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