TV ratings shoot up

ABC-TV’s investment in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is reaping handsome dividends. Ratings are soaring sky-high and attendance has averaged over 10,000 since the double-knockout semifinal thrillers.

In Game 3 of the Fiesta Conference Finals last Sunday, the Araneta Coliseum’s long-dormant gallery section was opened to accommodate the overflow crowd. Paying customers kept the turnstiles whirring to the tune of more than 15,000. Counting scholars and standing-room-only patrons, there had to be at least 20,000 in the Big Dome for the nerve-wracking tiebreaker.

ABC marketing executive Winston de la Cruz confirmed that in Game 2 last Friday, the TV rating averaged 11.4 percent with a high of 19.5 percent, trailing only ABS-CBN by 0.5 percent during that period.

"We were No. 2 for 36 minutes, soundly beating GMA," said de la Cruz. "Sunday’s rating (for Game 3) averaged 10.7 percent with a high of 22.3 percent, making us No. 1 for five minutes."

The commercial load has also increased considerably, proving the PBA is back as a hot ticket in the TV stakes.

Ratings are expected to zoom once more in Game 4 tonight. And if Red Bull wins and forces a Game 5 on Friday, all hell will break loose.

PBA commissioner Noli Eala must be credited for the remarkable surge. He’s pushed the right buttons, made the right adjustments and provided the vision to assure the league’s long-term viability.

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Red Bull assistant coach Roehl Nadurata said Ginebra import Torraye Braggs gets away with a lot of unseen contact because he strikes from the blind side particularly in setting picks. "I respect Braggs a lot," said a poker-faced Nadurata. "Alam ko ang ginagawa niya. When I was a player, salbahe rin ako. Kanya kabesado ko ang galaw niya."

In Game 2, Nadurata said Braggs hit Torion when the referees weren’t looking. The problem was when Torion retaliated, it was in front of the referees. Torion was ejected on a flagrant two foul.

Nadurata said Red Bull’s physical style is reminiscent of Ysmael Steel’s transformation to end Yco’s dynasty in the pre-PBA era. "When (Cristobal) Ramas, (Gerry) Cruz and (Big Boy) Reynoso came in, Ysmael began to play physical and that’s what it took to beat Yco," continued Nadurata. "It’s not dirty basketball. It’s rugged and within the rules."

As regards import Victor Thomas, Nadurata said he’s improved since his first appearance here for Sta. Lucia Realty two years ago. Nadurata added that Thomas wants to marry a Filipina and play as a Fil-Am. But Nadurata explained marrying a Filipina doesn’t qualify him to be a Fil-Am.

"Dapat lang siya ang best import," said Nadurata. "Gumaling na lang iyan dito sa PBA. Hindi naman ganoon ang galaw niya dati."

Nadurata ran for Councilor in the second district of Caloocan in the recent elections but lost. He was No. 7 and only the top six vote-getters made the cut.

Meanwhile, injured Barako rookie guard Denver Lopez said it hurts to watch the Finals from the sidelines. He played with pain in the arch of his foot until it ruptured before the quarterfinals. Lopez has missed the last nine games and is out for the conference.

"I’m undergoing therapy," said Lopez. "I’m resting the heel. I’m stretching. And I’m looking forward to playing next conference. Being in the Finals is quite an experience. I never imagined it would be like this. If only I could play, I would."

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Talk ‘N’ Text assistant coach Ariel Vanguardia said import Jerald Honeycutt left Manila for the US last Sunday to test the waters in some National Basketball Association (NBA) summer camps.

Honeycutt, 29, played 54 games for Milwaukee and Philadelphia in two NBA seasons. He nearly made the Portland Trail Blazers roster last campaign.

"It still hurts watching the Finals," said Vanguardia. "It’s going to go the distance.and it could go overtime in Game 5. Both teams are evenly matched and deep. I like Ginebra’s chances but (Mark) Caguioa should not have another bad game and Braggs should control his fouls. Siot (Tanquingcen) gives every young coach hope and inspiration. Rodney (Santos) could be the key to match Red Bull’s championship experience but we know coach Yeng (Guiao) is unpredictable."

Incidentally, Vanguardia is inviting PBA fans and all lovers of sweet things to his dessert bar that just opened. The place to go is the Ice Monster Pearl Drive in front of the University of Asia and Pacific in the Ortigas area.

If you’re looking to chill in the summer heat, check out Vanguardia’s incomparable dessert bar.