FOULEDOUT!

About two weeks ago, PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios had a face-to-face meeting NBA Commissioner David Stern and discussed possible tie-ups between the two leagues. The landmark meeting had promising results that will surely benefit both leagues. Both commissioners agreed on pursuing projects that will cover education and outreach projects for the poor as well as and marketing of both leagues.

Barrios explored options of the PBA on how to actively participate in education and outreach projects in connection with NBA’s “Read to Achieve” program.

A technical group from the PBA will also be sent to the US to observe and learn about NBA management philosophies which includes training, performance and evaluation of referee officials. A possible co-branding of events and projects were also discussed in the meeting.

“It was overall an enriching experience.” Barrios said.

-fouledout

Red Bull Barakos veteran Junthy Valenzuela is changing address after his long-rumored trade finally materialized.

Valenzuela will suit up for the Barangay Ginebra Kings in exchange for two future draft picks. Sunday Salvacion was the initial trade bait offered by the Kings, but Red Bull preferred the 2009 second round and 2010 first round picks of Ginebra.

Valenzuela, a native of Cebu, emerged as the leader of the Barakos after the departure of Enrico Villanueva, Lordy Tugade and Larry Fonacier. Under his leadership, Red Bull finished third place behind Sta. Lucia and Purefoods in the last Philippine Cup.

Will Junthy Valenzuela be the key for the hapless Ginebra Kings?

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Coca Cola Tigers‘ import Calvin Cage will be sidelined for at least two months because of an ankle injury. An MRI revealed that the 5-9 import sustained an ankle bone crack upon their return from Panabo City, Davao del Norte last weekend.

Cage suffered the ankle injury after a bad fall in the third period during their game against the Talk n Text Phone Pals. Cage had 19 points, 3 rebounds and an assist before he left the game for good in the third quarter. The Tigers picked up the slack when Cage left and eventually toppled the Phone Pals, 87-79 in the PBA Fiesta Conference opener. Coca-Cola staff is currently in search of a temporary replacement for Calvin Cage as they intend to keep his services for the rest of the conference even if it means waiting for at least two months.

Coca-Cola’s other import Jason Dixon held his own and banged bodies with Talk n Text’s Aaron McGhee and finished the game with 19 points and 15 boards.

-fouledout