2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup

[Maslate]

There's only one way to find out, they need to win their game next time. Next game will be this February 10, they'll be playing the Phoenix SUER LPG, I think they have a chance of winning here, but it still defends if they will get a good import, because if they'll have the same import as their present, then most likely that losing streak will continue.

Exactly, however, let's look at the highlights play of their new import which is Antonio Hester.
https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/magnolia-taps-antonio-hester-to-replace-import-eric-mccree-a793-20230205

We can check his stats here ; https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/64141/antonio-hester
and one of his highlights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsY5S-dyrGg

At least we now have an idea about him, and based on the highlights, he is not new in the PBA.

Thanks for sharing, a little idea is good enough, besides, I don't think there's a big pressure on him as Magnolia remove their import since it has not met their expectation, so he will be replacing and they are just hoping they'll be right this time. Magnolia is a good team, you can see how good they are on their defense, but not having a consistent scorer which is supposed to be an import will make this team suffer.

Their import only score 13 points, that's below standard of an import, it should be 20+.

[1715452795]

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[1715452795]

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[Fredomago]

There's only one way to find out, they need to win their game next time. Next game will be this February 10, they'll be playing the Phoenix SUER LPG, I think they have a chance of winning here, but it still defends if they will get a good import, because if they'll have the same import as their present, then most likely that losing streak will continue.

Exactly, however, let's look at the highlights play of their new import which is Antonio Hester.
https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/magnolia-taps-antonio-hester-to-replace-import-eric-mccree-a793-20230205

We can check his stats here ; https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/64141/antonio-hester
and one of his highlights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsY5S-dyrGg

At least we now have an idea about him, and based on the highlights, he is not new in the PBA.

Thanks for sharing, a little idea is good enough, besides, I don't think there's a big pressure on him as Magnolia remove their import since it has not met their expectation, so he will be replacing and they are just hoping they'll be right this time. Magnolia is a good team, you can see how good they are on their defense, but not having a consistent scorer which is supposed to be an import will make this team suffer.

Their import only score 13 points, that's below standard of an import, it should be 20+.

And that's not enough and not good for someone who's being paid a lot to bring help to the team, Yes, Magnolia is a good team and even they don't have a good import but they manage to lose the with a closer outcome, the locals are pushing their chance it's so happen that the import is not that good to reinforce them against the import of their opponents.

If the import can provide additional offensive threat, the winning chance is really high for this team, we will see and test the new one next game, let's see if he will be able to fill the gap and make the team more competitive again.

[chaser15]

Just so happened that they've short in the last minute that's why they've got two early losses.

Yeah, they almost got a win against SMB possibly with Paul Lee's clutch shot. But if only their import is playing well in the entire game, there's no need for that clutch shot moment. Can't imagine Magnolia's import only scored 13 points in that long playing time. It's not how the import should be.

Magnolia did a good job of fixing the import problem right away and decided to replace him before anything much worst happened. It's quite unusual to see the Magnolia Hotshots in a 0-3 starting record at any conference involving an import.

They are in a losing streak, that's already a bad start for them. For them to win, they should get an import as good as Brownlee, I mean, they should use Brownlee as a standard in getting an import because if Brownlee will still dominates, that would mean Ginebra will be the champion again.

I will disagree with that. Since when should the likes of Brownlee become a standard for that? lol.

He is great but saying he should be the reference for other teams in choosing imports, is out of context. The performance of imports can just be seen while playing for the team, you can't base it on their previous performance on other teams outside PBA as these imports are playing with the locals here in PBA.

You can't just find a Brownlee-like import as Brownlee already formed good chemistry with Ginebra for several years of playing with the team, with the same teammates and handled by the same coach for a long. During Brownlee's early years in Ginebra, he's also struggling and not performing well.

[harizen]

Their import only score 13 points, that's below standard of an import, it should be 20+.

Not once but twice and it's on 2 consecutive games. Although it's just usual for import to have a bad night performance, doing that in 2 consecutive games is a problem anymore as they are being expected to always unleash their very best performance in every game.

Magnolia did a great job of acting quickly and right after that SMB loss, the replacement is already set in action.

Their new import Antonio Hester is not new to the PBA environment and at least his experience playing in the league should provide him comfort and not that being pressured. He's now with the team where he will surely have lots of support from local teammates compared to his first import stint in the league playing in Terrafirma.

[jakelyson]

Their new import Antonio Hester is not new to the PBA environment and at least his experience playing in the league should provide him comfort and not that being pressured. He's now with the team where he will surely have lots of support from local teammates compared to his first import stint in the league playing in Terrafirma.

I am not familiar with Antonio Hester but he will surely have a lot of pressure to perform since Magnolia is already down 0-3 in standing. Though it is still very early, they will still need to win every single game left in order to qualify for the next round. Someone pointed out they need to win at least 6 out of their 8 remaining games. That is tough order and there is still an adjustment period. Luckily, Magnolia has good local players. 

Just so happened that they've short in the last minute that's why they've got two early losses.

Yeah, they almost got a win against SMB possibly with Paul Lee's clutch shot. But if only their import is playing well in the entire game, there's no need for that clutch shot moment. Can't imagine Magnolia's import only scored 13 points in that long playing time. It's not how the import should be.

Magnolia did a good job of fixing the import problem right away and decided to replace him before anything much worst happened. It's quite unusual to see the Magnolia Hotshots in a 0-3 starting record at any conference involving an import.

They are in a losing streak, that's already a bad start for them. For them to win, they should get an import as good as Brownlee, I mean, they should use Brownlee as a standard in getting an import because if Brownlee will still dominates, that would mean Ginebra will be the champion again.

I will disagree with that. Since when should the likes of Brownlee become a standard for that? lol.

He is great but saying he should be the reference for other teams in choosing imports, is out of context. The performance of imports can just be seen while playing for the team, you can't base it on their previous performance on other teams outside PBA as these imports are playing with the locals here in PBA.

You can't just find a Brownlee-like import as Brownlee already formed good chemistry with Ginebra for several years of playing with the team, with the same teammates and handled by the same coach for a long. During Brownlee's early years in Ginebra, he's also struggling and not performing well.

Ginebra is lucky in that department since they have a regular import that is willing to play with them. They do not have to go through some adjustment period every other conference to have a good chemistry with their import. Brownlee and Ginebra locals have already formed a good chemistry playing together for a long period of time.

[goinmerry]

If the import can provide additional offensive threat, the winning chance is really high for this team, we will see and test the new one next game, let's see if he will be able to fill the gap and make the team more competitive again.

He really should. I hope though that he won't feel pressured since the expectation for him is high and Magnolia badly needs to win. It's not usual to see SMC teams in the below standing and winless after 3 games. Not just pressured to win but maybe getting pressured too by SMC bosses.

Magnolia's next game is on Friday against the Phoenix FuelMasters which is also a struggling team with a 1-4 record and their only win is against the worst team in the league which is also winless, Northport. Magnolia, even without the best performance by their new import should be able to handle Phoenix.

[LogitechMouse]

Magnolia did a great job of acting quickly and right after that SMB loss, the replacement is already set in action.

Their new import Antonio Hester is not new to the PBA environment and at least his experience playing in the league should provide him comfort and not that being pressured. He's now with the team where he will surely have lots of support from local teammates compared to his first import stint in the league playing in Terrafirma.

Like I said in my previous posts, either 1 or all of the winless teams will be replacing their imports.
Magnolia who we know is a championship contender is expected to change their import because scoring only 10+ in 2 consecutive games is just unacceptable. On other things, it seems like the Rain or Shine is also thinking of changing their import, Michael Qualls because of lack of chemistry of the team. They are assessing whether they will replace him or not.

For Antonio Hester, he's a ex-import of TerraFirma and currently playing on Zamboanga Valientes with the 2-time NBA champion and former teammate of Wade, Lebron and Bosh, Mario Chalmers.

2 exciting games will be played tomorrow.

First game. Converge is trying to make their win streak go to 5 as they will face the TNT Tropang Giga who just came from a victory against the Magnolia Hotshots.
Second game. The NLEX just changed their import, but the problem is they will be facing the crowd favorite, Brgy. Ginebra. Their new import, Wayne Selden Jr. just came in into our league and he will face the Ginebra immediately. .

Currently no odds on Stake still but, I might bet on Converge and NLEX to win on this one.

[Questat]

Their new import, Wayne Selden Jr. just came in into our league and he will face the Ginebra immediately. .

Currently no odds on Stake still but, I might bet on Converge and NLEX to win on this one.

I would not bet on NLEX at this game, they might be having some chemistry issues, and Ginebra is also a good team, so I'll just observe first, maybe I'll be taking the Ginebra in live betting if the spread is high.

By the way, here's the resume of their new import, he played in the NBA for four seasons, so this guy is surely a good competitor.
 
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/seldewa01.html

[Maslate]

Their new import, Wayne Selden Jr. just came in into our league and he will face the Ginebra immediately. .

Currently no odds on Stake still but, I might bet on Converge and NLEX to win on this one.

I would not bet on NLEX at this game, they might be having some chemistry issues, and Ginebra is also a good team, so I'll just observe first, maybe I'll be taking the Ginebra in live betting if the spread is high.

By the way, here's the resume of their new import, he played in the NBA for four seasons, so this guy is surely a good competitor.
 
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/seldewa01.html

Actually betting odds are already up, they are +5.5 against the Ginebra San Miguel. I think the odds sounds fair because Ginebra is a good team and NLEX has a new import that has to blend well with the team yet, so I would ride the Ginebra pick, besides, they are not good in covering the spread.

[Kelvinid]

Their new import, Wayne Selden Jr. just came in into our league and he will face the Ginebra immediately. .

Currently no odds on Stake still but, I might bet on Converge and NLEX to win on this one.

I would not bet on NLEX at this game, they might be having some chemistry issues, and Ginebra is also a good team, so I'll just observe first, maybe I'll be taking the Ginebra in live betting if the spread is high.

By the way, here's the resume of their new import, he played in the NBA for four seasons, so this guy is surely a good competitor.
 
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/seldewa01.html

Actually betting odds are already up, they are +5.5 against the Ginebra San Miguel. I think the odds sounds fair because Ginebra is a good team and NLEX has a new import that has to blend well with the team yet, so I would ride the Ginebra pick, besides, they are not good in covering the spread.

I agree with that, we are talking of the Ginebra SMB here, a very consistent import and a locals that are full of superstars. Yes, that -5.5 will certainly be covered as long as Ginebra will win, they had struggle a bit against the ROS but in the 4th quarter they know have to win through their big run.

Also, the crowd will be into it, they'll be supporting the Gin Kings so they'll continue to play like a champion.

By the way, will LA return in this game? I saw he did not dress against ROS.

[Fredomago]

Their new import, Wayne Selden Jr. just came in into our league and he will face the Ginebra immediately. .

Currently no odds on Stake still but, I might bet on Converge and NLEX to win on this one.

I would not bet on NLEX at this game, they might be having some chemistry issues, and Ginebra is also a good team, so I'll just observe first, maybe I'll be taking the Ginebra in live betting if the spread is high.

By the way, here's the resume of their new import, he played in the NBA for four seasons, so this guy is surely a good competitor.
 
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/seldewa01.html

Actually betting odds are already up, they are +5.5 against the Ginebra San Miguel. I think the odds sounds fair because Ginebra is a good team and NLEX has a new import that has to blend well with the team yet, so I would ride the Ginebra pick, besides, they are not good in covering the spread.

I agree with that, we are talking of the Ginebra SMB here, a very consistent import and a locals that are full of superstars. Yes, that -5.5 will certainly be covered as long as Ginebra will win, they had struggle a bit against the ROS but in the 4th quarter they know have to win through their big run.

Also, the crowd will be into it, they'll be supporting the Gin Kings so they'll continue to play like a champion.

By the way, will LA return in this game? I saw he did not dress against ROS.

Supporting that statement, -5.5 can be cover if Gin kings will win the game, they are still the favorite because of the way they are playing, with NLEX, having a new import will be a good test not just for the new guy but most with the locals who needs to help their new import in winning the game, it needed a combine effort for the team to continue their clean rally.

Let see if how NLEX new import will lead his team, they've got a good system with Simmons they just need to continue moving the ball and continue to find a better open man to take the high percentage shots.

[bisdak40]

Their new import, Wayne Selden Jr. just came in into our league and he will face the Ginebra immediately. .

Currently no odds on Stake still but, I might bet on Converge and NLEX to win on this one.

I would not bet on NLEX at this game, they might be having some chemistry issues, and Ginebra is also a good team, so I'll just observe first, maybe I'll be taking the Ginebra in live betting if the spread is high.

By the way, here's the resume of their new import, he played in the NBA for four seasons, so this guy is surely a good competitor.
 
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/seldewa01.html

Actually betting odds are already up, they are +5.5 against the Ginebra San Miguel. I think the odds sounds fair because Ginebra is a good team and NLEX has a new import that has to blend well with the team yet, so I would ride the Ginebra pick, besides, they are not good in covering the spread.

Even though the new import of NLEX was a former NBA player, he has yet to adjust to the style of play in the PBA so yeah, chemistry would be an issue in this game and for me that handicap of 5.5 is just fair and can be easily covered by the Gin Kings.

Ginebra -5.5 @1.96 vs NLEX

I'm predicting that NLEX will be on the downhill with the arrival of their new import so that bet of mine above is the way to go  .

[LogitechMouse]

Their new import, Wayne Selden Jr. just came in into our league and he will face the Ginebra immediately. .

Currently no odds on Stake still but, I might bet on Converge and NLEX to win on this one.

I would not bet on NLEX at this game, they might be having some chemistry issues, and Ginebra is also a good team, so I'll just observe first, maybe I'll be taking the Ginebra in live betting if the spread is high.

By the way, here's the resume of their new import, he played in the NBA for four seasons, so this guy is surely a good competitor.
 
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/seldewa01.html

Actually betting odds are already up, they are +5.5 against the Ginebra San Miguel. I think the odds sounds fair because Ginebra is a good team and NLEX has a new import that has to blend well with the team yet, so I would ride the Ginebra pick, besides, they are not good in covering the spread.

Even though the new import of NLEX was a former NBA player, he has yet to adjust to the style of play in the PBA so yeah, chemistry would be an issue in this game and for me that handicap of 5.5 is just fair and can be easily covered by the Gin Kings.

Ginebra -5.5 @1.96 vs NLEX

I'm predicting that NLEX will be on the downhill with the arrival of their new import so that bet of mine above is the way to go  .

That's the best bet I guess.
Maybe the under 214.5 @ 1.79 might be a good one as well.

Tonight, we might see the NLEX suffering their first loss on this one. I agree with what you said that the import changing has a big effect on how the team will play as the chemistry around the team is greatly affected. A team with chemistry that is affected against the team with a chemistry that has been built for a long time already. I'll bet on 214.5 @1.79 later.

[Hypnosis00]

Tonight, we might see the NLEX suffering their first loss on this one. I agree with what you said that the import changing has a big effect on how the team will play as the chemistry around the team is greatly affected. A team with chemistry that is affected against the team with a chemistry that has been built for a long time already. I'll bet on 214.5 @1.79 later.

I cannot say it's for sure but knowing Ginebra, they are always up against a good competitor, and since NLEX is undefeated, I'm sure Ginebra will do everything to win and continue their good start. I believe that the biggest difference here will be the NLEX import performance, if he will struggle, then the team might be affected big time.

[Maslate]

What an exciting game between TNT and Converge. It was a shootout, LOL.. a high scoring game as both imports have done their job very well.

Converge is not undefeated anymore, TNT defeated them in a close battle.
Import vs Import match up

Hudson 56 points
Franklin 47 points.

[Ziskinberg]

What an exciting game between TNT and Converge. It was a shootout, LOL.. a high scoring game as both imports have done their job very well.

Converge is not undefeated anymore, TNT defeated them in a close battle.
Import vs Import match up

Hudson 56 points
Franklin 47 points.

Yeah, that was a great game, it was an entertaining one but TNT just the better team in implementing the right plays in the dying minutes of the game. That's the kind of game Converge has to learn, it's learned through experience and TNT has a lot of that.

Meanwhile, we have the Ginebra and NLEX going on, Ginebra take the lead going to the locker room, but overall it was just a close game.
NLEX import seemed to be playing well too, despite his first game, he already scored 18 points at the half.

[Maslate]

What an exciting game between TNT and Converge. It was a shootout, LOL.. a high scoring game as both imports have done their job very well.

Converge is not undefeated anymore, TNT defeated them in a close battle.
Import vs Import match up

Hudson 56 points
Franklin 47 points.

Yeah, that was a great game, it was an entertaining one but TNT just the better team in implementing the right plays in the dying minutes of the game. That's the kind of game Converge has to learn, it's learned through experience and TNT has a lot of that.

They'll matured eventually, they are compose of young players but with the way they are playing, it's not impossible to see them improve in the future. Besides, they are not a farm team, so they have a good chance of being a championship caliber team.

Meanwhile, we have the Ginebra and NLEX going on, Ginebra take the lead going to the locker room, but overall it was just a close game.
NLEX import seemed to be playing well too, despite his first game, he already scored 18 points at the half.

I thought Ginebra would lose, but like they said, Ginebra is a never say die team, they have a big run in the 4 quarter, courtesy of Gray who hits 3 consecutive 3 points to give Ginebra a good lead. They don't have C. Stand in this game by the way, and Japeth seemed to have injured his leg.

[LogitechMouse]

What an exciting game between TNT and Converge. It was a shootout, LOL.. a high scoring game as both imports have done their job very well.

Converge is not undefeated anymore, TNT defeated them in a close battle.
Import vs Import match up

Hudson 56 points
Franklin 47 points.

Yeah, that was a great game, it was an entertaining one but TNT just the better team in implementing the right plays in the dying minutes of the game. That's the kind of game Converge has to learn, it's learned through experience and TNT has a lot of that.

Meanwhile, we have the Ginebra and NLEX going on, Ginebra take the lead going to the locker room, but overall it was just a close game.
NLEX import seemed to be playing well too, despite his first game, he already scored 18 points at the half.

Why did they scheduled these 2 matches on weekdays?
These 2 games that we witnessed right now are very good and close games that audiences for sure will feel the excitement as they watch their favorite teams competing.

2 imports stepped up in a close match. 56 point 12 rebound game for Hudson while a near triple double 47-14-7 for Franklin. These 2 imports are great imports and if they will continue to play like this, there is a high chance that both of them might return and play to PBA again in the future. Congratulations to TNT as they give Converge their first loss of the conference.

Anyway, both NLEX and Converge who don't have any losses are now with 1 loss each. Only SMB is the team that doesn't have a loss right now, and their next game will be against a 3-1 Meralco Bolts. Congratulations to all winners.

[Fredomago]

What an exciting game between TNT and Converge. It was a shootout, LOL.. a high scoring game as both imports have done their job very well.

Converge is not undefeated anymore, TNT defeated them in a close battle.
Import vs Import match up

Hudson 56 points
Franklin 47 points.

Yeah, that was a great game, it was an entertaining one but TNT just the better team in implementing the right plays in the dying minutes of the game. That's the kind of game Converge has to learn, it's learned through experience and TNT has a lot of that.

Meanwhile, we have the Ginebra and NLEX going on, Ginebra take the lead going to the locker room, but overall it was just a close game.
NLEX import seemed to be playing well too, despite his first game, he already scored 18 points at the half.

Why did they scheduled these 2 matches on weekdays?
These 2 games that we witnessed right now are very good and close games that audiences for sure will feel the excitement as they watch their favorite teams competing.

2 imports stepped up in a close match. 56 point 12 rebound game for Hudson while a near triple double 47-14-7 for Franklin. These 2 imports are great imports and if they will continue to play like this, there is a high chance that both of them might return and play to PBA again in the future. Congratulations to TNT as they give Converge their first loss of the conference.

Anyway, both NLEX and Converge who don't have any losses are now with 1 loss each. Only SMB is the team that doesn't have a loss right now, and their next game will be against a 3-1 Meralco Bolts. Congratulations to all winners.

Nothing to say but all those 4 imports showcase their talents to try lifting their troops, but just like we all know only one will win the game, both NLEX and Converge did all the best that they can trying to push the game and snatch it from TNT and Gin kings but the big difference is the chemistry and how locals are playing together with their imports.

Congrats mga Kabayan! I know there are lots who take Ginebra but if I remember it right, -5.5 is the handicap here, those who take ML wins while those who give that handicap, it will be favor to NLEX.

[Shamm]

What an exciting game between TNT and Converge. It was a shootout, LOL.. a high scoring game as both imports have done their job very well.

Converge is not undefeated anymore, TNT defeated them in a close battle.
Import vs Import match up

Hudson 56 points
Franklin 47 points.

Yeah, that was a great game, it was an entertaining one but TNT just the better team in implementing the right plays in the dying minutes of the game. That's the kind of game Converge has to learn, it's learned through experience and TNT has a lot of that.

Meanwhile, we have the Ginebra and NLEX going on, Ginebra take the lead going to the locker room, but overall it was just a close game.
NLEX import seemed to be playing well too, despite his first game, he already scored 18 points at the half.

Why did they scheduled these 2 matches on weekdays?
These 2 games that we witnessed right now are very good and close games that audiences for sure will feel the excitement as they watch their favorite teams competing.

2 imports stepped up in a close match. 56 point 12 rebound game for Hudson while a near triple double 47-14-7 for Franklin. These 2 imports are great imports and if they will continue to play like this, there is a high chance that both of them might return and play to PBA again in the future. Congratulations to TNT as they give Converge their first loss of the conference.

Anyway, both NLEX and Converge who don't have any losses are now with 1 loss each. Only SMB is the team that doesn't have a loss right now, and their next game will be against a 3-1 Meralco Bolts. Congratulations to all winners.

Ye mate and as of now San Miguel Beermen is in the top followed by the barangay Ginebra which is undefeated in this season. Anyways what a intense matchup between four teams. Converge is going it with their import who scored a lot and contributed well but still TNT claim the victory and in second game for Ginebra and NLEX as we saw their match during the fourth and final quarter under 1 minute mark I thought that NLEX will be the winner but when Jeremiah gray scored a back to back three [actually 3 times three points ] to make ginebra win the match.