SLR

This Site Is Going Offline For Now

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 03:21:00 +0000

This blog and site is temporarily unavailable for use. This is due to several reasons, including the decision of the Sta. Lucia Realty to leave the PBA and the limited invovement of the company in other sports-related activities.

There are also some maintenance to be done on the page, technical issues, and topic overload in other blogs managed by the owner. However, we wil try to keep the site back online later with a new format and topic.

Thank you for the support you gave all these years.

SLR 92, Racal 99

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 01:35:00 +0000

Racal-Kama Motors spoiled the return of Sta. Lucia Realty to the basketball scene by rallying from 18 points to win in overtime, 99-92, at the start of the Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League Founders’ Cup at the Pasig Sports Center last 11 October.

Outscoring the Realtors, 28-14, in the fourth quarter, torrid-shooting Racal, which trailed, 47-29, at the half, then handed the ball to Jessie Saitanan, who drained 3-pointers to kick off and cap the extra period. Racal drained 10 of 28 triples while Sta. Lucia, who bowed out from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) a few years ago, went 10 of 28 beyond the arc.

Roider Cabrera led Racal with 25 points, including five three-pointers, with 9 rebounds while ex-pro Rudy Lingganay added 23 on 11 of 12 free throw shooting and 9 assists. Mark Montuano was Racal’s third 20-point-plus scorer with 21 points.

The lone missed free throw by Lingganay, who had stints with Pop Cola, Globalport, Kia and NLEX, could have averted overtime. But as it turned out, Racal, behind by 14 at the start of the fourth quarter, still had enough firepower left to deny the two-time PBA champions and PCBL founding chairman Buddy Encarnado.

“We were able to address our problems in the first half during the break,” said Racal coach Jing Ruiz, a former Letran Knight and ex-Shell player in the pros. “Sta. Lucia is a strong team. Siguro ang lamang lang namin e mas experienced ang mga players naming kaya alam nila kung ano ang gagawin kahit nakalaman ng una yung kalaban.”

Ruiz, who played several conferences with the Otto Shoes team managed by Encarnado in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League, one of the tournaments the PCBL is patterned after, showed his respect for his former benefactor by walking over to greet the Sta. Lucia team official after the customary coaches handshake after the game.

“Malaking bagay ‘tong tournament na nagawa nina boss Buddy, especially para sa mga ex-PBA players kasi bata pa naman siya para mag-retire e. Kailangan nila ang mga ganitong liga para makabalik uli sa PBA kung sakali,” Ruiz said.

Jhaps Bautista led SLR with 21 points.

2015 Philippine Cup Roster

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 01:33:00 +0000

This is the first time we hear of this squad since it left the PBA in 2010. The “new-look” Realtors will be mentored by GlobalPort Batang Pier Team Manager Bonnie Tan, who had a measure of success as the head coach of the now defunct Bread Story franchise in last year’s PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.

Former pro Joseph “Ogie” Gumatay joins Tan on the sidelines, but has also decided to suit up as a player making him the only playing assistant coach in the league.

Among Sta. Lucia’s key players are point guards Ivan Camasura of Jose Rizal University (JRU) who also saw action for the AMA Titans in the D-League and Taylor Wetherell—the younger brother of GlobalPort draft pick Ryan. Wetherell first saw action in the country playing for the Laguna BUSA Warriors in the FBA alongside his “kuya” and gave a good account of himself for his speed and tenacity—not to mention his deft touch from the perimeter.

Veteran bigs Raymond Ilagan (Tanduay) and Mark Sarangay (Cebuana Lhuillier) add a bruising dimension to the rebuilding Realtors.

STA. LUCIA REALTORS

Head Coach: Bonnie Garcia/ Dick Clemente

Playing Asst. Coach: Ogie Gumatay

Players:

Cedrick Ablaza
Jett Vidal
Jun Gabriel
Ivan Camasura
Wowie Escosio
Raymond Ilagan
James Castañarez
Jonathan Banal
Sidney Omyubere
Mark Sarangay
Taylor Wetherell
Mark Montilla
Jhapz Bautista
Joseph Gumatay

PCBL Has New Tasked from SBA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 20:07:00 +0000

By Rey Joble InterAksyon.com, 8 October 2015

The newly-formed amateur commercial league Pilipino Commercial Basketball League (PCBL), headed by chairman Buddy Encarnado, was launched on 7 October night and already it is set to play a major role in Philippine basketball.

Encarnado, the longtime representative of the now-defunct PBA franchise Sta. Lucia to the PBA Board of Governors, revealed that he has been given a seat as a director in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and that the amateur league has been tasked with the duties of forming the national teams that will compete on the Southeast Asian level – the SEABA Championship and SEA Games.

He added the assignment comes from SBP president Manuel V. Pangilinan himself.

“Coming from no less than MVP and Chot (Reyes), without even setting foot on the court, the SEABA and the Southeast Asian Games were already given to PCBL,” Encarnado told a small group of sportswriters.

“That’s how much trust they have in the program that we have presented. It’s now a challenge to the players of PCBL as I have made the orientation. Let us now accept the challenge. We want to be recognized and we’ve been recognized. Now it’s time for us to show the recognition given to us by SBP.”

For the past several years, the Southeast Asian-level tournaments were the responsibility of the Gilas cadet program, with the country’s top young prospects like Kiefer Ravena, Bobby Ray Parks and Troy Rosario having the chance to represent the nation in the regional tilts.

But with uncertainty regarding the formation of the national teams due to the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) unveiling of a new competition format that could conflict directly with the schedules of several professional domestic leagues, including the PBA, the assignment of the SEABA and SEA Games tournaments – some of which are qualifying tournaments for the Asian level – to the PCBL could be the first step in a restructuring of the national program.

“We have pledged, all the members of the PCBL, we will do our share to help out the national team by taking care of SEABA and small leagues, we will now be able to let them concentrate on the primary objective and that is those tournaments leading to the Olympics and World basketball,” added Encarnado.

The PCBL is envisioned to be a throwback to the amateur leagues of old, like the MICAA and the PABL, where players from all over the country will have the opportunity to showcase their skills.

Among the teams participating in the league are Encarnado’s Sta. Lucia Realty, Foton from Pampanga, Cagayan Rising Suns, Jumbo Plastic, Kaima Tile Masters, Kama Motors, Supremolex, and Euromed.

For Encarnado, it feels good to be back after being away from basketball for the last five years – since the Sta. Lucia franchise was acquired by Meralco in 2010 after being part of the PBA for 17 years.

Being given a seat in the SBP board following the creation of the PCBL has put Encarnado, an experienced basketball executive, a chance to be back on spotlight.

“I have been invited by the SBP to sit in the board because one of the seats will be given to PCBL. (MVP) wants me to be the representative,” he added.

The Realtors Are Back in Basketball

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 23:43:00 +0000

There was a time that the Sta. Lucia Realtors were considered as one of the more competitive teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) that did not compromise its principles despite the temptations from companies that handle multiple teams in the league. Five years ago, the franchise was sold to the Meralco Bolts and never heard of again, until now.

Sta. Lucia Realty is back in basketball, not in the PBA, but with the Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League (PCBL).

Organizers of PCBL seeks to make the league the premier grassroots tournament in the country, reviving the vision of legendary amateur leagues like the old MICAA and the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

Former PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado of Sta. Lucia Realty bared that their group decided to form a stand-alone league that will showcase exciting games after seeing a huge surplus of players looking for an avenue to display their talent.

The PCBL already has eight committed teams in former PBA ballclub Sta Lucia Realtors, PBA D-League regulars EuroMed, Tanduay Rhum, KeraMix, Racal Motors, Jumbo Plastic and Cagayan Valley Rising Suns, as well as newcomer Foton.

Each team has also committed to play in the tournament for a longer period of time by putting in seed money for participation.

"We want to see an amateur league where same teams compete regularly, conference after conference," said Encarnado.

With its games set to be aired live on free television, the PCBL also hopes to stage some of their games in the provinces in order to bring the league closer to the fans.

Encarnado bared the league hopes to fill the void in amateur commercial basketball and intends to hold tournaments all year long.

"We are here to push for basketball continuity. May mga panahon kasi na walang laro and that's where we want to hold our games. At the same time, we want to co-exist with other leagues," said Encarnado, the league's founding chairman.

"We only want to satisfy the basketball appetite of our fans. We just want to rebuild commercial basketball, that's it. It's where we all (team members) started."

The Realtor's participation will mark the return to basketball of the giant realty firm, which has made its mark both in the amateur leagues and in the PBA under the stewardship of top honcho Exie Robles and Encarnado.

Sta. Lucia first got involved in basketball when it joined the PBL in the late 1980s. The Realtors finally made a jump to the professional ranks by purchasing Universal Robina Corporation’s PBA franchise in 1993.

As for Encarnado, his basketball roots date back to the days of ESQ Marketing - a team coached by Joe Lipa which pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the old PABL when it beat SMC-backed Lagerlite in a 1985 finals.

During its time, Sta. Lucia made news by signing Jun Limpot to the biggest contract in PBA history at that time in the 1990s. Still, the Realtors failed to win a title even after Limpot teamed up with Dennis Espino, but more than made up for that with the tandem of Espino and Marlou Aquino, including Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes, Joseph Yeo and Dennis Miranda.

Encarnado Could Be The Next PBA Commissioner

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 00:48:00 +0000

Buddy Encarnado, a Sta. Lucia Realtor for life, is expected to be a major contender when the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Board of Governors tries to identify who will be the viable replacement for Commissioner Chito Salud.

Salud announced a few days ago that he is stepping down from his post by the end of the season after serving as commissioner for five seasons. League chairman Patrick Gregorio said he expects names of possible successor to Salud to crop up during of their regular meetings.

It was not surprising that Encarnado was seriously considered given his track record. His basketball roots date back to the days of ESQ Marketing a team coached by Joe Lipa which pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the old Philippine Amateur Basketball League (PABL) when it beat San Miguel Corporation-backed Lagerlite in a 1985 finals.

During his time with the Sta. Lucia Realtors, the team made news by signing Jun Limpot to the biggest contract in PBA history at that time in the 1990s. Still, the Realtors failed to win a title even after Limpot teamed up with Dennis Espino.

The Realtors finally won its first PBA championship in the 2001 Governors’ Cup under Norman Black and won a second one in the 2007-2008 Philippine Cup under Boyet Fernandez.

During his stint with the Realtors, Encarnado pleaded to the board to increase the number of maximum allowable number of Fil-foreigners per team. He also concedes that the Fil-Ams raise the level of the sport.

"Probably, we have better players right now, with all the Fil-Ams, malalaki, magagaling, they can jump. But I’m telling you, between you and me, where is the fervor? Hindi kagaya noon, magtatalo tayo. ‘Hindi. Mas magaling si Jaworski. Magaling si Fernandez.’ Pero ngayon wala. Sino iyong magaling na Fil-Am? People don’t know and don’t care."

Encarnado also insists that the public needs a homegrown hero to rally behind. Manny Pacquiao is immensely popular because he is homegrown. Compare him with another boxer, Brian Viloria. Who is supported by the people?

"Let us develop our homegrown instead of us trying to take the shortcut of getting the best from others," said Encarnado. "Nand’yan lang ang mga players. But we have to exert the effort to discover the young talented, obscure Filipino players. Let's go out and find them and give them exposure in the PBA."

In 2008, Encarnado was given the Danny Floro Executive of the Year Award in recognition of his work wherein he spearheaded a master plan that pieced together the materials in their championship run on March of that same year.

He was also lauded by his fellow PBA officials for sacrificing a crack at a season sweep by sacking Realtor wayward import Lee Benson in a crucial game the team could not afford to lose in the Fiesta Conference quarterfinals.

Are the Realtors Back in Basketball?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 06:17:00 +0000

Way back in 2010, my favorite basketball team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) called it quits and decided to sell the franchise to the Meralco Bolts. However, recent reports indicate that the Sta. Lucia Realtors may be back to the basketball scene any time soon. They may not be part of Asia's oldest professional basketball league, but they may become part of the Countrywide Developmental Basketball League.

According to Spin.ph, they received information that said Sta. Lucia has filed an application for membership in the regional league spearheaded by former national coach Joe Lipa, although its bid has yet to be approved.

Another source said Sta. Lucia is already dead set on playing in the countrywide league as it has already hired former Laguna Lakers, Air21, and San Beda mentor Bonnie Garcia as the head coach of the Realtors.

The team, a source added, has also conducted tryouts under Garcia, who has already given up his role as assistant coach of Mapua in the NCAA.

Membership in Lipa’s league will mark the return to basketball of the giant realty firm, which has made its mark both in the amateur leagues and in the PBA under the stewardship of top honcho Exie Robles and former PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado.

Sta. Lucia first got involved in basketball when it joined the Philippine Basketball League in the late 1980s. The Realtors finally made a jump to the professional ranks by purchasing Universal Robina Corporation’s PBA franchise in 1993.

As for Encarnado, his basketball roots date back to the days of ESQ Marketing - a team ironically coached by Lipa which pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the old PABL when it beat SMC-backed Lagerlite in a 1985 finals.

The Realtors finally won its first PBA championship in the 2001 Governors’ Cup under Norman Black and won a second one in the 2007-2008 Philippine Cup under Boyet Fernandez.

Sta. Lucia, however, sold its PBA franchise to Meralco in 2010, ending the company’s ties with Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

Now, Sta. Lucia is eyeing a basketball comeback via the Countrywide Developmental Basketball League, which according to Lipa has already gained commitments from 12 teams.

Games of the regional league, which is eyeing a July opening, will reportedly be aired by ABS-CBN Sports with a few PBA D-League squads also joining the regional league.

Dennis Espino Back in Basketball

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 02:34:00 +0000

By Mei-Lin Lozada
Spin.ph, 27 October 2013

After a long and controversial absence, former PBA star Dennis Espino said he is happy to be back in a sport that made him a household name.

The top pick overall of the 1995 PBA rookie draft showed up at the D-League games on Thursday as one of the assistant coaches of expansion team Derulo Accelero, threee years since playing his last game in the pro league where he was among its biggest stars for close to two decades.

During that absence, the 6-5 former national team standout from Angeles City became a fugitive of the law and also spent time in jail for a serious illegal detention case filed by a former secretary in a piggery he put up in Mexico, Pampanga.

The 15-year veteran declined to talk about the case that led to his disappearance from the cage scene, but said he was happy to be once again involved in a sport where he first made a name as the star of the multi-titled University of Santo Tomas teams in the nineties.

"Syempre unang-una nakaka-miss dahil ang tagal rin tayong andiyan naglalaro since UST days natin tapos PBA so nakaka-miss," Espino shared to Spin.ph.

Espino said initially he was glad to get out of the game after ending a career that saw him win two PBA championships with Sta. Lucia Realty. He last saw action for the Coca-Cola franchise before he was traded to Talk 'N Text in 2011.

"Well noong una, hindi ko masyado hinananap kasi almost 17 years din tuluy-tuloy sa PBA tapos sa UAAP five years," said the 39-year-old. "Kaya noong una, hindi ko hinanap kasi pahinga rin."

But Espino said it didn't take long for him to miss the sport, the reason he immediately said yes when former Sta. Lucia teammate Paolo Mendoza asked him to be one of his assistants at Derulo.

"So noong nakapag-start na ulit, tinawagan ako ni coach Paolo Mendoza. Sabi niya, 'Dennis, tulungan mo ako rito,' kaya ngayon andito na naman tayo," he said.

Although the Oilers lost their debut game in the D-League, the former UAAP Most Valuable Player is positive the expansion team can do well in the developmental league with a little more polishing and seasoning.

"First game, medyo hindi pinalad hopefully itong team namin makapag-adjust kami para gumanda rin ang takbo," Espino said. "Medyo may lapses lang sa depensa pero overall, maganda naman. Rookie lang yung team pero maganda naman."

Espino, a member of Tim Cone's Centennial Team that won a bronze medal in the 1998 Asian Games, said he is looking to sharing his knowledge and experience with young players in his new career.

"Hopefully yung experience ko mai-share ko sa mga players ngayon," he said.

Duremdes to Coach Adamson Falcons

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 07:17:00 +0000

With the Adamson Falcons taking a new direction after Leo Austria announced his decision to vacate his post as the head coach of the Men's Senior Basketball team, former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) MVP and one-time King Falcon Kenneth Duremdes has taken on the challenge of leading the team.

Not only, the Durembdes will be assisted by two fellow PBA legends.

Newly inducted Adamson University Sports Hall of Famer Marlou Aquino will be sharpening the big man skills while his fellow Baranggay Ginebra teammate Vince Hizon will be the shooting and offensive skills coach.

The team is focused on rebuilding the program with numerous graduating seniors and a handful of very promising young athletes who will have much to learn from these basketball greats.

"It's a leap of faith but I think it's time to impart the things I've learned to the next generation of student-athletes", shared Hizon who was once the playing assistant coach for the IloIlo Megavoltz of the now defunct MBA.

"I've learned a lot from playing under many coaches like Coach Perry Ronquillo, Coach Chot Reyes, Coach Baby Dalupan, Coach Darryl Dawkins in the USBL, and of course Coach Jaworski who is my mentor to this day. I was trained under a US Nationally ranked high school program at Mater Dei in California, and later under Coach Don Johnson, the first All-American under the legendary John Wooden at UCLA."

Hizon also hopes that his vast experience will guide him through this new chapter of his basketball career.

Marlou Aquino Back in Business

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 22:40:00 +0000

If reports are to believed, a towering 6-foot-9 former Sta. Lucia Realtors will be hired soon as a deputy coach by the Adamson University.

Gilbert Cruz, team manager of the Falcons, disclosed to Spin.ph that the school has spoken to former PBA player and Adamson alumnus Marlou Aquino on possibly joining the team staff with a coaching change looming by next season.

Aquino was part of the last Adamson team that made the league finals in 1992 along with fellow giants EJ Feihl and Giovanni Pineda, together with Kenneth Duremdes.

The possibility of a coaching change for the San Marcelino-based school arose after current coach Leo Austria expressed his intention not to renew his contract with the Falcons next year.

Aquino’s possible hiring could be a big boost for the Falcons especially to their big men led by Cameroonian Ingrid Sewa, who has shown a lot of potential but remains a project player.

"He will be a big help for our big men," Cruz admitted.

Aquino was seen watching Adamson’s August 31 game against University of the Philippines.

Cruz has also bared that the school already has a shortlist of candidates for the head coaching job in the event Austria decides not to return next season.

On top of the list are Adamson icons Hector Calma and Duremdes, who is currently part of Austria’s coaching staff as an assistant.

Life After a Realtor

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:25:00 +0000

By Rey Joble
GMANews.TV, 20 July 2010

Buddy Encarnado, a Sta. Lucia Realtor for life, and champion coach Boyet Fernandez, are expected to play new roles after their team bade goodbye to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Fernandez gladly accepted the role as team consultant for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. He has already joined former PBA superstar Jerry Codiñera and head coach Aboy Castro as early as last week.

"Coach Aboy (Castro) has been asking me to join as early as last year, but I still have a commitment with Sta. Lucia. Now that I no longer have a team to coach in the PBA, it's a good opportunity for me. The environment is different in the collegiate league and it's fun. I'm here just to help out," said Fernandez, who guided Sta. Lucia to its last championship in the 2007-2008 Philipine Cup.

Fernandez was among the well-wishers during the get-together, and 60th birthday party of Sta. Lucia board governor Encarnado at the Acropolis Club House in Libis, Quezon City.

He was joined by past and present members of the squad which include former coach Alfrancis Chua, former Realtors Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes and ex-team captain Dennis Espino and other team officials, members, supporters and friends of Encarnado.

Also present were PBA officials headed by commissioner Sonny Barrios, incoming commissioner Chito Salud, acting board chairman Rene Pardo of B-Meg Derby Ace and board members Robert Non of Ginebra and Virgil Villavicencio of Talk 'N Text as well as PBA operations manager Rickie Santos and media burreau chief Willie Marcial.

Sta. Lucia's top honcho Exequiel Robles was there, too.

Williams and Reyes won their MVP and Rookie of the Year awards, respectively, while playing for the Realtors. They are now members of the Tropang Texters.

Espino played his first 15 seasons for Sta. Lucia before being traded to Coca-Cola early this season.

Fernandez, who started his amateur career with Sta. Lucia, thanked Encarnado for giving him the trust to run the Realtors' squad up to its final days in the PBA.

"I have high respect for Boss Buddy and I'm very thankful that he gave me the opportunity to coach the team. Sta. Lucia will always be a part of my life as I started my playing career with this team and had my only coaching career with this team as well," added Fernandez.

For Encarnado, basketball has been part of his life, and even without Sta. Lucia Realty, he will most likely serve the PBA in a different capacity.

Encarnado, a former PBA chairman, along with Robert Non and Pato Gregorio of Talk 'N Text, were delegated to lead the committee for the D-League.

Encarnado is expected to head the Developmental League, which will be formed through the merger of Liga Pilipinas and Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

The two leagues came up with a joint tournament – the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP), which is being done through a series of short-leg events in different parts of the country.

Soon, the merged leagues will fall under the PBA umbrella, to which a new league will be created – a PBA D-League -- patterned after the NBA D-League in the United States.

The creation of the D-League was pushed by former PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, who was recently appointed by President Noynoy Aquino as the new Bureau of Customs commissioner

Meralco's PBA entry needs board approval

Manila Electric Company (Meralco), a company with a rich basketball tradition, is now knocking on the PBA doors.

The company is reportedly taking over Sta. Lucia's franchise, but it will still need board approval, according to Pardo.

"We want to see how competitive the team (Meralco) it will field in and how long can it commit in participating in the PBA, that's why its entry needs board approval."

"People would want to see games played at a more competitive level and they want to see competitive teams. If we have competing teams with inferior line up and not winning games, it will definitely hurt the league's attendance," added Pardo.

Pending the official takeover, Meralco will inherit a squad that has Nelbert Omolon, Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, Josh Urbiztondo, Chris Ross, Gabby Espinas, Jason Misolas and former San Beda stalwarts Yousif Aljamal, Ogie Menor and Pong Escobal as members.

Once Meralco becomes the 10th member of the PBA, the league will also need to tackle whether the team will become a sister squad of Talk 'N Text or become an independent team.

Manny Pangilinan, the chief backer of the Tropang Texters, also owns a controlling stake in Meralco.

Last season, several PBA board members questioned whether Burger King, a brand carried by Air21 of the Lina Group of Companies, and Talk 'N Text were sister teams.

Burger King is a joint venture of the Lina Group, Lito Alvarez, Pangilinan, Ricky Vargas and Wilson Young of Basic Holdings Corporation.

The Lina Group was able to prove it has the majority share with Burger King, but Alvarez suggested that Burger King and Talk 'N Text won't trade players directly.

The trade ban was lifted after the Lina Group used its old name, Air21.

4th of July Final Call

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:23:00 +0000

Is it now safe to say that the Sta. Lucia Realtors played their farewell game last 4 July 2010? It was a losing cause from the opening tip with no fiery and explosive celebration of independence from a league dominated by skyrocketing salaries just to sell beer, gin, hotdogs, electronic load and milk. This is not to mention the unproven but very obvious violation of the league's salary cap. Instead it was a game of desperation highlighted by poor shooting night (26-for-86) or a conference-low of 30.2 percent.

Their opponents knew that this is the mindset of the Realtors that night and they struck hard. The Coca-Cola Tigers fired from all angles and over the lazy arms of the Realtors to stretch the lead to a commanding 75-57. The outcome became clear from that point on even if the Realtors tried to fight back to within seven points.

Everyone expected this. It was just a matter of time. It was surprising though that the league let this happen to a real estate company who stood with them since 1993. The green jersey doesn't have an once of fight left when the 2010 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Cup started and nobody doubts that it can't put up anything in the succeeding conference at the rate its stocks tumbled in the market.

So what is there left to do?

The public did not get any clear indication from either the SLR management or league officials of things to come. They were left reading between the lines and picking up rumors left and right regarding the fate of this once proud franchise.

But signs are filtering out. Former players are speaking up, although not intentionally. The team is stripping itself bare by shipping championship-caliber players in exchange for cash, financial cap and aging ballers. No major renovation work is being planned. No wrecking ball is flying their way to initiate the overhaul.

The signs point to one direction only. The Realtors are disbanding and are willing to entertain possible buyers.

There are no certified stars left on the team. And when you have Ali Peek as your local highest-scorer, then that means the final curtain is going down. If anybody thinks that the 6'9" aging behemoth Marlou Aquino can join Peek as the modern-day twin towers, then they deserve a dose of reality.

Sta. Lucia is on its way out. Sources have already identified one of its most ardent suitors, Meralco. The final buzzer hollered and the permanent retirement of a franchise is unmistakable inside the Big Dome on that fateful 4th of July.

SLR 84, Coke 100

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:32:00 +0000

Coca-Cola head coach Bo Perasol is still far from satisfied despite his team just coming off an impressive win that drew it closer to a coveted slot.

"The only way we could say we have improved as a team is when we are already in the quarterfinals," said Perasol following his team's 100-84 manhandling of Sta. Lucia Realty Sunday at the start of the PBA Fiesta Conference's knockout wildcard phase.

"Winning now is not something to celebrate," he added. "Getting to the quarterfinals is."

Based on the way his team played, that objective should be realized on Wednesday, when the Tigers collide with the winner of a similar knockout match between Rain or Shine and Air21 later Sunday evening.

Hurdling either the Elasto Painters or the Express is a difficult task, but Perasol also said it is very doable.

Gary David notched a personal season-high 32 points and John Williamson chipped in his ample share with 30 and 14 rebounds as Coke put up a big third quarter that broke the game wide open.

"We've got to give it to Gary. Even though he may be erratic at times, there’s still no questioning his desire," said Perasol of the off-guard who also had four rebounds, two assists and a steal to offset four turnovers.

Williamson, who passed by two points his previous PBA career high, also drew special mention from Perasol.

"He has gotten involved in our system," noted the tactician. "He may not be flashy, but he keeps on doing the little things, like rebounding, defending, attracting the double team and passing off to the right people."

The difference even got stretched to 75-57 and even though the Realtors fought back to within seven points, David and Williamson again led a final breakaway.

A poor shooting night, translated into a 26-for-86 field shooting or a conference-low 30.2 percent, hastened the Realtors’ finish to either eighth, depending on Air21’s windup, and exit.

Anthony Johnson, usually good for almost 30 points a game, epitomized SLR's sour touch by going 5-for-21 from the floor. He finished with 20 points but only by going 10-for-14 from the stripes. He also had 16 rebounds.

Yousif Aljamal, who suffered a sprain during practice earlier in the week, did not see action in the first half but more than made up for it in the second and wound up with 17 points.

Ali Peek was the lone other double digit scorer for SLR with 12, but he got totally outworked under the boards.

David and Williamson had plenty of help, with Mark Macapagal adding 13 points and Asi Taulava hauling down a game-high 18 rebounds to go with nine points.

Coke also withstood the early exit of starting point guard Marvin Cruz seemed well on his way to more than decent game with four points, five rebounds and two assists in 10 minutes before being taken out by a freak accident with only 1:38 left in the half.

He stepped on the foot of referee Bong Pascual during a hard weakside cut and suffered a sprained right foot in the process. (NC)

SLR 76, Coke 87

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 01:31:00 +0000

The Coca-Cola Tigers remained on the prowl.

The Tigers roared on, making it three in a row with John Williamson in tow to stay in the running for an outright quarterfinals berth.

Coke finished strong in the second quarter and sustained the heat in the final half for a pivotal 87-76 win over Sta. Lucia Realty in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on 25 June 2010.

Williamson and company stayed in equal footing with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 8-9, both having a chance at catching up with the Barangay Ginebra Kings (9-9)at fifth place at the close of the double-round elimination phase.

Coca-Cola and Rain or Shine clash in a virtual playoff match Sunday also at the Big Dome.

The winner forces a playoff with the Kings for the last automatic slot in the quarters while the loser settles for a spot in the wildcard plays.

“We’ve got a crack at an outright quarters slot on a three-game romp. It would be meaningless if we bungle our game Sunday,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

“Rain or Shine will surely be there fighting so it’s gonna be a battle. We’ll be there going for it,” Perasol added.

Coke’s “Big Four” of Williamson, Gary David, Asi Taulava and Dennis Espino all delivered huge numbers as the Tigers got the key win following an equally important victory by the Elasto Painters earlier in the day.

Victories by both Coca-Cola and Rain or Shine denied Ginebra outright entry into the quarters.

David put in a game-high 22 points with Williamson adding 20 points, Taulava 17 and Espino 16.

The Tigers had a so-so start but picked up their game towards the end of the first half and kept on going in the final 24 minutes of play.

Coca-Coca, which trailed by as many as 10 early on, took the half at 41-35 on a strong closing run capped by back-to-back baskets by Espino.

The Tigers stretched their lead to 14, 64-50, at the end of the third and did a good job holding on to the finish. (SB)

SLR 95, Aces 103

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:30:00 +0000

Alaska survived an early bombardment from Sta. Lucia Realty to come out a 103-95 victory last 20 June 2010 and keep alive its hopes of making it outright to the semifinals of the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces remained poised despite the Realtors' early surge to a 20-point lead, rallying behind Cyrus Baguio before having Diamon Simpson lead them home.

"We were shellshocked by the bombs they threw at us in the first quarter and a half," admitted Aces coach Tim Cone, whose wards were barraged by 11 three-pointers by the Realtors in the first half alone. "It was like shock and awe out there. We couldn't run for cover fast enough."

"But we told out players to keep playing beyond it, keep working, and hopefully some of their shots won't fall in."

Baguio sparkled in the second quarter, where he scattered 15 of his 23 points to bring the Aces back from 28-48 down to within 51-54 at halftime, before Simpson took over and eventually finished with a game-high 32 points on top of 10 rebounds.

"Parang ang nasa isip ko na lang gumawa ng paraan dahil malaki na ang lamang," said Baguio, who made all his three attempts in the second period.

"Nu'ng pumasok ang mga tres ko, parang nagkakumpiyansa na ituloy-tuloy na," he added.

The win was Alaska's 11th in 17 games, putting it just half a game behind B-Meg Derby Ace, idle with an 11-5 slate. The Aces can figure in a playoff for the outright semis berth should they win their last game against 12-5 San Miguel Beer and the Llamados drop one of their two remaining games.

Cone pointed out some of the scenarios happening are simply out of their hands and they could be content with their current automatic quarterfinals seat. “We can control how we play San Miguel, but we can’t control Derby Ace,” he said.

"We know it's not all in our control, so our goal is to get the best scene we can and go from there, whether it be at third or fourth."

Sta. Lucia dropped to a 5-12 card, its hopes of making the wildcard now hinging on winning its last game in the eliminations against Coca-Cola next week since both Air21 and Barako Energy Coffee, toting similar 3-13 records, can still catch the Realtors.

Anthony Johnson finished with a team-high 26 points an game-high 12 rebounds. But he had four of his six turnovers in the payoff period that helped fuel Alaska’s homeward surge.

The way SLR wound up its shooting from beyond the arc was vastly different from how it started the game and helped its downfall as it got beaten in both points in the paint (54-30), fastbreak points (25-8) and rebounds (48-39).

The Realtors made all but four of their first 15 triple tries before missing all but four of their last 13 attempts. (NC)

SLR 66, Derby Ace 73

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:30:00 +0000

After coming out short the last time versus Alaska Milk, B-MEG Derby Ace had little improvement, barely hanging on at the finish against Sta. Lucia.

The Llamados squeezed out a 73-66 win over the Realtors and thus regained a piece of third place in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome on 2 June 2010.

"It was an ugly win but still something positive in terms of the outcome. We couldn’t play that way up against tough teams," said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio after the game.

"Nuong bumaba ng sais, hindi na ako makahinga, Good thing, the guys made the shots when we needed it badly," Gregorio added. "I was telling the guys, we have to cut down on our errors and we have to make the free shots. True enough, we went under siege committing errors and missing free shots."

The Llamados eventually eased out the pressure as KG Canaleta and James Yap canned in three fouls shots making it 73-64 with 40 seconds left to play. Repeating their 86-79 win over the Realtors in their previous tiff, the Llamados climbed back to joint third with the Ginebra Kings at 8-5.

The Realtors suffered a fourth straight loss after the departure of Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes, and the team reeled further down the chart at 4-9. Derby Ace made it four-zero versus Sta. Lucia in the season. Gregorio, however, insisted he's far from satisfied with their performance.

"We can't just relax, be comfortable and just coast along. We're up against San Miguel next. We can’t survive playing this kind of basketball," said Gregorio.

The Realtors waged a fierce chase at crunch time, smelling blood as Derby Ace import Cliff Brown fouled out with over two minutes left to play. Sta. Lucia had come within six at 64-72 when Canaleta and Yap strung up three straight free throws to hold off the Realtors.

Yap knocked in three triples and finished with a team-high 21 points that went with one rebound, one assist and one block against one turnover. Paul Artadi, with 18 points, was the only other Llamado who wound up with a double-digit output in the low-scoring contest. Anthony Johnson led the losing team with 23 points and 14 rebounds. (SB)

SLR 84, SMB 91

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:29:00 +0000

San Miguel Beer recovered quickly from a loss the last time out, regaining solo lead in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference on a 91-84 drubbing of Sta. Lucia Realty at the Ormoc Astrodome on 29 May 2010.

Their nine-game streak halted by the Ginebra Kings last 26 May 2010, the Beermen got back on track right away with a repeat win over the Realtors.

The Beermen built a 79-65 lead on a 10-to-nothing opening run in the fourth quarter then fended off a late chase by the Realtors for an 11th win in 13 outings in the season-ending tourney.

Veteran playmaker Olsen Racela pumped in a key shot with 14 ticks left to play, settling the outcome of the game at 90-84.

Gabe Freeman piled up 22 points and nine rebounds while Jay Washington and Jonas Villanueva combined for 28 points for the Beermen who kept a clean slate versus the Realtors in their head-on games in the last three conferences.

San Miguel walloped Sta. Lucia 93-74, in their previous tiff in the reinforced tourney.

Suffering another three-game slump, the Realtors slid to joint seventh place with the Coca-Cola Tigers on their identical 4-8 win-loss cards.

Sta. Lucia lost its last three games by an average margin of 12.6 points after dealing Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes to Talk n Text.

The Realtors engaged the Beermen in a battle in the first three quarters before fading away in the payoff period.

Anthony Johnson had 30 points for the losing team in the Ormoc stop of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour.

The prolific Sta. Lucia import scattered 15 points in the first half before being held down to a single free throw in the first 18 minutes of the final half.

The Beermen had pulled away when Johnson regained his touch, making 14 points in the last six minutes of play.

Pong Escobal put in a career-high 14 points -- a big help as Sta. Lucia fought San Miguel tooth and nail early on.

Meanwhile, Yousif Aljamal, also a former Talk n Text player like Escobal, had clutch baskets fueling a minor siege by SLR in the payoff period.

San Miguel easily withstood the challenge thus completing another convincing triumph. (SB)

SLR 78, TNT 92

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 May 2010 01:28:00 +0000

Talk n Text just continued to show what it can do with a star-studded, talent-laden lineup.

The rampaging Tropang Texters pummeled the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the last three quarters, hacking out a 92-78 win that firmed up their hold of second place in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference elimination round at the Araneta Coliseum last 24 May 2010.

Three Texters came through with double-double jobs with two others contributing at least 12 points as TnT made it seven in a row – the last three since the arrival of Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes.

Williams got away with 19 points and 10 rebounds in his first game against his former team, with Jimmy Alapag and Shawn Daniels having their own double-double numbers as they led TnT to a ninth win in 11 games overall.

"After a great game against Derby Aces, what we guarded against was the proverbial deep in performance," said TnT coach Chot Reyes.

"Natural sa team yon after a good game, bumababa ang laro, and that’s our worry coming into this game. We did experience a fall at the start of the game. Good thing, our second team gave us tremendous boost," Reyes added.

Reyes made special mention of Williams, Jared Dillinger, Jason Castro and Ryan Reyes who played well coming off the bench.

No one played better than Williams who torched his former teammates with a 7-of-11 field-goal shooting and 5-of-6 clip from the stripe.

Reyes and Williams believe the team could only get better.

"It would come down to jelling. If we jell quickly and get a good flow, I think we’re capable of really making a run at the championship," said Williams.

"Hopefully, we've put together a team that can score and play some great defense. If we get that balance, we would be pretty tough to beat. But we’re still a work in progress," said Reyes.

With Williams, Dillinger and Reyes providing instant offense coming off the bench, the Texters pulled away in the second quarter and never looked back.

They made it two in a row over the Realtors in the elimination round, nailing the win that matched their seven-game romp in the same tournament six years ago.

So amazing were the Texters that they won their last seven games by a whopping average margin of 13.65 points.

They came off a 114-89 blasting of the B-MEG Derby Ace.

Anthony Johnson piled up 29 points and 14 rebounds in a losing cause.

Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, Pong Escobal and Yousif Aljamal all struggled in their first game versus their former team. (SB)

SLR 85, Ginebra 102

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:28:00 +0000

For once in quite a while, Barangay Ginebra displayed some of its old fire.

That, and the fact Sta. Lucia Realty was still trying to adjust playing without two of its most prized players, led to the Kings' 102-85 victory in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last 16 May 2010.

Mildon Ambres and Ronald Tubid led the Ginebra players who mostly provided the sustaining fire as the Kings not only started the second round of eliminations on a bright note but also broke the spell SLR has cast on it this season.

“At least we saw something positive in today's game. They (Kings) played more as a team today. They tried their very best and showed fire,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, whose team barely won two of its last three games, struggling in both.

Things were drastically different Sunday night as the Kings dominated from start to finish, even leading by 23 points twice, en route to improving their win-loss record to 6-4.

Uichico, however, quickly pointed out SLR is still trying to adjust from the trade sealed last 12 May 2010 that saw Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes being shipped to Talk ' Text.

The absence of the two, who combined to average 32.0 points, 21.3 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.0 blocks in three previous wins against Ginebra this season, was clearly a factor and tempered Ginebra's jubilation.

"It's hard to make this a judgment day, kasi nawalan ng players ang Sta. Lucia. Those two are the core of their team," Uichico pointed out.

Yet Uichico is also aware his team may have gained some momentum.

"We have tough games coming up, against Alaska and San Miguel Beer, so kailangan we should build on this win, keep on improving," he said.

Adjustment is also the operating word for the Realtors, who dropped to a 4-6 slate.

"We have so many things to adjust," said SLR coach Boyet Fernandez, whose team drew a game-high 31 points and nine rebounds from Anthony Johnson but got outrebounded 40-53.

"We've got a lot to learn in our defensive rotation," he added. "Hindi pa nag-click sa rotation, at kailangan pa ang konting adjustment, execution-wise sa mga bagong dating."

Marlou Aquino's grandfather also passed away in Pangasinan recently, preventing him from joining practice for two days. But there were some bright notes, like Yousif Aljamal draining four triples for 12 points and Ali Peek hauling down seven rebounds.

But those are overshadowed by the fact that Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk each had at least 12 points, while Rudy Hatfield added on to anchoring the defense on Johnson by snaring 10 rebounds for Barangay Ginebra.

The Kings also shot 50 percent from the floor, the percentage pulled down a bit by its 11-for-24 clip from beyond the arc.

Tubid going a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point land and Ambres and Helterbrand adding three triples each helped Barangay Ginebra pull away, although it was Caguioa's fastbreak layup that made it a 93-70 count, 4:29 left.

That proved enough to put a stamp on Barangay Ginebra's total domination of the second half and quash whatever drive the Realtors may still have had.

It was a different story in the first two quarters.

With Tubid scoring eight straight points during a 13-4 run to start the second period, the Kings seemed well on their way to a runaway win.

Those thoughts quickly vanished when Aljamal came in to drain three triples and, with help from Johnson and Gabby Espinas (13 points), led SLR in whittling the deficit to just 37-48.

It took another trey by Tubid before Barangay Ginebra had a 51-37 halftime lead it sustained to 77-63 going into the fourth period, mainly due to Ambres' 14 third quarter points. (NC)

Lamest Reason to Close a Lopsided Trade

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 May 2010 05:22:00 +0000

The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters reportedly acquired former MVP, Kelly Williams, former rookie of the year, Ryan Reyes, and Charles Waters from the Sta. Lucia Realtors. The Realtors in turn got the services of aging Ali Peek and Nic Belasco, Pong Escobal all from the Texters as well as Yousif Aljamal and Ogie Menor from the Barako Bull.

The trade ended weeks of speculation and completed a nine-player, three-team trade deal, which is considered the biggest this season. Aside from Mark Isip, the Energy Coffee Masters also received a future pick. Charles Waters was also transferred from SLR to TNT.

Williams and Reyes, both played for the PBA-backed national team to the FIBA Asia Championship in separate occasions, were rumored to be going to the Tropang Texters as a diverting route to the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas developmental squad.

After trading all important members of its 2008 All-Filipino squad, the Realtors latest move is not at all surprising. In a season to forget up to this point they have decided it is time to blow things up and maximize their two most tradable assets. Williams is having a career year, but because he is receiving the maximum salary, the team does not feel confident in their ability pay him regularly.

That's when the Tropang Texters, who have never had any trouble paying anyone, became the most attractive trading partner. The Manny Pangilinan-owned team were willing to send them under-performing, slightly expensive and definitely aging Peek and Belasco. They did not even loose any of their starting five players in securing the services of one of the most sought-after duo. But in this deal the Realtors get players that they could decide to hold onto for another year or until they decide to sell their franchise.

This deal has to rank up there in the PBA record books as one of the best that the Tropang Texters have ever pulled off and the most stupid if not lopsided that the Realtors agreed to. The benefits the Tropang Texters receive in this deal are clear. The benefits for the Realtors .... nothing.

One thing clearly emerged from this trade though. All Realtors fans are not dumb enough to believe Manager Buddy Encarnado's reason that they are doing this "because of a higher calling and that is to represent the national team." Maybe they can also put this in the record books as one of the lamest reasons for trading potential franchise players.

SLR 91, Aces 87

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 May 2010 01:27:00 +0000

Sta. Lucia outfought Alaska Milk in the crunch on 13 May 2010, hacking out a 91-87 win in what could well be Kelly Williams’ last game as a Realtor.

SLR and Talk n Text top officials were to finalize their trade deal involving Williams after the game.

"There's some issue about Kelly. It's for management to talk about it. What I can say is that I can't picture my team without my MVP (Williams)," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez on the impending trade.

Anthony Johnson went 6-of-6 from the stripe in the final minute as Sta. Lucia beat out Alaska in a fierce battle to close out with a 4-5 win-loss card in the initial round of the PBA Fiesta Conference elimination phase.

Johnson finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals while Williams wound up with 15 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists in what could well be his farewell outing as a Realtor.

Talk n Text is after Williams who the Smart-PLDT franchise intends to loan to the Smart Gilas RP team in at least three major international competitions.

Williams is likely to be already with the Tropang Texters as they clash with the Coca-Cola Tigers Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

"It's for management to confirm or deny it but I really can't visualize my team without Kelly. I came in this team with Kelly already there. I was an assistant coach when we picked him as the top draft pick (in 2006)," said Fernandez.

Ryan Reyes and Nelbert Omolon contributed double-digit outputs as the Realtors made it five in a row over the Aces in their head-on duels in the import-laden tourney.

The Aces appeared headed for a win when they ignited a bristling 16-6 run to surge ahead at 87-83 with 1:59 left to play.

The Realtors, however, didn't give up, coming up with a decisive endgame run to salvage the game.

Sta. Lucia dealt Alaska a fourth loss against the same number of wins.

Cyrus Baguio put in 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, keying the run that had Alaska racing ahead entering the final stretch.

LA Tenorio had his sterling exploits before missing crucial shots at endgame that hastened their downfall. (SB)

SLR 74, SMB 93

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 May 2010 01:25:00 +0000

With Kelly Williams bound to move over to Talk n Text in the next few days, the Sta. Lucia Realtors were aching to beat the San Miguel Beermen on 7 May 2010.

The Beermen, however, had another thing in mind. San Miguel stretched its hot streak to seven games, assuring itself of a slot in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference playoff phase with a 93-74 whipping of Sta. Lucia at the Araneta Coliseum.

Arwind Santos and Gabe Freeman both churned out double-double numbers as the Beermen bucked the absence of the injury-stricken Jay Washington in keeping their domination of Williams and his Sta. Lucia teammates.

"Ang idea lang namin was not to take Sta. Lucia for granted. We know that they're a very aggressive team. Blue-collar worker yan. Patay ka kapag minaliit mo sila," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"The guys kept that in mind. Arwind Santos typified the effort the team put in as he did a good job on both ends of the court. Dumepensa na kay Anthony Johnson, nag-deliver pa sa opensa," Tanquingcen added.

Santos came through with 18 points and 15 rebounds, outclassing Williams in what's probably one of his last few games as a Realtor. Top officials of both Sta. Lucia and Talk n Text admit they're close to coming to terms regarding Williams' transfer to the Smart-PLDT franchise.

At halftime, Williams said: "Wherever I end up with, I'll to do what I have to do – give my best in each game."

Williams struggled with a 6-of-24 field-goal shooting for 14 points that went with 12 rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block in 44 minutes of action. The entire Sta. Lucia team shot only 31.9 percent from the field as the Realtors suffered a fifth straight loss to the Beermen dating back to last season.

San Miguel guaranteed itself of a spot in the post-elims play as it closed out with an 8-1 win-loss record in the first round of the preliminary phase. Sta. Lucia suffered a fifth loss against three wins.

"We finished on top in the first round but pero mukhang mahihirapan na kami sa second round. Nagsisimula ng mag-pick up ng rhythm ang mga kalaban," said Tanquingcen.

San Miguel opened a 17-point spread, 59-42, in the third quarter but Sta. Lucia came back to life on a 16-6 run. Both teams struggled at the start with the Realtors taking a 16-15 edge in the opening period before the Beermen seized control and surged ahead, 41-35, at halftime. (SB)

What The Heck Were They Thinking?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 May 2010 05:21:00 +0000

It all started as a rumor. Later on the team's very own manager confirmed that they are willing to part with their marquee player given the right price. Now that nightmare seems to have become a reality for the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

Just two days after General Manager Buddy Encarnado announced that the company is not turning its back from the national team and are willing to loan Kelly Williams to the Smart-Gilas national developmental team, a report was unofficially released that the offer was taken by Talk N Text Tropang Texters and a trade was consummated.

The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) was sent to the Texters in exchange for Jared Dillinger. Williams, in turn, will not be allowed to play in the PBA until the time he has already fulfilled his commitment with the national developmental team coached by Rajko Toroman.

This is like the case of 2009 top draft pick 6'9" Japeth Aguilar, who was selected first by the Burger King Whoopers, but was later traded to the Texters after playing only one game. An arrangement was made where Aguilar can only play with the Tropang Texters after the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship and, if ever the Philippines qualified to the 2012 London Olympics, he will only play after the Olympics.

Inside sources reported that Williams was informed about the management's decision only after he had reported for practice at 5:00 in the afternoon yesterday (4 May 2010). He left the gym with a heavy heart because, after spending three years with the Realtors and leading them to their first ever All-Filipino title in 2008, they did not inform him that they are trying to shop him around. Since he was chosen by the Realtors as the top pick in 2007, Williams led the team in both scoring and rebounding and is averaging double-double in both categories.

With the departure of Williams, sports critics say that the Realtors are unloading player after player to ease their financial problems. This has also fueled rumors that the management is indeed contemplating selling their franchise.

It can be recalled that the major players who were responsible for that All-Filipino title run were already released by the Realtors. First to go was point-guard Dennis Miranda, followed by team captain Dennis Espino and Norman Gonzalez. Before the start of the import-laden conference, the Realtors traded high-flying Joseph Yeo to San Miguel Beermen for a virtually untested Bonbon Custodio.

SLR 108, Coke 94

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 May 2010 01:25:00 +0000

Marlou Aquino had an unusually impressive game. If he could keep it up, Sta. Lucia Realty coach Boyet Fernandez claims the Realtors will be in good shape.

Aquino had a 20-point game for the first time in nearly three years last 1 May 2010, helping the Realtors get past the Coca-Cola Tigers, 108-94, in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.

"Give it to the big fellow. I guess he was challenged playing against Asi (Taulava) and Cap (Dennis Espino). If he plays that way consistently we’ll be tough to beat," Fernandez said.

Aquino, the 14-year league veteran who also had three assists and one shot block, has not had a 20-point game since scoring 22 points against Red Bull in Game 2 of their 2006-07 Philippine Cup quarterfinal series.

After turning in a season-high 43 points the previous game, import Anthony Johnson had another big night with 29 points and 17 rebounds as the Realtors won two in a row for the first time in the conference.

"Everybody stepped up tonight. But I guess the key was that the players finally realized that we're not as strong as we were a season ago and that we don't stand a chance to win if we don't play defense," Fernandez said.

The Tigers stayed within striking distance off the Realtors for in the first half but their attempt to seize control in the second half fizzled as import James Penny picked up his fifth foul early in the third quarter and had to sit for most part of the second half.

Sta. Lucia shot 44 percent, going 10 of 27 from the 3-point range while recording a season-high 31 assists. The Realtors also capitalized on the Tigers’ 24 turnovers that netted them 29 points.

Ryan Reyes scored 15 points and had eight assists while Kelly Williams added 14 and nine rebounds for the Realtors, who improved to 3-4 (win-loss) record.

Gary David poured in 26 points, Chico Lanete had 16 and seven assists and Penny managed just 15 points – his lowest this conference – on a 6-of-11 shooting from the field as Coca-Cola (4-4) lost its third in a row and fourth in its last five games. (DBC)

SLR 106, Air21 98

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:24:00 +0000

Sta. Lucia Realty was about to do another collapse, but Anthony Johnson would not let it.

With Johnson scoring a season-high and career-high-tying 43 points the Realtors managed to fashion a 106-98 overtime victory over the feisty Air21 Express on 18 April 2010 in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was a stirring win for Sta. Lucia, which went into the game reeling from three straight losses and seemingly on the verge of another after squandering as much as a 60-36 second-half lead.

Johnson took over as he practically single-handedly picked up his teammates' flagging spirits by scoring all but four of his team's 15 points in the extension, while taking the fight out of the Express.

"I'm just happy AJ stepped up," said SLR coach Boyet Fernandez of Johnson, who also hauled down 13 rebounds and swatted away five shots while going a perfect 11-of-11 from the line.

The lessons learned from the game should serve his team in good stead, Fernandez added.

"Credit to Air21, they came back and even led," he noted of the team that fought back and took an 84-77 lead into the last 5:25 of regulation.

"Nabaligtad nung second half. My guys thought it's already a won ballgame despite the fact I told them we could not take Air21 for granted because they will try to come back and indeed they did."

The win jacked SLR's win-loss record to 2-4, a full game ahead of Air21's 1-5 that dropped it into the cellar in the company of idle Barako Energy Coffee.

Air21 coach Yeng Guiao said his team also learned some things from the game, both good and bad.

"The good side of this, after being behind, bringing the game into overtime and having a chance to win it," Guiao said. "The bad side, we had to be behind by 20-plus points before we started working harder."

Jason Forte had 26 points and 19 rebounds and Mike Cortez added 17 points as they led the big comeback from the deficit that made Guiao almost give up the ghost right at halftime after his team trailed by 36-58.

"After the first half, I thought it was a lost cause already," he admitted. "I just asked the guys to be decent in losing. But they worked harder and put ourselves in a situation where we can win, kaya sayang talaga."

Such thoughts were farthest from Air21’s collective mind when Cortez’s one-handed follow-up of Forte’s missed free throw beat the gameclock and pegged a 91-all count at the end of regulation.

Then Johnson took over after Cortez’s floater gave the Express a 95-93 lead. His sixth triple for the game sparked his seven straight points that made it a 100-95 count.

Forte went coast to coast and finished with an emphatic dunk and canned a charity, but Johnson’s elbow jumper and Ryan Reyes’ acrobatic up-and-under twister made it a safe 104-98 spread, only 2.5 ticks left.

Forte ultimately wound up shooting 4-of-13 from the stripe and Guiao said they will arrive at a decision either Monday or Tuesday on whether to retain him or bring in a replacement for the man who subbed for original import Keena Young.

Free throw shooting is also the bane of Kelly Williams, who missed six of eight charity tries that prevented him from putting up better numbers than 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Reyes was the lone other SLR local in double figures with 15 points, which he added with nine assists and eight rebounds.

Mainly behind Johnson Sta. Lucia made 11 of 26 three-point attempts, nine in the first half which it dominated by stopping Air21’s penetrators and pressuring the Express into making some harried shots.

Johnson already had 21 points at the half and Sta. Lucia used a torrid field shooting to steadily pull away and take the half 58-36.

The Realtors shot 22-of-42 from the floor, including 9-for-14 from beyond the arc, compared to the Express’ 13-of-39.

Air21 actually started the second period 6-0 to claw back within 24-36. Then Johnson drained back-to-back triples, adding to the Realtors’ comfort zone that enabled them to pad their lead to 56-35.

The rout was seemingly well on its way as early as the last three minutes of the first period, when Sta. Lucia used a 13-0 run to break off from a 23-18 count and start the next quarter with an 18-point spread.

Rookie Joshua Urbiztondo started that most telling of runs with a trey and added four more points while Bonbon Custodio added four and Johnson two charities. (NC)