Tungcab steps up for TNT

c/o EASL

When the TNT Tropang Giga struggled during the second quarter in their East Asia Super League matchup against the Chiba Jets on Wednesday, Jaydee Tungcab took the opportunity and stepped up.

The wingman scored all ten of his points in that period, making just over half his shots in just over eight minutes of action, including a couple of three-pointers that kept them hanging around even though they trailed at the break, 50-32.

Although he could not add to his offensive tally in the second half, Tungcab would contribute a couple of assists and three rebounds, He also became only local to score in double figures in TNT's 75-66 defeat, complementing reinforcement Quincy Miller.

Such a performance warranted positive post-match remarks from both head coaches.

Jojo Lastimosa shares, "Jaydee is not really a revelation, but he played well tonight. That's how you earn the trust of the coaches. If you are given the chance, you make the coaches look good. It was his night tonight."

He adds, "It's nice to see some guys to step up who have not played a lot," said Lastimosa. "He's gonna help us down the road."

His counterpart with Chiba, John Patrick, adds, "... he came out firing and scoring as well."

With RR Pogoy sidelined indefinitely and the continued unavailability of Mikey Williams, Tungcab could potentially be a key cog in the rotation for the Tropang Giga for the upcoming PBA Commissioner's Cup, which they will open against Magnolia on Sunday afternoon.

Chiba upends TNT in EASL

c/o East Asia Super League

Chiba Jets remained undefeated in East Asia Super League action after defeating TNT, 75-66 on Wednesday at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

The B-League side rode on the hot hands of Yuki Togashi and the game-long brilliance of John Mooney To earn their third win in Group A.

Togashi converted Four triples in the first half to end up with fourteen points, helping the Jets establish a lead that ballooned to as high as twenty.

Mooney pounded the paint for thirty points and grabbed Sixteen rebounds, feasting in the paint with stabs and putbacks by going 12/19 from the field.

DJ Stephens also contributed a double-double of his own with fifteen points and ten rebounds, while also remaining active on the defensive end with four steals and three blocks.

Keeping the Tropang Giga afloat in the first half was JD Tungcab, who scored all of his ten points in the second quarter, impressing the coaching staffs of both sides afterwards.

Quincy Miller took over in the third, matching the Jets’ third quarter output with fourteen markers to make it a game after three. He would tack on six more in the final period, as they tried to cut into the deficit further.

Miller would finish as the Tropang Giga’s leading scorer and rebounder with 22 points and thirteen boards. The Baylor alum stepped in due to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson being sidelined due to a case of gastroenteritis. Tungcab was the only other player in double figures, while Calvin Oftana adding eight markers, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Back-to-back defeats for TNT against Chiba puts the Tropang Giga in an early bind at the bottom of Group A, with their next matchup coming on November 15 against the Fubon Braves.

Jimmy Alapag statement on Ivan Johnson

On Monday night, recently-retired point guard and newly-minted Talk N' Text manager Jimmy Alapag decided to release a statement regarding their import, Ivan Johnson. Sports Desk's Cesca Litton posted the statement (broken into two parts) on her Instagram account. We have decided to copy that and place it within one post.

There is no room in the game of basketball for making degrading, or racial comments towards any player / coach. It's not good for the game, and more importantly our youth who watch and support the PBA and dream one day to be a part of it. Physicality and emotion is part of the game, especially in a finals series, but the contact and remarks, specifically aimed at Ivan Johnson, have been uncalled for. He's been a consummate pro as a member of the Talk N' Text team from Day 1, despite many who continually try to bring up his past.

He's a good husband, a loving father to his boys, and a hardworking teammate who stands up for his brothers. He's kept his temper in check, despite being provoked at every opportunity during games. As professionals, there is always a fine line between competitiveness and sportsmanship, but those lines have been crossed in this series. We have a responsibility as professionals to do our best to uplift the game. When we do otherwise the essence of this game suffers. We owe it to the true fans to showcase our skills and talent, nothing more.

Here are the two IG posts from Cesca that contained the statement:

Official statement of Talk n' Text team manager, Jimmy Alapag. Part 1.

A photo posted by Cesca Litton (@checklit) on Apr 27, 2015 at 8:04am PDT

Official statement of Talk n' Text team manager, Jimmy Alapag. Part 2.

A photo posted by Cesca Litton (@checklit) on Apr 27, 2015 at 8:04am PDT

PBA Rosters for the start of the 40th PBA Season

Alaska Aces

Head Coach: Alex Compton
Assistant Coaches: Louie Alas, Topex Robinson, Monch Gavieres, Franco Atienza

Players:

1 - Sam Eman
2 - Chris Banchero
3 - Cyrus Baguio
7 - Sonny Thoss
8 - Calvin Abueva
11 - Rome dela Rosa
17 - Ping Exciminiano
21 - Paolo Bugia
24 - Vic Manuel
27 - Gabby Espinas (on reserve / injured list)
25 - Dondon Hontiveros
30 - Eric Menk
31 - RJ Jazul
35 - Tony dela Cruz
42 - Jvee Casio

Barako Bull Energy

Head Coach: Siot Tanquingcen
Assistant Coaches: Koy Banal, Jigs Mendoza, Art dela Cruz, Paolo Rivero

Players:

1 - RR Garcia
2 - Denok Miranda
5 - Jondan Salvador
6 - Carlo Lastimosa
7 - JC Intal
8 - Nico Salva
9 - Jeric Fortuna
10 - Dave Marcelo
15 - Jake Pascual
21 - Papot Paredes
26 - Chico Lanete
28 - Willie Wilson
88 - Mick Pennisi

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Head Coach: Jeffrey Cariaso
Assistant Coaches: Olsen Racela, Ato Agustin, Jorge Gallent, Allan Caidic, Juno Sauler

Players:

1 - James Forrester
2 - Billy Mamaril
3 - Josh Urbiztondo
5 - LA Tenorio
6 - Emman Monfort (on reserve / injured list. Note: jersey number is from last season. Team left it blank so far this season)
13 - Jay-jay Helterbrand
18 - Joseph Yeo
19 - Jay-R Reyes
20 - Greg Slaughter
25 - Japeth Aguilar
33 - Dylan Ababou
34 - Chris Ellis
45 - Mac Baracael
47 - Mark Caguioa
91 - Rodney Brondial

Blackwater Elite

Head Coach: Leo Isaac
Assistant Coaches: Rodil Sablan, Aris Dimaunahan, Patrick Aquino, Junjie Ablan, Tylon Darjuan, Daniel Olan

Players:

0 - Bryan Faundo
3 - Chris Timberlake
5 - Juami Tiongson
6 - Alex Nuyles
7 - JP Erram
9 - Ogie Menor
11 - Gilbert Bulawan
15 - JR Cawaling
16 - Paul Artadi
18 - Jason Ballesteros
21 - Bambam Gamalinda
25 - Eddie Laure
26 - Brian Heruela (on reserve / injured list)
58 - Bacon Austria
80 - Sunday Salvacion

Globalport Batang Pier

Head Coach: Pido Jarencio
Assistant Coaches: Eric Gonzales, Senen Duenas, Mac Cuan, Alvin Grey, Bonnie Tan, Johnedel Cardel, Oliver Bunyi

3 - Stanley Pringle
7 - Terrence Romeo
8 - Ronjay Buenafe
10 - Alex Cabagnot
11 - Jojo Duncil
12 - Mark Isip
15 - Jewel Ponferrada
23 - Kelly Nabong
26 - Roider Cabrera
27 - Nonoy Baclao
32 - Keith Jensen
95 - Yancy de Ocampo

Kia Sorento

Head Coach: Manny Pacquiao
Assistant Coaches: Glenn Capacio, Louie Gonzales, Rob Wainwright, Chris Gavina, Robert dela Rosa, Aldin Ayo, Mulong Orillosa, Chito Victolero, Marlon Martin

Players:

1 - Hans Thiele
2 - LA Revilla
3 - Kenneth Ighalo
7 - Chad Alonzo
8 - Rudy Lingganay
9 - Eder Saldua
10 - Joshua Webb
11 - Paul Sanga
12 - Alvin Padilla
17 - Manny Pacquiao
24 - Rich Alvarez
26 - Reil Cervantes
33 - Angel Raymundo
63 - Michael Burtscher
?? - Virgil Buensuceso (on reserve / injured list)

Meralco Bolts

Head Coach: Norman Black
Assistant Coaches: Ronnie Magsanoc, Luigi Trillo, Patrick Fran, Xavi Nunag, Gene Afable

Players:

1 - Simon Atkins
3 - Philip Morrison
7 - Cliff Hodge
8 - John Wilson
10 - Sean Anthony
11 - Mike Cortez
13 - Ryan Buenafe
15 - James Sena
17 - Anjo Caram
20 - Jared Dillinger
21 - Reynel Hugnatan
24 - Rey Guevarra
28 - Gary David
80 - Mark Macapagal

NLEX Road Warriors

Head Coach: Boyet Fernandez
Assistant Coaches: Adonis Tierra, Jojo Lastimosa, Sandy Arespacochaga, Raymund Celis, Ford Arao, Gino Manuel, Jay Serrano

Players:

3 - Mark Cardona
6 - Eliud Poligrates
8 - Kevin Alas
11 - Jonas Villanueva
13 - Eric Camson
14 - Enrico Villanueva
15 - John Villarias
16 - Mark Borboran
17 - Aldrech Ramos
18 - Jeck Apinan
19 - Wynne Arboleda
88 - Asi Taulava
?? - Raul Soyud (on reserve / injured list)

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Head Coach: Yeng Guiao
Assistant Coaches: Caloy Garcia, Mike Buendia, Matt Makalintal, Jay Legacion, Ricky Umayam

Players:

1 - Jon Uyloan
3 - Paul Lee
5 - Gabe Norwood
6 - Jireh Ibanes
8 - Jeric Teng
9 - Jericho Cruz
11- Ty Tang
16 - Jeff Chan
17 - Chris Tiu
18 - Ryan Arana
20 - Jervy Cruz
30 - Beau Belga
48 - JR Quinahan
57 - Raymond Almazan

San Mig Coffee Mixers

Head Coach: Tim Cone
Assistant Coaches: Richard del Rosario, Johnny Abarrientos, Jason Webb, Mon Jose

Players:

00 - Yousef Taha (Note: jersey number is from last season. Team left it blank so far this season)
2 - Justin Melton
4 - Rafi Reavis
5 - Isaac Holstein
8 - PJ Simon
10 - Ian Sangalang
11 - Alex Mallari
14 - Mark Barroca
15 - Marc Pingris
18 - James Yap
19 - Jerwin Gaco
22 - Allein Maliksi
33 - Ronnie Matias
38 - Joe DeVance
?? - Lester Alvarez (on reserve / injury list)

San Miguel Beermen

Head Coach: Leo Austria
Assistant Coaches: Peter Martin, Biboy Ravanes, Boycie Zamar, Dayong Mendoza, Riel Banaria
Consultant: Todd Purves

Players:

0 - Sol Mercado
1 - Rico Maierhofer
3 - Chris Lutz
5 - Ronald Pascual
6 - Chris Ross
12 - Paolo Hubalde
13 - Marcio Lassiter
15 - June Mar Fajardo
18 - Doug Kramer
29 - Arwind Santos
41 - Justin Chua
71 - Ronald Tubid

Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Head Coach: Jong Uichico
Assistant Coaches: Nash Racela, Bong Ravena, Josh Reyes
Consultant: Tab Baldwin

Players:

1 - Larry Rodriguez
2 - Jay Washington
3 - Jimmy Alapag (on reserve / injury list)
4 - Harvey Carey
9 - Rob Reyes
10 - Ryan Reyes
12 - Larry Fonacier
17 - Jayson Castro
21 - Kelly Williams
22 - Matt Rosser
23 - Elmer Espiritu
24 - KG Canaleta
33 - Ranidel de Ocampo
42 - Danny Seigle
51 - Aaron Aban