PBA Insider News

SMB lost their first game in the Governors Cup to NLEX and it was not pretty 114-102. The lead ballooned to as much as 20 points and while it is just the first game, there are troubling signs. Brandon Brown played well but seems too ball dominant. He takes and makes a lot of shots, but this also reduces the touches of Terrence Romeo and CJ Perez. Those guys need the ball in their hands to score. The less shots they take the harder it is for them to find their rhythm. Mo Tautuaa was held to only two points and barely played. Vic Manuel did well scoring 17 points, but coach Austria seems to be having trouble with his rotation.  Because they have so many superstars, he has to give them all minutes instead of fielding the players he needs. He cannot keep certain players there for long because he has to field in other guys. SMB has two more games this week, so coach Leo needs to make adjustments fast. Otherwise he might be replaced in the next season. It seems like there are just too ma...

Aljon Mariano is once again injured and will not be able to play for a long stretch. Coach Cone says he does not know when Aljon can return. Now is it possible that Aljon will be like Art Dela Cruz, a talented player but never able to play? Ginebra eventually traded Art, so do not be surprised if Ginebra does the same with Aljon. If this happens, Aljon will likely be traded for a shooting guard or backup point guard. With Christian and Japeth agreeing supposedly to stay, their frontcourt is secure. They now need guys in the backcourt to help Pringle and Tenorio. Evn if Aljo goes, they already have Omwubere, Tolentino and Dillinger plus rookie Brian Enriquez who can fill up that spot. With all those players, it is easy to see why Ginebra might want to trade Aljon. But it remains to be seen if that happens.

There are reports going around that Magnolia will trade forward Jackson Corpuz for Kevin Ferrer. The deal might also include Garvo Lanete and Magnolia's Loren Brill plus 2 second round picks. A Corpuz for Ferrer deal straight up is fair enough. Ferrer is the better offensive player but Corpuz is stronger in defense. However, both are actually good two way players.  Ferrr's advantage is he has a three point shot. And that is something Victolero wants, a big man who can shoot the three like Aldrech Ramos and Robbie Herndon before. if Magnolia gets Ferrer they gain more height and additional scoring. This will make life easier for guys like Paul Lee and Calvin Abueva to score. Northprot will get a solid defender in Corpuz. With Jamie Malonzo and Art Dela Cruz at the wings, Ferrer is unlikely to get more playing time there anyway. If Magnolia wants Garvo Lanete as well, they have to give more than just the barely used Loren Brill and two second round picks. But let us see, given th...

Matthew Wright still has a contract with Phoenix, but the question is now being asked: will he go to an MVP or SMC team? Or might he end up in Japan? Wright is undoubtedly one of the scorers in the league, albeit he struggled in the Philippine Cup. But a lot of teams want him, in particular the SMC and MVP group. it comes down to who will make the best offer of course. Both conglomerates have deep pockets so that will not be a problem. Wright will fit nicely with any of the three MVP and three SMC teams. Ginebra obviously needs an outside shooter. SMB is looking for a guy to partner or replace Lassiter, and Magnolia will find him useful too. TNT's offense is built on outside shooting so Wright will fit in. Meralco needs  more scoring so obviously Wright will do nicely. And NLEX is still looking for a franchise player to replace Kiefer. So where will Wright go? Or might he spring a surprise and stay with Phoenix or go to Japan?

TNT is on a roll right now, but the MVP group is always looking for ways to fortify its team. Could that mean trading Troy Rosario for Jason Perkins? Because TNT just won a championship, it is unlikely coach Chot will tinker with the lineup. Especially since Rosario is a vital part. But if they perform poorly in the Governor's Cup, would they make a move? Phoenix is struggling, and its status is unclear insofar as finances is concerned. It also seems like Matthew Wright is unhappy at the team. And could Perkins want out too? A Rosario for Perkins trade is fair enough but who will win? Both have an inside outside game though Perkins is better at the post. Rosario shoots better threes though. If this happens you can count it as a blockbuster trade. And it will be interesting to see what the SMC group will do in return. But it is possible TNT may not need Perkins. After all, reports say that Calvin Oftana will eventually find his way into the flagship team of the MVP group. So even if...