COCA-Cola's John Arigo is the perfect example of a forgotten man making people realize he's still around. Sta. Lucia Realty's Joseph Yeo is the exact opposite, repeatedly reminding everybody he won't go away.
This the Accel/KFC PBA Press Corps' Co-Players of the Week for the period Dec. 15 to 21 stressed by leading their respective teams to much-needed wins and the realization of their short-term goals in the Philippine Cup.
Arigo flashed his old fiery form of old by scoring 31 points in spearheading the undermanned Tigers in a come-from-behind 88-86 win over Red Bull last Friday and into a slot in the wildcard phase.
"It was a classic case of a veteran taking over," said Coke interim head coach Kenneth Duremdes of Arigo's memorable game at the hilltop Ynares Center in Antipolo, tiding the team over despite the absence of injured key frontliners Asi Taulava and Nic Belasco.
"Kung kailan kailangan talaga namin nag-respond siya and ipinakita niya na isa pa rin siya sa leaders ng Coca-Cola Tigers," Duremdes added.
Yeo's case was different. He took over from defending champion Sta. Lucia's struggling starters and poured in a game-high 25 points to rally the Realtors to a 102-98 victory over Red Bull last Sunday for a 10-8 win-loss slate and an outright quarterfinals berth.
"Yeo stepped up the most and it's sort of expected because he's really been our ace off the bench," said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez of the man widely known as "The Ninja," who scattered 22 of his points in the second half and, mainly with team captain Dennis Espino, boosted their comeback from a 45-65 third quarter deficit.
"Ganoon talaga ang game ko, pag nakuha ko na ang rhythm, buwelo ko," reasoned the former UAAP and PBL star. "Ipinapakita ko lang ang capability ko to create offense, draw the defense."
A sixth man-role is also one Yeo, a No. 3 pick by Coke in the 2006 Draft, is comfortable with.
"Every time na gusto ni coach na may mag-step up, lagi niyang ipinapaalala sa akin na 'Ikaw ang inaasahan ko,' lalo na pag masama ang laro ng first five."
It was the sort of expectations heaped on Arigo, the No. 5 pick in 2001 who seemed to have faded from the limelight following a spate of injuries and run-ins with head coach Binky Favis.
The 30-year-old, nicknamed "The Arsenal," was given the chance to shine Friday and he did not disappoint as his points output was his highest since a career-best-tying 35 points in a 104-97 win over FedEx during the 2004-05 edition of the same tournament.
He shot 13-of-20 from the field, including 4-of-6 from the three-point area, and likewise pulled down eight rebounds as Coke wound up the eliminations with a 7-11 win-loss record.
The finish was good for only ninth spot, but it is one Duremdes and his team, given up for lost, could live with.
"We survived at napaka-importante noon dahil we still have something to look forward to in the conference," said Duremdes.
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Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
VINTAGE CAPTAIN MARBEL IN ACTION
A GRIZZLED veteran needs little prompting to showcase his prowess and this is especially true in the case of Kenneth Duremdes.
Given up for a has-been even after the 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup had started, the 1998 MVP has exploded his way back into public consciousness, at the same time helping boost Sta. Lucia Realty to two wins last week and into the top of the field.
Because of his recent exploits eerily reminiscent of the fiery form that earned him the nickname “Captain Marbel,” the 32-year-old guard-forward has been chosen as the PBA Press Corps’ Accel-Player of the Week for the period Oct. 23-29.
Duremdes said it is all due to the trust given him by the Realtors’ coaching staff and his teammates.
“Iyon at pati siguro yung kumpiyansa sa sarili ko, kaya bumalik ang laro,” said the pride of Koronadal, South Cotabato. “Sana, tuloy-tuloy na ito para maganda naman ang kalabasan ng team.”
Finally playing injury-free for the first time in more than two years, Duremdes keeps showing the faith in him was not ill-placed.
In a 102-90 win over Talk N Text last Saturday at the University of the Assumption in San Fernando, Pampanga, Duremdes had 17 points on 6-of-12 field shooting and also had three rebounds in 29 minutes.
It was Duremdes who presided over a vicious Sta. Lucia attack in the third quarter that opened up a 79-65 spread for the team before his teammates took care of the mop-up job.
He was more explosive in the Realtors’ 105-83 victory over Red Bull last Wednesday. He had 20 points on 7-of-12 field shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, and also had five rebounds, three assists and a block in just 23 minutes.
He ignited and helped fuel a fierce sustained attack that immediately turned the contest into a one-sided affair.
“Ganyan naman kasi talaga dito sa team na ito. Kung magpakita ka on both ends of the floor, magtatagal ka sa loob,” said SLR coach Alfrancis Chua. “Ganoon si
Kenneth.”
Like Duremdes, Sta. Lucia was also not given much second looks before the season began. Things are a lot different now.
With their 5-1 win-loss slate, the Realtors are off to their best-ever sustained start in an All-Filipino tournament and look firmly on track for an automatic semifinal berth. (NCo)
Given up for a has-been even after the 2006-07 Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup had started, the 1998 MVP has exploded his way back into public consciousness, at the same time helping boost Sta. Lucia Realty to two wins last week and into the top of the field.
Because of his recent exploits eerily reminiscent of the fiery form that earned him the nickname “Captain Marbel,” the 32-year-old guard-forward has been chosen as the PBA Press Corps’ Accel-Player of the Week for the period Oct. 23-29.
Duremdes said it is all due to the trust given him by the Realtors’ coaching staff and his teammates.
“Iyon at pati siguro yung kumpiyansa sa sarili ko, kaya bumalik ang laro,” said the pride of Koronadal, South Cotabato. “Sana, tuloy-tuloy na ito para maganda naman ang kalabasan ng team.”
Finally playing injury-free for the first time in more than two years, Duremdes keeps showing the faith in him was not ill-placed.
In a 102-90 win over Talk N Text last Saturday at the University of the Assumption in San Fernando, Pampanga, Duremdes had 17 points on 6-of-12 field shooting and also had three rebounds in 29 minutes.
It was Duremdes who presided over a vicious Sta. Lucia attack in the third quarter that opened up a 79-65 spread for the team before his teammates took care of the mop-up job.
He was more explosive in the Realtors’ 105-83 victory over Red Bull last Wednesday. He had 20 points on 7-of-12 field shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, and also had five rebounds, three assists and a block in just 23 minutes.
He ignited and helped fuel a fierce sustained attack that immediately turned the contest into a one-sided affair.
“Ganyan naman kasi talaga dito sa team na ito. Kung magpakita ka on both ends of the floor, magtatagal ka sa loob,” said SLR coach Alfrancis Chua. “Ganoon si
Kenneth.”
Like Duremdes, Sta. Lucia was also not given much second looks before the season began. Things are a lot different now.
With their 5-1 win-loss slate, the Realtors are off to their best-ever sustained start in an All-Filipino tournament and look firmly on track for an automatic semifinal berth. (NCo)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Top 20 Players of the PBL
TWENTY years is a long stretch of time -- two decades marked by highs and lows, triumphs and struggles, trials and errors. Like all things tested by time, the Philippine Basketball League absorbed all these, and still remained upright and aloft, ready to face new challenges - and changes.
As a basketball league, the PBL has seen people - players, team officials, league officials, staff - come and go. They are the people who define the league as it passes through time.
Still, it is the players, more than anybody else, who made the PBL what it is today - a vibrant and dynamic league who have become a transient place for young men who dreams of someday finding his own place in the big backyard that is the pro league, as have others before them.
On the occasion of PBL's 20th year, we pay tribute to the league's 20 finest players, as we, however briefly, trace their humble beginnings and their eventual rise to fame - and fortune.
LEO AUSTRIA
Today's generation will find it difficult to reconcile Leo Austria, the coach, to the Leo Austria who once upon a time terrorized the PBL hardcourt with his booming triples and gutsy playmaking.
But Austria was all that. The former Lyceum Pirate, long before bad eyesight and good coaching skills set in, was a certified PBL superstar who, despite his 5-8 frame, was perhaps one of the finest quarterbacks to ever dribble a basketball.
The pride of Sariaya, Quezon, Austria started out as a varsity cager from the Lyceum of the Philippines, playing for the now-defunct MUCAA before moving on to the PABL, the precursor of the PBL.
Austria immediately made an impact in the league, and was voted Most Valuable Player in the Ambassador's Cup back in 1984
Today, Austria has come back full circle as a coach of Welcoat in the PBL. And just like in his playing days, "coach Leo" remains a winner, having steered the Paintmasters in the recent Challenge Cup.
SONNY CABATU
He's knownto break into a smile once in a while, but that's the only concession he will give you inside the hardcourt.
That sums up Sonny Cabatu when inside the floor. He's muscle and brawn, but unlike other behemoths, Cabatu knew how to position himself near the basket - and score unmolested, defenders be damned.
Notwithstanding his reputation as a bruiser on the defensive end, Cabatu scored enough points to shine and win two MVP plums while playing for ESQ Marketing in the PABL, even outglossing equally-talented teammates such as Ricky Cui, Jojo Villapando, Adonis Tierra and Glenn Capacio.
Cabatu broke into the league via the Bank of Rizal, which he helped steer to a runner-up and a championship in its first year back in 1984. When the team disbanded, Cabatu was acquired by ESQ Marketing, which won three straight championships.
Like several others during his time, Cabatu went on to play in the PBA, but wasn't as successful as he was in the PBL. Still, Cabatu gave PABL fans plenty of memories - that of a banger who is as merciless on defense as he is as prolific on offense.
ALLAN CAIDIC
Shooters litter the face of Philippine basketball, but few of them are as prolific as Allan Caidic - the lefty hotshot who had posted records as a three-point shooter and who, just last year, reinvented himself as a PBA coach.
Caidic came to the PABL fresh out of college, shortly after the University of the East won back-to-back titles (1984-85) with him and Jerry Codinera on the firing end. His shooting prowess also made him a shoo-in the Danding Cojuangco-backed national team, which won the Jones Cup in 1985.
In the PABL, the future PBA superstar plied his wares with CF Sharp and Magnolia, among others, and continued to wreck defenses with his long bombs, averaging double digits in almost every game.
His consistency from the long court earned for him a place in PBL history, and set a benchmark almost impossible to surpass, much less equal.
DONDON AMPALAYO
A true-blue Cebuano, Dondon Ampalayo was a player way ahead of his time. At 6-3, Dondon was a deadshot from the three-point range and a turnaround shot artist - a deadly combination that endeared him to basketball fans.
Dondon came in board the PABL back in 1985 and suited up for ESQ Marketing. His friendly disposition and winsome smile masked his intensity inside the court.
He left the PABL after one year, but his popularity even soared when he joined the never-say-die Ginebra team in the PBA.
Like a meteor, Dondon was like a flash of light in the PABL, but he has left enough memories for basketball fans to cherish for years to come.
JOJO LASTIMOSA
When Jojo Lastimosa, a product of University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu, brought his act to Manila, his Visayan fans came in droves from all over the city to watch him electrify the crowd.
Soon, his hardcourt exploits - and a pair of legs to die for - had the fans packing the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium to the rafters, shouting themselves hoarse as Mama's Love, Lastimosa's team, gave the Manilans a lesson in Visayan brand of basketball - bold, gutsy and fast.
Game after game, Lastimosa did not disappoint his fans, and while his reticence kept him from winning an MVP award, he endeared himself to lovers of pure, unadulterated basketball.
His quiet leadership and intensity brought him glory as a member of various national teams, and later as a professional player in the PBA.
JERRY CODINERA
In the PBA, Jerry Codinera was christened the "Defense Minister." But long before that, the 6-5 slotman was already a force to reckon with in the PABL.
The son of a former baseball great, Filomeno Codinera, Jerry was an immovable force in the PABL during his stint with Lagerlite and Magnolia.
Even back then, Jerry's strongest suit was his umbrella-like defense, a skill he brought with him in the national team of 1986 and eventually, in the PBA.
Jerry's teammate in Magnolia include Jong Uichico and the electrifying Bong Alvarez, but he more than held his own on offense. His deadliest weapon is a jumpshot from the perimeter, usually a high banked shot, and a putback off an offensive rebound.
ALVIN PATRIMONIO
Even past his prime, Alvin Patrimonio is difficult to stop, especially around the paint.
With this in mind, just imagine him some 18 years ago, at a time when he ruled the perimeter like a tiger on a prowl, scoring off bigger men with his difficult pivots and turnaround jumpers.
A former volleyball player, Patrimonio saw action for Lhullier and Yco Paints, a stint which triggered the much talked about rivalry with Codinera. That rivalry ceased when he and Codinera ended up together in the national team in 1986 and in the star-studded Purefoods team beginning in 1988.
While his most memorable achievement is his winning four MVPs in the PBA, Patrimonio will be most remembered as the first PBA millionaire, earning P25 million in five years in 1984 with Purefoods, sparking the skyrocketing of player contracts in the years to come.
ATO AGUSTIN
Renato "Ato" Agustin belongs to that rare breed of small players who can score almost at will.
As a player fresh out of college, Agustin first strutted his stuff with the Golden Rice Cereals back in 1985, before moving on to Masagana 99 and Hope Cigarettes.
But it was during his stint with Swift in 1989 when Agustin blossomed into a bigtime player who can outsmart and outscore bigger players.
And back when one-on-one players were difficult to come by, Agustin was already losing his man with his "shake-and-bake moves.
His loyalty to the RFM franchise in the PBL paid off, as he became a part of the Swift team that joined the PBA in 1991. A year after, Agustin's efforts were rewarded with a Most Valuable Player Award.
BENJIE PARAS
Before he discovered his flair for comedy, Benjie Paras was already a hit -- in basketball.
Paras began his basketball career as a UP Maroon where he won the Maroon's only collegiate title under coach Joe Lipa, and like a dutiful son, Paras followed his coach when Lipa handled Philip Sardines in the PABL.
As a UP Maroon, Paras was already a force at the paint, but in the PBL, Paras blossomed into a slam-dunking, shotblocking monster. His Mutt-and-Jeff partnership with the cat-quick Ronnie Magsanoc produced two championships for the Sardine Masters.
Those two championships lined up Paras for a stint in the PBA, but right in his first year, he won both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors, a feat unmatched until today.
JOHNNY ABARRIENTOS
Even before the crossover dribble became a buzzword in basketball, there was one player who did it with amazing regularity. His name - Johnny Abarrientos.
Abarrientos burst into basketball prominence when he teamed up with Victor Pablo to lead Far Eastern University to the championship in 1991.
But even before then, Abarrientos was already a household name as a PABL player with Crispa under cage legends Bogs Adornado and Atoy Co.
After Crispa disbanded, Abarrientos joined Triple V, where he helped lead the team to back-to-back championships.
That eventually led to a stint in the PBA with Alaska Milk, where Abarrientos was a part of a championship dynasty in the 90s. In 199
VERGEL MENESES
Nowadays, one-on-one players are a dime a dozen. But back when basketball in the Philippines was still young, there was Samboy Lim. And then there was Vergel Meneses.
When he first played in Magnolia in the PABL, Vergel was tagged as Samboy's successor in the high-wire act department. Vergel more than lived up to that tag. Like Samboy, Vergel was a superb one-on-one player, But unlike Samboy, Vergel proved to be more durable.
After a short stint with Magnolia, Vergel transferred to Burger City. A year after, in 1989, he was named to the RP Youth team.
It was only a matter of time before Vergel will be drafted in the PBA, and in 1990, he joined Pop Cola as one of its pioneers.
ZANDRO 'JUN' LIMPOT
Tall, athletic and a deadshot from the perimeter, Zandro "Jun" Limpot took to basketball as a duck to water.
A former tennis player, Limpot turned to basketball at the urgings of his uncle, the late Gov. Jose Sering.
That decision proved to be wise, as it opened many doors for the young Limpot.
After leading De La Salle to the championship, Limpot followed coach Derek Pumaren to Magnolia in the PBL, where he stayed for four years, and won an MVP award in the process.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Like most of his peers, Limpot made the jump to the PBA, and today, he continues to be one of the most prolific scorers in the league.
KENNETH DUREMDES
A lean, fighting machine from Koronadal, South Cotabato, Kenneth Duremdes came to the PBL with solid credentials.
One of Adamson U's finest, Duremdes immediately gave basketball fans a glimpse of his talent, earning Rookie of the Year honors with Burger Machine back in 1993.
Under the tutelage of coach Perry Ronquillo, Duremdes turned from a raw cager into a fearless slasher, and was instrumental in giving Burger Machine a championship in 1994.
After two years with the PBL, Duremdes moved on to the PBA and was picked third in the Draft in 1995.
MARLOU AQUINO
They call him The Skyscraper, and he is, in more ways than one.
At 6-9, Marlou Aquino is one of the tallest Filipino players to ever play the game. He is also one of the most creative centers ever, as he can vary his shots to frustrate the defense.
Together with Kenneth Duremdes, Aquino was player no. 1 in Adamson's 1-2 punch. In the PBL, Aquino immediately made an impact, and with no taller player to challenge him, Aquino ran rings around his defenders at the paint.
He saw action for Magnolia, Otto Shoes and Stag, and along the way, he strung up five MVP awards, the most by any player in the PBL.
DANNY ILDEFONSO
When Danny Ildefonso entered the PBL, he "raised the roof" of amateur basketball, so to speak.
Ildefonso's impact was immediately felt when he first played for Burger Machine for two conferences in 1994, before moving on to Red Bull.
A bull-strong player with fancy moves around the perimeter, Ildefonso got away from his defenders and scored by the buckets.
His athleticism and natural talent paved the way to a place in the PBA, and in 1998, Ildefonso was taken in by San Miguel Beer.
ERIC MENK
Questions about his nationality persists, but when it comes to his basketball skills, few can question Eric Menk's capability.
As a testament to his basketball talent, Menk became the PBL's first rookie and MVP awardee, and helped lead Tanduay to the 1997 Mayor's Cup title.
Two more MVP awards came Menk's way, and along the way Tanduay also won two more titles.
When the Rhummasters moved up to the PBA in 1999, Menk was one of those who came on board with coach Alfrancis Chua to continue where Tanduay left off in the PBL.
ROGER YAP
Like Jojo Lastimosa and Dondon Ampalayo before him, Roger Yap honed his craft in Cebu.
A run-and-gun type of player, this former Southwestern University star was just as explosive as the other Visayan superstars who came before him.
Yap plied his wares with Shark Energy Drink under Leo Austria, and soon enough, he was running and gunning with reckless abandon, piling up the points and winning a second crown for Shark in the 2001 Challenge Cup.
That year, Yap also won the MVP award, a fitting ending to a colorful career in the PBL before he moved up to the pro league.
YANCY DE OCAMPO
A product of St. Francis of Assisi College, Yancy de Ocampo was as tall as they come at 6-foot-9.
He started out as a back-up to Don Allado in Welcoat, and when Allado moved up to the PBA, Yancy immediately took on the starting center role.
The role fitted Yancy to a T.With no real threat from the opposition, Yancy led Welcoat to two straight championships, picking up an MVP award in 2001.
Last year, Yancy achieved the crowning glory of his career in the amateurs after he was picked no. 1 in the PBA Draft.
REN-REN RITUALO
Basketball pundits describe Ren-Ren Ritualo as the second coming of Allan Caidic - only thinner.
His lean frame notwithstanding, Ritualo didn't let this get in the way of achieving several milestones in his career.
After leading De La Salle University to three championships, Ritualo set out to conquer a bigger stage - the PBL.
Together with Yancy de Ocampo and Jojo Manalo, Ritualo helped steer the Welcoat Paintmasters to a basketball dynasty in the late 90s up to the early 2000s.
Ritualo, a deadshot from practically every corner of the hardcourt, capped his rise to the basketball firmament when he was drafted in the PBA.
ROMEL ADDUCUL
Like Gen. Douglas McArthur, Romel Adducul made a comeback - in basketball. And like the American hero, Adducul was a general to his troops at Welcoat.
Adducul first came into the PBL in 1995 as Chowking's main man at the paint. Although his team failed to win a title, the former San Sebastian standout won an MVP award a year after.
Late last year, after a three-year tour with the now-defunct MBA, Adducul returned to the PBL fold for his second - and last - stop.
It was a valedictory worth a toast, as Adducul timed his return with the comeback of Welcoat. Fittingly, Adducul capped his return with his second MVP award, before he turned pro as the second pick in the PBA Draft.
As a basketball league, the PBL has seen people - players, team officials, league officials, staff - come and go. They are the people who define the league as it passes through time.
Still, it is the players, more than anybody else, who made the PBL what it is today - a vibrant and dynamic league who have become a transient place for young men who dreams of someday finding his own place in the big backyard that is the pro league, as have others before them.
On the occasion of PBL's 20th year, we pay tribute to the league's 20 finest players, as we, however briefly, trace their humble beginnings and their eventual rise to fame - and fortune.
LEO AUSTRIA
Today's generation will find it difficult to reconcile Leo Austria, the coach, to the Leo Austria who once upon a time terrorized the PBL hardcourt with his booming triples and gutsy playmaking.
But Austria was all that. The former Lyceum Pirate, long before bad eyesight and good coaching skills set in, was a certified PBL superstar who, despite his 5-8 frame, was perhaps one of the finest quarterbacks to ever dribble a basketball.
The pride of Sariaya, Quezon, Austria started out as a varsity cager from the Lyceum of the Philippines, playing for the now-defunct MUCAA before moving on to the PABL, the precursor of the PBL.
Austria immediately made an impact in the league, and was voted Most Valuable Player in the Ambassador's Cup back in 1984
Today, Austria has come back full circle as a coach of Welcoat in the PBL. And just like in his playing days, "coach Leo" remains a winner, having steered the Paintmasters in the recent Challenge Cup.
SONNY CABATU
He's knownto break into a smile once in a while, but that's the only concession he will give you inside the hardcourt.
That sums up Sonny Cabatu when inside the floor. He's muscle and brawn, but unlike other behemoths, Cabatu knew how to position himself near the basket - and score unmolested, defenders be damned.
Notwithstanding his reputation as a bruiser on the defensive end, Cabatu scored enough points to shine and win two MVP plums while playing for ESQ Marketing in the PABL, even outglossing equally-talented teammates such as Ricky Cui, Jojo Villapando, Adonis Tierra and Glenn Capacio.
Cabatu broke into the league via the Bank of Rizal, which he helped steer to a runner-up and a championship in its first year back in 1984. When the team disbanded, Cabatu was acquired by ESQ Marketing, which won three straight championships.
Like several others during his time, Cabatu went on to play in the PBA, but wasn't as successful as he was in the PBL. Still, Cabatu gave PABL fans plenty of memories - that of a banger who is as merciless on defense as he is as prolific on offense.
ALLAN CAIDIC
Shooters litter the face of Philippine basketball, but few of them are as prolific as Allan Caidic - the lefty hotshot who had posted records as a three-point shooter and who, just last year, reinvented himself as a PBA coach.
Caidic came to the PABL fresh out of college, shortly after the University of the East won back-to-back titles (1984-85) with him and Jerry Codinera on the firing end. His shooting prowess also made him a shoo-in the Danding Cojuangco-backed national team, which won the Jones Cup in 1985.
In the PABL, the future PBA superstar plied his wares with CF Sharp and Magnolia, among others, and continued to wreck defenses with his long bombs, averaging double digits in almost every game.
His consistency from the long court earned for him a place in PBL history, and set a benchmark almost impossible to surpass, much less equal.
DONDON AMPALAYO
A true-blue Cebuano, Dondon Ampalayo was a player way ahead of his time. At 6-3, Dondon was a deadshot from the three-point range and a turnaround shot artist - a deadly combination that endeared him to basketball fans.
Dondon came in board the PABL back in 1985 and suited up for ESQ Marketing. His friendly disposition and winsome smile masked his intensity inside the court.
He left the PABL after one year, but his popularity even soared when he joined the never-say-die Ginebra team in the PBA.
Like a meteor, Dondon was like a flash of light in the PABL, but he has left enough memories for basketball fans to cherish for years to come.
JOJO LASTIMOSA
When Jojo Lastimosa, a product of University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu, brought his act to Manila, his Visayan fans came in droves from all over the city to watch him electrify the crowd.
Soon, his hardcourt exploits - and a pair of legs to die for - had the fans packing the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium to the rafters, shouting themselves hoarse as Mama's Love, Lastimosa's team, gave the Manilans a lesson in Visayan brand of basketball - bold, gutsy and fast.
Game after game, Lastimosa did not disappoint his fans, and while his reticence kept him from winning an MVP award, he endeared himself to lovers of pure, unadulterated basketball.
His quiet leadership and intensity brought him glory as a member of various national teams, and later as a professional player in the PBA.
JERRY CODINERA
In the PBA, Jerry Codinera was christened the "Defense Minister." But long before that, the 6-5 slotman was already a force to reckon with in the PABL.
The son of a former baseball great, Filomeno Codinera, Jerry was an immovable force in the PABL during his stint with Lagerlite and Magnolia.
Even back then, Jerry's strongest suit was his umbrella-like defense, a skill he brought with him in the national team of 1986 and eventually, in the PBA.
Jerry's teammate in Magnolia include Jong Uichico and the electrifying Bong Alvarez, but he more than held his own on offense. His deadliest weapon is a jumpshot from the perimeter, usually a high banked shot, and a putback off an offensive rebound.
ALVIN PATRIMONIO
Even past his prime, Alvin Patrimonio is difficult to stop, especially around the paint.
With this in mind, just imagine him some 18 years ago, at a time when he ruled the perimeter like a tiger on a prowl, scoring off bigger men with his difficult pivots and turnaround jumpers.
A former volleyball player, Patrimonio saw action for Lhullier and Yco Paints, a stint which triggered the much talked about rivalry with Codinera. That rivalry ceased when he and Codinera ended up together in the national team in 1986 and in the star-studded Purefoods team beginning in 1988.
While his most memorable achievement is his winning four MVPs in the PBA, Patrimonio will be most remembered as the first PBA millionaire, earning P25 million in five years in 1984 with Purefoods, sparking the skyrocketing of player contracts in the years to come.
ATO AGUSTIN
Renato "Ato" Agustin belongs to that rare breed of small players who can score almost at will.
As a player fresh out of college, Agustin first strutted his stuff with the Golden Rice Cereals back in 1985, before moving on to Masagana 99 and Hope Cigarettes.
But it was during his stint with Swift in 1989 when Agustin blossomed into a bigtime player who can outsmart and outscore bigger players.
And back when one-on-one players were difficult to come by, Agustin was already losing his man with his "shake-and-bake moves.
His loyalty to the RFM franchise in the PBL paid off, as he became a part of the Swift team that joined the PBA in 1991. A year after, Agustin's efforts were rewarded with a Most Valuable Player Award.
BENJIE PARAS
Before he discovered his flair for comedy, Benjie Paras was already a hit -- in basketball.
Paras began his basketball career as a UP Maroon where he won the Maroon's only collegiate title under coach Joe Lipa, and like a dutiful son, Paras followed his coach when Lipa handled Philip Sardines in the PABL.
As a UP Maroon, Paras was already a force at the paint, but in the PBL, Paras blossomed into a slam-dunking, shotblocking monster. His Mutt-and-Jeff partnership with the cat-quick Ronnie Magsanoc produced two championships for the Sardine Masters.
Those two championships lined up Paras for a stint in the PBA, but right in his first year, he won both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors, a feat unmatched until today.
JOHNNY ABARRIENTOS
Even before the crossover dribble became a buzzword in basketball, there was one player who did it with amazing regularity. His name - Johnny Abarrientos.
Abarrientos burst into basketball prominence when he teamed up with Victor Pablo to lead Far Eastern University to the championship in 1991.
But even before then, Abarrientos was already a household name as a PABL player with Crispa under cage legends Bogs Adornado and Atoy Co.
After Crispa disbanded, Abarrientos joined Triple V, where he helped lead the team to back-to-back championships.
That eventually led to a stint in the PBA with Alaska Milk, where Abarrientos was a part of a championship dynasty in the 90s. In 199
VERGEL MENESES
Nowadays, one-on-one players are a dime a dozen. But back when basketball in the Philippines was still young, there was Samboy Lim. And then there was Vergel Meneses.
When he first played in Magnolia in the PABL, Vergel was tagged as Samboy's successor in the high-wire act department. Vergel more than lived up to that tag. Like Samboy, Vergel was a superb one-on-one player, But unlike Samboy, Vergel proved to be more durable.
After a short stint with Magnolia, Vergel transferred to Burger City. A year after, in 1989, he was named to the RP Youth team.
It was only a matter of time before Vergel will be drafted in the PBA, and in 1990, he joined Pop Cola as one of its pioneers.
ZANDRO 'JUN' LIMPOT
Tall, athletic and a deadshot from the perimeter, Zandro "Jun" Limpot took to basketball as a duck to water.
A former tennis player, Limpot turned to basketball at the urgings of his uncle, the late Gov. Jose Sering.
That decision proved to be wise, as it opened many doors for the young Limpot.
After leading De La Salle to the championship, Limpot followed coach Derek Pumaren to Magnolia in the PBL, where he stayed for four years, and won an MVP award in the process.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Like most of his peers, Limpot made the jump to the PBA, and today, he continues to be one of the most prolific scorers in the league.
KENNETH DUREMDES
A lean, fighting machine from Koronadal, South Cotabato, Kenneth Duremdes came to the PBL with solid credentials.
One of Adamson U's finest, Duremdes immediately gave basketball fans a glimpse of his talent, earning Rookie of the Year honors with Burger Machine back in 1993.
Under the tutelage of coach Perry Ronquillo, Duremdes turned from a raw cager into a fearless slasher, and was instrumental in giving Burger Machine a championship in 1994.
After two years with the PBL, Duremdes moved on to the PBA and was picked third in the Draft in 1995.
MARLOU AQUINO
They call him The Skyscraper, and he is, in more ways than one.
At 6-9, Marlou Aquino is one of the tallest Filipino players to ever play the game. He is also one of the most creative centers ever, as he can vary his shots to frustrate the defense.
Together with Kenneth Duremdes, Aquino was player no. 1 in Adamson's 1-2 punch. In the PBL, Aquino immediately made an impact, and with no taller player to challenge him, Aquino ran rings around his defenders at the paint.
He saw action for Magnolia, Otto Shoes and Stag, and along the way, he strung up five MVP awards, the most by any player in the PBL.
DANNY ILDEFONSO
When Danny Ildefonso entered the PBL, he "raised the roof" of amateur basketball, so to speak.
Ildefonso's impact was immediately felt when he first played for Burger Machine for two conferences in 1994, before moving on to Red Bull.
A bull-strong player with fancy moves around the perimeter, Ildefonso got away from his defenders and scored by the buckets.
His athleticism and natural talent paved the way to a place in the PBA, and in 1998, Ildefonso was taken in by San Miguel Beer.
ERIC MENK
Questions about his nationality persists, but when it comes to his basketball skills, few can question Eric Menk's capability.
As a testament to his basketball talent, Menk became the PBL's first rookie and MVP awardee, and helped lead Tanduay to the 1997 Mayor's Cup title.
Two more MVP awards came Menk's way, and along the way Tanduay also won two more titles.
When the Rhummasters moved up to the PBA in 1999, Menk was one of those who came on board with coach Alfrancis Chua to continue where Tanduay left off in the PBL.
ROGER YAP
Like Jojo Lastimosa and Dondon Ampalayo before him, Roger Yap honed his craft in Cebu.
A run-and-gun type of player, this former Southwestern University star was just as explosive as the other Visayan superstars who came before him.
Yap plied his wares with Shark Energy Drink under Leo Austria, and soon enough, he was running and gunning with reckless abandon, piling up the points and winning a second crown for Shark in the 2001 Challenge Cup.
That year, Yap also won the MVP award, a fitting ending to a colorful career in the PBL before he moved up to the pro league.
YANCY DE OCAMPO
A product of St. Francis of Assisi College, Yancy de Ocampo was as tall as they come at 6-foot-9.
He started out as a back-up to Don Allado in Welcoat, and when Allado moved up to the PBA, Yancy immediately took on the starting center role.
The role fitted Yancy to a T.With no real threat from the opposition, Yancy led Welcoat to two straight championships, picking up an MVP award in 2001.
Last year, Yancy achieved the crowning glory of his career in the amateurs after he was picked no. 1 in the PBA Draft.
REN-REN RITUALO
Basketball pundits describe Ren-Ren Ritualo as the second coming of Allan Caidic - only thinner.
His lean frame notwithstanding, Ritualo didn't let this get in the way of achieving several milestones in his career.
After leading De La Salle University to three championships, Ritualo set out to conquer a bigger stage - the PBL.
Together with Yancy de Ocampo and Jojo Manalo, Ritualo helped steer the Welcoat Paintmasters to a basketball dynasty in the late 90s up to the early 2000s.
Ritualo, a deadshot from practically every corner of the hardcourt, capped his rise to the basketball firmament when he was drafted in the PBA.
ROMEL ADDUCUL
Like Gen. Douglas McArthur, Romel Adducul made a comeback - in basketball. And like the American hero, Adducul was a general to his troops at Welcoat.
Adducul first came into the PBL in 1995 as Chowking's main man at the paint. Although his team failed to win a title, the former San Sebastian standout won an MVP award a year after.
Late last year, after a three-year tour with the now-defunct MBA, Adducul returned to the PBL fold for his second - and last - stop.
It was a valedictory worth a toast, as Adducul timed his return with the comeback of Welcoat. Fittingly, Adducul capped his return with his second MVP award, before he turned pro as the second pick in the PBA Draft.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Kenneth Duremdes and A Fan’s Dream Come True
“When you wish upon a star…”
How many times have we started up at the sky, looked for a star and wished to God for something?
For Tweet Maloto of Iloilo City, well, she did and guess what… her wish come true.
But before anything else, do you think a PBA Superstar like Kenneth Duremdes of Sunkist (now the head coach of Coca-cola Tigers), for instance amidst his busy schedule
Helping his team prepare for the 1997 season, still can have time to spend for one of his most loyal, fan?
To make the story short, the youngest of four children of Mr. Lito and Mrs. Lucy Maloto, had her 18th birthday debut last jan. 11 at the Residence Hotel in downtown Iloilo.
Weeks before her special day, Tweet had wished, written and asked Mr. Mangonon if he could make her truly Happy on her 18th b-day by making her idol, Kenneth Duremdes come to Iloilo for her affair.
As it turned out, Tweet’s and her family’s persistence and proddings were just too much turn down. Besides, there was no problem with the arrangements they made.
But little did Tweet know that her wish, mostly planned by her elder sister, Juvy Zafra, was to happen by surprise. In short, when It all Happened…when Duremdes came at her debut party..and no one knew nothing about it beforehand….Whew! ‘Was everybody surprised. And Tweet was so happy she cried when she saw her wish unfolding right before her very eyes. Everybody was happy for Tweet. Why? Even Tweet’s nanay Lucy was seen at the “presidential table” holding back her tears of joy. As for Tweet’s Dad, Lito well, he looked every inch the very proud father who wanted to buy drinks for everybody in Iloilo that Saturday evening.
Kenneth Duremdes had just one special message for the debutante that night- aside from wishing her the happiest birthday,he said may Tweet do well in school and finish her computer science course for it will be her most special gift for her parents, brothers, sisters for everything they have done for her. Kenneth added that like of his fans , he’ll always be there for Tweet.
Now, who ever said that PBA players rarely have time to for their supporters? As long as the times, schedules and arrangement are right, fans dream can come true. What Duremdes did for Tweet Maloto was the best testament to this.
30 Facts About Kenneth Duremdes
1.Kenneth Duremdes was born on January 31, 1974 in Koronadal, South Cotabato (Horoscope Sign: Aquarius)
2. He is fondly called by Ken by his family and close friends.
3. Kenneth is the second to the eldest among the children of Judith Celera and Nestor Duremdes Sr. He has three brothers namely, Nestor Jr, Gerald Paul and Jojit (who’s also a basketball player strutting his stuff for the UE warriors and is a member of the RP Youth Team)
4. He stands 6 feet and 3 inches and tips the scales at 180 pounds.
5. Sorry, girls. Kenneth has already found the apple of his eye whom he describes as simple and understanding girl from his hometown. A secretive fellow, he only gives the girl’s initials as MGB.
6. He took up his elementary and high school education at Notre Dame of Marbel University where he graduated in 1986 and 1990, respectively.
7. Kenneth has yet to earn his college degree from Adamson University where he enrolled in a Commerce Management course.
8. He has played for the Notre Dame of Marbel Colts, Adamson University Falcons, Burger Machine plus several stints in the RP team. (ABC Youth, Sea Games, etc)
9. Ken was one of only two amateur players were tapped to reinforce the RP Men’s Basketball Team for the Hiroshima Asian Games where it finished fourth.
10. Ken idolizes NBA players Anfernee Hardaway, Scottie Pippen. Among the local hoopers he is impressed with the playing styles of Samboy Lim, Vergel Meneses, and Alvin Patrimonio.
11. In the UAAP, Kenneth has been selected to the mythical five three-times while duplicating the same feat in PBL aside from being chosen as the Rookie of the Year. He was also voted as the MVP during the UAAP invitational on 1993. He was adjudged as the Slam Dunk champion in the 6th Angsapura Cup in Indonesia.
12. Kenneth has been under the tutelage of eleven coaches since he started his basketball career. Some of them are Francis Rodriguez, Perry Ronquillo, Chot Reyes, Norman Black, of course his present mentor at Sunkist, Derreck Pumaren. His favorite NBA coach is Pat Riley.
13. Aside from basketball, Ken also goes swimming and plays billiards, his favorite spectator sports are baseball, tennis and football.
14. Favorite Actor: Mil Gibson. Favorite Actress: Winona Ryder
15. Kenneth goes for adventure, comedy and action flicks. The last movie he saw was Terminal Velocity.
16. When he is free from his obligations as a pro hooper, he just stays at home watching TV.
17. Favorite musical artist: Guns and Roses. He likes the group hit song “November Rain”
18. Kenneth is the buddy-buddy to Mike Mustre, Jeff Cariaso, Boyzie Zamar, Ronnie Gahanding, Danner Fernan, Gerry Hipolito, Toto Agreda, Nonon, his cousins and brothers. Oftentimes, his brothers accompany him during his practice with the Sunkist team at the Reyes Gym.
19. He likes eating sea foods of any kind.
20. If he didn’t become a cager today, he would be probably be working and already finished his college education which he plans to continue in the very near future.
21. His greatest dream is to land and play in the PBA and finish College.
22. Kenneth likes the company of people who are simple, honest, and understanding. And if you want him to get angry, lie to him.
23. If given a chance to live again, Ken says he would like to serve GOD forever.
24. Hopefully, in the near future he wants to let it all hang out and enjoy vacation in Los Angeles, California and Houston, Texas.
25. His most memorable experience as a player: When he was named to the RP team to the Hiroshima Asian Games alongside another amateur player, Marlou Aquino.
26. Frustration in Life: when he failed to make the basketball try out way back during his high school days.
27. Philosophy in Life: Strive hard to gain respect.
28. Ten years from now, he still sees him self as a pro players and probably managing his own business and maybe hell be happily married to the love of his life by then.
29. When he played for the RP San Miguel team in their tune up matches against Pepsi in the last Commissioners Cup, he registered total of 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals while managing 19.0 points in four games.
30. And while he is on his way to completing his three-year contract with the Sunkist Orange Juicers. Kenneth hopes to help the tem in its bid to win a championship crown, in his rookie season.
2. He is fondly called by Ken by his family and close friends.
3. Kenneth is the second to the eldest among the children of Judith Celera and Nestor Duremdes Sr. He has three brothers namely, Nestor Jr, Gerald Paul and Jojit (who’s also a basketball player strutting his stuff for the UE warriors and is a member of the RP Youth Team)
4. He stands 6 feet and 3 inches and tips the scales at 180 pounds.
5. Sorry, girls. Kenneth has already found the apple of his eye whom he describes as simple and understanding girl from his hometown. A secretive fellow, he only gives the girl’s initials as MGB.
6. He took up his elementary and high school education at Notre Dame of Marbel University where he graduated in 1986 and 1990, respectively.
7. Kenneth has yet to earn his college degree from Adamson University where he enrolled in a Commerce Management course.
8. He has played for the Notre Dame of Marbel Colts, Adamson University Falcons, Burger Machine plus several stints in the RP team. (ABC Youth, Sea Games, etc)
9. Ken was one of only two amateur players were tapped to reinforce the RP Men’s Basketball Team for the Hiroshima Asian Games where it finished fourth.
10. Ken idolizes NBA players Anfernee Hardaway, Scottie Pippen. Among the local hoopers he is impressed with the playing styles of Samboy Lim, Vergel Meneses, and Alvin Patrimonio.
11. In the UAAP, Kenneth has been selected to the mythical five three-times while duplicating the same feat in PBL aside from being chosen as the Rookie of the Year. He was also voted as the MVP during the UAAP invitational on 1993. He was adjudged as the Slam Dunk champion in the 6th Angsapura Cup in Indonesia.
12. Kenneth has been under the tutelage of eleven coaches since he started his basketball career. Some of them are Francis Rodriguez, Perry Ronquillo, Chot Reyes, Norman Black, of course his present mentor at Sunkist, Derreck Pumaren. His favorite NBA coach is Pat Riley.
13. Aside from basketball, Ken also goes swimming and plays billiards, his favorite spectator sports are baseball, tennis and football.
14. Favorite Actor: Mil Gibson. Favorite Actress: Winona Ryder
15. Kenneth goes for adventure, comedy and action flicks. The last movie he saw was Terminal Velocity.
16. When he is free from his obligations as a pro hooper, he just stays at home watching TV.
17. Favorite musical artist: Guns and Roses. He likes the group hit song “November Rain”
18. Kenneth is the buddy-buddy to Mike Mustre, Jeff Cariaso, Boyzie Zamar, Ronnie Gahanding, Danner Fernan, Gerry Hipolito, Toto Agreda, Nonon, his cousins and brothers. Oftentimes, his brothers accompany him during his practice with the Sunkist team at the Reyes Gym.
19. He likes eating sea foods of any kind.
20. If he didn’t become a cager today, he would be probably be working and already finished his college education which he plans to continue in the very near future.
21. His greatest dream is to land and play in the PBA and finish College.
22. Kenneth likes the company of people who are simple, honest, and understanding. And if you want him to get angry, lie to him.
23. If given a chance to live again, Ken says he would like to serve GOD forever.
24. Hopefully, in the near future he wants to let it all hang out and enjoy vacation in Los Angeles, California and Houston, Texas.
25. His most memorable experience as a player: When he was named to the RP team to the Hiroshima Asian Games alongside another amateur player, Marlou Aquino.
26. Frustration in Life: when he failed to make the basketball try out way back during his high school days.
27. Philosophy in Life: Strive hard to gain respect.
28. Ten years from now, he still sees him self as a pro players and probably managing his own business and maybe hell be happily married to the love of his life by then.
29. When he played for the RP San Miguel team in their tune up matches against Pepsi in the last Commissioners Cup, he registered total of 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals while managing 19.0 points in four games.
30. And while he is on his way to completing his three-year contract with the Sunkist Orange Juicers. Kenneth hopes to help the tem in its bid to win a championship crown, in his rookie season.
Kenneth Duremdes Profile
Full Name: Kenneth Celera Duremdes
Provincial Address: Gen. Santos Drive, Koronadal, South Cotobato
City Address: 58 Legaspi St. Pro. 4 Quezon City
Birthday: January 31,1974
Height: 188cm
Weight: 180 lbs
Family: Dad, Mom, Nestor, Jojit, Gerald Paul
School: Adamson University
Course: BSC Management
FAVES:
Fave Color: Blue, white, green
Fave Food: Adobo, Batchoy, Bulalo, Mami, Kaldereta, Seafoods, Steaks
Fave Past Time: Watching PBA, NBA, Football, Baseball, Tennis games
Fave Artist: Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, GNR, James Taylor, B II Men, Toto,
Fave Artist Local: Orient Pearl, The Boss, Yano, Side A
Fave NBA Players: Jordan, Olajuwon, K. Johnson, Pippen
Fave PBA Players: M. Fernandez, Vergel Meneses, Jeffrey Cariaso,
INSIDE INFO
Describe Yourself: I’m typically shy, and simple, People often misunderstood me as a snub.
Main Goal in Life: Play professional basketball and thank God I’m already here.
Best Qualities: A very determined, soft-hearted person.
Worst Qualities: Hard question! None that I can think of at this moment.
Message to Fans:
Hi there! I’d like to thank you all for believing in me. Pls. bear with me if I couldn’t respond to your letters immediately. We’ve been so busy and I know you all understand. You can keep in touch with me at my current residence. Keep on supporting! Good Bless!
Provincial Address: Gen. Santos Drive, Koronadal, South Cotobato
City Address: 58 Legaspi St. Pro. 4 Quezon City
Birthday: January 31,1974
Height: 188cm
Weight: 180 lbs
Family: Dad, Mom, Nestor, Jojit, Gerald Paul
School: Adamson University
Course: BSC Management
FAVES:
Fave Color: Blue, white, green
Fave Food: Adobo, Batchoy, Bulalo, Mami, Kaldereta, Seafoods, Steaks
Fave Past Time: Watching PBA, NBA, Football, Baseball, Tennis games
Fave Artist: Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, GNR, James Taylor, B II Men, Toto,
Fave Artist Local: Orient Pearl, The Boss, Yano, Side A
Fave NBA Players: Jordan, Olajuwon, K. Johnson, Pippen
Fave PBA Players: M. Fernandez, Vergel Meneses, Jeffrey Cariaso,
INSIDE INFO
Describe Yourself: I’m typically shy, and simple, People often misunderstood me as a snub.
Main Goal in Life: Play professional basketball and thank God I’m already here.
Best Qualities: A very determined, soft-hearted person.
Worst Qualities: Hard question! None that I can think of at this moment.
Message to Fans:
Hi there! I’d like to thank you all for believing in me. Pls. bear with me if I couldn’t respond to your letters immediately. We’ve been so busy and I know you all understand. You can keep in touch with me at my current residence. Keep on supporting! Good Bless!
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