DECEMBER 2, 2011 BASKET-BULLETS

It seems Jeron Teng is playing the field.
(image from PinoyExchange.com)

After the JUMP, you'll find some bullets on the 2011 PCCL, Collegiate Basketball Musical Chairs, the PBA's Resurgence, and the Impending End of the NBA Lockout

2011 PCCL Final Four Cast is Set

The San Sebastian Golden Stags and the University of Cebu Webmasters sealed the 2011 Philippine Collegiate Champions League Final Four cast by disposing of their respective opponents in the regional finals. They now join the erstwhile idle duo of the San Beda Red Lions and Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles as the last four teams standing. Unlike past editions, this year's PCCL FInal Four will have a single round-robin format with the top 2 teams vying for the National Championship. The first place team will enjoy the requisite twice-to-beat edge. My prediction? Despite the long lay-off, I think Ateneo should make the National Finals. San Beda has a good chance to advance, too, but because they've lost the Semerad twins, their chances against a streaking Baste squad will suffer. The Webmasters are the dark horses here, and they'll probably fall by the wayside. It'll be Blue & White versus Red & Gold for all the marbles. 

The 2011 PCCL Final Four cast is set!
Who'll bring home the bacon?
(image from collegiatechampionsleague.net)

Musical Chairs in the Collegiate Hoops Landscape

Anthony & David Semerad leave Mendiola in favor of Katipunan. Formert UST head coach Aric Del Rosario joins his son in Perpetual Help. Koy Banal takes the mentorship role for the Arellano Chiefs. We're not even done with 2011 yet and the personnel movements are beginning to get plenty interesting. Still, the biggest question has not yet been answered -- where will Xavier's Jeron Teng go?

The Semerad twins have traded crimson for  azure.
(image form vicfabe.com)

The PBA Surges Back from Relative Obscurity

The winless Shopinas.com Clickers and the underachieving Alaska Aces notwithstanding, the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup has got to be one of the tightest races in recent history. Most of the teams still have a shot at any of the twice-to-beat advantages, which makes it, quite literally, anybody's ballgame. Early leaders Talk N Text and Rain or Shine have revealed the chinks in their armor. The B-Meg Llamados and Petron Blaze Boosters are on hot streaks. The Powerade Tigers and the Barako Bull Energy are capable giant-slayers. For their part, the Ginebra Kings and Meralco Bolts cannot be counted out. It sure is going to be one wild ride to the Finals!

Led by a bevy of talented youngsters, the PBA is back in brisk business.
(image from PBA.ph)

Unlocking the NBA Lockout?

By now everyone knows that a TENTATIVE agreement has been made. That alone seems to have captivated the imagination of a majority of NBA fans the world over. But things aren't peachy yet. December 9 is the big day when all shall, finally, be revealed and put to rest. I'm quite skeptical the players will ratify the current deal, but I'm hoping against hope that they will. And as for silly and premature December 25 opening day predictions? The Heat, Lakers and Knicks will all feel the chill of Christmas evening.

Have Billy Hunter & David Stern finally engineered
the start of the 2011-2012 NBA Season?
(image by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)