jawoThe PBA All-Filipino conference started a week ago, and has been making noise in so many wanted and unwanted ways. For one, the relaxation in rules has allowed the players to play a more physical game. Secondly, the return of the RP team players to their respective clubs has made the competition fierce again.

Just take last Wednesday’s Talk & Text drubbing of Baranggay Ginebra as an example. Since last year’s incident, Tubid and Cardona have been playing noticeably harder against each other. Good for the PBA and sell more tickets? I would think so. I just wish that it’s all in the spirit of competition.

Just this Friday, a innocent looking Roger Yap pummeled LA Tenorio in the ribs, forcing the latter to exhibit his acting prowess. The performance was reminiscent of his offensive foul fishing days in the Ateneo. While it was an obvious punch, the way Tenorio sprawled onto the ground was worthy of an acting award. Maybe the PBA should include this category in this year’s awards? I’m sure the likes of Topex Robinson and Junthy “A.K.A. Diego” would give him a run for his money.

On the NBA forefront, we’re seeing so much drama unfold off-court, and the season hasn’t even started!

1. Trade rumors surrounding the Black Mamba

Trade me. Don’t trade me. Trade me again, but only to the teams that I want to go to. Moral of the story? Never include a no-trade clause in the player’s contract, no matter who he is. Kenny Smith writes an article on what Kobe should have done during the off-season. As it is, I think whatever they have going on in Tinseltown is already beyond repair. A trade for Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, and Tyrus Thomas is fair enough. Let’s get this over with!

2. Garnett gets traded to the Celts

After KG posted a triple-double in a pre-season game, I just realized how truly scary these Celtics have become. All Ray Allen has to do is sit pretty behind the trifecta and release those long range bombs. Paul Pierce on the other hand can take all the shots he wants, knowing that the Big Ticket will be there to clean up. I’m slowly becoming a believer, and I don’t think I’m the only one.

the big three

3. Injuries. Injuries. Injuries.

It’s unfortunate how this year’s preseason has been all about injuries. As of today, the following key players are out for at least the first 1-2 months of the season, or coming back from nagging injuries.

  • Elton Brand (got injured in practice?)
  • Mike Bibby (where do you find a new pg 5 days before the season starts?)
  • Lamar Odom (ain’t no surprise here)
  • Nene Hilario (60M for this guy? C’mon)
  • Peja Stojakovic (his name should be Stojako-back)
  • Tracy McGrady (don’t know how long he’s going to hold up)
  • Greg Oden (this has to hurt the most)
  • Kevin Durant (well, he’s not injured YET, but with a body like that, all hope is lost)

My outlook for the NBA this season? I’m sure that I wouldn’t like the Pistons and the Spurs in the NBA Finals. It would be the most boring finals in the history of the NBA. As much as I idolize Kobe and love the Lakers, I’d like Nash and the Suns to advance. As for the eastern conference, I honestly think that even without Kobe in there to shake it up, the Bulls have all the tools to go all the way. Just put two run and gun teams in the finals, and I don’t care who wins. Don’t give me all that “defense wins championships” bullshit. 2 days left!

As for the PBA, a more physical game will get players hurt. But hey, this will get more people to watch. Not since the days of Robert Jaworski and Onchie de la Cruz (remember him?) and their dirty play has the league become as exciting. Ganun talaga ang Pinoy, mahilig sa away.

*Didn’t put a prediction for the PBA since obviously, I’m a Ginebra fan. I ALWAYS think they’re going to go all the way :)

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