April 18, 2009; Magbubunyi ang mga taga-Barangay!

I'm sure that the legion of fans of the Barangay Ginebra Kings (including yours truly) will be thrilled to hear that National Team member Cyrus Baguio is now part of our team, alongside big man Homer Se from the Burger King Whoppers in exchange to future draft picks. Meanwhile, point guard Celino Cruz was dealt to Purefoods in exchange to Purefoods' Aaron Aban. The trade was completed yesterday.


Baguio was reportedly unhappy with the Whoppers. And even before he was drafted, he really wanted to be a part of the Gin Kings. And now, that dream became a reality as from now on, he will don the Ginebra uniform. Baguio will be a big boost to the backcourt of the Kings, with the absence of key off-guard Mark Caguioa. And now, with the combination of him and Helterbrand, with Paul Artadi coming off the bench, I think nobody can stop the wrath of the Gin Kings. While Homer Se, would be backing up the likes of Billy Mamaril, Rafi Reavis, Jun-jun Cabatu and Eric Menk.


Yesterday, Ginebra showed that even without an import, they are still a team to watch out for, as they beat Rain or Shine, 94-89. Eric Menk led the way for the Kings with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Three more Kings scored in double figures, 20 from Jayjay Helterbrand, 14 from Paul Artadi and 12 from J.C. Intal. Solomon Mercado scored 24 for the Elasto Painters on a losing effort.


And on the first game, the Alaska Aces spoiled the debut of Jeff Varem as the new import for Barako Bull as they won with a score of 100-90. Willie Miller led the Aces with a 28 points and 10 rebounds performance. The new import was held to just 13 points, but grabbing 23 boards for his debut.


1st Game
Barako Bull 90 (2-6)
Alaska 100 (3-6)
BBEB: John Arigo- 25 pts, 4 rebs.
ALA: Willie Miller- 28 pts, 6 rebs, 4 assts, 2 stls.


2nd Game
Rain or Shine 78 (5-4)
Brgy. Ginebra 84 (3-5)
ROS: Solomon Mercado- 24 pts, 5 rebs, 5 assts.
BGK: Eric Menk- 24 pts, 9 rebs.

A while ago, the Filoil-Flying V MVP Pre-Season Cup 2009 started with a bang at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City as bitter rivals Ateneo and La Salle slugged each other out. And after 4 quarters of play, La Salle proved to be the better team this time, with a 64-62 win.

And there you have it! You guys have just been fed!

Tomorrow will be the start of the NBA Playoffs! Also tomorrow will be "The Flash and the Furious" from the Araneta Coliseum, featuring Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Viloria and Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire gunning for World Championships. So better check those out!

God bless you guys! Stay safe! Peace out! The Wizard was here... :)

Comments, questions and suggestions are highly appreciated! :)