it.

Which the Giants capitalized. Marc Pingris, James Yap, Roger Yap, Rommel Adducul and Raymundo conspired in an 18-5 blast to stretch the lead to 62-59 on four straight free throws by Roger Yap and Adducul midway in the period.

Santos, who led all scorers with 25 points and had two shotblocks, tried to singlehandedly carry the fight for the Express by anchoring another charge that pulled the Air21 to within 61-64 on rookie JC Intal's jumper with 1:25 to go.

But Simon struck again, scoring seven straight points and Cablay added a layup to cap a 9-to-nothing run as the Giants all but sealed the victory, 73-61, two minutes into the fourth quarter.

Intal contributed 17 points, Nino Canaleta added 11 and Kramer grabbed 13 rebounds for the Express, who shot just 29 percent (25-of-86) from the field, the lowest in a game in at least the last four seasons.

The scores:

Purefoods 100 – Simon 22, Yap R. 15, Yap J. 14, Raymundo 13, Lanete 9, Adducul 8, Pingris 7, Salvador 5, Cablay 4, Sanz 2, Yee 1, Larong 0.

Air21 81 – Santos 25, Intal 17, Canaleta 11, Kramer 6, Se 6, Dimaunahan 5, Arboleda 5, de Ocampo 4, Sotto 2, Cruz 0, Baluyot 0, Chia 0.

Quarterscores: 24-17, 42-40, 68-61, 100-81

pba.ph

PUREFOODS STAKES CLEAN SLATE VS DANGEROUS TIGERS

Alaska takes on Magnolia with eye on 4th straight win
Thursday, 08 November 2007

Had Purefoods TJ Giants coach Ryan Gregorio proclaimed before the season started that his troops would open their campaign with a Five-and-Oh mark, chances are nobody would believe him.

So it's hard to imagine that the Giants have stayed perfect after five grueling battles and are on top of the heap in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup.

To begin with, the coaching staff did nothing special that would make the Giants invincible.

The only major decision Gregorio made during the offseason was to let go of guard Paul Artadi and acquire rookie Chico Lanete from the free agent market.

Gregorio signed two other rookie free agents – Ardy Larong and Robert Sanz – but it is Lanete who has been drawing raves because of his smart plays, fearless drives to the basket and the courage to make the big shot.

"He's a big catch. It's like we've selected the No.1 pick of the draft,” said Gregorio of Lanete, an X-factor in three of the Giants' five games.

Overall, Gregorio said his team's desire to compete and win is what makes the Giants successful so far. Of course, he also noted the inspiring performances of Kerby Raymundo and James Yap.

"I just hope we can keep playing good basketball," Gregorio said.

Coming off a four-day rest, the Giants put their unblemished record on the line when they face the troubled Coca-Cola Tigers at 7:20 p.m.Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Coca-Cola opened its season with an 85-76 victory over the Welcoat Dragons last Oct. 19, but the Tigers have lost their next three games – the last one a frustrating 91-102 setback to the Air21 Express last Saturday after blowing a 20-point bubble early in the contest.

Obviously, those disappointing losses make the Tigers very dangerous going into Friday night's encounter.

"Definitely we're not taking them for granted. My players know everybody wants a piece of us and that serves as their motivation," Gregorio said.

http://www.pba.ph/content/view/1851/59/
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Giants stake clean record vs Tigers

By Zean Macamay, Journal Online
November 9, 2007

Purefoods tries to extend its best start in franchise history to six games tonight when it clashes with Coca-Cola in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center.

The Giants hardly worked out a sweat in beating sister-team Ginebra in their last outing, and could pretty much do the same thing against a Tigers squad that has only one victory to show in four games.

The 27-point, 103-76 win over the Gin Kings last Nov. 4 actually was the 10th victory in a row by the Giants, counting the five-game sweep of the pre-season tournament.

Coach Ryan Gregorio says it's always good to be part of history, but admitted that, eventually, the winning run would be meaningless if they couldn't translate it to a championship.

"We're not even at the halfway point in the conference. So it's not really something the team should be jubilant about. It's too early, but we're going to do everything possible to win as many games as we can," said Gregorio.

As expected, James Yap was the man of the night for Purefoods against Ginebra, drilling in 27 points. But the extra contribution from Rommel Adducul, who had 16 points and eight rebounds, was the thing that really impressed Gregorio.

"Many people always give credit to James and Kerby (Raymundo)," said Gregorio. "But I think they do not realize the importance of a Rommel Adducul. He's very tough on defense."

Indeed, the entry of Adducul and the return of Marc Pingris from injury appear to be the key why the Giants are still undefeated this far in the season-opening conference.

They're demons on defense -- intimidating and tough -- which is the one thing the Tigers are likely to have a hard time dealing with.

After winning its opening game against Welcoat (85-76), Coca-Cola has lost three straight games, the last one against Air21, 91-102.

The Tigers were up 30-15 after the first quarter in that game, but couldn't sustain their hot start and, in a wink of an eye, saw themselves trailing at the half by nine, 43-52.

Purefoods' sister team, Magnolia, meantime attempts to bounce back from a loss when it tackles Alaska in the opener.

The Beverage Masters went down to the Phone Pals (94-100) the last time they played, but are still regarded as the light favorites against the Aces, who are eyeing to win their fourth straight game after a 0-2 start.

Alaska, the first team to formally question the rule changes on officiating, won their last two games by an average of 12 points. Coach Tim Cone, however, wasn't happy at all at the way their victory was pulled off against Welcoat.

The Aces only scored eight points in the fourth quarter, and 10 in the last 14 minutes. Fortunately, the Dragons were much worse, groping for offensive form.

The winner of the Magnolia-Alaska game will join Talk 'N Text at second spot with a 4-2 slate.

The Phone Pals defeated Red Bull the other night, 115-111 in overtime, with Jimmy Alapag ending up as hero after a putback that gave TNT a 113-109 lead with 22 seconds left in extra period
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Thriving on new rules, Giants eye sixth win
Friday, November 9, 2007

With its perfect 5-0 record, it seems that Purefoods is the only one capable of adjusting to the new rules being used in the PBA Smart Philippine Cup.

“We just have to roll with the punches and ride with the waves,” said Purefoods head coach Ryan Gregorio as he heads to today’s encounter with Coca-Cola at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The game is set at 7:20 p.m., and just looking at the team standings would put Purefoods on the side of the favorite as it shoots for its sixth win. The other game between Magnolia and Alaska Milk is scheduled at 4:35 p.m.

Gregorio said the new rules, patterned after the ones being used in international competitions, are part of the challenge in the tournament where the defending champion, Ginebra, is rock-bottom.

“What’s important is that the referees are adjusting and my players are also adjusting. The most important thing is action and reaction. We are reacting positively to the officiating,” he said.

But some of the coaches, if not most, are on the opposite page, saying the new rules have led to too much pushing and shoving and it’s now hard to distinguish between a foul and a non-foul. “I think the sentiments boil down to one thing: they are really asking for a more consistent implementation of the existing rules,” observed Atty. Chito Salud, consultant to PBA officer-in-charge Sonny Barrios.

Purefoods is enjoying its best start in franchise history, and a 27-point victory over Ginebra last Sunday at the Astrodome pushed the team past its previous best – a 4-0 start in 1991. – Abac Cordero

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Sports&p=49&type=2&sec=30&aid=20071108147

Purefoods casts giant shadow

By Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin
November 7, 2007

On paper during the pre-season, the Purefoods Giants would have failed a litmus test if taken along with powerhouse teams like Magnolia and Talk 'N Text.

But five games through the 2007 PBA-Smart Philippine Cup, the Giants have stomped over every conceivable obstacle that stood on their path, passing one acid test after another in making a franchise first since joining the league 19 years ago.

"I'm happy to be part of this team's best start," said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio on the Giants' pristine 5-0 mark.

Purefoods' fifth win this conference came at the expense of defending champion Barangay Ginebra, 103-76 -- its most impressive so far.

Bucking rule changes patterned after international competition, the Giants have displayed character and chemistry as a team, making the necessary adjustments faster than any other ball club to suit the physical demands of the new brand of basketball played.

Compared with both star-studded Magnolia and Talk 'N Text, Purefoods has only two legitimate superstars in 2006 MVP James Yap and national player Kerby Raymundo.

The 6-foot-3 Yap is leading the team in scoring with 23.8 points per game this conference, while the 6-foot-6 Raymundo is backing him up with 15.2 points and 11.6 rebounds.

"It's so nice to have players like James and Kerby who are so mature in their understanding of what it takes to win," said Gregorio.

The Giants coach was mindful not to lavish less praise on the other key men on his team.

"We've had great help coming from our support crew," he said.
Romel Adducul is playing solid with his 8.4 points average through five games as Purefoods' starting center.

Providing help off the bench are shooting guard Peter June Simon (11.2 ppg), power forward Mark Pingris (8.4 ppg and 9.6 rpg) and rookie playmaker Chico Lanete (8.2ppg).

While other teams, including off-season favorites Talk 'N Text and Magnolia, are slow coming together as a unit, that hasn't been a problem for Purefoods.
The Giants' season started with a 96-86 win over Sta. Lucia Realty last Oct. 17.

Then, as if sending a strong message to the rest of the field, they cut down the Phone Pals, 112-97, in Dumaguete City, and followed it up with a dramatic win over the Beverage Masters, 93-90.

Prior to their victory opposite Ginebra, Purefoods put the scare on Welcoat Paints before pulling off an 87-77 win on Halloween Night.

The Giants are averaging 98.2 points in five games, while their second stringers have combined for 40.8 points. Defensively, they have held opponents to 85.8 points.
But even with his team's immaculate record, Gregorio knows keeping the blemish out won't be easy.

"We have to move forward. As I've said, we're not yet in the first half of the elimination. Things are just starting to heat up for other teams so we have to stay sharp," Gregorio said.

The former University of the Philippines playmaker, who was only in high school when Purefoods joined the PBA in 1988, pointed to surging Red Bull (3-1) as the conference 'darkhorse' saying: "They continue to defy the odds." Another team to watch is Alaska, which like Red Bull has won its last three games. The Aces carry a 3-2 card, the same record of the Phone Pals and Beverage Masters.

The current state of the Kings, who dropped their previous four games, is no indication that things will be gloomy for them this conference, according to Gregorio, with two players -- Mark Caguioa (shoulder) and Eric Menk (calf muscle) - still recovering from injuries.

"It is very hard to win without Caguioa and Menk," said Gregorio. "I am sure Ginebra would start winning as soon as the two players start playing."
The second round meeting between the Giants and the Kings -- with their two stars back -- should be the ultimate test for both teams.

PUREFOODS CONTINUES TO SIZZLE, ROUTS GINEBRA FOR 5-0 SLATE

Simon explosion leads Giants to franchise’s best start
Sunday, 04 November 2007

The Purefoods TJ Giants certainly are not wanting in take charge guys.
Peter June Simon had an explosive first quarter and the unbeaten Giants came away with a 103-76 rout of the Barangay Ginebra Kings Sunday night before a sellout crowd at the Cuneta Astrodome.

It was practically a one-sided game. Whatever hopes the defending champion Kings had entertained, they quickly went up in smoke after Simon's first quarter scoring spree.

"It's nice to be a part of the franchise’s best start," offered Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio moments after the Giants rolled to their fifth consecutive victory.

"We're looking good. But we're not even halfway the first round of the conference. I just hope our hot start could translate into a championship," added the boyish-looking tactician.

Simon led all scorers with 27 points, including 15 in the first quarter that all but took away the fight from the Kings.

With the job all but done, James Yap and Kerby Raymundo – who carried the Giants on their broad shoulders the previous games – had the luxury of playing backup this time around.

James Yap scored 13 points and Raymundo tallied eight points and eight rebounds – the first time he didn't register double digits on both departments this conference.

Simon, a pesky, highly-energized guard, was like a man possessed in the opening quarter, connecting on 6-of-11 shots as Purefoods seized control and was never challenged the rest of the way. The 27-point margin is the biggest spread recorded so far this season.

Purefoods wrapped up the first quarter 25-19, then stretched the lead to 51-30 at halftime as the Kings couldn't get their rhythm going.

Ginebra shot a woeful 26 percent from the field and gave up 10 points on as many turnovers in the first half.

Tempers flared early in the fourth quarter when Purefoods' reserve guard Brandon Cablay and Ronald Tubid, Ginebra's energetic forward, nearly came to blows after the two got into contact.
Tubid scored 11 points and Rafi Reavis added 10 for the Kings, who continue to struggle in the absence of injured stars Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk.

"Their status remain day-to-day," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico when asked when the two will join the team.

It was the fourth loss in five games for the Kings, in the process joining the Welcoat Dragons in the cellar. (DBC)

Box Scores

PJ Simon 27, Romel Adducul 16, James Yap 13, Kerby Raymundo 8, Brandon Cablay 7, Chico Lanete 6, Jondan Salvador 5, Rob Sanz 5, Marc Pingris 4, Roger Yap 4, Ardy Larong 4, Richard Yee 4

Ginebra 76 — Tubid 11, Reavis 10, Holper 8, Artadi 8, Salvacion 8, Aquino 7, Helterbrand 7, Escalona 6, Macapagal 6, Mamaril 5, Lao 0.

Quarters: 25-19; 51-30; 77-53; 103-76
Purefoods 25 26 26 26 – 103
Ginebra 19 11 23 23 – 76

Giants keep clean slate, rip Dragons

James Yap, Raymundo lead Giants in powering way over Dragons
Friday, 02 November 2007

The Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants were pushed to the limit by the well-improved Welcoat Dragons but still got away with the ‘W’ to keep their record perfect in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

In securing their fourth consecutive victory – their best conference start in more than at least a decade and a half – the Giants needed to work hard for every basket, scramble for every loose ball and relied on a great display of poise and experience down the stretch, to also keep their mastery over Welcoat which has not beaten Purefoods in five games since entering the league last season.

And once again their two superstars – James Yap and Kerby Raymundo – stood out above the rest, knocking crucial shots in the face of Welcoat's persistent comebacks.

"It always nice to have players like James and Kerby, who are so mature and know how to win," said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, visibly relishing their latest success.

"We haven't had a 4-0 start in long while. But I keep telling my players the success we're enjoying at the moment doesn't mean anything. So we have to just keep working and stay focused," he added.

“Four wins at the start of a conference doesn’t translate to a championship. Its winning four games in the Finals that wins championships,” Gregorio also said.

James Yap tallied 28 points on a 9-of-22 shooting from the field and Raymundo chalked up his fourth consecutive double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds as the duo more than made up for the absence of veteran guard Roger Yap, who is serving a one-game suspension for his ejection in their previous game against Magnolia.

The Dragons stayed with the Giants until early in the fourth with top rookie pick Joe Devance tying the count for the seventh and last time at 68-all with a split free throw with seven minutes remaining.

But James Yap, who scored 18 points in the fourth, knocked a 3-pointer and completed a three-point play after a turnover by Welcoat before Raymundo scored four straight points as Purefoods all but took the game away, 78-71, with 3:14 left.

"It's always tough to play Welcoat. This team never gives up. I'm just glad the boys managed to keep their poise,” Gregorio said.

Purefoods' other big men – Romel Adducul and Marc Pingris – also did an excellent job defensively. Adducul held Jay-R Reyes to 14 hard-earned points on a 4-of-12 shooting from the floor while Pingris made life miserable for Devance, who led the Dragons with 17 points on a 6-of-18 stint from the field.

The loss was the third for Welcoat in four starts.

The Dragons, who showed vast improvement this conference with the arrival of Devance and veteran Nic Belasco, kept the game close but their inexperience showed in the end.

Belasco, Welcoat’s leading scorer and the league’s leading rebounder, was held to just seven points, on a 2-for-11 shooting but had a conference-high 20 rebounds.

The scores:

Purefoods 87 – Yap J. 28, Raymundo 23, Adducul 9, Lanete 7, Simon 7, Salvador 6, Pingris 3, Cablay 2, Yee 2, Sanz 0, Larong 0.

Welcoat 77 – Devance 17, Reyes 14, Wainwright 13, Arana 8, Belasco 7, Gelig 6, Lopez 6, Dulay 4, Ibanes 2, Baguion 0, Sta. Maria 0.

Quarterscores: 19-20, 32-32, 58-56, 87-77.

PUREFOODS CONTINUES MASTERY OF WELCOAT

KING JAMES STANDS TALLEST AT START OF RP CUP

Player of the Week October 14 to 21

THERE may be rules changes that have affected the teams’ plays in the ongoing Smart PBA Philippine Cup, but there’s one constant thing: Those who are quick to adjust will surely stand out.

Like 2005-06 Philippine Cup titlist Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, which has charged to a pristine 2-0 win-loss record for a share of the early lead with Magnolia, and former MVP James Yap, who was adjudged the season’s first Smart-Accel Player of the Week for the period Oct. 14-21 by the PBA Press Corps.

Yap averaged 26.5 points in Purefoods’ 96-89 and 112-97 victories over Sta. Lucia Realty and Talk ‘N Text, respectively, earning for him the scribes’ nod over the likes of Magnolia’s Danny Seigle and Alaska’s Willie Miller.

Seigle averaged 23.0 points for the Beverage Masters while Miller, the reigning MVP, led all scorers with a 34.0 clip, but the Aces are among the early tailenders with a 0-2 start.

No such bind for Purefoods and mainly because of Yap, who seemed to be picking up from where he left off after ending the 2006-07 season with back-to-back 40-point games against Welcoat and Coca-Cola.

Yap also had to overcome a brief period of adjustment to the new rules being implemented this season that allow for more physicality in the games.

Truth be told, the usually placid 2006 MVP almost blew his top after being engaged by Realtor Norman Gonzales in a physical and mental war in their league debut last Wednesday.

“Ang lagi kasi niyang sinasabi, babanatan niya raw ako. Sabi ko naman, ‘E, di banatan mo,’” related Yap. "First time kong napikon sa laro. Pero sino ang hindi, kung babanatan ka?

“Ang dami ko ngang tama. Buti na lang naka-padding ako,” he added, lifting a hem of his shorts to reveal his protected groin area.

It was to be expected he would be the focus of such games.

Yap already had 17 of his total 29 points in the opening quarter, the most by any player in a period since Red Bull’s Mike Hrabak had the same output in the first quarter of a111-112 loss to TNT in Game Five of their Fiesta Conference semifinals last June 29.

Against the Phone Pals in Dumaguete last Saturday, Yap finished with 24 points, highlighted by a three-pointer and a lay-up that sparked a decisive third-quarter romp that had Purefoods breaking away from a 53-all standoff.

get that ball!