RP 5's wild card hopes end with loss to Qatar

Qatar doused any hopes by Powerade-Team Pilipinas of making it to next year’s World Basketball Championships via the backdoor as it hammered out an 83-65 rout during the penultimate day of the 25th FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship Saturday at the Tianjin gym in Tianjin, China.

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This is our worst game undoubtedly. What’s really disappointing is that we did not play with any spirit, the defense we showed was awful. We did not resist the onslaught of the Qatar offense. We knew they we’re bigger and stronger, but we did not offer any resistance to that.

– Yeng Guiao, RP Team coach

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Almost 24 hours after being booted out by Jordan, 81-70, the Nationals came out flat and vulnerable against the Qataris, who raced to an early seven point lead that ballooned to as much as 49-32 come halftime.

Game over.

Coach Yeng Guiao himself groped for words when asked to asses about the team’s listless play.

“Hindi ko nga alam," he said after emerging from the dugout together with the entire team almost an hour following the game against Qatar.

“Probably, it’s part of the frustration or the loss of our game against Jordan (Friday). But we should be able to play above that especially in a tournament like this where every place is important."

The loss relegated Powerade-RP in a fight for seventh to eight place against the loser of the South Korea-Chinese Taipei match.

Most unfortunate, the Nationals bid goodbye to the possibility of being invited in a wild card tournament the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is planning to hold as a separate qualifier for the 2010 World Championship.

In the event the meet is approved, the no. 4 and 5 teams after the FIBA-Asia may get invited as two entries from each zone will be disputing the four slots available in Istanbul, Turkey.

Only the top three finishers in this FIBA- Asia meet get an outright berth in next year’s World Championship.

Already down to an 11-man lineup with guard Willie Miller sidelined by a groin injury, the Nationals made it even worst when they shot a paltry 32 percent (12-of-38) from the floor in the first 20 minutes, allowing the Qataris to pour on the points and break free from what Guiao expected to be a tight game.

Scores
Qatar 83 – Ali SA 23, Elsayad 13, Abdulla 11, Mohammed 9, Saeed 9, Salem 9, Abdulla MS 3, Daoud 2, Ali 3, Ismail 1, Abdi 0, Musa 0.
Team Pilipinas 65 – Raymundo 12, Dillinger 9, Baguio 8, Norwood 7, Helterbrand 7, Santos 7, Yap 6, Pennisi 5, Taulava 2, Aguilar 2, Thoss 0.
Quarter scores: 23-16, 49-32, 66-40, 83-65.

They eventually finished with the same shot percentage, hitting just 25-of-78 from the field.

“This is our worst game undoubtedly," Guiao admitted. “What’s really disappointing is that we did not play with any spirit, the defense we showed was awful. We did not resist the onslaught of the Qatar offense. We knew they we’re bigger and stronger, but we did not offer any resistance to that."

Powerade-RP had already surpassed the ninth place finish achieved by its predecessor during the 2007 FIBA-Asia in Tokushima, Japan and is on track of matching the seventh place finish of the 1991 RP team that competed in the Kobe Asian Basketball Championship with another win in the final day of competition Sunday.

Atoning for his so-so performance against Jordan, Kerby Raymundo showed the way for the Nationals this time with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-5 from the three-point region.

Jared Dillinger added nine while Cyrus Baguio had eight for Powerade-RP, which got clobbered off the boards, 54-38.

“Don’t go hard against the Philippines," pleaded Qatari coach Ali Ahmad Fakhroo. “This mean’s nothing to them. There’s no ambition, no goals, you know what I mean."

Saad Abdulraham Ali paced Qatar, which led by as much as 66-40, with 23 points while big man Mustafa Elsayad powered his way for 14 markers.

“I told the guys that I hope this game really makes them feel bad because we don’t want to repeat this tomorrow," Guiao said.

Jordan ends Philippines semifinals hope

Jordan ended Powerade-Team Pilipinas’ semifinals hopes in the 25th FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship on Friday after an 81-70 win in their quarterfinal match at the Tianjin gym in Tianjin, China.

The win moved Jordan closer of earning one of the three berths in next year’s FIBA world championship in Turkey.

Former high school quarterback Rasheim Wright, also a US NCAA Division II Independent Player of the Year from District Columbia University, led the Jordanians with 21 points.

Despite the loss, the game was an improvement for the Powerade-backed RP 5 compared to its 90-59 setback to the same team in last month’s Jones Cup in Taiwan.

Team Pilipinas even enjoyed a brief 24-22 lead with barely three minutes gone in the second quarter courtesy of back-to-back three-pointers by James Yap and Mick Pennisi, and a split free throw by Gabe Norwood.

Jordan, however, pushed the right buttons in the final five minutes of the second period to take a 45-33 lead at the turn.

Wright then teamed up with Zaid Abbas buried timely baskets to keep the Nationals at bay in the third and in the early goings of the fourth to keep a double digit spread, 67-55.

Still, Team Pilipinas had one final push with Norwood sparking an 8-1 exchange draining consecutive three-pointers capped by a Cyrus Baguio lay-up to move within five, 68-63, 5;55 left in the game.

But Jordan could not be denied of the win as Wright capped his offensive show with back-to-back jumpers to end the Philippines hopes.

A quarterfinals spot is already an improvement on the Nationals’ ninth place finish in the 2007 Tokushima FIBA-Asia meet. It was also the highest for the Philippine team since its seventh place performance in Kobe, Japan in 1991.

The last time the country won the biennial cage meet came in 1986 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when it was still known as the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Men’s Championship. - GMANews.TV

Scores:

Jordan 81 - Wright 21, Idais 20, Abbas Z.9, Soobzokov 9, Alkhas 6, Daghles 6, Alawadi 4, Al-Sous 4, Hadrab 2, Alnajjar 0, Almaaytah 0, Abbas I. 0.

Philippines 70 - Norwood 11, Dillinger 10, Miller 10, Pennisi 9, Baguio 9, Taulava 7, Yap 6, Raymundo 4, Thoss 2, Helterbrand 2, Aguilar 0, Santos 0.

Quarterscores: 22-17; 45-33; 67-52; 81-70.

USOC hall of fame puts spotlight on Chicago bid

CHICAGO — Athletes being inducted into the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Hall of fame walked the carpet at the induction ceremony Wednesday in Chicago, part of a final push to drum up buzz about the city’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The spotlight on the event dimmed slightly because one of the most high-profile backers of the city’s bid, basketball great Michael Jordan, didn’t attend, even though the 1992 gold-medal Olympic basketball Dream Team he played on was being inducted.

The former Chicago Bull has already lent his name and support to the bid, appearing in a public service campaign, but his absence did take some of the star power out of the event meant to put the sports spotlight on Chicago.

“Everyone wants to see Michael. Being inducted into anything with Michael is a great honor for us but it’s Michael, I guess that mystique is part of what makes him so appealing to everybody," said David Robinson, one of Jordan’s Olympic teammates.

Chicago is looking for all the attention it can get ahead of the International Olympic Committee’s decision on which city will host the 2016 Games. Chicago is a finalist along with Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. The IOC will meet in Copenhagen on Oct. 2 to decide.

About 3,600 people attended the USOC induction ceremony, which was also the final blowout fundraiser for local Olympic organizers and raised about $5 million. About two dozen athletes, coaches and an Olympic official were inducted including such big names as basketball greats Patrick Ewing and Scottie Pippen, track star Michael Johnson and Mike Krzyzewski, who was an assistant coach on the 1992 Dream Team.

But Jordan isn’t the only big name from Chicago who local organizers are counting on to help land the games as the IOC decision nears.

President Barack Obama could be the one who helps seals the deal. The former Illinois senator has a home in Chicago just a few blocks from the park where the proposed Olympic Stadium would be built.

“Certainly it will help put the bid over the top if the president can make his presence known in Copenhagen but I think the city has covered all bases," USOC acting CEO Stephanie Streeter said.

Then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair was widely credited with helping London land the 2012 Games because he lobbied IOC members in person in the days before the decisive vote.

Streeter said U.S. Olympic officials haven’t gotten word yet on whether Obama will be in Copenhagen and if he does come they likely won’t know about it until the last minute.

Obama already has been a frequent and vocal supporter of the city’s bid, recently appearing in a videotaped message shown to Olympic officials in Africa and forming a White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport.

“Let’s face it ... in many places around the world he’s kind of a rock star," said Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Bart Conner, who’s active in promoting Chicago’s bid and attended Wednesday’s event.

At this late hour in the city’s bid, Conner said support from city residents also needs to be obvious.

“I think that’s one of the most important things we can do is demonstrate to the IOC our city believes in the games, believes in what the Olympics stand for and will treat it right," Conner said.

But that hasn’t always been so clear cut. Local Olympic officials have spent weeks holding public meetings around the city after some aldermen were critical of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley for telling the IOC he would sign a contract requiring the city to take full financial responsibility for the games.

Aldermen worried about the city’s potential liability and complained they had been kept in the dark about Daley’s plans.

But Daley has athletes such as Pippen behind him as he and others at the induction ceremony pledged to do what they could to keep building momentum for Chicago’s bid.

“I think the mayor and his staff has done an outstanding job. Just keep cheering them on and hopefully things work out," Pippen said.

It's official: Pacquiao-Cotto set for Nov. 15

MANILA, Philippines -- The contract for the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto showdown has been -- as the age-old cliché goes -- signed, sealed and delivered.

This was confirmed by Pacquiao's lawyer Jeng Gacal, who also said Cotto will be putting his WBO welterweight title on the line when the Puerto Rican star collides with the Filipino ring icon on Nov. 14 (Nov. 15 in Manila) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With Pacquiao-Cotto officially a title bout, the current pound-for-pound king now has a rare chance to become the first boxer in history to win seven world titles in as many divisions.

Pacquiao had previously wrested the WBC flyweight, IBF super bantamweight, Ring Magazine featherweight, WBC junior lightweight, WBC lightweight and IBO junior welterweight crowns.

In a TV interview today, Gacal said Pacquiao and Cotto will slug it out at a catch weight of 145 lbs. Cotto had earlier insisted on meeting the General Santos City-based southpaw at the welterweight limit of 147 lbs.

Regarding the splitting of the fight revenue, Gacal said Pacquiao, as expected, will get the lion’s share at 65-35. He, however, did not specify how much the guaranteed purse is for each combatant.

The Pacquiao lawyer added that the fight will be aired over GMA Network, the same broadcast firm that aired Pacquiao’s previous outings against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

"This will be a great fight. Although Cotto is the much bigger and stronger fighter, Manny is faster and also has power," he said.

Ateneo beats UE to warm up for 2nd round meeting with La Salle

Back-to-back title seeking Ateneo de Manila University outlasted University of the East, 80-75, to extend its winning run to four and regain the solo leadership in the 72nd UAAP men's basketball tournament on Thursday at the Big Dome.

With Rabeh Al-Hussaini leading Ateneo’s offensive thrust, the Blue Eagles were able to post a double figure lead, which the Katipunan-based squad utilized to cushion the impact of the Red Warriors blistering end-game run.

“We had a very sloppy fourth quarter," said Ateneo mentor Norman Black. “Its not a great win but its number seven."

The Eagles, which scored a 72-57 thrashing of UE last July 26, was looking at again dominating the Red Warriors but the Recto-based squad rallied in the fourth and almost completed a come-from-behind win.

Scores:
Ateneo 80 - Al-Hussaini 30, Salva 12, Reyes 11, Salamat 6, Long 5, Buenafe 5, Baclao 4, Monfort 4, Monfort 3, Sumalindog 2, Asutria 2, Golla 0, Chua 0.
UE 75 - Lee 30, Espiritu 20, Zamar 10, Lingganay 9, Acuna 9, Duran 3, Tagarda 2, Reyes 2, Sumido 0, Bandaying 0, Ayala 0, Alabanza 0, Acibar 0.
Quarter scores: 19-21; 48-30; 58-43; 80-75.

Ateneo posted a 50-30 advantage in the third period and was ahead, 58-43, at the start of the final quarter until the Red Warriors, which missed the services of slotman Narciso Llagas after being slapped a one-game suspension after figuring in a near end-game scuffle in their last game, threatened in the final seconds of the fourth.

But with time winding down and Al-Hussaini drilling nine of his career-high 30 points in the payoff period, the Eagles survived UE’s furious rally to absorb their fourth defeat tying La Salle, which bowed to Adamson earlier, with similar 4-4 cards.

“Mas maganda talaga ang first half namin (We played much better in the first half)," said Black in Filipino. “But with the season entering the second round, it is about winning."

With that in mind, Black is also gearing for their rematch with arch-rival La Salle on Sunday and revealed that he is feeling the pressure of meeting with the Archers in a very short interval. “It is difficult for us to play De La Salle on Sunday after meeting them just a Sunday ago."

Black said that La Salle would be more dangerous coming from a defeat. “With their defeat (Thursday), I believe La Salle would be going all out against us to arrest their losing skid."

Al-Husaini also contributed immensely in the rebounding department grabbing 12 boards to finish with his second double-double.

The Eagles had 25 turnovers against the 14 committed by the Warriors but Ateneo more than made up with those errors by grabbing 56 rebounds compared to UE’s 34.

Ateneo’s 17 assists was also better than UE’s 10.

RP 5 can still enter FIBA world tourney via backdoor

Powerade-Team Pilipinas still has a shot of qualifying in the 2010 World Basketball Championship in Turkey in the event it failed to finish within the top three in the 25th FIBA-Asia men's championship.

How? Go through the backdoor.

“The fourth and fifth placer here might still be invited daw in the wild card qualifier for the world championship," bared Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala shortly after meeting with FIBA-Asia officials Wednesday.

“So it’s still very important for us to finish among the Top 5."

Eala said such arrangement is not yet certain, although he’s assuming that the fourth and fifth placers are the ones to be tapped in each zone since there would be a wildcard qualifier to be held just before the world meet.

The major development came just as Powerade-RP is bracing for its showdown with Jordan in the knockout quarterfinals set Friday.

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Hopefully, we can make the semifinals, which means that we’ll probably be invited in the qualifier even if we don’t make third. If we don’t make the semis, it’s still important that we make fifth place

– Noli Eala, SBP executive director

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A win against the favored Jordanians in the 2 p.m. game would shove the Nationals into the semifinals of the meet, whose top three finishers automatically earn berths in next year’s FIBA-World meet.

A loss meanwhile, meant they can still aim for as high as a fifth place finish.

“Hopefully, we can make the semifinals, which means that we’ll probably be invited in the qualifier even if we don’t make third. If we don’t make the semis, it’s still important that we make fifth place," said Eala, who flew back to Manila Thursday along with RP-Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman and SBP executive Bernie Atienza.

According to Eala, 10 countries will be invited in the wild card tournament, with two teams representing per zone and fighting for the remaining four slots.

“That’s four slots. So still, that’s a good opportunity whether we are in the levels of others or not," said the SBP official. “At this point, that’s still a good development."

He added FIBA and not FIBA-Asia is the one going to decide on the matter.

Asked whether a fifth place finish is possible here, Eala believes so.

“I really think we are among the top five teams here," said the former PBA commissioner, who already informed successor Sonny Barrios about the piece of good news.

Powerade Team Pilipinas vs Iran

Watch Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei replay, Click here.
Watch Philippines vs. Korea replay, Click here.
Watch Philippines vs. Japan replay, Click here.
Watch Philippines vs. Sri Lanka replay, Click here.

Philippines trips Chinese Taipei, 77-70

The outside shooting that has been absent from the Philippines'game finally arrived against Chinese Taipei as the Philippines shot 15-of-30 from beyond the arc as Powerade Team Pilipinas rallied in the second half for a huge 77-70 win in the 25th FIBA Asia Championships at Tianjin.

James Yap hit 6-of-11 threes while Willie Miller hit all five three-point attempts as the two led the team's big third quarter surge in outscoring the Taiwanese 29-19 to turn a 2-point halftime deficit into an 8-point lead.

Jayjay Helterbrand hit two huge threes as well, including a running conversion to beat the halftime buzzer. Mick pennisi and Cyrus Baguio both hit a three-pointer each.

Yap finished with a game-high 23 points while Miller added 17.

6-foot-8 Taiwanese center Wen-Ting Tseng led his team with 21 points and added 7 rebounds.

Scores:
Philippines 77 - Yap 23, Miller 17, Thoss 8, Helterbrand 8, Baguio 6, Raymundo 5, Dillinger 3, Pennisi 3, Taulava 2, Norwood 2, Aguilar 0, Santos 0.

Chinese Taipei 70 - Tseng 21, Lee 8, C. Chang 8, Lin 7, T. Wu 6, T.Chang 6, Lien 6, CY. Yang 4, Su 2, CM Yang 2.

Quarterscores: 16-21; 33-35; 62-54; 77-70.

Powerade Team Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei

Pacquiao Wants To Fight Cotto For The WBC Diamond Belt

Filipino boxing hero and world pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao says he would be “very happy” to fight for the World Boxing Council’s newly-minted “Diamond Belt” and “appreciates the offer” which was made by WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz spoke to Sulaiman early Friday after the WBC confirmed what Sulaiman told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports earlier this week about the WBC plan to institute the “Diamond Belt” for elite fighters at catch-weights.

Koncz who was with Pacquiao when we called said Pacquiao was “pleased and honored” to fight for the “Diamond Belt” since he has been a longtime WBC champion in different weight divisions and has proudly worn the WBC belt in the past.

Koncz said he would meet with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum next week in the US and inform him that Pacquiao wishes to fight WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto for the WBC “Diamond Belt.”

Koncz and Sulaiman had a telephone conversation after which Sulaiman told us that he had “a very nice conversation” and that he was “very, very happy and I will wait for Arum to call me.”

Sulaiman told us early this week from his home in Mexico that he believes the WBC had a significant role in the “projection of Manny (Pacquiao) from a simple champion to a very popular, famous and great champion that he is today.” He also mentioned the fact that he “always thought Manny was “a good friend of mine, proud and happy to be a WBC champion.”

Sulaiman said the WBC Board of Governors had voted unanimously to implement the “Diamond Belt” concept which they said will help promoters and television networks “looking f or highly interesting and passionate battles for the benefit of boxing fans around the world.”

In a press statement the WBC said “it believes this belt will play a very important role in modern boxing as the fights between elite boxers c alled ‘catch weight’ fights have not been a complete success due to the fact that nothing is at stake.”

Under the proposal the WBC wants promotions to “render homage to the two greatest fighters of such division who will be showcased in the battle for the belt.” Sulaiman told us the belt will use the same design as the famous WBC green and gold belt but the material will include 18 karat gold fusion and will be encrusted with 598 diamonds, 196 emeralds, 6 rubies and 150 other semi-precious stones.

The WBO had earlier demanded that both Pacquiao and Cotto pay the organization $150,000 each in order for their catch-weight showdown to be sanctioned as a world title fight which provided an opening for both fighters, Arum and the WBC itself to try and work out an agreement to fight for the “Diamond Belt” without paying such a huge sanction fee which would amount to almost P7.5 million for each fighter.

Veterans team up with rookie Teng as UST rallies past UP

Veterans Dylan Ababou, Khasim Mirza and rookie Jeric Teng carried the fight in Santo Tomas’ 95-85 win over the UP Figthing Maroons on Saturday as the Growling Tigers ended their first round campaign in the 72nd UAAP men's tournament with a come-from-behind win.

Ababou, Mirza and Teng scored 23, 22 and 22 each – the first time in the season that three players from one team finished with more than 20 markers – to overcome UP’s aggressive start and give UST its fourth win in seven matches.

“Mas maganda na natapos ang first round namin na may panalo, at least may pondo na kami going into the second round," said UST assistant coach Cenen Duenas who talked to the media in lieu of Tigers' mentor Pido Jarencio who needed to rest after his blood pressure shot up during the game.

UP started strong and immediately took a double-figure lead in the first half and even posted a 60-46 lead at the start of the third period.

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Nabubuo kasi ang kumpiyansa ko 'pag nakikita kong buo ang loob ng mga beterano namin, kaya maganda ang inilaro ko ngayon.

– Jeric Teng, UST rookie

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But Ababou’s only three-point shot in the match ignited a scorching UST rally that UP failed to contain and the Growling Tigers took a 76-66 lead before the third canto ended.

The Fighting Maroons, with Woody Co and point guard Miguel Reyes at the firing end, erased that double-digit deficit and closed in at 87-75 on a three-pointer by wingman Martin Reyes.

Co finished with 23 points to lead UP’s scoring.

Ababou, who fouled out after being whistled on an offensive foul with 1:19 left, started another rally with Mirza ending the blitz with one of his three treys to give UST breathing room at 91-85 with just 38.3 seconds left.

“We started slow, pero nagpapasalamat ako kina Dylan (Ababou) at Khazim (Mirza) dahil talagang nagpursigi sila na makabangon kami," added Duenas regarding how the two UST veterans lifted the Tigers out of a possible defeat.

Scores:
UST 95 – Ababou 23, Teng 22, Mirza 22, Camus 8, Bautista 7, Fortuna 4, Afuang 3, Maliksi 2, Green 1.
UP 85 – Co 23, Reyes, Miguel 21, Reyes, Martin 17, Sison 8, Padilla 8, Lopez 3, Braganza 3, Gomez 2, Maniego 0, Juruena 0, De Asis 0.
Quarter scores: 21-31; 44-51; 76-68; 95-85.

“Tapos nandiyan pa si Jeric (Teng) na kahit rookie ay malaki ang nai-ambag."

“Hindi kasi puwedeng sa kanila (rookies) manggaling ang confidence dapat sa aming mga beterano kaya nagpursigi kami ni Mirza," said Ababou, who also had seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.

“Nung nai-shoot ko yong tres, ang feeling ko ako si coach (Jarencio), walang hesitation," said Mirza, who studied under former league hotshot Allan Caidic's Accel 3-point Challenge Shooting Academy.

Teng and Mirza combined for UST’s six three-point shots. Teng also grabbed eight rebounds while Mirza had nine boards.

“Nabubuo kasi ang kumpiyansa ko 'pag nakikita kong buo ang loob ng mga beterano namin, kaya maganda ang inilaro ko ngayon," said Teng, son of former PBA star Alvin Teng.

Nadurata: NBA made basketball worldwide sport

Rhoel Nadurata, the former cage great and assistant coach of the Powerade-Team Pilipinas, attributed the NBA’s popularity to the emergence of other countries as new basketball powers in the world.

“Impluwensiya na rin siguro ng NBA yan. Naging worldwide na kasi ito," he pointed out. “Unlike before nung time namin, hindi kami basta-basta nakakapanood ng NBA."

Besides Nadurata added, “dati kasi tayo lang ang bansa na naka-focus sa basketball. E, ngayon ang dami na," mentioning countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Syria, Kazakhstan and even Iran as among those beginning to embrace James Naismith’s invention.

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To be honest with you, kailangan talaga natin ng at least dalawang seven footer na yung isa naturalized player for us to get back on top.

– Rhoel Nadurata,
RP Team assistant coach

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Nadurata, Yeng Guiao’s long-time assistant, is the only member of the RP squad to have played in the Olympics, FIBA-Asia championship (known then as the Asian Basketball Championship) and was part of the national team that was barred from playing in the 1963 World Basketball Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Dapat tayo ang host nun (1963) pero `yung gobyerno natin (under President Diosdado Macapagal) refused to issue visas sa mga players and officials coming from the Socialist countries kaya hindi na natuloy dito." Nadurata, 70, recalled.

FIBA transferred the hosting to Brazil, but not after slapping the country’s basketball federation a $2,000 fine and banning the Filipinos from competing in the fourth edition of the tournament.

But Nadurata did suit up for the country in the 1968 Mexico Olympics and was part of two Asian Games teams, including the last RP quintet to win the Asiad title during the 1962 meet in Bangkok.

At 6-foot-4, Nadurata already played center during his time.

“Pero ngayon iba na," he said, noting how basketball has fully evolved into a global sport. “Mas malalakas na ang katawan ng mga players ngayon. Mas malalaki na sila and natuto na ring maglaro ng husto."

With hesitation, the former University of the East great said he still sees the Philippines reclaiming at least a piece of its former place in Asian basketball landscape provided the country does this one major move.

“To be honest with you, kailangan talaga natin ng at least dalawang seven footer na yung isa naturalized player for us to get back on top," he said.

RP 5 suffers first loss in FIBA-Asia tourney

Powerade-Team Pilipinas dropped its first game in the 25th FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship on Saturday losing to a powerhouse Korea side, 69-56, for their final game in Group A.

The loss dropped Team Pilipinas to second in Group A, which was topped by Korea with a 3-0 mark. The Yeng Guiao-mentored RP 5 will next face Chinese-Taipei on Monday.

The Koreans led in the entire match enjoying double-digit leads in the first half.

Cyrus Baguio tried to spark a comeback putting Team Pilipinas within four, 40-36, 3:58 left in the third.

But Korea kept Philippines at bay scoring timely baskets in the final minutes of the third and midway in the fourth to secure its third win.

Yang Heejong paced the Koreans with 14 points while Oh Sekeun and Kim Minsoo added 11 markers apiece.

Baguio led the Philippines scoring with 16 points while big men Mick Pennisi and Asi Taulava combined for 16 markers.

Korea also shot 19-of-26 from the free throw line.

QTR Scoring

Philippines 14 25 44 56
Korea 17 35 51 69

Powerade Team Pilipinas vs Korea

Philippines downs Japan for 2nd straight win

Big men Asi Taulava and Joachim Thoss combined for 26 points and 16 rebounds while Mick Pennisi and james Yap combined for six three-pointers as the Powerade Team Pilipinas bucked an early 11-point deficit to score a morale-boosting 78-69 win over Japan in the 2009 FIBA Asia Championships.

Yap, who didn't play in the Nationals' first game against Sri lanka as he was at the funeral of mother-in-law and former Philippine President Cory Aquino, nailed two threes in the second quarter to spark a rally while Taulava scored 9 of his 11 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter when the team started to pull away to put the Philippines at the top of Group A along with Korea with identical 2-0 win-loss records.

Thoss led Powerade Team Pilipinas with 15 points, Taulava 11 and Willie Miller 10. Yap and Pennisi had 9 each and Cyrus baguio 8.

Japeth Aguilar, who seemed to have suffered a sprain in a bad fall against Sri Lanka, did not see action.

Scores:
Philippines 78 - Thoss 15, Taulava 11, Miller 10, Yap 9, Pennisi 9, Baguio 8, Helterbrand 5, Raymundo 3, Norwood 3, Santos 3, Dillinger 2.

Japan 69 - Yamada 16, T. Takeuchi 14, Igarashi 13, Kashiwagi 12, J. Takeuchi 8, Ito 4, Amino 2, Okada 0, Takdea 0.

Quarterscores: 17-22; 35-41; 56-53; 78-69.

August 7, 2009 FIBA Asia Championships
	1st	2nd	3rd	4th
Japan	22	41	53	69
Philippines	17	35	56	78

2009 Fiba Asia Standing as of Aug. 7

Powerade Team Pilipinas vs Japan (Full Game)

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PART 2/7


PART 3/7


PART 4/7


PART 5/7


PART 6/7


PART 7/7

Video: Donaire training hard for fight

NCAA: Arellano back to winning ways, trips Perpetual

Arellano University arrested a four-game losing skid after an 85-70 demolition of Perpetual Help in the 85th NCAA men's basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Chiefs mentor Junjie Ablan said earning their third win after a long time was like bagging their first victory in the league as a guest team.

“Ang sinabi ko lang sa kanila ay maniwala pa rin (I told my players to continue believing)," said the 30-year-old Ablan, whose squad has somehow lost its ferocity after winning its initial two matches.

“Ngayon hopefully naibalik ang kumpiyansa sa team, ang tagal na rin kasi naming hindi nananalo (I just hope this win restored our confidence, it has been a while since we lasst won a game)," added Ablan after the match that saw the Chiefs winning the rebounding for the first time in their seven outings.

Arellano big men Giorgio Ciriacruz and Ed Rivera combined for 18 of the Chiefs 35 rebounds compared to the Altas’ 22 the whole match.

“This is the first time that we were able to dominate the boards, kahit dun sa unang dalawang panalo namin, talo kami sa rebounding (even in our first two wins we were outrebouned)," said Ablan.

Ciriacruz also paced the Chiefs with a team-high 20 points while Adrian Celada, Ed Rivera, Isiah Ciriacruz and John Tayongtong combined for 56 markers.

Limiting Perpetual’s rookie guard Chrisper Elorpe, who’s been averaging 15.5 points and 5.9 assists per game, also helped Arellano’s cause.

“Our focus was to stop Elopre who is a typical point guard, He creates situations and scores for his team," noted Ablan. “And we were able to do that today."

Elopre, who finished with 11 points and three assists, failed to adjust on the Chiefs’ defense and the Altas immediately found themselves staring at a 55-32 deficit at the turn.

The Chiefs protected that double-figure lead and were never threatened in the entire match.

“Hopefully, this win will help us in our remaining games in the first round," Ablan ended.

Yap joins Team Pilipinas, RP 5 prepares for Japan

An exhausted James Yap finally joined the Powerade-Team Pilipinas in Tianjin, China after arriving Thursday afternoon from a seven-hour flight from Manila.

Following a brief rest and a quick snack, Yap proceeded to join the Nationals at the Sports gym during their evening practice, his first with the team in almost a week after the death of his mother-in-law, former President Corazon Aquino.

Yap attended Mrs. Aquino’s historic funeral Wednesday at the Manila Memorial Park back home, forcing him to miss the RP squad’s scheduled Tuesday flight for the 25th FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship.

“Sobrang pagod," said the Purefoods star before the Nationals’ practice session.

Yap is married to television and movie personality Kris Aquino, the youngest daughter of the former President and the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino.

The 6-foot-2 shooting guard out of University of the East already missed the RP squad’s opening game against Sri Lanka early Thursday, which it won handily, 115-31.

But he’ll definitely suit up against Japan which the Philippines plays next.

“That’s the reason why we want James to be here at practice, para maga-mayan niya ‘yung opensa namin," said RP team coach Yeng Guiao.

Purefoods eager to reclaim All-Filipino winning tradition

Once upon a time, the All-Filipino Conference was Purefoods' turf in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Since getting the franchise rights from Tanduay in the late 80s, Purefoods made three trips to the All-Filipino Cup finals from 1988 to 1990 losing to Añejo, San Miguel and Presto in that order.

Then in 1991, Purefoods earned its first All-Filipino Conference crown with a 3-2 win over Sarsi. They also won three more All-Filipino titles: 1993 carrying Coney Island, 1997 back as Purefoods and the last time was during the 2005-06 season.

Overall the former Ayala-owned PBA franchise made 12 All-Filipino Cup Finals appearances.

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This is one way of balancing our roster. We now have players who know their role very well and there are players now willing to do the dirty job.

– Ryan Gregorio, Purefoods coach

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Reclaiming Purefoods’ lost glory is what the current team is hoping to achieve when the PBA’s 35th season opens in October where they plan to use its height advantage against the nine other squads.

The team appears to be on the right track as it acquired five new players – four on the trading table and one from the recent PBA Annual Rookie Draft.

Rico Maierhofer was the Tender Juicy Giants’ lone draft pick at second overall after Burger King tabbed Japeth Aguilar as the No.1 draft choice.

Purefoods then secured Rafi Reavis, rookie Chris Timberlake and returning players Marc Pingris and Paul Artadi from the trading table with the move part of coach Ryan Gregorio’s “house cleaning" to balance the Giants’ roster.

Gregorio said the team now is so talented that the coaching staff can choose a different starting unit in every game. “This is one way of balancing our roster. We now have players who know their role very well and there are players now willing to do the dirty job."

Ideally, Purefoods can use Reavis at center, team captain Kerby Raymundo at the power forward spot, Pingris at small forward, former MVP James Yap at big guard and Artadi at the point guard position.

Its second team is also a talented unit with Don Allado manning the slot, Maierhofer playing the power forward, KG Canaleta filling the No.3 spot, Peter June Simon coming off the bench at the big guard position and Roger Yap playing the backup point-guard role.

The Giants still have four other talented personnel ready to pinch hit anytime – veteran slotman Rommel Adducul, Timberlake at the point, Jondan Salvador at center/forward and the returning Jonathan Fernandez at big guard.

Magic's Lewis fails drug test, suspended 10 games

NEW YORK – Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis tested positive for an elevated testosterone level and was suspended Thursday for 10 games.

Lewis said in a statement that he took an over-the-counter supplement late last season that included a substance he did not realize was banned by the NBA.

"First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty," Lewis said. "I apologize to Magic fans, my teammates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment."

He will be suspended without pay for the first 10 regular-season games for which he is eligible and physically able to play. He will be docked about $1.6 million of his $18 million salary for the 2009-10 season.

The first game he could play would be Nov. 16 at home against Charlotte. He will miss Orlando's first game against Cleveland, the team the Magic upset in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Orlando Sentinel first reported the positive test Thursday. Citing unidentified league sources, the newspaper reported the supplement contained DHEA, a steroids precursor.

Lewis is the sixth player to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs since the league began testing in 1999.

"I hope every athlete can learn from my mistake that supplements, no matter how innocent they seem, should only be taken after consulting an expert in the field," Lewis said in his statement.

Lewis' agent, Tony Dutt, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The 29-year-old Lewis was an All-Star last season and is one of the NBA's best 3-point shooters at 6-foot-10, allowing him to play on the perimeter and the Magic to create the matchup problems that helped them beat Boston and Cleveland in the postseason.

He was hurt late in the regular season, missing the final three games with right knee tendinitis, then returned to average 19.0 points in the playoffs to help lead the Magic to the NBA finals. - AP

‘Filipino Flash’ Donaire to go for KO vs rival

Nonito “The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. on Thursday said he would go for a knockout against Panama’s Rafael “El Torito" Concepcion when they mix it up for the interim WBA superflyweight title on Aug. 15 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“In every fight I go in always try to go for a KO because there’s really not a satisfying victory than a KO," Donaire said in an interview by Examiner.com’s Dennis Guillermo.

“I’m not gonna force the issue but if I can get the opportunity for it (KO against Concepcion) then I’m gonna take it and go for it," added the Pinoy fighter, who had stopped his last five foes, including the rugged ex-IBF flyweight king Vic Darchinyan in 2007.

Nonito Donaire Jr., left, shown in this 2008 flyweight bout against Moruti Mthalani, debuts at super-flyweight against Rafael Concepcion of Panama. AP

The 26-year-old Donaire (21-1, 14 KOs) is making his debut at superflyweight after making a killing at the flyweight class the last two years.

Upon climbing the 115-lbs wars, Donaire hopes to bring along the power and speed that has made him one of the elite fighters of the 112-lb division.

“I’m building up more muscle on my body (right now)," said the Bohol-born warrior, who currently weighs a little over 10-lbs above the superflyweight limit.

Donaire is in the final stages of his training camp against Concepcion (13-3-1) at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas under the brother-trainer tandem of Jonathan and Dodie Boy Peñalosa and strength trainer Michael Basel.

“It’s (training camp) been great. Everybody’s working together well and we’re working really hard. We’re pushing each other to the limit," he said.

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I’m not gonna force the issue but if I can get the opportunity for it (knockout against Concepcion) then I’m gonna take it and go for it.

– Nonito 'Filipino Flash' Donaire, Jr.

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The Donaire-Concepcion showdown highlights the “Pinoy Power 2" boxing card, which also features another Filipino bet, Bernabe Concepcion challenging Steven Luevano for the WBO featherweight title. Light-welterweight Mark Jason Melligen’s 10-round is also seeing action against Mexican Michael Rosales.

This is also the first time that Donaire is headlining a Pinoy-powered extravaganza in Las Vegas, making him doubly determined to live up to expectations.

“Definitely, I’m gonna give my best para makuha natin ang title, for the world to know na maraming Filipino ang magaling at malaki ang puso natin," Donaire said in a separate interview on Sports Chat with Dennis Principe on DZSR recently.

Donaire last fought in April, stopping Raul Martinez in four in his “homecoming" at the Araneta Coliseum to retain his IBF flyweight crown. This smashing win has catapulted the California-based Donaire to the Ring Magazine’s Top 10 pound-for-pound list, where he currently ranks No. 7. – GMANews.TV

"They said Filipinos can't break an egg": Exclusive Nonito Donaire Interview

"Back then I couldn't get a manager I couldn't get a manager because of the fact that I was Filipino. I tried to call managers out there to sign me but they always say 'hey you know, I'm sorry, I like you kid but you know, you're not Mexican or you're not Latino so we can't really do nothing about it and that's why I'm really into this Pinoy Power. It gives an opportunity for Filipino fighters and for the Philippines to be recognized the way it is now and just keep going. So far we're in the right track. Before when I started, Filipinos were made fun of. They said Filipinos can't break an egg or a tomato and stuff like that."

That was an excerpt of my interview with Nonito Donaire Jr. today who is now in Las Vegas finishing up the last leg of his training camp for his bout against Rafael Concepcion on August 15 at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. He gave me an update on his physical conditioning and mindset and his thoughts on Pinoy Power 2.

CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW AUDIO/VIDEO

Also, in this edition of "Keeping up with the Donaires", Rachel shares her thoughts on the late former Philippines president and first ever female president in the world Corazon C. Aquino. For more about the Donaires, visit www.FilipinoFlash.com.

Warriors take fight out of UP Maroons in OT

The University of the East Red Warriors limited the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to just four points in overtime to win, 77-69, on Thursday in the 72nd UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

"We got lucky, very, very lucky," said UE coach Lawrence Chongson, referring to how Val Acuña scored on a three-point shot with time winding down to force an extension and give his team its first back-to-back win in the season.

"Nag-fumble ako dahil may dalawang defenders sa akin. So I have to give up the ball. Buti na lang bukas si Acuña and he hit that three point shot," said Elmer Espiritu, who dished out the assist to the open Acuña who buried the triple from the left corner.

It was smooth sailing for UE in the extra period even without top gunner Paul Lee, who was whistled for his fifth foul with 9.5 seconds in the regulation, as the Red Warriors clamped down on defense to post their fourth win in six outings and cement their placing in the upper half of the standings.

With their stifling defense, UE limited its Diliman-based opponents to just a single point until the last 45 seconds when Mark Lopez scored on lay-up. The other UP point in overtime came from a split free-throw by Lopez.

While UP missed all but one of its attempts from the field in the extra period, UE immediately zoomed ahead with Espiritu scoring from behind the free-throw line and on a fadeaway shot, giving the Recto-based squad a 69-65 lead.

The Scores:

UE 77 - Lingganay 16, Espiritu 15, Lee 13, Llagas 10, Acuña 7, Bandaying 5, Reyes 4, Zamar 3, Diuran 2, Alabanza 2, Tagarda 0, Noble 0, Ayala 0.

UP 69 - Co 23, Reyes 14, Padilla 10, Lopez 9, Reyes 4, Gomez 4, Juruena 3, Sison 2, Maniego 0, Hipolito 0, De Asis 0, Braganza 0.

Quarterscores: 18-18; 34-29; 55-51; 65-65; 77-69.

"Ako na kasi ang pinakabeterano sa team sa overtime kaya kailangan kong gumawa ng paraan para maipanalo ang team," Espiritu said.

UE took the game away from UP with a three-point shot by Rudy Lingganay, who finished with a career-high 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists.

"I know that my veterans like Acuña, (Rudy) Lingganay, Espiritu and others will play like this because they want to make a difference before they graduate this year," said Chongson.

"Sinabi ko sa kanila na ito ang pagkakataon na ipakita nila ang kanilang kahusayan dahil noong huling nag-champion ang UE ay hindi pa Pangulo si Cory," said Chongson, pointing out to his wards that UE last won a championship back in 1985, a year before Cory Aquino's ascension to the presidency through People Power.

With their “lucky" win over UP, Chongson looked forward to their last assignment in the first round against favored and host Far Eastern U.

"Sana ganito rin ang kalabasan ng laro namin against FEU, we will be needing all the luck we can get against a tough team like the Tamaraws," said Chongson.

Co, who missed all of his three three-point attempts in the second period, finished with a career-high 23 markers for UP. He also grabbed 11 rebounds for UP, which absorbed its fifth defeat in the tournament.

Co and Lopez helped UP take the momentum starting in the fourth quarter where the Fighting Maroons even took a 64-60 advantage. – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV

RP 5 routs Sri Lanka, gears up for 'real test'

The Powerade-Team Pilipinas breezed past Sri Lanka, 115-31, for a rousing start in the 25th FIBA-Asian men’s basketball championship Thursday in Tianjin, China.

Despite a tentative start, the Nationals still managed to pull away early in the first quarter as big man Japeth Aguilar made his presence felt inside to give the Philippines an early 18-4 lead.

The Nationals later stretched it to 44-17 at halftime, before finishing off the Sri Lankans in the second half when they finally settled down.

Jared Dillinger led RP with 21 points, Arwind Santos had 16 and Asi Taulava, Aguilar and Cyrus Baguio each had 15 in the win which coach Yeng Guiao described as a “good way to prepare against Japan and Korea."

“The real test for us is Japan and Korea. We’re looking forward to playing against them in the next two days," said Guiao.

The Nationals clash with the Japanese on Friday and then Korea on Saturday.

The scores:

Team Pilipinas 115 – Dillinger 21, Santos 16, Taulava 15, Aguilar 15, Baguio 15, Thoss 11, Norwood 8, Helterbrand 5, Miller 5, Raymundo 4, Pennisi 0.

Sri Lanka 31 – Rajapakshe 8, Fernando 8, Danawansa 7, Senanayake 4, De Silva 2, Perera 2.

Quarterscores: 28-9; 44-17; 86-26; 115-31.

“I think this game is not an indication of how well we made our adjustment after the Jones Cup," Guiao noted.

“We know basketball is not popular in Sri Lanka. But if this is cricket, they’ll beat us badly."

But this is basketball and the Nationals beat the Sri Lankans badly.

They practically dominated the country, whose known past time is cricket, in just about every department.

The RP cagers clobbered the Sri Lankans off the boards, 63-21, with Taulava leading the way with 13 while Aguilar and Dillinger had 11 each.

The Nationals also did well from the field making 57 percent of their shots (46-of-81) compared to the 19 percent of their opponents (10-of-52).

They also had more assists, 19-3, and plenty of steals, 14-5.

The Philippines also outscored Sri Lanka in points off turnovers, 30-2; points in the paint, 80-10;second chance points, 33-1; and fastbreak points, 39-2.

Behind a 23-0 bomb, the Nationals finished off the match by holding on to their biggest lead of 84 points. - GMANews.TV

Powerade Team Pilipinas vs Sri Lanka (Full Game)

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PART 7/7

FIBA-Asia meet: RP 5 debuts vs obscure Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka puzzle stands in the way of Powerade-Team Pilipinas when it formally kicks off its campaign in the 25th FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship Thursday at the Tianjin gym in Tianjian, China.

Going into the 9 a.m. game, the Sri Lankans remain a big mystery to coach Yeng Guiao, as he hasn’t seen them play, personally or even on video tapes.

FIBA-Asia Men's Championship

Games Thursday
(Tianjin gym)

Group A
9 a.m. – RP vs. Sri Lanka
2 p.m. – Korea vs. Japan

The only time the RP squad got a glimpse of their opponents came Wednesday morning during breakfast at the King Hall Hotel where both teams are staying.

“Physically, medyo maliliit," Guaio noted of the Sri Lankans, a people more known to be adept at cricket than basketball.

“Still, we don’t know anything about them," he added. “We have no scouting report on them and we haven’t seen them play."

A check with the FIBA-Asia organizers showed only the name of the 12-man roster of Sri Lanka, but no specific positions, heights and weights were included.

The Sri Lankans made it to the FIBA-Asia meet along with India following the East Asian qualifier that also involved Bangladesh and Pakistan, all cricket-playing nations.

No room for complacency

Facing a blank wall, Guiao said there should be no room for complacency in Powerade-RP’s duel against the island country in South Asia.

“We have to go all out against them regardless of what kind of team they have," said the RP coach shortly before the team went to practice at the vast Sports Hotel Wednesday.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) official Bernie Atienza and PBA operations and technical chief Rickie Santos later gave the RP team coaching staff last-minute insights about the Sri Lankans when they attended the team managers meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Joining them was SBP executive director Noli Eala, who arrived later in the day.

The RP-Sri Lanka game kicks off a heavy eight-game bill scheduled on opening day of the meet that serves as the qualifier to the 2010 World Basketball Championship in Turkey.

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We have to go all out against them (Sri Lanka) regardless of what kind of team they have.

– Yeng Guiao, Team Pilipinas coach

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Other inaugural day matches pit Kazakhstan against Qatar, Iran against Chinese-Taipei, India against China, Indonesia against United Arab Emirates, Kuwait against Uzbekistan, Lebanon against Jordan and Japan against Korea.

The PBA-backed Team Pilipinas would be up against the Japanese on Friday (9 p.m.) and the Koreans on Saturday (9 p.m.).

Both teams dealt the country contrasting setbacks the first time they met in the Jones Cup two weeks ago.

The Japanese rallied back from a big 19-point deficit in the first half to pull off an 87-85 win while the Koreans kept the Nationals at bay in the endgame of an 83-80 victory.

Shooting guard James Yap is expected to arrive Thursday, but would miss the game against Sri Lanka. The Purefoods stalwart failed to leave together with the team to attend the burial of his mother-in-law, former President Corazon C. Aquino.

Yap is married to TV host and movie actress Kris Aquino, the youngest child of Mrs. Aquino and the late former senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino. Prior to her death, Mrs. Aquino had instructed Yap to continue playing for flag and country. - GMANews.TV

UAAP: FEU, UST try to achieve separate goals

Host Far Eastern University (FEU) aims for its fifth win while Santo Tomas tries to rebound from a recent defeat when they meet on Thursday in the continuation of the 72nd UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Big Dome.

The Tamaraws, who have dominated the España-based team for the last two years, can tie defending champion and current solo leader Ateneo for the top spot if they once again beat the Growling Tigers, whose last victory over FEU was a 90-87 decision on July 20, 2006.

FEU coach Glenn Capacio hopes to extend its domination against UST, which absorbed a heartbreaking 101-92 double overtime defeat against La Salle last Sunday. UST’s loss dropped them to fourth spot (3-2).

The Tams, who scored a 77-65 win over UP last Saturday, already had a game plan to deal with the dangerous Tigers in their 4 p.m. match.

“We’ll prepare for their big men who can play from the outside like (Dylan) Ababou na three-point shooter," said Capacio regarding UST’s team skipper, who might miss Thursday’s game as he faces possible suspension after figuring in an altercation with La Salle’s Mark Mendoza.

“Yun ang malaking adjustment na gagawin namin against UST kasi ang mga big men nila mabibilis. They can drive, they can shoot from the three so kailangan mag-prepare kami talaga," Capacio added.

Games Thursday
Araneta Coliseum
2pm UP vs. UE
4pm UST vs FEU

Standings
W-L
Ateneo 5-1
FEU 4-1
La Salle 4-2
UST 3-2
UE 2-2
UP 1-3
Adamson 1-5
NU 1-5

Capacio is also hopeful that Reil Cervantes, who missed playing for the Tamaraws in their last outing after spraining his right ankle, will be back in action.

UE mentor Lawrence Chongson, on the other hand, is going for his third win against the over-achieving UP Fighting Maroons, who posted the biggest upset of the season by beating defending champion and powerhouse Ateneo.

Because of that win, Chongson is preparing for a tough match against the Diliman-based squad in their 2 p.m. face-off.

“This time you cannot take anyone for granted especially nung ma-upset ng UP ang Ateneo. Every team is after your throat so you have to be on guard all the time," said Chongson after the Red Warriors downed Adamson U, 95-91, also in double overtime last Sunday. – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV

Lions rip Great Danes, prepare for meeting with Bombers

Defending three-time champion San Beda walloped hapless guest team Angeles University Foundation, 89-56, for their sixth straight and seventh win overall in the 85th NCAA men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

The Red Lions started out slow and even allowed the Great Danes to tie the count at 27-27 midway in the second quarter but broke the game wide open in the third to improve to a 7-1 record and dislodge last year's runner-up Jose Rizal U, which the Mendiola-based squad will face in their next game on Monday (August 10) for the second spot.

“We started soft, slow start talaga," said San Beda coach Frankie Lim after the match.

The Red Lions even posted an 89-53 lead, their biggest, in the final seconds of the game.

“Nagiging soft ang mga bata kapag alam nilang kaya nila ang kanilang mga kalaban," noted Lim. “Pero overall, I think the team played very good today. I was able to use all of my 15 players.

After Angeles U tied the game in the second period, San Beda wingmen Jake Pascual and Jay-R Taganas together with playmaker Garvo Lanete conspired in an 11-4 exchange to help the Lions enjoy a 38-31 advantage at the turn.

Then it was an all-San Beda show in the third with Lanete scoring seven of his game-high 20 points to lead the Lions breakaway that also saw slotman Sudan Daniel, Riego Gamalinda and Taganas combining for 19 markers.

Daniel, who finished with eight rebounds and a career-high eight blocks, finished what Lanete started pouring 11 of his 17 points in the fourth to keep the game out of AUF’s reach.

Lim is now looking forward in San Beda’s Monday showdown with JRU, which the Lions defeated in last year’s finals.

“It’s going to be physical. Their (JRU) intensity is always high when they play us." – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV

Scores
San Beda 89 – Lanete 20, Daniel 17, Taganas 13, Pascual 12, Gamalinda 8, Marcelo 4, Hermida 3, Villanueva 3, Soliman 3, Dela Rosa 2, Tecson 2, Sorela 2, Lim 0, Tirona 0, Caram 0.
AUF 56 – Santos 13, Maniago 10, Gomez 10, Manarang 9, Gigante 6, Nacu 4, Fuertez 4, Musni 0, Henson 0, Dumlao 0.
Quarter scores: 23-15; 38-31; 64-43; 89-56.

Upbeat RP 5 hopes to make amends in FIBA-Asia tourney

From team captain Asi Taulava, a rejuvenated JayJay Helterbrand to national team newcomer Japeth Aguilar, just about everybody in the Powerade-Team Pilipinas is upbeat about their shot at the 25th FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship.

The Nationals checked in here late Tuesday afternoon after a seven hour flight from Manila to the bustling Chinese provincial city of Tianjin.

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The record is zero-zero; it doesn’t matter what happened before. As I’ve told my teammates, ‘we have a good chance for a win, let’s make the best of it'.

– Asi Taulva, Philippine team captain

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Initially listed as doubtful owing to a recurring pulled hamstring, Helterbrand, the soft-spoken Barangay Ginebra guard and reigning PBA most valuable player (MVP), declared that he feels better now and ready to go.

“There’s less pain and I’m feeling much better," said Helterbrand as he and the rest of the Powerade-RP linger at the lobby of the King Hall Hotel as they wait to be checked in. “Yeah, I’m ready to play."

Taulava and Japeth Aguilar, the youngest in the 12-man lineup, also expressed faith in the RP team’s shot at one of three berths at stake here for next year’s World Basketball Championship in Turkey.

“We’re ready to go, ready to play," said Taulava, now in his third and perhaps, final tour of duty with the national squad. “We had a good practice (Monday), one of our best."

“Excited siyempre, pero anxious at the same time kasi gusto kong malaman kung ano kakalabasan ng preparasyon at adjustments na ginawa namin for one week," Aguilar stressed. “Pero mas confident ako ngayon na magiging maganda ang resulta ng laro namin."

Taulava waved off losses in the Jones Cup tournament in Taipei last week where the country finished sixth with a 2-6 record.

“The record is zero-zero; it doesn’t matter what happened before," he said. “As I’ve told my teammates, ‘we have a good chance for a win, let’s make the best of it.’"

The Philippines faces Sri Lanka at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Tianjin gym before tackling Japan and South Korea in two 9 p.m. encounters on Friday and Saturday.

Victories in their first three games should put the Nationals in good stead for the showdown with defending champion Iran, Jones Cup tormentor Taiwan and either Uzbekistan or Kuwait when the top three teams from Group A, holding carry-over records, meet their counterparts in Group B.

The top four teams then advance to the quarterfinals against most likely host China, Jordan, Lebanon and Qatar, from Groups C and D.

South Korea and Japan clash at 2 p.m. while other opening day matches will have Kazakhstan vs. Qatar, Iran vs. Chinese-Taipei, India vs. China, Indonesia vs. United Arab Emirates, Kuwait vs. Uzbekistan, and Lebanon vs. Jordan.

Members of Powerade-RP led by Guiao and PBA operations and technical chief Rickie Santos left Manila at 7 a.m. via Philippine Air Lines, arriving at Beijing before noon and met by team manager JB Baylon and PBA media bureau head Willy Marcial.

Also with the Philippine delegation was Bernie Atienza, chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas national teams’ management committee, who will sit with Santos in Wednesday afternoon’s FIBA Asia management committee.

SBP executive committee Noli Eala and Smart Gilas mentor Rajko Toroman, who coached Iran to the 2007 FIBA Asia championship in Tokushima, are arriving later in the day. – GMANews.TV

PBA eyes merger with Liga Pilipinas

The Philippines Basketball Association (PBA), Asia’s first play-for-pay league, and La Liga Pilipinas, a league that features teams from local government units, might soon merge to form a developmental cage loop.

According to incoming PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, he would propose the possible merger and creation of a developmental league when the PBA board of governors convene in China.The developmental league (D-League), added Alvarez, would serve as breeding ground for future PBA players.

The proposed D-League would be patterned after the National Basketball Association Developmental League, wherein ex-pros and free agents play. Under the plan, teams in the PBA could tap players from this league anytime.

Alvarez said Liga Pilipinas commissioner Noli Eala had already made a draft for the possible merger of the two leagues.

“I think it’s already been drafted by Noli," said Alvarez. “But this thing will be up for discussion with the board of governors."

Liga Pilipinas was founded by Eala two years ago. It’s a countrywide basketball league, wherein different provinces can take part. Each team is composed of homegrown talents and several ex-pros. The league is also being used as a prerequisite for Fil-Am cagers to become eligible for the PBA Rookie Draft.

Aside from the possible merger of the two leagues, Alvarez said he would also push for discussions on the expansion program of the PBA as well as the league’s ownership of a new coliseum.

So far, business giants such as the SM Group of Companies, the Gokongwei Group and the Phoenix Petroleum, had expressed their interest in joining the PBA.

“There are several other big companies seeking to join, but these are some which have so far expressed interest in participating," said Alvarez, who added that he was looking to add two teams to increase the member teams to 12 by 2010.

The SM Group of Companies is the staunch backer of the National University Bulldogs in the
UAAP. The company is also set to build a coliseum near the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

For its part, the Gokongwei Group was one of the founding members of the PBA with one of its company brands, Great Taste, becoming a powerhouse in the 1980s. The team participated until 1992 before Sta. Lucia Realty bought the franchise.

Phoenix Petroleum, meanwhile, had been a supporter of the PBA, sponsoring its on road games the previous year. – GMANews.TV

Kobe-Shaq again on Christmas as Lakers host Cavs

NEW YORK – The NBA is bringing Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal together again for Christmas — this time joined by LeBron James.

Bryant and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 25, one of the highlights of the 2009-10 NBA schedule released Tuesday.

It will be the fourth time in the five years since their partnership ended that Bryant and O'Neal will meet on Christmas. Traded to Cleveland in June, O'Neal will return to Los Angeles this year with James, who succeeded Bryant as MVP last season.

O'Neal and James will play their first game together in the NBA season opener, hosting the Boston Celtics on Oct. 27. The four-game slate that night concludes when the Lakers open their title defense against No. 1 draft pick Blake Griffin and the Clippers.

Defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando opens Oct. 28 against Philadelphia, then goes on the road two nights later to visit New Jersey, giving Vince Carter a quick return to his former home.

The Magic will visit the Lakers for an NBA finals rematch Jan. 18 as part of the schedule on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Los Angeles will play at Orlando on March 7 for the first time since winning the title in June.

Orlando also plays on Christmas, hosting Boston in a matchup of the last two East champions. Miami at New York, the Clippers at Phoenix and Denver at Portland round out that day's action. - AP

Alaska rookie pick Burtscher Hatfield in the making

Hardworking former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) superstar Rudy Hatfield was a player every coach wants to handle.

And Alaska coach Tim Cone might have a player in Hatfield’s mold when the Aces drafted Fil-Swiss forward Michael Burtscher.

“He (Burtscher) brings a lot of energy on the court. He reminds me so much of Rudy Hatfield," Cone told GMANews.TV. “He plays with so much endurance and runs up and down the court. I think he’s the kind of guy that we need."

The 24-year-old, 6-foot-5 banger will be a welcome addition to an Aces squad that needs some fine tuning.

The Aces have slotman Sonny Thoss, versatile forward Joe Devance and veteran lefties John Ferriols and Reynel Hugnatan.

The rookie pick has quickly impressed the Aces’ coaching staff in the first two days of practice.

“More than the size and athleticism, I think it was his attitude on the court that caught our attention," said Cone on the former Liga Pilipinas and Philippine Basketball League (PBL) stalwart.

“He’s a legitimate 6-foot-5, grabs the rebounds so well and runs the court like a small forward."

According to Cone, the winningest mentor among active PBA coaches with 12 championships, it was assistant coach Luigi Trillo who recommended Burtscher.

The multi-titled coach believes the Fil-Swiss player will soon fit into the Aces’ system. “Anybody can learn the Triangle Offense. It is just a matter of gaining experience with it. Burtscher has a lot of potential and he will work just fine."

“With Burtscher around, we can make a lot of experiments on Joe’s (Devance) versatility. Joe is one guy who can do so many things on the court. He can knock down perimeter shots and he can play underneath as well," added Cone.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola has just signed rookie acquisition Chris Ross to a three-year maximum deal on Tuesday.

“He (Ross) will be a great addition to the team. He is a versatile and athletic guard," said Duremdes. “What I like about Chris is he is a pass-first point guard. But he can also play the no. 2 position. Just to show that he’s a versatile player. We’re excited to have him here." – GMANews.TV

ABAP unsure how to adjust in 'scaled down' Laos SEA Ganmes

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) executive director Ed Picson is unsure how they will adjust to the decision of the Laos Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee to limit the number of participants in the sport.

Picson said that every member country can now just send six men and four women boxers in the biennial event set this December. A total of 10 weight classes in the men's division and six in the women’s class will be disputed.

“We will just try to second guess our toughest rival Thailand on what events they’re participating but its going to be easier said than done," said Picson.

Picson said that Thailand is helping the hosts and even donated boxing equipment to Laos. Thai officials have even conducted clinics for referees and judges, which endangers the Philippine campaign.

“I heard Thailand is even planning to construct a boxing gymnasium in Laos so we’ve got be at our best if we want to win there," said Picson.

The Philippines won not a single boxing gold medal in Thailand after the Filipino fighters decided to boycott the finals as a protest to the one-sided officiating. – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV

Upbeat RP five reaches Tianjin, braces for war

TIANJIN – Veteran Asi Taulava and rookie Japeth Aguilar expressed confidence on the Powerade Team Pilipinas’ chances in the 25th FIBA Asia Men’s Championship, raring to see action against Sri Lanka tomorrow at the Tianjin gym here.

The two centers, along with nine other members of the team plus three reserves and officials arrived in this bustling industrial city – 167 kilometers southeast of Beijing – after a tiring trip of almost 10 hours from Manila.

Team RP was the sixth team to check in at the official hotel.

Settling in their hotel rooms at almost five in the afternoon, coach Yeng Guiao opted not to call for a practice, reserving the team for a workout today in preparation for their opening game against unfancied Sri Lanka.

“We’re ready to go, ready to play,” said Taulava, the team captain. “We had a good practice back home and it was one of our best.”

“I’m pretty excited but anxious at the same time because I want to know how are we going to fare after all our preparations and adjustments,” Aguilar said. “But I am confident that we will have a good result here.”

The RP-Sri Lanka match is set at 9 a.m. tomorrow ushering in a heavy eight-game opening bill in the tournament featuring the best and finest teams in the region. Games will be played in two venues.

Taulava downplayed the team’s losses in the William Jones Cup tournament in Taipei last week where the country finished sixth with a 2-6 record.

“The record is zero-zero; it doesn’t matter what happened before,” he said. “As I’ve told my teammates, ‘we have a good chance for a win, let’s make the best of it.’”

Aguilar, this year’s No. 1 draftee in the PBA, said he believes the losses in the Jones Cup have their upside.

“We learned from our losses, what we need to work on,” he said.

At press time, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, Korea and Qatar are the other teams, which have also checked in their quarters.

The Kuwaitis were in the same PAL flight with the Nationals from Manila. Like the Lebanese, the Kuwaitis pitched camp in Manila before proceeding here.

Lebanon left Manila Monday morning, taking the circuitous route of Manila-Shanghai-Beijing before going on a two-hour road trip to this charming city by the bay.

Yet to be seen are the Sri Lankans, the only team the Filipinos have not scouted.

“We have zero scouting of this team. We don’t see them play,” said Guiao.

Guiao and his chargers, however, are confident they can easily handle the Sri Lankans, qualifiers from a regional grouping featuring cricket-playing nations India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

After the Sri Lankans, the Nationals will take on the Japanese Friday and then collide with the Koreans Sunday.

James Yap will miss the RP-Sri Lanka game as he will attend the funeral of her mother-in-law, former President Cory Aquino.

Guiao opted to stick with his original 12 of Yap, Asi Taulava, Japeth Aguilar, Sonny Thoss, Mick Pennisi, Kerby Raymundo, Arwind Santos, Gabe Norwood, Cyrus Baguio, Jayjay Helterbrand, Jarred Dillinger and Willie Miller.

Though failing to make it to the roster, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo and Wynne Arboleda flew with the team here.

Team manager JB Baylon and PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial went here ahead of the group Sunday to take care of the team’s needs.

The PBA board of governors will follow suit and will hold its planning session here on Aug. 9-11.

NCAA rivals San Beda, Letran take on lowly foes

Defending three-time champion San Beda goes for its seventh straight win when they face lowly Angeles University Foundation while Letran takes on an erratic Emilio Aguinaldo College side when action resumes in the 85th NCAA men’s basketball tournament on on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

The Red Lions, currently tied for second spot with the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers with similar 6-1 slates, are not discounting that the lowly Great Danes can pull off a surprise and are gearing for tough match.

“I want my team to always play their best and against (AUF) we will go out aggressively," said San Beda mentor Frankie Lim, who is aiming to give the Mendiola-based team its fourth straight title and 15th overall crown.

Lim showed how his Lions can tear their enemy down to pieces when they ambushed EAC, 95-71, last Friday and league followers believe that San Beda can do the same against AUF which have so far won just once in seven games in the first round of eliminations.

Lim is also looking at the match against Angeles U as a preparation for their next game against the Heavy Bombers on Monday, August 10. “We’re looking forward to our game against Jose Rizal but first things first we have to play AUF."

Meanwhile, the Knights are aiming for a win against the Generals in order to their hold of the fourth spot. Currently, the Knights have erected a 4-3 record and are half a game ahead of College of Saint Benilde.

Like San Beda, Letran is preparing for a tough match when it meets league-leading San Sebastian on August 14.

The Generals have scored amazing upset wins over the Mapua Cardinals and the CSB Blazers to improve to 2-5 before suffering a humiliating loss against San Beda.

Letran coach Louie Alas, however, remains cautious despite EAC absorbing a 95-71 drubbing from San Beda. “We can’t underestimate any team, EAC is no exception." – Perry Legaspi, GMANews.TV

Pinoy player may soon break into NBA, says Fil-Am Heat coach

With a Filipino-American coach finally breaking the barrier in the National Basketball Association, can a local player be far behind?

For visiting Miami Heat mentor Erik Spoelstra, it’s very much possible.

“Why not? Think big. It’s gonna happen at some point," said the soft-spoken mentor.

He didn’t even go far and cited his case as the first Asian-American coach in the world’s premiere basketball league.


Spoelstra, of course, has Filipino blood. His mother, the former Elisa Celino is from San Pablo, Laguna, while his father, Joe, worked as an NBA executive for teams such as Portland Trailblazers, Denver Nuggets, Buffalo Braves and New Jersey Nets.

“I don’t think anybody would have thought five years ago that there would ever be an Asian-American head coach in any major league in America," he said.

“Things can happen. I think the world is changing. It’s becoming more global," said the former University of Portland stalwart, who worked his way up to become the current coach of the Heat team that features star players Dwyane Wayde and Jermaine O’Neal.

Spoelstra went back to his roots for a week-long coaching clinic as part of the US Department of States’ Sports Envoy Program.

Along with Heat assistant David Fizdale and St. Francis College assistant coach and former WNBA All-Star Sue Wick, Spoelstra had been busy going from one clinic to another the past few days, but was generous enough to accommodate the special luncheon hosted by the PBA Thursday at Kamayan-Edsa.

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Why not? Think big. It’s gonna happen at some point (Filipino player in the NBA) ...
It will just take the right timing, the right player and the right mentality.

– Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat coach

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Joining him in the affair were PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios, Powerade-Team Pilipinas manager Jose Bayani Baylon, PBA Board of Governors Robert Non, Rene Pardo, and Atty. Memerto Mondragon and coaches Yeng Guiao of Burger King, Jong Uichico of Ginebra, Tim Cone of Alaska, Leo Isaac of Barako Bull and Boyet Fernandez of Sta. Lucia.

Reminded that a Filipino player by the name of Johnny Abarrientos was once considered by an NBA team, Spoelstra said it doesn’t really matter whether the first local player in the NBA is a big man, a guard or a PBA superstar.

“It will just take the right timing, the right player and the right mentality," he pointed out.

The 38-year-old Heat coach, who was barely three years old when he last visited the country, even mentioned the case of retired NBA superstar Damon Stoudamire.

“I don’t know whether it would be a point guard, shooting guard, small forward. I don’t know. But there are small players in the NBA who made a big impact.

“I grew up with one of them. In Portland, he’s an older player who just retired last year. He’s Damon Stoudamire and he had a heck of a career in the league. He’s only 5-9," said Spoelstra of the pint-sized guard who was the 1996 NBA Rookie of the Year.

He remembered vividly their childhood days.

“He just came up around my shoulder and we grew up together. But he kicked my butt all the time every which way it possibly could," he said, eliciting a good laugh from his curious audience. – GMANews.TV