“In basketball, there’s always room for improvement, even if you’re up there na, you can still improve.”

Full Name:                 Simon David Atkins

Drafted:                      21^st overall, Air21 Express

Position:                    Point guard

Birthday:                    July 19, 1988

College:                      De La Salle University

Age:                            24

Shoe Size:                 11

Height:                         6’0”

Favorite Color:          Green

Favorite Food:           Filipino Food

Favorite Movie:         She’s Out Of My League

Simon Atkins, a cager-model who was selected as the 21^st overall pick by the Air21 Express has proven he can go toe-to-toe with the league’s top guards when given the chance. A lefty playmaker, he played collegiate basketball under Franz Pumaren, his coach in the PBa, for the DLSU Green Archers. He also donned the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems jersey in the PBA D-League. He sticks to the game plan and executes it with consistency. He nurtured his skills under the Pumaren system in college, having the ability to contribute off the bench.

“What was your reaction when you heard your name during the draft?”

“During the time, I thought wala na eh, third round na akala ko hindi na ako matatawag then I heard my name, I was shaking actually, relieved kasi nakuha ako, hindi ako nakasama sa mga hindi na-draft and may chance ako masama s line-up.”

“Did you expect to be drafted by Air21?”

“No, actually, when I joined the draft, I was just trying my luck lang talaga, I don’t know what team is gonna get me or what number.”

“Are you happy with Air21?”

“Yeah, of course, I’m back playing for Coach Franz, my coach in college, I like his system because I grew up playing the Pumaren System and may mga former La Salle players din so I feel comfortable here.”

“How did you find your first game sa PBA?”

“Well, sa first tune up game pa lang, kabadong kabado na, first game ko against Meralco, so guarding Solomon Mercado, playing against Mac Mac Cardona, mga star players ng PBA siyempre stratrucked pa din, parang first time to play.”

“Who is your favorite basketball player?”

“I like James Harden, kasi yun nga, kahit sixth man lang, pag pinasok siya, yung energy niya sa court, that’s what I always do even if limited minutes lang, I always try to do something very good.”

“Any message to your coach and the team?”

“Ah, everytime they give me chance, hindi ko sila bibiguin.”

“How do you see yourself 10 years from now?”

“Hopefully, tumagal pa ‘yung career ko sa PBA.”

Photo Credits to PBA, NCAA, PBA D-League, AKTV and to the owner. :)

(Sobrang tagal ko na nasulat ‘to. Hindi lang nag-work-out ang first plan. Pero dahil ayaw ko masayang ang materials, post ko nalang dito sa Tumblr. Hehehe! Gustong-gusto ko ang basketball. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapagsulat ng sports article. Pangarap ko yun kahit trying-hard sports writer ako. HAHAHA! Siguro hindi pa ito ang tamang panahon kaya hindi natuloy ang magazine. Pero ok lang, naging masaya naman ako. -Jerica)

“Never give up.”

Full Name:                 Raphael Carlo Reyes

Drafted:                      19^th overall, Alaska Aces

Position:                    Point Guard

Birthday:                    December 1, 1987

College:                      University of the East

Age:                            24

Shoe Size:                 11

Height:                       5’9”

Favorite Color:          Black

Favorite Food:           Adobo

Favorite Movie:         Remember the Titans

Son of PBA great Elmer Reyes who played for the San Miguel Beermen squad who won the Grand Slam in 1989, Raphy Reyes has made a name for himself in the PBA as a dependable back up point guard. This energetic spitfire, who can contribute when his name is called by the coach, has quickly made himself a steady player for the Alaska Aces. He played for the UE Red Warriors in UAAP and Big Chill Superchargers in PBA D-League.  Though, he is physically different from his father, he still playing under the shadow of great Elmer Reyes and creating his own identity in the court.

“What was your reaction when you heard your name during the draft?”

 “Siyempre nagulat, pang ilang pick na ako eh. Di ko alam na mapi-pick ako ng Alaska.”

“Did you expect that Alaska will pick you?”

“Hindi ko alam eh, hindi ako sure. Pero okay naman, masaya ako.”

“How’s your first game, your first two points in PBA?”

“Noong una siyempre medyo hindi mo maiiwasang nerbyosin, pero noong naka-shoot na ayun na, tuloy tuloy na.”

“What can you say about your teammates?”

“Mababait naman yung mga teammates ko, sobrang magagaling silang lahat.”

“Who is your favorite basketball player?”

Raphy Reyes:            “My dad, Elmer Reyes.”

“How do you see yourself 10 years from now?”

“Di ko masabi, siguro nandito pa rin ako naglalaro sa PBA.”

“Any message to your team and to all Alaska fans.”

“Sa Alaska fans, grabe ‘yung suporta nila sa team namin kaya thank you talaga. ‘Yung team namin umaangat dahil sa mga fans. Sa Alaska naman thank you sa kanila dahil binigyan nila ako ng chance na makapaglaro dito sa PBA.”

Photo Credits to PBA, UAAP, PBA D-League, AKTV and to the owner. :)

(Sobrang tagal ko na nasulat ‘to. Hindi lang nag-work-out ang first plan. Pero dahil ayaw ko masayang ang materials, post ko nalang dito sa Tumblr. Hehehe! Gustong-gusto ko ang basketball. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapagsulat ng sports article. Pangarap ko yun kahit trying-hard sports writer ako. HAHAHA! Siguro hindi pa ito ang tamang panahon kaya hindi natuloy ang magazine. Pero ok lang, naging masaya naman ako. -Jerica)

“Every time na ipapasok ka sa court, ibigay mo lang yung best mo.”

Full Name:                 John Aldrech Ramos

Drafted:                    5^th overall, San Mig Coffee (Being traded to Alaska Aces)

Position:                    Power Forward

Birthday:                    April 3, 1988

College:                      Far Eastern University

Age:                            24

Shoe Size:                 14

Height:                       6’6”

Favorite Color:          Red and Black

Favorite Food:           Spicy Caldereta

Favorite Movie:         Love and Basketball, Armageddon

From being a steady contributor for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Aldrech Ramos has created noise across the basketball community. He was selected as 5^th overall by the Barako Bull Energy Cola but was traded to the San Mig Coffee Mixers for Sean Anthony. In his collegiate career, he was named three-time Mythical Five member and was a runner up for the MVP plum in Season 73. Ramos is also included in the first batch of player for the original Smart Gilas pool. Early this year, he has been acquired again by Barako Bull Energy Cola after getting involved in a huge trade. On the same day, he was shipped to Alaska Aces in exchange for Mac Baracael. He is a versatile wingman who can play inside and shoot from outside.

“What was your reaction when you heard your name during the draft?”

 “Siyempre happy, tsaka una, kinakabahan.”

“What can you say that you’ve end up with Sanmig Coffee Mixers?”

 “Una nga shocked, tapos happy, tapos flattered kasi ipi-pick ka nila although hindi naman sila sobrang nangangailangan ng players kasi nga solid sila. So ‘yun, privilege na makalaro sa team na ganito, sa organization na malakas.”

“Did you expect this?”

 “Hindi naman, di ko alam eh. Wala akong idea, actually.”

“How’s your experience with Coach Tim Cone during the trainings?”

 “Okay naman. Magaling na coach si Coach Tim. Sobrang magaling, sobrang disiplinado, sobrang dedicated sa mga ginagawa niya.”

“Any words about your teammates in Sanmig Coffee?”

 “Mababait naman sila, kasi tinuturuan nila ako kung anong dapat.”

“What did you feel during your first PBA game.”

 “Goosebumps? Pagpasok ko sa court sa Araneta, nanayo ang mga balahibo ko. Sobrang kinakabahan, di ko ma-explain, parang nakalutang ako sa game.”

“How about to your first two points?”

 “Siyempre sobrang tuwa di ba, first basket ko yun sa PBA eh.”

“Who is your favorite basketball player?”

 “Marami, yung dati sila Ramon Fernandez, ngayon sila Danny Ildefonso and Arwind Santos.”

“After 10 years, how do you see your pro career?”

 “Hopefully, sana tumagal ako ng 10 years, sana ma-establish ko na ang name ko sa PBA.”   

Photo Credits to PBA, NCAA, AKTV, Spin.Ph and to the owner. :)

(Sobrang tagal ko na nasulat ‘to. Hindi lang nag-work-out ang first plan. Pero dahil ayaw ko masayang ang materials, post ko nalang dito sa Tumblr. Hehehe! Gustong-gusto ko ang basketball. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapagsulat ng sports article. Pangarap ko yun kahit trying-hard sports writer ako. HAHAHA! Siguro hindi pa ito ang tamang panahon kaya hindi natuloy ang magazine. Pero ok lang, naging masaya naman ako. -Jerica)

“Just try your hardest and once you put the work in, it will pay off.”

Full Name:                 Christopher Allan Ellis

Drafted:                      6^th overall, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Position:                    Small Forward

Birthday:                    December 5, 1988

College:                      University of Mary - Hardin Baylor (Belton, Texas, USA)

Age:                            24

Shoe Size:                 14

Height:                       6’6”

Favorite Color:          Red

Favorite Food:           Filipino and Italian Cuisines

Favorite Movie:         He Got Game

An electric swingman from Florida who brings excitement to the crowd with his electrifying dunks, Chris Ellis was drafted 6^th overall by Ginebra San Miguel. The ultra-athletic forward also played for the four-time PBA-D League champions NLEX Road Warriors. Along with Chris Tiu, he also played for Sinag Pilipinas in 2011 Southeast Asian Games, and made an outstanding contribution to the national team that seized the gold medal. The high-leaping Ellis has already showed a lot of potentials, making the Ginebra crowd overwhelmed and amazed with his potentials.

“What was your reaction when you heard your name during the draft?”

 “Uh, just excited and relieved.”

“You’re playing for the most popular team in the country, tell me more about this experience”

 “It’s like living a fantasy, a dream, everyday is a new adventure and I just can’t wait to wake up every morning.”

“How did you find your first ever PBA game? Tell me more about your first two points?”

 “Uh, I was really anxious going into it but once I got there, it just went by so quickly, it’s a great experience to just get over with it and get to the next one.”

“Who is your favorite basketball player?”

 “Just be Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Lebron James because he’s really gets the whole team involved and he’s great in what he’s doing.”

“Are you happy with Ginebra?”

 “Of course, yeah, this is all I want, this is the only team I wanted to be with.”

“How do you see yourself 10 years from now?”

 “I don’t look that far ahead, I just take it day by day.”

Photo Credits to PBA, PBA D-League, AKTV and to the owner. :)

(Sobrang tagal ko na nasulat ‘to. Hindi lang nag-work-out ang first plan. Pero dahil ayaw ko masayang ang materials, post ko nalang dito sa Tumblr. Hehehe! Gustong-gusto ko ang basketball. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapagsulat ng sports article. Pangarap ko yun kahit trying-hard sports writer ako. HAHAHA! Siguro hindi pa ito ang tamang panahon kaya hindi natuloy ang magazine. Pero ok lang, naging masaya naman ako. -Jerica)

“Work hard, play for one another.Usually, it’s the individual glory that’s being appreciated by the fans, they wanna see highlights, the one on one moves but what really wins championships is team effort and for me, it’s about playing for one another.”

Full Name:                 Christopher John Tiu

Drafted:                      7^th overall, Rain Or Shine

Position:                    Shooting Guard

Birthday:                    July 15, 1985

College:                      Ateneo De Manila University

Age:                            27

Shoe Size:                 12

Height:                       5’11”   

Favorite Color:          Blue

Favorite Food:           Chinese and Japanese

Favorite Movie:         Spiderman and Gladiator

From being a pro-basketball player, educator, entrepreneur, politician, commercial model to becoming a TV host, this witty combo guard has gone too far today. From his days as a Xavier School Golden Stallion in high school to an Ateneo Blue Eagle in college, Chris Tiu has developed his basketball skills through the years. He has played for the National Team in the year 2008- 2012 and was named team captain of original Smart Gilas Pilipinas. Apart from this, his leadership piloted him to be a part of the Sinag Pilipinas that was sent to the 2011 Southeast Asian Games as the team captain in their pursuit to grab the title. This 7^th over-all draft pick teamed up with other steady shooters of Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters that brought the team to the championship in the 38^th PBA Philippine Cup but failed to notch the title against a mighty Talk N Text squad.

“What was your reaction when you heard your name during the draft?”

 “Uh, of course I was very excited and very much honored to be part of the most prestigious league in the country and to belong to a team that I really feel very comfortable with.”

“Did you expect to be drafted by Rain Or Shine?”

 “No, I thought I was gonna be picked earlier actually maybe because of rumors uh, but I kinda knew that there were certain teams that will not pick me anymore, uh siyempre I was surprised but I can’t be any happier know, sometimes you know God works in mysterious ways.”

“You are one of the highly touted aspirants during the draft and you were picked at number seven, what can you say about it?”

“The numbers don’t really matter. What matters is that you belong and end up with the right team and I think I end up with the right team where I fit in the system very much, the style of Coach Yeng Guiao. It’s not about the numbers, its just how you will fit in the system. If you’re needed by the team, if you’re given the break and opportunity to play and I think Rain or Shine is the perfect team for me.”

“How is your experience with the team?”           

 “So far, so good, it’s been perfect. The companionship has been really great with the players, very good chemistry and very fun and very unselfish to play for one another and play for each other, organization is good, all the way from the owners down to the utility boys and everybody works hard towards a common goal.”

“What can you say about Coach Yeng?”

 “He’s a great and very excellent coach. He’s very intelligent. He knows how to develop your game. He’s a good motivator. He will give you opportunities and he will give you chances to really blossom in the system as long as you put in the effort, he’s a great guy and he’s tough. I like his desire to win, that’s why I’m here, I like to win championships.”

“So how was your first ever PBA game?”

 “Something I exactly wouldn’t like to remember because I got injured in my very first game.”

“What was running through your mind during the time you were injured?”

 “It’s very difficult. It’s disappointing that I have to sit out for eight weeks and then back to zero, I just have to be extra patient and extra persevering.”

“Who is your favorite basketball player?”

 “Michael Jordan, Johnny Abarrientos, Jimmy Alapag, Jayvee Casio.”

“What is the reason behind your jersey number?”

 “Uh, lucky number since I was in grade school.”

“How do you see your career as a basketball player 10 years from now?”

 “Not too long, I don’t think I will be playing basketball for 10 years, I’m playing it for fun, for exercise, play for three years in the league then move on to something much attainable.”

“Being a basketball player and a celebrity, how do you manage your time?”

 “Balance, time management, sacrifice, prioritizing, don’t waste time, there’s time for everything and make sure you have enough time to rest also.” 

“If you’ll be traded to another team, what team would that be?”

 “I’m happy here.”

Photo Credits to PBA, Smart Gilas, Spin.Ph, PhilStar, and to the owner. :)

(Sobrang tagal ko na nasulat ‘to. Hindi lang nag-work-out ang first plan. Pero dahil ayaw ko masayang ang materials, post ko nalang dito sa Tumblr. Hehehe! Gustong-gusto ko ang basketball. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapagsulat ng sports article. Pangarap ko yun kahit trying-hard sports writer ako. HAHAHA! Siguro hindi pa ito ang tamang panahon kaya hindi natuloy ang magazine. Pero ok lang, naging masaya naman ako. -Jerica)

  “There’s always room for improvement.”

Full Name:                 June Mar Fajardo

Drafted:                      1^st overall, Petron

Position:                    Center

Birthday:                    November 17, 1989

College:                      University of Cebu

Age:                            23

Shoe Size:                 17

Height:                       6’10”

Favorite Color:          Violet

Favorite Food:           “Kahit ano naman kinakain ko, basta hindi nakakahilo, basta hindi nakakalason.”

Favorite Movie:         Suspense, Comedy

Having played for the University of Cebu Webmasters in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) and the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), June Mar Fajardo, the 6’10’’ slot man from Pinamungahan Cebu led this year’s batch after being tabbed by the Petron Blaze Boosters as the top pick in the draft. During his collegiate career, he was named Most Valuable Player in the CESAFI league three times (2009-2011) and the 2010 National Collegiate Player of the Year. In his young basketball career, June Mar has been under the wings of two legendary PBA cagers, Ramon Fernandez who trained him in college and Danny Ildefonso who is standing behind him and mentoring the ropes of the PBA. He is also included in 17- man training pool selected by national team head coach Chot Reyes for FIBA Asia Championship. 

“What was your reaction when you heard your name during the draft?”

 “Siyempre na-excite, proud din ako sa sarili ko na naging number one pick ako.”

“Did you expect that?”

 “Sort of, pero may mga balita na nga na ako daw ang first pick so ayun.”

“Are you happy with Petron?”

 “Oo, sobrang saya. Ako ‘yung bunso dito, mga kuya ko sila. Hindi nila ako nilo-look down, tinutulungan nila ako na ma-improve ko ‘yung skills ko, lahat. So happy ako na nandito ako.”

“How’s your experience with the team?”

 “Hmmm, okay lang, marami akong natututunan lalo na kay Danny I.”

“What are the things Danny I. taught you?”

 “Depensa, opensa, tsaka hindi lang basketball.  Aside from basketball, more on life, kung paano mag invest ng pera, ganu’n.”

“You are with Coach Olsen and Danny I., the two veterans of the team, what they advice to you?

“Maglaro lang, kung ano yung laro ko, laruin ko lang. Dapat galingan. Dapat i-improve ko ‘yung skills ko, at dapat i-push ko yung sarili ko.”

“What can you say about your teammates that are mostly superstars?”

“Siyempre proud ako, kasi ‘yung mga taong dati sa TV ko lang nakikita, mga kakampi ko na.”

“Who are the players you look up to?”

“Nag-start kasi ako maglaro ng basketball, college na. Una kong nakilala si Don Don Hontiveros then si Danny I. So sila ang mga favorite ko. Sa NBA, si Garnett.”

“What did you feel after having your first two points in PBA?”

“Parang normal lang.”

“Did you ever thought that you’re going to be a basketball player?”

 “Hindi, never pumasok ko na magiging PBA player ako, na aabot ako ditto. Minsan nga paggising ko sa umaga, nalilimutan ko may practice kami. Sasabihin ng driver ko may practice kayo. Minsan nakakalimutan ko, PBA player na pala ako. Hindi ko kasi in-e-expect.”

“What can you say about your losses?”

“Ganoon talaga, nangyayari talaga ‘yun. Wala tayong magagawa. Ang basketball kasi parang isang malaking Quiapo, maaagawan at maaagawan ka ng opportunity, ng bola, ng panalo.”

“What do you say to yourself every time the team loses?”

“Practice lang, lahat naman kasi ng bagay nangyayari.”

“What’s the reason behind you number?”

“15 sana ako, pero nagpunta dito si Wesley Gonzales. Sabi niya,  siya na lang ang gagamit ng 15, ayun wala akong maisip na numero. 14 hindi puwede, 16 hindi din puwede, so naisip ko 22 na lang. Hula hula na lang, pero lately na-realize ko, 22 ako pumasok sa PBA, tapos sa condo unit ko, 22^nd floor.”

“10 years from now, how can you see your career?”

 “Haciendero. Gagayahin ko si D.I. Kasi kita mo naman pumasok sa PBA, hawak ng San Miguel for so many years. Kita mo naman, nag- iisang D.I. lang yan.”

“Do you wish to go to another team?”

“Hindi, kung puwede dito na  ako, mababait mga tao dito.”

“What can you say about Coach Olsen?”

“Si Coach, bago pa lang, pareho lang kami. Marami pa kaming dapat ma-experience. Siya as a coach, ako as a player pero hindi rin magtatagal, makukuha rin namin ‘yun.”

Photo Credits to PBA, Spin.ph, ABL, and the owner. :)

(Sobrang tagal ko na nasulat ‘to. Hindi lang nag-work-out ang first plan. Pero dahil ayaw ko masayang ang materials, post ko nalang dito sa Tumblr. Hehehe! Gustong-gusto ko ang basketball. Sana mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na makapagsulat ng sports article. Pangarap ko yun kahit trying-hard sports writer ako. HAHAHA! Siguro hindi pa ito ang tamang panahon kaya hindi natuloy ang magazine. Pero ok lang, naging masaya naman ako. -Jerica)