Letting Go Of The Kid

In what will go down as the "most shocking news" since the retirement of Rudy Hatfield, Barangay Ginebra is parting ways with Kerby Raymundo, one of the major pieces in its Finals run last conference. The news was all over social media networks like Facebook and Twitter and was met by mixed reactions. After all, every Ginebra fan remember the big contribution the former Letran Knight had last conference.

As it is, Kerby would be Air 21 bound for shooting big man James Sena and the Express' 2014 first round pick. The former JRU Bomber comes as a bonus but it is the latter that got Ginebra "agreeing in principle" to the proposed trade. The 2014 draft would have talents like Bobby Ray Parks, Cris Banchero, Stanley Pringle, Kevin Alas, or even Kiefer Ravena.

What saddened Ginebra faithfuls is the fact that Kerby's real potential has returned. I mean everyone knows how he made life miserable for the big men of Rain or Shine in their quarterfinal showdown as well as in their semifinals encounter with Talk n Text.

I guess the trigger that made management agree to trading Kerby is the arrival of Japeth Aguilar. Both play the same position but the advantage of Japeth is he is 6'9" yet very athletic. Aside from that, Kerby is injured while Japeth is coming off a very successful stint with the national team. In addition, Ginebra is also planning to reactivate Eric Menk from the inactive list which makes trading Kerby justifiable.

But apparently the Kerby trade does not end there. After being released to Air 21, the Express will release The Kid to the Bolts along with Mike Cortez for Mark Cardona and the rights to Asi Taulava. Everyone knows that Ginebra management salivates at the thought of having The Rock in their lineup. The opportunity knocked via Kerby Raymundo.

Although it is still up for the approval of Commissioner Chito Salud, it is more likely that Kerby will no longer be wearing the Ginebra uniform when he returns from injury. Like every Ginebra fan, I am deeply saddened with his departure but that's basketball. So thank you Kerby and good luck.

Silver Shining Like Gold

Last week, PBA fans witnessed history unfold as the Gilas Pilipinas put the country back in the world basketball map by beating South Korea in the semifinals of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship held at the Mall of Asia Arena from August 1- 11. It was perhaps the biggest day in the history of Philippine basketball as the Gilas squad defeated the Koreans 86-79 behind the hot hands of skipper Jimmy Alapag.

For years, the Koreans have been a thorn on the side of the Philippine basketball team. In the Asian basketball scene, Korea denied Team Philippines of several chances to glory. In the 2002 Asian Games, Cho Sang Min's buzzer beating three point shot broke the heart of many Filipinos. It denied the Philippines the bronze medal. In the 2011 Wuhan FIBA Asia Championship, it was another three point shot that dashed the Filipino's hopes of making it to the 2012 World Championships.

With those stinging losses still fresh in the mind of Gilas Pilipinas, Team Philippines engaged the Koreans in a tight battle until the end. At first, it looked like history would repeat itself as Korea stormed to a two point lead 75-73 behind the hot hands of Kim Mingoo who led a Korean comeback from 10 points down. Skipper Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo then took charge and gave Gilas a five point cushion at 84-79.Kim Mingoo had another open look but Gabe Norwood blocked his shot and Marc Pingris sealed the win with a follow-up of a Castro miss. The Filipinos finally defeated the Koreans. With that win, they make a return trip to the FIBA World Championships.

It was mission accomplished for Gilas Pilipinas. Although they fell to Haddadi and company in the Finals 85-71, they finished off what they wanted in the first place and that is book a seat in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. Iran bagged the gold but the silver medal of Gilas Pilipinas glittered like gold for the Filipinos. It was the fruit of a decades long dream of playing in the big stage.

So see you in Spain Team Philippines!