Battle of the Point Guards: Helterbrand vs Alapag

The Stats

Alapag, Jimmy 33.1 mpg 15.8 ppg 4.3 apg 6.6 rpg 0.8 spg 1.5 tpg
Helterbrand, Jayjay 36.4 mpg 17.0 ppg 4.6 apg 5.9 rpg 0.3 spg 2.0 tpg
as of April 25, 2009

Two of the premier point guards in the PBA right now are Jimmy "The Mighty Mouse" Alapag and JayJay "The Fast" Helterbrand, is featured in our head to head match up for this week. Both of them are unquestioned leader in their respective teams, they are the vital cog in Talk-n-Text Tropang Texters and Barangay Ginebra Kings, respectively.

The Mighty Mouse
Dubbed as the "The Might Mouse" in the league because of his frame 5 foot 9 playmaker, yet very deadly and explosive in the court. He entered the league in 2003, was picked no.10 by Talk-n-Text. He was born and raised in Upland, California, was one of the biggest three-point threats in the NCAA Division II during 1999-2000 season. That draft year was consedered to be the deepest draft pool in the PBA history.

Currently, Alapag leads the team in scoring next to their import - T-Wade, his deadly 3 point shot and assist abilty put him on that spot. Since his rookie year, he voted in the mythical team and he even was a member of Philippine National Team back in 2005 and 2007.

The Fast
JayJay Helterbrand is the other half of "The Fast and The Furious" of the Barangay Ginebra Kings along with Mark Caguioa. He was actually first played in Batangas Blades in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) in 2000, after 1 game he was signed by Ginebra on that year. In 2003, he went back to the States after his first contract with Ginebra expired. He came back at the start of 2004.

Currently, Helterbrand left to do all the chores because Caguioa is still recovering from the injury. Helterbrand possess the rare natural point guard abilities paired with his very quick first step in the open court and because of this made him one of the best point guards in the league. Currently, he basically replaces Alapag in the Philippine National Team.

The Comparison
Alapag is more on a scoring point guard and has quick first step that can penetrate the defense of the opposing team. While, Helterbrand has more height advantage than Alapag which makes him to score more and create more defense pressure on the opposing player. On contrary, Alapag has more leaping ability than Helterbrand, as their rebounds per game shows.

The Verdict
For this week's one-on-one matchups, I'll choose the "The Mighty Mouse" over the "The Fast".
Although, it depends on the situation where the coach call their names but I prefer on Alapag.
Alapag is the every coach dream to have in his team because of his play making superiority than Helterbrand. But not very far enough.

Till Next time.

Battle of the Forwards: Kerby vs Arwind

The Stats
Arwind Santos 20.4 ppg 8.5 rpg 1.8 apg 0.6 spg 1.4 bpg
Kerby Raymundo 16 ppg 7.6 rpg 2.6 apg 0.4 spg 0.6 bpg
stats as of April 18, 2009

Both are the top forwards in the PBA today. They possess skills that separates them from others. Both are athletic and can play multiple positions in front court.

The Kid

Kerby's favorite player in the NBA is Kevin Garnett, he even uses the same jersey number that KG used in the NBA. When KG used 21 - Kerby used 21, when KG traded to the Boston and used 5 - Kerby switch also to #5. Clearly Kerby played the style of play Garnett do. Standing 6 ft 6", this versatile big man can play 4 or 5, or even at 3.

He was a star in Letran Knights back in college. "The Kid" was not drafted because Red Bull elevated him directly from PBL, Red Bull join the PBA league in 2000 and they were allowed to elavate 5 players. Kerby was traded to Purefoods 2002. Currently, he is one of the leaders on the team, despite of James Yap presense Kerby is still vital cog in the Purefoods Giants.

The Spiderman

Another high flying forward from FEU in the college, Arwind Santos. You might not intemidate his 6' 4" frame because of skinny type of body. But once you see he play - you change your perception towards him. Santos is very athletic and full of energy. Even though he gave up 2 inches to Kerby but he possess the leaping ability that earn him more rebounds and blocks. In his 4 years in the league, he rapidly learns how to play smart specially in crunch time.

Santos was selected 2nd overall in 2006 PBA draft, since then the Air 21 now called Burger King whopper's did not regret about their prized pick.

Currently both men are members of Philippine National Team which will compete on FIBA Asia Championship later this year.

The Verdict

So, now my verdict in this another classic battle of athletic and versatile forwards: it's a tight battle but I have to chose Kerby Raymundo. Although currently, Arwind has much better statistics and even have more athletism and energy to Kerby. But Kerby has more heart and experience than Arwind. In this league, heart and experience rules more that stats - that's why Purefoods (4-3) is having better standing than Burger King (4-4).

Easter Matchup

After long vacation due from Holy Week the PBA action resumes. As for the Easter treat the top team and 2nd runner up will collide this Sunday. The San Miguel will try to defend it's undefeated standing to the surging Ran or Shine Elasto Pain Masters.

In the curtain raiser, the Coca Cola Tigers will try to snatch another win to the ever dangerous Alaska Aces. The action starts on 4pm.

Asi vs Ali

Battle of the Center: Asi Taulava vs Ali Peek

Asi Taulava: 15.8 ppg, 12.7 rpg, 4.0 apg
Ali Peek: 7.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.2 apg
stats as of April 11, 2009


These 2 big men is a premier centers in the league, both men towering opponents thru strength in the shaded lane. Asi started was directly hired by Mobiline in 1999 while Ali was drafted 4th in 1998. They were swap in their respective teams in 2007.

In currently season 2008-09, in Fiesta conference Coca-cola has battling down the standing as they are in the cellar while Talk-and-Text having 3-3 standing.

So comparing with the stats obviously Asi has big advantage in all categories except blocks. Asi has demonstrated that he has still too much left in his tank as he lead the Tigers in scoring and rebounding (highest among locals). As for the assist, he only trailed 2 assist shy by Cabagnot.

As for Ali Peek, you cannot count him out because of his size which is still force to recon with. We can see that Talk-and-Text has better standing with the Tigers.

But were talking 1-on-1 here, so as for this battle: Asi wins over Ali. No doubt.

PBA Basketball 1on1 unleashed!

Hi there! I'm a very big fan of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). They said the league right now has lost it's glory, well there is only one thing that I can say to them - "Shut Up!".

It's been over 25 years now that the league has operated, superstars come and go, and there are still big names to come. In this blog I'm talking about player one on one base on their current stats and play. I'll put my analysis and you are free to comment!

So long live PBA!

thanks,
PBAPinoy