When Purefoods abandoned their UE connection of Artadi and Yap, I was sure the former’s transfer to Ginebra would hardly make a difference. After all, how could a turnover prone point guard who can’t make outside shots find a place in the PBA? Being in the right place at the right time has a lot to do with it. 12 consecutive wins hence, and the Ginebra Gin Kings are back in the finals.

Paul Artadi brings to mind several players who simply did not fit with the teams that drafted them.

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In professional sports, players know and understand that the world they revolve in is still based on business. Players come and go, and so do coaches and GMs. Yep, even if these people were able to bring in a few championships. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been with a team for a day, a year, or ten. Everyone has to move on sooner or later.

Despite currently being in a 0-3 hole against Ginebra, no other team has consistently displayed the killer instinct that Red Bull has. Put a collegiate basketball player’s heart into a pro basketball player, and a Barako is what you’ll get.

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The stars of UAAP basketball aren’t limited to the sweaty ballers from the participating schools. If you’re a fan of the league, the faces at the sidelines will also surely catch your attention. And one of these unforgettable faces is chinita Atenean Lia Cruz, the indefatigable former UAAP Courtside Reporter. And we here at FHM.com.ph were lucky enough to share a word with this TV host, commercial model, and deejay.

Check out our exclusive interview where she reveals what Norman Black is like, how it is working with George Rocha, and the perks of being a sportscaster.

Photo by Jesse Herrera

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Ateneo Seniors rookie Ryan Buenafe goes between three UP defenders (first photo) while high school sophomore Kiefer Ravena organizes the Eaglets’ offense against Adamson (second photo).

Phenoms

It’s all in the eyes. Winners have that icy stare. You see it when they get to follow their internal game plan as visualization leads to results. It’s an inner satisfaction that feeds their athletic confidence. All that translates into a razor-sharp gaze. You’ll rarely catch them with a blank stare. A blank stare comes from individuals with no purpose, no direction, no grit. Winning eyes are driven by a constant need, desire to excel. This is the calling card of special players. Not everyone has them. Fortunately for the Ateneo basketball program, they have two hoop prodigies who do. Read the rest of this entry »

When Junthy “The Hitman” Valenzuela first changed his PBA address from Red Bull to Ginebra, the man was obviously disoriented. Can’t blame the guy, really. He was a Red Bull lifer.

It seemed Junthy was born and bred to play unpredictable, physical, mano y mano “Barako Basketball.” He played for Red Bull in the PBL and, along with Lordy Tugade, Davonn Harp, Bernard Tanpua, Kerby Raymundo and Jimwell Torion, took the express lane to the PBA by directly joining Red Bull’s maiden line-up for the 2000 PBA Season. Read the rest of this entry »