Always imitated, never duplicated

The original IBM/IBS hoops team's streak is intact. We never missed the playoffs.

*Tips hat and claps*

Feels weird to be out of IBM Basketball

I played hoops with my former IBM teammates yesterday. Haven't shared the same court with them ever since the MCBL championship game last December. Moreover, I left the company soon after so I haven't seen most of them since then. They're now getting ready for the 2009 MPG Corporate Basketball League (MCBL) that starts next weekend.

Modesty aside, I built the IBM basketball program from scratch in mid-2007. Since then, we've joined three leagues and we've never finished lower than 3rd. We've gotten two runners-up trophies while placing third once. We've also produced one MVP, one Best Defensive Player, 5 First Teamers, a few more Second Team players and numerous league statistical leaders. Pretty good for a group that had no organized basketball team before.

This season, like our previous ones, I think they have a great chance of getting back to the finals for a third consecutive time. Hopefully, they'll end up winning this time around. I'm sure, like me, they're tired of playing bridesmaid again.

I may not be part of the team and of the program anymore but I'm confident they will be able to continue what I started. We've never missed the playoffs while I was at the helm so I hope they keep that streak going. I left the team in good hands so I'm sure they know what to do.

Good luck, have fun and don't embarass yourselves, boys.

I will miss playing with all of you.

MCBL: Another bridesmaid finish for IBM

This is long overdue. The championship game was played last December 6 at the Northeast Greenhills gym.

I don't feel like making my own article so I'm just posting the championship recap from Gameface, MCBL's official website.

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DIVISION B: Chevron- 87, IBM Business Services I- 74

Prior to the finals, both Chevron and IBM Business Services 1 shared similar MCBL histories.

Both made it to the finals in their first MCBL tournament. Both teams lost to their opponents in those finals. Both were now playing in their 2nd MCBL tournament. Both had won one game against each other this season. Obviously, their histories were going to be different after this match.

In the end, the favorable path went to Chevron primarily on the strength of the single most dominant performance in a MCBL final.

Division MVP Rain Sison tallied 44 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block as he almost singlehandedly kept IBM at bay. While Chevron led most of the way, IBM would rally behind the outside sniping of Paul Ansay who nailed 7 three pointers including a 30 footer heading into the fourth and the inside games of Albert Sanchez and Herbert Vergara.

However, each time they would come close, Chevron had an answer. Most of the times it would be Rain, but Chevron also drew strong games from Joel Ilao, Mark Bersales, and Don Pangcog who tallied 11, 10, and 9 points respectively.
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This marks the second straight runner-up finish for the team this year as we lost out to Cebuana Lhuillier in the First Conference.

Despite coming up short both times, it's been a pretty good year for IBM Basketball. No one can take away what we've accomplished especially since we never needed any ex-PBA or college player to be successful.

This also marks the last time I'm suiting up for IBM. I hope they continue to join the MPG leagues even when I'm gone. Who knows though, I just might be back when the 2009 season opens in May. Hmmm.

MCBL: Must win situation

Prior to this conference, we've never experienced losing consecutive games. Finally, after three straight L's, we're back to our winning ways.

We routed Thomson Reuters, 61-38, on a rainy Sunday afternoon at the Northeast Greenhills gym. The game was neck-and-neck during the first quarter but we picked up the pace by the second period and it was pretty much over by halftime. Thomson tried to employ the running game against us bit it quickly backfired and we were able to trample them on the transition and secondary breaks.

Paul led the charge with 21 points and 10 rebounds while Alfie added 15 points and 3 blocks.

Record: 2-3
Next game: vs. Metrobank - November 16, Sunday, at the Northeast Greenhills gym

MDC Sportsfest: F&A Matadors are hoop kings

The 2008 IBM MDC Sportsfest officially ended this afternoon with the basketball championship game between Center Support HR and the F&A Matadors at the Xavier School Gym. I had seven MCBL teammates playing (5 for CS and 2 for F&A) in this game so I had to come out and show some support.

It was a close game up until the fourth quarter when the Matadors pulled away with a series of fastbreak plays anchored on strong defense. That, coupled with CS-HR's inability to create and make plays, enabled the Matadors to erect a huge 15-point lead midway through the final canto. They held on for a 75-66 win to claim the championship.

My MCBL teammate Alfie Sanchez had a stellar performance leading the Matadors with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocked shots. I hope he continues to flash this superb form for the rest of the MCBL season. Another fellow MCBL teammate, Herbert Vergara, had 36 points and 16 rebounds for CS-HR.

MCBL: Upset loss

We lost a nailbiter last Saturday night against Chevron. Their star player, former Blue Eagle and ex-pro Rain Sison, waxed hot from the field as he carried them to a 51-48 win. We had several good chances to come on top but we missed our shots down the stretch. We set up Paul for the last play with four seconds left but his three-point attempt to tie the game rimmed out.

Despite the loss, we hold the tiebreaker against them in case we both end the eliminations with similar records. We carry a superior quotient (+4) due to our 7-point win last week. We would've wanted a season sweep but we'll take the split and the tiebreaker.

Record: 1-1
Next game: vs. Accenture Knights - October 18, Saturday, at the Northeast Greenhills gym

2008 MCBL 2nd Conference Season Opener

The MPG Corporate Basketball League (MCBL) formally started its Second Conference last Saturday with a bunch of games on the schedule. IBM is fielding two teams this time, one each in Divisions A and B. My team plays in Division B.

We opened the season with a relatively easy 85-78 win over Chevron at the Reyes Gym. We led all throughout the game except for about a few seconds into the first quarter. Since then, it was pretty much all IBM. We managed to maintain our lead between 10-15 points until a late 8-0 Chevron run in the final minute pegged the winning margin at 7 points.

If the game was a sign of things to come, then hopefully we're off to a fantastic season. We shot 49% from the field, going 13 of 26 (50%) from three-point land. We've never had this much firepower.

Herbert displayed his dominance on the scoring end, leading four IBMers in double digits with 31 points. New additions Paul Ansay and Alfie Sanchez had 20 and 15 respectively while Daryl contributed 11 points.

Record: 1-0
Next game: vs Chevron (again) - October 4, Saturday, at the Acropolis Gym

MDC Sportsfest: CS-COM signs off

We bowed out of basketball contention with a 54-71 loss to the TR Toreros last night. We were basically outran for most of the game. A spirited comeback was thwarted by the fuckin' zebras. They nullified my clear-and-undeniably-counted buzzer-beating layup at the end of the third quarter which would've trimmed their lead down to six points. Instead, we lost out on not just the two points but the decisive momentum as well.

Record: 4-2 (5th overall)

MDC Sportsfest: CS-COM edges O'Keeffe

In what turned out to be such an exciting and eventful game, a five-man CS-COM team used a late fourth quarter rally to score a come-from-behind win over O'Keeffe, 49-46, last night at Club 650.

CS-COM had only seven players available, with three starters out due to work engagements. Two fouled out in the second half leaving us stranded with only five. Still, the undermanned squad proved they had enough end-game composure to close out the victory.

CS-COM ends regular season play tied with Emerson atop the Division A. Both sport identical 4-1 records. However, by virtue of Emerson's win over CS-COM last week, they get the top seed along with the automatic semifinals berth. CS-COM will play against Division B's TR Toreros in the quarterfinals.

Record: 4-1 (2nd seed, Division A)
Next game: vs TR Toreros - September 12, Friday, at Club 650

MDC Sportsfest: CS-COM gulps Red Horse EDM

Shrugging off an awful start, CS-COM got its groove back in time to sink Red Horse EDM, 54-40, for our third straight win. We improve our record to 3-0 while they drop to 2-2. This win guarantees us a ticket to the quarterfinal round.

Ward got best player honors with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a blocked shot. Despite being swarmed for much of the game, I still managed to fill the box score with 7 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Dave was the surprise contributor, drilling in 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting.

We're having a 1--day break heading into our next game against the other EDM-Payroll team.

Record: 3-0
Next game: vs Emerson GMDC - August 29, Friday, at Club 650

MDC Sportsfest: Team CS-COM United

With the entire Center Support group having three basketball teams in this year's sportsfest, some people are wondering who comprises the CS-COM team. For their benefit (and maybe everyone else's), here's the entire roster:

Center Support-Client Operations Managers United (CS-COM United)

Albert Velasco (CET-Transition)
Ben Bautista (COM)
Crispin Cajuguiran (COM)
Dave Torcuator (CET-Transition)
Doods Mendioro (CET-Transition)
Edward Reyes (CET-Transition)
Geoff Manalili (PMO)
Jeff Lim (COM)
John Vingno (CET-RESO)
Jun Cruz (COM)
Mike Ramirez (CET-Recruitment)
Paolo Gonzalez (HR-OCD)
Paul Geronimo (CET-Transition)
Rey Bien Cruz (HR-L&D)
Vince Borromeo (BOM)

MDC Sportsfest: CS-COM shuts down Center IT

Center IT encountered system failure earlier tonight as they were left completely disconnected by CS-COM's fast-paced running game. Even a bevy of system analysts and engineers couldn't prevent the CS-COM players from launching their virus-like onslaught, on the way to a 69-32 blowout win.

CS-COM Improves to 2-0, while Center IT drops to 0-2. I guess this means IT needs a major upgrade.

Ward played a superb all-around game finishing with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Despite missing the whole first quarter, I managed to contribute 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. For the second straight game, Albert dominated the glass with 13 boards.

Record: 2-0
Next game: vs Red Horse EDM - August 19, Tuesday, at the Sta. Lucia gym

MDC Sportsfest: CS-COM wins opener

We opened the 2008 MDC Sportsfest season with a 55-42 win over the CompBen Archers at the Sta. Lucia gym a few nights ago. We relied on our playmaking guards and our massive frontline, who were no match to the smaller Archers. We took control of the game by cornering the boards, having collected 70 rebounds, 36 from the offensive end.

I barely missed on a triple-double with a steady all-around game contributing a game-high 17 points along with 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Ward added 16 points.

Our bigs were beasting off the glass. Albert had a game-high 18 rebounds while Rey Bien brought down 13.

Record: 1-0
Next game: vs Center IT - August 12, Tuesday, at the Sta. Lucia gym

MCBL 1st Conference Recap

It's been over a week already since we lost in the division finals. With the annual MDC sportsfest ushering in, the disappointment has faded and we're all feeling much better now.

Though we'd love to have won the championship, the First Conference will not be remembered as a failure. Here is a brief recap of IBM achievements and highlights, both team and individual, during the recently concluded season:

• We topped the division in the following team categories: Scoring (83.1 ppg), Rebounds (43.3 rpg), Assists (14.8 apg), Total FG made (290) and attempted (652), 3FG made (52).
• Herbert led the division in total points scored with 211 while averaging 23.4 per game.
• Jon led the division in total rebounds with 82, while averaging 9.1 per game. Herbert was second in total rebounds with 80.
• I led the league in total assists with 64, while averaging another league-best 7.1 per game.
• Herbert led the division in total FG made (82) and 3FG made (21). He shot a collective 53% from the field while hitting 38% from rainbow country.
• Herbert, Jon and I were named to the All-Division First Team (aka Mythical 5). JP was named to the Second Team.
• Herbert, Jon and I were also part of the All-Defensive Team.
• Jon took the Best Defensive Player award.
• Herbert took overall MVP honors.

Outstanding season for IBMers both collectively as a team and individually as well. We're all looking forward to the Second Conference this September.

MCBL: IBS finishes 2nd

Our season ended last night with a disappointing 85-75 loss to a bigger-but-not-better Cebuana Lhuillier team. Their height and heft proved to be too much to handle as we were badly beaten off the glass. Don't let the final score deceive you though. The game was much closer than the final score suggests. We had their balls up their necks and asses for most of the game.

Looking back though, I'm proud of what the team has accomplished this season. Who would've thought that a bunch of IBM weekend warriors, true employees at that, will reach the finals with a sensational 7-1 record. We cruised through most games and we were tested in a couple. But more importantly, the team (especially the rookies) gained more exposure and experience. We'll be a whole lot tougher to handle next time around.

The MCBL 2nd Conference starts in late September or early October. Meantime, the team will part ways and play for their respective domains/accounts for the annual MDC sportsfest which formally opened yesterday and will run until September.

Minus JC and Bon who both resigned recently, I fully expect the team to be back when the 2nd Conference kicks off in a couple of months.


Final record: Runner-up finish with a 7-2 record (1-1, postseason)

MCBL: Back from the Dead

Welcome to the postseason.

If there's one thing we've learned from our nailbiting semifinals game today against Pepsi - it ain't over 'til it's over.

In what has got to be the toughest game we've had this season, we've always believed anything is possible.

Having been outplayed, outhustled and outsmarted while trailing for majority of the game, we managed to battle back and escape with a miraculous 87-82 win. At one point, some of us felt our season was about to end. But we never lost hope. We never wavered. With so much on the line, losing was farthest from our minds. This hard-earned win just sent us to the championship game next weekend.

Before I forget, I have to give credit where credit is due. The Pepsi-Cola team came in very prepared. We beat them last week during the eliminations and it seems they've adjusted pretty well.

Despite our killer comeback victory, I have to admit we got lucky this time. The tides turned our way in the fourth period which enabled us to get our dirty acts together. We played sloppily and erratically for much of the game and we're fortunate it evened out in the end. Talk about the law of averages coming into play at the right time.

Props to JR for another splendid performance. Time and again, Bred proved he is mad clutch. We would not have survived without his heads-up play. Dude deserves the gameball.

Highlight of the game? Ward drilled a midcourt bomb off the glass just as the halftime buzzer sounded. The bank was open on a Sunday. Too bad we can't catch a replay.

Overall record: 7-1
Next game: Finals, vs Emerson-GMDC or Cebuana Lhuillier - July 19, Saturday, at the Xavier School Gym

MCBL: Playoffs primer

The elimination round is over and we're carrying a 6-1 record to the playoffs. Anything less than a championship will probably be a disappointment. Why? Well, consider our numbers after the 7-game regular season:

• We're number one in most team categories - Scoring (83.7 ppg), Rebounds (45.7 rpg), Assists (15.1 apg), Total FG made (239) and attempted (512), 3FG made (40).


• We're number two in some team categories - FG% (47%), Steals (11.8 spg).


• We have the top candidate for division MVP (Herbert), while having three other players ranked in the top ten.


• We have the top candidate for best defensive player (Jon), while having two other players in the all-defensive team.

While Cebuana Lhuillier will remain the overall top seed because of their unblemished record (7-0), we believe we deserve to be up there. Hopefully, our paths will cross in the finals and we can settle this on the court.

MCBL: IBS advances to Semis

We came into today's game against Pepsi with one thing in mind: to win. A win today guarantees us a spot in the semifinal phase. A loss would make us have to go through an extra round known as the quarterfinals. We all know we didn't want to go through that.

So we did what we had to do. We came out victorious with an 87-83 win. We end the eliminations sporting a 6-1 record. It's good enough to claim the top seed in our group.

However, the game was not without drama. We almost squandered a huge 26-point first half lead when Pepsi managed a big run during the second half. With our offense losing steam late in the fourth, Pepsi trimmed our lead down to 3 points, 83-80, with less than a minute to go. Two freethrows and a scintillating JR drive later, we were looking at an 87-81 margin with less than 10 ticks left. We let them score a meaningless layup to set the final score at 87-83.

Play of the game? With the game on the line, we went to JR and he didn't disappoint. He hit a tough, contested layup to give us a bit of breathing room, 86-81. Bred is officially clutch.

Funny tidbit of the game? JP fouled out and got T'd for the second consecutive game. Dude is very lucky his technicals got waived off. Else, he would have had to pay fines.

Five IBMers scored in double figures (Herbert 20, JP 16, Jon 12, JR 11, Pao 10).

Record: 6-1 (1st seed, Group A)
Next game: Semifinals, vs Henkel or Pepsi - July 13, Sunday, at the Xavier School Gym

MCBL: Where DRAMA happens

For a while I thought we were actors in a made-for-TV movie. However, we were at the wrong end of the script. Almost.

There was so much drama in last night's game, I swear we'd give the blockbuster basketball film, Glory Road, a run for its money.

It all started when our opponent, Coffey, couldn't field the required five players at the scheduled tip-off (which was at 7pm). They only had four at that time. The refs gave them the standard 15-minute extension to hopefully get a fifth player in. The time lapsed and they still couldn't produce five.

We were declared winners by way of forfeiture (more popularly known as default). It was a decision we obviously didn't like since we all wanted to play. But of course, we had to abide by the rules so we'll go ahead and take the W.

At about 7:20 pm, or just few minutes after the extension, Coffey's fifth player surfaced. Once again, we asked the table officials to reconsider but they kept saying it's already done. One even decided change from his referee garb to civilian clothes already.

Just as we were about to play a game amongst ourselves, I was called to approach the officials' table. Being the team captain, they broached one last idea to me, a final resort so to speak. They asked me to call the league commissioner to check if he will allow us to play despite the default ruling.

I dialled up the commish and I was able to speak with him. Luckily, he gave us the go-signal to play as long as we were willing to invalidate our default win.

If you think that was drama enough, think again. We were in for so much more.

Some of my teammates heard one zebra say quite loudly, "Bakit pa ilalaro, eh default na. Sige kayo, baka matalo pa kayo niyan." I guess he just didn't want to have to officiate the game anymore. The boys were referring to the same zebra who went to the locker room to change.

Throughout much of the game, we felt this ref was totally biased against us. We seemed to never get any call go our way. The disparity between the fouls called and freethrows awarded was skewed heavily towards Coffey's favor. All these close calls and their trips to the line kept them in the game. What would've been an easy, blowout win for us turned into a close nailbiter.

To add insult to injury, we got T'd up thrice. One each for Erwin, Emer and JP. Emer got ejected because he had a flagrant foul earlier in the game. JP had to exit the game because the T was his fifth foul. Oh, did I mention I drilled a buzzer-beater at the end of the third period which they subsequently nullified? Talk about game-changing moments.

Despite all these, we took control of the final period as we managed to hold off a very determined and over-achieving Coffey squad and take an 82-73 win heading into the final week of the regular season.

We went from winning by default, to having an almost blowout win, to playing a nerve-wracking close game, and finally, to come out with a nine-point victory. All that drama crammed into a 90-minute stretch.

Who said basketball is just a game?

Record: 5-1
Next game: vs Pepsi - July 5, Saturday, at The Zone

MCBL: License to talk

Just got back from our game about an hour ago. We played against Epson. They were arguably the most annoying team we've faced since we started joining third party leagues. They were just too damn noisy. They couldn't keep their mouths shut.

I have nothing against noisy teams. I mean, we can be pretty noisy and annoying too. We can get pretty amped when we're blowing teams out. Difference is, we're winning and they're not. As long as you're winning, you can run your mouths nonstop. But if you're getting your ass spanked, shut the fuck up and walk away.

Now, back to the game. We had an excellent start running our transition offense. I think we scored 10 quick points just by keeping the fastbreak moving. We had no trouble finding the lane for some easy baskets. We had like a 12 point lead when the quarter ended.

We put our reserves in during the second period and Epson slowly made it into a game. They closed in to within 4 points, 24-20, and we had to sue for time. With most of the starters resting, our shock troopers couldn't find the groove offensively and we got stuck in a little bit of rut. When the starters returned, we got our attack flowing again and we erected a huge 44-28 margin by halftime.

It was all downhill for Epson after. They just couldn't keep up with our firepower and our depth. They either ran out of ink or were using substandard refills. Just like all our wins this season, it was pretty much over by the third quarter. In boxing, it would've been a referee stops contest. Corner throws in the towel. Final score was 98-63.

Herbert topscored with 25 points. JP followed with a season-high 24. I don't usually plug myself in but I'll make an exception since I almost had a triple-double with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists.

Highlight of the night? I got T'd up for the first time ever. I was jawing with these dudes all night and the zebras finally called one on me. I can't say it wasn't warranted but it sucks as it comes with a 500 peso fine.

Record: 4-1
Next game: vs Coffey - June 27, Friday, at Club 650