After a crazy quarterfinal round, the stage is set for the PBA Philippine Cup final four. The cast features 3 teams that belong to the San Miguel Corporation, which again reinforces perceptions by the league’s critics that the PBA is an SMC league. Some even say that the PBA is set up so that SMC teams would always end up on the winning end of most tournaments.

The grand conspiracy argument doesn’t hold much water. If it were true, there’s no way Sta. Lucia would have won the 2008 Philippine Cup over Purefoods in a close seven-game series wherein James Yap was suspended for one game for the same flagrant 2 penalty called on Ranidel de Ocampo last Friday. Imagine David Stern suspending Kobe Bryant on an iffy call in an NBA finals series against a team like the Milwaukee Bucks.

That doesn’t mean to say that SMC teams do not have an advantage. The PBA landscape today gives the rich teams a leg up when it comes to acquiring talent, and each of the SMC teams have taken advantage to build up its arsenal.

By my count, Ginebra, Purefoods, and San Miguel have acquired a total of 19 players through lopsided trades over the past 5 PBA seasons. The trend started prior to the 2006-07 season, when Ginebra and San Miguel ransacked the roster of erstwhile sister team Coca-Cola just before the corporation let go of the franchise. Over the next several years, each SMC team found more willing partners in Red Bull and Air 21 who would let go of their star players for a song.

	Acquired by	From	Season	Notes
Marc Pingris	Purefoods	Air 21	2005-06	Traded to San Miguel for Enrico Villanueva in 2008, acquired back by Purefoods in 2009
Rudy Hatfield	Ginebra	Coke	2006-07	Went off the deep end after leading Ginebra to a Philippine Cup championship
Billy Mamaril	Ginebra	Coke	2006-07
Rafi Reavis	Ginebra	Coke	2006-07	Traded to Purefoods in 2009
Ronald Tubid	Ginebra	Air 21	2006-07
Lordy Tugade	San Miguel	Red Bull	2006-07
Enrico Villanueva	San Miguel	Red Bull	2007-08	Traded to Purefoods in 2008, traded to Ginebra in 2009
Larry Fonacier	San Miguel	Red Bull	2007-08	Traded to Alaska in 2008
Junthy Valenzuela	Ginebra	Red Bull	2007-08
Mick Pennisi	San Miguel	Red Bull	2008-09
Rich Alvarez	Purefoods	Red Bull	2008-09	Traded to Ginebra in 2009
Cyrus Baguio	Ginebra	Air 21/BK	2008-09
JC Intal	Ginebra	Air 21/BK	2008-09
Doug Kramer	Ginebra	Air 21/BK	2008-09
Homer Se	Ginebra	Air 21/BK	2008-09
Don Allado	Purefoods	Air 21/BK	2008-09
Celino Cruz	Purefoods	Air 21/BK	2008-09	Traded to Ginebra in 2009
KG Canaleta	Purefoods	Air 21/BK	2008-09
Arwind Santos	San Miguel	Air 21/BK	2009-10

The data does not reflect the indirect benefits of one SMC team acquiring new star players to its sister teams. For example, San Miguel benefitted when Ginebra acquired Hatfield, Mamaril, and Reavis from Coke, because it opened the door for the Beermen to trade for Ginebra’s Rommel Adducul, who had become expendable. When San Miguel acquired Villanueva, Adducul was shipped to Purefoods. Pingris found his way back to Purefoods from San Miguel this season after the arrival of Santos to the Beermen’s camp.

I also did not include in the table the first round draft picks acquired by the Beermen from Coke during the ransacking. San Miguel used the second overall pick in 2007 to draft Samigue Eman, and the third pick in the 2008 draft to trade for Jay Washington. These were non-trivial assets.

Of course, it’s not just the SMC teams doing this. Talk N Text has been just as brazen about stockpiling talent over the past several years. Another rich franchise, Coca-Cola, seems to be going in that direction.

Meanwhile, the Photokina (Red Bull/Barako Bull) and Lina (Air 21/Burger King) franchises have had no scruples about letting their players go to the highest bidders. Sta. Lucia, a franchise beset by financial difficulty, might be going down the same path. In the PBA board, only Alaska and Rain or Shine might be inclined to pursue changes to the system, and even then they are vastly outnumbered.

There hasn’t been nearly enough outrage from the fans. I tried to incite outrage when Burger King sold off Santos to San Miguel, but it was met by general apathy. The Filipino basketball fan’s mindset is rarely about playing fair, and mostly about getting an advantage at any cost. It runs true from college basketball – seriously, check out the message board discussions on high school prospects by fans of elite schools – up to the pros. Hell, think about how Smart Gilas fans wanted Japeth Aguilar on the team, at any cost, relationships be damned.

We want our teams to cut every corner to get the best players. Should it come as any surprise when they do exactly that?

Like I said a few posts back, I welcome any insight about the Smart Gilas squad, given that a lot of people really care about the promising team. A Smart Gilas insider (I know who he is, but for obvious reasons couldn’t disclose the identity) left a very interesting comment on my last post about the team. I’m republishing the most interesting parts of his comment here for more people to see:

Mac Baracael has been playing at the four position most of the time and he has been way more effective there when compared to Japeth. Japeth hasn't been rebounding too well and has been making good decisions. Plus he has not been playing good defense.

As for the PBA players, no coach Raijko is not interested in Asi at all. He was simply using him as a measure for the size that he needs. the only PBA player that he really wants (which i think finally came out publicly today) is kelly williams because he would be a perfect fit for the 4 position because of his rebounding and shooting.

As for the guards, Toroman is completely happy with all of them and he is just waiting for Lutz to come then his lineup for guards will be complete. I know a lot of people dont like Tiu, but when he averages the most minutes on the team, that says alot for a guy who is so short. Watching their games, it would seem that it is his fault when the guards score but truth is, he does everything coach Raijko asks him to on defense. he follows their defensive philosophy to the letter and often enough it is due to his teammates' mistakes in following their help side rules on defense that lead his man to score. He is just the leader of the team and sticks his team together. A true role player indeed.

Baracael has been great and Jvee Casio has been very good too. Barroca is actually not playing so well anymore and is getting berated at times for not passing the ball and setting the plays up properly.

If you follow Philippine basketball, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that there was a fight in this afternoon’s game between Burger King and Smart Gilas. Yeng Guiao’s teams, after all, have been known to play a physical brand of basketball, and between the Guiao-Toroman issue and the Japeth Aguilar controversy, there’s enough bad blood between the two teams to know that the air would be combustible.

But who figured that the fight would be between Burger King point guard Wynne Arboleda and a heckler later identified as Alain Katigbak, a fan of Smart Gilas and Ateneo and a friend of Chris Tiu? (UPDATED: Chris's brother Charles left a comment clarifying that the Gilas team captain does not know the person involved, contrary to Fidel Mangonon's earlier tweet.)

(No truth to the rumor that Alain Katigbak is a pseudonym of Rick Olivares.)

PBA lifer Fidel Mangonon tweeted a blow-by-blow account of the action: “Wynne's 4 punches-- left straight (connected), left hook (connected), right hook (grazed the head) & right upper cut (missed). Plus d left kick dat was planted hard on d guy's stomach, narrowly missing his balls.”

A few months ago, Danny Ildefonso was involved in a near-fracas against a fan, and I wrote about how Danny I.’s behavior was inexcusable. This is doubly so for Wynne Arboleda, and I really hope the PBA lowers the boom on him.

(UPDATE: The always-awesome Patricia Hizon following up over on Twitter: “Here's more on the fan that got beat up. Alain us from ayala alabang n has a construction company in bacoor. He's 31.he went for a medical. he's gettn his lawyer n pressing charges. He said d P word a few times n told arboleda "Matanda ka na" + more P words.” Fidel Mangonon also tweeted a picture of the incident.)

The fight almost overshadowed Burger King’s 115-105 win over the young Nationals. The game started roughly with a few flagrant foul calls, but the Whoppers were able to keep Gilas at bay throughout the game. Gilas import CJ Giles battled foul trouble throughout the game, and BK leaned on Extra Rice Incorporated board member Beau Belga’s 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists to carry them through. It was a figurative way of telling the developmental team: “Marami pa kayong kakaining bigas!”

And if you looked at the difference in girth between Belga and Aguilar, you’d agree.

The action will be broadcast tonight on CS/9 at 11:30PM.

Rain or Shine Elastopainters

Looking back: Rain or Shine had a breakout season in 2008-2009, making it out of the wildcards for the first time in the Philippine Cup and, with import Jai Lewis, going all the way to the semifinals in the Fiesta Conference. After getting a pair of dynamic rookies in Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado, coach Caloy Garcia installed a new system predicated on spacing the floor and dribble-penetration, similar to the dribble-drive motion offense ran by John Calipari.

Looking forward: Rain or Shine spent the offseason acquiring pieces that fit with their current foundation of Jay-R Reyes, Norwood, and Mercado, adding versatile veteran big man Mark Telan and former UAAP MVP Jervy Cruz. They also added second-round pick Marcy Arellano, who fits in perfectly and gives the team another guard who can get to the basket.

Analysis: If the PBA Press Corps handed out awards for ‘Best Coach Who Looks Exactly Like Robin Da Roza,’ Caloy Garcia would already be a hall of famer. I’ve heard rumors that Caloy was once part of That’s Entertainment. Can someone confirm if this is true, and if it is, what group he was in?

(I bet it was the Tuesday group.)

San Miguel Beermen

Looking back: San Miguel was the only team in the 2008-2009 PBA season that made the semifinals of both the Philippine Cup and the Fiesta Conference. The Beermen capped their season with a championship in the Fiesta Conference, the first for the league’s oldest franchise since 2005.

Looking forward: San Miguel acquired former FEU stalwarts Arwind Santos and Denok Miranda, but lost some toughness after letting go of Marc Pingris. Still, the Beermen are among the deepest teams in the league, but mental toughness has always been a concern for this team. They won in the import conference, but can they win the All-Filipino?

Analysis: After remaking the Isang Platitong Mani commercial with Manny Pacquiao, the San Miguel ad people should remake the old Si Neneng, Anak ni Mang Teban commercial, with Dorian Pena in the Yves Dignadice role.

Sta. Lucia Realtors

Looking back: It’s a wonder that Sta. Lucia had a decent performance for the 2008-2009 season, despite injuries to their most important players, 2008 Most Valuable Player Kelly Williams and 2008 Rookie of the Year Ryan Reyes. The Realtors salvaged a semifinals appearance in the Philippine Cup without Williams, but fell a game short of the Fiesta Conference semis when Reyes went down. The loss of the two players did not just affect Sta. Lucia, it also torpedoed the campaign of Powerade Team Pilipinas.

Looking forward: The real estate market was down in the offseason, as Sta. Lucia sold off various assets, sending Dennis Espino to Coke and Denok Miranda to San Miguel. Nelbert Omolon was rumored to be next, but the trade apparently fell through, to the delight of Rafe Bartholomew. Despite the fire sale, the team can still be competitive if Williams and Reyes come back healthy and new recruit Gabby Espinas and rookies Mark Benitez, Lamont Waters, and Josh Urbiztondo step up.

Analysis: Apart from rocking the most suave mustache in the association, Sta. Lucia board representative Buddy Encarnado spent the past few weeks organizing relief efforts in eastern Metro Manila and parts of Rizal affected by typhoon Ondoy.

Talk N Text Tropang Texters

Looking back: The apples of Manny Pangilinan’s eye won the Philippine Cup in an exciting seven-game series against Alaska. Along the way, guard Mac Cardona cemented his reputation as a true-blue superstar, as well as the most hated guy in the league. Boobirds hounded Cardona in their Philippine Cup semifinal against San Miguel, and it carried on for the rest of the season. PBA fans have not had a villain they disliked since Nelson Asaytono was still good.

Looking forward: The only key offseason addition to the Tropang Texters was veteran forward Nic Belasco, who figures to play more minutes for the team than Rob Reyes and Yousif Aljamal combined. No team has repeated as All-Filipino champions since 1985, when Ricky Brown led Great Taste to a successful title defense. That would have been 25 years ago by the time this conference wraps up.

Analysis: Did anyone else hear about the Belasco trade and thought to himself, “Hey, Belasco and Peek, 1998 Pop Cola Panthers frontline FTW!” They should have signed up Bonel Balingit to complete the troika.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team

Looking forward: Coached by Rajko Toroman, the developmental national pool has made a good first impression among Filipino fans after their rousing win against a poorly-prepared Powerade Team Pilipinas Team. Led by import CJ Giles and the expected return to the team of top draft pick Japeth Aguilar, the team has enough talent to compete, but the better-prepared PBA teams would be tougher for them to handle.

Analysis: Let’s do a mental exercise. In Powerade’s loss to Gilas, James Yap was the only bright spot for the senior national team, getting easy jumpers especially in the first half. When Gilas lost to Alaska in a scrimmage last week, Willie Thriller burned the Gilas squad early and late. Can you name the Gilas player who was guarding both these guys? Do you think this is going to be a problem down the line? Should we all start standing in the corner and praying our rosaries now?

Alaska Aces

Looking back: Alaska started the 2008-2009 PBA season well, as the team came a Willie Thriller layup short of winning the Philippine Cup. The loss, however, seemed to weigh heavily on coach Tim Cone’s wards, and an unhappy Aces team finished second to the last during the Fiesta Conference. Things got even worse in the offseason when star guard Miller asked to be traded, a request Alaska denied.

Looking forward: The Alaska management spent the offseason mending fences and it seemed to have worked, as the team has been playing well in the offseason. They return with an intact lineup, with the only key addition being first round surprise Michael Burtscher, whom Cone compared favorably to Rudy Hatfield. No word yet though if Burtscher is as good as the H-Bomb on the microphone.

Analysis: I’m frankly more excited about Tim Cone’s Twitter account, wherein he provides all kinds of awesome stuff, like the answer to the question: “Who’d you pick to take the last shot in the game, Willie or Jolas?” Every PBA coach should have a Twitter account. Yeng Guiao’s would contain Kapampangan profanity while Ryan Gregorio’s would just be a feed full of clichés. Chot Reyes’ Twitter feed would be about fashion and style.

Barako Bull Energy Boosters

Looking back: Shit hit the fan for the cash-strapped franchise in 2008-2009, as years of selling their top players finally caught up to them and coach Yeng Guiao bailed on the team. Leo Isaac took over but did no better, as the Boosters finished last in both tournaments last season.

Looking forward: Barako Bull has a very, very strong lineup… for a Liga Pilipinas team. They’ll probably wipe the floor with the Trace Laguna Stallions and the MisOr Meteors, but they’d have a lot of trouble against the Cebu Ninos. The roster is a motley crew of untested young guns and mediocre journeymen, including cult favorites such as Donbel Belano and Alex Crisano, who’s the best player in the PBA with a sex video. Or at least that we know about.

Analysis: Who’s ready for heavy helpings of Yousif Aljamal? Well, I know someone who is, but I can’t write it here. I’ll be sued for libel and cleaned out for everything I own. Even cellphone load.

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings

Looking back: Mark “The Spark” Caguioa was out all year while he was nursing his sore pussy rehabbing his knee, but his backcourt partner Jayjay Helterbrand carried the undermanned team all season, capped by a runner-up finish in the Fiesta Conference. Helterbrand was named the season’s MVP for his troubles.

Looking forward: Caguioa is back, and he brought backup. The Gin Kings acquired former Ateneo stars Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, and Paolo Bugia, who were reunited with fellow Eagles JC Intal and Doug Kramer. Ginebra should have just gone ahead and called itself GSM Blue.

Analysis: Do you think the other Ateneo guys make fun of JC Intal after Carla Abellana broke up with him to concentrate on her showbiz career? Do they talk about it behind his back? I bet they do. And I bet it was awkward when Carla showed up as the muse of Rain or Shine at the PBA opening yesterday.

Burger King Whoppers

Looking back: There was a lot of excitement in the Burger King camp last season after it was announced that Harbour Center/Oracle Titans owner (and Melanie Marquez schoolmate) Mikee Romero was taking over the franchise, and Romero quickly scored a coup by signing coach Yeng Guiao. Then it turned out that Romero did not have enough money to buy BK, so control of the team went back to the Lina group. Team manager and incoming PBA chairman Lito Alvarez promptly sold off the team’s assets, including star forward Arwind Santos, leading to a profanity-laced tirade against him and owner Bert Lina on this blog. I bet that was the post that won me the Philippine Blog Award.

Looking forward: The Burger King offseason was consumed by the Japeth Aguilar saga. The former Western Kentucky stalwart decided to join the team two days before the opening of the season, but talk is already rampant that he’ll be sold off too after a few games. The only key addition apart from Aguilar was hotshot guard Ronjay Buenafe, and the team looks long on big bodies and short on talent.

Analysis: Burger King unveiled a craptastic weave play on offense during last night’s blowout loss to Purefoods. Instead of guards running the weave, they have their big guys doing it. It didn’t work. Not even once. My theory is that Yeng Guiao has decided to focus all his efforts on next year’s elections, and Joel ‘El Aparador’ Dualan is secretly coaching the team. How else would you explain the presence of Beau Belga and JR Quinahan together in the starting lineup?

Coca-Cola Tigers

Looking back: Coca-Cola has been a team in turmoil for several seasons now, and last year the management finally made a move by firing Binky Favis, installing Kenneth Duremdes as coach, and later signing former Air 21 coach Bo Perasol to be part of Duremdes’ brain trust. It led to an awesome moment in a couple of games last year when Duremdes contracted conjunctivitis, so he just sat behind the bench in sunglasses while Perasol coached the team.

Looking forward: The Tigers went on a major revamp in the offseason, acquiring PBL MVP Chris Ross and Sta. Lucia all-star Dennis Espino, among other players. Team officials say that they want to run more this year, thought how they’ll do that with dinosaurs like Espino and Asi Taulava in the front court remains to be seen.

Analysis: Coke team manager JB Baylon has been spending money like a congressman at an upscale girly bar this past few months; apart from their pricy offseason buildup, the Coca-Cola Company also bankrolled the Powerade Team Pilipinas campaign and yesterday’s opening ceremonies. By the way, Baylon is a pretty good writer. I read his columns in Malaya (they’re usually about politics) from time to time.

Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants

Looking back: The 2008-2009 PBA season was thoroughly disappointing for Purefoods fans, with the team failing to make it out of the wildcard stages of the Philippine Cup and losing in the quarters of the Fiesta Conference. Supporters called for the head of coach Ryan Gregorio in various online message boards. At one point, there were about as many threads in Pinoy Exchange calling for the ouster of Gregorio as threads about Hayden Kho.

Looking forward: Gregorio did a Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and clung to his post despite all the calls to resign, although he did suck up to Purefoods fans by trading back for fan favorites Marc Pingris and Paul Artadi. Fans would be elated if it weren’t for the fact that it was Gregorio who traded them away in the first place. The Giants also acquired athletic big guys Rafi Reavis and Rico Maierhofer, and the team, with stars James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, looks quite imposing on paper.

Analysis: I was talking to a basketball insider who is in the know a few days ago about strong teams in the PBA, and he thought that Purefoods had a good team. I told him that I didn’t really trust Ryan Gregorio. He hemmed and hawed before answering, “Well, it’s a given thing that Ryan is not a good coach.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

(Tomorrow: Part 2)