The Purefoods TJ Giants will face the red-hot San Miguel Beermen in Friday the 13th. Game time is set at 7:30PM (Game 2), one of the teams will finally taste its first defeat in the 2009 MOTOLITE PBA Fiesta Conference.

San Miguel, despite playing without an import in their first game managed to win over Alaska. Then came Gabriel Freeman as their reinforcement and the Beermen demolished Burger King Titans with Freeman scoring 17 of his 4o points in the final quarter.

Purefoods will have to check Freeman. Looking at his game against Burger King, Freeman is a livewire. He scores in bundles. He can wax hot any moment and his energy seems to be endless. Kerby, Brian Hamilton, and KG Canaleta will surely take turns on defending SMB's import. This game will also highlight backcourt prowess as both teams have strong backcourt: Villanueva-Custodio-Hontiveros for SMB, R. Yap-J. Yap-Simon for Purefoods. In terms of frontline, SMB will mainly rely on Dorian Pena and Jay Washington as their other bigmen are still on sick bay. Rico Villanueva, Don Allado and Rommel Adducul who played well against Rain or Shine will cover the paint for the Giants.

Some players to watch for Purefoods is Dondon Hontiveros and Jay Washington. These two Beermen play well against Purefoods. Purefoods cannot afford to let Dondon wax hot and Washington to operate inside.

It's gonna be an exciting Friday night. Game 1 features Sta. Lucia vs Barako Bull to be followed by Purefoods and San Miguel.

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Full roster of the Purefoods TJ Giants for the 2009 MOTOLITE PBA-Fiesta Conference:

Import: 45 SF/PF Brian Hamilton 6-5 Louisiana-Lafayette

#	Name	Position	Height	College
3	*Jonathan Fernandez	SG	6-1	National University
1	Al Vergara	PG	5-7	University of the Philippines
5	*Salvador, Jondan	SF/PF	6-3	De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
8	Simon, Peter June	SG	6-0	University of Mindanao
9	Canaleta, Niño	SF	6-6	University of the East
10	Adducul, Rommel	C	6-6	San Sebastian College - Recoletos
12	Bugia, Paolo	PF/C	6-6	Ateneo de Manila University
13	Yap, Roger	PG	6-1	University of San Jose - Recoletos
14	Villanueva, Enrico	C	6-6	Ateneo de Manila University
17	Aban, Aaron	SG/SF	6-2	Colegio de San Juan de Letran
18	Yap, James	SG	6-3	University of the East
21	Raymundo, Kerby	SF/PF	6-6	Colegio de San Juan de Letran
28	Yee, Richard	PF	6-4	University of Santo Tomas
32	Alvarez, Rich	SF	6-4	Ateneo de Manila University
32	Robinson, Topex	PG	5-7	San Sebastian College - Recoletos
41	Allado, Don	PF	6-6	De La Salle University - Manila

* - reserve list

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It took an out of town game and extra five minutes for the Purefoods TJ Giants to finally get a win over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Playing without import Brian Hamilton for most of the second half, the Giants managed to drop the Elasto Painters 102-94 in overtime.
Starters for Purefoods against Rain or Shine:

PG Al Vergara
SG James Yap
SF Brian Hamilton
PF Kerby Raymundo
C Rico Villanueva

I really delayed my Saturday night out just to watch the entire game and it was definitely worth it. Brian Hamilton had a disappointing first half with only 5 points and a few boards. He got ejected in the third when he stuck his foot on Rob Wainwright who was sniping for a 3-ball. The Giants leaned on it's ever reliable trio Simon-Yap-Kerby. But the steadying factor the entire game was new recruit Don Carlos Allado. He's the man!

*notes: Rommel Adducul played a few minutes and even scored and grabbed some rebounds. However, it's very evident that he loss his timing and quickness. I'm very glad to see him back in action. Brian Hamilton said he was having a hard time dealing with the heat since the venue in Batangas has no aircondition.

Full article courtesy of pba.ph

PUREFOODS ENDS 4-GAME LOSING STREAK AGAINST RAIN OR SHINE

Even with Hamilton ejection, Giants beat Elasto Painters in OT for share of lead

Saturday, 07 March 2009
BATANGAS CITY. – Purefoods duplicated a Coca-Cola feat.

The Purefoods locals rose to the occasion with import Brian Hamilton taking an early exit due to a flagrant infraction, subduing Rain or Shine, 102-94, in overtime in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Batangas City Sports Center here Saturday.

The Tigers did the same trick versus the Barako Bull Energy Boosters just 24 hours ago over at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay in a 106-103 win.

Tougher was Purefoods’ feat, though, with the Giants needing an extra period to overcome the Elasto Painters.

Purefoods, which beat Rain or Shine for the first time in three conferences, fought back from the brink as it rolled to a second straight win, catching up with Burger King in the lead a week into the tourney.

Rain or Shine blew the opportunity to be the one to tie Burger King in the lead with its bid stymied by missed free throws at crunch time.

The Elasto Painters had a chance to win the contest in regulation play but Rob Wainwright muffed two charities with 2.6 seconds left and the count tied at 87-all.

“As Brian (Hamilton) took the early exit, we just buckled down to work and we showed we have the bigger heart,” said Don Allado who led all scorers with 22 points, his highest output over the last six seasons.

Hamilton took the exit ahead of the others as he incurred a flagrant foul for sticking a foot on a jump-shooting Wainwright with a minute gone in the final half.

But the Giants did play with a big heart, making it two in a row following a triumphant 131-121 debut versus the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters last Sunday at the Big Dome.

Allado, Peter Jun Simon, Kerby Raymundo and James Yap delivered the important shots as the Giants survived the ouster of Hamilton in the contest, the second in the “PBA-Phoenix Fuel On Tour.”

After Wainwright missed the potential game-winning free throws, the Elasto Painters failed to recover, continuing to throw bricks in overtime.

Simon made 17 points including a personal five-point binge giving the Giants a 99-93 cushion entering the final minute of the contest.

Raymundo contributed 21 points while James Yap shared 19.

The Giants immediately seized control in overtime with Roger Yap and Allado knocking in three straight charities.

Earlier, the Giants held on despite Hamilton’s exit, erecting two 12-point spreads, 74-62 and 77-65, early in the third.

The Elasto Painters relied on the hot hands of Don Dulay and Gabe Norwood as they made a decisive move in the fourth quarter, surging ahead at 83-81.

Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, however, practically held their punches in taking out Dulay for Sol Mercado entering the homestretch.

Dulay rode the bench even as he was the main responsible in their comeback, rifling in four booming triples.

Mercado failed to deliver, missing a harried three-pointer in the closing seconds of regulation and going 2-of-4 from the stripe in overtime.

It was actually the first time Purefoods defeated Rain or Shine since Garcia took over the Elasto Painters replacing Leo Austria prior to the start of last season’s Fiesta tourney. (NC)

The scores:
Purefoods 102 – Allado 22, Raymundo 21, Yap J. 19, Simon 17, Canaleta 6, Hamilton 5, Yap R. 5, Vergara 4, Adducul 2, Villanueva 1.

Rain or Shine 94 – Norwood 14, Reyes 13, Dulay 12, Clark 12, Mercado 11, Wainwright 11, Isip 10, Arana 9, Laure 2, Andaya 0, Ibanes 0.

Quarterscores: 23-25, 45-40, 68-60, 87-87 (reg.), 102-94 (OT)
SOURCE

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Purefoods will be unloading players in the coming Fiesta Cup after signing up free-agent guard Al Vergara to help bolster their backcourt rotation in the import-laced tournament.

The 5'9" guard was supposed to be included in the roster before the start of the 2008-2009 season, but was bumped off from the team when Topex Robinson was acquired. Vergara then decided to push his luck overseas and ended up playing for the Singapore Slingers, who defeated the Air21 Express twice in an exhibition match last year.

The Giants, one of the few teams who were eliminated early in the Philippine Cup, made themselves busy on the trading table as they took in players like Don Allado and KG Canaleta from the Air21 Express.

The arrival of Allado and Canaleta didn't only provide depth for the Giants. It also made the roster congested and the coach Ryan Gregorio is now on a dilemma of unloading some of his stars.

Gregorio didn't confirm whom he will unload, but a source told Standard Today that some of his key players are now being put on the trading block.

"We will finalize the roster today," said Gregorio in a text message sent to this writer. Rey Joble - Rey Joble, Manila Standard Today

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It's Brian Hamilton. After losing Reggie Larry to index finger injury, the Giants hire NBA D-League standout, Brian Hamilton. Hamilton played for the Utah Flash and lead the D-league in steals department. He also had a short stint with the New Jersey Nets and played a game in the Europe Live NBA tour against Miami Heat.

Name: Brian Hamilton
Height/Weight: 6-6/205lbs
Birthdate: 05/14/1982
Birthplace: Angleton, TX
NBA Experience: New Jersey (2008)
College: Louisiana-Lafayette

Check out some of tapes in youtube.

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Bad breaks continue to hound Purefoods in its search for an import. The Giants have lost two prospects so far with Reggie Larry suffering an injury in a tune-up game Wednesday, then Harvey Thomas measuring beyond the 6-foot-6 limit in a height test done before flying to Manila Friday.

Thus, pressure to find a reinforcement is mounting on the Giants as they're already set to start their campaign in the 2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference on March 1.

Purefoods has Marquin Chandler as original choice but he's still tied up in Japan. He will be available to fly here the earliest on April.

"Thomas is another good talent we lost," said coach Ryan Gregorio. "It's very unfortunate Thomas measured beyond the limit. He's good. He's a teammate of Rod Nealy (of Barangay Ginebra) and J.J. Sullinger (of Coca-Cola) in the CBA."

Thomas completed his collegiate career at Baylor after starting at Georgetown and routing through Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Community College in Miami, Oklahoma. He also briefly attended Daytona Beach Community College in Florida during the summer of 2002.

A forward, Thomas earned All-Big 12 Third Team honors as a junior, averaging 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. He started in 18 of 21 games that campaign.

Too bad, he can't bring his act to the local pro league.

Meanwhile, Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes is in the US, personally checking on their prospect.

Alaska is burning telephone lines in search of a temporary import with original choice Rosell Ellis still unavailable.

Rain or Shine has decided to start the conference playing Charles Clark III while awaiting for Jai Lewis.

Lewis was the primary inside force of the George Mason U Patriots team during their Cinderella run to the 2006 Final Four. He was highly recommended by Patriots teammate Gabe Norwood to the Rain or Shine management.

Listed as 6-foot-7, Lewis was a multi-talented athlete signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants in the NFL in 2006. He ended his pursuit of an NFL career as an offensive tackle to pursue his basketball options, though.

After ending his stint at George Mason with career averages of 12.2 points and 7.2 rebounds, Lewis experienced playing as an import in Bosnia, Israel and France.

Aside from Clark, Nealy and Sullinger, other imports all set to play are Nate Carter for San Miguel, Scooter MacFadgon for Barako Bull, AJ Jackson for Sta. Lucia and Shawn Daniels for Burger King. (NC)

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To all the Yapsters out there, you can catch James Yap this Friday, Feb 13, 2009 in ABS-CBN's Deal or No Deal. This is in line with the celebration of Mrs. Kris Aquino Yap's birthday on the 14th. James will be playing alongside senator Noynoy Aquino, Kris's elder brother.

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No more valid excuses for Purefoods mentor Ryan Gregorio this import-laiden conference. Aside from import Reggie Larry, coach Ryan got two marquee players in Don Carlos Allado and Nino Canaleta both from Burger King. Purefoods had to let go of youthful Beau Belga, Chad Alonzo, and guard Chico Lanete.

Purefoods now definitely has the depth. Recall that the team acquired the services of Rich Alvarez and Topex Robinson before the season started. The team seems to be complete from the 1 to 5 spots. However, the point guard position seems to be quite shallow with the departure of combo guard Chico Lanete. Only veterans Topex Robinson and Roger Yap are the natural court generals in the roster. The management is reportedly to be in a fishing expedition for a third point guard.

Fans were irritated by coach Ryan's excuses last conference. It's mainly because it was very evident that the team got beaten not because of what he made mention, but because of bad coaching and game strategy. This conference is definitely his(coach RG) last shot to bring back the glory days of Purefoods.

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THREE-WAY TRADE SENDS ALLADO, CANALETA TO PUREFOODS

dennis PRINCIPE

Monday, 26 January 2009

Seven players will be wearing new uniforms when the PBA’s Fiesta Conference opens shop next month. Purefoods TJ Giants, hampered by injuries to players expected to deliver on offense this season got two talented players in Don Allado and Nino Canaleta from Air21. The Giants had to let go of Beau Belga, Chad Alonzo, Chico Lanete and their 2013 draft pick. “We have acknowledged identified our weakness in the last conference which is scoring. Those two will definitely help us to more or less address our choke point because they are known as good offensive players,” said coach Ryan Gregorio when contacted by SportsNews.ph. Gregorio said his team has become predictably a Kerby Raymundo-James Yap team especially down the stretch and now feels his new recruits will help a lot in addressing that problem. "It will definitely alleviate our problems in relying too much from James and Kerby in scoring. One thing certain is that we will play according to their strengths. KG is probably the best finisher in the open court,” said Gregorio “You give him the ball, he knows what to do with it. We will try not to make things complicated. With them on board it will open up the paint for us.” The Express meanwhile immediately shipped Lanete along with JC Intal and Doug Kramer to Barangay Ginebra for the Gin Kings 2012 and 2013 draft picks. “For me it’s not really a blockbuster trade because we feel it will just fill in our injured spots. It’s not really a trade that will turn the team around. It will help the team but it’s more on answering the need to fill in our injured spots,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. Uichico said Junthy Valenzuela recently underwent operation which the multi-titled mentor refused to divulge. Uichico however said Valenzuela will be out of commission for about six to eight weeks. Uichico added that they have no idea when superstar Mark Caguioa will be back. Caguioa also underwent knee operation late last year by Los Angeles Lakers team physician Steve Lombardo. Uichico hopes his two new additions will help solve their needs sooner than expected. “Doug is young but we’ll see what he can do. For sure it will help our frontline. We really have more five’s than we have four’s,” said Uichico “JC and Doug have good potentials but potential is potential. We still have to see if they will be able to do what I want them to do.” Meanwhile Gregorio said management have already reached an agreement with their import Reggie Larry, a former Boise State standout who had a short stint with the Golden State Warriors during the league’s summer tournament last year. source

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THREE-WAY TRADE SENDS ALLADO, CANALETA TO PUREFOODS

dennis PRINCIPE

Monday, 26 January 2009

Seven players will be wearing new uniforms when the PBA’s Fiesta Conference opens shop next month. Purefoods TJ Giants, hampered by injuries to players expected to deliver on offense this season got two talented players in Don Allado and Nino Canaleta from Air21. The Giants had to let go of Beau Belga, Chad Alonzo, Chico Lanete and their 2013 draft pick. “We have acknowledged identified our weakness in the last conference which is scoring. Those two will definitely help us to more or less address our choke point because they are known as good offensive players,” said coach Ryan Gregorio when contacted by SportsNews.ph. Gregorio said his team has become predictably a Kerby Raymundo-James Yap team especially down the stretch and now feels his new recruits will help a lot in addressing that problem. "It will definitely alleviate our problems in relying too much from James and Kerby in scoring. One thing certain is that we will play according to their strengths. KG is probably the best finisher in the open court,” said Gregorio “You give him the ball, he knows what to do with it. We will try not to make things complicated. With them on board it will open up the paint for us.” The Express meanwhile immediately shipped Lanete along with JC Intal and Doug Kramer to Barangay Ginebra for the Gin Kings 2012 and 2013 draft picks. “For me it’s not really a blockbuster trade because we feel it will just fill in our injured spots. It’s not really a trade that will turn the team around. It will help the team but it’s more on answering the need to fill in our injured spots,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. Uichico said Junthy Valenzuela recently underwent operation which the multi-titled mentor refused to divulge. Uichico however said Valenzuela will be out of commission for about six to eight weeks. Uichico added that they have no idea when superstar Mark Caguioa will be back. Caguioa also underwent knee operation late last year by Los Angeles Lakers team physician Steve Lombardo. Uichico hopes his two new additions will help solve their needs sooner than expected. “Doug is young but we’ll see what he can do. For sure it will help our frontline. We really have more five’s than we have four’s,” said Uichico “JC and Doug have good potentials but potential is potential. We still have to see if they will be able to do what I want them to do.” Meanwhile Gregorio said management have already reached an agreement with their import Reggie Larry, a former Boise State standout who had a short stint with the Golden State Warriors during the league’s summer tournament last year. source

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Life goes on for Giants; Chandler back in harness

By Rey Joble

PUREFOODS has a rich winning tradition in the Philippine Basketball Association’s All-Filipino tournament. And it’s surprising to see the Giants limp to one of their worst finishes in a tournament that highlights local talent.

Injuries, player adjustments and bad breaks were the reasons that led to the Giants’ downfall and Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio believes it’s time for his team to move on.

And this early, the Giants are looking forward for a more productive 2009 campaign in the Reinforced Conference as they will bring back former Best Import awardee Marquin Chandler.

The 6’6” former University of San Jose Spartan is playing in the Korean Basketball League and Gregorio said he had continued conversations with his former import, who led the team to a runner-up finish in the 2005-2006 Fiesta Conference.

“We’re planning to bring him back. We have talked to him several times and he’s in Korea now. We couldn’t wait to get back in action next conference,” said Gregorio.

Chandler plays the no. 3 spot, a position which the Giants sorely lacked after the departure of Marc Pingris, who was traded for Romel Adducul last season.

The Giants were booted out early in the ongoing KFC-PBA Philippine Cup after losing badly to the Air21 Express in the wildcard phase, 82-94. It was one of the rare moments Purefoods won’t make it all the way to the championship round in a tournament it dominated for many years.

The All-Filipino is Purefoods’ familiar turf.

Since joining the PBA in 1988, Purefoods has always made it to the finals and has done that in succession until 1994. It missed the finals for the first time in 1995, when it was beaten twice in a row by Alaska in the semifinals, but bounced back in the next two years.

In fact, it won the title in 1997, beating Gordon’s Gin in six games. The Giants had a roller-coaster ride at the start of the new decade, but they managed to get into the championship round three straight times in 2000, 2005-2006 and 2007-2008.

Purefoods’ last championship was the All-Filipino in 2005-2006 season and had a chance to become the first team since Great Taste to win back-to-back all-Pinoy titles, but lost to the Sta. Lucia Realtors in seven games.

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Despite a strong line-up, the Purefoods TJ Giants made an early exit in this year's all Filipino Cup. The team basically had a rollercoaster conference, ending with an 8-10 record after eliminations. Once again, they failed to survive in the wildcard after bowing to the Air21 Express.

Now, WHAT WENT WRONG?

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