Macmac Barracael Joins The Barangay

After installing Alfrancis Chua as its coach, Barangay Ginebra management releases swingman Alain Maliksi for Gilas member and former Alaska Aces Macmac Barracael. The trade has been approved making the FEU stalwart the newest ka-Barangay.

For me, I would say that it is a good trade considering that Barracael is a forward with an excellent touch from the outside. Defensively, he can also contribute. He can be the future of Ginebra in the forward spot once Rudy Hatfield and Willie Wilson calls it quits.

I have nothing against Alain Maliksi but I would go for Barracael on any given night. Maliksi could have been the next Mark Caguioa of Ginebra but his tendency to give up cheap fouls is an eye sore. How many times has he fouled a player shooting three pointers. Besides, with Chris Ellis and Dylan Ababou vital cogs of the team, trading him is a good move.

With Barracael, Ginebra gets a hardworker inside. Despite being only 6'3", he is not afraid to bang bodies inside. He will give to Ginebra what Rudy Hatfield and Willie Wilson gives: energy and hustle. His training as a Gilas member would surely benefit the Kings in their campaign next conference.

So welcome to the barangay Macmac Barracael and thank you Alain Maliksi.

New Year, New Beginning For Ginebra

After losing to Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup, Ginebra management greeted 2013 with a development seen by die-hard Ginebra fans as a welcome news: a coaching change. Team consultant Alfrancis Chua takes over from Coach Siot Tanquincen as head coach of Barangay Ginebra.

Although not the person that fans clamored for, it would be a fresh start for the most popular team in the PBA who is still looking for a title since winning their last in 2008. Coach Alfrancis Chua's last coaching stint was with Tanduay, a team that had Sonny Alvarado, Eric Menk, Rudy Hatfield, and Dondon Hontiveros. In the amateurs, he had won numerous titles as coach of Stag Pale Pilsen which had Marlou Aquino, Mark Clemence Telan, and Jason Webb.

Coach Siot Tanquincen would slide down to first assistant. As a coach, the farthest he led Ginebra was the quarterfinals despite having one of  best line-ups in the league. Coach Siot Tanquincen was responsible for trading away players like John Wilson, KG Canaleta, Enrico Villanueva, Ronald Tubid, who thrived well with the Gin Kings.

Coach Alfrancis Chua is still looking for his first PBA title. However, he is considered as a "players' coach" who brings out the best in his players. A team loaded with talent can sure use a coach of his caliber. While it remains to be seen whether Coach Alfrancis Chua would finally be the one to end Ginebra's title drought, his assumption as head coach of is a positive move towards achieving that goal.