How the PBA teams prepared for the PH Cup and how the pandemic affected plans

The PBA is weeks away from resuming its 2020 Philippines Cup during the COVID-19 pandemic after the league got the go-ahead to return to Interagency Task Force play, but in a bubble. It has been more than six months since the league played the last game with San Miguel defeating Magnolia in the opening game on March 8 before suspending the game due to the virus.

As we count the days until the return of the PBA to be held in Pampanga, let us remind you of what happened to each of the teams before and during the game suspension.

ALASKA

Before the pandemic: The Aces made big moves with Michael DiGregorio as the latest addition, acquiring the sniper in a TNT trade for Simon Enciso. DiGregorio’s presence seemed to have elevated the game for the Aces, who put up an impressive preseason campaign.

During the pandemic: Sonny Thoss was relegated to the free agent list in the weeks leading up to the bubble, and Alaska team governor Dickie Bachmann said Thoss retired after 16 years with the Aces.

BLACK WATER

Before the pandemic: Changes were made at the top with champion college coach and former TNT mentor Nash Racela being hired by the elite looking to imbue himself with a consistent winning culture across the team. The Elite got bigger when they drafted Maurice Shaw and picked up a defensive plug on Ron Dennison in a trade with Phoenix.

During the pandemic: News related to the team was mostly from above, and Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy revealed last July that Elite conducted trainings that were conducted prior to government approval. Frustrated, Sy said he would put his franchise up for sale, a statement that upset members of the PBA board of governors. Sy was fined P100,000 for unauthorized practices during the pandemic.

BARANGAY GENEVA

Before the pandemic: Fresh from his 2019 Governors ‘Cup title reign, Tim Cone was adamant about the Gin Kings’ goal: to win an all-Philippine crown. The Gin Kings, however, would lose a player after Greg Slaughter decided to take a year off after his contract with the team expired at the end of 2019. Following Slaughter’s absence, small changes were made to the team with the rookies Arvin Tolentino and Jerrick Balanza. breaking the opening day lineup.

During the pandemic: Governors’ Cup Final MVP Japeth Aguilar was involved in a controversy after being caught playing a 5v5 game while contact sports were still not allowed during the quarantine. Aguilar was fined 20,000 pesos for his participation in the game.

COLUMBIANA / TERRA FIRMA

Before the pandemic: The Dyip welcomed the new faces that would anchor Rookie of the Year CJ Perez. Roosevelt Adams was selected by Columbian in last year’s draft and landed Aldrech Ramos in a trade for Jackson Corpuz. Rookies Bonbon Batiller and Christian Balagasay were also on the opening day roster.

During the pandemic: The franchise found it will be making a name change, as the team will now be called Terra Firma following a transfer of ownership that was approved by the board last June.

MERALCO

Before the pandemic: The Bolts were about to play the Philippine Cup last March without Raymond Almazan, who was the big man the team needed during non-imported conferences. However, Almazan suffered an injury during the Governor’s Cup final and was supposed to be out for a few months during the conference.

During the pandemic: The rupture gave Raymond Almazan time to heal from his meniscal tear, and he will return to the Bolts for the next bubble in Clark.

NLEX

Before the pandemic: A trade changed the complexion of the Road Warriors squad when they delivered the much-improved Poy Erram to sister team TNT this past February. However, NLEX did not lose another great man when Asi Taulava decided that he will play his 21st year in the PBA.

During the pandemic: Determined to see a season celebrated, NLEX coach Yeng Guiao was one of the first people to call the league to take action for the league to resume play. It was also Guiao who suggested keeping a bubble in Clark, which was later chosen as the site for the PBA reboot. Larry Fonacier and Cyrus Baguio, however, will not be part of the bubble for different reasons.

NORTH PORT

Before the pandemic: Encouraged by their impressive semi-final finish in the Governor’s Cup, NorthPort’s hopes were high despite the absence of the recovered Robert Bolick. Christian Standhardinger won the Best Conference Player award at the previous conference, and the Batang pier was made bigger with the entry of Kelly Nabong through a trade last January.

During the pandemic: The suspension of the game allowed Bolick to recover from his ACL injury last year, but the team officials decided not to include the former San Beda player in the bubble to avoid the risk of a new injury.

PHOENIX SUPER LPG

Before the pandemic: As Phoenix waited for Calvin Abueva’s indefinite suspension to be lifted, Phoenix sought to regroup to bounce back from its two playoff failures in 2019. The Fuel Masters added pieces by picking dependable players Jake Pascual and Brian Heruela for the 2020 season.

During the pandemic: The Fuel Masters found themselves making a coaching change earlier this month after firing Louie Alas. Before the move, Alas was suspended for 15 days for violating protocols during the resumption of practices. Topex Robinson took over on an interim basis. However, entering the bubble was a disappointment for Phoenix, as the still-suspended Calvin Abueva was not allowed to be part of the Fuel Masters delegation in the bubble.

MAGNOLIA

Before the pandemic: After making a deal to acquire Chris Banchero during the Governor’s Cup, the Hotshots continued their development during the offseason by acquiring full-length player Jackson Corpuz in a trade last December. Magnolia actually played in the only official match of the Philippine Cup, bowing to San Miguel, 94-78, before the league was halted days later due to the virus.

During the pandemic: An era of Magnolia / Purefoods basketball ended when PJ Simon announced his retirement a few days ago. Simon played for 16 years with the franchise, including the only conference game so far.

SAN MIGUEL

Before the pandemic: San Miguel’s bid for a sixth consecutive Philippine Cup crown faced a snag after six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo suffered a fractured right tibia. Still, the Beermen were seen as title contenders with their deep roster led by Commissioner Cup final MVP Terrence Romeo. San Miguel’s retention of the title rose to a high note after his win over Magnolia before the postponement of games.

During the pandemic: The postponement allowed Fajardo to rehab and recover without missing games for the Beermen, but San Miguel chose not to include his precious big man in the delegation in Clark’s bubble.

RAIN OR SUN

Before the pandemic: The Elastopainters maintained their readiness for the future by hiring rookies Vince Tolentino, Adrian Wong, Prince Rivero, and Clint Doliguez for the 2020 season. Rain or Shine got even younger when the rookies joined Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon in the list, keeping its veteran core intact.

During the pandemic: Although he has yet to play an official PBA game in his career, Adrian Wong was sanctioned by the PBA last July for being part of a 5v5 game during quarantine. The Ateneo rookie was fined 20,000 pesos for the offense.

TNT

Before the pandemic: In an attempt to strengthen their bid for a title, KaTropa acquired Poy Erram in a NLEX trade last February that bolstered their front line that could challenge the rest of the league. He completed an active offseason for TNT that also saw the team get Simon Enciso, Ed Daquioag and J-Jay Alejandro to join the team.

During the pandemic: Due to the controversy surrounding his comments on the Philippine basketball landscape, Tab Baldwin was removed as TNT’s assistant coach last June. Before the team’s decision, the director of the concurrent Gilas Pilipinas program was fined 75,000 pesos and suspended three games for comments “damaging to the league.” The KaTropa will play in the bubble without one of its veterans after Kelly Williams decided to end his career last September after 13 years in the PBA, nine with the KaTropa.
___

Twist fans unite in the Spin Viber Community! Join the growing community now and complete the experience subscribe to the Spin Chatbot.