Script by: Ogie Belenzo/Pierre Salas/Xtian Encarnacion/Raul Maningat
VO by: Ogie Belenzo/Pierre Salas
GFX by: Ron del Mundo
Edited by: Richie D' Horsey
Evolution daw!
Yes. That's the theme of the sixth conference of the Solar-Antipolo Basketball League--- time goes by so fast i did not realize that i have already played for four "franchises" in this fledgling league (currently slightly better than the PBL since they have five teams and we have seven.) i have a collection of a Yellow, Black, White and Purple jerseys to show for it which means a couple of possibilities: a) Teams demand my services and they need me. or b) Teams trade my ass as soon as they realize me and my turnovers are detrimental to the team.
Either way, the fun in being a journeyman? Yes, i can collect those jerseys. And the shoes (when budget permits) adjust to the team motif.
The better part of it? i have had a couple of Finals appearances. That's 2-0 versus the TMacish-jinx named Kristian Encarnacion.
Anyway, today should be the last day of the sixth conference. As of this writing, White is battling Blue with the latter leading the best-of-three Finals, one-to-none. Don't tell Pierre and Ron that though; they might prove me wrong, and we'll hear the news when we meet later on.
Since it's the sixth conference of the SABL, here are SIX FAST FACTS about this conference:
1) FROM FRIENDS TO FOES:
This list is as big as Blue's point spread over their opponents this conference but i don't have insider info on other team's i'd stick with what i know and the rumors:
+ Paul Navarro versus former teammates Pierre Salas, Ron del Mundo and Kristian.
+ Donjie C/Toto versus former teammates Gelo Pazcoguin and Crosby Menodiado (after three championships in the first three conferences it's weird that you see them on opposite ends of the court.)
+ Ron versus Kristian.
+ Kristian versus Ogie. (i am not sure if they were friends before.)
+ Sir Binoy versus Ryan. Former franchise players for the one-time champion Green.
+ Clear Boys Ermil and Mac.
2) FROM ENEMIES TO COMRADES
+ Kristian versus myself, now with White team. i demanded a trade the moment i knew we'd reunite. (It's actually a friend-to-foe-then-comrade-to-enemy-cycle. i miss trash talking with him though.
+ Raul and Paolo versus Ryan A. and Ariel. i knew they had some pretty interesting battles during the Red versus White championship a conference ago. Now teammates with Blue.
+ Jojo and Toto and Binoy, now with Purple. Inarguably, franchise players for their respective teams in the previous conference.
3) MVP's and (MOST) IMPROVED PLAYERS and other NOTABLES.
+ Pierre versus everyone else. ('cause you see, this is the year Pierre used his "varsity" experience and bullied everyone smaller than him
+ Kristian is actually the third leading scorer for the Purple team. Which is a good thing because that's his game, and not a point guard. And which is also a bad thing, because you'll hear from him all day long after a good game.
+ THE ENTIRE BLUE TEAM. All star squad. More on this later.
4) THE LUCK OF THE DRAW AND CONSPIRACIES.
+ i was with Clear during the drawing of players (draw lots for the draft) and when i've learned that the Blue team had picked players like it's for All Star Weekend. With Paolo Mariano among the tribunal of commissioners who handled the draft... You know where i am getting at. (And Paolo will deny this of course.) Then again, they just worked hard on their consistency and chemistry--- something you can't easily do. So i guess i'd have to congratulate Paolo tomorrow.
+ The second and last conspiracy is that they forced me to team up with Kristian.
5) THE COLORS HAVE CHANGED BUT THE PASSION (and personalities) REMAINED THE SAME.
This is oh-so-true:
+ Andrew's consistent and loud trash talk? Heck, he's more enjoyable to watch than the entire Coca Cola Tigers, Barako Bull and San Antonio Spurs combined. (And the opposite when you are one of his nemesis on the court.)
+ Paul Navarro's veteran moves. Heck, whoever said height is might have not met Mr. Navarro and his elbows.
+ Pierre Salas' crazy bulk and mad stares. Heck, good luck with running into him.
+ Ron del Mundo's pre-game huddle prayers.
And of course, the usual whines and realizations about...
6) REFS and THE BUDGET.
+ Referees for this conference took the traveling call to another level. Even the FIBA referees are not that strict. And everyone agrees that they disagree with the refs call regarding this one. The verdict? CHANGE THE REFS! (Again.)
+ That Paolo is still short with the budget. Meaning the cash prize is again in dire straits. The verdict? Enough with the moolah as antes, trophies-of-pride-and-bragging-rights will do!
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To end, congratulations to everyone. We have a seventh conference by February and that means all of us will be winners once again. (Though that's what losers say all the time.)
