Alaska hungry, Purefoods ready

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Adding to his collection of 12 championship trophies is something that still excites the PBA’s longest-tenured and eldest coach Tim Cone because proving himself up to the task against younger foes is a challenge that keeps the fire in his belly.

Cone, 52, broke into the league in 1989 and has since figured in 21 finals, including this Philippine Cup. He’s matched with Purefoods’ Ryan Gregorio in the season’s opening conference finals, which reels off tonight.

Gregorio, 37, caddied for Eric Altamirano for five years before his promotion to head coach in 2002. In his debut as Purefoods’ chief technician, he piloted the franchise to the Governors Cup title in a 4-3 win over Cone and the Aces.

Their first finals clash was memorable. Purefoods recovered from a 0-2 deficit to bag three in a row before finishing off Alaska in Game 7, 91-76. Two of Gregorio’s players remain in his roster – Kerby Raymundo and Roger Yap – while Ronnie Magsanoc and Rey Evangelista are now assistant coaches and Alvin Patrimonio serves as team manager.

For Alaska, not a single player stayed in the lineup and only one is still active – Don Allado, ironically now playing for Purefoods. Jojo Lastimosa moved on to join Cone’s staff.

In the 2005-06 Philippine Cup semifinals, Purefoods once more rebounded from a 0-2 hole then staged a miracle comeback from 1-3 to sweep the last three games in clinching the series over Alaska. The finale was a heart-stopper as Purefoods nipped Alaska, 90-89, in Game 7. Purefoods went on to beat Red Bull, 4-2, in the finals as Gregorio won his second career crown. Among Gregorio’s players that conference were James and Roger Yap, Raymundo, P. J. Simon, Marc Pingris and Paul Artadi – who will all be in uniform for the Tender Juicy Giants in the current title playoffs.

Back from Alaska’s cast in 2006 are Willie Miller, Sonny Thoss, Tony de la Cruz, Reynel Hugnatan, Jeffrey Cariaso and John Ferriols.

In all, Alaska and Purefoods have faced off in five finals with the Aces winning three comfortably by identical 4-1 counts. In the two series that Purefoods took, the Giants were stretched to the limit.

Gregorio has made it to four finals so far with his last appearance a close call as Purefoods lost a 4-3 decision to Sta. Lucia Realty in the 2007-08 Philippine Cup. He hasn’t savored a victory ride since the 2005-06 season. A title is a long time coming for Purefoods.

Here are the 15 factors of consequence in the finals.

Defense. It’s clear that when Purefoods limits opponents to 90 points or less, the Giants almost always win. Purefoods is 17-2 when its opponents are held to less than 90 and 2-8 when they score more than 90. In 19 wins so far this conference, Purefoods has held its victims to an average of 80.3. In 10 losses, the Giants gave up 95.4 a game. Edge: Purefoods.

Offense. The Aces like to blow opponents out of the stadium and they’re capable of doing it game after game. In 17 wins this conference, Alaska scored at least 90 points. And in eight of those 17, the Aces hit at least 100. Edge: Alaska.

Depth. The Giants’ relievers make a fire brigade look bad. They sizzle off the bench, what with Simon, Rico Maierhofer and Nino Canaleta averaging at least eight a contest. Then, Gregorio has the luxury of bringing in Artadi, Allado and even Romel Adducul for instant impact. In the elims, Purefoods’ key bench players averaged seven a game while Alaska’s counterparts, 5.4. Edge: Purefoods.

Execution. The mastery of the triangle is the key to Alaska’s precise execution. The Aces are efficient in the half-court on both ends. Alaska’s assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.3 (21 to 16.1) compared to Purefoods’ 0.9 (18.3 to 18.5). Edge: Alaska.

Backcourt. This is a tough call. Together, L. A. Tenorio and Miller averaged 31.4 points, 10.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists in the elims while the Yaps normed 25.9, 8.0 and 5.5. But in the semis, the Yaps were more explosive, averaging 31.1 points to 24.8 for the Thriller and L. A. Roger will make life difficult for L. A. by playing physical, posting up and driving strong to the rim. James will use his height advantage to distract Miller. L. A. will use his speed to blow by Roger and Miller, his guile to break down James. Edge: Even.

Frontline. Purefoods’ frontliners boast of incredible length with long-armed Rafi Reavis, Maierhofer and Canaleta. But none is as prolific as Thoss. as rugged as Hugnatan and as shifty as Joe DeVance. Alaska’s bigs are power players while Purefoods relies on finesse and intimidation. The versatility of Pingris, Raymundo and Canaleta to play three or four will be a headache for Cone. Edge: Alaska.

Perimeter firepower. Alaska led the league in three-point percentage with .343 in the elims. Miller, Tenorio (.414), DeVance, De la Cruz, Larry Fonacier, Mark Borboran and Cariaso are deadly outside bombers. When they’re hot, Purefoods will be forced to extend its defense giving Thoss and DeVance the space to operate inside. Edge: Alaska.

Slashing ability. The Yaps, Simon and Artadi are lethal penetrators. They create off the dribble and open things up for teammates. As Alaska is basically a man-to-man defensive team, expect the Giants to run high pick-and-rolls for slashers to penetrate or dish. Edge: Purefoods.

Taking the hit. Pingris and Artadi don’t mind sacrificing their bodies for the charge. Because Purefoods likes to zone, the Giants will get more chances to draw contact with established defensive position. Edge: Purefoods.

Resiliency. Purefoods has repeatedly shown its adaptability, coming from 0-2 and 1-3 deficits to win best-of-seven series. Gregorio is a whiz at creating mismatches with perfect timing. Adjustments are inevitable during a game and the coach with more versatile players has the advantage in dictating the matchups. Edge: Purefoods.

Free throws. Purefoods can’t make the mistake of fouling unnecessarily because Alaska was No. 1 in free throw percentage in the elims, shooting .695. The Aces are sharp from the line and they’ll take every opportunity to score gift shots. In a close series, free throws could make the difference. Edge: Alaska.

Rebounding. Control of the boards is essential for multiple possessions and setting the pace. Purefoods was No. 1 in offensive rebounds and second-chance points in the elims but Alaska was right behind at No. 2 in put-backs. The Giants’ size will be a problem for the Aces particularly if Gregorio sends in Reavis, Maierhofer, Raymundo and Canaleta at the same time with Roger Yap or Artadi in the backcourt. Edge: Purefoods.

Motivation. Cone is gunning for his and Alaska’s 13th championship. This year, Alaska is celebrating its 25th anniversary and what more fitting way to toast the milestone than by picking up the prestigious All-Filipino trophy. Besides, Cone was exasperated in his last finals outing with Alaska blowing four free throws and a layup in the last 38 seconds to lose to Talk ‘N’ Text in Game 7 of the previous Philippine Cup title series. He’d like nothing better than to erase the memory of that nightmare with a big win over Purefoods. Also, Cone has revenge on his mind and the opportunity to pay back Gregorio for the 2002 defeat has come after eight years. Cone hasn’t won a title since the 2006-07 Fiesta Conference so for a proud organization like Alaska, a championship is long overdue. Edge: Alaska.

Composure. Down the stretch, Alaska will show more poise than Purefoods because of its experience. Miller is a two-time league MVP. He’s also a one-time finals MVP like Cablay and Cariaso. Raymundo and Pingris were once finals MVPs, too. Because Alaska’s been there and done that, it will know what to do when the heat is on. Edge: Alaska.

Crowd support. Purefoods will enjoy the “homecourt” advantage over Alaska. James Yap has almost a cult following and his fans are enthusiastically behind him and the Giants. Purefoods has a mystique that’s almost like Ginebra’s. It’s one of the league’s three most popular clubs. The crowd as a sixth man is a huge morale booster. Edge: Purefoods.

Individually, Purefoods seems more potent than Alaska. But as a team, the Aces are more cohesive and efficient. If it’s a short series, Alaska will win. If the series extends to six or seven, Purefoods should prevail.

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